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Seven decades of happiness. One billion guests from around the world. Countless magical memories. Disneyland Resort commemorated welcoming 1 billion guests to Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park with a ceremony at the entrance of Disneyland. Over seven decades, the resort has created magical memories for families from around the world, reinforcing its legacy as The Happiest Place on Earth. Reaching this resort milestone just days before the 71st anniversary shows that Walt Disney’s dream lives on today: Disneyland continues to be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Disneyland Resort Celebrates 1 Billionth Guest An unsuspecting guest and their family were surprised as the honorary one billionth guest at Disneyland Resort. Andres Robles from Arizona arrived at Disneyland this morning with his parents, Alejandra and Jose Robles, anticipating a fun day ahead to celebrate his eighth birthday. Unbeknownst to him, they were about to be part of Disney history: they were selected as the honorary one billionth guest to have visited Disneyland and California Adventure! The family was invited to participate in a brief ceremony with the Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort at the Main Street, U.S.A., train station platform, where they had the honor of helping unveil an updated sign listing the population of Disneyland as 1,000,000,000. Adding to the excitement, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse made a special appearance on the platform. Left: The honorary one billionth guest, Andres Robles, and his parents join Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and the Disney Ambassadors on the Main Street, U.S.A. train station platform. Right: Jill Estorino, President, Disneyland Resort, greets Andres Robles, 8, and his parents. Following the ceremony, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck joined Andres and family for a special photo opportunity. The Robles family visit is just one of the many lifelong memories that have been created here at Disneyland Resort. From vacations and reunions to birthdays and more, generations of families and friends have come to Disneyland Resort to have fun together. Andres and his parents received a VIP tour guide for the day, which includes a tour of Walt Disney’s private apartment, the newly opened Soarin’ Across America attraction and other special experiences that define a memorable Disneyland visit. A Worldwide Icon of Imagination and Innovation When it opened in 1955, Disneyland park introduced a new concept in family entertainment and launched the theme park industry as we know it today. Disneyland Resort has since welcomed guests from around the world and expanded to become a multifaceted, world-class family resort destination, complete with two renowned Disney theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District. Disneyland has also served as the inspiration behind the creation of more Disney theme parks and experiences across the globe. Today, Disneyland continues its legacy as a worldwide icon and industry leader in entertainment and theme park experiences. The resort continues to invest in creativity, technology and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights, while fulfilling Walt Disney’s vision that “Disneyland will never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world.” The post Disneyland Resort Welcomes One Billionth Guest appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

There are convenient Disney restaurants. There are famous Disney restaurants. There are Disney restaurants that get talked about constantly because they are inside a park, beside a monorail, or attached to a character meal where someone in your group can hug Mickey while you try to butter a roll. Jiko’s open kitchen Jiko is not that. Jiko is tucked away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House, which means you usually have to choose it on purpose. You are not wandering out of a ride queue and accidentally landing at Jiko. You are not killing time before fireworks and finding yourself at the host stand. You are making a plan, getting yourself to one of Disney World’s most beautiful resorts, and walking into a restaurant that knows exactly what it is. And what it is, my friends, is special. Is this a shameless plug for my personal favorite Disney World restaurant? Absolutely. I am the author, and I am using my tiny kingdom of paragraphs responsibly. Jiko is a Signature Dining restaurant with vibrant spices, wood-burning ovens, and boutique South African wines, and the menu is built around African, Indian, and Mediterranean influences. It’s only open for dinner (generally from 5 PM to 9:30 PM), making it a great date night option for adults. This is not a dinner where everyone shows up sweaty with a turkey leg wrapper in the stroller cupholder. This is a dinner where you put on nicer sandals and dine like royalty. Jiko Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a heavenly dining experience. It is warm, elegant, flavorful, and deeply underrated by anyone who automatically skips it because they don’t know the menu or don’t want to make the trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge. And sure, Jiko may not be for everyone. The flavors can be more adventurous than your standard steak-and-potatoes vacation meal, and the location means you usually need to plan around it instead of stumbling into it. Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko The atmosphere feels grown-up without being stiff. The menu pulls from African, Indian, and Mediterranean influences. The wine list is outstanding. And the whole experience has that Animal Kingdom Lodge magic, where dinner feels less like an over-planned reservation and more like you’ve found a hidden pocket of Disney World. Animal Kingdom Lodge Does Half the Work Part of Jiko’s magic is that it belongs to Animal Kingdom Lodge. You walk into that lobby, and suddenly your brain stops making normal logistical decisions. The ceiling is soaring. The lighting is warm. The whole place smells faintly like vacation, wood, and definitely not like you’re on a theme park resort complex. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge By the time you get downstairs to Jiko, the resort has already done its little spellwork. Inside the restaurant, the details keep going. You get those soft sunset tones, the birds overhead, the columns, the glow, the sense that you have stepped slightly sideways out of regular Disney World. There are thoughtful design details everywhere, including the hidden Mickey near the flatbread station and the African sunset inspiration in the back wall, and that is exactly the kind of thing that makes Jiko feel layered without shouting for attention. Make sure to look up! It is elegant, but not icy. Upscale, but not smug. It feels like a grown-up dinner without requiring everyone to whisper like they are touring a historic dollhouse. That is a difficult balance to pull off, and Jiko does it beautifully. The Menu Rewards Curiosity Let’s get into the food, because this is where Jiko really starts to shine, especially when everything comes together with a perfect wine pairing. The menu is not “weird,” and I will defend that hill with a bread knife. It is different from what some Disney World guests are used to, yes. It uses spices and ingredients that might not show up at every resort lounge. But it is also full of recognizable anchors. Steak. Chicken. Fish. Short rib. Seafood. Mac and cheese. Bread. Dessert. Bread Service You’ll find options like bone marrow-crusted filet mignon or Braai New York strip, served with four-cheese macaroni, seasonal vegetables, and chocolate-red wine demi-glace. There is also Moroccan-spiced lamb shank, roasted seasonal fish, seafood tagine, seared venison loin, Short Rib Isitambu, and a plant-based Injera Basket. The menu changes seasonally, but the standards are always reliable. Our meal! And the lovely thing about Jiko is that it can meet you where you are. Want to be adventurous? Wonderful. Order something with spice and texture and a name you have to say slowly the first time. Want to stay close to familiar territory? The filet is sitting right there, wearing a little superhero cape of demi-glace and minding its own business. Yum! Jiko is one of those restaurants where the dishes feel composed without feeling fussy. You are not getting a plate with three dots of sauce and a single leaf arranged by tweezers while your stomach files a complaint. This is flavorful, satisfying food. The Bread Is Not a Supporting Character Every great Disney restaurant has a little opening act. At Jiko, the bread is not here to quietly stall while the kitchen works. The giraffe bread is one of those tiny Disney restaurant touches that sticks in your brain. The bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with butter. Is it as famous as Sanaa’s bread service next door? No. Should it be ignored because of that? Also no. Bread Service That is the Jiko problem in miniature. Sanaa gets the bread service headlines. Boma gets the buffet loyalty. Jiko sits there being gorgeous, delicious, quietly spectacular, and somehow still has to convince people to make the trip. Unacceptable. I am ringing the tiny dinner bell. Let’s Talk About That Wine List This is where Jiko gets dangerous for anyone who enjoys saying they will just have one glass and then learns something. Jiko is known for its African wine selection and boasts the largest collection of African wines outside the African continent. That is not just a fun brag for the menu. It actually affects the experience. Cederberg White Wine The sommeliers and Cast Members here are incredibly helpful. They know the list. They know how to guide you without making you feel like you accidentally wandered into a graduate seminar wearing park shoes. You can say what you like, what you do not like, what you usually drink, and what you are trying to avoid, and they can help steer you toward something that makes sense. I am not typically a red wine person. I do not usually go wandering into dinner asking for a red with structure. My normal relationship with red wine is cautious diplomacy from one too many vinegary red beverages trying to pass as wine. But at Jiko, I was introduced to South African Pinotage, and now I have a favorite red wine. Jiko This is also what makes Jiko feel different from many Disney World dinners. The wine is not just a simple choice between red or white. It is part of the restaurant’s identity. It gives the meal a sense of place. It makes the whole experience feel more intentional, more rooted, more memorable. The Food Has Range The thing about Jiko is that it can be many dinners at once. It can be a romantic date night. It can be a “we survived Magic Kingdom in July” reward dinner. It can be a special occasion meal. It can be a solo dinner at the bar where you order a glass of wine and decide that this is the version of self-care you deserve. Jiko The menu has comfort, but not in the sleepy way. Bobotie Mac & Cheese gives you four-cheese macaroni with spiced beef, almonds, raisins, kachumbari, and red wine reduction. Malva Pudding brings Amarula-infused cake, caramel-sea salt gelato, kataifi, chocolate, and sweet Shiraz gelée. Even the current loose-leaf tea selection gets interesting, with options like Masala Chai and Shanghai Rose. Bobotie Mac and Cheese Jiko understands that elevated does not have to mean joyless. There is still mac and cheese. There is still dessert. There are still flavors that make you pause mid-sentence and forget whatever complaint you were making about Lightning Lane prices earlier. It Is Worth the Trip Now we have to address the zebra-striped elephant in the room. Animal Kingdom Lodge is not the easiest resort to casually visit unless you are already staying there. There is no monorail. There is no Skyliner. You are not popping over from EPCOT between festival booths unless you have planned your transportation. Jiko But Jiko is worth the trip. In fact, I love Jiko so much that when it finally reopened after its COVID-era closure, I drove all the way down to Disney World just to eat dinner there as soon as it opened, then drove back the next day. That is not casual affection. That is pilgrimage behavior. And yes, I fully understand that driving to another state for dinner sounds excessive. I hear it. I recognize it. I reject the implied criticism. My devotion is pure. Who Should Book Jiko Book Jiko if you want one of Disney World’s best date-night restaurants. Book it if you love Animal Kingdom Lodge and want an excuse to linger there after dark. Book it if you are tired of eating the same theme park dinner. Book it if you want Cast Members who can explain the food and wine in a way that feels helpful instead of intimidating. Book it if you want to feel like Disney World still has corners that reward curiosity. Botswanan Short Rib You should also book it if someone in your group is nervous but open-minded. The menu has enough familiar pieces to provide a landing pad, especially with steak, chicken, fish, and mac and cheese in the mix. This is not a restaurant where everyone has to leap blindly into the unknown while a server chants over a mysterious root vegetable. You can ease in. Who Might Want to Skip It Jiko may not be the right choice if your group wants a fast, cheap, low-effort meal. It is a Signature Dining restaurant, and it uses 2 Table-Service meal credits per person on the Disney Dining Plan. It may also not be the best fit if you have extremely picky eaters who become personally wounded by unfamiliar seasonings. There are approachable items here, but this is still a restaurant built around a bolder flavor profile than many standard Disney World table-service spots. Dining at Jiko — The Cooking Place And if you do not want to travel to Animal Kingdom Lodge, that is a real factor. I will not pretend the location is convenient for everyone. But I will say this. Some meals are worth building the evening around. Jiko is one of them. My Very Official Conclusion Jiko is not just one of my favorite Disney World restaurants. It is one of the Disney World restaurants that reminds me why dining on property can still feel exciting. It is not coasting on a castle view. It is not relying on characters. It is not famous because it is easy. It is quietly, confidently excellent because the food is thoughtful, the service is polished, the wine list is genuinely special, and the setting has that warm Animal Kingdom Lodge glow that makes you want to cancel your next plan and stay a little longer. A little restaurant shoutout! Jiko isn’t begging for attention. It just keeps being wonderful. And in a Disney World dining landscape where some meals feel like they were designed by a marketing team, Jiko still feels like somebody cared. About the lighting. About the seasoning. About the wine. About the way the whole meal unfolds. Jiko — The Cooking Place So yes, this is my official love letter to Jiko. May its crown remain tasteful. May its Pinotage continue to convert red wine skeptics. May its bread stay soft and delicious. And may Disney World guests keep underestimating it just enough that I can still get a reservation. REVIEW: This Is Why We Keep Going Back to Jiko in Disney World Read More About Jiko HERE My Official Love Letter to Jiko in Disney WorldFrom Casual Lounge to Luxury Dining — Disney World’s Top 3 Restaurants Couldn’t Be More Different24 New Food and Drinks Arrived in Disney World This WeekREVIEW: This Disney World Restaurant Literally Never Fails To Impress Us16 New Snacks and Drinks To Get Excited About in Disney World This Week! 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 Jiko before? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. View the full article

