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Picture this: the sun is warming the deck, a tropical breeze is floating by, and somewhere nearby a chef is pulling a tray of golden, crispy chicken tendies from the fryer. Now picture millions of other Americans doing the exact same thing. That’s not a daydream. It’s shaping up to be the biggest year for cruising yet. Disney Magic Cruise Ship According to the latest travel forecasts, a record-setting number of Americans are expected to hit the high seas in 2027, and honestly, we get it. Where else can you wake up in one port, snack your way through a second, and fall asleep dreaming about the third? It’s the ultimate all-you-can-nibble adventure, and everybody wants a seat at the table. According to AAA, more than 22 million Americans — 22.4 million — are predicted to go on cruises in 2027. This marks the fifth consecutive year that a record number of people will set sail on ocean cruises, and a 3.6% increase over 2026. More travelers are reportedly turning to cruising for its convenience, value, and variety. Quiet Cove “Cruising offers a unique type of vacation because you unpack once and visit multiple destinations with meals and entertainment included,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The key is finding the right cruise that meets your needs, and that’s where travel agents come in. Working with an advisor ensures you’re booking a ship with amenities and activities that fit your interests and lifestyle.” The Disney Fantasy AAA reports that cruise demand in the U.S. has been rising since 2023, when it surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, 14.2 million Americans went on cruises, and that number is projected to increase by 57% in 2027, to 22.4 million. Travelers are prioritizing shared experiences with family and friends, and many like knowing how much a vacation will cost before the trip even starts. Since cruises are typically an all-in-one price, this makes them the perfect vacation for that. Disney Magic Additionally, over 90% of U.S. cruise passengers rate their experiences as good or very good, which is why the industry has strong repeat business, with 93% of travelers booking again. Shorter cruises are becoming more popular, especially for people who can’t take off an entire week of work, school, or other obligations. While 7-night cruises are still the most popular, more Americans are booking cruises that are shorter in length. Captain Minnie and Daisy In 2025, 45% of U.S. passengers booked itineraries of 6 nights or less, compared to 2019 when 39% did the same. Travelers are looking for a quick getaway, so they book shorter cruises without having to take too much time away from daily routines and responsibilities. Working with travel agents can often be the best way to book cruises, since there are so many itineraries and destinations to choose from. They can often make sure you’re getting the best deal as well! Disney Cruise Line We’ll be on the lookout for more cruise news you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel updates — and check out our video on the Disney Cruise Line below! Check out more cruise news at the links below! Your 2027 Cruise Is About To Be A LOT More CrowdedBREAKING: Disney Announces BOOKING DATE for New Believe Cruise ShipFIRST LOOK At Construction on A Popular Cruise Line’s New ShipI’ve Done Both: Here’s Why I Choose a Family Cruise Over Disney World Every TimeThe ONE THING Every Disney Fan Wanted To Know About The Believe Cruise Ship Has Been Revealed! If you’re looking for help planning your next Disney cruise or Disney vacation, our friends at Small World Vacations are the best of the best! They can help you plan your entire Disney vacation from beginning to end and make sure you’re getting the absolute best deals, which can save you a TON of money. Make sure you check them out if you’re planning an upcoming Disney vacation! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning on cruising in 2027? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Something sneaky is happening over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Here at DFB, we keep in the loop with all the scheduled happenings in the Disney World parks, and we’ve already got quite a bit of information about what’s going on this holiday season. But a surprising schedule change has us wondering if Disney is keeping something under wraps! One of the best perks of working in Disney World is that you get free admission to the parks. However, Cast Members’ tickets are subject to blockout dates just like some of the levels of Disney World Annual Passes. Typically, there are more blockout dates during busier times of year, but this year, something is off in Animal Kingdom. We LOVE Cast Members! In past years, Animal Kingdom has been the easiest park for Cast Members to visit during the holiday season, but in 2026, the blockout dates are STRICT. Cast Members are blocked from the parks on the following dates: Magic Kingdom: November 10th, 11th, 23rd, 26th, December 18th-31st, January 1st-2nd Disney’s Animal Kingdom: December 20th-31st, January 1st-2nd EPCOT: December 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 23rd, 31st Disney’s Hollywood Studios: December 28th-30th Expedition Everest The blockout dates for Animal Kingdom last for two weeks straight, which has us wondering — is there something special happening at Animal Kingdom this holiday season that Disney hasn’t announced yet? Something that Disney expects will be very popular and draw large crowds?! So far, only the typical holiday celebrations for that park have been announced, so we’ll have to wait and see. Pandora Celebrations that we already know are happening at Animal Kingdom include the return of the Merry Menagerie, adorable animal-themed puppets that roam Discovery Island with live music. These are a big hit with the kiddos each year! And if you’re in Discovery Island at night, don’t forget to check out the holiday-themed Tree of Life Awakenings — the projections are simply stunning. Polar Bear Merry Menagerie puppets Also, you’ll be able not only to meet Mickey and Minnie in their holiday outfits at Adventurers Outpost, but Santa Claus is coming back to town! He’ll be meeting across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! inside Santa’s Holiday Grove. It’s going to be a “magical trail with intermittent snow flurries.” They’ll even have specialty food and beverage available! Santa Claus at Animal Kingdom in 2024 Of course, we’ll be on the lookout for any more news about offerings coming for the holidays. We’re just a few weeks away from the season starting in Disney World, which means we’ll be seeing decorations, special snacks, and holly jolly vibes EVERYWHERE. Animal Kingdom Christmas tree Heading to Animal kingdom soon? Check out our breakdown of the rides and attractions in this park on YouTube! For more tips and Disney news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media! Learn All About the Holidays in Disney World Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Animal Kingdom this holiday season? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We’re really exposing the DFB team here today! Where’s the crowd? Because these are the things that we ALWAYS do in Disney World – ranging from solid pro-planning advice to…some honestly embarrassing confessions. Check out our new video: 20 Things We Always Do on Every Disney World Trip 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

We still can’t believe how fast the year has gone by! The holidays are just around the corner, which means big changes are coming to Disney World, with MAJOR ones coming to EPCOT. EPCOT We are still enjoying eating and drinking everything that EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival has to offer, but the clock is ticking, and the festival is almost over. Once it ends, EPCOT will enter a very short period with no festival, before the park gets its final change of the year. So, what can we expect? It feels like yesterday that we were rope-dropping EPCOT, ready to run around the World Showcase to try all of the new eats and beverages that the Food and Wine Festival was bringing. Now, we only have one month left to enjoy the festival before it ends on November 21st. So, we have one month left to enjoy the food booths, the cheese crawl, and eat to the beat. 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Once the Food and Wine Festival comes to an end, there will be a five-day period where there is no festival going on. Which, if you ask us, is the strangest time to be at EPCOT. It’s like a weird lull period, where you wait from one festival to the next. Also, since the switch happens so quickly, you may see a mash-up of Food & Wine and holiday decor around the park and it’s like a fever dream. After that short period, the sleigh bells start to ring, the Christmas music comes on, and EPCOT sees arguably its biggest change of the year. Of course, we’re talking about EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, which officially begins on November 27th and goes through December 30th. The Festival of the Holidays in 2025! If you were to tell us that the Festival of the Holidays is your favorite EPCOT festival of the year, we wouldn’t be surprised. It brings festival kitchen booths around the park, holiday storytellers in the pavilions around World Showcase, a cookie stroll, gorgeous Christmas decorations, and holiday music to listen to all day long. 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Passport What may be our favorite part of the festival is the Candlelight Processional, which has a celebrity narrator retell the Christmas story. They’re accompanied by a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir. It’s an absolute must-do when you’re at the festival! Candlelight Processional There are also ride overlays that are coming to EPCOT on November 27th as well! Living with the Land becomes Glimmering Greenhouses, which essentially sees tons of Christmas lights and decorations added to the attraction. It’s an absolute must-do at night — trust us! Glimmering Greenhouses If you hadn’t heard, that’s not the only attraction that’s changing next month, as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will also be getting a holiday overlay! The changes for this ride actually begin on November 25th, 2026, and will stay until January 6th, 2027. The overlay will see three holiday songs replace the regular soundtrack. The songs include: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra 8 “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses ©Disney The park is going to look and feel completely different in one month, and as much as we love the Food and Wine Festival, we seriously can’t wait for the holiday transformation. We’re here to make sure you’re always prepared for your Disney World vacation, so make sure to keep following us at the Disney Food Blog! 2 More Permanent Closures Hit Disney World What other news should you check up on at Disney World? Check out the video below! 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 excited for the holidays at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

