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Summer time is arguably one of the best times of the year to visit Disney World’s two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon This is only the second summer in recent Disney World history where both water parks have been open at the same time. In years past, only one has been open while the other underwent refurbishment, potentially due in part to a lack of demand. Now, however, thanks to the hot weather and Disney World hotel perk that gets guests free admission to one of the water parks on their check-in day, the water parks have been BUSY. Summer does have to come to an end at some point, though, and Disney is already preparing, as they’ve just announced when Typhoon Lagoon will close for the season. It’s officially been announced that Typhoon Lagoon will close for its yearly refurbishment on September 9th. Guests will be able to enjoy Blizzard Beach during the closure, and it’s expected that when Typhoon Lagoon reopens in the following months, Blizzard Beach will then close for its refurbishment. That way, come spring and summer of 2027, both water parks will be open again. Typhoon Lagoon Both water parks are popular for different reasons — Typhoon Lagoon is home to a lazy river and wave pool, and the vibes are more chill, whereas Blizzard Beach is home to some more intense water slides and may be a better fit for thrill seekers. Either way, if you’ll be staying at a Disney World hotel and have any interest in checking either of the parks out, we highly recommend taking advantage of that free check-in day deal — it’s not often you get anything for free in Disney World, so that’s a real score. More Recent Water Parks News! CLOSING DATE Announced for Disney’s Typhoon LagoonA MAJOR Disney World Hotel Perk is FINALLY Back!A MAJOR Change Just Hit Disney World!A Word of Warning for the First Day at Your Disney World HotelThis Disney World Hotel Perk Returns in ONE Month! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! 5 NEW Summer Procedures Will Go Into Effect in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of the water parks is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Who’s excited for the Halloween season in Disney World? Raise those hands! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of the major highlights of the season, running on select dates in August, September, and October. It’s rife with exclusive entertainment and fun offerings, but it’s also POPULAR, and some dates are sold out for the 2026 event! In 2026, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place a few nights a week from August 7th through October 31st. Tickets range from $119 to $224 per adult, depending on which date you would like to visit. Tickets are available for purchase currently through the Disney World website, but some dates are already sold out. 2025 Party Entrance Currently, the following dates are sold out: Friday, August 14th Saturday, October 31st We will continue to update this list as new dates sell out. Jack Skellington and Sally at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The party begins at 7PM each evening, and Magic Kingdom closes to daytime guests at 6PM on party nights. You need a separate ticket (not a regular Magic Kingdom ticket) to attend the party, and you can use that ticket to get into the park as early as 4PM. With the event running until midnight, that’s eight hours of spooktacular fun to enjoy! Wreck-it Ralph During the party, you can enjoy complimentary trick-or-treating at treat stations around the park — some even feature rare characters! There are also exclusive treats to pay for at quick service locations and exclusive merchandise in some of the gift shops. On top of that, you’ll enjoy some special party entertainment…that’s a big part of why this event has so many fans! Mickey and Minnie! Not-So-Scary has its own special fireworks show, parade, and castle stage show, along with several rare character meet-and-greets around the park. You’ll spot friends and foes, villains and heroes, many of whom are wearing special Halloween outfits. Don’t forget to check out the spooky dance parties or the fun ride overlays, either! ZOM-BEATZ BASH We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with more Halloween season news, so subscribe to our newsletter for the latest. Learn All About Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Here! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe View the full article

Sam Eagle gives a proper salute to all Disney Parks, but mostly Disneyland! #DisneyCelebratesAmericaView the full article

ATTENTION: Sam Eagle’s Official Guide to America 250 at DisneylandView the full article

Dollywood is basically the Disney World of Tennessee. There are rides, there is food, there are themed hotels — what more could you ask for? Showstreet! But with this also comes the crowds, which means there will be a lot of waiting in lines and a lengthy amount of time to get back to your resort after a long day. However, if you’re staying at either the HeartSong Lodge & Resort or DreamMore Resort & Spa, you’re in for a couple of perks that could make those issues disappear! Like Disney, Dollywood has its own skip-the-line service called TimeSaver. This pass allows guests expedited access to lines at select rides. There are three TimeSaver options: TimeSaver Standard: Guests can enjoy five expedited entries on any of the participating TimeSaver attractions and priority seating at shows in participating theaters. TimeSaver Plus: Guests can enjoy as many expedited entries as they’d like on participating TimeSaver Plus attractions and priority seating at shows in participating theaters. TimeSaver Premium: Guests can enjoy unlimited entries to all thirteen TimeSaver attractions and priority seating at shows in participating theaters. Big Bear Mountain! And similar to Disney’s Lightning Lane service, TimeSavers come with a cost. TimeSaver Standard costs $60-$100 per person per day, TimeSaver Plus costs $80-$120 per person per day, and TimeSaver Premium costs $99-$139 per person per day. All are dependent on the crowd levels and availability. Dollywood tickets But if you’re staying at either the HeartSong Lodge & Resort or DreamMore Resort & Spa and have valid Dollywood admission, you’ll receive one complimentary Dollywood Resort TimeSaver per day to use during park operating hours. Additionally, resort guests with a Dollywood TimeSaver can use up to five expedited entries on participating attractions and will receive priority seating at shows in participating theaters. Guests also have the option to upgrade their TimeSaver tier for an additional cost. Note: Expedited entry on Big Bear Mountain and Lightning Rod is only available once with TimeSaver and is not valid at Mystery Mine, Dragonflier, or FireChaser Express. Welcome to Dollywood! Another perk you’ll receive if you’re staying at one of those resorts is complimentary preferred parking, which can be extra nice when those tram lines back up at night when the park closes! Think of it like the Transportation and Ticket Center — you will park in designated lots and hop on the tram to where the Monorail will take you to the Magic Kingdom. Or if you have preferred parking, you’re able to park closer and walk to the Monorail; it’s kind of like that! Welcome to Dollywood! So, if you’re taking your car to either of the Dollywood parks and don’t want to deal with the crowds using the tram service to get back to your car, this is a great perk to have! Showstreet! We’re always finding the best ways to save you time and money wherever you may be! Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, so you don’t miss any tips, tricks, or news! Dollywood Has Quietly Become The Next Big Theme Park Food Destination! 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 are you most excited for at Dollywood? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