It’s officially summer in Disney World, which means it’s HOT! We love heading to one of Disney World’s water parks to cool down, whether it’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, but we weren’t expecting THIS when we went in! Everyone is at Typhoon Lagoon! It turns out we weren’t the only ones wanting to beat the heat at Typhoon Lagoon yesterday. Because the crowds showed up! When we pulled into Typhoon Lagoon, we were told to park past the Cast Member parking and park in the grass. There was an entire row of cars parked there with us! We probably should’ve headed to Blizzard Beach instead, but Gangplank Falls was calling our name. Plus, we would bet that there was quite a bit of a crowd there, too. When we got to the water slide, it was a 30-minute wait! A 30-minute wait! It did end up being a half-hour wait, and the line was pretty long. That’s semi-substantial for the water parks. The Gangplank Falls line When we headed to the Surf Pool to catch some waves, it was pretty much wall-to-wall people in the whole pool. The Surf Pool was crowded! So when we tried to find a seat and wait out the crowds, we weren’t very successful either. Finding seats is a STRUGGLE when it’s this busy! This is a good reason why you should go right when they open if you’re heading to the parks this summer. Finding seats was a struggle! Then we turned to Castaway Creek, Typhoon Lagoon’s lazy river. It shouldn’t surprise us that it was so cramped that everyone’s floaties were touching, but it did! Castaway Creek was crowded too! Disney World is slammed right now for the Fourth of July weekend. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World updates! Why Disney Fans Are Running To EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion This Weekend 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 Would you stay at Typhoon Lagoon if it were this crowded? Comment below! View the full article