2026 has already brought major changes to Disney World. Rides have closed and been replaced, construction has dominated the landscape, and we even learned that a new Yeti is FINALLY on the way to Expedition Everest. BoardWalk Now, with the end of the year in sight, two more permanent closures have hit the “Most Magical Place on Earth” before the calendar turns to 2027. Let’s take a look at the places you unfortunately won’t ever be able to experience again. Sunshine Churros Located at Disney Springs, Sunshine Churros was known for a unique twist on the iconic dessert, including churros topped with Pop Rocks, Dubai chocolate, and other flavor combinations. Many of these were part of the rotating Churro of the Month promotion. The two Disney Springs locations both closed on September 5th. Liberty Pop Churro Atlantic Dance Hall The BoardWalk saw the major opening of the Hurly-Burly Lounge in 2026, finally filling the gap left by Jellyrolls’ closure. However, the hotel also lost one of its longest-lasting locations. The Atlantic Dance Hall had long been a favorite of night owls at Disney World, as the hall often stayed open late into the night playing popular dance music. However, the venue closed on September 27th. As of October 1st, the venue became home to private events through Disney Meetings & Events and Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. Atlantic Dance Hall As mentioned, these closures are just two of several that hit Disney World this year. Other major ones have included: The Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, which first opened at the then Disney-MGM Studios in 1999, was beloved by fans for nearly three decades before it closed in March. The ride closed forever to make way for… the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which is the same ride track, but now with Muppet theming and animatronics in the queue, and a soundtrack of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem performing tracks from Def Leppard, Blur, Steppenwolf, Ohio Players, and Katrina and the Waves. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Carousel of Progress — which has been operating in one form or another since its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, meaning it actually predates Disney World by over a decade — closed for a major refurbishment that will shift nearly everything about the 60+-year-old attraction, essentially permanently closing the version of the attraction as we knew it. The new version will attempt to keep the show “relatable for today’s audiences”; the whole show is being restructured. The show will now feature a Walt Disney animatronic in the pre-show, followed by new acts based on the 1960s (itself harkening back to the decade the show originally debuted), the 1980s, the 1999-turn of the millennium, and a “possible future” that will imagine a time where “extraordinary innovation has become part of life and proves that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.” The new take on the classic show is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2027. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress DINOSAUR, permanently closed in February. The opening day Animal Kingdom attraction — which was known as Countdown to Extinction in 1998 — was shuttered as part of the Tropical Americas expansion. It’s being refurbished into Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, which will be set in the 1950’s in a South American temple where Indy finds a passageway that leads to the Mayan underworld. This is arguably a fitting full-circle moment given that the ride system and layout of DINOSAUR was essentially a clone of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. DINOSAUR is gone, y’all In addition to those attractions, several retail locations at Disney Springs have closed this year, including clothing store Shore, cupcake location Sprinkles, and fashion retailer Francesca’s. Sprinkles Cupcakes is closed 2026 has seen a series of major closures at Disney World, with Sunshine Churros and Atlantic Dance Hall joining the ranks in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s evolution. Speaking of major changes at Disney World, what exactly is going on with alcohol at Disney World? Check it out in the video below! “As Long as It’s Moving, That’s a Fix.” Joe Rohde Shares Thoughts on Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these closed attractions or locations do you miss most? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line provides unique opportunities designed to equip and prepare the next generation of Bahamian leaders. Aspiring culinary and maritime professionals from the University of the Bahamas and LJM Maritime Academy recently had the chance to step aboard Disney Cruise Line ships for exclusive tours and insights from the crew about careers at sea. From Classroom to Galley: Student Chefs Visit Disney Dream Disney Cruise Line regularly engages students from The University of the Bahamas through a variety of initiatives including the College of Tourism Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management (The CALM), which works to inspire the next generation of chefs. Since 2019, Disney Cruise Line has hosted culinary students to learn first-hand about the culinary industry from Disney Cruise Line executive chefs and culinary leaders though in-depth career conversations and behind the scenes galley tours onboard its ships. In celebration of the University of The Bahamas Culinary Week, students recently had the opportunity to speak with Chef Andras and Chef Kamben aboard the Disney Dream where they learned more about all the possibilities of culinary careers at sea. As part of the culinary students’ shipboard experience, they participated in Disney Cruise Line’s “Anyone Can Cook” demonstration led by Chef Khemraj and Chef Antoine, where they observed the preparation of a signature dish, learned professional cooking techniques and engaged with a Disney chef to gain insights into the culinary world at sea. “University of The Bahamas is deeply grateful to Disney Cruise Line,” said Dean Mario Adderly, College of Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Leisure Management (The CALM). “For a number of years, in addition to other areas of support, Disney Cruise Line has been a major sponsor of The CALM Week at University of The Bahamas. A beloved highlight of this support is a ship tour for our students. The opportunity allows University of The Bahamas students to see the workings of front of house, back of house and food and beverage operations in real time. This collaboration helps bring classroom learning to life and gives our students invaluable insight into the dynamic careers that await them in the culinary and hospitality industries.” Future Mariners Explore Careers at Sea Through a strong relationship with LJM Maritime Academy, Disney Cruise Line supports scholarships and summer programming, which includes welcoming students aboard the fleet to learn about maritime careers and shipboard operations. Recently, 38 LJM Maritime Academy cadets stepped aboard the Disney Destiny for a ship tour that included meeting with the Engineering Officer for a tour of the ship’s engine room and a visit to the bridge for insight into ship navigation and steering. The tour concluded with a special surprise guest from Captain Mickey Mouse. Pathways for Learning: From Disney Cruise Line’s Workforce Investments to Creating Magic at Disney Parks Through collaboration with Bahamian educational institutions, Disney Cruise Line continues to support workforce development across The Bahamas, fostering career pathways and supporting the growth of future leaders and professionals. Disney Cruise Line also works with the University of The Bahamas by investing in the Leading Light Programme, which provides hospitality, management and job-readiness courses at no cost to participants. Initially launched in Eleuthera in 2024, the Leading Light Programme has now expanded to include students in Abaco, reinforcing Disney Cruise Line’s broader commitment to long-term skills development and employment readiness in The Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line Manager HR Bahamas, Leslie Lopez, plays a key role in bringing these programs to life. “As a Bahamian myself, I understand the meaning of the opportunities provided by Disney to support the career paths of young people in The Bahamas,” shared Leslie. “Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to introducing young professionals from our islands to the hospitality and maritime industries has been incredibly impactful.” Lopez also played a key role in bringing the first-ever group of Bahamian students to participate in a Disney Program at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Disney Programs provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity for professional and leadership development through Disney’s renowned learning and internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of future careers in hospitality, tourism and beyond. The Bahamian students gained experience in roles across Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts, including food and beverage, custodial and merchandise. Beyond their roles and day-to-day work, the students connected with cast members and guests from around the world, participated in seminars featuring Disney leaders, gave back through Disney VoluntEARS, explored local Florida highlights and even toured the Disney Cruise Line’s ship, Disney Wish. Creating Lasting Impact in The Bahamas Since 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been committed to serving the port communities in which it sails around the world, including The Bahamas. While introducing countless families to the vibrant culture and natural beauty of The Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line prioritizes making meaningful community impact through a range of education, youth and local initiatives, reflecting long-term efforts making a positive impact across the islands that strengthens community connections and creates opportunities. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line news and community initiatives in The Bahamas, visit DisneyExperiences.com or Disney Cruise Line Crew & Community on Facebook. The post Disney Cruise Line Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Bahamian Leaders appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

