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Long before the first guest heads down Main Street, U.S.A., four performers are warming up their voices, polishing their tap shoes, and preparing to bring one of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved traditions to life. For generations, the Dapper Dans have welcomed guests with laughter, music, and plenty of charm. Dressed in colorful striped costumes and performing four-part harmony, they’ve become as much a part of Main Street, U.S.A. as the horse-drawn trolley and Cinderella Castle. Their blend of harmony, comedy, guest interaction, and musicianship has delighted guests for decades, carrying on a Disney Parks tradition that dates back to Disneyland in 1959. Don Barnick, in blue, performing with the Dapper Dans on Main Street U.S.A. at Walt Disney World. At Walt Disney World, the Dapper Dans have been part of the guest experience since Opening Day in 1971. Over 55 years later, it remains one of the resort’s longest-running entertainment traditions. While guests know the group for their performances on Main Street, U.S.A., the stories behind the singers are just as memorable. Although their journeys are unique, they all share a passion for creating happiness, connecting with guests, and building careers doing what they love. Carrying on a Legacy For some performers, becoming a Dapper Dan is the realization of a lifelong dream. Dapper Dan Don Barnick with son, John Barnick, at Walt Disney World. | Don Barnick with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A. For 12-year cast member John Barnick, that journey began before he was old enough to sing along. Growing up, barbershop harmony was simply part of life. His father, Don Barnick, performed as a Dapper Dan at the Magic Kingdom for over 15 years and family photo albums are filled with snapshots of a young John visiting Walt Disney World while his dad entertained guests. John Barnick on Main Street, U.S.A preforming with the Dapper Dans. “I knew I wanted to be a Dapper Dan from a very young age,” John said. Years later, after performing in entertainment roles across Walt Disney World, he achieved that dream. Today, he’s not just singing on Main Street. He’s continuing a family legacy. John’s story is one example of how the Dapper Dans tradition continues to inspire new generations of performers. That sense of legacy resonates throughout the group. Jonathan Meadows posing in front of the Main Street Cinema at Walt Disney World. Jonathan Meadows’ path to the Dapper Dans also began years before he joined the quartet. While visiting Walt Disney World as a college student from Iowa, he learned about a Voices of Liberty audition, quickly printed sheet music, and decided to give it a try. That opportunity launched a career that has now spanned nearly two decades and eventually led him to the Dapper Dans, where he helps carry on a tradition that has delighted guests for generations. “I’ve always known I wanted to perform,” said Jonathan. “It’s what I’ve loved my whole life.” Today, Jonathan is part of a legacy that extends well beyond any one performer and continues to inspire new entertainers. Dirk posing in front of the Emporium at Walt Disney World. Dirk Donahue’s connection to Disney stretches back even further. Growing up just a few miles from Walt Disney World, he remembers seeing Disney performers as a child and imagining what it would be like to one day wear a Disney costume himself. More than 30 years later, he’s still creating memorable moments for guests on Main Street, U.S.A. Dirk says some of the most meaningful moments happen when guests share stories about how the quartet has become part of their traditions. “It’s those personal connections that make this role so meaningful,” said Dirk. Like many Disney performers, Dirk’s career has included opportunities to share his talents in different vocal performance experiences across Walt Disney World. One of Dirk’s favorite memories involves Kelley McGillicuddy, who first met him at 7 years old during a visit to Walt Disney World. Years later, she too has returned as a Disney performer herself, creating a full-circle moment that highlights the lasting impact Disney performers can have on future generations. Dirk Donahue performs with the Voices of Liberty and meets Kelley McGillicuddy during her visit to Walt Disney World at age 7. “Those interactions with Dirk and other Disney performers stayed with me long after my vacation ended,” Kelley said. “They inspired me to audition for the company at 19 years old and now I have the opportunity to create those same magical moments for other families.” Together, their stories reflect a tradition that continues to inspire new generations of performers while honoring those who helped build it. That impact isn’t limited to fellow performers. Every day, the Dapper Dans create magical connections with guests through a simple conversation, a familiar song or a shared smile. Creating Connections Unlike many performers, the Dapper Dans aren’t separated from guests by a stage. They perform alongside them. “We’re the welcoming committee of Main Street,” Jonathan said. “Guests aren’t just watching the show. They’re part of it.” That connection is what keeps many performers coming back day after day. From celebrating birthdays and anniversaries to helping honor veterans and special milestones, the Dapper Dans often become part of a family’s Disney memories. For Miami-native Michael Rodriguez, those moments often happen through music and language. A classically trained opera performer, Michael especially enjoys connecting with Spanish-speaking guests and helping families feel seen and welcomed. One interaction, however, stands out above the rest. A young child approached him and excitedly said, “You look like me.” Michael Rodriguez posing in front of the Main Street Confectionery at Walt Disney World. “It’s hard to describe what that meant,” Michael said. “It’s about the connection. It’s about telling a story that guests can take home with them.” Whether through a song, a conversation, or a simple smile, the performers agree that those one-on-one interactions often become the most memorable part of the job. Opportunities in Harmony While each performer’s Disney journey is unique, one theme runs through every story: opportunity. For the Dapper Dans, growth isn’t measured by their roles. It’s found in perfecting a craft, building relationships, and creating meaningful moments for guests every day. Whether they dreamed of becoming a Dapper Dan as a child or discovered the role later in life, each has continued to learn, grow, and help shape a tradition cherished by generations of guests. Their experiences also highlight something many guests may not realize. The Dapper Dans are much more than singers. They’re musicians, improvisers, dancers, storytellers, and collaborators who rely on trust and teamwork every day. “The Dapper Dans are a team in every sense of the word,” Jonathan said. “Guests see four people performing together, but behind every show is a tremendous amount of collaboration, trust, and support.” John, Dirk, Jonathan and Michael in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Their performances even feature vintage Deagan Organ Chimes, a distinctive instrument that has been part of the Dapper Dans’ signature sound for decades. For John, Jonathan, Dirk and Michael, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is helping carry forward a tradition that means so much to guests while continuing to learn from one another every day. From mentoring newer performers to finding new ways to connect with audiences, they each play a part in ensuring the next generation of guests experiences the same joy and wonder that have defined the Dapper Dans for decades. The songs may be timeless, but every performance is different. Every guest is different. Every day brings a new opportunity to create a memory. As harmonies fill Main Street, U.S.A., these performers are doing far more than carrying on a beloved tradition. They’re creating connections, inspiring future generations, and carrying forward a tradition that has brought joy to Disney guests for generations. How Chef Jerry Built His Disney Story One Recipe at a Time READ MORE How Cast Members Create Halloween Magic at Walt Disney World READ MORE Meet the New Casey’s Corner Pianist Bringing Joy to Magic Kingdom READ MORE The post Four Voices, One Tradition: Meet the Cast Behind the Dapper Dans appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Grab your poncho, because Central Florida is serving up a very soggy start to November — including Disney World. Record-breaking rainfall has already drenched parts of the region, and another round of heavy rain is moving through this morning. A Flood Watch is in effect for nearly all of Central Florida today, with the heaviest downpours hitting Brevard County. Some communities there could see another 2 to 3 inches of rain. Rainy Day in Hollywood Studios Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and a legitimate reason to duck into a cozy table-service restaurant at Disney World? Sounds like a win. We’ve rounded up all the details you need to know if you’re heading to the parks this week, so let’s get into it. If you’re headed to Disney World today, don’t cancel your plans just yet. According to Fox 35 Orlando, rain is expected to stay widespread through the morning, then turn scattered by the afternoon, with cool highs in the 70s. Scattered showers may linger overnight and into Tuesday morning. For us, that means one thing: it’s the perfect excuse to eat your way through the parks. Rainy Day at Animal Kingdom Heavy rain and flash flood warnings are continuing across Central Florida after record-breaking downpours. A Flood Watch is in effect for nearly all of Central Florida through 7 PM tonight, November 2nd, due to the threat of additional heavy rainfall. Rain is expected to remain widespread through the morning and become more scattered later this afternoon. Luckily, temperatures will stay cooler, with highs in the 70s. ©Fox35 Orlando Scattered showers remain possible overnight and into Tuesday morning. Residents and visitors should remain alert for changing conditions, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and monitor local weather alerts. ©Fox35 Orlando Our biggest tip for days like this is to not let the rain ruin your day! For the most part, the crowds will really thin out when it rains. So if you stick it out, you will likely have the opportunity to enjoy lower wait times. The indoor merchandise areas will likely get very crowded, and wait times might initially spike. But we suggest heading towards an attraction with an indoor queue. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat to get out of the rain, take a look at the Walk-up Waitlist in the My Disney Experience app to see if any Table Service restaurants have availability. Look at this rain! We think Magic Kingdom is the best park for a rainy day simply because there are so many indoor attractions and locations. Even if quite a few outdoor rides shut down due to lightning, there are still many things to do, and places to eat inside. Stormy day at Magic Kingdom We’ll be on the lookout for more updates that could impact your Disney World trip and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Disney World news at the links below! DISNEY NEWS DROP: Holiday News, Over 50 New Snacks, and A Ride Reopening!Crowd Check: Is NOW the Perfect Time To Go to Disney World?Popular Disney World Pool Bar CLOSES Next WeekCONFIRMED: Disney Reveals 2026 Christmas Tree Stroll ThemesDisney Reveals How the Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree Goes Up Overnight 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 a trip to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Halloween is OVER, and the holiday season is about to take over Disney World — and as a certified “Holidays at Disney” lover, I could not be happier about it! With the holidays nearby comes some big changes to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Jingle Cruise The next few weeks will see the launch of several major holiday events, the rollout of new snacks and merchandise, and — our topic today — a spate of major ride changes! The Jingle Cruise Let’s begin with arguably Disney World’s most popular Christmas-themed overlay: The transformation of the “World Famous” Jungle Cruise into the Jingle Cruise! Jingle Cruise The ride offers a version of the classic “packed with holiday-themed puns,” and unlike any of the other holiday overlays we’ll get to in Magic Kingdom, it’s available to all guests as opposed to only guests with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Suffice to say, the ride is a popular one, with lines often spilling all the way through Adventureland. Notably, the attraction is NOT offered as part of Early Entry, so hotel guests will have to rope drop it traditionally when the ride opens November 3rd. Jingle Cruise Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Overlays In addition to the Jungle Cruise, several other Magic Kingdom attractions will receive special holiday overlays during the park’s premier Christmas event — which launches November 8th –, including: Space Mountain: Features “high-energy holiday tunes and festive interior lighting.” The Tomorrowland Speedway: Transforms into Tomorrowland Speedway Race, which is “filled with thousands of lights, stylized décor and a fun, futuristic holiday soundtrack.” The Mad Tea Party: Becomes a “wild and wacky Christmas party where you can spin your teacup to one of 4 holiday combos of lights and music.” Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor: Puts “some ‘ha ha ha’ in their ‘ho ho ho’ with a seasonal show.” Space Mountain in its festive lighting Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets From Disney World’s most popular holiday overlays to its newest, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets is getting a holiday overlay for its first Christmas at Hollywood Studios. Beginning on November 4th, the attraction will be transformed into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Obligatory Holiday Overlay. The attraction’s courtyard will burst with festive music, and the pre-show will feature The Electric Mayhem in rehearsals for their holiday spectacular. The overlay — which lasts until January 6th — will also feature a unique mix of Christmas tunes on board, including: “Holiday Road” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson “Silver Bells” – The Electric Mayhem ft. Cyndi Lauper ©Disney DJ Lilypad Decks the Halls Speaking of holiday overlays at Hollywood Studios, Christmas music is returning to Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land on November 4th. This time, the tunes are presented by the new DJ Lilypad, who debuted in September. The new playlist includes: “Deck the Halls” “Toyland” “Swirling, Swirling, Saucers” “Joy to the Swirl” ©Disney Tiana’s Bayou Adventure However, even with these holiday overlays, Disney World will also see a closure this week. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will close for a short refurbishment on November 2nd. The attraction, which opened back in 2024, is currently scheduled to reopen on December 18th, just before the fullest extent of the Christmas rush. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Disney World will see a slate of major ride overlays — and a major temporary closure — this week, as the holiday season begins in earnest! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s offerings through the end of the year! Once the holiday season ends, MAJOR changes are coming to Disney World in 2027. We’ve covered them ALL in one place: DFB Team Predicts 3 Huge Changes for Disney World in 2027 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 holiday overlay is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

The holidays are landing soon at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and I’m here to bring you a first look at the festive provisions. Yes, you heard that right! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs is once again gearing up for the holiday season, and explorers of all ages will be able to enjoy a holiday-inspired menu and seasonal decor from November 10, 2026, to January 11, 2027. Fuel up with festive fare such as the new Holiday Freight Rolls, holiday-inspired egg rolls filled with pork, beef, and sweet potato served with a cranberry sauce (need I say more?). For our seafood enthusiasts, opt for the new North Pole Catch to fill you up ahead of your next adventure. For a cozy plate, don’t miss the Oh Christmas Brie, featuring crispy Danish brie. For our adventurers 21 and over, we’ve got quite the refreshment log! For a classic cocktail, sip on the new Cranberry Apple Compass Mule with apple cider and cranberry juice for a tinseled twist. For a creamier drink, set your sights on the new Frosted Passage Martini, or the new Hot Chocolate Around the Globe Flight. The dashing drinks don’t stop there! For our aviators of all ages, ask for the Hangar Holly Jolly, complete with Minute Maid Apple Juice and Seagram’s Ginger Ale. Get ready to taste, travelers! We’ve been cleared to land this year’s merry menu. Holidays at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Festive Fare Seasonal Sips Without Alcohol Seasonal Sips with Alcohol Festive Fare Holiday Freight Rolls: Pork, beef, and sweet potato-filled egg rolls with sweet-and-sour cranberry sauce (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) North Pole Catch: Smoked trout dip, lavash chips, smoked salmon pinwheels with caper dill cream cheese, and fish and shrimp cakes with citrus mustard aioli (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Oh Christmas Brie: Crispy Danish brie, lingonberry marmalade, and candied black pepper bacon (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Present Perfect Croquettes: Crispy fried turkey croquettes with cherry-orange brandy glaze (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Tinsel and Tender Bites: Cabernet-braised short ribs, spiced macadamia nuts, and cauliflower purée (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) A Wreath of Wellington: Strip steak, mushroom duxelles, gruyère, puff pastry, herbed Parmesan, and horseradish-mustard aioli (Available November 10 through January 11) Boughs of Holly Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs with sweet potato filling, fried chicken, herbed butter, cranberry, and parsley (Available November 10 through January 11) Seasonal Sips Without Alcohol Hangar Holly Jolly: Minute Maid Apple Juice, kiwi syrup, lime juice, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale garnished with cranberries (Non-alcoholic) (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Seasonal Sips with Alcohol Cranberry Apple Compass Mule: Hendrick’s Gin, apple cider, cranberry juice, and lemon juice topped with ginger beer garnished with sugared cranberries (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Frosted Passage Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur, Bols Crème de Cacao White Liqueur, and cream garnished with a white chocolate piece (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) Hot Chocolate Around the Globe Flight Featuring Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Available November 10 through January 11) (New): Dark hot chocolate, Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, and cinnamon syrup topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon White hot chocolate, Frangelico liqueur, and Chambord liqueur topped with whipped cream, salted caramel crispy pearls, and raspberry sauce Dark hot chocolate, Malibu Coconut Rum, and Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur topped with whipped cream and garnished with coconut flakes and holiday sprinkles Holiday Cranberry Negroni: Hendrick’s Gin, Campari Liqueur, Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth, cranberry juice, and simple syrup (Available November 10 through January 11) (New) With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks. To stay in-the-know on all the yummy items on the way, check out our Disney Eats topics page and follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook. (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 READ MORE Foodie Guide to Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort 2026 READ MORE Foodie Guide to Disney Jollywood Nights 2026 READ MORE The post Disney Eats: First Look at Holidays at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

███████▒ Holiday Season loading... 🎄❄️ #DisneyHolidaysView the full article

Stop what you’re doing, Disney fans, because the Loungefly gods have blessed us once again! ©Disney A fresh batch of Disney Loungefly backpacks just landed online, and we are officially in our “add to cart now, think later” era. Two new winter-inspired bags have dropped, and we can’t decide which one we like best. These bags are adorable; they’re roomy enough for park-day essentials, and they tend to sell out faster than a Mickey pretzel at park opening. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Mickey Mouse Woven Faux Leather Loungefly Mini Backpack in blue ©Disney Shimmering in a blue shade befitting a Disney Princess, this Loungefly mini backpack enchants with an interwoven iridescent faux-leather pattern. The fairytale design is topped with 3D Mickey ears and features a silver-tone Fantasyland Castle zipper pull. Cute and clever, this compact carryall can hold all your essentials happily ever after. This simulated leather bag features an all-over pattern of interwoven faux leather, 3D Mickey Mouse ears, and a front zip compartment. There’s a Fantasyland Castle zipper pull on the front pocket, along with two side slip pockets and a double zipper main compartment. view ONLINE This Winnie the Pooh Holiday Loungefly Mini Backpack is perfect for the season ©Disney With this Loungefly Mini Backpack featuring Winnie the Pooh clutching a large gift-wrapped jar of ”Hunny”, it’s no wonder our lovable bear is sweet on the holidays. The simulated leather character design is packed with fun and festive flourishes, including Pooh’s 3D paws, faux fur trim on his Santa hat, and three Santa bees on the pink shoulder straps. ©Disney The simulated leather bag features a die-cut simulated leather Winnie the Pooh in Santa costume, plus screen art and embroidered detailing. There is an exterior front zip pocket, and the front pocket features die-cut simulated leather Pooh paws clutching a ”Hunny” jar. Pooh’s Santa costume includes white faux fur trim, and there is a double-zipper main compartment with two side slip pockets, and adjustable padded shoulder straps that feature three die-cut simulated leather bees in Santa hats. 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! View the full article

We’re saying goodbye to Halloween and hello to the holiday season in Disney World…and y’all, we are SO ready. Sure, we love the decorations, along with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, but what we love the most (as you may have suspected) is the food, and so many great holiday snacks are coming soon. Then we’ll soon be eating our way around the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. It’s a good time to be alive, folks. Mayhem Soft-serve Float Before all that, though, we’re going to do what we do every week, which is take a closer look at Disney World restaurant menus, which are changing all the time. So let’s take a look at what menu changes we discovered this week. Magic Kingdom Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Kid’s Disney Check Meals REMOVED: Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Nacho Bowl, Citrus-Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl ADDED: Salsa Verde Chicken Nacho Bowl — Served with choice of two (2) Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk, or Small DASANI Bottled Water for $9.29 ADDED: Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Bowl — Served with choice of two (2) Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk, or Small DASANI Bottled Water for $9.29 Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Columbia Harbour House Entrées REMOVED: Shrimp Skewer Platter ADDED: Grilled Shrimp — Served with White Rice and Roasted Green Beans for $14.49 ADDED: Mixed Platter — Beer-battered Fish, Hand-breaded Shrimp, Chicken, and Hush Puppies served with French Fries for $15.79 ADDED: Hand-breaded Shrimp Platter — served with French Fries for $14.99 Plant-Based ADDED: Plant-based Crab Cake Sandwich — Lettuce, Tomato, New England Tartar Sauce, served with French Fries for $13.99 Dessert Boston Cream Pie description changed from “Vanilla Cake layered with Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Popping Candies, and Crisp Pearls topped with Fudge Icing and a Cherry” to “Yellow Cake, Boston Cream, Chocolate Ganache” Boston Cream Pie The Plaza Restaurant Entrées ADDED: Traditional Meatloaf — Mashed Potatoes, Fou Fou-Style Green Beans, Pan Gravy, Onion Straws for $27 Plaza Restaurant Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Brown Derby After Dinner Drinks REMOVED: Reposado Espresso Martini The Hollywood Brown Derby Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Trail’s End Restaurant Allergy-Friendly ADDED: Kid’s Chicken Strips – Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly, Egg Allergy-Friendly — Served with choice of two Sides and a Beverage for $9.49 ADDED: Kids’ Smoked Chicken – Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly, Egg Allergy-Friendly, Fish/Shellfish Allergy-Friendly, Peanut/Tree Nut Allergy-Friendly, Sesame Allergy-Friendly, Soy Allergy-Friendly — Served with choice of two (2) Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water for $8.99 ADDED: Kid’s Smoked Chicken Drumstick – Milk Allergy-Friendly — Served with choice of two (2) Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small DASANI Bottled Water for $8.99 ADDED: Barbecued Ribs Half-Slab Meal – Sesame Allergy-Friendly — Served with Cornbread, Coleslaw, and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy for $16.99 Trail’s End Restaurant Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Citricos Specialty Cocktails Mezcal Paloma Sour changed from $18.50 to $19 Citrus Blossom Martini changed from $18.50 to $19 Citricos Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort On The Rocks Pool Bar Savory Selections ADDED: Plant-based Barbecue Jackfruit Sandwich — Coleslaw and House-made Pickles on an Onion Roll served with Saratoga Chips for $11.99 On the Rocks Pool Bar Disney’s Old Key West Resort Good’s Food To Go Limited Time Offerings REMOVED: Red, White, and Blue Lemonade Cocktail Good’s Food To Go Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Sanaa Kids’ Create-Your-Own Entrées ADDED: Hamburger for $14 Sanaa Disney Springs Morimoto Asia Cocktails ADDED: Orochi’s Ember — toki black, aperol, lime juice, yuzu juice, grapefruit and dragon fruit syrup for $20 or with souvenir cup for $35 ©Morimoto Asia Keeping up with Disney World restaurant menu changes is a lot, but you can check menus online on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also let you know when menus change, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. The Best Restaurants at Disney World 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 Did Disney World change the menu at your favorite restaurant? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