If you’re in EPCOT, there is a LOT of fun to be found on the 4th of July. Japan Pavilion There are special fireworks to enjoy, snacks to try, and we’re on the hunt for rare character costumes, too. If you’re going to EPCOT this weekend, there are 4 NEW items for you to try, including 2 limited-time offerings. Japan is the place to be when you’re in EPCOT! This pavilion has incredible dining options like Shiki Sai plus amazing entertainment like the Matsuriza. One of the best parts about this pavilion is easily Mitsukoshi. This store has tons of merchandise, plus Japanese snacks and drinks. Mitsukoshi Department Store Ahead of the 4th of July weekend, Mitsukoshi announced that there are four new drinks in the Japan Pavilion, and 2 of them are only around for a limited time. Starting with our limited-time offerings, you can enjoy the July 4th Special Kakigori. This has red strawberry and blue Hawaii syrups, topped with sweet condensed milk and star sprinkles. You can grab a regular for $9.38 or a large for $17.76. ©Mitsukoshi If you want an adult beverage, you can grab the July 4th Special Cocktail Flight. This trio comes with Sora Sky, fruity Haru Pink, and smooth Jasmine Nectar. It’s yours for $25.00. ©Mitsukoshi These 4th of July drinks are available July 1st through July 7th! It isn’t just about the limited-time items, though. You can also grab two NEW drinks that are available for a longer time. First is the Galaxy Glitter Sparkling Sake. This is a sparkling sake with a swirling stardust effect. This one is available at Kabuki Cafe for $14.00. ©Mitsukoshi The second is a Japanese Margarita! This drink has Japanese Yuzu, fresh lime, and lemon. It’s located at Garden House for $14.00. ©Mitsukoshi These four items are a great way to cool off in the heat, enjoy your weekend, or just try something new. If you’re in EPCOT this weekend, don’t forget about The Heartbeat of Freedom fireworks show, which is a special addition to EPCOT’s regular nighttime show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us. ©Jeff Krause You can also check out Soarin’ Across America and the America Pavilion, which tends to have some special fun on the 4th. You can check out more 4th of July fun here! Why Disney Fans Are Running To EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion This WeekendWhy Homecomin’ In Disney Springs Just Got EVEN BETTER For A Limited TimeEverything You Need for the 4th of July at Disney World — All on AmazonPlanning to Visit Disney World on The Fourth of July? Park Pass Availability Has CHANGED! Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more! Disney Quietly Announces EPCOT Restaurant Closure Starting in September 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 Which drink are you grabbing first? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The last month has been a MAJOR one for Disney World announcements. LEVEL99 From the opening of one highly anticipated restaurant to the announcement of two more, and even some big changes to an iconic Disney World attraction, this is everything you have missed! A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow… Hopefully. At the very end of May, Disney finally released details on the Carousel of Progress refurbishment, which was announced in 2025. In addition to the previously announced Walt Disney animatronic coming to the show’s pre-show, Disney is restructuring the whole show in an attempt to make it more “relatable for today’s audiences.” ©Disney The show will now feature acts based on the 1960s (itself harkening back to the decade the show originally debuted), the 1980s, the 1999-turn of the millennium, and a “possible future” that will imagine a time where “extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.” The Carousel of Progress will close on July 6th for its transformation, with an estimated reopening in 2027. Disney Files NEW Carousel Of Progress Permit For Major Changes Starting SOON LEVEL99 Has Arrived! After months of development and construction, the new LEVEL99 location at Disney Springs opened on June 29th! This is an interactive adult playground that features challenge-based physical and mental entertainment. LEVEL99 tickets start at $29.99 per player for 1.5- to 2.5-hour play intervals. LEVEL99 The Disney Springs location offers 63 life-sized mini-games and challenges. There are tons of puzzles, games, and challenges to take on with groups of 2-6 players, and the restaurant’s menu includes handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and bar-style bites, including Detroit-style pizza. EVERYTHING We Learned About LEVEL99 in Disney Springs on Opening Day Harryhausen’s is Officially Coming to Monstropolis After nearly two years of speculation, Disney recently confirmed several MAJOR rumored details about the upcoming Monsters, Inc. Land – – officially dubbed Monstropolis – – coming to Hollywood Studios. Set in a world following the first film, the land will host a show in the “Glob Theater” and be home to a full-scale recreation of Harryhausen’s restaurant! Harryhausen’s (gray building, near top left) The land’s larger theme will be built around “H.U.M.A.N. Day.” Short for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice,” Disney explains that through this event, which is “designed to introduce humans to life inside Monstropolis while helping monsters discover that humans are not so frightening after all,” humans are invited to, “explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way.” REVIEW: Is This What We Can Expect When Harryhausen’s Comes to Disney World? It’s Almost Hurly-Burly Time Over a year after the beloved JellyRolls shut down, we finally got some information on a new dining and lounge venue on the way to Disney’s BoardWalk: Hurly-Burly. This spot will “welcome guests for fun-filled afternoons and glamorous evenings inside a historic seaside theatre with a vibrant BoardWalk story that spans over a century.” ©Disney During the day, the lounge will act as a family-friendly venue with activities and trivia games. At night, it will transition to a 21+ live music venue with coastal-inspired cocktails and light bites. A NEW Restaurant Is Coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk Eat to the Beat is BACK! In preparation for the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (August 27th to November 21st), Disney released the lineup for this year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series in June. Eat to the Beat 2026’s lineup is as follows: August: 27th: Evolution: Motown 28th -31st: Hanson September: 1st – 3rd : Evolution: Motown 4th – 5th : The War and Treaty (NEW) 6th – 7th: Yellowcard 8th – 10th: Fly Guys 11th – 12th: Couch (NEW) 13th – 14th: Fitz and the Tantrums (NEW) 15th – 17th: Latin Ambition 18th – 19th: MercyMe 20th – 21st: Grupo Manía (NEW) 22nd – 24th: Metro Latino Band 25th – 27th: Element 28th – 29th: New Found Glory 30th: Smash Mouth October: 1st: Smash Mouth 2nd – 4th: Champagne Orchestra 5th – 6th: Rey Ruiz (NEW) 7th – 8th: Tiffany 9th – 11th: Viva Latina 12th – 13: The Fray 14th – 15th: STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas 16th – 18th: Jaclyn Hayden 19th – 20: Ben Rector 21st – 22nd : Allen Stone (NEW) 23rd – 25th: SoundUp 26th – 27: Lauren Alaina (NEW) 28th – 29th: Bowling For Soup 30th – 31st: Southbound November 1st: Southbound 2nd – 3rd: Boyz II Men 4th – 5th: Big Head Todd and The Monsters (NEW) 6th – 8th: M-80’s 9th – 10th: Grace Potter (NEW) 11th – 12th: The Beach Boys 13th – 16th : The Hooligans John Stamos with the Beach Boys at Eat to the Beat in 2025 Disney World made some huge announcements this month, as both the short-term and long-term futures of the resort continue to come into focus! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates. Why Fans Are Suddenly Changing Their 2027 Disney World Hotel Plans 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’s your favorite Disney World announcement from this month? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World on the Fourth of July, you’ll have the chance to see a special military flyover over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning around 10:30 a.m. as part of Disney’s America 250 celebration. But there’s one thing many social media posts are getting wrong! Several websites and Facebook posts are […] The post Disney’s July 4 Flyover Features Real Combat Rescue Aircraft—Not Fighter Jets appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

When we’re at EPCOT, we love stopping by CommuniCore Hall and Plaza. Where else can you grab a snack, sing along to Encanto, and meet Mickey Mouse all in one place? EPCOT But Disney just filed a permit that might change our plans. CommuniCore could look completely different soon! Walt Disney Imagineering just filed a brand-new Notice of Commencement permit for 1940 Avenue of the Stars, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This is the address for both CommuniCore Hall, the event space currently hosting GoofyCore, and CommuniCore Plaza, the outdoor theater showing ¡Celebración Encanto! and JAMMitors. ¡Celebración Encanto! The contractor is Jon Richards Company FL, a fabrication vendor specializing in custom scenic elements, set builds, props, lighting, and signage. They have dozens of Disney World projects under their belt, notably Monstropolis and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Hollywood Studios, Test Track at EPCOT, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Animal Kingdom. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Disney hasn’t announced a change to either space, so the permit may be for a refresh of the area. But with the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival on the horizon, the festival could see a major installation in CommuniCore Hall reminiscent of other festivals, like Spike’s Garden or the Spaceship Earth Gingerbread. With a starting date of August 27th, the timing lines up! Gingerbread Spaceship Earth for Festival of the Holidays at CommuniCore Hall Disney hasn’t announced a closing date, so the installations will likely be done overnight to avoid a closure. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on any closures happening in EPCOT soon. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! NEW Disney World Permit Hints At Opening Timeline Of Tropical Americas Land In Animal Kingdom 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 is coming to CommuniCore? Comment below – we want ALL your thoughts! View the full article

It’s time to celebrate the birth of America in the most American way we know how! Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ There are special fireworks to see, snacks to enjoy, and, now, southern comfort food to indulge in for a limited time. One of our favorite Disney World restaurants just got even better for a limited time. There are SO many different ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Disney World. You can check out the special fireworks in EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, you can try tons of new snacks, you can hunt for rare character costumes throughout the park, and so much more. When you’re donning your red, white, and blue, you also might want to grab a seat at a table service restaurant to keep the celebration going. That’s why we’re here to shout out the limited-time Homecomin’ 4th of July brunch! Inside Homecomin’ Homecomin’ delicious weekend, brunch just got a limited-time upgrade. On July 3rd, July 4th, and July 5th, you can enjoy the restaurants’ 4th of July offerings from 9 AM until 1 PM each day. The restaurant shared a look at the subtle menu changes that you can enjoy, including their incredible fried chicken and Southern Style Cheesy Potatoes… ©Homecomin’ …these mini glazed donuts… ©Homecomin’ … and this specialty drink. All of these items are staples of the brunch menu, but they’ve been given a little something extra for the weekend. ©Homecomin’ Homecomin’ is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Disney World thanks to its incredible Southern comfort food that will even impress true southerners! (Take it from our team, we would know)! Once brunch is over, you can try the restaurant’s full menu until closing. Homecomin’ offers brunch, but only on the weekends, so don’t be caught unaware! Homecomin’ Hash! You can check out the newest version of Soarin’, special flyovers at Magic Kingdom, and more to have fun around Disney World for the 4th of July weekend. You can read more about the weekend here! Why Disney Fans Are Running To EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion This WeekendWhy Homecomin’ In Disney Springs Just Got EVEN BETTER For A Limited TimeEverything You Need for the 4th of July at Disney World — All on AmazonPlanning to Visit Disney World on The Fourth of July? Park Pass Availability Has CHANGED! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. Why Everyone Will Be in Magic Kingdom at 10:30 AM This Saturday 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 Tell us your favorite Disney World restaurant in the comments! View the full article