It’s been more than six months since Bob Iger stepped down as Walt Disney Company CEO, a job he held for nearly two decades. Though this isn’t the first time Iger has stepped down as CEO, it does seem like this time, it’s actually going to stick. ©Disney Iger had been with Disney since 1996, when ABC was acquired by the House of Mouse, and he was instrumental in much of the company’s growth and various acquisitions throughout his tenure. In a new interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, Iger shed some light on his newly retired — if you can even call it that — life and his legacy at Disney. Bob Iger recently sat down with Robin Roberts to talk about life after Disney and said his “life today brings a welcomed change of pace.” “It’s definitely different. The days are quieter,” he shared. “Life is in a way smaller in many respects, and I like that.” Iger led Disney’s acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and he also spearheaded the launch of the Disney+ streaming service. His contributions to the company have already had lasting impacts that will be felt for years to come. ©Disney Roberts asked him what he considers to be his greatest accomplishment at Disney, and Iger expressed pride in maintaining the legacy of the company. “To have the opportunity not just to run the company like that, but to have the opportunity to grow the company and to strengthen the company and to hand it off to a successor, in a very healthy state, for instance, certainly, I think that would be up there,” he said. “That you know, I did no harm. In fact, I think I actually did some good.” He also said, “In addition to that, through the years of running the company, having the opportunity to bring joy to the world, to entertain the world, was extraordinary, and that’s a nice legacy to leave.” ©Disney When reflecting on things he would have changed about his tenure, Iger said he doesn’t spend much of his time “second-guessing.” “I’ve always tried to learn from the mistakes that I made. It turned out pretty well, so I probably wouldn’t want to do anything differently,” Iger said. “Obviously, if I could go back and say, ‘Well, why didn’t we make that movie?’ or, ‘Could have been better,’ there are a bunch of those. But you don’t really have that luxury.” ©Disney In his retirement, Iger is a new co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers with Josh Kushner, brother of President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. About his new gig, Iger said, “We really believe in today’s world in the value of convening people to have great experiences, and sports does that. We know that,” adding that his role with the Lakers is still to be determined. “People love to experience things together, and, you know, the Lakers are an incredible brand.” ©Disney He’s also continuing to promote causes close to his heart, and next week, he’ll be honored as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at the third annual PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala. “I’m receiving this award, in a way, as a means of recognizing the importance of culture in our world today, particularly the importance of art and culture,” Iger said. “I’m humbled by the fact that I’m getting the award, but it’s wonderful to be able to accept it as a means of helping this great organization and this great place.” He said that he continues to see the importance of arts and culture in bringing joy to people, just like he did at Disney. ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates from former and current Disney CEOs. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news — and check out our video below on some behind-the-scenes Disney drama! Check out more Disney CEO updates at the links below! DFB Video: Disney’s MAJOR Behind the Scenes Drama“Relentless Sabotage” Sacked Disney CEO Bob Chapek Breaks Silence in New Book: “It Pisses Me Off.”Former Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, Has A New Book Coming Out Next MonthDisney CEO Lays Out Future For Disney+…And It’s Not What You’d ThinkDisney CEO Announces Goals for the Company’s Upcoming Year 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 a Bob Iger fan? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disneyland, there are so many different options across both of the parks. Everything from quick and easy to upscale and luxurious, you’ll be able to find on your visit. California Adventure We recently stopped by Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure to check out the menu, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? It’s time to find out! Atmosphere Lamplight Lounge is located on Pixar Pier and celebrates all things Pixar Animation. The outside of the building is very bright and colorful, and the sign actually has Luxo Jr., the Pixar Lamp, on it! Lamplight Lounge Entrance Once you go inside, Pixar details and concept art are everywhere! So much concept art! It covers the walls, and even the Restroom sign is a reference to Up. More details! This whole space is a dream for any Pixar fans, and as you explore, you are just met with more theming and details everywhere you look. We love visiting Lamplight Lounge Although our favorite piece of atmosphere in this space is the concept art chandelier that hangs from the staircase between the first and second floor, it is just beautiful to look at! Concept Art Chandelier But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Now let’s take a look at the lunch and dinner menu at Lamplight Lounge. This spot also serves brunch, but today we are focused on trying the lunch and dinner offerings, starting with the selection of Seasonal Offerings, Small Bites, and Bigger Bites. ©Disney There is also a selection of Plant-Based options in addition to Disney Check Meals and one kids’ offering. ©Disney There is also a Dessert and Non-Alcoholic Beverages menu. ©Disney We can’t forget about the Cocktails… ©Disney …the selection of Beer, Hard Cider, and Seltzer… ©Disney …and finally a large Wine selection. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Scream Canister for $21. This is made with Rum, Cream of coconut, and Pineapple & Orange Juices with Bitters. The Scream Canister This was super tasty and VERY strong! It had a lot of rum, with the cream of coconut as one of the most prominent flavors. This drink was creamy but not too tart, even though there were pineapple and orange juice flavors. We loved this one, and if you enjoy rum-based tropical drinks, this will be right up your alley. The Scream Canister We also got the Secret Menu DOLE Whip Shot for $20.75. This was absolutely delicious! It was classic creamy Dole Whip with a hint of Vanilla that worked together beautifully. It’s been around for years, and we hope it never goes away. It was so fun, and we will be grabbing this again on future visits. Secret Menu Dole Whip Shot Eats First up, we grabbed the Steak Au Poivre for $40. This is a New York Steak cooked to order, served with gravy on top, and a side of Truffle Fries. It’s a special right now, so it won’t be around forever! Steak Au Poivre The steak was a bit on the fattier side, but the marbling really made it taste fantastic. The gravy on top was delicious, with a great peppery taste, and paired well with the truffle fries. The truffle fries were crispy on the outside while soft on the inside, just how you want a french fry to be! The parmesan cheese and garlic flavors complemented the whole dish well. This was a great portion size and something we would try again! Steak Au Poivre We also grabbed the Potato Skins for $18. This is made with Paprika Aïoli, House Ranch, Cheddar, Bacon, Cheese Sauce, and Chives. Potato Skins The flavor here was fantastic, with great smoky notes and a nice crunch. However, this came with cheese that we felt did not blend with the dish; it was creamy, almost like a fancier ballpark nacho cheese, and did not work well with the rest of the textures. We asked for a side of sour cream, which was a great addition. If we ordered this again, we would probably ask for it without the cheese or ask for the cheese on the side so the texture does not get muddled. Potato Skins Finally, for dessert, we tried the Seasonal Donuts for $11. These are a staple here, but when we visited, the seasonal option was Arroz Con Leche Donuts dipped in cinnamon and sugar and topped with Arroz Con Leche and candied walnuts. Arroz Con Leche Donuts These were amazing donuts that were crispy outside and so fluffy on the inside. Plus, the Arroz Con Leche on top added a great flavor and really enhanced the texture even more. These were one of our favorite seasonal donut offerings we have ever tried at Lamplight Lounge! Arroz Con Leche Donuts Nosh or Not This Disneyland restaurant is a must-visit if… You love Pixar. As we mentioned earlier, this spot truly lives and breathes all things Pixar. So, if you love Pixar or just Disney concept art and hidden details, then this should be a must-try on your next trip to Disneyland. You are looking for a fantastic drink. On this visit, we were blown away by the quality and strength of the drinks we tried. So, if you are looking to just grab a drink and enjoy some lovely ambiance on your Disney California day, this would be a great place to visit even if you don’t order any food. You are looking for a more unique menu. Lamplight Lounge is known for having a more elevated and creative menu than what you might typically find around a theme park. The menu items, especially the drinks, are all themed and designed to bring a little Pixar flair to your meal. So, if you and your party love trying new food and want something more fun and unique, this is an incredible spot to visit. You should skip this Disneyland spot if… You are looking to dine on a budget. This is definitely a more expensive dining location with many items that are much pricier than other food you might find around the park. So, if you are looking to feed a big group or want great food at a reasonable price, then this might not be the best place for you to eat on your vacation. You have pickier eaters or kids in your party. As we mentioned before, this menu is more unique, which could make it more difficult if you have a group with pickier eaters. Also, there is only one item available on the kids’ menu, so if your kiddo is not interested in that option or sharing any of the regular menu items, this would not be the best place to eat. You are looking for a quick bite to eat. This is a sit-down lounge-style experience designed for relaxing and enjoying some good food and drinks. But if you want to maximize rides and experiences on your day in Disney California Adventure, then a quick-service spot might be the way to go for your group. Overall We really love taking a visit to Lamplight Lounge! The ambiance and atmosphere are incredible, especially for Pixar lovers, and the drinks really blew us away. While the food we tried this visit was not the best we’ve ever gotten, the Steak Au Poivre was really delicious, and we were impressed by the Seasonal Donut offering. If you love Pixar, great drinks, yummy food, and relaxing while in Disneyland, this spot is worth checking out! Lamplight Lounge In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disneyland, Disney World, and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Disneyland Food Rule First-Timers ALWAYS Get Wrong 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 California Adventure restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney Programs marked an exciting milestone by welcoming the first group of participants from