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ALERT! Something absolutely incredible has happened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it doesn’t matter how many times we’ve seen it happen before; it’s just as beautiful every time. ©Disney We love hearing about the new babies that arrive in the park, especially if we’re able to see them when we ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, and that’s exactly what just happened. If you find yourself on the safari soon, you may spot a new face wandering around! Looking for more recent Animal Kingdom news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Animal Kingdom News! There’s a NEW Baby on The Safari in Animal Kingdom And We’re Already CryingREVIEW: Why We Keep Coming Back to This Underrated Animal Kingdom Restaurant7 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in JulyTwo Spots FINALLY Reopen in Disney World This Week!No, That’s NOT Pixie Dust in the Air at Disney World This Weekend We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news so you’re prepared for your upcoming trip, so stay tuned to DFB! FULL LIST: Disney World Quick Service Restaurants That Serve Breakfast and When They Open 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 animal to see on the safari? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

When we’re at Disney World, we use mobile ordering like our lives depend on it. It’s the best way to skip the line and take your food to-go! Contempo Cafe But Disney World’s My Disney Experience app just added a major new mobile ordering rule, here’s everything you need to know. The My Disney Experience app has just restricted mobile ordering. There are now four popular Disney World restaurants that don’t allow mobile ordering unless you’re physically at the restaurant! Here’s the full list: Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Village Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge Dulce de Leche Brownie at Gasparilla Island Grille Currently, if you try to mobile order using the My Disney Experience at these four restaurants, the app shows an error message that says “You’re too far away,” and prompts you to move closer to the restaurant to place a mobile order. Once you’re near the restaurant, usually around the resort in general, you can still place a mobile order like normal. © Disney || Time to Eat! It’s important to note that right now, this mobile order change is only for these four restaurants: Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort, Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Village, Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort, and Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge. You can still mobile order like usual in all four theme parks and at other resort quick-service spots not listed! Mobile Order Pick-Up at Columbia Harbour House We’ll be sure to update you on any more changes to mobile ordering at Disney. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! You’re Not Going To Like The NEW Disney Springs Transportation Rule Starting TODAY 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 change? Comment below! View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. This is especially true if you find yourself heading into Disney’s Animal Kingdom, because the choices there are some of the best around the whole resort. Time to eat at Yak & Yeti! We recently stopped by Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom to see if this spot is just as good as it has been in the past, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth making a table service dining reservation during your trip? Let’s find out! Atmosphere As this restaurant is located in the Asia section of the park, you’ll notice a lot of Asian influence in the decor and design, and it’s beautiful! You’ll find multiple pieces of artwork, sculptures, and tchotchkes all around the lobby and the dining rooms, which span both the upstairs and downstairs sections — there’s certainly no shortage of seating. Decor in the restaurant While you’re dining here, unless it’s absolutely at peak hours, you’ll likely find some areas of the restaurant completely empty. Therefore, if you’re looking for a last-minute reservation during your park day, this is a great spot to look — especially if you use the Walk-up Waitlist function. Yak and Yeti Restaurant is run by a company named Landry’s, and they even offer a special membership to their select club, where you can get discounts at their restaurants along with priority seating. So many dining rooms! The main source of lighting inside the restaurant is lamp lighting, and paired with the wooden accents all over, it means this restaurant is a bit on the darker side. If you know you may have trouble with that, we recommend requesting a seat near a window and dining during the day. It’s a tad dark in here! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu here is very broad, but all of it has Asian influence to match the area of Animal Kingdom it’s in. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, and for an appetizer, you can grab the Pork Pot Stickers, Wok-Fried Green Beans, Pork Egg Rolls, and/or Firecracker Shrimp. Menu You’ll also find shareables on the menu, meals that are meant for two people, soups and salads, as well as noodles & bowls, specialties, wok, grilled items, and multiple sides to choose from. There are even numerous options for dessert, as well as a kids menu. Yak & Yeti And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats As a starter, we grabbed the Wok Fried Green Beans for $13.29, which are battered green beans with sweet Thai chili dipping sauce. While this wasn’t bad in any regard, we do feel like it’s a pretty standard, unexciting choice. If you really love green beans, especially fried ones (or you’re trying to get someone in your party to finally eat a vegetable), then this is a good choice, especially when paired with the dipping sauce, but overall, we do feel there are better options out there. Wok Fried Green Beans For a shareable, we chose the Kimchi Calamari for $16.99, which is a crispy battered medley of calamari & vegetables, kimchi dressing, and Bang Bang sauce. Now this absolutely stands out as an appetizer, as it’s a very unique spin on the dish! The calamari is completely