We’re just a few short days away from the start of the holiday season in Disney World with the beginning of the resort’s two holiday parties — Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, there are very specific dates you’ll want to head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to grab an extra special treat. Don’t worry, we’ve got the dates for you, but as a warning — it’s only happening SIX times throughout the next two months! Jollywood Nights this year takes place on select nights from November 7th, 2026 to January 5th, 2027, and every night, you can meet over 20 different characters (many of them rare), try exclusive holiday treats, and ride some of your favorite attractions with little to no waits, but there’s an added bonus for Disney Vacation Club members. Disney’s Hollywood Studios On six party nights, DVC members can stop by Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After to enjoy free hot chocolate and pick up a free Disney Vacation Club holiday keepsake! This perk is only available for members attending on November 16th, November 23rd, December 7th, December 14th, and 21st. Sunset Boulevard Crowds If you’re a DVC member who’s visiting the party on another date, unfortunately, this perk won’t be available. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, most dates still have availability, with the exception of November 7th and November 14th, the first two dates of the season. DVC members and Annual Passholders are able to get a discount on tickets, so don’t forget to make sure you’re signed into your account before you purchase your tickets. Jollywood Nights Not sure what Disney Vacation Club is? Many guests think of the DVC as Disney’s version of a timeshare. But uniquely, Members are not “locked in” to a particular Disney destination, resort, style of accommodation, season of travel, or length of stay. Instead, Members utilize a Vacation Points system, offering more flexibility to choose where they’d like to go. Disney Vacation Club Members receive a yearly allotment of Vacation Points based on “the size of the real estate interest” of their “Home” Disney Vacation Club Resort, and then Members may use their Vacation Points to book their vacations. ©Disney Want to learn more about the holiday season at Disney World? Check out our video below! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Just Got One Step Closer To Christmas! 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! Are you planning to head to Jollywood Nights this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Want to bring home some great Disney souvenirs but don’t know where to start looking? We’ve got you covered! ©Amazon While we buy a good chunk of our Disney souvenirs at the Disney theme parks and hotels, we also do a fair amount of shopping online at Amazon! Over the years, we’ve discovered some incredible finds with hundreds to thousands of 5 star reviews. Check out some of our favs! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Feel festive with this first souvenir that has over 144 5-Star reviews ©Disney With Christmas right around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick up the Loungefly Mickey & Minnie Holiday Mini Backpack! This beloved bag features Mickey and Minnie enjoying hot cocoa on the front with a festive fireplace backdrop adorned with festive details like stockings, wreaths, and bulbs. One reviewer wrote, “Overall, I highly recommend this backpack to anyone looking for a stylish and practical accessory for the holiday season!” BUY ON AMAZON Sport a book-themed backpack that has nearly 400 5-Star Reviews ©Amazon The Loungefly Disney Princess Happily Ever After Mini Backpack comes with a front zipped compartment decked out in gold-detailed spines of books for classic Disney tales, including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The rest of the cream-colored bag carries a motif of each princess’s pals — and you might be able to spot friends like Abu, Sebastian, Lumiere, Cri-Kee, Jaq, Pascal, Ray, Dopey, Flit, and more! It also comes with a gold enamel zipper charm that reads “Happily Ever After.” As one reviewer put it, “I wouldn’t have thought I’d ever use the word ‘beautiful’ to describe a backpack of all things, but this truly is lovely.” BUY ON AMAZON This next Loungefly features a timeless design and 60 5-Star reviews ©Amazon Celebrate 86 years of Fantasia with the Loungefly Fantasia Light Up Mini Backpack! This bag features Sorcerer Mickey front and center, casting magic as the stars around him light up! The rest of the bag sports crashing waves, Magic Brooms, gold foil, and shimmer faux leather. A review summed it up nicely, saying, “Fun for any Disney lover!” BUY ON AMAZON This Amazon-exclusive LEGO set has over 300 5-Star reviews ©Amazon Snag the LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle Set! Per a 2026 review, this set is “a great addition for anyone looking to expand their collection with a fun item.” This 2,916-piece set lets you build the iconic four-level castle from the animated movie. It includes fun features like a spinning dance floor in the Beast’s ballroom, Belle’s library tower, and the enchanted rose chamber. It also features 10 figures, including Belle, Beast, Gaston, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and Lumière! BUY ON AMAZON We’re OBSESSED with this Pixar LEGO set that has a perfect score on nearly 330 reviews ©Amazon The LEGO Toy Story Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride Set comes with 714 pieces that let you build an adorable Alien with a movable head, arms, hands, and feet! It can be placed inside the buildable Pizza Planet-inspired rocket ride machine, which features a turning crank that moves the rocket up and down, an opening coin dispenser that holds two small coins, two hidden Easter eggs, and another surprise Toy Story character tucked inside. Reviews also praise its affordable price point! BUY ON AMAZON It’s tough to top this Winnie the Pooh LEGO set ©Amazon With over 180 5-Star reviews, this 1,399-piece LEGO Winnie the Pooh Set is designed for adult builders and lets you build Pooh Bear with a movable head, ears, arms, and hands! It also comes with a buildable honey pot that opens to reveal two hidden rooms with a Winnie the Pooh minifigure and an Eeyore figure tucked inside. This is a blast to build, as one reviewer wrote, “So stinking cute! I love the little details inside the building set too. It was fun! It didn’t take me long to create, but I really had fun doing it. Makes me happy to look at!” BUY ON AMAZON Grab this LEGO set with over 2,050 5-Star reviews before it’s retired ©Amazon This LEGO Up House Set is going to be retired by LEGO soon, so you’ll want to get it while you still can! It comes with 598 pieces that let you build a detailed section of the iconic house with a chimney and balloons. It also includes a wilderness explorer backpack, an adventure book, more accessories, and figures of Carl, Russell, Dug, and a squirrel. One reviewer wrote, “This set is a great balance between creative play and display value. The kids love revisiting it, and it has already become one of their favorite LEGO builds. It’s also a fantastic gift option for movie fans, families, or anyone who enjoys meaningful LEGO sets.” BUY ON AMAZON Make your favorite Disney Parks treats at home We love this cookbook! Featuring 100 easy and delicious recipes inspired by Disney World and Disneyland, The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook includes recipes like DOLE Whip, Mickey Pretzels, blue milk, and Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums! This book has 13,545 5-Star reviews, and one reviewer wrote, ” It really is a great little cookbook and it’s almost a family event when we break it out to make a treat. I highly recommend it.” BUY ON AMAZON This cookbook with over 8,800 5-Star reviews is all about the Disney Princesses ©Amazon The Disney Princess Cookbook features 50 recipes that are inspired by the Disney Princesses! Each recipe includes simple step-by-step instructions and photos of each dish — making it a great book for beginners. Some recipes include Rapunzel-inspired Frying Pan Eggs, Tiana-inspired Bayou Meatloaf, Moana-inspired Te Fiti Tropical Punch, and more! One reviewer added, “This cookbook is such a fun addition to our kitchen, especially if you have a little Disney fan at home. The recipes are inspired by Disney Princesses and are paired with beautiful illustrations and themed pages that make the book just as enjoyable to flip through as it is to cook from.” BUY ON AMAZON Go retro with this next cookbook that has a perfect 5-Star rating ©Amazon Make dishes that you can no longer find at the Disney Parks with The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook! One reviewer said, “This book is a must-buy!” This cookbook features over 60 recipes inspired by legendary dining spots and snacks/meals that have been retired by Disney. Some recipes include Lamb Chops with Mint Jelly, from Disneyland’s Red Wagon Inn (closed in 1964), Taco Salad in a Ta-Cup from Disneyland’s Casa de Fritos (where Doritos were invented, and inevitably closed in 1982), Carrot Cake Cookie, from Writer’s Stop (back when Hollywood Studios was called MGM, closed in 2016), Goat Cheese Dip from EPCOT’s Restaurant Marrakesh (closed in 2020), the original and “new” Kungaloosh cocktails from Pleasure Island’s Adventurers Club (closed in 2008), Iced Felucian Blue Shrimp Cocktail from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (closed in 2023), and more! BUY ON AMAZON Reading time is extra special with this next book ©Amazon Featuring over 4,230 5-Star reviews, Disney Princess: 5-Minute Princess Stories comes with 12 stories in a durable, padded cover book with full-page illustrations. The short stories included feature Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana! A reviewer called it perfect “for bedtime stories! My daughter loves princesses and this is great quality and with vibrant pictures!” BUY ON AMAZON Fans of mystery boxes should check out this fun souvenir that has 76 5-Star reviews ©Amazon Test your luck with the Disney Doorables Ticket to Fun Festival-Themed Collectible! This set includes at least five (and up to seven) Doorables festival-themed Disney figures and a checklist in a blind box! Behind every door is a surprise, and there are a total of 50 figures you can collect. One reviewer said it’s “so much fun for kids and adults alike. The characters are even cuter in real life!” BUY ON AMAZON Kids love this Play-Doh set with nearly 550 5-Star reviews ©Amazon One reviewer called the Play-Doh Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Set “a classic, high-quality product that never disappoints.” It comes with four playmats with colorful scenes, a book for storage, 11 accessories like rollers, cutters, a Goofy Fun Factory squisher, and mold fun shapes with the circle stampers. It also includes four 2-ounce cans of red, green, blue, and yellow Play-Doh. BUY ON AMAZON This Toy Story 5 toy is all the rage ©Amazon With nearly 310 5-Star reviews, the Toy Story 5 Explore and Learn Lilypad from LeapFrog has been called “absolutely adorable!” This looks just like the one Bonnie has in Toy Story 5, and it even has movable hands and eyes! Kids can stay connected with Jessie, Buzz, Woody, and more by texting them using emojis and preset messages, and they can also use the ABC Photo Album to practice letter skills, the Froggy 123 game to explore numbers and counting to 100, and the Robot Vacuum game to build problem-solving skills. BUY ON AMAZON These finger puppets have over 2,750 5-Star reviews ©Amazon The Mickey Mouse & Friends Finger Puppets are great as regular gifts or even as party favors! They come in a set of five featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto. One reviewer said they are “simple but fun and definitely toddler approved.” BUY ON AMAZON Bring home your own Slinky Dog ©Amazon Finally, we want to highlight the Toy Story Slinky Dog Pull Toy! This toy has over 5,770 5-Star reviews — with one reviewer saying, “Really feels like a solid toy. The slinky parts are decently thick metal and the plastic parts feel like solid plastic, not cheap or hollow. It moves well and looks just like Slink from the movies.” You can pull Slinky Dog by the leash and watch his coiled body stretch and slink along for interactive, on-the-go play! He comes with his signature spring body, floppy ears, and a green collar. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! For more well-reviewed Disney finds, keep it posted right here at DFB! View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Whether you want something quick and easy or to sit down for a full meal, the resort has you covered. The Plaza Restaurant We recently stopped by The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom to check out the new holiday eats that just landed, and we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Let’s dive in! Atmosphere The Plaza Restaurant is located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., facing Cinderella Castle (closest to Tomorrowland). It’s one of Magic Kingdom’s smaller restaurants, though not one of the most popular, so getting a reservation can be a bit of a toss-up. Plaza Restaurant All the tables here are indoors and are a mixture of booths and regular tables, but you’ll probably be seated fairly close to another party while you dine, as they’re all pretty close together. The atmosphere here is bright and charming, bringing you back to days past. If you’re seated near the windows, you’ll get a stunning view of the castle — even better if you’re sitting there close to a parade! Rotunda Room But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu When visiting for lunch, as we were, you’ll find appetizers like Plaza Loaded Fries, a House Salad, Beer-battered Onion Rings, and a soup of the day, while entrées are made up of offerings like a Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Waldorf Salad, Chef Salad, Chilled Shrimp Wedge Salad, and more. Dessert is also available! The menu! Now, we’re here to try out the holiday offerings that just landed on the menu, which include the new Classic Reuben Sandwich and Red Velvet Cheesecake. Returning this year for the holidays are Santa’s Floridian Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Merry Berry Cosmopolitan. And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up, we grabbed the Classic Reuben Sandwich for $26. This is made with Sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and griddled rye. Classic Reuben Sandwich This is a pretty hearty sandwich! The meat is moist without feeling dry, and the Thousand Island dressing really brings everything together and works well with the other ingredients. If you’re used to a toasted texture for your sandwich, this bread is on the softer side, so that may throw you off. The fries served on the side are also on the softer side, rather than crispy, which is another thing to keep in mind. At $26, this sandwich is definitely a little pricey for what it is. While it was good, it isn’t really anything to write home about, so we do think that’s a pretty steep price. The inside of the sandwich Now, despite Disney saying that this is new, it’s really not, seeing as there was a Reuben Sandwich added to the menu back in 2022, and what we’ve found is that this is just a slightly more elevated version of that former menu item. It’s still iconic, still beloved, but it won’t be a Reuben you’re dreaming about. The Plaza Reuben (2022) Next was the Red Velvet Cheesecake for $11, which is Red velvet cake topped with vanilla swirl cheesecake. Red Velvet Cheesecake The entire dessert has an incredibly soft texture, but the two layers have noticeably different consistencies. The cheesecake layer on top is very thick, while the red velvet cake on the bottom is moist and soft. The two blend together well, though, and the cheesecake wasn’t as rich as we were expecting it to be. The thin chocolate layers hidden throughout add a little surprise to the dessert, which we loved. Our biggest drawback is that we weren’t getting as much of a red velvet flavor as we would have liked, as the cheesecake was a bit too overpowering. There is a LOT of cheesecake We do feel this is really worth the cost for the price, but it is VERY filling, so we think it’s best if you’re sharing it with someone, or if you’re really craving some dessert. It’s definitely not a dessert you’ll feel you paid too much for a small piece! Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… Main Street, U.S.A. is your favorite part of the Magic Kingdom. The Plaza Restaurant is the perfect embodiment of Main Street, U.S.A. The decorations are all in the elegant turn-of-the-century style, and the menu features classic American cuisine. We tend to get a little sappy and sentimental when we’re walking down Main Street, and if you do, too, this is a great place to really soak in that charming atmosphere. You’re looking for an affordable but quality meal. Many of the entrees here are under $25 – not bad, eh? Yes, Disney World has a reputation for being an expensive place to go on vacation, but this is one of those places where you can get away with spending less while still enjoying good food (lookin’ at you, Plaza Loaded Fries). You agree that ice cream makes any meal 10x better. Three words: Original Banana Split. They’ve even got milkshakes! This restaurant is right next door to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, but here, you get delicious ice cream in a quieter (and air-conditioned) setting. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want over-the-top Disney theming. You won’t find anything that directly screams, “Disney” here, so be warned. This is a charming restaurant, but if you’ve got little kids to impress, they might start getting bored and restless. You’re over all the sandwiches and French fries. It’s nice to be able to sit down and relax in the middle of a park day. But, honestly, the food here is more or less the same type of food you can get at a quick-service restaurant. Yes, the burger is a little more elevated than, say, a burger at Cosmic Ray’s, but Disney World has a LOT of burgers to choose from. You’re visiting outside of the holiday season. The Plaza Restaurant has the added bonus of exclusive menu items for Halloween and Christmas. If you want those specialty menu items, you might want to wait for the holiday season to dine here. Otherwise, you’ll be limited to the standard menu. Overall Overall, we think the new additions here are solid, but nothing absolutely out of this world, which is how we feel about The Plaza Restaurant most of the time. It’s beautiful, iconic, and we’re so happy it’s around, but you likely won’t leave there feeling like you had one of the best meals of your trip. Want to see what it’s like to eat around Magic Kingdom and find all the best spots? Check out our video! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

DFB is going GLOBAL, y’all. We’re traveling AROUND THE WORLD to bring you the latest theme park and travel news in order to help you plan for your future vacations no matter where you decide to go next! Let’s go! All right here at DFB! Check out our new video: BIG Theme Park & Travel News: Minecraft Coaster, Six Flags, Dolly Parton Hotel 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

Here at DFB, we’re gearing up for a BIG holiday season! ©Amazon Christmas and the holidays are around the corner, which makes now a great time to blitz some holiday shopping on Amazon! Right now, you can find TONS of great Disney x Hallmark tree ornaments. So, if you’re in the market to spruce up your Christmas tree with some Disney flair, allow us to recommend several amazing options! We gathered the most popular ornaments on Amazon right now to share with you!! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Celebrate the castle that started it all ©Amazon Created to celebrate 70 years of Walt’s original theme park, the Hallmark Disneyland 70th Anniversary Christmas Ornament features the beloved Sleeping Beauty Castle — which lights up as “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays. It also sports homages to other rides in Fantasyland. BUY ON AMAZON This next ornament looks just like a Loungefly ©Amazon Who doesn’t love a fun Loungefly backpack?! The Hallmark Loungefly Mickey Mouse Backpack Christmas Ornament looks exactly like a classic Mickey bag, even sporting faux zippers, faux pockets, and Mickey ears! BUY ON AMAZON Fans of Disney villains will get a kick out of this next ornament ©Amazon Speaking of Loungefly ornaments, the Hallmark Loungefly Evil Queen Christmas Ornament is another fun option! This ornament looks like a mini backpack and sports a 3D design of the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. BUY ON AMAZON This next ornament is brimming with nostalgia ©Amazon The Hallmark Disney Princess Dreams Go Round Christmas Ornament features Ariel, Jasmine, and Cinderella riding a seahorse, tiger, and horse (respectively) on a carousel! The ornament even lights up, spins, and plays “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Part of Your World,” and “A Whole New World.” BUY ON AMAZON Celebrate the holiday season with this Mickey and friends ornament ©Amazon Featuring Mickey and his pals, the Hallmark Mickey and Friends Sledding Christmas Ornament is packed with familiar faces! This ornament showcases Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy engaging in some sledding fun around a snowman, as well as fun winter art on the base below. This ornament lights up, moves, and plays a fun version of “Jingle Bells.” BUY ON AMAZON This next ornament is a must-have for Pixar fans ©Amazon This Hallmark Cars Lightning McQueen Christmas Ornament features a detailed model of the hero from the Cars franchise! If you or a loved one is a major fan of this 7x Piston Cup champion, definitely check it out! BUY ON AMAZON Mickey tries an extreme sport in this next ornament ©Amazon Get ready to shred down some slopes with the Hallmark Mickey Mouse Snowboarding Christmas Ornament! This ornament sports a snowboarding Mickey in winter sports gear and — best of all — it’ll only cost ya under $10! BUY ON AMAZON Make 2026 extra special with this timely ornament ©Amazon Designed specifically for this year, the Hallmark Minnie Mouse 2026 Christmas Ornament features Minnie in an adorable Christmas outfit (with a glittery bow) next to red and green 2026 numbering. If you’re looking to celebrate something extra special this year, you should absolutely check this out! BUY ON AMAZON Bring a popular ride home in ornament form ©Amazon The Hallmark Disneyland Dumbo the Flying Elephant Christmas Ornament celebrates the beloved attraction with the ability to light up and spin! It even plays an instrumental version of “It’s a Circus Day Again (Circus Parade)” from the ride! BUY ON AMAZON We’ll continue to keep you posted on all kinds of great finds this holiday season, so be sure to stay tuned right here at DFB! View the full article

Calling all Princess and the Frog fans! Today is a HUGE day for fans of the original film and for everyone who just adores Tiana. ©Disney There are a few different ways to show your love for Tiana in Disney World, like grabbing some beignets from Port Orleans French Quarter, riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or heading to Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom, or you can turn on the beloved film in your hotel room at the end of the night. Now, we know that there will soon be another film to turn on, and it’s coming to Disney+! Collider has reported that The Princess and the Frog will be returning in the form of a brand new project, featuring new songs and members of the original cast! Jared Bush, Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer, confirmed this news in a conversation with Steve Weintraub at SCAD Savannah Film Festival. ©Disney This new special will be a complete story, not an ongoing television series, and it’s been described as more of a television special. Bush is quoted saying, “It is a special set in the world of The Princess and the Frog. We are really moving on that right now. So, that’s actually in active production. That will be out to people soon. New songs. Original cast. It is pretty spectacular.” Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen This is far from the first time that Disney has tried to bring Tiana back to the screen. The musical series Tiana was set to debut on Disney+ with Anika Noni Rose reprising her role as Tiana, but Disney shelved the project in March 2025. At the time, it was known that Disney was also actively working on a special in the world of Tiana and The Princess and the Frog, but we didn’t know anything about it until now. Bush continued in his recent interview, saying, “I’m hesitant to give you the specifics. I’d say it probably will feel more like a special to people. So, it’s not shorts. It’s a full story with a lot of songs as part of it. We have not announced a specific timing of that yet. I’ll get back to you on that. But there are other projects in similar veins, and I think that that’s a great way for us to experiment with some things and also to revisit worlds that I think people want to see.” Tiana! Disney has not yet revealed which original cast members are returning, the story, or when the special will premiere, but we’re hoping that Bush saying “soon” means that we’ll be hearing more news in the coming months. You can find the original film on Disney+ right now, so if you’re wanting to step back into the world, it just takes a few taps of a remote! ©Disney Love the park that’s all about the movies? So do we! Check out our video below to learn more about it. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! The Single BIGGEST Announcement Disney Made 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 How do you feel about this new special? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Some Disney merchandise is just cute. And then some Disney merch stops you in your tracks because it takes you right back to a moment you haven’t thought about in years. ©D23 That’s exactly what happened when I came across these two Loungefly mini backpacks. Both of them tap into a very specific piece of my Disney World childhood, and both happen to celebrate spots that are no longer in the parks. If you grew up visiting Disney World in the ’90s and 2000s, there’s a good chance they’ll hit you right in the nostalgia, too. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. I Miss Strolling in Toon Town This one is all about the classics. The Mickey & Friends Disney100 Ear Holder Mini Backpack is covered in an all-over print of Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the Sensational Six in their timeless, old-school style, with bright, cheerful colors that feel straight out of a vintage cartoon. It was made to celebrate 100 years of Disney, and it really leans into the characters that started it all. And because it’s an ear holder style, it has a dedicated spot to stash your Mickey ears when you need a break from wearing them, which is a game-changer on a long park day. ©Amazon The second I saw it, I was transported back to Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom. I absolutely LOVED visiting Toontown as a kid, and getting to walk through Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses was the highlight. Peeking into their kitchens, seeing their rooms, and checking out all the little details made it feel like you were actually stepping into their world. It was colorful, a little silly, and completely magical to a kid who believed Mickey and Minnie really lived there. ©Amazon Toontown Fair closed in 2011 to make way for Storybook Circus, and those houses are a thing of the past now. But anything with that classic Mickey and Minnie vibe brings that feeling right back for me, and this bag nails it. It’s the kind of design that would have looked right at home hanging in Minnie’s closet, and carrying it around the parks feels like bringing a little piece of Toontown along with me. view ON Amazon Take Me Back to Pizza Planet! Next up is a bag that any Toy Story fan is going to want to grab before it disappears. The Toy Story Pizza Planet Space Entry Mini Backpack is designed to look like the entrance to Pizza Planet itself, complete with the iconic rocket, spaceships, and that fun retro-futuristic look straight out of the movie. The space-blue design and playful details make it feel less like a backpack and more like a tiny portal to the Space Port. ©Amazon For me, this bag is all about Pizza Planet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I looked forward to it every single trip. It wasn’t fancy, but it didn’t need to be. We would grab pizza, play the arcade games, and just hang out together as a family. Looking back, it was one of those simple, unhurried moments in the middle of a busy park day that ended up meaning the most. Some families plan their trips around a big table-service meal, but for us, Pizza Planet was the meal we never skipped. ©Amazon Pizza Planet closed in 2016 and later became PizzeRizzo, so you can’t walk through those doors at the Studios anymore. That’s what makes this Loungefly feel so special. Every time I look at that rocket on the front, I can practically smell the pizza and hear the arcade games going off in the background. If Pizza Planet was part of your Disney tradition too, this is the bag that will bring it all flooding back. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We feel kinda like we’ve been watching paint dry for the past few weeks over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but just now, things just took a VERY interesting turn! @bioreconstruct on X We’re so excited for Monstropolis to hit the park that we’re keeping a close eye out for nearly any and all updates that happen — that’s quite literally why we go back each and every day. There’s only so much we can see over the walls, but that’s not a problem for @bioreconstruct, who just got some AMAZING new photos of what’s happening. In fact, there’s even TRACK over at the park’s upcoming suspended coaster! This is HUGE, considering it’s the first we’ve seen of actual track being added for the ride. Now, this coaster will be all indoors when complete, and it’s only because the walls aren’t fully complete that we can see the inside. @bioreconstruct on X The new photos also show track supports and platforms that are staged on the ground. At least one brake run that separates “blocks” of track. @bioreconstruct on X When you look at the building from afar, it’s easy to see just how massive this ride will be. It’s mostly situated behind Galaxy’s Edge, which is why you won’t be able to see it from inside the park. @bioreconstruct on X It’s looking like the installation overall at the coaster is going well, and we hope this means we’ll get to see additional track added before the walls are finished and the building is closed off to our eyes. @bioreconstruct on X According to @bioreconstruct, “At left in this aerial photo are supports for track leading into unload at the Monsters Inc. suspended door roller coaster. Arrow where steel sheeting is being added for a floor above unload. The ride will swoop through this upper floor and return to the main ride chamber.” @bioreconstruct on X We also got a look at a curved part of the ride, and you can bet we’re really curious to see if that’s going to be visible inside the attraction as part of the ride, or if it’ll be hidden. @bioreconstruct on X @bioreconstruct was also able to capture some of the additional pieces of track that are currently off to the side, ready to be added onto the ride. @bioreconstruct on X As for the walls around the attraction, they’re also coming along well, but we’ve got a feeling it’ll be a while until it’s covered completely. @bioreconstruct on X Those weren’t the only updates, either! We also got a great look at the new fountain coming to the land, which looks like it’ll be of an eye, if the concept art is anything to go by. @bioreconstruct on X Bricks are also in the process of being placed at the front of the entrance to the land! @bioreconstruct on X We also got an updated look at Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza! @bioreconstruct on X While we’re constantly on alert for the Glob Theater sign, which still isn’t up, there is a TON of work being done on the exterior of the building. It’s scaffolding-central over there, that’s for sure. @bioreconstruct on X Finally, there’s also a decent amount of movement over near where Harryhausen’s will be. It’s nice to see so much coming along! @bioreconstruct on X @bioreconstruct also uploaded a video detailing a ton of the construction as well, which really puts a lot of it to scale. Want to see more of the latest theme park news you may have missed? Check out our video below! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney Fans Who Love the Deep Cuts Need to See These Finds Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this new land? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’re planning to Drink Around the World at EPCOT, you may need to change your strategy depending on when your trip is, because one of the pavilions will be down a spot to grab a drink! Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room The most popular place to get a drink in the UK Pavilion is at the Rose & Crown Pub; however, this space will close for refurbishment on January 11th, 2027, and is expected to remain closed until later in 2027. So, if your trip falls between those dates, where should you grab a drink in the UK Pavilion instead? Since the Rose & Crown Pub will be closed, there are actually only TWO places you’ll be able to get a drink in the UK. The first location is Yorkshire County Fish Shop, and their options are pretty limited. Here, you’ll have the choice of two beers: the Harp Lager – Ireland or the Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Red Ale, both for $12.75. Yorkshire County Fish Shop Your other option for drinks is at the UK Beer Cart. There are a couple more drinks here, but the menu is still quite limited. As of writing, you can get the Sparkling Cucumber-Gin Cocktail for $17.50, a seasonal hard cider for $12.75, a Harp Lager Draft for $12.75, or a BrewDog Punk IPA for $12.75. They may also offer a specialty beverage for the current EPCOT festival. Sparkling Cucumber-Gin Cocktail If none of these drinks are calling your name, don’t worry — there are still 10 more countries to grab drinks from! Some of our favorites from around the world are the Avocado Margarita from La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion, the slushes from Le Vins des Chefs de France and the Frosé from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, and the Viking Coffee from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafé. Avocado Margarita And you can always replace a country with a drink from one of the festival food booths! During the closure of Rose & Crown, several festivals will take place, including the Festival of the Arts from January 15th to March 1st, and the Flower and Garden Festival from March 10th to May 31st, and it’s possible that the Food and Wine Festival could be going on during this closure as well since a specific reopening date has not been announced. While menus have not been released yet, you’re sure to find a drink you’ll like at one of the booths! Cherry Nostalgia Finally, you have the option of grabbing a drink at the Refreshment Outpost or La Poutinerie. These spots are technically not in a country but still serve alcoholic beverages. The Refreshment Outpost offers a few cocktails, including the Mango Rum Freeze, the Frozen Brown Elephant, and the Outpost Lemonade, as well as beer and specialty festival beverages. La Poutinerie serves several selections of wine and beers, as well as some festival offerings. Refreshment Outpost If you’re planning to Drink Around the World in 2027, here’s your warning that you might have to plan differently in one country! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks! You’ll definitely want some snacks along the way! Check out the best snacks at EPCOT in our video below! REVIEW: You Need a SECRET Password For This NEW EPCOT Drink 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 headed to EPCOT in 2027? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

As jack-o'-lanterns fade out of sight, #Pooh welcomes the holidays merry and bright 🎃🎄 #DisneyWorldView the full article

One of the biggest movies of the year is getting ready to hit theaters this December, and in case you’re wondering, no, we’re still not ready, even though we’ve known it’s been coming for years now. ©Marvel Avengers: Doomsday is about to knock us right off our feet; we just know it, and you can bet we’ve already been thinking about the best time to get into the theater to see the film on the big screen. If you’re as excited as we are, then you’ll be thrilled to know that you can make a fully informed decision on which theater to see the film at, now that four of them have released the souvenirs that will soon be available! When it comes to Regal Cinemas, you’re going to have multiple different options to choose from. In fact, it’s got one of the largest collections out of all the theater companies (though not THE largest!), so if you want variety, this might be who you want to go with. ©Regal Cinemas The collection at Regal consists of: Doom’s Throne Popcorn Container ©Regal Cinemas Sentinel Collectible Drink Vessel ©Regal Cinemas Doctor Doom Statue Popcorn Bucket ©Regal Cinemas AMC Theaters also has quite a collection, and THIS is the theater you’ll want to head to if you want to collect all you can to remember the film by. The collection consists of: Sentinel Head popcorn bucket Doctor Doom Collectible popcorn bucket Bottle of Doom drinkware Team Icon Collectible available in three designs (including the logos of Doctor Doom, The Avengers, and the X-Men) ©AMC Theaters If you don’t have Regal or AMC near you, not to worry, because Cinemark also has some great collectibles available. The collection includes: LED Doctor Doom Statue Bucket LED Doctor Doom Character 3D Cup Souvenir Cups available in four designs Popcorn Tins featuring various Marvel heroes ©Cinemark Finally, if you’re heading to Vue Cinemas, the collection you can check out includes: Avengers Assemble Popcorn Buckets Stained Glass Throne Popcorn Bucket Doctor Doom Popcorn Bust Doom and Sentinels Sipper Cups ©Vue Cinemas Now, for these theaters, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be seeing a film to get access to these souvenirs. In fact, you can walk into the theater, grab what you’d like through the concessions checkout line, or ask an employee behind the counter for what you’d like, purchase your souvenirs, and walk right back out without buying a movie ticket. This is great if you want to see the film at Regal, per se, but you want to grab some of the AMC-exclusive items. Did you know you can do the same with movie theater popcorn? Yep, nothing is stopping you from purchasing some of that goodness and then just bringing it back home. AMC in Disney Springs Planning to see the film at the AMC Theaters in Disney Springs and don’t know how to spend your day? Check out our video below! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney movie news, so stay tuned to DFB! Connor Storrie In Talks To Star in Marvel’s ‘Ghost Rider’ With Ryan Gosling 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 go see the film in theaters? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Is there anything more magical than adding a little extra *sparkle* to your Disney World must-haves? Rhinestone Minnie Ears We’ve spotted a super eye-catching trend on social media lately — Disney fans are jazzing up their theme park essentials by customizing them with rhinestones. Now, let’s talk about some of the most popular things we’ve seen bedazzled AND the best ways to get in on the trend yourself! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. What Are People Bedazzling? If you search social media (especially the aesthetic-heavy Instagram) for “bedazzled Disney,” you’ll find TONS of items people have customized by covering them in rhinestones! One of the most common things that pops up is a true essential for those who have it — Annual Passes. We’ve seen lots of pictures of people who have added rhinestones in the matching colors of their passes, keeping the same look but adding some bling! Would You Bedazzle Your Annual Pass?? We’ve also seen lots of popular park accessories that people have customized by bedazzling, including Minnie Ears, Loungefly Bags, and Popcorn Buckets. We’ve Seen Tons of Customized Bedazzled Ears on Social Media! Those seem to be the most popular choices based on social media photos, but we’ve also seen people take on other projects, some of which are super impressive. In fact, a member of our team is even bedazzling their own Sleeping Beauty Castle model! A Custom Bedazzled Castle! It’s a labor of love for sure — they’ve just hit 140 hours of work on it and still have more work to go before it’s complete! But the gorgeousness and sense of accomplishment make it totally worth it. Now, before you get too overwhelmed by the thought of months’ worth of work, keep in mind that the castle is a BIG project, and smaller things like an Annual Pass or Minnie Ears can be finished way faster. Bedazzling Work in Action! Ready to get on the bedazzling trend? If you’re short on time, there are pre-made sparkly accessories you can grab with the work already done for you. Or, if you’re up for the challenge, you can create your own customized work of art! Bedazzled Minnie ears that are already blinged out! ©Disney Store Starting with a ready-to-rock option, these Sequined Minnie Ears are already COVERED in sparkles, with black sequins edge-to-edge on the ears and red sequins decorating the bow! It’s the perfect mix of Minnie’s classic color scheme with a major dose of added glamour, courtesy of the bedazzling. Shop on Disney Store The perfect Mickey ears to customize yourself! ©Disney Store Want to create your own custom bedazzled pair of ears? These Red Mickey Ears are a great pair to work with! The faux leather is a good material for bedazzling beginners to work with since it’s easy to get the rhinestones to stick in place. Plus, since they’re a solid color with no pattern or print, you have a blank canvas to bedazzle however your heart desires! Shop on Disney Store Gotta get some rhinestones to bedazzle with! ©Amazon Add some matching bling to those ears with a pack of Red Rhinestones! It comes with 35,000 (plenty to cover those Mickey ears and then some!), with stones from 2 millimeters up to 6 millimeters to give you some variety to work with. Plus, if you have a different project or artistic vision in mind, there are TONS of colors to choose from, including packs with a rainbow of different colors! Shop on Amazon Speaking of a rainbow of rhinestones… ©Amazon If it’s COLOR you’re looking for, this Rhinestone Bedazzling Kit might be the perfect fit! It comes with 40,000 rhinestones in a total of 40 different colors. Plus, it also includes tweezers, a pickup pen, and 3 tubes of B-7000 glue, so it has everything you need to get started! Shop on Amazon We’ve LOVED seeing people show off their creativity with their custom bedazzled Disney creations on social media. If you get in on the trend, be sure to share your pics with us so we can marvel at your gorgeous art! View the full article

Think your Disney vacation rental has to be a beige condo with a sad pool and framed Mickey prints? Think again. Welcome to Disney World! I spent way too many hours scrolling through 300 Airbnbs near Disney World, and what I found was less “home away from home” and more “did a theme park designer build this in their spare time?” From themed kids’ rooms that rival anything in the parks to houses that look like they were dropped in from another planet, these 9 homes prove Orlando takes “over the top” very seriously. A Game Room in Space This Airbnb in Davenport sleeps 10 guests in its 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. From the outside, it looks like a typical Florida home. You can even find a gorgeous pool in the backyard that is perfect on those hot Florida days. However, there are two things that make this home stand out. First, if you have a Toy Story fan, this room will have them feeling like a cowboy just like Woody. ©Airbnb If you have kids who love to play games, this game room is perfect. First, the mural on the wall makes you feel like you’re in space. It’s reminding me of Space 220, anyone else? It’s complete with a pool table, air hockey table, and a foosball table. It’s the perfect way to relax after a busy park day. ©Airbnb Sleep Right on Main Street This townhouse located in Kissimmee has 5 Bedrooms and 4.5 Bathrooms. For $321 a night, 16 guests can stay here and be minutes from Disney World. The living spaces of the townhouse are very modern, but what caught our attention was this Disney room below with a massive mural of Main Street U.S.A., right next to the bed. While we can’t sleep directly on Main Street (outside of a nap waiting for the parade), this is the next best thing! ©Airbnb Immersive Home Just 8 Miles From Disney There are so many incredible things about this next Airbnb, but here are just a few highlights from the 8-bedroom, 6-bathroom home in Clermont. At just $496 a night, it can accommodate 20 guests. First, this stunning bedroom fit for a princess comes with a castle inside it — yes, a castle! ©Airbnb If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this room is incredible. It has two twin beds in it with murals of famous scenes from the films that make you feel like you’re in the movie. From famous Hogwarts professors on the wall to a copy of the daily prophet hanging on the wall, fans will be thrilled to stay here. ©Airbnb But that’s not all! Super Mario fans will love this game space to play in. It’s complete with an air hockey table and even a slide. I can also confirm this is one of many slides that are located INSIDE of this house. ©Airbnb Sleep Next to Darth Vader This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Davenport is just 15 minutes from Disney World. Star Wars fans, this bedroom with two double beds is for you. Inside you’ll find BB-8, a Stormtrooper helmet, a gorgeous mural featuring the Millennium Falcon, and a life-sized Darth Vader. I’m not sure if I’m more impressed or terrified at the idea of waking up next to it, but either way, it’s unique! ©Airbnb This Bedroom is Made for Rapunzel This 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom townhouse in Clermont is $367 a night. It’s just 8 miles from Disney World and has a lot of character! This Rapunzel room looks like the story came to life, with a replica of her tower with bunk beds. ©Airbnb But if you aren’t impressed enough by that, look at this gorgeous recreation of the boat from the movie that is perfect for playing in. You’ll even find the Corona lanterns hanging just above it, making it a great photo opportunity. ©Airbnb For Star Wars fans, this bunk room is reminding us of the Galactic Starcruiser rooms as they feature a similar design. You’ll also find lightsabers on the walls and a slide in the room. ©Airbnb This How to Train Your Dragon Room is Incredible! This townhouse in Kissimmee can host 14 guests at $363 per night. One of my favorite features about this home is the How to Train Your Dragon room. This room comes with two sets of bunk beds that are located in the viking ships! ©Airbnb Not only is there a wall mural featuring beloved characters from the film, but just above the beds, you’ll find a sky full of clouds. Any How to Train Your Dragon fan will love this. ©Airbnb A Fairytale Dream This home in Kissimmee has 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms and is available for $505 a night. One of the rooms is this impressive Princess Carriage Room. Two twin carriage beds whisk you away to your castle, and it is a dreamy escape for anyone who loves fairy tales. ©Airbnb For Toy Story fans, you can sleep in a spaceship queen bunk or a saloon‑style twin bunk, crawl through a tunnel, and slide down into Woody’s Saloon. This room is pure joy for little adventurers. ©Airbnb This Home has A Room for Everyone This home in Davenport has 6 bedrooms, each with a fun theme. The first is a Harry Potter room featuring a Platform 9 3/4 mural on the wall. ©Airbnb Next up, you’ll feel like you’re with the Na’vi in Pandora with stunning vines on the ceilings and glowing animals on the walls. ©Airbnb Finally, a Minions room complete with bunk beds and a slide. You’ll find your favorite minion friends on the murals on the wall! ©Airbnb Up to 20 Guests Will Love This Home! Over in Clermont, guests can stay at this 7-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home. This Monsters, Inc. home theater will give you plenty of reasons to relax at the house after a long park day. It’s even got a popcorn maker! ©Airbnb Another room fit for royalty! This bedroom features a large castle that you can sleep in and a large mural on the wall of the Disney princesses. We love the flower details on the castle as well. ©Airbnb Finally, kids will be able to play in this Toy Story game room that includes a slide and a rock wall. Just in case they didn’t get their energy out at the park, this room will tire them out! ©Airbnb So there you have it: 9 Airbnbs near Disney World that prove “vacation rental” can mean a whole lot more than a spare bedroom and a pull-out couch. Whether you’re dreaming of a castle getaway or a themed bedroom your kids will talk about for years, there’s clearly a home out there for every brand of Disney fan. Before your trip, be sure to check out DFB for the latest park news and money-saving tips. Which Disney World Resort Hotel is Best for YOU? https://youtu.be/TkNTRTZoQvk?si=6CTatvmh_3mJLoPP 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 outrageous homes would YOU actually book? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

It’s November 1st, so go store your Halloween decorations and turn on Mariah Carey, because It’s tiiime for Christmas in Disney World! EPCOT Christmas Tree From November 27th to December 30th, EPCOT will turn into a winter wonderland featuring great food, live entertainment, and TONS of cookies during the Festival of the Holidays. But some holly jolly souvenirs have already been released at EPCOT! We were walking in the World Showcase today when we saw a new Festival Market near the Germany Pavilion. So obviously, we HAD to check out the new merch! Festival Market But this Festival Market doesn’t have Food & Wine Festival merch — It’s filled to the brim with Festival of the Holidays souvenirs! We found some super cute German Christmas t-shirts, sweatshirts, ornaments, mugs, and even toy soldiers. New souvenirs! They also sell these adorable Mickey and Minnie Ears, which we HAD to bring home with us. Each ear features Mickey and Minnie dressed in German outfits in front of German buildings, and if you shake them, the snow inside moves around like a snow globe! SO cute! Plus, there are dozens of Christmas ornaments to choose from, all in festive German-inspired designs. Christmas ornaments! We found even MORE ornaments along with some red fuzzy blankets. Don’t these look so warm for the colder months? We need ALL the fuzzy blankets! They also offer some adorable German teddy bears wearing Santa outfits, because what’s more holly jolly than Santa Claus himself? Seriously, we need 10 of these fluffy little guys! So many cute toys! While the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs from November 27th to December 30th, the park already has a good amount of holiday souvenirs to get your Christmas shopping done early. You can also find some early holiday souvenirs at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom, which offers an adorable Winnie the Pooh-inspired collection. Christmas souvenirs!!! Plus, we’ve seen some holiday merch at Discovery Trading Company in Animal Kingdom, which includes this adorable Mickey Gingerbread Hat! We got two, and it’s still not enough! So cute! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more Christmas merchandise released at both Disney World and online, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog! 9 NEW T-Shirts To Wear to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World Want to know about all of the festive food you can eat during the Festival of the Holidays? We tried EVERYTHING last year to give you the inside scoop in our YouTube video! 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 new piece of Christmas merch do you want the most? Comment below! View the full article