The Bahamas. Among them was Oneiya Neymour, a marketing student from Andros Island, the largest island in The Bahamas, who spent her summer participating in the program at Walt Disney World Resort. These programs provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for college students to live and work at Walt Disney World Resort while gaining valuable experience with a global company. Participants have the chance to discover a new culture, represent their own and be part of something bigger. We sat down with Oneiya to talk about her unforgettable journey, the unexpected lessons she learned, and what it was like trading her classroom at University of The Bahamas for the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer. Tell us about your program and how it feels to be part of this first group from The Bahamas? Oneiya: My Disney journey has been nothing short of an incredible experience, and I owe so much of that to the amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet and work alongside. Being part of the first-ever group from The Bahamas made it even more special, and representing my home while learning the ins-and-outs of the Disney magic is something I will always treasure. Where did you spend your summer, and what was it like stepping into your “home” park? Oneiya: No two days were ever the same—some were challenging, some were exciting, and others became memories that I will now carry with me long after this journey ends. From the moment I arrived at my “home” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I was welcomed by an environment that made my summer internship truly meaningful and rewarding. When you first found out your placement, what were your thoughts on working in the Custodial role? Oneiya: When I found out I would be working in the custodial role, I’ll admit I was not the most enthusiastic about it. However, my perspective changed completely once I began working and experienced first-hand how friendly, supportive, and determined my coordinators and fellow cast members were. Their willingness to help, teach, encourage, and genuinely care about our success made me fall in love with the role — and more importantly, the department. Disney’s Animal Kingdom custodial truly set the bar for what teamwork within an organization can accomplish. I’ve never had a day where I felt alone or as though my work did not matter. Of course, not every experience was perfect, but the good moments far outweighed the difficult ones. Did you have any memorable moments or key takeaways regarding leadership during your time there? Oneiya: One of the moments I will always remember happened on my second day out of training. I had forgotten the location of the Kali River Rapids restroom and ended up cleaning the wrong restroom for an entire day! When I realized my mistake, I informed my coordinator, Zuli, expecting to be reprimanded. Instead, she responded with patience and understanding. She simply grabbed a pan and broom and began helping me clean the correct restroom. That moment taught me something I will never forget: that great leadership is not about standing above your team, it’s about being willing to step into the field and work alongside them. Thank you, Zuli. You set an incredible example of what it means to be a great leader, and I hope to carry that lesson with me wherever I go. Beyond the day-to-day work, what did you enjoy the most about living and working at Walt Disney World Resort? Oneiya: Beyond the work itself, I will miss the friendships I have made along the way. The people who started as co-workers quickly became friends, and those friends eventually became family. I will miss our park days filled with laughter, the shared memories, and the excitement of experiencing the magic together. I will especially miss attractions like TRON Lightcycle Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Expedition Everest, and of course, my all-time favorite, Avatar Flight of Passage. What’s next for you as your Disney journey comes to a close? Oneiya: I’m leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom with more than just memories—I’m leaving with invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of having people around you who genuinely want to see you succeed. My Disney program may be coming to an end as I head back to the University of The Bahamas, but the memories, friendships, and lessons I have gained along the way will stay with me forever. I am eternally grateful that I got the opportunity to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home, and even more grateful for the people who made it feel like one. Students Making Memories Together Each student is bringing their own Disney memories back to their homes in The Bahamas, but the best part was… doing it together! The group made visits to local Orlando hot spots, trying classic foods, shopping, chasing theme park thrills and even took a tour of the Disney Wish. For music education student, Turquoise, his experience working at Walt Disney World Resort allowed him to dream big about the magic he will bring to his future classrooms, through Disney VoluntEARS. And sisters, Bernae and Brianna, decided to jump into their Disney Programs experience as a duo, giving them extra time to bond after Bernae’s graduation! This group, made possible through strong partnership with the Disney International Programs recruitment team and Disney Cruise Line’s work with the University of the Bahamas, is another example of how we can empower Bahamian students to build their bright futures. The students are now back at university, but we can’t wait to have them back as guests, cast, crew or future leaders. Inspired by these students? Learn more about Disney Programs and how you – or someone you know – can make magic and memories working at Walt Disney World, too. Walt Disney World Resort Spring Back to Walt Disney World with Special Offers and Returning Events in 2027 Disneyland Resort Meet a Disney Artist Behind the Pixar Place Hotel Halloween Makeover Walt Disney World Resort How Cast Members Create Halloween Magic at Walt Disney World  The post Disney Programs: Q&A with University of The Bahamas Student appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

There is nothing worse than getting to your Disney World hotel after a long day of travel, only to realize that your room is in the BACK of the resort because you forgot to request the location you wanted. BUT Disney might have actually made it way easier to submit these hotel requests. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort When you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you’ve always been able to contact Disney to make certain requests, but it looks as though that whole process just got way simpler. One of our team members was looking at their upcoming Disney World hotel reservation when they noticed that there were new screens for room requests showing on the My Disney Experience App that are now much more specific. Pop Century When looking at your reservation, you can now select the specific areas of the hotel you would prefer to stay in. In this new system, you can submit up to two requests for your room right in your reservation on the app. This screen will also change depending on the hotel you are staying at. For example, if you are staying at one of the hotels on the Skyliner loop, you’ll be able to request a room close to the Skyliner, etc. ©Disney However, this update gets even better! Because there is another screen that allows you to select a checkbox that says, “Please prioritize having my room ready early over these room requests.” This gives you even more ability to choose exactly what works best for you and your group. So, if you are getting to the resort early, then your biggest priority might be getting access to your room as quick as possible. In that case, you would click that checkbox, and if a room were to pop up earlier in the day but did not meet your requests, you would still be given that room. ©Disney However, if the request, such as floor level or resort location, is very important to you, then you can leave that box blank, so Disney knows to prioritize meeting your requests over getting you a room as quick as possible. Yacht & Beach Club Now, these requests are still not guaranteed, so if you need to be on a specific floor or area of the hotel for a medical reason or accommodation, you can always reach out to Disney or call the resort to help make sure that they are aware of the accommodations you need. Wilderness Lodge This change should also make checking into your hotel easier, since all of your requests will be preset on your reservation, meaning that you do not have to make these requests as you are checking in. BoardWalk Inn Check-In Desk We love that Disney is making the guest experience even easier with this change, and we hope to see more updates like this in the future. We will continue to bring you all the news from Disney World and beyond, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more! We Are Embarrassed To Admit This Disney World Hotel Essential ACTUALLY Works If you want even more information on which Disney World hotel you should stay at on your next vacation, check out the video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this update? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Something new has popped up at Animal Kingdom, and it’s the cutest thing in the world! ©Disney Ever since Bluey’s Wild World opened, all of our visits to Animal Kingdom have included us going to Jumping Junction to check out the wallabies and kangaroos. Well, it looks like we’re going to be visiting it twice as much because a new baby wallaby joey has just appeared, and we can’t stop looking at her! Disney has just introduced us to Quartz, the newest wallaby joey at Jumping Junction! There’s something special about Quartz; can you tell by looking at her? ©Disney Quartz was born with albinism, which gives her a rare appearance and makes her one of a kind at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Albinism is a genetic condition that results in little to no melanin, which is the pigment that gives animals their color. It’s a recessive trait, so an animal must inherit the genetic mutation from both parents. ©Disney Quartz is being taken care of with extra care from Cast Members. Disney said Quartz’s unique needs are closely monitored and supported. So far, it’s resulting in a happy and healthy joey! ©Disney We went to Animal Kingdom to see if we could find the baby, but Quartz and the mama were hiding while we were there. A Cast Member said that he’s only seen a glimpse of Quartz once because mama is keeping her deep in her pouch. Some of the Cast Members haven’t even seen her yet. ©Disney We talked to another Cast Member who said that she likes to hide and sleep in the afternoon, as most mamas with a little one would love to do. We heard that she is more active very early in the morning, around 6:30 AM, and that’s when they really get to see Quartz. Quartz almost glows in the dark when it’s that early in the morning. Jumping Junction Jumping Junction is located in Bluey’s Wild World, which has taken over what used to be Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Next time you’re at Animal Kingdom, try your luck at Jumping Junction to see if you can find baby Quartz. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Why We’re Running to Magic Kingdom on November 10th Want to know what else is happening at Disney World? Check out this video! 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 until you go to see this cutie? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and Amazon has released the top 100 toys of the season! While digging through the list, we found some of the best Disney finds that you don’t want to miss. ©Amazon From Tonies to LEGO sets, Bluey and more, we got it all right here! If you’re shopping for toys this season, we know exactly what you need to make it one of the best Christmas seasons ever. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out the full list of top toys here! These will be the season’s popular picks, and you might already hear your kiddos talking about them all day long. SHOP THE TOP TOYS HERE Now on to the toys! First up, the LEGO Disney Alien and Pizza Planet Rocket Set ©Amazon If Toy Story is constantly on in your household, then you probably need this LEGO set. It features one of the green aliens inside a rocket ship ride straight from Pizza Planet. It’s a super easy display piece or something to play with, with a handle on the side that lets you move the rocket up and down. SHOP NOW You can also get your own LeapFrog Lilipad! ©Amazon It looks exactly like the movie! Check out the ABC Photo Album to practice letter skills, and hop to the Froggy 123 game to explore numbers and count to 100. It’s for ages 3 and up and can teach your kid a lot before they start school. It’s also affordable and super adorable. SHOP NOW How about this Spidey and his Amazing Friends Rescue-Webs Web-Quarters Playset? ©Amazon Say that five times fast! This playset is perfect for Spider-Man lovers and is super interactive. It includes lights and sounds, plus action figures, a firetruck, accessories, and more. It has over 20 different sounds and includes a Spider action figure. Your family will get hours of playing out of this. SHOP NOW This Tonies Cuddle Minnie Mouse takes the cake ©Amazon This Tonie fits right onto the box and teaches about friendship, community, and kindness with a total runtime of about 31 minutes. It’s neat to have a cuddly plush instead of ht etraditional plastic figure to shake up your collection, and we are sure this will be a new favorite. SHOP NOW We need this Bluey Cruise Ship Playset! ©Amazon While this is totally fun with the slide and interactive features, it’s also a great way to introduce your kids to the idea of a cruise before their first Disney Cruise. The set includes five interactive zones and Bluey and Bingo figures. When it folds up, it looks exactly like a cruise ship. SHOP NOW Finally, we have the Fisher-Price Transforming Buzz Lightyear Ship ©Amazon Back for more Toy Story love! This 3-in-1 toy turns from a spaceship to a giant robot to a rescue pod. It features light displays and ten galactic sounds, and it comes with Buzz Lightyear and an alien for extra fun. SHOP NOW Don’t forget to check out the entire top toy list right here on Amazon. SHOP THE TOP TOYS HERE In the meantime, keep following DFB for more of our favorite Disney finds you won’t want to miss this holiday season. View the full article

When it comes to reboots and remakes of old movies and shows, fans are divided. Some like them, while others wish original content would be made instead. Regardless, they just keep coming! ©IMDb The beloved musical dramedy series, Glee, is officially coming back. After premiering on Fox in 2009, the show went on for six seasons before concluding in 2015. Well, it looks like the show isn’t over quite yet, as the reboot has been greenlit and will be available on Disney+ and Hulu. If you aren’t familiar with Glee, the show follows a group of choir members from Lima, Ohio, who deal with the highs and lows of high school. We’re sure you’ve either seen the show, know someone who has, or have heard of it. It’s considered a cult classic for many reasons. Despite ending in 2015, the show is still popular today, as is its music, which averages 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, according to Variety. ©IMDb We wish we could give you information on the new plot, but Disney hasn’t shared any information besides the fact that the series will be produced by 20th Television and will air on Hulu and Disney+. No, Disney also hasn’t shared any casting information, though sources say Lea Michelle will be back as Rachel Berry and Heather Morris will return as Brittany S. Pierce. We’re hoping that a bunch of the original stars will come back, and we’d honestly be surprised if they didn’t. ©IMDb “I’ve been in touch with around 10 of the original cast members,” said Ryan Murphy, co-writer of Glee, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. The same interview where he confirmed he’d just written a reboot script with collaborators Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. “It’s very sweet, and they all had a lot of questions, but they all were very enthusiastic about the idea.” ©IMDb Chris Colfer, an actor in Glee, pointed out that rebooting Glee would be difficult following Naya Rivera’s death in 2020. “It was a really tough show to do, and it would be really hard to do it now that Naya [Rivera] is gone. But I do know that Glee fans would probably come after me with pitchforks and jazz hands if I said no. So I don’t know, but hopefully I’ll have more information and I can actually think about it.” ©Disney We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news surrounding the reboot of this cult classic show. For all the latest Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Disney Drops MAJOR Dreamlight Valley Update, and It’s a Total Game-Changer What other Disney news just dropped? Check out our video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on the reboot? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Heading to Disney World for Christmas? Packing is a WHOLE NEW GAME. Christmas Tree Stroll If you’re visiting over the actual holiday, you’re not only going to want to pack your presents and Christmas sweaters, but there are some kind of strange additions to your packing list that you won’t want to forget. Let’s check out our shortlist! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the tabletop tree! ©Amazon You may have considered packing a Christmas tree to set up in your hotel room (what’s better than presents under the tree, amirite?!) but that can take up a LOT of room, and would be particularly cumbersome if you’re flying. Instead, check out this tabletop Christmas tree from Amazon. It’s two feet tall, comes with lights, and has miniature ornaments for you to continue the tradition of decorating the tree together! You’re going to want Disney to feel a bit more like home on Christmas than you usually would. So having a little tree will help Christmas feel more like Christmas at home. Your room will have that special glow, and you will have a place to put a few little presents if you’re still planning to open on Christmas morning! view ON AMAZON This could make stroller travel WAY better at night! ©Amazon We’ll be honest with you here: it can get VERY dark in the Disney World parks, and some spaces are particularly difficult to navigate at night. We’re looking at you, Fantasyland!!! Another one of those places? Stroller parking! It can be a bear to find your stroller in the dark, but with these ten-foot multicolor battery-powered stroller lights, you’ll have no issues whatsoever. Plus, your kids will love them, and they’re super festive! (Maybe add some ornaments for a little seasonal jazz?!) I mean, what kiddo doesn’t want a light-up stroller, especially during Christmastime?? view ON AMAZON We love a cheesy accessory! ©Amazon Okay, they may seem a little cheesy or cliché, but these light-up Christmas necklaces are great for the nighttime holiday events in Disney World, particularly the holiday parties! Remember how I just said that the parks get really dark? Well, these are a holly jolly way to make it easy to find the other members of your party. Plus, they just make you feel merry. Get a 4-pack of them on Amazon. You can find similar options in the parks during the holidays, but they will cost you WAY more. So we suggest snagging them beforehand to save some money! Your kids will see them. Your kids will want them. So get ahead of the game and save!! 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

Disney Dreamlight Valley players, new updates are coming that will make the game even more fun. ©Disney Lilo is going to be reunited with Stitch in the latest free update because ‘Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. Ready to play? Dreamlight Valley is offering a free update called ‘Ohana Holidays and will release on December 9th. This update will let Lilo reunite with Stitch. Lilo brings warmth and joy to the winter season, and you’ll get to discover all the trouble the duo gets into. You’ll also celebrate the holidays with a special surprise players won’t want to miss. The update also adds a new star path with a quirky take on holiday celebrations. Hi Stitch! Next year is even looking better! In early 2027, two princes will join the valley, and hints suggest they will be Prince Charming and Prince Naveen. In spring 2027, a villainous duo will arrive, with hints of Yzma and Kronk. For summer 2027, hints suggest Carl and Dug will join, too. Dug! A brand-new star path is also released right now! You can play the Seafaring Star Path till December 2nd and can grab nautical pirate and mermaid garb. As you continue playing, you’ll be able to recruit your first mate, a monkey. Hi Ariel The next expansion coming is The Keepsake Sea, and previously, they announced that Jack Sparrow, Milo from Atlantis, and Meg from Hercules would be joining, but they also teased that Wendy from Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Dory from Finding Nemo would be a part of it. In the expansion, players will have to prove to the four guardians of the Keepsake Sea that they have a childlike spirit. Three new island biomes will be added: Shipwreck Shores, Candy Cove, and the mysterious Kingdom of Oublie. Dory will be a new type of companion. ©Disney Villagers from the valley will head under the sea too, so you might run into Mirabel while on a submarine. The pirate ship will have a captain’s cabin you can decorate, plus new resource-gathering and storage options, along with customizable sails. Each biome has its own underwater area, and it adds more decoration options than ever before. ©Disney The paid expansions will cost $29.99 and include 5,000 moonstones; the deluxe edition will cost $49.99 and include 10,000 moonstones, merfolk mansion house style, a special merfolk outfit item, and two additional adventure companions, Sebastian and Flounder. The base game costs $39.99 and includes 8,000 moonstones, and the Keepsake Sea Edition, which includes the base game, has 13,000 moonstones and costs $59.99. The Ultimate Edition 2026 will cost $79.99 and will include the base game, Keepsake Sea Deluxe, and Wishblossom Ranch with 18,000 moonstones. ©Disney They’re also retiring Wishblossom Ranch Edition, so you can grab it at 40% off, along with Honeyglow Woods Edition at 30% off. The Ultimate Edition will also be 40% off and will be retired, leaving stores November 18th. This is the biggest sale to date! Anyone who plays Keepsake Sea before December 2nd will also get a villainous merfolk fin, and a Twitch drops competition on November 18th will let players unlock a sea with a ship. All of this sounds like so much fun, and we’re so glad that Dreamlight Valley is getting all the updates it deserves. Keep following DFB for more Disney news. READ MORE ABOUT THE DREAMLIGHT VALLEY EXPANSIONS HERE! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you play Dreamlight Valley? Tell us your favorite character in the comments! View the full article

