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The air is getting crisper, wreaths are being built with care, and the carolers are warming up which could all only mean one thing – the holiday season is near! And to me, nothing says holidays quite like shopping, specifically toy shopping. So get that pen and paper ready (or quill and parchment if you’re reading this from the North Pole), as today Disney Store is revealing their ‘Holiday Toys We Love’ list. Disney Store Holiday Toys We Love 2026 List Plush Play Sets Interactive Toys Dolls and Other Collectibles Plush Olaf Countdown Plush Countdown to the jolliest time of year with our favorite, happy snowman, Olaf! Debuting in October, this adorable plush comes with a Sven marker helping you countdown to the big day. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Disney Iconics Plush Small plush with big personality! Inspired by Disney Park icons, these cuddly plush pals will make the perfect addition to any holiday list. And exciting news, even MORE will be launching starting November, so stay tuned. Shop on DisneyStore.com Lightning McQueen Plush – Cars A true winner in the race for your heart, the Lightning McQueen plush will have your little one running around shouting “ka-chow!” Shop on DisneyStore.com Mickey Mouse and Friends Sports Plush Touchdown! Mickey Mouse and Friends are ‘eared’ up in their football best. Sold separately, these adorable mini bean bag plush are a great gift for your sports fanatic. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Play Sets Nurture Play Sets Pamper these precious Disney pet icons with the Nurture Play Set, complete with everything you need for a day of play. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Disney Once Upon a Story Micro Play Set The popular Disney Once Upon a Story Micro Play Sets are back with all-new cottage sets featuring Lilo & Stitch, Moana, and Tinker Bell. Coming in October, these play sets celebrate the power of imagination and storytelling. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Cars Die Cast Vehicle Play Set Ready, set, race! Available in fleets celebrating Disney and Pixar’s Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3, these play sets will have you prepared for any races headed your way. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Andy’s Toy Chest Play Set Andy’s coming! Round up your rodeo crew, favorite space rangers, and Sunnyside Daycare pals with the all-new Andy’s Toy Chest Play Set. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Frozen 2 Castle Play Set With 18 pieces, the Frozen 2 Castle Play Set opens to reveal nine rooms and a stable, complete with detailed exterior for ample play area. Shop on DisneyStore.com Mack Hauler Truck with Die-Cast Cars Set Hit the road with your friends from Disney and Pixar’s Cars! The Mack Hauler Truck set comes with the entire Rust-eze Racing Center Team and has lights and sounds. Shop on DisneyStore.com Disney Store Bath Toys Set Add a splash of fun to bath time with these character inspired bath toy sets. Each set brings five different Disney pals, and new in October will be sets from Moana, and the world of Stitch and Winnie the Pooh. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Interactive Toys Mickey Mouse and Friends Christmas Train Set by Lionel All-board and chug along for some holiday fun with Mickey Mouse and Friends on this festive remote-control train set by Lionel. Shop on DisneyStore.com Belle “Be Our Guest” Singing Tea Cart A fan-favorite (and my personal favorite) made it onto the list for this year’s Disney Store’s Holiday Toys We Love list – the Belle “Be Our Guest” Singing Tea Cart. Featuring a tea cart with rolling wheels and a singing Lumiere figurine, you’ll always be ready for teatime. Shop on DisneyStore.com Toy Story Talking Action Figures These must-have talking action figures bring play time to a new level. Each is sold separately, comes with 14 unique phrases, and can also interact with other Toy Story Talking Action Figures. Add to cart! Shop on DisneyStore.com Marvel Action Figures Poseable action figures perfect for both play and display. Sold individually, these toys come in a fun decorative box. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Mickey Mouse and Friends Main Street Fire Truck Toy Mickey Mouse and his best pal Pluto are ready for action in the Mickey Mouse and Friends Main Street Fire Truck Toy. With a retractable ‘fire house’, extendable ladder, and lights and sounds, this dynamic toy is inspired by the Main Street Fire Engine at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Shop on DisneyStore.com Olaf Bubble Blower Light-Up Wand Warm hugs, chilly bubbles. On this toy, Olaf stands atop a large ‘snowy’ log bubble fan which when switched on sends a mini blizzard of bubbles flying. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Mickey Mouse Bubble RC Car And for even more bubble fan, add the Mickey Mouse Bubble RC Car to your holiday shopping list! Fill the tank with the included bubble fluid bottle, then use your remote to race Mickey Mouse around for hours of fun. Shop on DisneyStore.com Dolls and Collectibles LEGO Main Street U.S.A. Set Perfect for Disney fans ages 18 and up is the LEGO Disney Main Street U.S.A. building set. The model kit features three iconic Disney buildings: a fire station with the Walt Disney family apartment, the Emporium, and the Crystal Arcade. Also included is a fire truck, popcorn wagon, and 16 LEGO Disney Minifigures. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Illumini All-new light-up wearables that can be worn on your wrist, bags, and beyond. Squish the body to light it up and take it along on all your adventures – or keep it on your nightstand as a night light. Cute and multifunctional! Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Disney Racers Inspired by Disney Parks attractions and characters, these free rolling die cast vehicles come in multiple, fun designs, perfect for your mini collector. Shop on DisneyStore.com Special Edition Princess Jasmine Holiday Doll A royal addition for your holiday shopping list. The Princess Jasmine Holiday Special Edition 2026 Doll is dressed in a beautiful flowing, hooded gown with golden foil detailing, giving her a regal finish. Coming Soon to DisneyStore.com Toy Story 5 Doll Gift Set Bring the latest Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story adventure to life with this doll gift set. Join Bonnie and Blaze for playtime with this 12-piece set, perfect for any fan of Toy Story 5. Shop on DisneyStore.com Disney Princess Classic Doll Collection Gift Set 11 classic Disney Princess characters and heroines come together in this beautiful, boxed doll set, made for a spot on your holiday shopping list. Shop on DisneyStore.com The Mandalorian and Grogu Duckalooz Set – Star Wars And rounding out Disney Store’s ‘Holiday Toys We Love’ list is this set of two Duckalooz, inspired by Din Djarin and Grogu. Quack quack! Shop on DisneyStore.com You can find all these amazing holiday toys and so much more on Disney Store. Until then, Happy (early) Holidays and happy shopping! Disney Consumer Products 2026 Holiday Merchandise Guide: Merry Must-Haves for Everyone on Your List Disney Consumer Products Get into Character This Spooky Season with Disney Halloween Costumes Disney Consumer Products Limited-Edition Disney Dolls: Inside the Details and Design Process The post Disney Store Toys You’ll Love this Holiday Season appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Carol has stepped up to the piano at Casey's Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. 🏰🎹 #DisneyWorldView the full article

More than 30 wish children and their families came together for multi-day ‘A Disney Wish’ experience, including an afternoon aboard the Disney Dream for a first-of-its kind day filled with happiness and Disney magic during the ship’s visit to Cork Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish Ireland hosted their first-ever gathering of wish families, bringing together more than 30 wish children and their families during the Disney Dream’s visit to Cork. The ‘A Disney Wish’ experience brought Disney storytelling, characters and moments of joy to families close to home, with the ship serving as the setting for a special day of character encounters, interactive activities and Disney magic. As the world’s largest wish granter, on average, Disney helps fulfill a wish every hour of every day by bringing its stories, characters, experiences and cast members across the globe. “At Make-A-Wish Ireland, we see every day the powerful difference that hope, joy and connection can make in the lives of wish children and their families,” said Susan O’Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Ireland. “Disney Cruise Line shares that spirit, creating joyful experiences that bring families together. This event gave our wish families a wonderful opportunity to have fun, build lasting memories and connect with others who understand the journey they are on.” The experience began the evening before embarking the Disney Dream with a special welcome celebration, where the children met Disney characters Joy and Sadness from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out, and were presented with their own Disney wish wands to mark the start of their memorable experience. Aboard the Disney Dream on Saturday, each wish child received a personalized greeting in the ship’s atrium before the group enjoyed a majestic brunch at Royal Palace alongside Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and Belle. The day continued with