Don’t make these costly mistakes before and during your next Disney trip! Frogg Toggs Poncho When it comes to a Disney trip, it’s easy to get suckered into spending needlessly. Fortunately, we’re here to put you on the right path. Instead of overpaying at the parks, you should check out these cost-effective souvenirs and essentials on Amazon BEFORE your trip! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Before we get into it, check out all kinds of Disney essential deals happening right now via our Amazon storefront! VIEW ESSENTIAL DEALS ON AMAZON Save on ponchos ©Amazon The Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Poncho is our go-to poncho, and it’s often ON SALE! Available in six different colors on Amazon, this poncho is 100% waterproof, seam-taped, lightweight, reusable, and durable. It also comes with a carrying sack, so you can store it after you get on a water ride. BUY ON AMAZON Don’t pay full price for Minnie Ears! ODOCARE Handmade Mouse Ears Headband Ear headbands can cost $35 or more in the parks, but the ODOCARE Handmade Mouse Ears Headband costs under $10! Available in several different bow themes like Minnie’s famous polka dot dress, leopard print, and shiny pink, this headband is soft, gentle on your head, and universal in size to fit most adults. BUY ON AMAZON You don’t need to break the bank on autograph books ©Amazon You can grab this Disney Princesses Autograph Book for under $10! This book comes with a Belle-themed pen and features Disney royalty on the cover. Now you can grab signatures from your or your family’s favorite characters in style! BUY ON AMAZON This Disney sweatshirt is way more affordable than the ones at the parks ©Amazon Finally, Disney sweatshirts can get super pricey in the parks — usually costing well over $50. However, this Cinderella Sweatshirt is under $30 on Amazon! This cotton-blend sweatshirt is super breathable and great for slightly chilly evenings at the parks, and it features cute bows, Minnie Mouse ear designs, a little bird, and the lyrics “A dream is a wish your heart makes” — making it the perfect addition to any Disney-themed wardrobe. BUY ON AMAZON Still looking for something? Check out even more deals by clicking the link below! VIEW THESE AMAZING DEALS And there you have it! We’ll continue to keep you posted on all kinds of great Disney finds and packing tips, so be sure to stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates! View the full article

Disney recently dropped a ton of news, and if you’re a big fan of the holidays in the parks or are planning a trip for the holiday season this year, you don’t want to miss this. Christmastime at Disney World! We’re already dreaming of peppermint snacks and snoap on Main Street. From speciality events in the parks to long-standing traditions being gone, Disney dropped some big news recently for this year’s holiday season. Here’s a round-up of everything Disney shared so far! 1. Official Dates for the Holiday Season Disney confirmed that the holiday season at Disney World will officially begin on November 13th and run through January 6th. This means we can expect to see decorations, Christmas trees, and holiday treats arrive at Disney World around then. Christmas at Magic Kingdom 2. 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Details Disney announced that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will kick off on November 8th this year. The annual holiday party at Magic Kingdom will run on select nights from November 8th to December 22nd. Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party go on sale on July 9th for those staying at Disney World hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green. For everyone else, you’ll be able to buy tickets on July 16th. Adult ticket prices range from $189 to $229 per ticket in 2026, plus, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select evenings. Everything CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party This Year! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party map They also announced the return of some snacks for the party. The Carne Asada Loaded Fries at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe are coming back. These are French Fries topped with chipotle queso, caramelized onions, avocado salsa, and queso fresco. Another returning favorite is the Snowflake Ornament at Pinocchio Village Haus, which is coconut-eggnog mousse in a white chocolate shell with sugar décor. Lastly, the Hazelnut Carriage Cake at Cinderella’s Royal Table will also make a comeback. This is a spiced poached pear topped with vanilla bean mousse and sugared cranberries. 3 Menu Items Returning To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Snowflake Ornament 3. 2026 Disney’s Jollywood Nights Disney also announced the official dates for Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That party will run on select nights from November 7th to January 5th. It will be on select Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. This special event will have some incredible returning shows, like Disney Holidays in Hollywood hosted by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Everything CONFIRMED for Jollywood Nights This Year! 2025 Jollywood Nights 4. EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Details This year’s EPCOT Festival of the Holidays will run from November 27th through December 30th. As always, it starts on the Friday after Thanksgiving. During this festival, you can see the storytellers in the pavilions, beautiful decorations, and more. Another one of the BEST parts of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is the Candlelight Processional. Everything You Can See and Do at the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays 5. No Grand Floridian Gingerbread House The gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will not be returning. The amazing house did not return for the 2025 season due to construction throughout the resort, specifically in the lobby, where they installed The Perch, a birdcage bar. However, Disney has now announced that it will not return this year and instead, there will be miniature gingerbread houses on display. We Have Some BAD NEWS About Disney World’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House! 6. Disney World Hotel Discounts Disney announced four ways that you can save during the holiday season this year. Annual Passholders can save up to 30% on select rooms when staying at a Disney Resort from October 4th through December 24th. Florida residents can save up to 25% off stays at Disney World hotels from October 19th through October 31st, November 15th through November 28th, and December 13th through December 24th! There’s also a discount for Disney+ users and even one for all guests. Disney World Just Dropped 4 NEW Hotel Discounts! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The holidays are an exciting time at Disney World, and there will be a LOT to do. For the latest Disney news and tips, be sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog! The Holiday Season in Walt Disney World — Dining, Special Events, and MORE! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which of these announcements are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

In case you missed it, DinoLand USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is under construction to become a newly reimagined Tropical Americas land! This change will bring three brand-new rides, along with a new quick-service restaurant that will be the largest on Disney property. ©Disney Disney has been hard at work building the new land. But it’s not all done, because Disney just filed a permit for the new Indiana Jones ride! Last August, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit to install set elements at DINOSAUR. This new Notice of Commencement permit is an updated version that renews the installation through April 2027. This work will likely include large scenic details, show sets, and other themed elements to transform the ride building into the Mayan temple we’ll explore with Indy. The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones. ©Disney The contractor listed is Mecca Productions, Inc., which specializes in set design and fabrication for theme parks and other venues. They’re a frequent collaborator with Disney, currently working on Pueblo Esperanza’s Encanto ride, and more recently, the Haunted Mansion refurbishment, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad upgrade, and the rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Since all of the Pueblo Esperanza permits now expire by April of 2027 at the latest, there is a chance that the land could be completed by spring 2027. This means that a summer opening could be in the cards for Pueblo Esperanza! We won’t know for sure until Disney tells us, but this could be a pretty exciting hint! Sure, they can always file new permits again to extend the deadline, but we are manifesting a summer 2027 opening. Pueblo Esperanza Entrance See more Pueblo Esperanza updates here! NEW Disney World Permit Hints At Opening Timeline Of Tropical Americas Land In Animal KingdomDisney Files NEW Permit For Tropical Americas Land in Animal KingdomDisney’s Animal Kingdom Expansion Is One Step Closer To Opening We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the new Tropical Americas land, which will open in 2027 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! Want to see what Pueblo Esperanza looks like right now? 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 When do you think Pueblo Esperanza will open? Comment below – we want ALL your thoughts! View the full article

If you’re in the mood for some nonsense, I’ve got you covered! We’re back! It’s time to venture once again into the bowels of EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town with me, Madam Mayor! Let’s see what these miniature delinquents are getting up to this week. Any guesses? Starting things off strong, I caught a smuggler IN ACTION this week! The man on the left was attempting to smuggle illegal chocolate into our town and peddle it to local businesses. Doesn’t he know this a CARAMEL ONLY village? I mean, Karamell-Kuche is right there. It’s Germany for crying out loud! Thankfully, the townsfolk banded together and swiftly kicked out this dastardly dessert devil. He won’t be trying to con my people anymore. An argument? A curious problem has been happening on some of our local farms recently. This week, several cows collapsed in the middle of the day! One moment they were right as rain, and the next, BAM, out cold. We called in some specialists and found out that the cow feed at several farms had been laced with Benadryl (You know, the allergy medicine that essentially works by knocking you out? Because you can’t sneeze if you’re unconscious!). Now, the next question…who would do such a thing? And for what purpose? Hmmm…. Speaking of mysteries, several businesses were unexpectedly closed on the day of my visit in the downtown district. It’s not like I require a certain number of business hours from my citizens, but these guys are usually ready to serve any time of day. The fact that several buildings had doors closed and shutters drawn makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I’m starting to wonder if something sinister is afoot. I don’t like the look of this While we all begin to wonder about the darker side of the town, let’s wrap this update up with some lighter drama. During a wedding this week at the chapel, a fistfight broke out between a bride and her Maid of Honor after the latter confessed her feelings to the groom during the ceremony. The bride proceeded to drag her from the church by the hair. The wedding went on as planned, and the Maid of Honor was found moaning and lying on the ground outside the church afterward. WOWZERS. Drama as usual It has been a dramatic week here in the Tiny Train Town! We’ll keep you in the loop with more stories, so subscribe to our newsletter for all the updates. * The anarchy within is mostly created by natural occurrences, like giant squirrels, wind, rain, and relatively godzilla-sized lizards who frequent the town; but we find it fun and entertaining to make up fictional stories about what COULD be happening. We are grateful to the folks who create and maintain this Tiny Train Town for Disney World, as it’s one of our favorite parts of EPCOT and always has been. See Other Tiny Train Town Updates Here! 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 is the cause of these mysteries in Tiny Train Town? Tell me in the comments! View the full article