There are SO many great Disney bags out there, so when it comes to buying the right one, which should you choose? Should you buy it based on cuteness? How about durability? Or you could buy it based on style, whether that’s a crossbody or a backpack. What if I told you there’s one that fits all of those categories? Loungefly Wall That’s right! We found a Disney Loungefly Bag on Amazon that can transform between a crossbody bag and a backpack, is EXTREMELY beautiful, and is durable. It also has a perfect five-star review — let’s check it out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’re constantly updating our Amazon Storefront with the best Disney Loungeflys on sale! Check it out below! view ON AMAZON We Think You’ll LOVE This Loungefly Bag! This Loungefly is everything The Loungefly Fantasia Convertible Backpack & Tote Crossbody Bag may be the most beautiful thing we’ve ever seen. I mean LOOK at it — it’s GORGEOUS! This bag is officially licensed by Disney and features Sorcerer Mickey front and center in a gold outline surrounded by stars. The design has gold foil, embroidered, velvet, and printed details to bring this bag together. Fantasia Convertible Loungefly Backpack & Tote Crossbody Bag The bag also has the ability to convert to and from a backpack and a crossbody bag. The straps are detachable and adjustable, so you can alter it to whatever style and fit you’d like. The bag itself is iridescent, which makes it stand out even more! The front features gold designs and outlines of Sorcerer Mickey against the night sky, while the back is just a plain iridescent design. The back of the bag This bag has one main pocket that zippers at the top. It has a PERFECT five-star rating out of 37 reviews, so you know it’s a good bag! Grab it while it’s still available because the stock is running low! view ON AMAZON For a full list of the Disney Loungeflys on sale RIGHT NOW, check out our Amazon Storefront! We’re constantly updating this list, so you don’t have to dig to find the best deals! 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

Pretty much from the moment the calendar flips to November, Disney World shifts into full Christmas mode. Pumpkins, cobwebs, and the like are replaced (in some places literally) overnight with holiday favorites and Christmas Trees, and the resort’s major Christmas party events launch in early November. Believe it or not, the Holidays are here. However, what some guests may not realize is that a few of Disney World’s longest-running and most popular holiday traditions don’t start until after Thanksgiving! EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, which is included in EPCOT admission, features dozens of international food booths, decorations, and storytellers celebrating the holiday cultures of nations around the world, and of course the Candlelight Processional. Holiday Storytellers! This nightly performance features celebrity narrators reading the Biblical Christmas story, joined by a 51-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, and a choir of more than 150 Disney Cast Members and community singers. Candlelight Processional This festival has been a holiday favorite for decades and has become a seasonal tradition for throngs of guests over the years. However, those heading to EPCOT during the majority of November won’t experience it. The Festival of the Holidays doesn’t launch until the day after Thanksgiving — AKA Black Friday — November 27th. While this has long been the event’s traditional start date, some guests may be caught off guard by the post-Thanksgiving start date. Hazelnut Linzer Cookie Now, that’s not to say that guests visiting Disney World in November won’t have holiday options. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios kicks off November 7th. The event, which takes place from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM on select nights through January 5th, offers live entertainment, exclusive food offerings, Disney characters sporting their Christmas best, and more! Following the November 7th kickoff, further dates during the month include the 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, and 28th. Phineas and Ferb at Jollywood Nights The following day, November 8th, will see the 2026 debut of the ever-popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. As usual, the event will offer special presentations, like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, as well as character meet-and-greets, themed food, holiday ride overlays, and more! Further November dates include the 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 27th and 29th. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party If you’re planning on making a Disney World trip to catch a bit of the Christmas season in early November, be forewarned that EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays — including the Candlelight Processional — doesn’t begin until the final weekend of the month. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s calendar. Once the Holidays wrap up, some BIG changes are coming to Disney World next year! Check them out in the video below! A Dreaded Mobile Order Rule Might Be Back in Disney World Soon Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you heading to Disney World in November? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Every quarter, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services releases a report on recent theme park ride-related injuries, illnesses, and medical emergencies that result in a hospital stay of at least 24 hours or fatalities at major theme parks exempt from state inspection. State-exempt theme parks are permanent facilities in Florida with over 1,000 full-time employees and a full-time, in-house safety inspector. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster We’re breaking down injuries from the past quarter at some major theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando. Quarter 3 of 2026 ran from July to September, and here’s a full breakdown: SeaWorld: none reported Busch Gardens: none reported Disney World Humunga Kowabunga (Typhoon Lagoon) — guest injured right leg Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets — guest experiences dizziness and eye pain after riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — guest experiences vomiting after riding the attraction Pirates of the Caribbean — guest had a seizure after exiting the attraction Universal Fast & Furious Supercharged — guest experiences abdominal pain (pre-existing condition) Revenge of the Mummy — guest experienced abdominal pain LEGOLAND: none reported Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The quarter before, April to June, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and LEGOLAND reported no injuries, while Disney World reported five and Universal reported four. Revenge of the Mummy Considering the number of visitors these theme parks have every day, those numbers look pretty good. Of course, some smaller injuries may not be reported, or other situations may not make it into the report. Fast & Furious: Supercharged CNN recently spoke with emergency physician Dr. Lena Wen about whether roller coasters are still safe, despite the injuries associated with them. She said, “Serious injuries on roller coasters are uncommon when taking into account the enormous number of rides taken every year. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the chance of sustaining a serious injury on a ride at a fixed-site US amusement park is approximately one in 15.5 million rides.” Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster In her final note, she said that “I think people should take into account the fact that millions of people enjoy amusement parks every year without sustaining injuries. The available statistics indicate that severe injuries are rare. At the same time, people should recognize that roller coasters, especially the ones involving high speeds and lots of sudden turns and twists, are not risk-free.” Make sure you keep following DFB for more news, along with tips and tricks on how to have the best Disney World vacation ever. OVER 100 INJURIES REPORTED FROM POPULAR SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Adventures and Disney lore enthusiasts, while our recent scavenger hunt has come to a close, the journey is not over yet! ©Disney In fact, while this whole adventure so far has been all digital, you can now take your journey in person to Disneyland to pick up a prize from brand-new S.E.A. character Hazel Hightower herself. Let’s dive in! If you’ve been following along recently, you know that over the past several months, Disney has been dropping clues related to the S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventures), which is a group deeply entrenched in the lore of Disney and Disney parks and experiences around the world. This mystery began back at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event when, at the S.E.A. panel, they went to reveal something, but the case was empty, which launched a full investigation into finding the thief. ©Disney Disney has been dropping clues ever since, and this week we finally figured out the mystery: the thief was Hazel Hightower. Daughter of famed and disgraced S.E.A. member Harrison Hightower, who is known from Tower of Terror in Tokyo DisneySea. We found out that she stole the Rainbow Ridge Jewel, which she was able to obtain through a time travel device called a Timeskipper, in retaliation for not being admitted into the S.E.A. due to her connection with her father. ©Disney Well, we thought the mystery was over until Disney announced that the famed Rainbow Ridge Jewel would be on display in Disneyland at the ticket booth outside of Pioneer Mercantile in Frontierland. So naturally, we had to take a visit to see for ourselves. Rainbow Ridge Jewel Not only can you spot the Jewel, but there is also an old photo where you can see several members of S.E.A., including Harrison holding the Rainbow Ridge Jewel with Hazel as a child. Old S.E.A. photo! You can also see that Hazel Hightower’s name has been inscribed on one of the paddles. Hazel Hightower But the most exciting element of all is that for a limited time, if you visit the Jewel, you can receive a complimentary commemorative ticket from Hazel Hightower congratulating you on your successful detective work! Hazel Hightower Ticket We love that Disney has brought this experience into the parks for its conclusion and that we can now see representation of Hazel Hightower in Disneyland. Now, if you are interested in grabbing one of these tickets, make sure you visit Disneyland soon since they will only be available for a limited time! Other side of the ticket We will continue to bring you all the S.E.A. news, lore, and updates, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! S.E.A. Final Clues and Answer Revealed! If you want the latest from Disneyland, check out our video below: Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Disneyland to check out these details? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We all know that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has some of the best entertainment across Disney World. From the Toy Soldiers clomping down Main Street, U.S.A., to the fireworks over the castle, we often think a ticket to the party is worth the money just for the entertainment, but did you know you can catch some of it without paying for a ticket? Parade time Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs during the day, so if you’ve been wanting to catch the spectacular parade, you can do it with your normal Magic Kingdom park ticket. The best part? You might even be part of a filming! You can watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on November 10th and 11th at 2 PM throughout Magic Kingdom. Make sure you wave hi to Mickey for us! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Now, why is this very Christmas parade playing randomly during the day? Because they usually film the parade during the day so they get better shots than at night. Disney hasn’t officially confirmed they will be filming, but we’ve seen this happen for years. Last year, we watched it on November 9th during the day to see all of our favorite floats and celebrities. The parade They usually film this for the Christmas special, which premieres on ABC and streams on Disney+. It usually plays on Christmas morning on ABC and a few hours later on Disney+. It’s a huge part of our holiday tradition, even if we have seen it in person. Catch this parade during the day! You can usually catch some super cool celebrities there, too. Last year, we saw Ginnifer Goodwin, who voices Judy Hopps in Zootopia, along with Alfonso Ribeiro from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Dancing with the Stars. We even saw Maia Kealoha, who played Lilo in the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch. Ginnifer Goodwin and Alfonso Ribeiro Again, Disney hasn’t officially confirmed they are filming, and they probably won’t until you see all the cameras set up! It’s a great way to catch the parade without buying a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket or coming to Disney World on Christmas Day to see it. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more news, plus tips and tricks to help you have the best Disney World vacation ever. 7 MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO DISNEY WORLD IN NOVEMBER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever seen this parade? Tell us your thoughts on the parade in the comments. View the full article

With (almost) every Disney World land, character, and attraction come souvenirs — apparel, accessories, collectibles, stuffies; You name it, they’ve got it! And a lot more souvenirs are on their way with the opening of several new areas next year, including Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc-themed land coming to Hollywood Studios. ©Disney Since the announcement, Disney has dropped quite a bit of concept art for the land, and we spotted what looks like their next best souvenir in a recent piece! Let’s check it out! With all of the concept art that Disney releases, we always do a deep dive and look closely at all of the details within the piece for hints into what’s coming to the land, and there has been a recurring theme in a couple of concept arts: Guests holding Randall. The purple villain from the movies (Boo’s monster) is seen being held by guests. ©Disney First, we see a guest holding Randall in the pre-show room of “Welcome to Monstropolis,” the show in the Glob Theater. This area is themed as a concession area, so could this be a hint at a new sipper? Maybe one of his head fronds will act as the straw! ©Disney We also see a guest holding Randall outside of the Glob Theater. Maybe it’s not a sipper… It could be a plushie! And what an adorable plushie that would be. Along with this possible Randall sipper/plushie, we’d expect Disney to release new shirts, pins, and other merchandise when the land opens. ©Disney While souvenirs are AWESOME, let’s also talk about what you can expect to find in the land when it opens, starting with the already mentioned “Welcome to Monstropolis” theater show. This show will be hosted by Mike and Sulley themselves. According to Chris Beatty, Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering, “Sulley has been working on a small, homespun show, but Mike – ever the showman – has a few surprises up his sleeve that he thinks will bring down the house. Hopefully not literally.” ©Disney Several restaurants are coming to the land, including the quick-service location of Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza. This quick-service restaurant will feel like a beloved pizza spot where generations of monster college students gathered with friends after class. Harryhausen’s will serve as the land’s table-service restaurant and will feature a large animatronic of the Chef! Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative, mentioned that the menu will be “unlike anything else we offer at Walt Disney World,” and also confirmed that it will serve more than simply sushi. ©Disney And although it will not open with the land in 2027, Monstropolis will be home to a roller coaster inspired by the Vault scene inside the Monsters, Inc. Factory with the swinging doors. The attraction will be Disney’s first-of-its-kind suspended coaster and will lift guests 40 feet into the air in four seconds. Several other places have been announced as well, including the Scareporium shopping location and the Monsters University Alumni Club. ©Disney Disney has not officially announced any of the merchandise coming to this land, but the concept art could hint at some! We’ll keep you updated with everything announced, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news, updates, tips, and tricks! For a look at the other rides and attractions in Hollywood Studios, check out our video below! Disney Files NEW Permit That Points to Monstropolis Playground at Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think this Randall souvenir is? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

After a long day at one of Disney World’s theme parks, few things can be more refreshing than sitting back with a delicious drink. For me, that means something fruity and colorful and… ahem, excuse me, I was daydreaming about Trader Sam’s again. Cherry Marquee However, if you’re grabbing a drink at one of Disney World’s lounges, bars, or restaurants, there are some things the bartenders at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” are dying for you to know! “Complicated Drinks are Not Necessarily Better” According to a former Disney World bartender, complicated drinks with long and unique ingredient lists are eye-catching and pique the interest of those looking for a unique experience; they are not necessarily better. As they explained, sometimes a classic drink with better alcohol is going to be better than a fancy one with a dozen steps/ingredients. So, if you think you see your bartender side-eyeing a complex cocktail, you may be right. Polynesian Pearl “We Don’t Want to Make Certain Drinks When It’s Super-Busy” Speaking of more complicated mixed drinks, a former Disney bartender was quick to admit that at busier times — and let’s face it, at Disney World there are a lot of “busy times” — they’d actually prefer to not make more in-depth, ingredient-heavy drinks. Top of the list? Mojitos. Dragon fruit mojito “Frozen Drinks are Usually Sugar Bombs” Given the heat that Central Florida is known for, it’s no surprise that frozen (guilty) and sweet (GUILTY) drinks are popular at Disney World! However, a former Disney World bartender was quick to remind us that these drinks are “sugar bombs” full of artificial flavors. Avalanche Blue Margarita “A Strong Drink is Not Always a Well-Crafted Drink” For some guests, the only kind of drink worth having is the strongest possible. However, requests for the strongest drink possible often indicate that a guest doesn’t usually like well-crafted drinks. A really good drink doesn’t need to taste strong in order for it to be potent. Don’t assume because you can’t taste the alcohol in a strong way that the drink is lacking the correct amount of alcohol. Caramel Corn Old Fashioned “Don’t Dismissively Wave, or Snap Fingers to Get Attention” Honestly, this one could fall under the overall headline “Don’t be rude.” It’s totally understandable to be tired, and maybe even a bit cranky after a long day at Disney World. However, there’s no need to take it on a bartender — or ANY Cast Member — with rude or dismissive behavior. If you need to get their attention, you can wait or politely say, “Excuse me.” Bartenders at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto “Please Tip!” Workers in U.S. restaurants, including bartenders, rely on customer tips. That is just as true at Disney World as anywhere else in the country. And yes, even if you are visiting from a country that doesn’t tip, you should tip while you’re at Disney World. Generally, the appropriate tip is anywhere between 18 percent and 20 percent of the cost of your overall bill. Welcome to The Perch! If you’re planning to grab a drink on your next trip to Disney World, be sure to keep in mind the things your bartender probably wants to say but won’t! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips! Speaking of Disney World tips, these are some of our favorites that run under the radar. 