themed arts and crafts and a fun-filled visit with Stitch in Disney’s Oceaneer Club as well as a silent disco dance party with Mickey Mouse and friends. Each child received special Disney keepsakes, including plush toys, pins, autograph books and other souvenirs to commemorate the experience. Dozens of crew members from across the Disney Dream joined the day’s activities to welcome the families on board the ship and create an unforgettable experience. For the Leavy family, Ella’s special day is one they’ll remember forever. Her mother, Arlene and father, Chris shared, “Ella has always said she wanted to play and be a little girl. Because of her diagnosis, that was stripped from her. We spent the last year at medical appointments instead of playgrounds and in surgeries instead of enjoying Disney movies and different things. Ella’s wish was to go and see all the Disney characters and meet her biggest fan, Minnie Mouse, and that dream came true today.” For Ella, the magic didn’t stop there. During lunch at Royal Palace, the children and their families were joined by a few special friends for a magical dining experience. “It was just pure joy to see Ella so happy and so excited.” Arlene describes the moment Ella saw Princess Cinderella, “It was the most incredible thing to see that smile on her face and to know that there was pure joy behind it, pure excitement, and just the brightness coming from her was incredible. Tyler’s wish to meet Mickey Mouse also came true aboard the Disney Dream. “Today, I met Captain Mickey Mouse on the cruise ship,” Tyler said. “I was on the cruise ship and dancing with Mickey Mouse.” Alan Curtin, Tyler’s dad, reflected on the impact of the experience: “It was such an amazing day. It was filled with uplifting, rewarding moments from start to finish. Seeing the light in their eyes was so special. After all the heartbreak we’ve been through, to have a day like this — a day to simply enjoy and make memories together — was incredibly meaningful. It was just amazing.” As Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet and reach new destinations around the world, experiences like this create unique opportunities to bring Disney stories, characters and magic directly to children and families in the communities it visits. “Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together for many years to grant wishes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children when they need it most,” said Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line. “As Disney Cruise Line continues to visit more places around the world, we have the unique opportunity to bring Disney stories and characters directly to these families, creating moments of joy and happiness closer to where they call home.” Disney and Make-A-Wish have collaborated for more than 45 years to grant more than 175,000 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. Disney Cruise Line has granted nearly 6,000 wishes for children around the world since 2010. In 2022, Disney Cruise Line reimagined the traditional role of a ship godparent by naming all Make-A-Wish children, past, present and future, as the godchildren of Disney Wish. For almost 35 years, Make-A-Wish Ireland has brought hope, strength and joy to children living with critical illnesses and their families, granting more than 3,700 wishes across Ireland since 1992, including 229 wishes in 2025. Spreading Happiness Around the World The gathering in Ireland is one example of Disney Cruise Line’s broader commitment to supporting children, families and communities around the world. Last year, Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish Italia welcomed more than 35 families aboard Disney Fantasy for the cruise line’s first wish-granting event in Italy. Initiatives like these are part of Disney Cruise Line’s ongoing work to make a positive impact in the destinations it visits, which recently earned recognition on Forbes’ 2026 Best Brands for Social Impact list. The list recognizes brands that excel in community support, social responsibility, sustainability and trust, reflecting Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children, families and local communities. The post Disney Cruise Line and Make-A-Wish Bring Joy to Families in Ireland appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Casey’s Corner has a familiar face stepping up to the piano at Magic Kingdom. Carol, a 36-year cast member, recently took her place behind the piano, bringing decades of musical experience and Disney storytelling to the heart of Main Street U.S.A. “Casey’s Corner is such a joyful, high-energy place, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. At the same time, it feels a little like the first day of school,” explained Carol. “Even after playing piano since I was — four years old, starting something new still comes with excitement and a few nerves. I’ve spent a lot of time preparing for this moment, learning new songs and revisiting favorites I haven’t had the opportunity to play before. I’m excited to bring that music and energy to our guests.” From Pleasure Island to Main Street Long before joining Disney World, Carol was inspired by her family to learn music. She started reading music when she was just two years old. The role is the latest chapter in Carol’s remarkable Disney career. A native to Central Florida, Carol’s Disney story started back in 1990 at Pleasure Island’s Comedy Warehouse where she performed and entertained guests nightly with her craft. Since then, Carol has played at venues around Walt Disney World including the Rose & Crown Pub and festivals at EPCOT, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and notably, her favorite, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. And now, adding to her musical resume, she is playing those iconic ragtime classics at Casey’s Corner. Today, when she is not traveling the world or running into cast member friends, she is playing tunes for guests, including some from her favorite music from composer Alan Menken like The Hunchback of Notre Dame. “I love music with a passion. I’ve been doing it my whole life. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing the piano. And I love Disney. The positive energy that the Disney brand brings is so powerful. As a musician and entertainer, you sometimes forget the impact you can have on people. Here, through live performance, we get the chance to create those personal connections and touch people’s lives in a really special way.” Tinkering with Music to Spread a Little Joy That ability to create magical moments is one of the reasons Carol says she feels fortunate to continue growing throughout her Disney career. “Growing up with Walt Disney World right here in Central Florida and then having the opportunity to become part of it, while sharing what I love most, music, with guests who love Disney, is something I never take for granted.” From performing a guest’s favorite Disney song to introducing someone to a new musical memory, Carol says her goal has always been to bring joy to others through music. That mission is inspired by one of her favorite Disney characters. “Tinker Bell has always been my favorite character. She tinkers with things and fixes things that are broken, and I like to do that with my music. If somebody is sad, I want to make them happy. If somebody’s already happy and has a special song they want to hear, I love being able to play it for them. Tinker Bell is sassy; she spreads joy, and pixie dust. That’s what I hope to bring to guests through my music.” More than three decades into her time with Disney, Carol is still finding new ways to create magical moments for guests, one special song at a time. Walt Disney World Resort Spring Back to Walt Disney World with Special Offers and Returning Events in 2027 Disneyland Resort Meet a Disney Artist Behind the Pixar Place Hotel Halloween Makeover Walt Disney World Resort How Cast Members Create Halloween Magic at Walt Disney World  The post Meet the New Casey’s Corner Pianist Bringing Joy to Magic Kingdom appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Sounds of Disney | Disney Parks & Small BusinessesView the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we always make sure to keep you informed of all the Disney and Universal news from across the world. ©Universal | UK Theme Park So you might be aware that Universal is building an all-new theme park in the UK, and some new information was just released about this all-new experience! We get so excited whenever a new theme park is on the horizon, and after the success of Epic Universe, we are thrilled to see what Universal does with this next park. So far, Universal has yet to release exactly what this new experience will hold, which is why we are thrilled that they have taken another step forward in the development process. Universal just announced the first 23 companies that will be helping bring this new park to life. ©Universal In a statement, Universal explained, “Universal United Kingdom Resort will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy, generating £50 billion of economic benefit, 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 direct jobs once operational.” ©Universal So here is the full list of all the companies currently signed on to participate in this new park: Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd Blumano Ltd Bovis Construction (Europe) Ltd Brindle & Green Ltd Buro Happold Ltd Galliford Try Construction Ltd Gensler Europe Ltd Gillespies LLP Gleeds LLP Mace Consult Ltd Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd Mott MacDonald Ltd Ove Arup & Partners Ltd Oxford Archaeology Ltd Pinsent Masons LLP P.J. Carey Contractors Ltd Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd Ridge and Partners LLP Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd Wates Construction Ltd Wilson James Ltd Winvic Construction Ltd We truly cannot wait to experience this all-new park when it eventually opens, and we hope this announcement means we are one step closer to the construction process finally beginning. Universal Orlando We will continue to bring you all of the Universal UK Theme Park news and updates, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! We’ve Got An Update On The New Universal Park Coming To The UK! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this Universal UK news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World is going through A LOT of change right now, from building new lands and hotels to refurbishing attractions and restaurants… It’s safe to say they’re doing a lot of work! And one of the places Disney is doing some refurbishment at is Saratoga Springs Resort. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Several restaurants at the resort have been undergoing refurbishments — the Turf Club Lounge and The Turf Club Bar & Grill. Currently, the Bar & Grill is under refurbishment through the end of September, but the Lounge recently reopened, and let’s just say that people have their thoughts. After a months-long closure, the Turf Club Lounge reopened with a refreshed menu, new tables and chairs, and some revitalized carpets. There’s also a brand-new bar area, and we recently stopped by to take a look for ourselves! Turf Club Lounge We were pleasantly surprised with our experience! We grabbed a few new menu offerings, including the Pretzel Charcuterie for $18, the Herbed Grilled Chicken Sandwich for $19, and the Mint Julep for $19. Everything was delicious, and we were very happy with these upgrades! We found the dishes easy to share, and it was overall a great place to escape the chaos! We’ll definitely be back! For our full review, CLICK HERE! Pretzel Charcuterie When we posted about the reopening on our Facebook, a lot of people agreed with our thoughts! Cate was ecstatic about the new menu, writing, “Sitting here right now! The new menu is FANTASTIC – best Burger I’ve ever had on Disney property. Dustin was our bartender, and he was great. The bar has outlets, so you’re able to work remotely or charge your phone. Love the outdoor terrace, too.” Turf Club Lounge Paula, Erica, and PA had similar things to say, commenting, “Much nicer. I love it,” “Looks WAY better,” and “Looks so much better compared to the hole in the wall that was there before,” respectively. New Lounge menu However, not everyone agreed… Nicholas James wrote, “No more pool table I see – terrible how things are just going corporate and bland.” While the pool table is no longer in the lounge itself, you can still find it down the hallway attached to the gift shop! Daniel and Bobbi had similar thoughts, stating, “It looks so bland and soulless,” and “So cold and impersonal.” This place does not have a lot of that over-the-top Disney theming, so we get it if that’s what you are expecting from restaurants on your Disney World trip. Turf Club Lounge Even though the Turf Club Lounge got a refresh, it’s still receiving some negative comments. It may not be for everyone, but you never know until you try it. We ranked Turf Club as one of the worst restaurants in Disney World, so we were definitely surprised to say that we enjoyed our experiene. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! REVIEW: The Disney World Lounge Refurbishment We Didn’t Know We Needed, but Can’t Live Without Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to try the new Turf Club Lounge? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Target has some new Disney souvenirs that we can’t wait to share with you! ©Target You can grab all sorts of new gifts right now for yourself or a Disney fan in your life. Best of all, these souvenirs can be bought directly online, so you never need to leave your home! Let’s check out some of our favorite new offerings! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Celebrate 75 years of Alice in Wonderland with this new pin ©Target This new Alice In Wonderland 75th Anniversary Enamel Pin comes in purple and features Alice surrounded by the talking flowers from the animated film! Crafted with a high-grade metal base that sports a vibrant colored enamel inlay, this new pin certainly brings the classic character to life! BUY ONLINE AT TARGET You can also pick up a Cars anniversary pin ©Target The Cars Lightning McQueen “Ka-Chow” 20th Anniversary Enamel Pin celebrates two decades of the beloved franchise with a fun Lightning McQueen design! This pin features Lightning McQueen speeding into action alongside his iconic catchphrase: “Ka-Chow!” Colorful, classic, and durable, this pin is a great addition to any Disney/Pixar fan’s collection! BUY ONLINE AT TARGET We love this Nick Wilde shirt! ©Target You can see the beloved fox on this Zootopia 2 Stay Wilde Blue Circle Sweatshirt! The cotton sweatshirt is available in several different sizes in either light blue or sand color schemes and features a “Stay Wilde” graphic on the front. BUY ONLINE AT TARGET Grab a Halloween-themed outfit for your toddler ©Target The Minnie Mouse Girls Halloween Pullover Sweatshirt and Tulle Skirt Set for Toddler and Big Kids is available right now in sizes 2T, 3T, 5, and 6. This set comes with an orange pullover featuring a trick-or-treat-ready Minnie Mouse dressed as a vampire, as well as a colorful skirt. Both are machine washable. BUY ONLINE AT TARGET These new socks are timeless ©Target These Mickey Mouse Classic Pilates Grip Women’s 3-Pack Quarter Crew Socks feature classic Mickey Mouse artwork and even come with fun Mickey grips on the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about slipping! BUY ONLINE AT TARGET This Mickey Sweatshirt is too cute ©Target You can grab the Mickey Mouse Boys’ Graphic Crewneck Sweatshirt right now in sizes 7, 9, 2T, 4T, and 5T! This sky-blue soft long-sleeve pullover features a cheerful Mickey Mouse graphic that’s super timeless and is made from a breathable polyester-cotton blend that provides plenty of softness, flexibility, and comfort. BUY ONLINE AT TARGET Celebrate the Halloween season with a new mug ©Target Lastly, you can get into the Halloween spirit with the new Zak Designs 17oz Minnie Mouse Mug! This Halloween-themed sculpted mug features 3-D Mickey pumpkin designs, a cute Minnie graphic, text that reads “Happy Halloween,” and a cute orange handle. This ceramic mug is ideal for hot beverages. BUY ONLINE AT TARGET And there you have it! Which new souvenir is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more great Disney finds! View the full article

We’re still mourning Dolly Parton, and honestly, we will be for a long time. Her passing hit our team deeply, and it seems like the rest of the world agrees. The Dolly Parton Experience If you’re a big Dolly fan, you’ll want to mark September 25th in your calendar for a special day. The Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has announced Give Like Dolly Day on September 25th. This global day supports local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs and honors her incredible legacy of inspiring children to dream big and develop a lifelong love of reading. Dolly often said, “If you can read, you can do anything, dream anything, and be anything,” so this day is a great way to celebrate the idea. The Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood Dolly often called the local Imagination Library Partners the “true heroes” of her program, as they help raise funds, build community support, and work tirelessly to ensure children from birth to age five in their communities can receive a free, high-quality book mailed directly to them each month. ©Taco Bell Give Like Dolly Day will highlight the local Imagination Library Partners and encourage communities to support them and other organizations helping children where they live. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock Jeff Conyers, President of the Dollywood Foundation, said, “For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart. She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help. Give Like Dolly Day gives people everywhere a chance to support their local Imagination Library Partners and other local nonprofits that help children.” Dolly founded the Imagination Library in 1995 in honor of her father, who could not read or write, and the program is possible with continued support of Dolly’s Estate and the Dollywood Foundation, which invest in the partnerships, resources, and system that empower thousands of Local Program partners. Country Fair Entrance Some ways you can support are by: Give directly to their local Imagination Library Partner to help more children in their community receive books. Help bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to their community if a local program is not currently available. Share how they Give Like Dolly and encourage others to support children in their own communities using #GiveLikeDolly. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a proclamation declaring Dolly Parton Day on September 25th, 2026, as another way to celebrate. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more news. DOLLYWOOD ANNOUNCED PLANS TO HONOR DOLLY PARTON Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