Becoming Moana: A Visit With Catherine Laga’aia | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

When it comes to dining at Epic Universe, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle of the road and comforting with Mario? Yep, that too. And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you can find that as well. Chengdu Dream We recently stopped by The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant at Celestial Park in Epic Universe to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to Epic Universe? Find out here! Atmosphere The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is in Celestial Park, and it’s pretty easy to find because there’s a gigantic blue dragon at its entrance! The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is an upscale spot in Celestial Park. The theme is a bustling Asian courtyard, so you’ll find a massive tree overhead in part of the dining area. There’s plenty of seating with tables and chairs. The Blue Dragon But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu features upscale Asian food, usually spicy and garlicky. The highlights include small plates, like Double Fried Korean Wings and Sweet and Sour Calamari. You can also order Dim Sum, as well as dishes featuring Noodles and Rice. Big plates include Crispy Fried Snapper and Beef and Broccoli. You can also order various teas to go with your meal, or an alcoholic selection of Sake, cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. The menu And now, onto the main event — the food! Drinks To drink, we started with a non-alcoholic tea, The Dragon’s Stardust Custom Blend, for $11. This is made with a jade-green infusion of lemongrass, ginger, stevia, pineapple, butterfly pea blossom, and a blend of other herbs and spices. Dragon’s Stardust Tea This portion of tea was enough for two people and easily splittable. It’s super fun because it changes color from blue to purple when you squeeze the lemon. The tea itself is so fruity with a juicy flavor profile, and the lemon adds a bright citrus zing. The stevia here was pretty strong, though, so it’s very sweet. Dragon’s Stardust Tea We also tried the Chengdu Dream for $19. This is made with Ming River Sichuan Baiju, DeKuyper blue curaçao, BG Reynolds Falernum, white grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice. Chengdu Dream This is super tropical with a unique flavor profile — you taste the tart pineapple, then sweet lychee. We also loved the presentation on this. The epic dragon stick alone was worth the money! Chengdu Dream Eats First up, we grabbed the Smashed Cucumbers for $14. This is smashed cucumbers with dragon sauce, cilantro, peanuts, and Sichuan spice. Smashed Cucumbers The cucumbers were really fresh, super crispy, and the thick pieces were drowning in the sauce and seasoning. The dragon sauce is more of a light soy-based sauce. The Sichuan spice added a pleasant heat without creating a buildup of heat in your mouth, and the soy balanced it with a nice savory saltiness. The peanuts added a nice nutty element. It’s a great light appetizer to start your meal! Smashed Cucumbers Next up were the Wontons in Chili Oil for $17. These are chicken wontons with dragon sauce and chili oil. Wontons in Chili Oil The wonton wrapper itself was a little bit chewy. The chicken filling was so comforting, warm, and flavorful. The chili oil adds a kick, and more of that dragon sauce adds saltiness, which makes for a really delicious bite. Wontons in Chili Oil Then for our entrée, we got the Beef Xi’an Noodles for $31. This is spicy braised beef, Napa cabbage, Sichuan spice, garlic, hot oil, dragon sauce, and hand-cut noodles. Beef Xi’an Noodles The noodles were super soft and chewy. The beef was crumbly and super flavorful, plus it was evenly distributed, so it was easy to get a nice bite of beef with the noodles. The noodles were coated in the same spicy Sichuan spice and hot oil from earlier, but surprisingly, this was very garlic-forward. Every bite had lots of garlic with a small kick. Beef Xi’an Noodles Nosh or Not You should visit The Blue Dragon if… You have picky eaters in your party. Honestly, the food here is so comparable to most Asian restaurants that there’s probably something here for everyone. You want a full table-service meal experience. This is a table-service restaurant, so it’s a chance to take a break from the parks, sit down for a little while, and get served food and drinks. You want drinks and dessert. The stand-out here was the dessert we had, plus there are some interesting drinks to choose from. You should skip the Blue Dragon if… You want something unique. As we mentioned, there’s not much here that isn’t available at most Asian restaurants, so you’re not going to find anything that’s going to wow the foodie in you. You want something fast. This is a table-service restaurant, so dining here will take more time than it would if you ordered quick-service food. You don’t like Asian food. If Asian food isn’t your thing, you’re probably not going to find anything here to please you. There’s a huge variety of food in Epic Universe, after all, so you’re sure to find something you like elsewhere. Overall We thought The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant had good food, but it took a while to come out. This is very much a sit-back-and-relax kind of restaurant, paired with the gorgeous atmosphere, and while that might be your vibe, it’s not for everyone. Since Epic Universe still exclusively offers one-day tickets, there are better quick-service restaurants that will maximize your time. 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 restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Funko Pops! are one of the best ways to show off your love for your favorite movies, TV shows, and characters, and we can’t get enough of them. ©Amazon There’s a big sale on all sorts of Funko Pops! on Amazon right now, which means it’s a perfect time to grab some for gifts or build up your own collection. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Suite Life of Zack and Cody Funko Pop! ©Amazon The nostalgia is real with this duo! They’re currently 69% off, and we think this would be perfect for you and your best friend. It’s only $10, and since it comes with both Zack and Cody, you can each have one. It’s also great for a sibling pair that was inseparable. SHOP NOW A Goofy Movie Max Funko Pop! ©Amazon “If we listen to each other’s hearts, we’ll find we’re never too far apart!” Every ’90s kid will need Powerline Max for their collection. It would be perfect next to your CD collection, and coming in at 12% off, it’s only $15. SHOP NOW Mickey Mouse Funko Pop! ©Amazon You’re going to need this if you only talk about the classics. It’s 18% off and only $12, and we’d probably put little Mickey right next to our movies or family photos from our last Disney World vacation. It’s also a perfect gift to tell someone they’re going to Disney! SHOP NOW 101 Dalmations Funko Pop! ©Amazon It’s so cute! For $30, you get three of the Dalmatians and the iconic TV set. The set includes Rolly, Patch, and Lucky, and is 12% off. Dog lovers are going to go wild for this one, and you can scatter them around your house or keep them together on a shelf or desk. SHOP NOW Hercules Funk Pop! ©Amazon I can go the distance! Hercules is 47% off and only $8. Hercules is such a beloved character and perfect for so many things. This could be a great gift for someone who is on their own journey or someone who is always hitting the gym and training. We only wish it came with Pegasus. SHOP NOW Daisy Duck Funko Pop! ©Amazon Daisy Duck is 50% off and $8, which is definitely one of the best deals. If you’re grabbing the Mickey Mouse one, you probably need to grab Daisy, too, and start collecting the whole Mickey and friends gang. She looks like she’s ready to start singing, too. SHOP NOW Stitch Funko Pop! ©Amazon Who doesn’t love this chaotic blue alien? Stitch is playing music and is 20% off, making the figure only $12. Every Stitch lover will need this, and it’s perfect for summer vacation. He looks so silly with his eyes closed and ukulele in hand, but that’s exactly what Stitch should be doing! SHOP NOW Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney finds. View the full article

NEW EPISODE! The Muppets got a roller coaster 🎢 Disney Unscripted got the backstage access 🎸🎬View the full article

Inside The Muppets Takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster | Disney UnscriptedView the full article