7 Disney World Hotel Bars That Also Serve Great Food Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite bar at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We always recommend using Disney’s PhotoPass to capture your magical memories at Disney World and Disneyland. All of the parks have professionally trained photographers who will take your photo, and this perk just got even better. PhotoPass Photographers Shutterfly is now an official photo gift partner of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, which means you can use Shutterfly to get your photos on personalized ornaments, photo books, and more! Thanks to Shutterfly, you can now shop Disney gifts & souvenirs, including ornaments, blankets, magnets, mugs, puzzles, calendars, cards, and photo books, all customized with your PhotoPass photos. ©Disney To customize your souvenirs from Shutterfly, you’ll need to link your MyDisney and Shutterfly accounts to access your photos. Here’s how: Sign in or create a Shutterfly account. Follow the prompts to link your MyDisney account. Wait for Shutterfly to sync your photos. They’ll send you an email when your PhotoPass photos are ready. In most cases, they should be available in Shutterfly in less than 10 minutes; however, allow up to 24 hours for your photos to appear. ©Disney Once both of your accounts are synced, all of your purchased Disney PhotoPass photos linked to your MyDisney account will sync to your Shutterfly account. Shutterfly offers unlimited photo storage for active customers, so you can preserve your favorite photos and turn them into personalized creations anytime, even if the PhotoPass photo has expired in your MyDisney account. ©Disney Shutterfly only offers Disney World and Disneyland-specific souvenirs, but by linking your accounts, you can create souvenirs of your photos from Disney Cruise Line and Aulani, too. Your PhotoPass photos will be accessible in your Shutterfly library to customize hundreds of souvenir options. ©Disney With the holidays coming up, this Disney and Shutterfly collab is the perfect opportunity to give personalized souvenirs and make even more memories this holiday season! You can find Disney-themed Christmas cards, ornaments, and photo books that you can customize with your Disney photos. If you’re headed to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Festival of the Holidays, or Jollywood Nights, you can get some holiday-exclusive photo-ops on your Christmas souvenirs, too! ©Disney Shutterfly has promised to add even more Disney-themed souvenirs to its library soon, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for updates! $6 vs $72: We Tried Costco and Disney World Pumpkin Pie, and Someone Owes Us an Apology Heading to Disney World soon? We answered EVERY question you asked us! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this collab? Comment below with your thoughts! View the full article

When it comes to spooky season at Walt Disney World, there’s one lounge where foodies love to touch down for eerie bites and spooky sips: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. From Candelabra Eggs to Bone Kebabs, it’s the kooky creativity behind each presentation paired with flavors guests know and love that makes Halloween at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar such a hit. But these creations don’t just appear out of thin air. They’re brought to life by creative thinkers like Chef Gary Miles. Chef Gary came to Walt Disney World 28 years ago through the Disney Culinary Academy apprenticeship program. Since then, his culinary career has taken him through various roles across the parks, earning the prestigious Walt Disney Legacy Award along the way. Today, he’s a chef at Disney Springs, creating dishes for Disney-owned restaurants across the property. The Puzzle Behind the Plate Chef Gary has been at Disney Springs since its opening, and he helped create the first holiday menu at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in 2019. Over time, the team has developed a winning formula as the holiday menus have expanded to include Halloween: approachable and trending flavors served in unexpected ways. “I’m a puzzle person,” said Chef Gary. “I like to figure things out, so Disney Springs is a really exciting place to be.” When you think of Halloween, there’s not really a universal dish that comes to mind beyond candy and sweets. This was the first piece of the puzzle as Chef Gary approached the Halloween menu for its debut last year. His solve? Leaning into festive presentations. “What I love about the Hangar Bar is we’re not limited by a certain cuisine,” said Chef Gary. “We have basically the entire world at our fingertips to pull from, so we look at our offerings and think, how do we make this a unique experience? And we do it through our presentations.” Chef Gary’s favorite item on the menu this year is the Candelabra Eggs for its journey from idea to plate – or should I say, candelabra. The team knew they wanted to serve the delicious deviled eggs in a candelabra vessel, but the next challenge was finding food-safe egg holders that fit just right. It turns out, the answer was in a little extra culinary creativity and innovation. “We tried everything from cupcake liners to bamboo cones,” Chef Gary said. “Finally, while walking through one of our storage rooms, we found these little two-piece martini cups. They worked perfectly and felt like finding the last puzzle piece that locked everything into place.” From Dishwasher to Disney Chef Gary wasn’t born knowing he wanted to be a chef. Growing up, his mom worked at a local Mexican restaurant in Ohio. On a random Friday when he was fifteen, sitting on the couch watching TGIF on TV, he got a call from his mom asking if he wanted to come be a dishwasher. After that first night, he found himself going back day after day. What really made him excited, though, was watching the line cooks do their work, joking around and having fun while cooking. “I wanted to be a part of that, so I kept pushing to learn more. Within a few months, I was working with them side by side as a cook on the hotline,” said Chef Gary. Decades later, Chef Gary creates that same sense of camaraderie in the kitchen for the teams he leads at Disney. “One of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed here as long as I have is because I’ve always felt supported by our leadership and the company. They not only support the creativity and everything we do, but they also support us in what happens outside of Disney,” he said. Chef Gary especially loves being a part of the magic at Disney Springs, because as a problem solver at heart, it’s a place where things are constantly evolving. “We’re always trying to figure out the next thing,” he said. “Whether it’s Hangar Bar, D-Luxe Burger, one of our kiosks or outdoor vending, we’re always reinventing and growing the business, and I love that about Disney Springs.” For all the puzzles Chef Gary loves to solve, his favorite part of cooking is serving up joy for others. Ready to discover even more frightfully fun flavors? Check out the Disney Springs Halloween Foodie Guide for all the bites and sips you don’t want to miss this spooky season. Jock Lindsey’s Halloween-themed Hangar Bar Returns READ MORE What to Explore at Disney Springs This Halloween Season READ MORE Foodie Guide to Halloween at Walt Disney World Resort 2026 READ MORE The post How a Chef Turns Puzzles into Popular Plates at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It’s officially pumpkin pie season, and we are HERE for it! Pumpkin pie from Cake Bake Shop Just like clockwork, we know we can expect pumpkin EVERYTHING when fall hits each year. In the spirit of the season, we decided to taste-test pumpkin pies from two spots at opposite ends of the price spectrum, and we found some pretty surprising results! Let’s dig into the results of our very necessary, incredibly scientific experiment! Pumpkin Pie from the Cake Bake Shop Entering the ring first, it’s the pumpkin pie from the Cake Bake Shop on Disney’s BoardWalk! This is the pricier option of the two by far — we paid $15 for a slice, but you can also buy a whole pie for $72. That’s one bougie pie! Pumpkin Pie It’s not the most expensive treat we’ve ever tried at the Cake Bake Shop, but we still couldn’t help but grumble a bit at the price tag…until we took a bite. Our first thought was, “Unfortunately, it’s delicious.” In fact, we remember thinking that it was as close to a perfect pumpkin pie as we’d had in a LONG time! Pumpkin pie The custard was well set without being thick or gelatinous, and the spice level was just right. We appreciated that no single spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove) overpowered the others, making every bite balanced and full of autumnal flavors. Plus, the whipped cream was VERY generous, which we loved since we prefer our pumpkin pie with whipped cream in every bite! Plenty of filling too Our only complaint is the crust, which did get soggy on the bottom. But to be fair, we have yet to find a pumpkin pie that avoids this, and this one was no exception. In all, the quality and taste lived up to the price tag in our opinion, although we’d find it way easier to justify splurging on one slice as opposed to a whole pie! Pumpkin Pie from Costco Next up, we have the humble Costco pumpkin pie, which we snagged from our local Costco for $6 for the whole pie. That’s right, you can get a WHOLE pie for less than half the cost of the single slice from the Cake Bake Shop! Costco Pumpkin Pie The first thing we noticed is that the custard was more loosely set, so it wasn’t as firm as the pie from the Cake Bake Shop. It also had a different blend of spices and was more cinnamon-forward and a little bit lighter on the spice overall. Homemade pumpkin pie vibes, for sure! The crust was pretty thin, so the filling almost melted into it, which made it feel less like a soggy crust and more like a blend of the two elements. In all, this totally gave us homemade pumpkin pie vibes, which was a nice touch of nostalgia! It’s pumpkin season! This one didn’t come with whipped cream, so we had to buy our own separately since we like a lottt of it, as we mentioned. But even adding in the cost of the whipped cream, this is still a GREAT value for a delicious pumpkin pie! Which One Is Better? Now, for the ultimate question — which pie takes the cake?? With the added boost of nostalgia that felt like coming home to a homemade pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, we’re giving the slight edge to the humble $6 Costco pumpkin pie! It’s hard to ignore the combo of incredible flavor and unbeatable value that the Costco pie delivered. We LOVED this Costco Pie! BUT, there’s no denying that both of these were winners in their own way (we’re still dreaming about the incredible spice blend in the Cake Bake Shop pie), and they’re both worth grabbing if you’re a pumpkin pie fan! Cake Bake Shop Pumpkin Pie For us, the Cake Bake Shop pumpkin pie was a one-slice splurge, while the Costco pumpkin pie is one we’d proudly bring to Thanksgiving for the whole family to enjoy (and maybe save one in our fridge at home too, just for us). We’ll keep an eye out for more seasonal treats to drop, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for our latest reviews! Where to Find a Thanksgiving Meal in Disney World in 2026 Looking for more food reviews? Check out our thoughts on the booths at this year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a go-to pumpkin pie spot? Let us know in the comments! View the full article