LEVEL99 has officially opened at Disney Springs, and we just know it’s about to be one of the hottest spots of the summer. LEVEL99 is here! This two-story playground has over 60 games to play, ranging from physical challenges to mental puzzles and everything in between. The best part is that it’s all indoors, so you’ll be able to enjoy AC while it’s blazing hot outside. While you can walk up to this spot and see if there’s availability, it’s not what we recommend for one VERY specific reason. Advance reservations are available for LEVEL99, and it’s highly recommended that you do purchase your ticket ahead of time to secure your spot. LEVEL99 is located in the former NBA Experience building, which was first used for DisneyQuest from 1998 to 2017, which means yes, this is a pretty big spot — over 45,000 square feet, to be exact. LEVEL99 However, it IS possible for this spot to reach capacity, and we wouldn’t be shocked to see it happen this summer, especially on weekends or rainy days when families are looking for something fun to do indoors. You can purchase a 1.5-hour ticket, or a 2.5-hour ticket, so while it’s not like people will be staying inside LEVEL99 all day (…yet — if they release a day pass, it’s possible that may become the case), and that means if one time slot is filled up, there are likely others available, the last thing you want is to arrive empty handed and also LEAVE empty handed. Crystal Vision Game at LEVEL99 Disney Springs This is especially true since this is the only offering of its kind in Disney Springs, so if you’re out of luck here, it’s not like you can walk elsewhere in the shopping and dining district and find a similar immersive experience. Especially if you’re on your no-park day during your vacation, you don’t want a lack of a reservation to be the reason you don’t get to experience LEVEL99. Pirates Brig It’s been confirmed that if LEVEL99 does reach capacity, those with reservations/tickets bought online will be prioritized over those who arrive without one. Again, that doesn’t mean you CAN’T show up on a whim, but it’s not what we’d recommend if you know you want to get inside and have some fun. More Recent LEVEL99 News! You Should Book LEVEL99 Tickets in Advance at Disney World — Here’s WhyEVERYTHING We Learned About LEVEL99 in Disney Springs on Opening DayIs LEVEL99 At Disney Springs Single Player Approved? We Found Out!What I Wish I’d Known BEFORE Going to LEVEL99 in Disney Springs7 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in July Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! 6 MASSIVE Announcements From Disney World This Month Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to visit LEVEL99? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Universal just made a massive change that could impact how you watch TV. Universal Orlando According to Deadline, Comcast is planning to formally separate the media businesses that include NBCUniversal and Sky from its technology business and create two separate companies. This is set to be completed in a year. View the full article

Happy haunts will soon materialize on DisneyStore.com… But don’t worry! You won’t need to bring your death certificate to join in the frightful fun. All you foolish mortals need to do is sit back and enjoy the haunts and hype as I share with you some of my favorite items from The Haunted Mansion Collection, launching July 6. Ghoulish Styles for Every Foolish Mortal Dressing your best in life—or the afterlife—comes easy with ghoulish garbs like these. Adults can don a The Haunted Mansion Gargoyle T-Shirt and Madame Leota ”Send Us a Message from Somewhere Beyond” T-shirt, or even dress alongside your little ones in matching women’s and kid’s cardigans decorated in an allover print inspired by The Haunted Mansion’s wallpaper. You can also sport that iconic wallpaper pattern in The Haunted Mansion Wallpaper Pajama Set for Women or The Haunted Mansion Wallpaper Lounge Pants for Adults, both perfect for relaxing after a long day haunting. Accessorize Before You Materialize Attention all grim grinning ghosts. Don’t forget to properly accessorize before coming out to socialize! Carry all your ghostly goodies in The Haunted Mansion Tote, Hatbox Ghost Sling Bag, or The Haunted Mansion Ghost Host Butler Loungefly Mini Backpack. Then top off your look with my personal favorite, The Haunted Mansion Holiday Baseball Cap. Home Sweet Haunted Home Any true ghost host knows that no mansion is complete without decor to leave your guests simply scared with delight. Decorate your abode with the fully sculpted Mickey Mouse and Phineas in Doom Buggy Light-Up Mini Figure and a selection of ornaments inspired by The Haunted Mansion characters and iconography. You can also illuminate your home with an eerie glow with light-up figures inspired by Contance Hatchaway and the Three Gentlemen, which match perfectly alongside The Dynamite Gentleman and Sarah ”Sally” Slater light-up figures already available online. And if last year you didn’t get to bring home your own Hitchhiking Ghosts in Doom Buggy Light-Up Figure, look out for this chilling centerpiece when it relaunches on DisneyStore.com. Plush and Collectibles for all Haunted Fans As a plush and toy collector, these are the items that really fill me with chills and thrills! Coming soon to DisneyStore.com, this four-piece set reimagines beloved characters from The Haunted Mansion as rubber ducks that are sure to add a little cuteness to your otherwise haunting home. Speaking of cute, who could possibly resist a cuddly plush of Sarah “Sally” Slater or this Disney Store and Disney Parks exclusive Squishmallows set of the three Hitchhiking Hosts, Ezra, Phineas, and Gus? They make for perfect cuddle companions on a creepy Halloween night! Check out the Disney Store Halloween page for the latest updates on product releases and look out for these and more frightful finds when The Haunted Mansion Collection launches July 6 on DisneyStore.com. Until then, happy haunting! Walt Disney World Resort Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates & Teaser Treats Disney Consumer Products “Shriek” Peek at Disney Halloween Merchandise Materializing This Year Disney Consumer Products Get into Character This Spooky Season with Disney Halloween Costumes The post New Haunted Mansion Collection Coming to DisneyStore.com appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Halloween is on the horizon, and the frightful fun is already brewing here on Disney Parks Blog. Maybe you’ve bookmarked your favorite finds in our shriek peek or have started to brainstorm costume ideas with the gang, and there’s even more to get excited about! As we continue to celebrate the thrills and chills of the season, this will be your go-to destination for merchandise reveals across Disney Store and all of your favorite brands. Keep checking back as we unveil new collections and items that are sure to get you into the spooky spirit. June 30, 2026: Haunted Mansion Collection from Disney Store October may still be three months away, but many would argue it’s never too early to start celebrating Halloween — especially if scary good merch is involved! Disney Store is kicking off the frightful festivities on July 6, with the launch of this year’s The Haunted Mansion Collection. This assortment features returning favorites like the Small Hitchhiking Ghosts in Doom Buggy Light-Up Figure as well as new ghostly goodies you won’t want to miss. Chills and thrills abound with the assortment of apparel, accessories, plush, home decor, and more! Doll collectors in particular are sure to shriek with delight at the sight of the Werecat Lady Limited Edition Doll. Stay tuned, as the happy haunts are just beginning! We’ll be revealing new frightfully festive merchandise collections through the Halloween season. You can stay up to date on all the latest releases here as well as on the Halloween Shop page on DisneyStore.com, your go-to location for Halloween merch. Disney Consumer Products Limited-Edition Disney Dolls: Inside the Details and Design Process Disney Consumer Products “Shriek” Peek at Disney Halloween Merchandise Materializing This Year Disney Consumer Products Get into Character This Spooky Season with Disney Halloween Costumes The post 2026 Halloween Merchandise Guide: Frightfully Fun Finds for Every Disney Fan appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re anxiously awaiting any news about one of our favorite newer Disney World traditions! Disney Springs From the classic EPCOT Festivals to the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, you all know that we LOVE a Disney food festival! Which is exactly why we’re so concerned about the radio silence on one of Disney’s newer food events, which had already kicked off by July 1st in previous years… Back in 2019, the new Flavors of Florida event kicked off in Disney Springs. The first event took place from June 8th to September 2nd, 2019, with over 20 participating Disney Springs dining locations offering Floridian-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and local brews that showed off regional ingredients like citrus, Key lime, and fresh seafood. Flavors of Florida at Homecomin’ The event has also included both free and ticketed culinary events and other fun activities, rounding out the festival experience! Cooking Demo After a brief pause in 2020, Flavors of Florida