We are not kidding when we say EVERYTHING is changing in Disney World because it seriously is! We’re talking new lands, new rides, new areas….EVERYTHING. Even Disney World hotels are making big changes (and yes, we’re still a little sad about the Grand Floridian gingerbread house situation). Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Rides are also getting updated. We recently saw big updates made to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but ANOTHER Magic Kingdom ride is getting a massive update soon, and it’s a classic one: Carousel of Progress. Now, BIG changes are coming to this attraction, but will those changes include something a little…extra? Carousel of Progress is getting a massive overhaul, which will include entirely new scenes as well as a Walt Disney animatronic at the beginning of the ride. Act 1 of the ride will start in the 1960s, while the second act will take us to the 1980s. Act 3 will go to the 1990s, while the final act will take the family into the future. The ride will close on July 6th and reopen in 2027 with these new updates. This is the first massive update the ride has received since it opened in Tomorrowland in 1975. ©Disney So what else might change with this ride? Carousel of Progress is basically a rotating theater, and as it is moving, Disney has certain safety precautions in place. If someone gets up to leave the ride, the show and the ride stop, interrupting it for others. It’s likely that after this happens, Cast Members also have to walk around the entire building to make sure it’s safe to restart the ride’s motion. Now, there are emergency exits…for emergencies, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Seating inside Carousel of Progress Recently, social media has been discussing an increase in the number of people getting up and leaving the ride in the middle of the show, forcing others to sit through the same scene over and over while the ride is stopped. This is a very unique problem because this ride is different from other attractions in that you can just easily get up and walk out the exit that takes you back into the park. But this new trend is why there’s been some discourse online about possibly adding seat belts to the Carousel of Progress. Should this ride have seatbelts? Now, this is just something that’s more or less a rumor at this point, although it would solve the problem of people getting up in the middle of the ride to leave. We must stress that this is NOT something Disney has confirmed. But it does fall under “this is why we can’t have nice things.” People are going to, well, PEOPLE, and that means ignoring Cast Member requests and ride rules, and, unfortunately, there seems to be a rise in that kind of behavior in the parks. Carousel of Progress Now, we’re not big fans of adding seatbelts to a ride that is often a favorite chill and relax (and nap) spot, but at the same time, if this is a continuing problem, Disney may have to address it. Carousel of Progress is in for a long closure, so there will be time to add some kind of restraints to the seats inside the theater. Perhaps, though, there’s a better way, and if there is, we’re sure Disney will think of it. Until then, though, we’ll just have to see what happens. We’ll keep an eye out for updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. “Stop Ruining The Old Stuff” Disney Fans React To Latest Carousel of Progress News 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? Should Carousel of Progress have seatbelts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

We are absolutely fascinated by the incredible technological advances that Disney continues to make. Chewie with BDX Droids From updating animation styles to creating animatronic figures and ride technology for the parks, they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to bring entertainment to life. And now? They’re building dolphin robots and car-sized manta rays. But these Moana-inspired creatures aren’t the only projects underway at Disney’s research and development facility. They’re also working on a serious of floating droids that would work alongside snack carts to add immersion to Star Wars-themed spaces like Galaxy’s Edge. BDX droids roaming in Galaxy’s Edge We also recently saw updated projection mapping technology on a skeleton figure at Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland. The ultimate goal of these projects is to maximize Disney’s technological innovation in preparation for the Abu Dhabi park — set to be the most technologically advanced Disney park to date. New projection mapping in Pirates of the Caribbean “We’re working backwards through our other experiences to test and learn so that we can deliver on that promise and that all of our parks will benefit from the innovations between now and then,” said Kyle Laughlin, senior vice president for technology and research & development at Walt Disney Imagineering. “I think in the time frame in which we’ve talked about Abu Dhabi, you will see more free roaming robots, integrated XR experiences and all kinds of new ways to engage people as both devices and expectations change.” ©Disney We’ve seen Disney pour resources heavily into robotics in recent years. From the stuntronics used in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure to the large exoskeleton suits that bring characters like Hulk and Baymax to life, Disney Imagineers have been flexing their brains to come up with new ways to make in-park experiences more realistic. ©Bloomberg Of course, we can’t forget the free-roaming animatronics like Olaf in World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris and the bipedal BDX droids in Galaxy’s Edge. There’s no telling what will be possible by the time we walk the streets of Disneyland Abu Dhabi. ©Disney We can’t wait for the day that we get to see some of these inventions in action. We’ll keep you updated with more Disney news. 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 dolphin robot? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Picking shoes for Disney World is no easy feat. There are so many options, and if you don’t know where to start, it can be totally overwhelming, especially since everyone’s feet are different and may require different support. Nortiv 8s We’ve pulled a few of our favorite shoes that the grandmas of the group seem to really be enjoying. These shoes are great for walking around Disney and have the extra cushion you need to keep going. Check out all of our favorites! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. OLUKAI Slip-On Sneakers ©Amazon Sometimes, we just don’t want to deal with laces! These shoes are easy to slip on and off, so you don’t have to bend over to put them on or tie them throughout the day. What’s great about these for Disney is that they have a mesh top, so it’s easier for your feet to breathe through the heat and humidity. SHOP NOW Sketchers Slip-On Sneakers ©Amazon For a more affordable slip-on option, you really can’t go wrong with Skechers. The company has been around forever because they know what they’re doing. These are lightweight, have responsive cushioning, and are softer than the average walking shoe. SHOP NOW Vionic Casual Support Sneaker ©Amazon If you like the lace look, these are also a great option. The laces are purely decorative, so they look more like traditional sneakers, and you can tell they’re washable. They have a relaxed construction, so something is too stiff around the edges. SHOP NOW Dr. Scholl’s Shoes ©Amazon Dr. Scholl’s is known for its comfort and cushioning, so if you’re someone who prioritizes cushioning with every step, this might be the go-to pair. These are also slip-on but with laces to make them look like traditional sneakers. The laces stretch to ensure a perfect fit. SHOP NOW NORTIV 8 Walking Shoes Nortiv 8s Just look at the cushion on these things! These are slip-ons with stretch laces, and the cushion provides a cloud-like feel that absorbs shock and reduces impact on joints. They’re also lightweight and breathable, which is ideal for Florida, as they keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day. SHOP NOW Skechers Sport Active Slip-ins ©Amazon These slip-on shoes have a flexible mesh upper with a bungee closure system to easily take them on and off. There’s Air-Cooled Memory Foam on the bottom, and you can throw them in the washer to keep them clean. SHOP NOW Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite pieces you’ll want for your next Disney World vacation. View the full article

Sure, we love the Disney World parks — we’re there every single day. But we also love Disney Springs just as much! Vans Store This shopping and dining district is home to some of our favorite restaurants and shops in all of Disney World, and you don’t even need a park ticket to get there! A ton of changes are happening around Disney Springs, and the latest one just rolled out. The Vans Store is now open at Disney Springs! The Vans Store is now open at Disney Springs as of July 2nd! You’ll find the new store in the space that formerly housed the Volcom store and, more recently, Disney’s Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery. It’s located in Disney Springs’ Town Center, right between the Harley-Davidson and Levi’s stores. Inside the new Vans Store According to the Disney World website, the Vans Store is open daily at Disney Springs from 10 AM to 11 PM — which gives you a whole day to shop ’til you drop, if you so choose. Plenty of shoes and more! When we stopped by, the store was celebrating its grand opening with quite a few sales. Not only that, but you can typically apply a 10% to 20% Walt Disney World Annual Passholder discount on eligible purchases, or earn points to redeem for in-store discounts through the Vans Family rewards program. Lots of clothes, too Another exciting new addition is coming to Disney Springs soon, too. Six Ravens is a fast-casual concept from the Gideon’s Bakehouse team that will specialize in savory hand pies. It will open sometime in 2026, but we have an update that means work is happening, and we’re crossing our fingers that it means we’ll be getting new, savory treats sooner rather than later. Six Ravens We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates you need to know about from Disney Springs 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 Springs news at the links below! A NEW Store Is NOW OPEN at Disney Springs24 Disney World Passholder Perks Are ENDING in 29 DaysLEVEL99 at Disney Springs Is an Extrovert’s DREAM6 NEW Restaurants Confirmed for Disney WorldYou Should Book LEVEL99 Tickets in Advance at Disney World — Here’s WhyUh, Disney World? What Happened to My Favorite Annual Event?Everything You Need To Know About the New Disney Springs Transportation Rule 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 Do you make a stop at Disney Springs when you’re on your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