covered in kimchi sauce in the best way, as the sauce isn’t too spicy — it lingers in the back of your throat a bit, but that’s all. It’s paired with the same sweet Thai chili dipping sauce as the green beans, which makes for a great combo, and we loved the fried jalapeños and vegetables, as they added a bit of freshness. The calamari itself is fried to perfection with a beautiful crunch. We were very impressed overall, so if you know you’re a calamari fan, this is one you can’t miss. Kimchi Calamari As for our entree, we grabbed the Chicken Tikka Masala for $28.78, which is boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and freshly ground herbs, cooked in a traditional Masala sauce, served with jasmine rice and garlic naan. Chicken Tikka Masala Now THIS is the star of the show! The rice is soft, seasoned, and a little bit salted, which goes very well with the curry sauce. The perfectly tender chicken is definitely hot with lots of spice, but it’s calmed down a bit with the rice and pita bread. The mixture of both just creates a fantastic, flavorful experience. However, if you can’t handle spice, this will NOT be the dish for you, because after a few bites, it really starts to get to you. If you do love spice? This will be a highlight of your trip. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re in the mood for some Asian food. This restaurant has a delicious selection of Asian eats, and it’s the only Table Service spot in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. It’s worth the time a table service restaurant takes, in our eyes! You want a relaxing midday meal. There are quite a few places where you can enjoy a chill meal at Animal Kingdom, and this spot definitely makes that list! Between the lighting, the vast amount of space, and the area of the park it’s in, it’s a great place to recharge. You’re taking advantage of an exclusive discount. This spot is run by a company named Landry’s, and they even offer a special membership to their select club, where you can get discounts on their restaurants. Your server may give you a brochure, but if not, it’s worth asking about if you aren’t already a member — who doesn’t like to save money? You should skip this Disney World spot if… You can’t commit to a reservation. If you just want a taste of Yak & Yeti, you can get that at the quick service location of the same name! You want the BEST and/or most iconic food in Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is known for its incredible Quick Service restaurants and snack stands. If you’re more of a snacker, or it’s your first visit, it might be better to do smaller meals throughout the day. We’re big fans of the Cheeseburger Pods at Satu’li Canteen and the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork at Flame Tree Barbecue. Overall Yak & Yeti is a fantastic spot to have a relaxing meal that certainly won’t leave you disappointed, but it definitely may not be everyone’s cup of tea. We recommend really looking at the menu ahead of time and seeing if you and your party will enjoy the eats. If so, book that reservation! Yak & Yeti In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

It may feel like Halloween is worlds away, but in reality, it’ll be here before we know it, especially since Disney starts celebrating in August. Pirates of the Caribbean during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place in Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 7th through October 31st, and while it’s a great time to experience some of your favorite attractions with little to no wait, you can also enjoy exclusive snacks, merchandise, and entertainment not available anywhere else. We’re still learning about what offerings will be available this year, and it looks like some of the pirate entertainment is looking a little different this time around! In previous years, we’ve been able to see Rusty Cutlass (Pirate Swashbuckling Songs) in Adventureland, usually right near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. This year, however, things have changed! According to Disney’s website, instead, we’ll be able to See Spirited Swashbucklers, which is described as “where Captain Jack Sparrow has dropped anchor to lead a swashbuckling series of pirate antics.” Captain Jack Sparrow at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party It sounds like this new offering will be more solely focused on Jack himself and some trouble he gets himself into, with perhaps only a few other pirates. We’re bummed this potentially means we’ll see fewer pirates overall, but we are happy to hear that Jack himself may be getting more of a spotlight. One thing is for sure — we know we’ll be heading over to Adventureland to check it out! ©Disney Another new offering this year is A Masquerade with Stitch, who will also be joined by Angel, and he’ll be changing costumes again and again thanks to getting into Lilo’s costume trunk. We can’t wait to see what that looks like! Elvis Stitch! Looking for more recent Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party news to make sure you haven’t missed anything? Check out our posts below! More Recent MNSSHP News! NEW Pirates Entertainment CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween PartyWhy Disney World Fans Are Suddenly Changing Their Holiday PlansCONFIRMED: This Exclusive Perk Is Coming Back to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2026Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Fireworks Dessert Party Reservations Are NOW OpenNEWS: Times Announced for Fireworks at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party We’ll be sure to keep you updated with all the latest news we hear about the Halloween season in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB! Everything We Know So Far About Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party This Year! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you planning to head to MNSSHP this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

