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I’ve been to a lot of theme parks, but Disney World still tops my list for accessibility. Other vacation spots may not have it all when it comes to wheelchair accessibility, but Disney World remains high on the disability community’s list for a reason. Let’s go to Disney World! After exploring Disney World on wheels for a few years, I thought it was time to break down what a visit to the theme parks really looks like. We’ll cover all four theme parks and talk about the highs and lows of wheelchair accessibility. Before we get into it, place your bets in the comments: which park will remain number one for accessibility? Let’s go over some of the details before we roll right in. I use a manual wheelchair, so my opinion comes from that perspective. I’ve heard similar opinions from people who use power chairs or ECVs, but with larger chairs, you might have more issues getting on and off rides and fewer issues with hills or rough terrain. We might have some different opinions and that’s okay! Starting us off, we have criteria. We’re going to discuss all four theme parks based on the following: Parking: How close is it? Are there plenty of accessible spots? etc. Terrain: How easy is it to roll around? How are the hills? etc. Rides: Are there rides you can stay in your wheelchair? How easy are the transfers for other rides? etc. On to Disney World’s newest park, which opened in 1998: Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom If you’re driving, you’ll probably start your day by parking. Animal Kingdom’s accessible parking is pretty close to security, and I can often find available spots, even if I come in the middle of the day. The overflow section is nearby if you need it. Animal Kingdom parking lot Parking is fine, but there are some massive hills and rough terrain that can be hard to navigate. After you scan in, you’ll have to climb a very steep hill and then immediately head down toward the Tree of Life. Obviously, on the way out, you need to do the same thing! The ground also has a rough texture that is uncomfortable to roll around on. While it adds to the theming, it makes it a bit difficult, especially if you’re carrying a drink or food in your lap. There are a few other hills around, and overall, the park is very hot. It might have some of my favorite food, but it is not my favorite for navigating. Up the hill As I write this, Animal Kingdom has few rides open because of the Tropical Americas expansion in the works. The Indiana Jones ride should have the same transfer as DINOSAUR since it’s the same ride, and the Encanto ride will likely let guests stay in their wheelchairs, but Disney hasn’t officially confirmed that. Other rides, like Kilimanjaro Safaris, let you stay in your wheelchair for the shows, but others require a transfer. Some are pretty difficult because of low or awkward vehicles. Kilimanjaro Safaris Our overall ranking: Parking: 4/5 Terrain: 2/5 Rides: 2/5 This gives us an overall rating of 2.6/5. There’s definitely room for improvement, but the parking lot is one of the easier ones to use. Hollywood Studios Galaxy’s Edge Hollywood Studios parking is… interesting. The rows are one-way and very skinny, so if you’re driving a bigger vehicle, like a wheelchair-accessible van or truck, you might find yourself holding your breath as you pass through. There aren’t many spots, and if you come in the middle of the day, you might not find any. The overflow is right next to it, but it can feel far from security and add a few more minutes to your trek. If you need to park in overflow, you can ask a Cast Member to bring out a cone to block off an extra spot if you need room to take out your medical equipment. Hollywood Studios parking lot The terrain is pretty great in Hollywood Studios because it’s mostly designed like a street! There are curbs, but plenty of cutouts, and it’s almost all flat. Galaxy’s Edge is a bit bumpy, like Animal Kingdom, but since it’s only one section, we can overlook it. Some attractions have steep hills to get to them, like Fantasmic or the front row of Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage, but for the most part, it’s flat. Fantasmic queue Something I don’t love about Hollywood Studios is that only one ride lets you stay in your wheelchair: Toy Story Mania. A Cast Member at the ride once told me that sometimes they’ll find people in wheelchairs riding this one attraction over and over all day because it’s the only one they can access. Oof! The accessible ride vehicle for Toy Story Mania also features a big button, in addition to the cord, for people with lower hand dexterity and control. Other experiences, like shows, let you stay in your chair, and the new Walt Disney Studios has accessible drawing classes, but since Hollywood Studios is known for its rides, that’s a bit disappointing. Some rides offer transfer devices, like an aisle chair for Smugglers Run and a bench for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but transfers are difficult; this park might be challenging. The new Monstropolis section will feature another show, which should have wheelchair spots, but the new roller coaster will require a transfer. Toy Story Mania Our overall ranking: Parking: 2.5/5 Terrain: 4/5 Rides: 2/5 Overall, that gives us a 2.8/5. If transfers aren’t too difficult for you and you’re taking Disney transportation, it will probably rank higher for you. This park has some heavy hitters when it comes to rides, so it’s disappointing that some don’t offer better ways to experience them (I’m looking at you, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway!). EPCOT Always down for a meet and greet! Starting off with parking, you get a pretty standard parking lot! There are plenty of accessible spots, and unless I come late at night when it’s super busy, I can almost always find one. It’s two-way traffic with wider lanes and plenty of van accessible spots. Parking lot After you scan in and go left or right of Spaceship Earth, you’ll face a fairly steep hill (not as bad as Animal Kingdom), but you get to go down it at the end of the day. There are a few random ones around World Showcase, too, but they aren’t too terrible. I will say the World Showcase is a commitment since it’s about 1.2 miles all the way around. Boats in the middle can take you back, but they’re not always open, so once you’re in, you’ll need to commit to the 1.2 miles. Pick a side (or a hill) EPCOT also has quite a few rides you can do in your wheelchair! There are six different rides, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, one of the park’s most popular rides. Test Track has a separate loading zone where you can transfer without everyone watching you, but it is a particularly low seat and a bit hard to get out of. A few of the other rides are a bit awkward, like Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around America, but if you can’t transfer, there are plenty of rides and other activities you can do without getting out. Welcome to the Remy’s world! Our overall ranking: Parking: 4.5/5 Terrain: 3.5/5 Rides: 4/5 Overall, that’s a 4/5, which is pretty great! Despite the long time commitment of the World Showcase, it has a great parking lot, and it’s easy to get on quite a few rides. Magic Kingdom With my favorites! Parking at Magic Kingdom isn’t great for most people because you need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), not directly at Magic Kingdom. Once you park, you’ll go through security, then take the monorail or ferryboat to get to Magic Kingdom. If you have access to Disney World transportation, I highly recommend using the bus because it takes you straight to the park. There are plenty of accessible parking spots, though, and a small hill to push up. TTC For the most part, Magic Kingdom is pretty flat! There are a few hills but nothing too terrible, and honestly the hardest part is all of the people. This park tends to have a few bottlenecks that are difficult to get through, especially on Main Street, U.S.A., but almost everywhere is smooth concrete and easy to roll over. Walking down Main Street during Halloween There are also six rides where you can stay in your wheelchair, including the Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and “it’s a small world,” which are probably on your list. “it’s a small world” even has a figure who uses a wheelchair! Again, a few shows let you stay in your chair, and most other rides are fairly easy to transfer into. TRON Lightcycle / Run even has two standard roller coaster seats in the back if you don’t want to climb on a bike. Be warned: Space Mountain has very steep hills on entry and exit, and the transfer can be difficult since you’re so low in the vehicle! A doll in a wheelchair has been added to a classic ride in Disney World. Our overall ranking: Parking: 2/5 Terrain: 4/5 Rides: 4/5 That’s an overall rating of 3.3/5. Parking is a huge damper on the day, but Disney World’s transportation can make it a bit easier. There are plenty of ride options to experience everything, which is always a win. How do the parks stack up against each other? Here are our final ratings: 4th: Animal Kingdom — 2.6/5 3rd: Hollywood Studios — 2.8/5 2nd: Magic Kingdom — 3.3/5 1st: EPCOT — 4/5 Cinderella Castle Overall, I think that gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect in the parks! If you can transfer onto rides easily or use Disney World transportation, it might feel a bit different, but this should give you a broad idea for your next park visit. Accessibility is different for everyone, and you can find more information on the Disney World Accessibility Page. A few other notes to keep in mind when traveling to Disney World can affect your thoughts and opinions on the trip. Transportation As a local, I drive to the parks every day, but you shouldn’t overlook Disney’s free transportation. The buses, ferryboats, monorail, and Skyliner are all accessible. For the bus, bus drivers will lower the ramp and have you roll right up. There are usually two spots available, and I’ve found the bus drivers are very good at having other guests move and make space for your chair. They’ll also have you board first, which makes life a little bit easier. If there are other wheelchair users on board, you’ll have to wait until the next bus, but I have very few issues. Check it out! For the monorail, transportation Cast Members will pull out a ramp and have you board a specific car. They are also very good at having other guests wait to board and making sure there is room for you. They even hit a button to tell other Cast Members at your next stop that you will need the ramp, and it’s rare not to have a Cast Member waiting there for you. It can be hard on busier nights, and there is a major ramp to get up and down from the station, but it’s pretty consistent, and you can typically fit one to two chairs into a car. Heads up: the EPCOT monorail station has an elevator you can use instead of climbing the massive ramp. Monorail at EPCOT The Skyliner has a separate accessible queue, so you’ll only have to wait in line with other mobility aid users, which is pretty great. The Skyliner car is separate and stationary, so you can board without it constantly moving. You can only fit one wheelchair, and it can be a bit tight if you’re traveling with more people, but it’s still a solid option. Disney Skyliner The ferryboat will always have my heart because it doesn’t require any additional cast members or ramps, so you can get on and off on your own. You simply roll on and roll off, easy peasy. Smaller boats have ramps that come out, while others might have you step over a small step to enter. I tend to avoid the smaller boats at resorts, but the ones in EPCOT and the ones that go to Hollywood Studios and the EPCOT area resorts are often great options. Ferryboat entrance In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks on how to have the best Disney World vacation yet. We have planning guides for everything you need to know so you’re ready for anything Disney World can bring. DISNEY JUST FILED A GAME-CHANGING PATENT FOR RIDE ACCESSIBILITY 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 the most accessible park is? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

From start to finish, the Disney Wine & Dine 5K was très chic! 🐱🎀#runDisneyView the full article

This week Disney pulled back the curtain on major expansions coming to Disney World, surprise menu changes shook up one of Magic Kingdom’s most controversial restaurants, and a bunch of new adorable baby animals made their big debut! Latest news All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our new video: Latest Disney News: Behind-the-Scenes Look at New Lands, BIG Menu Changes & a Star Wars Super Bowl? 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