It might be the middle of a very hot and humid summer in Florida, but we’re already thinking ahead to slightly cooler days, pumpkin spice everything, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Seriously, can it just be spooky season already? New Halloween Tees Well, Disney World must have read our minds because it may only be July, but you can now buy Halloween souvenirs in Disney World…and we ARE READY to throw our money at all of it. Bring on Halloween! We recently paid a visit to Emporium in Magic Kingdom and were thrilled to see a display of Halloween t-shirts already gracing the shop. So now might be a good time to pick up some shirts, especially if you’re planning on attending the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on August 7th. Let’s take a closer look at the shirts. We saw some orange Disney World Halloween Character Shirts with our fave characters in their Halloween costumes. Fun character shirt Then there’s this adorable Stitch Pumpkin Patch Shirt with Stitch dressed up like a pumpkin. Stitch! We are OBSESSED with this Grogu Halloween Shirt with three versions of Grogu on it. Adorable Grogu There’s also this black and orange Mickey Halloween Disney World Shirt with giant letters in different textures that spell out “Disney World.” Mickey! This fun Halloween Cars Shirt features the Cars characters in their Halloween costumes. Who doesn’t love Vampire Mater? Check out this Disney World Dancing Skeletons Halloween Shirt. Spooky! The Dancing Skeletons We’re also kinda’ obsessed with the Disney Villains as Drinks Halloween Shirt. Disney Villains…but as drinks There’s even an Adventures of Ichabod Crane Shirt! The Adventures of Ichabod Crane We’re also thinking ahead to sweatshirt season with this adorable Disney Ghost Crewneck Sweatshirt. We love this Disney Ghost Okay, we also need the Shirt with Minnie, Clarabelle, and Daisy as the Sanderson Sisters. Even Figaro is along for the ride. Our girls as the Sanderson Sisters You can also grab this fun Stormtrooper Trick or Treat Shirt. Stormtroopers like to Trick or Treat, too Marie is “Boo-gie” on this fun Marie Halloween Shirt. Sassy Marie This Headless Horseman Shirt is sure to put you in a spooky mood. The Headless Horseman This is the Fall Vibes Shirt, and it’s our favorite because it’s all about Disney FOOD. Fall…and Food Vibes These are all available RIGHT NOW at the Emporium, so you’ll want to make sure you make it your next stop when you visit Magic Kingdom to grab one of these shirts before they’re gone. In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye out for more spooky merchandise, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 13 Disney Halloween Finds on Amazon I Immediately Added to Cart 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 shirts? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The flight to Disney World is basically the last obstacle standing between you and a churro. Orlando International Airport We get it, that flight can feel like the longest two to five hours of your entire trip, especially with a dead phone, a stiff neck, and a kid asking, “are we there yet?” for the 40th time. The right gear can turn that flight from miserable to actually kind of enjoyable. Here are SIX things that’ll make the journey way smoother before you even touch down in Orlando. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Your Phone Is About to Die Right When You Need It Most FuelRod MAX10 Nothing’s worse than landing at MCO with 3% battery and zero way to pull up your Lyft confirmation or hotel reservation. Airports are notorious for hogging every outlet in sight, and airplane seats rarely have working ports either. The FuelRod MAX10 solves this before it becomes a problem. It comes fully charged out of the box with a 10,000mAh capacity, wireless charging that’s MagSafe compatible, and the ability to charge two devices at once. The best part is that if you run low, you can swap it for a fresh one at FuelRod kiosks all over the country, including several spots in the parks themselves. Note that the swappable stations in Disney World are free of charge, but other kiosks around the world may not be. Keep your phone alive for the whole trip by grabbing one before you head to the airport. view ON AMAZON This Is the Reason You’ll Wake Up Without a Crick in Your Neck ©Amazon Falling asleep upright on a plane sounds great in theory until your head bobbles around like a tiny bobblehead doll and you wake up sore. Standard U-shaped pillows rarely fit anyone comfortably, which is half the problem. But, the trtl Pillow Plus actually adjusts to your height, with toggles on the ribs that let you customize the support until it fits just right. Its internal structure keeps your neck in a proper position the whole flight, and the breathable mesh fabric means you won’t wake up sweaty either. Treat your neck right and check it out before your next flight. view ON AMAZON Plane Cabins Are Always Either Freezing or Sweltering ©Amazon There’s really no in between on an airplane — you’re either hot or cold. One minute you’re sweating, the next you’re shivering because someone blasted the air conditioning next to you. And packing a bulky jacket takes up valuable suitcase space you’d rather use for souvenirs. The Dreamsoft Travel Scarf solves this by acting as a scarf, wrap, or light blanket depending on what the cabin temperature throws at you. It’s made from 100% organic cotton, so it’s soft, breathable, and gentle on your skin, and it folds down small enough to stash in your bag without taking up real estate. Stay comfortable no matter what the thermostat says by picking one up before your next trip. view ON AMAZON Your Phone Slides Right Off the Tray Table Every Single Time ©Amazon Trying to watch a show or scroll through your park itinerary while your phone keeps sliding around is annoying enough to ruin your flight. The PopSockets Phone Grip for MagSafe gives you a secure spot to prop your phone up hands free, and it snaps on and off in seconds thanks to its strong magnetic connection. It works as both a grip and a stand, so you can finally watch something without holding your phone the whole flight. Plus, the Disney-themed designs featuring Mickey and Minnie are a fun way to get into vacation mode early. Make your in-flight scrolling a little easier and grab one to not only use on your flight, but in everyday life! view ON AMAZON Falling Asleep Upright Just Isn’t Working for You ©Amazon If a traditional neck pillow hasn’t cut it for you in the past, you’re not alone. A lot of travelers struggle to actually fall asleep sitting up, no matter what pillow they try. The SARISUN Travel Pillow takes a different approach with a 360-degree design that wraps around your head and includes a built-in eye mask. Instead of relying on your chin and shoulders for support, it gently holds your head in place so you’re not jolting awake every time the plane hits turbulence. It also packs down small, so it won’t eat up your carry-on space. Give your sleep setup an upgrade and take a look at it before takeoff. view ON AMAZON In Flight Entertainment Is Useless Without This One Thing ©Amazon Plenty of seatback screens still only work with wired headphones, which is rough if you only travel with AirPods or wireless headphones. The Twelve South AirFly SE plugs into that 3.5mm jack and lets you connect your wireless headphones via Bluetooth in seconds. It holds a charge for over 20 hours, so it’ll easily outlast even the longest haul to Orlando, and it’s small enough to toss in any bag without a second thought. Finally watch something without untangling cords or having to buy wired headphones by grabbing one! view ON AMAZON Getting to Disney World should feel like part of the magic, not something you have to stress about. These six items take care of those small annoyances that add up over a long flight — from dead batteries to sore necks to tangled cords. Grab these items before your next trip, so you can land ready to hit the parks instead of needing a nap first. 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