returned to Disney Springs again in 2021, this time running from July 6th through August 12th, 2021. Flavors of Florida continued to be an annual event in Disney Springs each year since 2021, with the dates typically spanning from around early July to mid-August. That is, until this year. The Key Lime Pie Sundae We’ve now officially reached July, and Disney hasn’t made any announcements about Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs this year. That’s right, radio silence! Flavors of Florida 2024 Should we be concerned about the fate of Flavors of Florida, considering the lack of any updates at this point?? On one hand, in years past, it wasn’t unheard of for Disney to give us short notice about Flavors of Florida — for instance, in 2024, Disney released menus on June 26th, less than a week before the event started. But then again, last year, Disney announced Flavors of Florida dates on May 29th, a month before it began. Flavors of Florida 2022 Another reason we’re anxiously awaiting an update is that, in previous years, the event had already kicked off by this point. Flavors of Florida started on June 27th in 2025, and on July 1st in both 2024 and 2023. The latest start date has been for the 2021 event, which began on July 6th. Sunny Days Based on the timeline from previous years, we would have at least expected an announcement about Flavors of Florida by now, since it started by the first week of July each year it ran. Of course, it’s possible that an update from Disney could be just around the corner, or that the event is being pushed to later in the year this time around. We LOVE getting to experience a Disney festival without a park ticket(!!), so we’ll keep our fingers crossed for the future of Flavors of Florida! 2025 Flavors of Florida We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any official news about the event, and we’ll let you know about any future developments ASAP! 3 Things EPCOT Festivals Desperately Need 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 been to Flavors of Florida in Disney Springs? Share your experience in the comments! View the full article

Holidays can notoriously be busy in Disney World, but sometimes, it’s a bit of a toss-up on WHICH holidays or WHICH parks are going to be busiest. Fourth of July One thing’s for sure — while the Fourth of July is quite the packed day, despite how hot it usually is in Orlando, because hey, who doesn’t want to spend the holiday riding Disney rides and eating all the snacks? If you’re planning to be in the parks for the holiday, though, park pass availability has CHANGED, and it could mean your plans need to be adjusted. As a reminder, you do NOT need a park pass reservation if you have a date-based ticket to Disney World (ie, you’re visiting specific days and your ticket reflects that, like July 1st-5th). However, if you don’t have a date-based ticket, usually in the form of Annual Passes, and sometimes large group tickets that are often used by school trips, you do have to make park pass reservations before you go into the parks. On some days, that’s no problem, and if you forget to make you, you can just quickly snag one before tapping into the park. On holidays, though? That’s not what we recommend. LONG lines at the entrance on the Fourth of July (2023) Park pass availability has now changed for the four Disney World parks on July 4th. We’re seeing park pass availability change on a dime, even hour by hour, so we recommend continuing to check back. Today, June 30th, we noticed that Magic Kingdom reservations are now sold out for July 4th for both Incredi-Pass and Sorcerer Pass holders. At this time, all three other parks are available. The Pirate Pass and Pixie Dust Pass are both blocked out for the holiday. ©Disney Availability is also fully open for all four parks on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, which is also an improvement from what we saw before. This could be because Disney released more availability for the parks, which isn’t entirely uncommon as Disney sees what tickets have been sold so far. With only a few days left until the holiday, we’re expecting to see this change a good bit, so make those reservations now to be safe! More Fourth of July News You May Have Missed! Planning to Visit Disney World on The Fourth of July? Park Pass Availability Has CHANGED!REVIEW: New Snacks Dropped in Disney World – Here’s What’s Worth It and What To SkipDisney World Has EXTENDED Park Hours For Fourth of JulyALERT! New Muppets Popcorn Bucket Hits Disney World!WARNING: Controversial Disney Springs Transportation Rule Could Come Back Soon We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news around the holiday, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! It’s About to Get EASIER to Watch an Exclusive Disney World Fireworks Show Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to be in the parks for the holiday? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

In case you might have missed it, Universal is about to open its brand-new resort, Universal Kids Resort! Universal Kids Resort The kid-geared resort opens on July 1st in Frisco, Texas, but we got a sneak peek inside ahead of the crowds! While the internet has some pretty big thoughts about this new Universal property, one warning we absolutely need to give you is all weather-related. Here are our best tips on how to handle that Frisco heat. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’re into theme parks and internet discussion, you might have already seen the big online discourse surrounding the new Universal Kids Resort. Theme park fans online have some pretty big feelings regarding the resorts’ lack of themeing and lackluster attractions. While we will let YOU decide what you think about the park’s atmosphere, we are here to give you a big warning before you ever head inside. Universal Kids Resort The theme park is located in Frisco, Texas, which is a particularly hot area of the country, especially in the summer. High temperatures are often unavoidable, but if you don’t take care of yourself, your fun theme park day can turn into a disaster. Take it from a team that has gotten sick MULTIPLE times at Disney, Universal, and other theme parks around the world. Cooling Stations Being sick in a theme park stinks, trust us. First, utilize those Cooling Stations! Minions Splash Pad All around the resort, there are several misting stations and splash pads in each land. These play places are going to be an excellent place to cool off while still enjoying the fun of the theme park. There are play areas in each land, some with water and some without. You’ll find the largest one in Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, but Shrek’s Swamp and Bello Bay Club also have notable splash pads. Splash pad Several parents online have shared that they left their kiddos in swimsuits and shoes that can get wet during the day so they can explore each splashpad without ruining their clothes. Don’t worry, that Frisco heat will dry them quickly! If you’re looking for a way to keep your kiddos cool in between splash pads, consider grabbing some Cooling Towels. Sukeen Cooling Towels Sukeen Cooling Towels There are several people on our team who are HUGE fans of cooling towels. This set comes in a pack of 4 with all different colors, so every member of the family can have their own. You soak these towels in some cold water and then drape them around your head and neck to keep you cool even during the hottest parts of the day. These are reusable throughout your trip and are good for other locations like outdoor sporting events, concerts, and more. Grab Cooling Towels on Amazon Water Rides Can Help Don’t leave out the water rides in your search for ways to cool down. Bello Bay Cruise There are TONS of ways to cool off thanks to the misters and splash pads around the park, but have you consider the rides will help you cool down too? Bello Bay Cruise is a water ride where the Purple and Yellow Minions are facing off for some water-soaked chaos. You’re sitting right in the splash zone, and make no mistake — you will get SOAKED. Our reporter who rode this attraction said that many of the families on this attraction kept their swimsuits on for good reason because it drenches you so much. Bello Bay Bobbing Barrels in Bikini Bottom will also give you that cooled-down experience. In this ride, you blast water as you spin with SpongeBob and his friends. We got soaked just standing near this ride, and experiencing it was no exception. These are exceptional ways to cool down. Bobbing Barrels It isn’t just about getting soaked, though! Grab That Free Water! Just like any other theme park, you can grab free water around the resort. There are several Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines in the park that offer ice and water as needed. While we are professional Soda Goblins, we won’t pretend that soda can replace water as a necessity. Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine If you aren’t a fan of free theme park water (which some people aren’t), you can also buy bottles of water around the resort. If you don’t want to carry open cups with you everywhere, but you still want cold water with you at all times, bring your water bottle! Owala Water Bottle We love Owalas! Our entire team has lots of differing opinions, but one thing we almost all agree on is how much we love our Owala water bottles. These bottles are easy to carry, they keep our drinks cold for hours, they come with an easy-sip straw, and they even have a convenient carrying handle. If you don’t know which water bottle is right for you, this is one of the best we have ever tried! Grab an Owala on Amazon We have been sick many times in theme parks because we didn’t have enough water, so we are begging you to stay hydrated. If this is something you struggle with, consider setting a timer for an hour so you know when it’s time to sip again. Find Shade and AC When You Can One of the biggest issues with this theme park for many parents is the lack of shade around the resort. While there are shaded spots around the park, they are few and far between. When it’s time to take your break, get inside or find those umbrellas where they are! Swamp Snacks Seating There are several indoor restaurants throughout the park, like Goofy Goober’s, Jurassic World Canteen, Bello Bay Boutique and Bites, and Comidas y Leche. All of these spots have indoor seating and air conditioning to help you take a break from the harsh weather outside. While these spots might be pretty busy during lunchtime, eating at off-meal times can help you find a seat and shorter lines. Inside seating at Comidas y Leche Finding shaded seating outdoors is possible, but those seats might be hot if they have been in the sun, so always be sure to check the seat’s temperature before sitting down. Shaded Seating If you can’t find any easy AC access, bring your own with you! AMKEN Waist Fan AMKEN Waist Fan We have used dozens of fans over the course of our 16 years covering theme parks, and this one stands out as one of the best! This fan can attach to the waistband of your pants or hang around your neck to blow ice-cold air on you. This fan runs for hours on high, and we have even found ourselves getting cold while we use it! It’s pretty powerful, and it’s super nice that it can be hands-free. Grab Your Waist Fan on Amazon These are the easiest and best ways to beat the heat in Frisco, but a lot of it will come down to mentality as well. Being prepared for those extra warm days with all of the right tools in your pocket can make or break your day. If you’re heading to the resort soon, don’t forget your sunscreen and have fun! Be sure to keep following DFB for more. “Charm of a Prison Camp.” Fans Aren’t Holding Back on Universal’s Newest Theme Park 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 best tips for fighting the heat in the comments! View the full article

We’re gearing up for a BIG addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park next year! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Earlier in 2026, DinoLand, U.S.A. closed completely to make way for the Tropical Americas land coming to the park. This new land will feature attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto, along with new shopping and dining. We can’t wait to check it out when it opens in 2027, but for now, we’ve got a big construction update! Currently, the entire area is surrounded by construction walls, but there is plenty to be seen as you’re walking past on your way to Asia or Discovery Island. There are several large pieces of construction equipment onsite, and we’ve noticed that some brick walls are being built up. Let’s check out the construction! Also, more buildings are starting to take shape. Here, you can see the structure of a large building (perhaps the ride building for the Encanto attraction?) as well as some exterior theming elements. It’s coming along nicely Coming down the hill, you can see directly over the wall into some of the construction site. There are lots of materials in this space waiting to be used, and you can see the demolition of what once was Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama. A better view In the distance, we can still spot the old Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop and adjoining restrooms. It seems as though that building may remain standing and just get retrofitted as a new gift shop or other business. Work with what you’ve got as much as you can! We can’t wait to see it complete! We’re hoping to get more updates on this land at D23 in August. During the Disney Experiences showcase, we often get news about upcoming projects in the parks, and since this is the next big addition to Disney World, it will likely be on the docket. We’re excited to learn attraction names and details, along with opening dates. Fingers crossed for more details soon! @Disney We’ll let you know if any more announcements are made, so stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter and YouTube channel and following us on social media. Get All the Tropical Americas Details 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 new addition are you most excited about for the Tropical Americas? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World has implemented a new transportation rule, and well, guests aren’t happy. Disney Bus Disney has stopped allowing any guest to hop on the free bus and boat transportation from Disney Springs to the hotels and has started checking for hotel and dining reservations. This new rule has made it difficult for guests to visit the hotels without having a booked stay, meaning if they just want to walk around, check out the quick service, or do anything else without a direct reservation, they have to get to the resorts a different way. We’re breaking down the rule right here and seeing how it’s really affecting guests. Let’s start by defining the actual rule. At Disney Springs, you are not able to board the buses or boats without a hotel room or dining reservation. Does this mean you can’t go to the resorts at all if you don’t have a stay booked? Nope! It just means you can’t use the Disney Springs buses or boats to do it. ©Disney Disney also said that you will be asked to show your valid room key and either your dining or experience reservation. With an experience reservation, you may board the bus or boat up to 2 hours before your reservation time. Disney Springs transportation rules. How can you get to the resorts? You’re not going to be able to drive there without reservations, and this rule has been in place for a long time. If you do have a dining reservation, you can show the reservation and your ID to the security guard and park easy peasy. Inside a Disney Bus If you don’t have a reservation, you can park at one of the theme parks before taking the buses, Skyliner, monorail, or even walking to the hotels. For Annual Passholders, this isn’t too much of a setback because free parking is included with your pass. For those who don’t have one, you’ll need to pay for parking at the theme parks before using the transportation. EPCOT parking lot What about rideshare? Even though you’re not technically parking, you cannot typically have your rideshare drive straight to the resorts. You’ll also need to be dropped off at a theme park. You won’t have to pay for parking, but you will have to pay for your rideshare. Rideshare Pick-Up and Dropp-Off at EPCOT Some of the hotels also have exceptions. For example, if you’re heading to grab beignets at Port Orleans — French Quarter, you just have to show your ID and say that you’re grabbing that fried sugary goodness. BEIGNETS! The best way to go to the hotels right now is to park at one of the four parks and then take the transportation to the resorts. You can also walk to some of the resorts in the EPCOT and Magic Kingdom area. You can WALK to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks on how to handle your next Disney World vacation. We’re in the parks every day experiencing every rule change for ourselves, so we’re bringing all the best strategies right to you. FULL GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AT DISNEY SPRINGS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this new rule? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