The Avengers: Doomsday clock is counting down, and we’re officially less than two months away from seeing the most anticipated movie of the year! ©Marvel Studios Marvel has been keeping quiet about Avengers: Doomsday since they dropped a new trailer at D23, but the silence has been broken. In collaboration with the MLB and the World Series, Marvel just dropped a new mini “teaser”, and there’s still stuff in it that we need to talk about! Game 1 of the MLB World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers just took place yesterday, and if you were watching the game, you would’ve caught the special Avengers: Doomsday preview. Fans knew the day prior to the game that a special teaser was coming, but didn’t know what to expect. ©Marvel It was more of a fun teaser rather than an actual trailer. It starts with the Fantastic Four playing in a baseball game. The preview had MLB players Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, Jacob Misiorowski, Junior Caminero, and Randy Arozarena in it, and they were making references to the characters who will appear in Doomsday. Saying things like “I’ve never seen a stretch like that” when Reed Richards pitched the ball, or “I would trust Cap at the mound”, talking about Captain America. ©Marvel All that being said, the teaser did actually feature some clips from the upcoming Marvel movie. Clips we’ve seen before and clips we haven’t. The Fantastic Four being at the game was most likely created for the MLB collab, but could that also be a scene in the movie?! The trailer also gives us another look at Thor and Steve Rogers reuniting. ©Marvel In the new clip, Steve takes the hammer from Thor and asks if it bothers him, to which Thor replies, “You know it does.” We first saw Steve lift the hammer in Avengers: Endgame, and now we’ll get to see the two of them talk about it. Look, we know there are theories out there about this Steve Rogers not being the real one, possibly a variant from another universe. We can’t help but feel like something might be off between these two. ©Marvel Our favorite moment in the trailer had to be this moment with Ant-Man. Ant-Man looks at Steve Rogers and says, “Right, Cap?” and things get immediately awkward when Sam Wilson’s Captain America looks back at him. Ant-Man tries to recover the moment by saying, “I mean… right, Steve?” We can’t blame him; we’re also still getting used to Steve Rogers giving up the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson. ©Marvel We didn’t get anything new with Doctor Doom, and we honestly have a feeling Marvel is going to limit how much we see him until the movie releases. Marvel hasn’t been sharing much about the movie besides what we already know. If you want to take a look at the preview for yourself, check out the video below. We’re always on top of all the latest Disney news, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! STAY CALM EVERYONE: ‘Halloweentown 5’ is OFFICIALLY in Development at Disney Want to know some of our weird Disney World habits? 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 Avengers: Doomsday? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Universal Orlando’s newest theme park is full of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, delicious food, live entertainment, and so much more! And since it’s their newest park, it can get quite crowded, but don’t worry — there’s a way to get around those crowds! Epic Universe! Epic Universe offers a separately ticketed after-hours event on select nights, and we got to attend one! But be warned: Not every attraction may be available the entire night, including some of the most popular ones. What Are Universal Nights? Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a specially ticketed event with limited capacity that allows you to enjoy the park after it closes to the general public. This event runs from 9 PM to midnight, but you can enter as early as 7 PM. It’s very similar to the After Hours events at Disney World. Epic Universe After Hours! During these events, attendees will experience fewer crowds and shorter wait times than a guest would during regular operational hours. Daytime park guests are required to leave at 8 PM. The $180 Epic Universe After Hours Event Ruined Regular Park Days for Us Universal Nights At Epic Universe Dates and Prices There are three more dates for Universal Nights at Epic Universe in 2026: Saturday, October 24th Friday, November 6th Friday, November 20th Tickets start at $179.99 plus tax per person, but some guests are eligible for a discount. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders save 10% on tickets. If you’re just looking to attend the after-hours event, there is no need to buy a daytime ticket. The Universal Nights ticket will grant you admission into the park starting at 7 PM, but no earlier. If you’re hoping to get into the park earlier, you must buy a general admission ticket as well. This event also happens rain or shine. Where to grab your wristbands if you’re already in the park! Should You Still Be Worried About Epic Universe Crowds? What’s Included In Universal Nights At Epic Universe? Weather permitting, EVERY ride in Epic Universe will be operational during the event. This includes: Celestial Park Stardust Racers Constellation Carousel Stardust Racers Super Nintendo World Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Mine-Cart Madness Yoshi’s Adventure Power-Up Band interactive games throughout the land Super Nintendo World The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Le Cirque Arcanus Battle at the Ministry How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Hiccup’s Wing Gliders Dragon Racer’s Rally Fyre Drill The Untrainable Dragon Hiccup’s Wing Gliders Dark Universe Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment Curse of the Werewolf Curse of the Werewolf And since you’re able to enter the park beginning at 7 PM, you’ll also be able to watch Universal Celestial Goodnight. This nighttime spectacular features fountains, lights, and fireworks that take over Celestial Park. Celestial Goodnight Unlimited complimentary snacks and beverages are also available throughout the event. This includes Celestial Popcorn and Kimchi Bao, and refills of Coca-Cola beverages and over 100 drink options! You’ll be provided with a cup, which works at any Coca-Cola Freestyle location. Freestyle Machines Universal Orlando Extends Closure For Popular Ride Be Warned: Some Attractions May Close Early However, while all of the attractions may be available, it’s possible that some will close earlier than others, and this all depends on the capacity of the attraction. Unlike Disney World, where guests can enter up to the minute before park close, Universal will close attractions when the lines get too long to ensure guests will not be at the park HOURS after it closes (which is sometimes the case). Queue for standby line at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry During our time at the after-hours event, almost EVERYTHING closed before midnight, with some attractions closing as early as 11:40 PM. At this time, Mine Cart Madness hit capacity, and Team Members were not allowing any more guests in the queue. Unfortunately, the attraction was also down for a good amount of the night, so we were not able to ride it during the event. Mine Cart Madness Additionally, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry hit capacity around 11:50 PM, and both Constellation Carousel and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment closed around 11:52 PM. Fyre Drill also closed during this time. Frankenstein’s Monster By 11:59 PM, only ONE ride was still open, and that was Stardust Racers, but once midnight hit, the attraction queues were closed, and they even shut the music off (but don’t worry, it was only for a minute — they won’t make it awkward on your way out!) Stardust Racers So, the moral of the story is that if you have rides you absolutely HAVE to ride unless your night is ruined, prioritize those rides because they 1) may close earlier than expected and/or 2) may experience downtime during the event. Mine Cart Madness If you’re headed to Universal Nights at Epic Universe, keep in mind that only certain attractions may be available, and you’ll have to decide if lower wait times and fewer crowds are worth the price of missing out on these attractions. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Universal news, updates, tips, and tricks! Universal is already looking ahead to 2027 and making some major changes! Check out what’s changing in the video below. How Many Attractions Can You Ride After Epic Universe Closes? Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you go to Universal Nights at Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Hold on, is it time to start our Christmas shopping a little earlier? These new Target drops are telling us that it is! We love Owalas! A bunch of new Owalas just droppet at Target, but what makes these ones special is that they are all holiday themed! Whether you’re looking for a water bottle to have at home with you, one to bring to Disney World this holiday season, or you’re looking for the right Christmas gift, you need to check these out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Bear Hug Owala ©Target Take a look at this adorable Bear Hug Owala! This stainless steel special holiday edition 24-ounce Owala is available online at Target right now. The Owala features a pattern of cute teddy bears on a plaid background. It’s got all the features we love about Owalas — the free-sip spout, the handle, the ability to keep your beverage cold, and more. view ONline This Owala is a MUST! ©Target This Cozy Does It Owala is designed like a Christmas sweater, and we’re here for it! This special edition holiday Owala has one of the most unique designs we’ve seen for a water bottle. It features nice pink colors and patterns of snowflakes and mountains. You really can’t go wrong with this one. view ONline We love this Owala as well! ©Target Looking for something a little more subtle? Check out this Holiday Edition Poinsettia Owala! This is the 30-ounce Owala with a hanging handle for easy carry. It still has the free-sip and straw, but it holds more water. We like the crisp red color, it really screams warm Christmas. view ONline Or, you can grab this Owala ©Target If you like the one above, you’ll really like this Wintergreen Owala! This Owala is also a 30-ounce water bottle, with a handle and free-sip spout. However, this special holiday edition Owala comes in an almost silvery green color. Now you have the two main Christmas colors as options! view ONline Don’t forget about this Owala ©Target This Take a Bow Owala has been a very popular buy at the online Target store, as stock is already running low! The 24-ounce special holiday edition water bottle comes in a pink color, with an all-over pattern of red Christmas bows. This would make for a great gift for your kiddos. view ONline There’s also this Owala ©Target We got another 30-ounce water bottle to show you, and it’s this Rose Quartz Owala! We find that the 30-ounce Owala bottles are perfect for those who drink a lot of water throughout the day. That extra size truly does make a difference. This water bottle might scream Christmas the least out of all of them, but you can’t go wrong with a solid pink color. view ONline And finally, there’s this Owala ©Target Lastly, grab this Lightly Toasted Owala! The Lightly Toasted name feels fitting for the 30-ounce water bottle, because it’s almost white, but not quite white. Almost like a marshmallow that you held over the fire for a few seconds. This water bottle has been one of the more popular options, as it’s already low in stock online. view ONline We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Columbia Harbour House is one of our favorite quick-service spots in Magic Kingdom — but where you sit can make or break your meal. Columbia Harbour House This Liberty Square restaurant is surprisingly big, with a maze of themed rooms spread across two floors. Most guests grab their food and plop down at the first open table they see, which means the busiest areas fill up fast while some of the best seats in the house sit half-empty. So we sent our DFB reporters on a mission: find the best tables in Columbia Harbour House for every kind of visit. Whether you need a quick breather, a seat with a view, a quiet escape, or room for the whole crew, here’s exactly where to go. Before we dive into the tables, a quick lay of the land. Columbia Harbour House sits right on the border of Liberty Square and Fantasyland, and the building actually stretches over the walkway that connects the two lands. The first floor is where you’ll find the order pickup area and registers, plus a few dining rooms. Most guests stop here, so it tends to be the busiest level. Indoor seating The second floor is up the staircase near the entrance, and it’s where most of our favorite tables live. Upstairs, rooms branch off to the left and right, including one room that sits directly over the Liberty Square–Fantasyland walkway. It’s worth the climb — trust us! Dining area at Columbia Harbour House Best for a Quick Break: First Floor, First Room on the Right How to get there: Head inside and walk past the staircase. The first room on your right is the one you want. If you’re just looking to sit down, refuel, and get back out into the park, this is your spot. Because it’s on the first floor, you don’t have to haul your tray (and your stroller bag, and your Mickey ears) up the stairs, and you’re just steps from the exit when you’re ready to go. The catch? There aren’t many tables here for larger groups. But if your party is 4 or fewer, this is a great quick-break spot to rest your feet without wandering the whole restaurant looking for a seat. Best for a quick break Best View: Upstairs, All the Way to the Far Right Wall How to get there: Go upstairs and keep heading right until you hit the far wall. You might assume the room over the walkway would have the best views — that’s what our reporter thought, too! But it turns out the real winner is all the way on the far right side upstairs. From here, our reporter could actually see the Festival of Fantasy Parade as it rolled through the park. This area has a couple of larger bench tables lined with full windows, so you get plenty of natural light and a great look at the Liberty Square action below. If you’re dining around parade time, this is a fun way to catch a glimpse of the floats while you finish your lobster roll. Festival of Fantasy Parade Best for No Crowds: The Upstairs Room Over the Walkway How to get there: Head upstairs and look for the room that sits directly above the walkway connecting Liberty Square to Fantasyland. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, any table in this room is a winner. It’s separated from the rest of the dining areas, so it’s much quieter than the rest of the restaurant — a real breath of fresh air on a busy park day. There are lots of seating options here, too. You’ll find tables for smaller parties as well as round tables that seat up to six, so this spot works whether you’re dining solo, as a couple, or with a small group. Best for no crowds! Best for Big Groups: Upstairs Bench Tables Above the Registers How to get there: Go upstairs and look for the open area that overlooks the registers and order pickup counter below. Traveling with the whole family (or the whole friend group)? Head for the larger bench tables tucked away right above where you pick up your order. There’s a cluster of 4 tables on one side, plus more across the opening on the other side, so you’ve got a good shot at snagging one even when it’s busy. Bonus: these seats are a great place to people-watch. Best for large groups! Hidden Gem: The Window Tables in the Far Left Room Upstairs How to get there: Go upstairs and keep heading left until you reach the very last room. Look for the tables along the wall of windows. This is the spot we’d keep to ourselves if we could! Because it’s the furthest room from the stairs, most guests don’t think to wander all the way back here — which means you’ll often have it (mostly) to yourself. And the reward for the extra steps? A great view of Fantasyland and the Rapunzel area. There are tables for both larger and smaller parties, so it works for just about any group size. If you want a little bit of everything — a view, some quiet, and room to spread out — this is the table to get. Hidden gems of the restaurant! How to Snag Your Perfect Table Columbia Harbour House is first come, first served, so a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s how to boost your odds: Use Mobile Order. Place your order in the My Disney Experience app before you arrive. That way you can scout your table while your food is being prepared instead of standing in line. Send a scout. If you’re with a group, have one person grab the food while someone else heads upstairs to claim a table. Dine off-peak. The lunch rush (roughly 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and the dinner rush fill up fast. Eating a little earlier or later makes it much easier to land your top pick. Don’t stop at the first open seat. The best tables are upstairs and at the far ends of the building. It’s worth a few extra steps! Time it with the parade. If you want that Festival of Fantasy view, plan your meal around parade time and arrive early. Columbia Harbour House A great meal at Columbia Harbour House is even better with the right seat. Next time you’re in Liberty Square, skip the scramble for the first open table and head straight for one of these spots. Stay tuned to DFB for more of our reporters’ favorite tables around Disney World! You Have One Day in Magic Kingdom: Here’s Where and When You’re Eating 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 table at Columbia Harbour House? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We would tell you not to panic at the title, but if we’re being real with you, this really is something to put at the top of your radar. Cruella Cookie Sandwich It’s October, and that means seasonal treats are ALL OVER Disney World. Magic Kingdom has some of the most snacks, seeing as they have Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party going on all season, but you can find spooky treats all over. However, there’s a catch — in just a few weeks, those snacks are about to disappear from the menu, and it’s possible we may never see them again. You may think we’re being dramatic, but it’s true! November arrives in just a few short weeks, and that means that all those adorable Halloween snacks we’ve been raving about all season long? Yeah, they’ll be no more. While we do see some snacks return year to year, it’s not guaranteed, so we like to say that if there’s one you feel you want to try, grab it ASAP, because you may never get the chance again if Disney doesn’t bring it back for another year. Graveyard Hot Chicken and Waffle Now, there is a difference between Halloween snacks and fall treats. Fall treats are set to stick around for a bit longer, seeing as the fall season overall is at a different time than when Disney begins to celebrate Halloween (August is still very much summertime, thanks to that Orlando heat). We’ve tried all the snacks available for both Halloween and the fall season, so if you’re worried yours may be going away soon, search up what snack it is, add “DisneyFoodBlog” at the end of your Google search, and you’ll find our review! Pumpkin Carriage Cold Brew For those who are into spicy snacks, the beloved Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie from The Friar’s Nook will soon be gone! This was its second year at the party, so we’re hoping it’ll return again, but for now, it’s almost time to say goodbye to this flaky, beautifully seasoned treat. Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie If you aren’t able to make it to the party this year, you can still check out the Queen of Hearts Tart from Cheshire Cafe for a few more weeks! The sour cherry pie filling in this really surprised us, and our only complaint is that we’d love more of it. Well, and we’d love for it to stick around — that too! Queen of Hearts Tart The Maleficent Funnel Cake at Epic Eats in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also soon be taking its final bow for the season! This treat has ube and matcha icing, which is pretty unique, and it was perfect for sharing with friends. We can only hope that maybe we’ll get a snack like this in the new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom! Maleficent Funnel Cake Fortunately, the Fall Ice Cream Cookie Dough Brownie Sandwich in Disney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t going anywhere, and that’s a relief. This is the same sandwich we’ve come to adore this year, but now it’s just got some festival fall sprinkles! Even when the season comes to an end, we’re expecting the normal version of this treat to return, or perhaps we’ll see a holiday version! Fall Ice Cream Cookie Dough Sandwich Are we obsessed with the fall and Halloween treats? Sure, you could say that, but some of them are really SO good that we know you all are too. We’re sad to see a lot of them going soon, but there’s good news on the horizon — this means that winter and holiday treats are right around the corner, so menus around the resort certainly won’t stay “normal” for long. Want to see us try some of those fall and Halloween snacks in real time? Check out our video below! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World snack news, so stay tuned to DFB! We’re LIVE at the FIRST Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2026! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these snacks are you most sad to see go? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Did somebody say FREE vacation?! Southwest Airlines Ok, it might not be free, but you can win such a big prize with this brand-new Southwest Airlines sweepstakes that it feels like the winner won’t have to pay much, if anything, for their next vacation. Let’s take a look at the info for the sweepstakes, and see how you can enter. Now’s your chance to win BIG with Southwest Airlines. Join the Getaways by Southwest email list for a chance to win a $3500 vacay voucher! Just enter your information, and when you sign up, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win the voucher toward your next Getaways by Southwest vacation package. Southwest Airlines at MCO Sweepstakes aside, signing up for Getaways by Southwest will get you access to exclusive savings, travel ideas and inspiration, and more. So, the sweepstakes is a bonus for signing up for something that’s already beneficial. Southwest Airlines The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. You must be 21 or older at the time of entry, and there is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes have already begun, and you have until November 2nd, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time to get your name in the pot. Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport On or around November 17th, 2026, a random drawing from all eligible entries received will be conducted by Sponsor to select ONE Sweepstakes Voucher winner. The winner will then be notified by email about 72 hours after the random drawing takes place. So, keep your eyes open for an email around that date. Southwest Airlines You could use the voucher to travel during Thanksgiving or the holidays! Whether you’re going to see family, go on a vacation, or want to head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, this sweepstakes is a great way to save a lot of money. If you want to enter, check out the website here and enter your information. Southwest plane The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. For more travel news, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! It Just Got Safer to Fly on Allegiant and Delta Airlines Have you heard the latest Disney news? Check out the video below! 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 going to enter the sweepstakes? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It might still be October, but BoxLunch is already decking the halls! A whole sleigh-full of new Christmas Loungeflys just landed on the site, and we’re officially ready to start our holiday shopping (for ourselves, obviously). ©BoxLunch From a light-up Lilo & Stitch scene to a The Muppet Christmas Carol Loungefly, there’s a festive pick for pretty much every Disney fan. Several of these are BoxLunch exclusives, so you won’t find them anywhere else. Let’s take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Holiday Lilo & Stitch Loungefly! ©BoxLunch Lilo, Stitch, and the rest of the ohana are celebrating the season together on this adorable Lilo & Stitch Ohana Holiday Scene Light-Up Mini Backpack! The front shows the whole crew gathered around a Christmas tree that actually lights up. You’ll also spot ornaments, a big bow, and gingerbread cookies tucked into the design, and there’s a gingerbread-style Stitch on the back. The faux leather bag has a top handle and adjustable straps, and it measures about 10.5″ tall x 9″ wide x 4.5″ deep. view ON boxlunch Bounce into the holiday spirit with this Tigger Loungefly! ©BoxLunch Hoo-hoo-hoo! Tigger is bundled up and bouncing into the holidays on this Winnie the Pooh Holiday mini backpack. He’s wearing a cozy green scarf and a matching green hat with a pom-pom on the end. The bag mixes plush, sherpa, knit, and embroidered details, so it’s just as soft and squishy as the real Tigger. You’ll find snowflakes on the straps and another Tigger design on the back. view ON boxlunch We love this Mickey and Minnie Ice Skating Loungefly! ©BoxLunch This one is basically a winter wonderland you can wear! Mickey and Minnie glide across the ice on the front of this Mickey & Minnie Ice Skating Mini Backpack. Chip and Dale build a snowman on the sides, and Donald and Daisy have a snowball fight on the back, so there’s something cute on every side. Our favorite detail is the built-in headband holder, which keeps your Minnie ears from getting squished when you take them off in the parks. The faux leather bag uses puff print, embroidery, and appliqué details. view ON boxlunch Or, you can grab this Cars Holiday Loungefly! ©BoxLunch Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen and Mater are getting festive in Radiator Springs. This Cars Holiday Light-Up Mini Backpack shows the pair gathered around a Christmas “tree” made of stacked tires. The star on top lights up, which is the kind of detail that makes us want to plan a holiday trip to Cars Land immediately. The bag has a zippered front pocket, two side pockets, and a fully printed lining. view ON boxlunch Don’t forget this Princess Holiday Sweater Loungefly! ©BoxLunch If your holiday style is all about cozy sweaters, you’ll love this pink Princess backpack. The knit-inspired print in pink, cream, red, and teal has princess silhouettes, crowns, castles, hearts, and trees worked into the pattern. It feels wintery without being too Christmas-y, so you can carry it all season long. The straps have a red checkerboard detail with holly accents at the ends, and the pink lining continues the Fair Isle theme. It measures about 9″ wide x 10.5″ high x 5″ deep. view ON boxlunch This Loungefly is bringing back core Christmas memories! ©BoxLunch Calling all ’90s kids! Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas finally has its own Loungefly. Belle is the star of the design, surrounded by a big embroidered bow, and artwork of her enchanted friends from the castle appears around her. It’s a sweet, nostalgic pick for anyone who watched this movie on VHS every December. view ON boxlunch And finally, ring in the holidays with Miss Piggy! ©BoxLunch Of course Miss Piggy gets her own bag! In The Muppet Christmas Carol Miss Piggy Mini Backpack, she takes center stage on the front, framed by roses and a gold bow. Turn it around and you’ll find one of the most quotable lines from The Muppet Christmas Carol: “Light the lamp, not the rat!” A bag that’s funny on the back and glamorous on the front is very on-brand for moi. view ON boxlunch Loungefly holiday bags tend to sell out fast, especially the BoxLunch exclusives, so if one of these caught your eye, you may want to add it to your cart sooner rather than later. 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! Which of these holiday Loungeflys is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Let's make a towel pumpkin 🎃 #DisneyCruiseLine #TowelFoldingView the full article

It’s tiiime for the Festival of the Holidays! From November 27th to December 30th, EPCOT will turn into a winter wonderland featuring great food, live entertainment, and TONS of cookies. Candlelight Processional! Candlelight Processional is one of the most popular entertainment offerings during the festival, where a celebrity narrator takes the stage with a 51-piece orchestra and choir to tell the Christmas story. Disney just announced that a MAJOR star will be narrating this year! Jordan Fisher will be narrating the Candlelight Processional on Friday, November 27th and Saturday, November 28th! Jordan Fisher has acted in Disney movies Turning Red, Teen Beach Movie, and Teen Beach 2. On TV, you might have seen him in Liv and Maddie or Dancing With The Stars. But Disney World fans will recognize his voice as the male singer in “Happily Ever After!” ©Disney Here’s the full up-to-date list of Celebrity Narrators for the Candlelight Processional with the announcement: Nov. 27 & 28 – Jordan Fisher Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Gary Sinise Dec. 2 & 3 – Benjamin Bratt (NEW) Dec. 4 & 5 – Whoopi Goldberg Dec. 6 & 7 – Robin Roberts (NEW) Dec. 8 & 9 – Jason Kelce (NEW) Dec. 10 – 12 – Neil Patrick Harris Dec. 13 & 14 – Josh Groban (NEW) Dec. 15 & 16 – Lauren Daigle Dec. 17 – 19 – Ralph Macchio Dec. 20 & 21 – Henry Winkler Dec. 22 & 23 – Lacey Chabert (NEW) Dec. 24 & 25 – Jodi Benson Dec. 26 & 27 – Simu Liu Dec. 28 – 30 – Eva Longoria Candlelight Processional Jordan Fisher is a super-popular narrator, so we recommend getting a dining package for a guaranteed seat. With a Candlelight Processional Dining Package, you get guaranteed seating through a special entrance and a full meal at the restaurant of your choice. Choose a reserved seat in the front half of the theater to be even closer to your favorite narrators. Dining package entrance for EPCOT Festival of the Holidays’ Candlelight Processional Here are all the prices for each restaurant’s dinner package: Participating Restaurants Adult (ages 10+) Child (ages 3 to 9) Dining Plan Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Norway Pavilion $87 $59 2 Table-Service Meals Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion $75 $40 1 Table-Service Meal Chefs de France France Pavilion $89 $37 1 Table-Service Meal Coral Reef Restaurant The Living Seas $82 $34 1 Table-Service Meal Garden Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion $73 – Breakfast $86 – Lunch/Dinner $46 – Breakfast $55 – Lunch/Dinner 1 Table-Service Meal La Crêperie de Paris France Pavilion $59 $31 1 Table-Service Meal La Hacienda de San Ángel Mexico Pavilion $86 $37 1 Table-Service Meal Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion $109 $44 2 Table-Service Meals Nine Dragons Restaurant China Pavilion $70 $30 1 Table-Service Meal Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Same-Day Dining Packages Only) American Adventure Pavilion $43 $26 Not Eligible Rose & Crown Dining Room United Kingdom Pavilion $68 $31 1 Table-Service Meal Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Japan Pavilion $85 $40 1 Table-Service Meal Spice Road Table Morocco Pavilion $63 $26 1 Table-Service Meal Teppan Edo Japan Pavilion $89 $40 1 Table-Service Meal Tutto Italia Ristorante Italy Pavilion $85 $36 1 Table-Service Meal Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria Italy Pavilion $71 $33 1 Table-Service Meal It’s time to eat! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more Festival of the Holidays news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog! FULL LIST of Everything You Can See and Do at the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Want to know about all of the festive food you can eat during the Festival of the Holidays? We tried EVERYTHING last year to give you the inside scoop in our YouTube video! DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you planning to see the Candlelight Processional on your visit to the Festival of the Holidays? Comment below! View the full article

I am the definition of a Disney Adult, which means I know the ins and outs of packing for a Disney World vacation. Yes, there are the outfits, the accessories, and the essentials, but there are some things you may forget about during the chaos that is packing. Luggage Ever wondered what I pack for Disney World? If you have, your wondering will come to an end. If you haven’t, well, you’re about to find out because I’m sharing the four things I NEVER go to Disney World without. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First Is A Make-Up Bag That Lays Flat! ©Amazon The Lay-n-Go Cosmetic and Make-Up Bag Organizer is an absolute must-have when I go on my Disney World vacations. When closed, it’s the size of a normal make-up bag, but when you open it, it lays flat for easy access to everything inside. There are several pockets on the inside to keep things organized, so there’s no need to dig through your makeup bag anymore when you have this! view ON AMAZON This Power Bank Doubles As A PopSocket! ©Amazon Disney World will drain your phone battery, especially when you’re like me and take a gazillion photos and videos of your food and the parks. And I really love a PopSocket, so this PopSocket Power Pack is a must for me! You can easily stick it on the back of your phone to charge, and you can use a PopSocket at the same time! It delivers 5,000 mAh of wireless power, which makes it perfect for a long day at the parks. view ON AMAZON I Love My Tevas Sandals! ©Amazon I’m not a sneakers person, but walking around Disney World can be a lot, so I still need something durable and comfortable. One of my favorite shoes to wear is the Tevas Universal Slim Sandals! They’re made of a quick-dry webbing technology that supports your foot. There are also multiple points of adjustability, so you can fit them to YOUR foot. They’re extremely comfortable and well worth it if you are looking for an open-toed shoe. view ON AMAZON This May Sound Silly, But It’s A Must ©Amazon If you think you brought enough underwear on your vacation, think again. It’s ALWAYS better to pack more than not enough, which is why I always bring an extra pack of Amazon Essentials Bikini Brief Underwear with me. They’re designed with soft elastic around the waist and leg for support and comfort, and they absolutely get the job done. 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

Wait! Did Amazon just make it SO much easier to shop for all things Disney this Christmas season? Magic Kingdom We were recently checking out Amazon to see if we could find any fun new Disney items when we noticed a NEW Disney Storefront called “Make The Holidays Magic,” so you already know we had to take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you want to see everything this great Disney Holiday Storefront has to offer, you can view everything right here! ©Amazon explore the disney christmas store on amazon here But, of course, we also had to pick out a few of our favorite items to show you. Make sure to grab these quickly if you are interested because we have a feeling some of these will be gone before Black Friday is here! First up is the Sleeping Beauty Stained Glass Collection Loungefly ©amazon If you’ve been keeping up with recent Disney merchandise, then you already know that this Stained Glass Loungefly Collection has been VERY popular. Many of the styles keep selling out, and we can see why because this bag is just gorgeous. So, if you know someone who loves Sleeping Beauty or needs a new Loungefly for their next Disney trip, this is an amazing option for a gift! VIEW ON AMAZON Next up is the Ultimate 13-Pack of Disney Princess Dolls ©Amazon Nothing screams perfect Christmas present more than a collection of 13 of your kiddos’ favorite Disney Princesses. If you have a kid who just LOVES the Disney Princesses, then this is the best way to bring them some amazing Disney magic this Christmas morning. VIEW ON AMAZON Next up is Tonies Cuddle Winnie the Pooh Audio Plush ©Amazon This toy takes the amazing Tonie Box to the next level with a Winnie the Pooh plush. Here you can place Winnie the Pooh on top of the Tonie Box to hear some stories from the Hundred Acre Wood. Plus, when he is not on the box telling stories, he can be used as a cuddly plush! VIEW ON AMAZON Then you need to see this amazing Moana American Girl Doll ©Amazon If you have a kiddo who loves American Girl Dolls and whose favorite Disney Princess is Moana, this doll really is a no-brainer. This doll also comes with SO many accessories, including a hibiscus flower for her hair, a pendant necklace, a faux seashell anklet, and more, so your kid’s imagination can really run wild as they play with Moana. VIEW ON AMAZON Finally, you need to see this Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Jetpack ©Amazon If you have a kid who loves Buzz Lightyear, then this toy will let them pretend they are in the world of Toy Story like nothing else! The jetpack comes with adjustable wings, lights, and sounds so they can really feel like they have transformed into Buzz Lightyear. VIEW ON AMAZON If you haven’t found the perfect gift yet, there is no need to panic because you can view the entire Disney Storefront right here! explore the disney christmas store on amazon here Will you be ordering anything for the Holidays this year? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! View the full article