Disneyland has a brand-new version of Soarin‘ – and we just got to ride it early! Soarin’ Across America Soarin’ Across America celebrates the 250th birthday of the U.S. by soaring riders across both coasts of the U.S., highlighting some of the country’s iconic landscapes and cityscapes. Think sweeping natural beauty, recognizable skylines, and a heavy dose of Americana! We rode Soarin’ Across America at Disney California Adventure, and we’re bringing you all of our thoughts! Soarin’ Across America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.! This brand-new version of Soarin’ takes riders across both coasts of the U.S., highlighting some of the country’s iconic landscapes and cityscapes. There’s a new sign out front to celebrate the updated ride as well. New Soarin’ Across America sign Inside the queue, you’ll find patriotic bunting celebrating the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. Inside the queue The pre-show is primarily the same, with some new jokes thrown in by the now Captain Patrick Warburton before the original spiel plays. Pre-show Soarin’ Across America features scenes from New York Harbor… Soarin’ Across America …the New England coastline… New England …the Grand Canyon West, and more. Grand Canyon Plus, you spot some gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore, too. Mount Rushmore We even flew over the Hollywood sign! Hollywood And in typical Soarin’ fashion, immersive scents were throughout the ride. The Louisiana Bayou, the Great Plains, and the Hawaiian Islands are now officially the best-smelling places in the U.S.! Hawai’i We had so much fun riding Soarin’ Across America! The ride is now officially open at Disney California Adventure for a limited time. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news! Why August 27th Will Be A HUGE Day For Disney Fans 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 Soarin’ Across America? Comment below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of Soarin’ Across America. Note that when we attend events as media, we are 1) not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder, there’s a LOT going on in the parks right now! Annual Pass Disney World is celebrating V.I.PASSHOLDER Days this summer, and the festivities end on July 31st. That means that if you’re reading this on the day it’s published, you only have 29 more days to check out some seriously awesome exclusive entertainment, specialty eats, and spectacular discounts. Let’s go over the FULL list! Character Meets Starting off our list, if you visit the Magic Eye Theater in EPCOT each day between 10AM and 6PM through July, you can enjoy an exclusive Annual Passholder character meet! When you arrive in the lobby, some of Mickey Mouse’s friends will be there to greet you. Chip ‘n’ Dale at the Annual Passholder meet and greet! When we stopped by, we got to see Chip and Dale looking rather dapper! There’s no telling who will be in attendance when you show up, so if you like to gather autographs and get hugs, this is a MUST. Passholder Lounge Also in EPCOT (it’s the unofficial hub for V.I.PASSHOLDER Days), you’ll find the Passholder Lounge. This is located at Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion, and it’s just as glorious as ever. An entire room dedicated to fun little exclusives, PLUS it has air conditioning? Count us in! Annual Passholder lounge This year, the lounge offers an exclusive Passholder button, snacks and beverages, and a unique photo op with a PhotoPass photographer. It’s a great spot to cool off from the summer heat when you’re hoofing it around the World Showcase. A New Magnet Available while supplies last in Creations Shop (or through July 31st), you can snag the Buzz and Woody Annual Passholder magnet. These free magnets are a beloved Passholder tradition, and they’re great to decorate your fridge, car, or wherever else you’d like. New Annual Passholder Magnet Each Passholder must be present to pick theirs up, and will need to show valid ID alongside their Annual Pass. Limit one per Passholder. A Special Snack Also in EPCOT is the Mickey Chocolate Cake Pop with Werther’s Original Caramel for $5.99 at Karamell-Kuche. This treat is Passholder exclusive and only around for V.I.PASSHOLDER Days. Yum! This is a very rich, deep, dark chocolate cake pop with a thin shell of chocolate on the outside, as well as a drizzle of caramel, complete with yellow sprinkles on top — it’s a chocolate-lover’s dream. We tried it out and it reminded us a lot of a fancy truffle. Definitely give it a taste if you’re stopping by! Toy Story Exclusives And speaking of Toy Story friends, there are some exclusive Passholder offerings in Hollywood Studios in honor of the release of Toy Story 5. From 10AM to 4PM in Grand Avenue, you can get the Annual Passholder Jessie and Bullseye Magic Shot with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. ©Disney Then, at Woody’s Lunch Box, the Screen Time Swirl Float is available as a Passholder-only treat. It’s made with vanilla soft-serve and Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar topped with chocolate cookie crumbs and a gummy candy frog. Disney Springs Deals Stopping by Disney Springs during your vacation? There’s a LOT to discover for Passholders there in the coming weeks. Here’s the full list: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Passholder-Exclusive Squeeze Bottle — Custom-designed, 24-oz squeeze bottle sold with your favorite Shine on Tap cocktail (discounted refills available) Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar The Summer Refresher — Fanta® Pineapple and crisp Fresca® Sparkling Soda with Fairlife® Milk, Coconut, Lime and a splash of Blue Curaçao—topped with a cloud of Pineapple foam Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Limited-Edition V.I.PASSHOLDER Donut — Lemon-Iced Donut, decorated with Sprinkles and topped with a sugar disc designed just for Passholders Frontera Cocina Elote Old Fashioned — Mexican Corn Whiskey and Mexican Corn Liquor House of Blues Gear Shop A mug with a design inspired by cities with House of Blues locations—like Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas and more (available while supplies last) Kate Spade New York A stainless steel water bottle with a minimum purchase of $150 (while supplies last) Annual Passholder Squeeze Bottle at Homecomin’ lululemon Complimentary black belt bag with a purchase of $250 or more (available while supplies last) Paddlefish 20% discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages (cannot be redeemed with any other discount or promotion) Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant It’s a Privilege — Minke Irish Vodka, Raspberry Puree, Homemade Rosemary Syrup and Fee Brothers Fee Foam—topped with Prosecco Rainforest Café at Disney Springs Marketplace Rainforest Serenade — A vibrant escape packed with exotic flavor and refreshing citrus energy (nonalcoholic) Pineapple Bourbon Smash — A bold, tropical cocktail that balances smooth Kentucky Bourbon with bright island flavor and a subtle kick of heat Passholder-Exclusive Keepsake — Exclusive pint glasses—available as an upgrade with the purchase of a Rainforest Serenade or Pineapple Bourbon Smash—and keyrings (available for purchase while supplies last) Splitsville Luxury Lanes Passholder-Exclusive Squeeze Bottle — Custom-designed, 24-oz squeeze bottle sold with your favorite frozen drink or resort-style cocktail (discounted refills available) Splitsville Luxury Lanes T-REX Creamsicle Spritz (nonalcoholic) — Orange Juice and Heavy Cream infused with Vanilla—topped with a splash of sparkling Sprite and garnished with an Orange Slice and a swirl of Whipped Cream Blackberry Bourbon Bramble — A blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon shaken with Lemon Juice and a touch of Simple Syrup and Blackberries Passholder-Exclusive Keepsakes — Exclusive pint glasses—available with the purchase of a Creamsicle Spritz or Blackberry Bourbon Bramble—and keyrings (available while supplies last) Terralina Crafted Italian 20% discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages (cannot be redeemed with any other discount or promotion) Vera Bradley Vera Bradley throw blanket—in meadow or icons print—available for $25 with a qualifying purchase of $100 or more Animal Kingdom Offerings Like Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom is also home to a few restaurants that aren’t Disney-owned. And both of those locations are offering exclusive items for V.I.PASSHOLDER Days! Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom has the following: The Cucumber Margarita — Don Julio Tequila, Lime, Agave, Muddled Cucumber and Fresh Lime Tequila Sunset(non-spirits) Cut Above Agave — Non-Alcoholic Tequila, Fresh Orange Juice—topped with Grenadine Passholder-Exclusive Keepsake — Exclusive pint glasses—available as an upgrade with the purchase of The Cucumber Margarita or Tequila Sunset—and keyrings (available for purchase while supplies last) Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom Then, back in the Asia section of the park, you’ll find the following at Yak & Yeti Restaurant: Summer Haze — Fords Gin and St. Germaine’s Elderflower Hibiscus Spritz (non-spirits) — Hibiscus and mint flavors Passholder-Exclusive Keepsake — Limited-edition souvenir glass—available as an upgrade with the purchase of a Summer Haze or Hibiscus Spritz (available for purchase while supplies last) Dining Discounts While we’re on the subject of dining, we can’t forget to mention the dining discount increase! Monday-Thursday each week through the end of the month, you can get increased Annual Passholder discounts at select sit-down restaurants. For a 20% discount on those dates, you can visit Be Our Guest Restuarant (lunch only) or The Crystal Palace (lunch and dinner). Character Autograph Card For a 40% discount on those same dates, visit the following spots: Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only) Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only) Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner) Hollywood & Vine (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Tiffins Restaurant (dinner only) Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner) Boatwright’s Dining Hall (dinner only) Cape May Cafe (dinner only) Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (dinner) Whispering Canyon Cafe (brunch and dinner) Cool Coffees Finally, you’ll want to stop by Joffrey’s locations around Disney World to do the Annual Passholder coffee crawl! As you try all five of these beverages from the theme parks and Disney Springs, you can collect stamps. When you get all the stamps, you can visit the Joffrey’s store in Disney Springs to collect a prize. Cinnamon Crunch Latte The beverages are as follows: Lucky Star Cold Brew at Magic Kingdom Park — Cold brew with toasted marshmallow syrup and a splash of cream, topped with whipped cream and sweetened cereal with marshmallows Parisian Pebble Cold Brew at EPCOT — Fruity cereal-flavored cold brew with a splash of cream, topped with whipped cream and fruity cereal Rockin’ Cold Brew at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Cold brew with chocolate and peanut butter flavors and a splash of cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate peanut butter puff cereal Forbidden Mountain Cold Brew at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park — Cold brew with honey syrup and a splash of cream, topped with whipped cream and honey cereal Cinnamon Crunch Latte at Disney Springs — Iced Latte with cinnamon, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon square cereal Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company That’s the full list of deals ending on July 31st, so hop to it! We’ll keep you updated if more offerings pop up. Learn More About the Annual Passholder Program and Perks Here! 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 Which of these perks are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article