One of our favorite places to shop might surprise you because it isn’t Disney Springs. France Pavilion Instead, one of our favorite places to shop is EPCOT’s World Showcase, where you can find unique items from every country represented in the park. You can get fun troll dolls in Norway, beautiful ornaments in Germany, Venetian masquerade masks in Italy, Japanese snacks in Japan, and more. However, if you plan on shopping in the France Pavilion, you might notice that one store there is now closed. We previously reported that La Signature in the France Pavilion would close soon. Well, now that store is officially closed. We recently visited the store’s location and saw that the windows were completely blacked out, and the store is officially closed for the time being. The Disney World website states that it will reopen later this year. It’s closed La Signature’s specialized in French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. If you’re looking to buy some Guerlain products in the French Pavilion, though, they will be temporarily available at the nearby Plume Et Palette during La Signature’s closure. Guerlain La Signature La Signature is home to over 70 different Guerlain products and even has a makeup consultation service. We’re not sure if the makeup consultation service will be made available at Plume Et Palette. Plume et Palette In the meantime, everything else in the France Pavilion remains open, so be sure to hop on a ride on the recently updated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and enjoy a crepe at La Creperie de Paris, ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces, and pastries at Les Halles. Like the REAL France, EPCOT’s France is a GREAT place to eat your way through (and we would know!). L’Artisan des Glaces We’ll keep an eye out for more closures in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: This Restaurant in EPCOT’s France Pavilion Has the Best Bang for Your Buck 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 ever stop in La Signature when you visit the France Pavilion? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re used to seeing Disney World look like THIS. But right now? Where are the crowds? It looks like THIS. Our DFB Reporters have noticed something… STRANGE happening in the Disney World parks this summer…but why? Check out our new video: Disney World is Empty This Summer — Here’s Why Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park 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 video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? We’ll let our special guests decide how much rock ‘n’ rolling there is 🎸🎢View the full article

Over the years, the Christmas Season has supplanted the summer to become the most popular – – and most crowded – – period on the Disney World calendar. Magic Kingdom However, the question becomes, “is visiting during the Holiday Season worth braving these massive crowds?” For those who are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list holiday trip, the answer is probably yes (though there are some pitfalls we’ll get to). But, for those like us coming from the perspective of frequent visitors who have experienced the Christmas season at the resort multiple times, it can be tempting to bypass the jolly time of year right now. Crowds on Crowds First off, as stated above, the time around Christmas has become one of the busiest times at the resort, with massive crowds descending on the theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs. In turn, the lines are long, dining reservations are hard to come by, and the Disney resort transportation system is operating at maximum capacity. Magic Kingdom The BEST Hotels for Christmas at Disney World in 2026 Paywalls The holiday season is home to two of Disney’s most popular after-hours events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at the Magic Kingdom… Mickey and Minnie …. and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Powerline Max at Jollywood Nights! Now, we’re big fans of both of these parties, which offer exclusive holiday treats, performances, decorations, and characters in Christmas garb. However, both are upcharge events, meaning that even guests who book Disney World vacation packages including theme park tickets still need to pay extra for special event tickets (and get them quickly enough to ensure that their desired date isn’t sold out). Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Then there’s the question of weather. As we’ve established many, many times, weather plays a major factor in any Disney vacation, but this can be especially true during a party night. For example, last year, a pair of my relatives visited in December and purchased tickets to an MVMCP night. A major storm rolled through, washing out many of the party’s activities, leaving their “bucket list” holiday trip feeling like a missed opportunity. To Disney’s credit, they were each offered a Disney gift card equal to the price of a party ticket at guest services. Prices CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World Discontinued Traditions In the spring of 2026, Disney confirmed that the massive gingerbread house that was housed in the Grand Floridian’s lobby since 1999 won’t be returning going forward. Even though the hotel will feature a few small ones throughout the resort, made by Disney’s culinary team, the loss of the 25+ year old tradition has hit a lot of Disney fans hard. 2024 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Y’all. We Have Some BAD NEWS About Disney World’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Hotel Prices Disney’s hotels – – from Value all the way up through Deluxe Tiers – – feature some of their highest rates of the year in December. That said, if you are planning to take a trip this holiday season and have a flexible travel schedule, shoot for weekdays early in December, as they’re slightly cheaper than weekends and days closer to Christmas and New Year’s. It’s that time of the year! While you’re planning your hotel, you’ll also need to look into dining options. Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! CONFIRMED: 3 Menu Items Returning To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party There’s Always EPCOT! Now, all of that being said, there are still many, MANY fun things to do at Disney World during the holiday season. In particular, for those who’ve visited in the past, EPCOT is arguably the best place to visit! The park’s seasonal offering, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, is included in park admission. The event offers a more varied array of treats and foods at the park’s booths… Red Velvet Cookie Funnel Cake …as well as the beloved and iconic Candlelight Processional, which features a celebrity narrator reciting the Christmas story backed by a choir. Josh Gad narrating the 2024 Candlelight Processional If you’re planning a visit to Disney World during the Christmas season and you don’t know where to start, be sure to reach out to our friends over at Small World Vacations! Their agents have helped guests plan over 250,000 Disney vacations since 1996! Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, they’ll help plan a vacation that’s perfect for your party! Click HERE to get a quote for your next Disney World vacation, and someone from their team will reach out within 24 hours! And we’ve always got you covered with the latest tips, tricks, and news, so you can have a calm and smooth Disney vacation! Stay tuned to DFB, so you don’t miss anything! Disney CONFIRMS This Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Perk Is Coming BACK 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 are your thoughts on traveling to Disney at Christmastime? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Many of us are used to things working how they should 100% of the time; especially when it comes to the instant gratification of the internet, it can be hard to pivot when something goes down and doesn’t work how it should. Disney Magic Cruise Ship A lot of the time, these outages or problems are unplanned, making them even more jarring, but other times, companies try to get ahead of issues and let us know ahead of time that something is going to be down for maintenance. That’s just what happened with the Disney Cruise Line website — Disney gave us the heads-up that for 24 hours in July, the website will be down for maintenance, which means no cruise bookings. When you hop onto the Disney Cruise Line website right now, you’ll see a pop-up message at the top that lets you know about the upcoming maintenance on the website. The shutdown of the website will begin on July 9th at 4 AM ET, and will conclude at 4 AM ET on July 10th. ©Disney This means that guests won’t be able to make a reservation for a cruise or be able to check on their existing reservations. Disney Cruise Line’s contact center will also be down, as well as online check-in and booking for cruise activities and port adventures. If you have a final deposit or payment due during this 24-hour period, you’ll have until Saturday, July 11th at 10 PM ET to make the payment. Deluxe Garden View Stateroom To prepare in advance, we recommend either hopping on a few days early to book a cruise, or waiting until after the work has been completed. Similarly, if you’ve already got a cruise booked and you’re planning on making some reservations on board or at the ports, we suggest booking those as early as possible (and that goes for any cruise, even when there’s not planned maintenance!). Disney Destiny Stateroom Worried about making the reservation on your own and want some help? We recommend reaching out to our friends at Small World Vacations! They’ve got years of experience booking Disney vacations of all kinds, and will make sure you get the best price on your dream vacation. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news, both on land, at sea, and beyond! The Cruise Habits That Need to Die in 2026, According to Nearly 1,000 Very Frustrated Travelers DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning to go on a Disney Cruise soon? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We are getting closer and closer to the ULTIMATE Disney fan event! ©Disney In case you missed it, we are just over two months away from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in California! This event happens every other year, and it is where Disney reveals some of their biggest news, special behind-the-scenes moments, and more for fans of the brand. As we eagerly await exactly what surprises Disney will have in store, the company is giving us MORE details on what you will be able to see (and buy!) at the convention. On August 14th, 15th, and 16th, Anaheim, CA, will be the spot to be if you’re a fan of Mickey Mouse! The popular event has all kinds of fun from Pixar, Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars. If you’re heading to the event or you just like to see what it offers, D23 is finally giving us NEW details on what fans can expect, starting with The Disney Experiences Auction. ©D23 This event will let fans bid on verified items straight from the Disney theme parks and resorts. The event will be hosted by Bret Iwan, Disney Fine Artist and the Official Voice of Mickey Mouse! Guests can bid live and online for the exciting items so you can bring a bit of the magic home with you. This event will take place on August 16th. ©Bret Iwan The next big reveal from D23 is that the Disney Rewind Concert is back! This concert will showcase the Disney Hits from the 80s and 90s. It’s intended for fans to “relive the magic of VHS,” and it will include songs from Powerline, Disney Afternoon, and Muses brought to life by Disney Broadway and Animation performers. The cast includes Jared Dixon (Broadway’s “Simba”), Alyssa Fox (Broadway’s “Elsa”), Arielle Jacobs (Broadway’s “Jasmine”), Josh Strickland (Broadway’s “Tarzan”), and Raena White (Broadway’s “Sarabi”). The special will also have appearances from Disney Legends Bill Farmer, Jodi Benson, and 2026 Legend recipient Susan Egan. The concert will be at 7:00 PM on Friday, August 14th, with an encore performance at 6:30 PM on Saturday, August 15th. ©D23 D23 also revealed a second afternoon schedule item called A Whole New World of Alan Menken! Disney Legend Alan Menken will share his songs and stories behind them during a one-man concert event. It will include some of his most famous hits, like “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “Go the Distance.” Even if you don’t know the name Alan Menken, you definitely know his work! This show will take place at 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 16th. ©D23 Not only did they reveal some NEW program events, but they also gave us a sneak peek at a new exclusive collection. Mickey’s of Glendale is returning to D23 (which just so happens to be our favorite shop), and they are bringing a NEW collection with them. Mickey’s of Glendale from Destination D23 This new collection is called The Walt Disney Imagineering Color Block Collection, and it’s safe to say that we are going to spend a LOT of money on this. The collection includes new canvas tote bags… ©D23 … the return of the Sorcerer Mickey Mini Face Tote… ©D23 … a new Walt Disney Imagineering sweatshirt… ©D23 …exclusive pins… ©D23 … plush character key chains… ©D23 … exclusive shirts… ©D23 ..and more! ©D23 Disney has already revealed tons of different events and a rough schedule of the weekend, including: Friday, August 14th Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration: Join D23 as we salute Walt Disney’s 125th birthday! Hear from those who knew him, legends who were inspired by Walt and continue his legacy, plus enjoy some special performances—all inspired by and in fun celebration of Walt Disney! Ink & Paint at Disney Animation Watch the magic behind the Ink & Paint Department at Disney Animation come together before your eyes—from an animator’s drawing to an inker transferring the image onto a cel, and then a painter bringing it to life with vibrant color, there is magic with every stroke of a pencil and brush. 20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney Join co-hosts Nina West and Kevin Lima (director, A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, Enchanted) as we celebrate 20 years of Enchanted with a fast-paced, Easter egg-filled tribute featuring special guests and surprises from the Walt Disney Archives collection. The Quests Ahead for Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game The Disney Lorcana TCG team at Ravensburger can’t wait to tell fans about all-new events coming to Disney locations, upcoming set releases in 2027, and more stories to play into from the realm of Lorcana. Join the team as they cover all the highlights of bringing this amazing card game to life and wow the audience with exciting announcements! Houses Walt Built: The Walt Disney Family Museum See rare photos and hear intimate stories about Walt and Lillian Disney’s Woking Way, Carolwood, and Smoke Tree Ranch homes with museum executive director Kirsten Komoroske and Carolwood miniature model-maker Mark Hurt. Disney Lorcana Speed Puzzling Team Events Piece together a perfect pastime and participate in Ravensburger’s first-ever speed puzzling events at D23! Guests will race to put together one of three brand-new Disney Lorcana 300-piece puzzles, with each competitor also taking a puzzle home at the end. These one-hour-long speed puzzling events will take place on Friday, August 14, at the Ravensburger Gaming Area at three different times—9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Tickets will be available through Ravensburger and will be communicated to D23 Event ticketholders at a later date. D23 Expo from 2024 Saturday, August 15 Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow Join host Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as we explore the magical evolution of Tinker Bell from Peter Pan (1953) to her own enchanting universe in this lively celebration of a favorite Disney fairy. Disney | Marvel: A Legacy of Stories presented by M&M’S Discover the rich legacy of Disney and Marvel storytelling through classic comics, unexpected crossovers, and production insights from Marvel creatives and Disney archivists. Disney Style Around the World Enjoy a showcase of iconic Disney fashion and some fan-favorite collaborations from around the globe, plus hear from panelist Bobby Kim, Vice President, Global Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products. Great Moments with Walt Disney Disney historian Tim O’Day and editor of Disney Files magazine Ryan March share humorous stories and rare video footage of Walt Disney, showing the comedic side of the man behind the magic! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Sunday, August 16 The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds Through live and online bidding, discover select, verified pieces from Disney’s theme parks and resorts that are ready for their next chapter with the fans who treasure them most. Hosted by Bret Iwan, Disney Fine Artist and the Official Voice of Mickey Mouse! One Hundred and One Dalmatians 65th Anniversary Celebrate Disney Animation’s pioneering feature film with a look back at rarely seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. Searching for the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House Join Disney artist Kevin Kidney as he shares about his journey to the tropical island to visit the original filming locations from Swiss Family Robinson (1960)—including the legendary tree house that inspired the Disneyland Park attraction! ©Disney We can’t WAIT to explore the convention and get all of the latest and greatest Disney news. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more. 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to a D23 event? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Many hotel rooms come with a mini fridge — but the effectiveness of these in-room amenities is debatable. Mini Fridge After a long day of vacation, it’s safe to assume maybe you didn’t finish every meal — but you don’t necessarily want that food to go to waste. Maybe you got a box to go, hoping to keep it safe in your hotel room’s mini fridge. However, (as we previously discovered with the Disney Cruise Line mini fridges), you might be taking a risk trusting your mini fridge to keep food at safe temperatures for a long period of time. In our investigation of cruise ship mini fridges, we found that their primary function is that of a beverage cooler. These beverage coolers are not suitable for maintaining the safe temperatures needed for storing refrigerated medication or liquids like breast milk and formula — nor can they be totally relied on to keep food (importantly: protein) cold. Mini Fridge These mini fridges typically hold 40°F to 45°F or higher temperatures, rather than a consistent and safe refrigeration temperature. While some hotels have true mini refrigerators, a bunch actually use beverage coolers. Since both are nearly identical, you may want to clarify with the front desk before you insist on sticking leftover steak or other protein in there. Fortunately, some beverage coolers also contain warnings, so you can read ahead before making what might be a BIG mistake. Beverage Cooler A glass-front unit is often a beverage cooler, while real refrigerators are more likely to have a temperature adjustment dial, a compressor “hump” inside the back, and colder internal temperatures throughout. A real refrigerator uses a compressor to keep food at 40°F or colder — the temperature recommended to slow bacterial growth. Beverage coolers, on the other hand, often use thermoelectric cooling systems that simply lower the temperature to around 20 degrees below the surrounding room temperature. That simply won’t cut it for preserving leftovers. Beverage Cooler If your hotel room is sitting at 72°F, that means the cooler might only reach the low 50s — far too warm for safely storing perishable foods. Food safety experts call temperatures between 40°F and 140°F the “danger zone.” That’s where bacteria multiply the fastest, and if you eat this food, you’re seriously putting your health AT RISK! If you tuck away last night’s cheeseburger, fried chicken, sushi, or creamy pasta in a beverage cooler that’s hovering around 50°F, you’re not really refrigerating it — you’re just slowing down the warming process a little, while the bacteria grows. Mini fridge Overnight, bacteria can continue multiplying, making those leftovers something that can end your vacation early… or worse. The familiar two-hour rule still applies: perishable foods shouldn’t remain above 40°F for more than two hours before being properly refrigerated. And if you can’t properly refrigerate it, TOSS IT. New York Strip Steak from Le Cellier The easiest solution? Bring a small refrigerator thermometer if you know you’ll be storing food or medication. They’re inexpensive, take up almost no room in your luggage, and immediately tell you whether the appliance is actually keeping food below 40°F. If you need to store essentials and the beverage coolers aren’t cold enough, call the hotel before you arrive. Many properties can provide an actual refrigerator upon request, particularly for medical needs. Some hotels also offer rooms with kitchenettes that include full-size refrigerators. Front Desk at Art of Animation If you’re unsure whether you have a real refrigerator, experts recommend sticking with foods that are naturally more stable, including crackers, dry cereal, beef jerky, peanut butter, pickles, and acidic condiments. Avoid cooked leftovers, meat, dairy products, seafood, eggs, and freshly prepared meals. That tiny hotel “fridge” might seem like the perfect place to stash tomorrow’s lunch — but appearances can be deceiving. Take the necessary precautions and avoid the risk. ©Tampa Bay General Hospital We’re always on the lookout for travel tips that will help you stay safe and have fun while you’re on vacation, so be sure to keep it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates! A Word of Warning About Your Disney Cruise Line Room DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What are some travel tips everyone should know before they check into their hotel room? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

LEVEL99 has officially opened in Disney Springs, and we’re making our second visit to the experience after checking it out during a media preview. LEVEL99 is open! First of all, we’ve already told you SO MUCH about this new attraction in Disney World that is a social interactive real world gaming experience that you’ll want to bring your family and friends to. But now that we’ve been back again, we actually have some NEW things we’ve learned about LEVEL99, so we’re sharing that knowledge with you. So what exactly IS LEVEL99? Well, we’re glad you asked. LEVEL99 is an interactive space where you can enjoy “real-world, challenge-based social entertainment” for adults by participating in a variety of physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. The Disney Springs location isn’t the first LEVEL99 (it’s actually the fourth location), but it’s certainly the biggest. One of the games inside LEVEL99 The Disney Springs location has 63 games with three specific game types, including challenge rooms, which are cooperative games for two to six players in either the physical, mental, or skill categories. Then you’ve got duels, where you can go head-to-head with other players. Finally, there’s an Art Hunt, which is a scavenger hunt involving the art found throughout the space. So, basically, there’s a little something for everyone. Brain Cells challenge LEVEL99 tickets start at $29.99 per player for intervals of 1.5 to 2.5 hours of play. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the LEVEL99 website. LEVEL99 So what were the things that we learned by visiting the location on opening day? Well, let’s talk about it. Check-in Time You’ll have a specific reservation time for LEVEL99, but if you want to check in a little early, you will be allowed to do so. Now, if you’re SUPER early, this might not be the case, but if it’s just a matter of minutes, go ahead and check in and get ready to play. Arrive a little early? No problem! So if you happen to arrive at LEVEL99 a little earlier than your reservation, don’t sweat it! You can save the sweating for later…inside…when you’re avoiding getting hit by axes and swinging from ropes. Check-in is fast and easy Checking in for the games is quick and SO easy. The kiosks where you check in are right next to the entrance, so all you have to do is enter the confirmation code to assign it to your wristband. Check-in So, you’ll be playing games in no time flat after you arrive. Look for the Premium Pass line You can get a Premium Pass for LEVEL99, which gets you an even faster check-in, exclusive souvenirs, merchandise discounts, and enhanced access to experiences. If you’ve purchased a Premium Pass, look for the Premium Pass line as it’s separate from the regular line. Premium Pass has its own line You can add on a Premium Pass to your regular ticket for $19.99 per person. FREE Lockers Because many of the activities at LEVEL99 are, well, ACTIVE, you’ll probably need a place to store your things. The space features free lockers that you can use to keep your items safe while you’re playing. Lockers The whole point of the space is to get off your phone and digital devices and play in a real-world setting, so you might as well put those things away (although we get why people would want their phones to take photos!) It’s COLD Elsa must be running around inside LEVEL99 because the temperature inside the building is FREEZING. If you’re not playing games, bring a jacket, even in the summer. It’s cold inside this building! Of course, if you are playing games, this is going to feel SO NICE, and