Creating magic means something different to every Disneyland Resort cast member. Sometimes, it’s helping a family create the same kind of moments that you treasured while visiting the parks growing up. Other times, it’s seeing the pure awe on a guest’s face as they experience an attraction for the very first time. For Riley and Nate, two attractions cast members with different paths to Disney, that meaning is especially personal. Together, their stories show how creating memories for others can be just as meaningful for the cast members who help bring those moments to life. Fresh off the latest cast member-focused video from Disney, read on to meet Riley and Nate, and discover what creating magic at Disneyland Resort means to each of them. Meet Riley, An Attractions Cast Member at Disneyland Not every path to becoming a Disney cast member starts the same way. For Riley, an attractions cast member in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and working lead in Mickey’s Toontown, it started with a curiosity about what makes some of the most technologically advanced attractions at Disneyland work. “What made me consider becoming a cast member was the ride systems,” said Riley. “I was always very interested in how those worked, especially as someone who didn’t come a lot as a kid.” That same curiosity only continued to grow as Riley learned more about attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Fascinated by the trackless ride systems used on both attractions, Riley wanted an opportunity to get a closer look at how these immersive environments come together and ultimately decided to pursue a role in attractions at the resort. Today, over three years after her first day on the job, Riley still enjoys her behind-the-scenes perspective while helping create memorable moments for guests. “I think, for a lot of guests, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be at this park, and I think it was important to me to be a part of that experience and make it as magical as I possibly could,” Riley said. “Attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance are so immersive and interactive, and I really wanted to have a role in making those experience memorable.” Riley has done just that during her time at Disneyland. Some of her favorite moments on a daily basis come from watching guests encounter the unexpected. On Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, it might be seeing the zany special effects surprise during the pre-show. On Rise of the Resistance, it might be watching guests react as the doors open to reveal they’ve suddenly set foot aboard a First Order Star Destroyer. Those reactions have given Riley a new appreciation for the rides that first sparked her creative curiosity and for the role that cast members play in bringing those experience to life. “When I see the awe on the guests’ faces when they experience the attraction, it gets me really excited that I was part of making their day here a magical one and that they’ve experienced an attraction that I love, and then they get to love it as well.” Meet Nate, An Attractions Cast Member at California Adventure For Nate, an attractions cast member at California Adventure, visiting the parks was part of growing up in sunny Southern California. Raised in nearby Temecula, Nate came to the parks early and often with his family members, traveling to the resort for everything from birthday outings to celebrations with family members who were visiting from out of town. Those trips helped spark his interest in one day becoming a cast member himself. Disneyland, as he said, was his “home away from home,” and working at the resort had long been a dream of his. As Nate grew up and he moved closer to Orange County, that dream began to feel within reach. Now, four years after his start at the resort, Nate works as a lead at Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! and Radiator Springs Racers, while also spending time at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure in Avengers Campus. No two days at Disneyland look alike and each new day presents a challenge, which is a big part of what Nate continues to enjoy about his special role day in and day out. This all comes back to a simple idea: every guest interaction is a chance to make someone’s visit a little more special, seeing each day as “an opportunity to create a new story every single time you talk to a new guest.” Aside from presenting guests with expert tips and tricks that a seasoned cast member like Nate could provide, he hopes that he is able to make a difference for friends and families traveling from around the world to experience the parks, even potentially propelling others to have the same dreams and visions that he did as a youngster. “Experiencing those moments with family meant a lot for me, and now being able to be the cast member to help make those magical moments for other families… hopefully, those kids are looking at me like, ‘Hey, maybe I want to work here one day.’” This type of personal connection extends beyond just the guests in the park. For Nate, accompanied by thrilling attractions and themed costumes being worn at each location, being a cast member also means being part of a tight-knit community where people with different roles and unique experiences come together to help create something special each day. “I think what makes Disneyland feel special for people is everyone can be a kid here,” said Nate. “Everyone can come have fun and have the time of their lives.” What Wearing a Disneyland Nametag Means For Disneyland cast members, a nametag represents more than just a name and hometown. It can be a reminder of the journey that brought them here, the people they work alongside, and the role they have played in creating awesome days for guests. And as all current and former Disney Parks cast members can certainly attest to, it’s certainly a special moment when you first see your nametag revealed and step into an expanding world of creativity, courtesy, and teamwork at each destination around the globe. “When I put my nametag on, I feel like I’m part of the magic,” said Nate. For Nate, who grew up visiting Disneyland and dreamed of one day becoming a cast member, wearing that nametag represents a dream realized. “It meant a lot. It was a dream come true that I finally got to work here at the Disneyland Resort, and I was super excited to start my journey here with the company,” said Nate. For Riley, seeing her nametag for the first time brought a similar sense of belonging. “I remember holding and looking at my nametag for the first time and seeing my name with my favorite character [Pluto]. I remember finally having a weight lifted off my shoulders that I was where I wanted to be,” she said. Over time, Riley has come to see her nametag representing something even bigger: the trust guests place in cast members around the world. “For me, the nametag means trust from the guests, a trust that I take very seriously,” said Riley. “I know a lot of families that come here will tell their children, ‘If you get lost or if you’re scared or you don’t know where we are, find a cast member, find the nametag.’ When I put on the name tag, I really think it’s an honor to be able to do so.” Their paths to Disneyland Resort may have started in different places, but both Nate and Riley share the opportunity to create the kinds of moments guests carry with them long after their visit. And whether that spark began with a childhood dream, or the fascination of how Disney attractions continue to amaze guests around the globe, Nate and Riley now get to proudly wear their nametags and play a part in creating priceless memories for others. Meet a Disney Artist Behind the Pixar Place Hotel Halloween Decor READ MORE Benny the Security Dog Retires in Style READ MORE Disneyland Resort Creates the Happiest Day in Anaheim READ MORE The post Meet Two Disneyland Cast Members Bringing Attractions to Life appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

I spend a lot of time looking for buys that make sense for Disney fans, whether we’re packing for a trip, shopping for gifts, or making coffee before another round of dining reservations. ©Disney These 10 Amazon finds caught my attention, and several could help knock out some holiday shopping before November takes over your calendar. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet The stretch between “we’re going to Disney World!” and arriving at Disney World can involve a considerable amount of airport carpet. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet gives kids ages 3–7 something to do during that stretch. This blue model offers 64GB of storage, 4GB of memory, parental controls, and an advertised battery life of up to 13 hours. Download entertainment before leaving home so the whole plan doesn’t depend on airport Wi-Fi. ©Amazon If this is already on your Christmas list, consider it now. Black Friday could bring a deeper discount, but there’s no guarantee. Decide what price works for you instead of letting a hypothetical future sale run the household. view ON AMAZON — 44% OFF today Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Coffee Maker Some mornings call for one cup. Others involve multiple adults trying to book Disney dining reservations before anyone has had breakfast. The Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Coffee Maker handles single servings and carafe brewing, with a 72-ounce reservoir and an iced brewing option. ©Amazon That flexibility makes it a useful gift for a household where everyone has a different coffee routine. I take mine black with cinnamon. You can bring your elaborate iced creation. We can still share a coffee maker. view ON AMAZON — 41% off today Hanes Full-Zip EcoSmart Hoodie A basic black hoodie earns its suitcase space. Wear it to the airport, pull it on for an early bus ride, then unzip it when the Florida weather unleashes its wrath around lunchtime. The full zipper is the selling point here — adjusting layers shouldn’t require removing your ears and rearranging your entire park bag. ©Amazon This Hanes EcoSmart option also gives a favorite Disney T-shirt a simple layer without covering it up all day. The linked selection is black in a men’s large; check your size before adding it to your cart. view ON AMAZON — only $12 today Glamnetic Cinnamoroll French Tip Press-On Nails Cinnamoroll has wandered into the shopping roundup, and I’m allowing it. These Glamnetic Halloween Hello Kitty & Friends press-ons feature a short almond shape, French tips, and 3D art. They’re a fun option for someone who wants a more detailed manicure before vacation without finding room for a salon appointment between laundry and packing. ©Amazon Glamnetic advertises wear for up to two weeks, though application and daily wear will affect that. Follow the prep instructions — especially if your plans involve repeated excavations through a park bag. view ON AMAZON — 50% off today Hstyle Ruffle Ankle Socks Some outfit details cost more than lunch. These come in a six-pack. The Hstyle white ruffle ankle socks have a 78% cotton blend and add a little detail above sneakers. Think a Disney tee, comfortable shorts, and a pair peeking over your shoes. ©Amazon They also come in gift-box packaging, which makes them an easy small gift. Try a pair with your park shoes at home first. A cute ruffle gets no vote in blister negotiations. view ON AMAZON — 47% off today Bedsure Heated Throw Blanket My preferred post-park activity involves sitting down and staying there. This 50-by-60-inch Bedsure heated throw offers a preheat function, six heat settings, and timer options up to 10 hours. The gray flannel makes it an easy fit for a couch, reading chair, or designated Disney movie spot. ©Amazon It’s a good gift candidate for the person who’s always cold — including the person who controls the thermostat and remains cold anyway. view ON AMAZON — 46% off today GNMN Wireless Earbuds Earbuds with earhooks appeal to anyone who has ever watched a tiny piece of expensive technology tumble beneath an airplane seat. These GNMN wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation, a dual battery display, and an advertised total playback time of up to 96 hours with the charging case. That figure includes recharging. ©Amazon The earhook design could be useful for workouts and travel days. For Disney trips, I’d pack them for the flight and downtime back at the hotel. view ON AMAZON — 50% off today Trendy Queen Oversized Henley Sweatshirt The snap-button Henley collar gives this Trendy Queen fleece pullover a little more outfit potential than my oldest household sweatshirt. This one has an oversized fit and pockets, making it a candidate for travel days, cooler park mornings, and casual dinners. Pair it with leggings or jeans and let your Disney accessories handle the theme. ©Amazon Check the size chart before ordering, especially if you want a relaxed fit without disappearing into it. view ON AMAZON — 44% off today Pink Digital Camera With 64GB Card Digital cameras are so back. This pink beginner digital camera includes a 64GB card, a 2.4-inch screen, a lanyard, and a protective shell designed for younger users. It lets kids document the trip through their own eyes while your phone stays available for Mobile Order. Or it lets you feel like you’re back on the Disney trips from your childhood. Either way, it’s a win. ©Amazon Treat it as an introduction to taking pictures, with room for blurry experiments and some unexpected favorites. view ON AMAZON — only $35 today Sencre Countertop Ice Maker An at-home Disney cocktail night can run through ice fast. The Sencre countertop ice maker makes two sizes of bullet ice and includes a scoop, basket, and self-cleaning function. The listing advertises nine cubes in as little as six minutes and production of up to 26.5 pounds over 24 hours. ©Amazon That daily figure describes ongoing production, so plan to transfer ice to your freezer if you’re stocking up for guests. Between iced coffee and evening drinks, this could take up plenty of counter space. view ON AMAZON — 55% OFf today 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