We are so excited to say that we’re getting the chance to check out the brand-new Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee! Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel While the hotel isn’t scheduled to officially open until September 29th, it just entered a soft opening phase yesterday, September 14th. We got the chance to be one of the first people to check out this stunning hotel, as well as see what some of the rooms look like. If you’re thinking of planning a stay here, come with us for a full room tour! We got the chance to check out a King Room at the hotel, and WOW, to say we were blown away would be an understatement. Time to step inside! What we noticed first was the attention to detail in every part of the room, and even that started outside the room. The blue and pink decor around the doors is stunning, and we love that it’s complete with different song lyrics of Dolly’s So cool! When you walk into the room, we immediately noticed the bathroom on our right, complete with a large portrait of Dolly Parton herself on the door. Stepping inside the room The amount of counter space here is absolutely incredible, and we truly cannot get enough. And TWO sinks? Yes, please. The bathroom Let’s take a closer look at that mirror too. We love that the sides, which look like musical staves, light up, as well as the quote from Dolly in the corner. Look at that mirror! You’ll also find some adorable, complimentary products on the counter as well, complete with a makeup towel. Available on the sink There’s also a hairdryer in here in a super cute bag that says “Wig Dryer.” Wig Dryer! The left side of our bathroom was the commode room, which is behind a frosted glass door that no one can see through. Commode Room The extra toilet paper in the “Just in case” bag was the cherry on top for us! Just in case! The right side of the bathroom was where our shower was, and HELLO, look at this stunning design! Look at that shower! Just look inside! We are absolutely obsessed with how spacious and luxurious it feels. And the SEAT? Excuse us, Dolly, you were a genius. Check out that seat! You’ll also find complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel in the shower as well. A closer look at the bottles Right across from the bathroom, you’ll find another counter with a mirror, where you can complete your makeup, or keep getting ready if others need the bathroom. This is also where you’ll find your beverage cooler, your ice bucket, and glasses. Across from the bathroom Inside the closet, which you’ll find right next to the table, you’ll find a very nice robe… Robe in the dresser! …some tea… Tea! …as well as your laundry bag! Laundry bags This is also where you’ll find the coffee and tea station, which is an essential for us on many trips. Coffee maker Into the rest of the room, this is where you’ll find the bed! This section of the room is also incredibly detailed, and we couldn’t get enough of seeing all those details. The bedroom The bedside tables have plenty of charging ports, which we really appreciated, and you’ll even find speakers so you can play your own music! Check out the chargers and speaker! One of our favorite details is the wallpaper in here! It looks like ticket stubs from different Dolly concerts, which we think is so incredible. The wall! One of our other favorite details is the Dolly guitar pillow on the bed. This pillow is everything The windows here have both mesh curtains and darker blackout curtains to choose which you’d like. Windows! On the other side of the room is where you’ll find the TV, as well as the dresser and two different seating areas. Across from the bed The small couch is honestly one of our favorite parts too! So fun, while also being comfy. We love this cute couch! The dresser also has lots of space for everything you’ve brought with you. Plenty of space! Overall, we loved this room, and can’t wait for all the hotel has to offer once it officially opens in a few weeks. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for our full coverage coming soon! FIRST LOOK at Dolly Parton’s NEW Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to staying at this hotel? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas will ABSOLUTELY want to check out this NEW MagicBand! Jack and Sally The Disney Store is always packed with new Disney souvenirs, and we’re always excited to check out the newest MagicBands! With Halloween around the corner, it’s a perfect time to pick up this new band based on a timeless classic that works for multiple holidays! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Bring home a new The Nightmare Before Christmas MagicBand+ ©Disney The NEW Jack Skellington and Sally MagicBand+ features the two iconic characters from 1993’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and reacts to park interactions with lighting effects and gesture recognition! ©Disney This band comes with a strap that features Jack and Sally art, a tappable icon featuring Jack, and ”Jack Skellington – The Pumpkin King” text. Like other MagicBand+ offerings, this band has customizable, full-spectrum color-changing lights that interact with select nighttime spectaculars, vibrations, and Bluetooth pairing capability. Use it to check into your Disney World Lightning Lanes, unlock your hotel room, access your park tickets, connect to PhotoPass, and more! BUY ONLINE AT THE DISNEY STORE Do you plan on picking up one of these new MagicBands? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for more updates on new Disney merch! View the full article

Heading to Universal Orlando soon? You need to be aware of some big closures! Jurassic Park River Adventure If you check the Universal Orlando website before your trip, you’ll be able to see which rides and offerings will be closed during your visit. Right now, Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal Islands of Adventure is closed for a while, getting some major construction. And if you’re curious what’s going on…we have a sneak peek! Thanks to user @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X, we have some aerial photos of construction on Jurassic Park River Adventure. This ride has been closed for maintenance since January 5th and will reopen on November 19th, 2026. Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X First of all, there’s an update from Ultrasaur Lagoon. The Ultrasaur reconstruction is partially complete. You can see the base of the dinosaur, but it still needs some exterior detail work. He doesn’t look very dino-like right now! Also, the area isn’t very lagoon-y either…looks more like a desert to me! Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X The Stegasaur Springs area of the ride is under construction as well. You can see the Stegasaur intact but it appears like some touch-ups are being made, particularly with paint and detailing. The water is drained from this area. Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X We also got a glimpse into the paddock area of the ride! It’s so interesting to see it from this angle. Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X And finally, there’s a photo of the drop area at the end of the ride. You can see the panels that come up to create the big spray of water. We can’t wait to experience that splash again! Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X It’s always a little disarming to see water rides without the water in them. Hopefully this refurbishment will be just what the ride needs to run smoothly and efficiently! Via @bioreconstruct on Twitter/X We’ll keep you in the loop with more construction updates from Universal Orlando, so stay tuned to DFB. 4 Ride Closures Confirmed for Universal Orlando in 2027 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you going to Universal Orlando this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Planning a Disney World vacation isn’t easy… From figuring out where to stay to planning which parks you’ll go to on certain days and grabbing those hard-to-get dining reservations, there is A LOT to do, all while planning your outfits and figuring out what to pack. What are you packing? When it comes to buying all of the essentials you need for your trip, some things are cheaper than others. And maybe cheap is the answer for a few things, but not everything. We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest items for your Disney World vacation, so when we came across this item, we KNEW we had to share it with you! There’s an unexpected item that’s more of a splurge, but it’s absolutely worth it for your vacation! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Essential Makes ALL The Difference When You’re Carrying Your Park Bag! VentaPak Lightweight Backpack Spacer Let me introduce you to the VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer — the accessory that will change how you vacation for the rest of your life! It’s going to get HOT in Florida, especially in the summer months, so you’ll definitely be sweating a good amount, and this accessory solves that problem! It acts as a gap between your back and your backpack, allowing for a breeze to pass through and your bag to stay sweat-free! Look at that airflow! Not only does it allow for airflow, but it also helps alleviate back and shoulder pain! It relieves some of the weight of your bag by redistributing it evenly, which helps a lot with back and shoulder pain, especially after a long day. It’s definitely worth it if these are problems that bother you. VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer Speaking of value, it costs about $45, which is on the slightly pricey end for an accessory, but it’s very high-quality and works remarkably well! It comes in a small size suitable for individuals under 5’6″ and a standard size for people 5’6″ and above. VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer So, how does it work? When you have it attached to your bag, you have to tighten your straps so that it works properly. The straps are attached tightly, so it works, but it also makes it difficult to take the bag on and off throughout your day. You also may find yourself sweating under your arms because the straps are so snug, but that’s really the only con about this accessory! The straps It definitely made our trip easier because it reduced sweat and helped alleviate back pain after wearing a large bag all day! If these sound like problems you encounter and would like to avoid, we’d recommend grabbing one before your next trip! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Learn character drawing at “Olaf Draws!” where Olaf is your cheerful companion ❄️ #DisneyWorldView the full article