Planning out what you’re going to do and eat at each EPCOT festival can take a LOT of time, especially with the constant changes of menus, live entertainment, and exclusive festival offerings. Food & Wine Festival That’s why we’re letting you in on 4 new rules we can expect for the EPCOT festivals next year because it’s better to be prepared than surprised! Rule #1: Check For Merchandise That COMES With The Item Instead Of Buying It This first one is a money-saving tip — check for the food and drink items that COME with a free souvenir instead of buying one in the gift shop. A lot of the time, specialty beverages will come with a souvenir cup you can take home. If you’re going to get the drink anyway, you might as well save yourself some money and keep that cup instead of buying one of the festival cups from the gift shop. Frozen Pomegranate & Raspberry Tea This is also true for the completer prizes. Once you eat a certain number of items and collect stamps in your festival passport, you can collect your completer prize at one of the booths, which is often an exclusive souvenir! Of course, it’s not going to be a T-shirt, so you’ll have to buy those at the gift shops, but it may be a cup or cookware! Double-check what the prize is before you spend your own money on it! Emile’s Fromage Montage Finisher Prize Finally, some of the best prizes are the FREE ones! When you buy a scavenger hunt map at each of the festivals, not only will you be entertained, but you’ll also get a prize at the end! This prize may be available for purchase in the gift shop, so it’s always good to check before you have double! 2026 Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt Prize I Just Realized I’ve Been Taking the WRONG BUS To EPCOT For Years Now Rule #2: Don’t Stop At The First Booth You See There are nearly 20 booths at every festival each year, and those booths can have anywhere from two to five items, not including the drinks offered there, too! In order to hit every must-try item on your list, you have to plan very carefully, which is why you should not stop at the first booth you see. There are PLENTY of food booths around the park. If you’re starving and may not make it to the next booth, we won’t judge, but in all other cases, head to the booth YOU want. 2026 India food booth EPCOT Drinking Around the World Guide: Best Spots for Margarita Loyalists, Wine Snobs, and Anyone Who Only Drinks Beer Rule #3: Don’t Stay At The Park The Whole Time While some festivals may have limited time, it’s important to listen to yourself and your body, which means you will need to plan to take breaks. It’s okay to head back to the hotel for a refresh. It’s okay to leave the park early if you’re exhausted. It’s not okay to feel worn out to the point you’re dragging your feet to get to the next food booth. Plan for those breaks because they are MUCH needed. 2026 Hawai’i Booth Disney Announces Plans to Solve an EPCOT Ride Problem, and It Backfired Rule #4: Make The Festival More Than Just About Eating There is SO much to do at the EPCOT festivals, and this goes beyond eating and drinking at the food booths. From live entertainment to scavenger hunts, there are plenty of other things to enjoy at the festivals! At the Festival of the Arts, you can see artists in action through chalk art, live paintings, and more! At the Flower and Garden Festival, there are performances from live bands and singers at the Garden Rocks Concert Series! The Food and Wine Festival will bring you the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, while you can enjoy Holiday Storytellers and the Candlelight Processional at the Festival of the Holidays. Holiday Storytellers at Italy Pavilion in EPCOT Keep these rules in mind during your 2027 trip to the EPCOT festivals! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks! There are quite a few more changes happening at Disney World in 2027. Check them out in the video below! We Have To Warn You About This EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Problem 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 headed to an EPCOT festival in 2027? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Things are ALWAYS changing in Disney World! New lands are on the way, like Villains Land, Piston Peak, and Monsters Inc. Land, meaning there are lots of construction walls and big updates each week. Cinderella Castle Each week, Disney is constantly dropping new information, details, and hints about new snacks, theme park changes, and more! That’s why we like to do a weekly wrap-up of the biggest news so you don’t miss a single thing. Let’s dive into this week’s latest and greatest Disney news. This was a week for holiday fun, new snacks, and some surprise reopenings! If you’re looking for some holiday cheer or you just want to catch up on all the fun, you’ve come to the right place. The Holidays Have Arrived in Disney World! Ho, Ho, Ho and a trip to Hollywood Studios! This week, not one, but TWO Disney parks welcomed the first touches of Christmas, and we have never been too excited to put up our trees. In Hollywood Studios, those classic red and white stars arrived on Sunset Boulevard. It’s Christmas time in Hollywood Studios! They are arguably our favorite Christmas decorations, and oftentimes they’re the first sign Christmas is around the corner. This year, they popped up on October 30th, but they were he only Christmas decorations present in Studios so far. At the time of writing, Echo Lake and Toy Story Land are still holding back on their festive fun. Look at those stars! Over in Animal Kingdom, we found decorations in TWO spots for the holidays. First, in Discovery Island, those beautiful animal lanterns appeared above Discovery Island Mercantile. These were the first appearance of the holidays in Disney World because they appeared on October 29th! Christmas decorations in Animal Kingdom Also on the 29th, we spotted the gorgeous lanterns floating in Asia around the Feathered Friends in Flight show! These are another subtle, yet beautiful addition to the park for the holidays. How pretty are the lanterns?! At the time of writing, the Magic Kingdom decorations haven’t appeared, BUT we have a hunch they’ll pop up any day now. That wasn’t the only fun and festive news we got this week, though. FIRST LOOK! Christmas Has Arrived in Disney’s Hollywood Studios NEW Treats Were Announced for the holidays! If you have a sweet tooth, might we recommend a Disney trip for dessert because this upcoming season is sure to be sugar-packed! First, we got the update that over 40 new treats would be coming to Disney World for the holiday season, and that’s for any guest to enjoy! Hot Cocoa Lunch Box Tart will return! From Magic Kingdom to Hollywood Studios and all the resorts in between. You can. grab snacks like Festive Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich – NEW Reindeer Sundae – NEW Gingerbread Cheesecake Pop – NEW Festive Chocolate Twist – NEW Peppermint-Chocolate Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich – NEW and SO much more! ©Disney Want to see exactly when and where these snacks will appear? Click right here for the full story! That’s not all, though! We also got tons of confirmed snacks and treats for not one, but TWO parties. For Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney confirmed tons of new sips and sweets. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party map in 2025 These snacks are exclusive to party guests only, so you’ll need a ticket to that after-hours event to enjoy them. At the party, you can find snacks, including, Winter Wonderland Express: Hazelnut mousse and feuilletine, with panna cotta (New) Mickey Cinnamon Roll: with holiday-themed icing Holiday Pot Roast Hot Dog: All-beef hot dog topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Holiday Pot Roast Mini Corn Dogs: topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Minnie Cocoa Cake: Chocolate mousse, marshmallow filling, and chocolate cake with chocolate décor (New) Holiday Pot Roast Loaded French Fries: topped with pot roast, beer-cheese sauce, crispy onions, and horseradish mustard Holiday Pot Roast Loaded Fries Holiday Brownie Sundae: Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, brownie, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint (New) (Nov. 8th – Dec. 22nd, party nights only) Gingerbread Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, gingersnap crumbs, and a chocolate gingerbread man (Regular park hours and party nights, through Jan. 2nd, 2027) Jalapeño Popper Tots: Jalapeño cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar topped with a jalapeño popper Pig in a Blanket: All-beef hot dog wrapped in Parmesan puff pastry, crispy onions, and honey mustard, and barbecue sauce served with tots Spinach Artichoke Hand Pie: with red pepper sauce Sugar Cookie Soda: Coca-Cola with cookie butter syrup, cookie butter cold foam, sprinkles, and sugar cookie pieces (New) and MORE! You can find the full Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party food guide here! ©Disney Disney even gave us a glimpse at the Jollywood Nights snacks and sips list! That’s right; MORE SWEETS! Several returning favorites and 28 new treats were revealed for the after-hours event. Just like the Magic Kingdom event, Jollywood Nights is an extra ticketed event, so these snacks are exclusive to partygoers. Jollywood Nights Map from 2024 The snacks coming to the party include; Char-grilled Chicken Yakitori (New): Crispy rice, passion fruit-soy marinated chicken, cilantro aïoli, and watermelon radish Hamachi: With caper aïoli, Dijon-avocado mousse, citrus-Champagne vinaigrette, and caviar Shrimp Cocktail: With house-made cocktail sauce, spicy avocado spread, and citrus pearls Jazzy Sliders: Bison and pork, onion jam, and Gorgonzola cheese on a brioche roll A TWIX on a Classic Pie (New): TWIX cookie bar pieces, caramel mousse, and chocolate ganache on a shortbread cookie crust topped with whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a white chocolate gingerbread man Eggnog with Whisky: Traditional eggnog with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and caramel swirl Yuletide Ham Popover (New): Honey-glazed ham and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and cranberry chutney in a house-made popover ©Disney Mistletoe Martini: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and cranberry juice topped with fresh cranberries and mint leaves Kermit Chocolate-Pistachio Sundae (New): Chocolate cake, pistachio gelato, green cookie crumbs, kataifi, and fudge sauce topped with whipped cream M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies and sprinkles. Served in a souvenir cup, while supplies last. Partysaurus Rex Brookie (New): Chocolate chip cookie brownie topped with white chocolate ganache, rainbow sprinkles, and a sugar cookie and so much more. ©Disney Find the full Jollywood snack list here! BREAKING: NEW Treats Announced for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom The Train Is Back In Action Over in Magic Kingdom, we found a lovely surprise when the Walt Disney World Railroad reopened early! The classic Magic Kingdom attraction has been closed since September for some short-term, planned maintenance. The ride reopened a day early on October 29th, and we were welcomed into the park with the sweet sound of a train whistle. The train! Currently, the train is still running in “shuttle mode,” meaning it’s going back and forth from the Main Street Station to the Fantasy Land Station. Currently, the Frontierland Station is closed while work on Piston Peak and Villains Land continues. Both of these new lands don’t have an opening timeline, so the train could be in shuttle mode for quite a while. Walt Disney World Railroad Train in Fantasyland We’re happy to see you back, friend! The Walt Disney World Railroad Is Back, but There’s Still One Big Catch One of Our Favorite Restaurants Changed! Finally, one of our favorite Magic Kingdom restaurants changed its menu this week. Columbia Harbour House got a “reimagined” menu this week, and we were seriously concerned because we LOVE this restaurant. The shrimp, fish, and even the Boston Cream Pie all received a new look this week. New eats from Columbia Harbour House Luckily, we did a full review, and things are still looking bright at this Magic Kingdom quick service. These won’t be the best fried seafood dishes you’ve ever had in your life, but they’re still tasty, familiar, and beat several of the other Magic Kingdom quick services in our book. Beer-battered Fish Platter The best part? The Boston Cream Pie was still delicious! The cake was soft and fluffy with chocolate ganache on top. It reminded us of chocolate chip pancakes in a really nice way. You can read our full review below! REVIEW: This Magic Kingdom Restaurant Just Got a Menu Overhaul…But Is It Still One of Our Favorites?! WOW! We can’t wait to enjoy all the sugar and sweets headed our way. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, details, and more. DFB Team Predicts 3 Huge Changes for Disney World in 2027 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 news are you the most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! TRON Lightcycle / Run Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable, and that’s especially true during the fall season. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind reigned supreme as usual this week, though wait times overall continued to go down at all four of Disney World’s parks. Magic Kingdom Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 47 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 35 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 32 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 23 minutes Jungle Cruise — 23 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 22 minutes Haunted Mansion — 20 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 20 minutes Space Mountain — 18 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 15 minutes The Hall of Presidents — 14 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 12 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 11 minutes Astro Orbiter Astro Orbiter — 9 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 9 minutes “it’s a small world” — 9 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 8 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 7 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 7 minutes Dumbo Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 7 minutes Mad Tea Party — 7 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 7 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 6 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 6 minutes Swiss Family Treehouse — 4 minutes EPCOT Changes, Coaster Delays, and Food & Wine Festival News: Every Major Disney Announcement You Missed EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 66 minutes Test Track — 60 minutes Frozen Ever After — 45 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 41 minutes Soarin’ Across America — 21 minutes Soarin’ Across America Mission: SPACE — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 14 minutes Impressions de France — 13 minutes Canada Far and Wide — 13 minutes Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along — 11 minutes Living with the Land — 10 minutes Reflections of China — 10 minutes Spaceship Earth — 9 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 8 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 7 minutes Journey into Imagination — 6 minutes The Misadventures of Tiny Train Town in EPCOT Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom at night Avatar Flight of Passage — 35 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 27 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 27 minutes Kali River Rapids Expedition Everest — 16 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 11 minutes Kali River Rapids — 10 minutes YIKES. This Animal Kingdom Expansion News Is Going To Upset Some Folks Hollywood Studios Wait Times Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Slinky Dog Dash — 52 minutes Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 43 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 42 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 34 minutes Toy Story Mania — 33 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 29 minutes Tower of Terror — 26 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Alien Swirling Saucers — 19 minutes Star Tours — 8 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. The One Thing EPCOT Does WAY Better Than Hollywood Studios Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. 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 How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Alright, Disney World, it’s time to really dive in and see what you’ve got going on this week. It’s currently wall-city all around the parks (with the exception of EPCOT; rock on, EPCOT), but it’s all to bring exciting new additions to the parks…but that doesn’t mean they’re any easier to look at for now. Polynesian construction This week, we didn’t see too much movement on the major projects behind the walls, but we DID see a lot of details added to one specific new land, and it does make us laugh a bit every time we see it (in a good way!). On the flip side, a project in EPCOT did finally finish up, though we’re not sure people are going to be big fans of the final product, and for the holiday lovers out there, one of your favorite ride overlays comes back this week! You know that big pavement project EPCOT was working on? Well, it’s officially complete, but it’s totally lost the lighting effects that used to be present at night, and we’re already missing them. Unfortunately, it was also revealed that the work on Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been extended yet again. Now, instead of opening this month as previously planned, it’ll remain closed through mid-December (after closing in April). Let’s take a look at what you need to expect in terms of closures and ongoing construction in Disney World from October 30th through November 6th. Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment. The work will include completely revamping the scenes in the attraction to make them more modern and represent more recent parts of history, as well as adding a new Walt Disney animatronic at the opening. ©Disney Currently, the attraction is set to reopen in 2027, though no official date has been set yet. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw some pretty great updates on the progress at the site! via @bioreconstruct on X/Twitter Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. The Walt Disney World Railroad Is Back, but There’s Still One Big Catch Disney’s Hollywood Studios Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, we saw TONS of teeth added to the details around the buildings. We’re talking on the roof, on the windowsills, and more — practically anywhere there’s room, you’ll find teeth. It very much fits the monster vibe, that’s for sure! So many teeth! We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, in addition to Archie’s Square Pig Pizza. Most recently, we got a look at some of the new food coming to the land, and we’ve gotta say, we’re pretty excited! ©Disney If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! FIRST LOOK! Christmas Has Arrived in Disney’s Hollywood Studios EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant Coral Reef, one of the most controversial restaurants in all of Disney World, closed for refurbishment on September 8th. Coral Reef Restaurant The Disney World website recently adjusted to allow guests to begin booking reservations again on November 4th and beyond, which we’re now considering the reopening date, unless Disney tells us differently. Sections of Germany Pavilion On July 13th, both the guest bathrooms in the Germany Pavilion and the majority of the Volkskunst store in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion closed for refurbishment. The roof of Das Kaufhaus is also under refurbishment. Totally closed While a Cast Member did tell us the store closure was to fix the Cast Member bathrooms out of sight, Disney has not revealed a reopening date for the store or the public bathrooms. Other parts of the pavilion are also seeing construction and refurbishment, but are not causing additional closures. 3 New Disney Rumors Swirling This Week: What’s Real, Fake, or TBD Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA, officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, thanks to a behind-the-scenes update from Disney, we got a look at the progress coming to this new land. ©Disney We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent! ©bioreconstruct This new land will have three new rides: El Carrusel de los Animalitos featuring classic Disney animals, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. THEY’RE HERE! Christmas Decorations Just Landed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Disney World Hotels Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter Scat Cat’s Club and Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter officially closed for refurbishment on October 6th. Don’t worry, you can still grab the iconic beignets next door at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory Mickey Beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Additionally, to make up for the lack of drinks at the lounge, a temporary bar will be available near the cafe from 5 PM to 11 PM each night. When it comes to reopening, the cafe is set to be closed till December and the Lounge until January, though Disney hasn’t released official dates. All-Star Sports Resort Disney quietly announced that Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar is closing for a refurbishment. It closed on September 18th and is expected to last through mid-December 2026. Grandstand Spirits During the closure, we recommend you swing by End Zone Food Court, just a short walk away from the pool, to snag your eats and drinks. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge There are numerous closures taking place around Animal Kingdom Lodge over the next few months that may affect your vacation. The main lobby and primary entrance were set to be closed from August 17th through October 9th, and check-in moved to the Palace Library. Additionally, from September 28th through October 9th, the north side lobby corridor was set to be closed, which closed the north side lobby elevators on the second floor and the outdoor terrace observation deck. However, during a recent visit, it’s clear that this refurbishment is far from over. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Currently, the section of the lobby closest to the back savanna has reopened, which includes the refurbished stairs, giving guests access between the lobby level, Sanaa, and the savanna, and also opens up the walking path between the two sides of the resort. However, the rest of the lobby and Johari Treasures refurbishment is far from complete. Cast Members don’t have an estimate for when it will be finished, but it definitely won’t be soon, based on the level of construction we still saw. The refurbished stairs! The other refurbishment that’s about to begin is: October 26th through November 6th: The south side lobby corridor will be closed. During this time, Community Hall, Safari So Good Arcade, the laundry room, the Palace Library, lobby restrooms, and the outdoor terrace observation deck will be unavailable. Sassagoula River Cruise — Disney’s Old Key West Resort The Sassagoula River Cruise at Disney’s Old Key West, which takes guests to Disney Springs, is temporarily closed. It’s expected to reopen on November 1st, and until that time, bus transportation will be available. Old Key West Dock This spot was also closed from late July to early August this year as well, so it’s possible, but not confirmed, that the boats and/or docks may require additional maintenance that wasn’t initially expected. Convention Center and El Centro Corridor — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Beginning on August 10th, the Convention Center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort began a planned refurbishment that is expected to last through September 2027. Coronado Springs Additionally, the hotel’s El Centro Corridor and surrounding areas will also undergo refurbishment tied to the convention center refurbishment. While there’s no end date for this construction project, we do know that work will be completed in phases, with certain spaces being temporarily inaccessible at times. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort The tennis courts at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are currently closed for refurbishment. Saratoga Springs While Disney hasn’t shared an exact reopening date, the current timeline is that they’ll be closed from late August through November 2026. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace closed in April for refurbishment, and originally had a reopening timeline of June. Then, the timeline was pushed to mid-October, but it’s now just been pushed to mid-December, meaning this spot will have been closed for over half of this year. Tiki Terrace Construction It’s unclear what exactly is being done at this spot, but we’ll be sure to keep a close eye out and update you on what we see. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s Boardwalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Disney filed permits for the Boardwalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles” earlier this year, and now that we have a bit more information on them, we’re thinking that this currently vacant spot could soon become the home of the new Basin on the Boardwalk store on its way! The shop will be rooted in the resort’s classic boardwalk heritage and will offer a sensory shopping experience that is described as “both timeless and distinctly new.” A Word of Warning About Grabbing Breakfast at Your Disney World Hotel We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Disneyland in Ohio? The Truth Behind the Latest Rumor 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 is your next Disney World vacation? 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