you’ll appreciate the frigid air conditioning. Free Water You’re going to be moving a LOT through LEVEL99, which means you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated. But you don’t need to bring your water bottle because water stations with free water are available in both the upstairs and downstairs areas. Water station Cups are also provided, so you have everything you need to tame the thirst you’re going to work up while playing the games. Of course, there’s also a bar on-site if you need something a little stronger. Capacity We also asked about LEVEL99’s capacity in Disney Springs, and let’s just say that a LOT of people could be playing here at any given time. The space’s capacity is about 1,200 to 1,400 people! It can hold over 1,000 people! That is a lot of people, but it is a massive building with plenty of activities to keep all those people busy. Hate crowds? Go in the morning If you don’t want to deal with thousands of people at LEVEL99, your best bet is to visit in the morning. Get there right when it opens, which is 11 A.M. Monday through Friday and 10 A.M. on Saturdays and Sundays. Mornings are chill We went on opening day as soon as LEVEL99 opened, and there were about 500 people in the building at the time. We had no waits for any games or anything else. Fewer crowds = more stars and play You earn stars when you play games based on how you did (with a possibility of getting a total of three stars if you excel at the game). Once you earn a certain number of stars, you can customize your avatar. Stars will also put you on the overall leaderboard that combines all LEVEL99 locations. The Retro Pinball Game So here’s the thing, if you visit LEVEL99 when it’s not so busy, you get a chance to repeat games so that you can try to get as many stars for that game as possible. So you can get more stars when there are fewer people playing. Magician’s Sideshow So, if you find yourself with some free time in Disney World and want something fun and unique to do with your family and friends, we suggest stopping by LEVEL99 for some good old-fashioned PLAY. In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on all Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The 11 Best Games At LEVEL99 In Disney Springs According To Our Very Competitive Team Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting LEVEL99 during your next Disney World visit? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We have a list of Disney World restaurants that might not be the most popular, but every time we go, we are completely happy and satisfied with them. They’re our hidden gems of Disney World, you could say. Yachtsman Steakhouse One of those hidden gems is Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This resort is currently closed for refurbishment, and all we knew was that the reopening would be coming in August. Good news, everyone: we just found the official date! You can now make reservations for Yachtsman Steakhouse starting on August 28th! While the website header, where it talks about the closure, hasn’t been updated, being able ot make reservations is a very positive sign that it’s going to be back soon. Yachtsman Steakhouse This was only one of the refurbishments happening in this restaurant group. While this one closed on May 11th, Crew’s Cup Lounge, which offers some of Yachtsman Steakhouse’s menu, was under refurbishment from February to June. While there were no major changes, the restaurant had a great refresh and is currently back to serving guests, The Crew’s Cup Lounge Looking for another coastal option? You can check out Ale & Compass, which is also located at Disney’s Yacht Club. One of our favorite dishes here is the Parker House Rolls with spreads, and we could order a hundred of them and still want more. Parker House Rolls While all of these restaurants are great if you’re staying at Disney’s Yacht Club, if you’re staying at a nearby resort like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Disney’s Beach Club, you can walk right on over. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Even better, these resorts are around the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT. In between the France and the U.K. Pavilions, you can walk on over and enjoy dinner before popping back into the parks to finish your day. Walking path from Beach Club to EPCOT You can also use the Skyliner from other resorts, which has a stop at the International Gateway. It’s a fun way to see other resorts and get a great dinner at the same time. Skyliner Keep an eye out for reservations and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney World vacation. We have everything you need to plan the best trip ever! RESTAURANTS AT DISNEY’S YACHT AND BEACH CLUB RESORT RESTAURANTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Amazon is full of different deals each and every day, and we make it our mission to keep an eye out for the best Disney deals on the market. We’re suckers for Disney merchandise! Right now, we’re at the end of Amazon Prime Days, which is a great way to save money on Disney essentials, as well as fun gifts that you have people in your life that you know would love them. However, when it comes to finding the BEST deal out there right now, we’ve gotta give it to this, which is 50% off and gives you TWELVE books for basically the price of a few. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Best Little Golden Book Deal! ©Amazon Right now, you can grab the Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books for an incredibly fantastic price of just $29, which is 52% off its retail price! Normally, this set costs just under $60, so yes, this is a major steal. ©Amazon This set consists of stories centered around Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave, Frozen, and Moana, so it’s a great mix of newer stories and the classics. You’ll have bedtime stories for days, and they all come in the most adorable box set, so it’ll be easy to keep them all in one place. We have a feeling it’ll go fast, so grab this deal while it’s still around. Grab on Amazon! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Disney and adidas have paired up with Brain Dead to release a NEW vintage-inspired soccer collection, and we got to check it out ahead of its official release! adidas x Brain Dead x Disney The collection centers on a street-ready version of the first-ever adidas Predator boot from 1994. Okay, totally ignoring the fact that 1994 is considered vintage now, we couldn’t wait to check out the collection, which also features full kits (jerseys and shorts), socks, accessories, and more. It’s available online now, so let’s get to shopping! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Predator Brain Dead Shoes Shoes The Predator Brain Dead Shoes are a bold collaboration between adidas and Brain Dead, fusing street culture with iconic sport heritage. The regular fit provides a comfortable feel for everyday wear, while the lace closure delivers a snug, customizable fit that lets you feel confident on the move. The leather sockliner provides a smooth touch for a sleek and comfortable feel on busy or relaxed days, too. view ONLINE This Brain Dead x Disney Soccer Jersey is perfect for watching the World Cup Jersey The jacquard weave construction delivers a premium feel, while the regular fit offers comfort and a timeless silhouette — whether layering or wearing solo, on the field or in the Disney parks! We love the Mickey heads in the background, combined with the red, white, and blue colorway. It’s perfect for the World Cup or the Fourth of July! view ONLINE We love the Brain Dead x Disney x adidas socks Socks Crafted for all-day comfort, these crew-length socks offer classic coverage while keeping your feet supported. The design channels adidas Originals flair with a twist from Brain Dead. Bring character to your everyday with socks that celebrate individuality and style. This collaboration delivers a distinctive, fashion-facing standout energy and would be perfect in the parks! view ONLINE Or, you can grab the adidas x Brain Dead x Disney tracktop Jacket A regular fit and sleek pique fabric provide a soft, flexible feel, while subtle design details add a polished, distinctive edge and standout character to this expressive track top. We love the patchwork look on the front that features Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Mickey hitting the pitch and playing some soccer! view ONLINE 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! 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 the Brain Dead x Adidas collection. 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