We’ve got some incredible news out of Disney World! It’ll help you save money and stay cool, and really, what more can we ask for? Typhoon Lagoon If you’ve wanted to visit Disney’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and/or Typhoon Lagoon multiple times, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg each time, this returning deal is FOR YOU! Disney has just brought back its seasonal water park pass, and we’ve got all the details. The Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass only costs $89 plus tax and is good for the majority of the year! The pass is available for purchase right now, September 15th, and is valid through May 15, 2027. There are a few blockout dates to keep in mind, however: February 19th to 21st and March 20th to 28th, 2027, which is peak spring break season. Disney’s Blizzard Beach The pass costs $89 plus tax for those ten and up, and it’ll cost you $83 for kids 3-9. This gives you access to both theme parks on any day you want (unless only one of them is open; be sure to check those times before arriving), with the exception of the blockout dates, and that can be a game changer, especially if you’re local! Typhoon Lagoon Water Park There are also additional perks that come with the Seasonal pass! Every pass will also come with: One round of mini golf, redeemable before 4 PM on any one date during the pass usage window (available at Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens, or Fairways Miniature Golf) 20% off same-day rentals of Polar Patios and Beachcomber Shacks (subject to availability and must be booked in person at the water park) Typhoon Lagoon We’re so thrilled this perk is back, as we know it’ll help a lot of people save money while still getting to have a great time in Disney World. Parking is also complimentary at Disney World water parks, so if you’ve got the pass, you’ll basically be getting a free day in Disney World (that’s how that math works, right?) More Recent Water Park News! 2 NEW Attractions Are Coming to an Underrated California Water ParkYIKES! Disney World’s Water Parks Are NOT For The Weak This SummerWatch Out! The #1 Disney World Hotel Pool Is About to Be DETHRONEDThis Disney World Hotel Perk Returns in ONE Month!This FAN FAVORITE Disney After Hours Event Is Returning SOON We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! A Word of Warning for the First Day at Your Disney World Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to take advantage of this pass? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you love Disney World, food, and signature experiences, then it’s likely you’ve already heard about the exciting Uncorked event series at Wine Bar George. Wine Bar George This is a series of events hosted throughout the Food & Wine Festival season at Disney Springs, and it looks like a brand-new offering was just added. The Uncorked event series really is a dream experience for anyone who loves high-quality food and wine. This event is described as “a signature event series bringing together the best of food and wine through a season of immersive, expert-led experiences. From chef-led demonstrations and inspired food & wine pairings to in-depth tasting experiences, each event is crafted for those who love to eat, drink, and discover.” Wine Bar George This series is already proving very popular, with several events fully sold out, which is why we were so excited to see that they announced a new offering. On Thursday, October 1st at 6:30 PM, guests can experience the Borgogno Wine Dinner. ©Wine Bar George This event will celebrate “the legendary wines of Borgogno, one of Piedmont’s oldest producers. Founded in 1761, Borgogno has spent centuries perfecting the art of Barolo, and this October we’re bringing that legacy to Disney Springs for one unforgettable night….Borgogno’s Fabio Valpreda and Wine Bar George’s Executive Chef Will Davison will guide guests through a thoughtfully composed six-course dinner, with each dish crafted to highlight and complement the estate’s elegant, structured reds.” ©Wine Bar George This seems like it will be an absolutely incredible night! This event will be three hours long and cost $345 to attend, and if you are interested in participating, we would suggest grabbing your tickets soon since space is limited and many other events have sold out. Wine Bar George If you are interested in the other events in the series, you can view the rest right here: The Mosel, a Riesling Master Class, September 5th at 3 PM SOLD OUT Sliders & Somms, September 12th at 3 PM SOLD OUT Craft Cocktails, September 19th at 3 PM SOLD OUT Borgogno Wine Dinner, October 1st at 6:30 PM Five Decades of Dunn, Howell Mountain Cabernets, October 3rd at 3 PM Craft Cocktails, October 10th at 3 PM Truffles, Pasta & the Perfect Pour, October 17th at 3 PM SOLD OUT Once & Future Winemakers Dinner, October 28th at 6:30 PM Grand Event: The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Experience, November 14th at 3 PM SOLD OUT Wine Bar George We will continue to bring you all of the news, updates, and special events across Disney World, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! 6 New Sips and Sweet Treats Are Coming To Disney Springs SOON! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be attending any of these events? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting an entirely new land called Pueblo Esperanza, based on the Tropical Americas. The new land will feature three new attractions, including Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent The new Indiana Jones ride will take Indy on a brand-new adventure in a newly discovered Maya temple, but of course, things are going to get a little treacherous and will, apparently, include a Jade Serpent. Well, Disney recently revealed a first look at that serpent. Last month, we attended D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and attended the Experiences panel, where we learned a LOT about what’s coming to Disney Parks all over the world, including Disney World. That includes Pueblo Esperanza and the new Indiana Jones ride, specifically the ride’s Jade Serpent. The stuff of nightmares We almost missed it, but Disney revealed a first look at the Jade Serpent in the new Indiana Jones ride. The image shows the scale of the serpent, as Walt Disney Imagineering works on its details. The serpent Now, Disney has not revealed where this serpent might appear on the ride, but it’s entirely possible Indy is going to have to utter his famous line, “I HATE SNAKES! Why did it have to be snakes?” We also recently saw some models of the serpent that show its scale. Snakes! More than likely, the new ride will use the same ride system as the old DINOSAUR ride, similar to the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland. We can almost imagine seeing the snake in the same location where you once came face-to-face with the Carnotaurus on DINOSAUR. However, we won’t know for sure until the ride opens (and Disney hasn’t specified an opening date yet). We’ll keep an eye out for more Pueblo Esperanza updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Close-Up Look at the NEW Indiana Jones Ride in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the ride so far? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts are loaded with perks. The Michael Graves-designed hotels, which sit on Disney property but are currently owned and operated by Marriott’s Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand, are home to a slew of amenities and events, including pools, an arcade, a convention center, and special events like the Food & Wine Classic! Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Simultaneous with the final weekend of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, this event features “gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful resort, the event offers live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks to complete the experience.” The 2026 event will be held on November 20th and 21st. Open from 5 PM to 9 PM each day, the ticketed event is open to the public and offers gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs at the resort’s cadre of restaurants paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits, and world-class entertainment. Looking over the event’s menu, there are many new things we went to try, plus some returning favorites and new dishes from restaurants we can’t wait to revisit. Food and Wine Classic Slow-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib Okay, let’s begin with a returning item we can’t wait to try again: The Slow-Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib from Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. This is served with celery root espuma and shallot marmalade. Last year, we found this dish to be delicious! The meat was nice and tender, and the bourbon glaze around it hit just right! The sauce, the carrot, and the little microgreens just beautifully elevated the flavor! The dish will be available on both Friday and Saturday. Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib Cabana Bar and Beach Club In 2025, we really enjoyed the Chirashi Bowl with Cured Salmon, Seasoned Sushi Rice, Shoyu Egg, Wakame, Pickled Radish, Cucumber, Edamame, and Sriracha Aioli from Cabana Bar and Beach Club. The dish had a sticky rice sushi vibe. The veggies and salmon both had a nice flavor to them, beautifully brought together by the sriracha aioli. Chirashi Bowl Given our enjoyment of that dish, we’re quite excited for this year’s Cabana offerings: Friday: Tuna Rice Bowl with Seasoned Sushi Rice, Marinated Sushi-Grade Tuna, Avocado Edamame, Wakame, Sriracha Aioli, Crispy Vermicelli Noodles Saturday: Grilled & Marinated Gulf Shrimp with Green Papaya, Herb Salad, Hothouse Cucumber Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic In addition to these dishes, The Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will also host a collaborative tasting experience featuring celebrity chefs Michael Mina and Todd English. The James Beard Award-winning chefs will host the exclusive experience on Saturday, November 21st, from 3:30 PM to 5 PM for a limited number of guests. Disney describes the experience as the two chefs working side by side in an interactive setting, taking guests on a “culinary journey via 10 carefully constructed courses, paired with beverage selections from around the world, from Italy to Napa.” The event will combine tasting, storytelling, and culinary demonstrations, offering guests a “rare opportunity to hear directly from the chefs about their personal heritage, global travels, culinary philosophies, and the dishes that have helped define their careers.” ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Tickets for the 2026 Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, including unlimited food and beverage tastings on the Causeway for Friday OR Saturday night, are available for $215.00 per person ($234.90 with tax and service fees). Stay tuned to DFB for more on this event. 8 INCREDIBLE Restaurants Are Hiding at This Disney World Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Heading to the Food & Wine Classic this year? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Major changes are on the way for the My Disney Experience app and the Disney World website that might make it even easier for you to plan your next trip! ©Disney This optional new feature is an AI assistant you can speak with conversationally that will use what you say to help match you with your perfect Disney World vacation. You can tell it about your likes and preferences, and it will be able to generate suggestions for your upcoming trip — down to the lowest price for your hotel stay, if that’s what you ask it to do. We’ve got more details, so let’s get into everything you need to know. This new Disney World vacation planning feature is a combination of a user experience that guests would expect — including guiding them along, booking the resort, purchasing park tickets, purchasing potential dining plans or packages — combined with AI designed to simplify the experience and “transform how they plan to book their Disney vacation.” ©Disney For example, you can say you want to visit Disney World in the fall for a child’s 7th birthday. The birthday kiddo happens to be obsessed with The Lion King, and you’re looking for a hotel with easy access to the parks, a nice pool, and a discount offer if any are available. You’ll also be able to input basic things like the number of guests, etc. The AI assistant will then be able to suggest something based on what you’ve said, and in the example we were shown, it did just that — and suggested a Lion King suite at the Art of Animation, or a room at Animal Kingdom Lodge. From there, you could compare the two rooms to see which would fit your needs best, while being shown the lowest prices or best deals for each. ©Disney In the example, the AI was also asked about convenience when it came to getting to the parks, and it said that the Art of Animation featured the Skyliner, which is connected to two parks. Then, the example family was able to check their preferred travel dates, and that sealed the deal on the Art of Animation. The AI tool also double-checked that the example family was getting the best rates on their selected dates. When the AI tool is first introduced, it won’t be able to provide you with super specific information, but Disney said that is coming down the line. So, if you said you wanted to stay in a Deluxe hotel suite on a day when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is going on and has availability, it wouldn’t be able to immediately provide you with that information, but it could help you narrow down your search. Additionally, at this time, it will not include things like Lightning Lane or dining reservations. Eventually, Disney plans on making those specific requests possible. ©Disney Another example we were shown involved a mom wanting to take her daughter back to Disney World, and after having stayed in a Value Resort previously, wanted to stay in a Moderate Resort this time. She told the AI tool that her daughter is very into princesses, and then it suggested the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Essentially, you can tell the AI tool what is most important to you on your Disney World trip, and it will prioritize and make suggestions based on what you’ve said, in addition to making sure you’ve gotten the best price, if that’s something that matters to you. Disney will also notify you if the rate changes and a better price becomes available. ©Disney This new system will be beta-tested by select app and website users before eventually being rolled out fully. Again, this is all optional as well, so if you prefer to plan your Disney World trips the old-fashioned way, you’ll still be able to do that. According to Disney, they know that — particularly for first-time guests — the scale of Disney World and everything that goes along with that can make planning a trip daunting and complicated. This new tool seeks to simplify that. ©Disney There will also be a new map that will help planners understand where everything is in relation to each other, whether it’s the hotels, parks, or any other part of Disney World property. The map looks similar to the wait times view, but instead of showing wait times, it can show you the prices of resorts all over the property, so you can immediately visualize where the cheapest — or most appropriately priced — resort is for you and your party. And, once you’ve selected your reservation, the AI tool will do a final search to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your hotel, tickets, and dining. It can also show you a date range for the best rates, similarly to how airlines do it. That way, you can plan your trip around the best prices instead of specific dates. ©Disney In addition, there will be an itinerary sharing option that allows you to directly send your Disney World itinerary to a friend or family member, making it easier to collaborate on vacation planning. This shareable link can also be sent to your travel agent to have them actually do the booking once you’ve got everything planned. Disney said their use of this AI planning tool was conservative, and they applied it only where there was no other option for achieving their specific goals. ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates you need to know about for the My Disney Experience app and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more. Check out more Disney World news at the links below! Y’ALL! We Found Bars With Babysitting in Disney World. YOU’RE WELCOME!The World’s Most Exclusive Cocktail Just Arrived at Disney World4 MAJOR Disney World Announcements That Will Impact Your 2027 VacationDisney World Wait Times Increased Dramatically This WeekHow YOU Can Create The Next Viral Disney World Coffee Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these changes to the Disney World app? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Dining in Disney World comes with tons of options, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios likely isn’t the first place you think of when you’re looking for a great place to eat. But where’s the best place to eat if you’re there for the day and need a quick meal? ABC Commissary We recently stopped by ABC Commissary to see if it’s the best quick service spot in the park. Does it beat out the other spots and make it worthwhile to stop by? We’re bringing you our full review! Atmosphere ABC Commissary is located to the left of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway when facing the attraction and near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. It’s themed to the older days of MGM Studios, because it really feels like you’ve stepped into the cafeteria on the backlot of a film set. You’ll find memorabilia adorning the building on all sides. We feel like every time we come in here, we notice something new! ABC Commissary Inside, you’ll find TONS of seating inside (outside seating is available too), as well as vibes that definitely enhance that film set cafeteria vibe — just look at the fonts all around the restaurant! Lots of seating! Though, we also need to mention the addition of the palm trees all around. It definitely gives it a unique vibe. Palm trees! It’s got some great theming, but is the food worth the stop here? Menu The variety on the menu is decent, but we have seen better. Adult entrees have a nice mix of things for everyone, even plant-based eaters, and we do love that you’ll find some menu offerings here you can’t find elsewhere. Though, if you’re a picky adult eater, know that you may have a bit of trouble here. Menu Sides are also available, as well as a few kids’ meals. Remember, since this is a quick-service restaurant, adults are more than welcome to order off the kids’ menu if they’d like! There are also a few desserts to choose from, and you’ll find plenty of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink options. Now it’s time to try it, though — what did we grab? Drinks To drink, we picked up the Happy Daze for $15.50. This is made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Melon Liqueur, Banana Liqueur, and Grenadine with Orange and Pineapple Juice. Happy Daze This is a very fruity cocktail that’s easy to drink and refreshing! It’s not very strong, and you get a combination of different fruity flavors rather than one standing out. The coconut rum and pineapple juice are the most prominent flavor combination here, while the melon, banana, and grenadine flavors blend together into one. This is a solid drink! If you like sweet, tropical cocktails that don’t have a strong alcohol taste, this will be great for you. However, if you’re looking for a unique cocktail unlike anything you’ve tried before, this one probably isn’t it. Eats We grabbed the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $12.79, which is Buffalo Chicken, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Cheddar, and Cream Cheese on Toasted Grilled Sourdough. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich This recently changed, and we’re sorry to say that we think it’s a downgrade. This feels like a toned-down version that’s designed to appeal to tourists who might not be as adventurous. While the bread seems mostly the same, the old version of this sandwich was loaded with filling that it basically fell out of the sandwich— it was messy, flavorful, with plenty of buffalo spice. This just tastes like a chunky grilled cheese with chicken in it that lacks flavor. It has little to no buffalo spice in it, which lessens the heat but doesn’t seem the same, and ours wasn’t served with buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. We so wish this was better However, we do really love the change of the shoestring fries! We prefer the crispiness and less potato flavor of these, but heads up: eat them quick, because these became cold and soggy pretty quickly. We also miss the Buffalo dipping sauce that used to come with this sandwich. It’s unavailable in the condiments area and no longer served on the plate. Even with toning down the sandwich, leaving the dipping sauce would have helped add flavor and heat, which is sorely missed in this version. We do like these fries! We also grabbed the Pork Carnitas Tacos for $11.49. These are Pork Carnitas on Flour Tortillas topped with Avocado Salsa Verde and Pickled Onions, served with Mexican Rice and Pork Black Beans. Pork Carnitas Tacos The pork carnitas are the real star of this dish! The meat is juicy, well-seasoned, and flavorful. It’s also tender and easy to eat with zero toughness. There is a bit of heat here in each initial bite, though, so keep that in mind. The avocado salsa verde had a guacamole consistency and added a fluffy, creamy texture. The pickled onions added some freshness and texture without contributing much to the flavor, which we didn’t mind. We’re big fans! The Mexican rice is pretty standard and lacked some flavor compared to the tacos. It was slightly chewy but felt like it was there more for texture than taste. The beans are thin and somewhat runny with a chewy texture and mild pork flavor, but not nearly as prominent as the tacos themselves. The queso fresco on top of them wasn’t noticeable to us, and we do wish that was a bit more prominent as well. Overall, we feel the sides are a bit disappointing, but the tacos themselves are delicious. We do wish the sides were a bit better The Arugula-Farro Salad is available as a side for $4.59, or with chicken as an entree as well for $8.29. This is Arugula, Farro, Granny Smith Apples, Dried Cranberries, Plant-based Parmesan, and Pecans tossed in a Dijon Vinaigrette. Arugula-Farro Salad The salad is very chewy with a slight crunch from the amount of grains in it. They add texture to pretty much every bite, which we appreciated, but if you’re someone who is sensitive to textures, you may not be a fan. The dried cranberries add a good amount of sweetness to help break up all the greens, and while this was supposed to have a tangy dressing, ours had little to none, which made the salad pretty dry. We really do think that would have helped up the flavor here, because otherwise this was pretty flavorless. Dressing would really help this out Do we think it’s the best salad out there? Not by a long shot, but if you’re looking for a salad with grains and chewy textures, this could be worth a try! Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re trying to accommodate a large group. ABC Commissary has a LOT of seating options. So even during lunch rush, you might still luck out and be able to sit with your full group of 6+ members without having to break up the posse. (…. Maybe.) Sure, you could go for a street taco (or two) right about now. Street tacos, Mediterranean Salads, and unique burger/sandwich options are the name of the game at ABC Commissary. You’ll get a lot of food — and a lot of unique food, at that — without having to break the bank. You want a quick service that’s not going to require you to cross Timbuktu to reach. ABC Commissary is centrally located in the park. And that means you don’t have to stress over walking aaaaalllll the way over from wherever you are to reach this quick service. It’s never going to be too far away, no matter which Hollywood Studios area you currently find yourself in. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You feel like the theming here leaves something to be desired. ABC Commissary is supposed to look like a production studio, but really it just gives off very basic cafeteria-like vibes. (Plus a few TV/movie posters scattered here and there on the walls.) For a more exciting quick service inside Hollywood Studios, you’re better off finding a table over at Docking Bay 7. You miss the classic theme park staples. Once upon a time, ABC Commissary used to be a chicken tender and burger hub. And while we think the menu has improved GREATLY since then, if you’re on the hunt for more Mickey Dee’s-style options, your best bet is to stick with Backlot Express. You’re looking for more kid-friendly options. The kids menu at ABC Commissary isn’t huge. (And it’s also chicken tender-less, for the time being.) Again, Backlot Express might be a better fit for kids who don’t want to settle on a pork taco or a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Overall Overall, we think this restaurant is a decently solid option for a quick meal in the park, but you likely won’t leave here blown away. If you need fuel for your day and you don’t need something to rock your world, stop by, but if you want a meal that WILL impress you, it’s likely going to be a better idea to hop on the Skyliner and head over to EPCOT, or grab a reservation at the Brown Derby Restaurant. Full Spread In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind your favorite ride in all of Disney World? If it is, SOLID CHOICE. Guardians of the Galaxy: Comic Rewind This ride is beloved by many, and Disney fans have taken to riding it over and over, trying to get all six songs that the soundtrack offers. But far and away, one of those songs is a fan-favorite…it’s “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. And this month, you can GUARANTEE you’ll hear it! Disney has announced that on September 21st, Cosmic Rewind will be playing “September” all day long! You know, because the song has the lyrics “on the 21st night of September?” It’s so clever! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind This means that instead of hearing one of six songs, every rider will get the same song for a single day. We’ve seen Disney offer this in the past, but it was skipped last year. We have a feeling that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is going to be VERY popular on this day, so pack your patience and purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass if you really don’t want to wait. Cosmic Rewind queue Also, in honor of the occasion, Connections Eatery is getting a special drink for one day only. The Supernova Sip is made with spicy hot honey syrup, lemon juice, and edible glitter topped with orange cotton candy. That sounds WILD! ©Disney In case you’re not familiar, Cosmic Rewind is a roller coaster in EPCOT’s World Discovery area themed to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. You’ll join the Guardians as you try to defeat a Celestial and recapture the stolen Cosmic Generator that belongs to the Xandarians. The coaster itself has an awesome backwards launch and some serious G-forces. Plus, a killer soundtrack! Swirls of queues We’ll keep you updated with any crowds or other fun offerings on September 21st, so keep following DFB for the latest. 