With the holiday season essentially here, many seasonal elements are returning to Walt Disney World, including an Animal Kingdom show that makes me LIGHT UP anytime I see it! Christmas at Animal Kingdom Tree of Life: Awakenings is set to return to the park’s central icon on November 1st, with shows approximately every 10 minutes after dusk on select nights. The show, which Disney describes as a “dazzling visual display swarming with color and animated imagery,” illuminates the 145-foot-tall park icon with projections including flickering flies, a young doe, a pair of hummingbirds, a fox, and more that appear to bring the carved creatures on the tree to life. ©Disney Currently, showings are scheduled for most nights during the first week of November, beginning at 6:10 and running through 7 PM or 8 PM, depending on Animal Kingdom’s hours on each day. The Christmas Season variant of the show, Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition, sees the icon “shimmer and sparkle” each evening to a heartwarming musical score and is set to debut on November 13th. Tree of Life Awakenings – Holiday Edition This version of the show isn’t the only seasonal offering set to debut at the park in mid-November, as several other seasonal offerings are coming to Animal Kingdom, including: The Merry Menagerie, a daytime experience in the park’s Discovery Island area. Made up of artisan-crafted animal puppets including polar bears, reindeer, foxes, and penguins, the show wows guests with larger-than-life encounters. Speaking of the experience back in 2025, Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director, said, “When someone reaches out to pet a polar bear, even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment. Creating that believable interaction is a testament to not only the skill of our performers, but the power of puppetry.” The usual Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet at Adventurer’s Outpost will feature a Holiday overlay, with the duo decked out in holiday attire. Of course, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture holiday memories. Santa’s Holiday Grove is the new Santa Claus meet-and-greet location at Animal Kingdom for 2026. Located across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!’s Theater in the Wild, this new trail features intermittent snow flurries, specialty food and beverage items, a seasonal soundtrack, and a meeting with Santa Claus himself! A massive amount og Holiday decorations, including a 55-foot Christmas tree at the park’s entrance, festive garlands created from recycled materials and traditional African textiles in Harambe, and even seasonal touches in Pandora. Polar Bear Merry Menagerie puppets Tree of Life: Awakenings is on the way back to Animal Kingdom as part of the park’s upcoming package of seasonal offerings. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of Disney’s offerings throughout the rest of 2026. While you’re checking out Animal Kingdom’s seasonal offerings, be sure to grab a snack! A NEW (And Rare) Resident Just Moved Into Animal Kingdom and We Are FREAKING Out About Her 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 about Animal Kingdom’s seasonal offerings? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

A big congratulations are in order for three Disney World restaurants, and we couldn’t be happier for them! Grand Floridian Resort Disney World has hundreds of restaurants that we adore. From delicious table service restaurants to those staple quick service spots, there’s something for everyone in Disney World. That being said, there are three Disney World restaurants that really stand out now just because we love them but because they are literal award winners! Huge congratulations are in order for Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, and Toledo! The three Disney World table service restaurants were each recognized in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, and they have now received their official plaques of recognition. ©Disney The Disney World Ambassadors celebrated with the chefs and teams at each of the three restaurants, writing on Instagram that these Cast Members’ “passion, creativity and dedication help make these world-class dining experiences possible.” This is the third year in a row that Victoria and Albert’s, which is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, has received a MICHELIN Star, making it the most awarded restaurant on Disney World property. ©Disney Cítricos, also located at the Grand Floridian, and Toldeo, located at Coronado Springs, received a Michelin recommended status in the 2026 Florida guide. This means that the restaurants are considered worth visiting according to the guide. Toledo at Coronado Springs While Victoria and Albert’s can be a more pricey dining experience (that we find to be worth it for those looking to indulge), we love that two more affordable Disney World restaurants are getting this recognition as well! Both Citricos and Toldeo are table service restaurants that can be a splurge, but still attainable compared to something like Victoria and Albert’s. Malbec Guava-barbecued Short Ribs at Citricos The guide describes Victoria and Albert’s as a restaurant that is by “no means an easy reservation, but the reward is a kind of magic rarely seen these days.” The guide described the restaurant as “intimate,” with a “pacing is that of a leisurely, three-hour waltz.” They also wrote that the food is made with a “classic foundation and global inspiration.” Wild Turbot with Fennel and Baby Leeks from Victoria and Albert’s In the case of Toledo, the guide states that the restaurant is “certainly not inexpensive,” but that it “packs less of a punch to the wallet than other Disney restaurants.” For Citrico, they share that the team at this restaurant has a “refined cooking style, replete with balanced flavors and technical prowess.” They also note that you need to “save room for at least one exquisite dessert—like an orange blossom flan.” The Orange Blossom Flan from Citricos A huge congratulations to these teams; you have certainly earned the honor! Learn more about Disney World table service restaurants here. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more! REVIEW: We Ate the MOST EXPENSIVE Meal in Disney World. Here’s What It Was Like. 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 these three restaurants? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

This is NOT a drill! A fifth installment in one of our all-time favorite Disney Channel film series is officially in the works after 20 years! ©Disney That’s right, Disney has confirmed that a fifth Halloweentown film is in development, and if greenlit, it will air on the Disney Channel and stream on Disney+, according to Variety. The new film is being written by Lily Houghton and Ryan Koehn, the former of whom wrote the 2026 comedic horror film Forbidden Fruits, while the latter was a writer on HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot, which ran for two seasons from 2021 to 2023. No casting has been confirmed, though over the years, multiple cast members from the original movies have expressed interest in reprising their roles if a sequel were to be made. In addition, Billie Lourd — the granddaughter of original series Debbie Reynolds — has also expressed interest in appearing in the franchise. ©D23 The first Halloweentown film premiered on the Disney Channel in 1998 and starred Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Joey Zimmerman, and Judith Hoag. The film has become a Halloween season staple for generations of viewers, especially millennials (GUILTY!), during spooky season. The original was followed by three sequels over the next eight years: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge in 2001, Halloweentown High in 2004, and Return to Halloweentown in 2006. ©Disney || Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge The news of a fifth Halloweentown was met mostly with excitement on social media, with many excited at the prospect… A fifth installment in the beloved Halloweentown franchise is currently in development at Disney, and if made, would be the first sequel in over 20 years. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on this potential project. Speaking of Halloween, don’t go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without checking out our thoughts! A New Disney x Halloween Loungefly Collection Quietly Released on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you be excited for a Halloweentown 5? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We’ve had a lot of big news coming out of Disney World recently, including new characters coming to Jollywood Nights, new behind-the-scenes looks at park expansions, churro mobile orders, and more. That means you may have missed some of the other news that dropped this week. ©Disney Just in case you missed the smaller news stories, though, we’ve got you covered. We’re going to tell you about the quiet announcements Disney World made this week and get you up to speed. New Baby Animals Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just welcomed three new baby nyala calves to the world. Right now, they’re spending time with their mom backstage, but maybe soon, they’ll be out on the savannah where everyone can see them. Nyalas are a spiral-horned species of antelope that are native to Southern Africa. ©Disney We can’t wait to see them for ourselves, but we hope they have some good bonding moments with their mom. Beam Signing on Monstropolis Roller Coaster Disney has a long-standing tradition that Cast Members get to sign a beam while a new ride or attraction is being constructed. Well,Disney Hollywood Studios Cast Members recently got to sign a beam for the new Monstropolis roller coaster, which will be based on the doors chase scene in the first Monsters, Inc. movie. This is a fun way for Disney Cast Members to leave their permanent mark on the parks. The Music of EPCOT If you’ve ever wanted to walk around your house like you walk around EPCOT, or at least get a similar vibe, you’ll want to make sure to grab “The Music of EPCOT” which is available now on music streaming services. The collection features 23 tracks of all your favorites, including classic EPCOT songs like “One Little Spark,” “Listen to the Land,” “New Horizons,” and “It’s Fun to Be Free,” as well as more modern tunes from rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, EPCOT You can also purchase physical LPs of “The Music of EPCOT” from the Disney Music Emporium. A special LP set is also available. Now you’re up to date, but be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news! This Strange Disney World Essential Has Held Up After 365 Days in Disney World Wonder what the DFB Team always does in Disney World? Well, wonder no more!  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 news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Earlier this year, I sailed aboard the Disney Fantasy for Pixar Days at Sea. This time, I was back for another themed Disney Cruise Line sailing, but with a spooky twist: Halloween on the High Seas! As someone who starts celebrating Halloween on August 1 (yes, really), this sailing had been on my must-do list for years. My Disney Halloween Game Plan If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Disney Cruise Line, it’s that every sailing is packed with experiences, making it easy to fill your days from morning until night. Before boarding the Disney Fantasy with my dad and boyfriend, Morgan, I had the Disney Parks Blog Guide to Halloween on the High Seas pulled up and ready to go. I was already making a mental checklist of experiences I didn’t want to miss, including Mickey’s Mouse-Querade, trick-or-treating, character encounters, and the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree Lighting. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app made it easy to keep track of everything once we were onboard, but some of our favorite memories weren’t on any schedule. They happened when we stumbled upon something unexpected. A Spellbinding Welcome The moment we stepped into the atrium, it was clear Halloween had arrived. Seasonal décor, festive music, and playful touches transformed the Disney Fantasy into a floating fall celebration. Everywhere I looked, there was another detail to discover. Then I met Mucklebones. Mucklebones is the Disney Fantasy’s Enchanted Pumpkin Tree, and he quickly became one of my favorite parts of the sailing. Equal parts quirky, mischievous, and charming, he seemed to embody everything I love about Disney Cruise Line Halloween. That evening, guests gathered in the atrium to hear the legend behind the Enchanted Pumpkin Tree. As the story unfolded, Mucklebones came to life before our eyes in a moment that felt perfectly spooky without being scary. Here’s something I didn’t know before sailing: the Disney Destiny, Disney Treasure, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and the Disney Magic each have their own Enchanted Pumpkin Trees, complete with a unique names. By the end of the voyage, I found myself stopping to say hello to Mucklebones every time I passed through the atrium. Pro Tip: If you’re hoping to snap photos with your ship’s pumpkin tree, visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the atrium is quieter. As a night owl, I went with the second option. One night after the fireworks and Match Your Matey, we grabbed a few slices of pizza from Flo’s Café and wandered back to the atrium. The space was nearly empty, giving us plenty of time to take photos and admire all the little details around Mucklebones without anyone accidentally walking through the background. It ended up being one of my favorite photo sessions of the entire cruise! Costumes On, Candy Bags Ready Naturally, I packed a themed outfit for every day of the sailing. For trick-or-treating, I dressed as Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Morgan dressed as Merlin because he loves wizards, and my dad brought an inflatable Rex costume. Well… sort of. The inflatable Rex costume didn’t quite work out as planned, but thankfully my dad came prepared with a backup option: Partysaurus Rex! If you’ve read my Pixar Days at Sea blog post, then you know how much my family LOVES Partysaurus Rex. Guests and crew members stopped him throughout the night to compliment the costume, and Partysaurus Rex quickly developed a fan following of his own. Between collecting candy and admiring costumes around every corner, it was fun seeing kids and adults alike get into the Halloween spirit. The entire ship felt like one giant Halloween party! A High-Class Magical Encounter One of my favorite moments happened right after trick-or-treating. A young magician approached Morgan, looked him up and down, nodded and confidently said: “Magician.” Morgan responded with an equally serious bow. “Wizard.” The young magician paused, nodded approvingly and replied: “Ah. High class. High class.” Then he asked if we wanted to see a magic trick. What followed was a card trick far more impressive than any of us expected. When he finished, he looked at us very seriously and informed us: “I do take tips.” Fortunately, we had just gone trick-or-treating. When I asked if he accepted candy as “payment,” he enthusiastically agreed. We happily compensated him with a handful of Halloween treats, and for the rest of the evening he continued tracking down Merlin throughout the ship to share additional tricks and updates from his magical adventures. By the end of the night, I think Merlin (Morgan) had officially gained an apprentice. The Ultimate Deck Party Later that evening, we headed to Mickey’s Mouse-Querade! Disney Characters arrived dressed for the occasion, including Mickey Mouse as a magician, Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck as witches, Donald Duck as a spider, Goofy as a skeleton, Pluto as a candy corn, Chip carrying a cauldron full of candy, and Dale dressed as a candy apple. Combined with Halloween music, dancing and a deck full of excited families, the energy was contagious. Before long, the dance floor was packed with guests of all ages singing along, showing off their costumes, and fully embracing the spirit of the season. My face hurt from smiling so much! Creativity Takes Center Stage We also attended the “Halloween isn’t Just for Kids” adult costume contest, which kicked off with what can only be described as a jaw-dropping dance performance that set the tone for the evening. From Maleficent to The Cheetah Girls, guests fully committed to their costumes, creating one of the most entertaining nights of the voyage. My dad and Morgan competed in the funny category, and watching everyone’s creativity on display was almost as entertaining as the contest itself. Frightfully Fun Friends Around Every Corner Halloween on the High Seas also brings plenty of unique character encounters. One of the first experiences on our itinerary was Who’s Behind the Curtain. Without spoiling the surprise, I’ll simply say it’s worth experiencing for yourself! Character greetings popped up throughout the voyage, and one crowd favorite on the second day of the sailing featured Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. Seeing them together was the BEST. There were also themed backdrops, photo opportunities, and magic shots throughout the sailing, including one featuring the Headless Horseman! A Toast to Halloween Flavors I also made it my mission to sample some of the specialty beverages inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was convinced the Oogie Boogie-inspired drink would be my favorite, but by the end of the sailing, Jack Skellington had claimed the title. The crew members were also incredibly accommodating with customizations, making it easy to adjust drinks to fit different dietary preferences! The Magic Is in the Details The longer I stayed onboard, the more surprises I discovered. Halloween movies played throughout the voyage, seasonal music filled the ship, and festive details appeared everywhere I looked, including the name plates for every food item and our napkins! One evening, after a full day of activities, we returned to our stateroom to find a pumpkin-shaped towel “animal” waiting on the bed. At that point, I was convinced there wasn’t anything our stateroom hosts couldn’t create. And while many people think of pumpkins and costumes when fall arrives, others immediately think of football season. Good news for football fans: you don’t have to choose! During our sailing, O’Gills Pub had Saturday night football on the TV’s, giving fans a place to catch the game before heading back to the evening’s festivities. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team with a draft beer or enjoying a mood boosting botanical soda, it’s a fun way to experience another favorite fall tradition while at sea. Island Days, Halloween & Pirate Nights Our sailing also included visits to Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. We spent our days snorkeling, exploring beaches, and soaking up the island views before returning to the ship each evening for fun our themed activities. That’s what surprised me most about Halloween on the High Seas. It felt like three vacations rolled into one: a cruise vacation, a Disney Halloween celebration and a tropical island getaway. One More Excuse to Dress Up As if Halloween costumes weren’t enough, Pirate Night gave us one more reason to break out another outfit. The themed fun continued into the evening with pirate attire, deck party entertainment, and one of my favorite Disney Cruise Line traditions: fireworks at sea! The Souvenirs That Followed Me Home Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I brought home a Disney Cruise Line Ghost sweatshirt that instantly became my favorite, along with a Halloween Tree statue! The only thing I wish I’d bought? One of the Halloween popcorn buckets! Between the Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost Bucket, the Headless Horseman Bucket and the Jack Skellington Gravestone Bucket inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, there were plenty of tempting options for Disney Halloween fans. A New Fall Tradition Has Arrived Halloween on the High Seas delivered even more memories than I expected. The Disney Parks Blog guide helped me find the experiences I wanted to prioritize, but some of my favorite moments happened when I simply explored. From meeting Mucklebones and dancing at Mickey’s Mouse-Querade to exploring Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Halloween on the High Seas delivered one memorable experience after another. I laughed through trick-or-treating, watched fireworks at sea, and somehow found myself giving a young magician some of my candy. But more than anything, I got to experience it all with people I love. If you’re considering a Halloween on the High Seas sailing, these festive voyages take place on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries from late September through Halloween. For someone who starts celebrating Halloween super early, I think I’ve officially found my new favorite fall tradition, and I have a feeling you’ll leave with a few magical memories of your own. Happy Halloween, and happy sailing! Pixar Stories Come to Life at Pixar Days at Sea READ MORE Your Guide to Halloween on the High Seas READ MORE New Disney Cruise Ship Sailing in Late 2027 READ MORE The post Why Halloween on the High Seas is My New Favorite Fall Tradition appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

For cast member Alema Vaiaoga, performing at Disney is more than a job. It’s a family tradition, a way to honor his Samoan heritage, and an opportunity to inspire future generations. As a fire and knife performer at Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Alema brings energy, skill, and cultural storytelling to one of the most beloved live entertainment experiences at Walt Disney World. A Family Legacy Long before Alema stepped onstage, his father helped to set the scene. In 1971, he joined the opening cast of the Spirit of Aloha show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, helping establish fire knife dancing at Walt Disney World. In 1998, he brought that tradition to the opening cast of Festival of the Lion King. For Alema, he learned from his father during these years and developed the skills that would one day shape his own career. “Growing up, fire performing was my baseball,” Alema said. “That was my extracurricular activity. I was learning fire knife dance with my dad behind the scenes.” When his father retired from Disney, Alema auditioned and followed in his footsteps, continuing a legacy that now spans generations. Today, he performs before thousands of guests each week, sharing a craft deeply rooted in Pacific culture. When he isn’t working at Disney, he teaches his own sons the traditional dance. Sharing His Culture Alema’s Samoan heritage remains central to his life, and he sees each show as an opportunity to introduce guests to traditions that have been passed down through generations. “Not many cultures are able to do their cultural dance in a Disney show,” Alema said. “We’re very fortunate that we get to do that. It opens the door for us to share who we are and show people the love.” Alema enjoys sharing his culture offstage, as well. Whether interacting with guests, mentoring fellow performers or helping preserve cultural traditions for the next generation, Alema strives to bring values like family, service and community to work every day. “We’re very strong in keeping the culture alive,” Alema said. “We’re very family-oriented, and service is a big thing. That’s how we show our love.” How Far Will He Go Alema’s talent and skill recently led him to an unexpected opportunity when he was cast as one of Moana’s ancestors in the Disney’s live-action reimagining of “Moana” — now streaming on Disney+. What began as a single opportunity quickly evolved into several contributions behind the scenes. After sharing his experience and skillset with others onset, Alema was sought after to help train stunt performers in Pacific movement and fire knife techniques. “It was a blessing because it literally fell into my lap,” Alema said. “I went there ready to work, ready to learn and ready to share what I knew.” While the film experience was unforgettable, Alema says the most meaningful part was sharing it with family and friends, including his children. “I wanted them to have something to look back on,” he said. “They can always say, ‘That’s my dad’ when they watch the movie. That’s really special to me.” Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future Today, as a father himself, Alema often reflects on the example his own dad set and the opportunities Disney provided his family. He hopes guests watching Festival of the Lion King see more than an impressive performance. He hopes they see a culture being celebrated, a family legacy being carried forward and the power of storytelling to connect people from around the world. “I’m thankful for the people who paved the way before me,” Alema said. “Because of them, I get to provide for my family doing what I love, and my kids get to see their dad up there doing it.” Guide to Character Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Spot Your Favorite Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Meet Tucker, the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom READ MORE The post From The Pride Lands to the Big Screen: Meet the Animal Kingdom Performer Who Brings His Heritage Center Stage appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re giving a shoutout to our FAVORITE margaritas from EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion! Avocado Margarita If you can’t pass up a great margarita, then EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion might just be one of your favorite spots in Disney World! You can find TONS of margaritas around this pavilion, from grab-and-go options to super unique takes on the classic recipe. But since most guests don’t have the time (or budget, or alcohol tolerance…) to try allllll of them, which are the BEST margaritas that are worth grabbing? Let’s take a look! Luckily, since we’re in the parks every day, we HAVE had the chance to try each of the Mexico Pavilion margaritas, and these are our five absolute favorites of the bunch! Avocado Margarita Tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion pyramid, you’ll find La Cava del Tequila, which is an absolute must-stop for fans of tequila and margaritas! This cozy bar has over 200(!!) different tequilas and is known for its unique, hand-crafted margaritas. Spoiler alert: if you couldn’t tell based on our gushing, La Cava del Tequila is home to lots of the drinks on our list, starting with the Avocado Margarita. Avocado Margarita This is definitely one of the most famous EPCOT margaritas, and for good reason! It’s made with Dos Hombres mezcal or Flecha Azul tequila, melon-orange liqueur, fresh avocado, lime juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. The avocado balances the sweetness of the melon-orange liqueur perfectly, and the unique mix of flavors is super refreshing! La Cava Avocado Margarita It’s a quintessential EPCOT drink, and definitely worth a try if you’re an avocado fan! Blood Orange Margarita Next up, we have another drink from La Cava del Tequila! The Blood Orange Margarita is made with Pasote blanco tequila, blood orange, LeJay black currant liqueur, Ilegal reposado mezcal, and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. Blood Orange Margarita The flavors are distinctive and strong, and the Tajín chile-lime rim really adds an extra punch. It’s another long-time favorite, so if you’re looking for a classic Mexico Pavilion margarita and prefer bolder flavors, this one might be a good pick! Cucumber Margarita Next up, La Cava del Tequila is back to claim another spot on the list! The Cucumber Margarita features Tromba blanco tequila, fresh cucumber and lime juice, Abasolo corn whiskey, and a Tajín chile-lime powder rim. Plus, you can also make it spicy for a few dollars extra! Cucumber Margarita The flavors are SUPER fresh and light, which makes it a great choice for hotter days when you’re leaning towards refreshing over bold. Also, you can get a pretty similar version of this margarita (and several of the other La Cava del Tequila drinks) at Choza de Margarita, the outdoor margarita bar next to the pyramid. The Cucumber Margarita The ingredients are slightly different at Choza de Margarita, and many of the drinks there are pre-mixed, which is why we gave the edge to the La Cava del Tequila version. But since the lines at Choza de Margarita tend to be way shorter than the wait at La Cava del Tequila, we’ll sometimes swing by there as a backup when we need a quick drink! Top Shelf Margarita Believe it or not, we’re heading to a new spot for our next drink! If you’re in the mood for a great, classic margarita, you can’t go wrong with the Top Shelf Margarita from La Hacienda de San Angel. It’s made with Cincoro blanco tequila, Alma Finca orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a black ant salt rim. Classic Margarita with a View at La Hacienda de San Angel For a high-quality margarita with classic flavors, this is a solid choice. Oh, and as an added bonus, the restaurant offers incredible waterfront views to enjoy while you sip! La Ofrenda Margarita (And Other Seasonal Margs!) Okay, we’re circling back to La Cava del Tequila to finish our list, but there’s a bit of a catch with this one! We’re giving the nod to La Ofrenda Margarita, a seasonal drink made with Bozal Cempasúchil Mezcal, Dos Hombres Reposado, and Weber Ranch Vodka, with tart pitaya fruit and a touch of pumpkin spice. La Ofrenda Margarita We LOVED this drink! It was pretty sweet and went down smoothly — it didn’t have the burn that we expected it to. We couldn’t really taste the pumpkin spice, but the other flavors were delicious, especially the Pitaya. As a fun twist, you also had to say the secret password “Rest in Peace” to order it. Now, here’s the sad part — La Ofrenda was a limited-time addition, only available through the first week of November 2026. La Ofrenda Margarita BUT, the good news is that La Cava del Tequila regularly offers seasonal and limited-time drinks, so even if this exact drink isn’t on the menu when you visit, you still might have the chance to snag something new. Since La Cava is known for high quality, it’s no surprise that we’ve enjoyed nearly all of their seasonal drinks that we’ve had, so if there’s one available during your visit that matches your taste preferences, it’s definitely worth a try! Of course, we’ll keep checking back with alllll of the drinks around EPCOT to see which ones are worth a stamp on your passport, so stay tuned to DFB for our latest reviews! EPCOT Drinking Around the World Guide: Best Spots for Margarita Loyalists, Wine Snobs, and Anyone Who Only Drinks Beer Ready for some Happy Hour History? Join us on a deep dive into the evolution of alcohol inside Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your #1 favorite margarita from the Mexico Pavilion? Shout it out in the comments! View the full article

The Disney rumor mill is pretty much always swirling. Tower of Terror under construction Folks want to know what’s going on behind construction walls, what the “tea” is with all their favorite actors and upcoming films, and of course, if there are any big upcoming changes or announcements to prepare for. We often see rumors pop up online before official announcements are made, and today we’re breaking down some of the common rumors we’ve seen this week! An Indiana Jones Playground? We’re constantly spotting construction in Disney World, and recently, another project has begun in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Between Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Backlot Express, hedges have been set up to partially hide a construction site, set with metal framing. Construction in Hollywood Studios Rumors online say that this could be an Indiana Jones-themed playground, as its official title in paperwork is “Project Fedora.” Disney hasn’t shared official details about what’s coming to this location, but Hollywood Studios doesn’t currently have an outdoor play area for children. An indoor play area was built inside The Magic of Disney Animation and just opened a few months ago. Learn About the Other Playground in Hollywood Studios Here! A Descendants Actress Is Being Recast? There have been many rumors swirling online recently about drama amid the cast of Disney’s Descendants franchise. Kylie Cantrall has played the character Red in the franchise, and it has been reported by several social media users that, due to drama with her Descendants co-stars, she won’t be returning for Descendants 6 and her role will be recast. ©Disney Well, what does Disney have to say? Nothing so far. Official sources haven’t reported on this drama, and most of the news surrounding it has been social media hearsay. A Big Change Coming to Animal Kingdom? Something interesting is currently happening with Cast Member blockout dates for Animal Kingdom. This park is usually the one that has the most visiting availability for Disney Cast Members during the holiday season, but in 2026, Cast Members are blocked out of Animal Kingdom for two full weeks! Animal Kingdom This has left many folks to speculate if there’s something special coming to the park that could mean Disney wants to limit Cast Member attendance. Theories we’ve seen include the closure of Expedition Everest for its upcoming refurbishment, the introduction of a holiday parade, or a limited-time entertainment offering. Disney hasn’t announced anything new for that time period yet, so we’re still waiting to see. We’ll let you know as soon as we find out! Learn More About the Blockouts Here! A Tower of Terror Project in the Works? We reported earlier this week that Tower of Terror voice actor Mark Silverman had visited the Walt Disney Imagineering offices, and fans were HYPED. With the Tower of Terror ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios currently covered in scaffolding and getting a paint job, many wondered if he was stopping by the offices to record a secret project. Tower of Terror But no, Silveman clarified online that he had only stopped by Imagineering to purchase a T-shirt. No secret projects or mysterious recordings in the works! Womp womp. See the Full Story Here! If you’re interested in learning more about what’s actually happening in Disney World, check out the YouTube video below! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Disney news! See Last Week’s Debunked Rumors Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these rumors have you heard this week? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Oh, Disney Cruise Line, you thought you could pull a fast one on us? Well, we are watching! Always watching… Disney Cruise Line We recently sailed on the Disney Wish, where we learned tons of new information about the Disney Believe, Disney’s newest cruise ship launching in December 2027. We love grabbing a Mickey Ice Cream Bar while we book our next trip on the seas, but today we noticed something has changed online, and we think it might really throw some people off! The Disney Cruise Line’s website just got an update that we think might throw some people off. During our recent scrolling, we noticed that prices on upcoming cruises were looking surprisingly low. That’s when we realized they have updated the website to show prices PER PERSON. ©Disney Cruise Line In the past, the prices were shown as the upfront total cost for each cabin based on 2 people in the cabin. With this change, prices initially look significantly cheaper before you dig deeper into the site and see the total cost. They have also updated the website to show savings per person, rather than a total cabin saving. ©Disney This change means that it will take a little more effort to find the actual total cost of your cruise rather than the smaller price you might be seeing. Now, you will need to choose the dates you want to sail, the cruise ship you want to sail on, and select your preferred room before you can see the total upfront cost of your room. ©Disney Cruise Line This means many people online might think they’re finding a deal until they’re close to purchasing their vacation! We can see this leading to quite a bit of confusion and disappointment for people scrolling on the site. As Disney continues to expand its cruise fleet, it can be assumed that more people will be on the cruise line website looking for good deals and prices. This new update is a way to showcase the lowest number possible to cruisers, even though it doesn’t accurately reflect the overall price. A stateroom on the Disney Fantasy Even if you are a solo traveler, you will be charged the same total package price as two guests staying in the same stateroom. So that per-person price won’t be reflected even if you’re sailing alone. For example, at the time of writing, one cruise shows the starting price per person as $686, but once you click into the cruise, that price will be $1,245.00 for one cruiser in one stateroom. Port Canaveral That being said, if you’re traveling with a large party that is splitting the price, this per-person number could be helpful. We have some complex feelings about this change, but it doesn’t actually impact the price of your vacation. You just might be more surprised by the total at checkout. Disney Adventure Disney Cruise Line is currently developing two new ships, including the Disney Believe and the Disney Imagination. The Disney Imagination will be owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney. This will be the company’s first Japanese cruise ship, and we recently got a few details on what guests can expect. Both the Believe and the Imagination will be the last Wish Class ships before a new class launches at a later date. ©Disney We’re eager to see if this change does impact cruisers as they’re going to book, especially with so many ships launching in the future. You can learn all about the new Disney Believe news in this video below! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, tips, and more! Your 2027 Cruise Is About To Be A LOT More Crowded 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 sailed with the Disney Cruise Line? Tell us in the comments! View the full article