5 Things That’ll MAKE Your Ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to ride this coaster on September 21st? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Even though it is Halloween at Disney World, that does not mean that the heat has let up. Despite all the fall decor, it still feels like summer outside. This can make it really difficult to find a spooky outfit to wear to the parks, or even to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, that is both full of Halloween fun and comfortable. Halloween at Disney World Which is why we were thrilled to see that Disney has collaborated with Crowned Athletics to create an all-new Halloween collection that releases on September 17th. Crowned Athletics is an activewear brand known for creating great clothes with an awesome style. They have collaborated with Disney in the past to make other collections that have been so cute, and this one looks no different. This Halloween collection is focusing on two main movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas and 101 Dalmatians (specifically, Cruella De Vil). ©Disney Let’s start our clothing overview with a trip to Halloween Town. This part of the collection starts with several pieces, including leggings, a sports bra, a shirt, a skort, and a tank top, all themed to the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington. ©Disney We also have several items themed to Jake’s best pal Zero, including a pet bandana… ©Disney …and a hat. ©Disney And of course, no Nightmare Before Christmas collection would be complete without some Sally representation. This collection includes leggings and a sports bra… ©Disney …a tank top and skort… ©Disney …and a mesh shrug you can wear over the tank top, all created with Sally’s iconic design in mind. ©Disney Now it’s time to move on to the Cruella De Vil collection. Starting with leggings, a skirt, a sports bra, and a tank top designed to look like Cruella’s iconic red and black colors, and we can’t forget about all the spots! ©Disney With the same design, you can also find a longer tank top… ©Disney …hair bows… ©Disney …and a pet bandana. ©Disney This collection is so much fun, and we think these spooky outfits will be the perfect addition for your Halloween trip to Disney World! We will continue to keep you informed of all the Disney World updates and news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be ordering anything from this collection when it drops on September 17th? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Well, it’s the end of an era! A restaurant in Disney Springs has permanently closed, with the promise of something new coming to replace it. Wolfgang Puck Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill has closed in Disney Springs, and Disney hasn’t announced anything yet, but it is a big restaurant space, and we hope it doesn’t stay closed for long. A few weeks ago, once rumors were circulating about the closure, we went to Disney Springs and asked an employee who could confirm it was closing but couldn’t confirm the date. As of September 15th, the space is officially closed. Closed The Disney Springs website was updated recently to reflect the closure, but no other comments have been made on what’s replacing the restaurant. ©Disney Disney Springs has been hit with a lot of closures this year. There was the clothing store Johnston & Murphy… Closed …Shore, the clothing boutique… The former Shore storefront … Francesca’s, another clothing store… Francesca’s …and Sprinkles Cupcakes. The Sprinkles Cupcakes building was turned into a pop-up experience for Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes and is currently housing a temporary Ghirardelli store while their original building goes through major renovations. Construction at the old store front It feels like there has been change after change, and honestly, we’re not surprised another location was closing in Disney Springs. Hopefully, Disney announces soon what is coming to the restaurant so we can start planning another trip. It’s likely it will be closed for a few months while it transitions to the next project. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news so you know what’s happening before your next trip. FULL GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN DISNEY SPRINGS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did you like Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Securing dining reservations is already hard, especially at a very popular restaurant, and it’ll be even harder when a NEW restaurant opens next year! Narcoosee’s Disney World is in the midst of making some MAJOR changes, including adding a few new lands, refurbishing attractions, and building a brand-new hotel! These lands also bring new dining experiences, and one of them is about to be EXTREMELY hard to come by. Monstropolis, the Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Hollywood Studios, is slated to open sometime in 2027. With it comes a new quick-service restaurant, a new table-service restaurant, new shopping experiences, a new theater show, and Disney’s first-of-its-kind suspended rollercoaster, which will not open with the land and will open at a later date. ©Disney And while Advance Dining Reservations have not been confirmed for Harryhausen’s restaurant just yet, it’s very likely since this will be a table-service restaurant. THIS will be one of the hardest reservations to grab on your 2027 Disney World vacation. ©Disney Not only will it be one of the newest restaurants on property, but it will also be VERY highly themed with a delicious menu! At the 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, said that the menu will serve more than just sushi… it will be “unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World.” ©Disney There will also be some “live” entertainment while guests eat, as they’ll be able to watch the Chef in action! Disney revealed a sneak peek at the Sushi Chef Audio-Animatronic at D23, explaining that guests at the restaurant can watch as the chef’s tentacles whip up Monster-worthy creations. ©Disney An opening date has yet to be confirmed for the restaurant and this land as a whole, but we do know that it will be opening up sometime in 2027. As a reminder, guests can start making their reservations 60 days in advance, and if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you can book for up to 14 days at the 60-day mark! You can book reservations on the website or the My Disney Experience app. ©Disney We’ll keep you updated with any news that is announced for this restaurant and the upcoming land! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, so you don’t miss a thing! You Won’t BELIEVE the Details of Disney World’s New Animatronic Coming to Monstropolis Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be grabbing a dining reservation here? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

The Disney World Monorail is one of our favorite ways to get to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but just like everything else, it’s not guaranteed to be operational 100% of the time. Monorail at EPCOT Bad weather is one of the reasons you may notice that the Monorail isn’t functioning as normal, though it’s usually less affected by weather than the Skyliner. However, recently, a lightning strike caused a power outage that left guests stranded on the Monorail for over an hour. Back on September 8th, passengers on the Monorail were stopped during their ride when lightning struck nearby, according to WFLA. The riders were stuck for an hour and a half with no AC, as the lightning strike caused a power outage that took out the system entirely. ©WFLA courtesy of Tanya Lee In a video provided by Tanya Lee, who was on the Monorail when the issue happened, you can see three men on board take out the window as they’re guided by the overhead voice of the monorail conductor. In an interview with Storyful, Lee said, “We were there for one and a half hours and during that time the driver talked us through how to take out the window.” Gold Monorail pulling in Lee continued, saying that while she was very nervous and doesn’t like heights, and has always been worried about getting stuck on one of the Monorails, but that, “Everyone was in good spirits, as there is not much you can do at that point. The people in the car I was in were upbeat despite the situation.” Lee also said that when they got off the Monorail, Disney was there to meet them with cold bottles of water, $50 Disney gift cards, and a Lightning Lane pass. Monorail It’s important to remember that things like this can happen anywhere in Disney World, not just on transportation, and not only in bad weather. We’ve previously been stuck on rides numerous times before and had to be evacuated off, and we’ve been stuck on other modes of transportation too. It’s a risk you take when you get on any attraction in Disney World, so while we don’t think it should stop you from doing a ride or hopping on some transportation, it is something to keep in the back of your mind. More Recent Disney News! 4 MAJOR Disney World Announcements That Will Impact Your 2027 VacationIt Just Got EASIER To Have Your Dream Disney WeddingHow YOU Can Create The Next Viral Disney World CoffeeThe One Post You NEED To Read Before Your Disney World Trip This WeekI Asked My Coworker For Lorcana Essentials, And She DELIVERED We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! You Are Sleeping on Disney Clothes at Sam’s Club and I’m Here to Put an End to That Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been stuck on the Monorail? Tell us in the comments! View the full article