When we’re at Disney Springs, we love taking the Disney buses to head to a resort for even more Disney magic. But our plans are changing soon, because Disney just enforced a new bus rule! Disney Bus Disney Springs is now limiting the Disney buses to Walt Disney World resort guests only! Here’s everything you need to know about this new rule. Starting today, Sunday, June 28th, Disney Springs has started enforcing a new bus rule. Disney buses connecting Disney Springs to Disney resorts will only be available to resort guests or visitors with a dining reservation at the resort. The new bus rule! If you want to read the sign, we took a close-up just for you! The new sign When we approached the bus stop, we saw Cast Members and Leaders (the managers) at the bus line entrance. They have barricades near the entrance to form a line and scanners to scan your Disney ticket or MagicBand for resort stays or dining reservations, so this will be strictly enforced. They’re already enforcing it! While these bus rules are usually temporary during busy times of the year, Disney has stated that the restrictions are now permanent. No reason for the policy was announced by Disney either. The new bus rule Previously, Disney World visitors could park at Disney Springs and take a bus to any hotel they’d like without paying any parking fees, since parking at Disney Springs is free. You can’t drive to a Disney World hotel and pay for parking either; you’re only allowed to park there if you’re staying there or have a dining reservation at one of the hotel’s restaurants. To visit Disney resorts now, you can still get there from the theme parks, however, unless you are an Annual Passholder, you will have to pay to park at all of the four Disney World parks. Bus Transportation at Magic Kingdom Don’t want to pay for parking? You can take a rideshare option like Uber or Lyft, but you would still need to be dropped off at one of the parks, not the hotels. For a while now, resorts have required a hotel or dining reservation for your rideshare driver to drive you into the resorts. Occasionally, you’ll be let in anyway, but it is not a guarantee. Heading to the closest theme park is the easiest way to get to a resort while this rule is in effect. Rideshare Pick-up and Drop-off at EPCOT We’ll be sure to keep you updated on these new transportation rules at Disney Springs. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! 4 Controversial Rules Disney Is Enforcing in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this rule? Comment below! View the full article

Disney World has a way of catching you at your weakest. You’re packing the last pair of sweaty socks into your suitcase. And right when you’re about to accept that vacation is over, Disney slides in with a little whisper: “Wouldn’t you like to come back?” That, friends, is the marketing trapdoor known as a Disney World bounceback offer. The current bounceback hotel discount has been extended into 2027. That means eligible Disney World hotel guests can book another Disney Resort stay and potentially save up to 35% on select rooms. Sounds great, right? It is. Mostly. But is it the best Disney World hotel discount out there? That depends on your dates, your resort, your willingness to stalk the offers page, or, and whether you have access to better discounts. Let’s get into it. What Is a Bounceback Offer? A bounceback offer is Disney’s way of saying, “You’re already here, your defenses are down, and we would love to see your credit card again.” Officially, Disney calls this the “Return to the Magic” offer. Unofficially, most Disney fans call it a bounceback because the whole point is to get you to bounce right back to Disney World after your current trip. Mercantile at Wilderness Lodge The offer is only available to eligible guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels. You have to book within 7 days of your current checkout date, which means this is not the deal you discover three weeks later while folding your vacation laundry and wondering why every shirt smells faintly like sunscreen and churros. Copper Creek 1 bedroom villa The current offer includes: Up to 35% off rooms at select Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts Up to 30% off rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts Up to 25% off rooms at select Disney Value Resorts That is a very respectable discount, especially if you’re looking at Deluxe Resorts where 35% off can save serious money. At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, for example, that kind of discount can be the difference between “responsible vacation planning” and “I guess we live on popcorn refills now.” Exclusive NEW Disney World Hotel Discount Revealed The Offer Now Runs Into 2027 The big update here is that Disney has extended the bounceback offer through most of 2027. The eligible 2026 dates include select stretches from late May through late December. For 2027, the offer includes windows in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, and October. BoardWalk Inn That’s a pretty wide net, but it is not every single date. As usual, Disney is not flinging discounts at the calendar with reckless abandon. There are gaps around higher-demand periods, which is exactly what we’d expect. Disney also notes that the highest savings are available most nights from March through September. Translation: if you’re hoping to travel during a slightly less crowded window, Disney may be more willing to toss a discount your way. If you’re trying to go during the most popular holiday dates, Mickey may quietly tuck the coupons back into his little red shorts. What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World in 2026? Why This Deal Is Actually Useful The biggest advantage of the bounceback offer is not necessarily that it is always the highest discount. It’s that you can lock it in early. Disney World discounts often arrive in waves, and those waves do not always arrive when you want them to. Sometimes you’re waiting for months, refreshing the special offers page, whispering “show me the discount” like a sleep-deprived sorcerer. Bay Lake Tower view With the bounceback offer, you can book while you’re still eligible and secure something for a future trip. If a better offer appears later, you can compare. That’s helpful because the most stressful part of Disney hotel discounts is not knowing whether one will appear for your dates, your resort, and your room type. The bounceback offer gives you a starting point. It’s not always the final answer, but it can be a very useful safety net. FULL ROOM TOUR at the Most EXPENSIVE Hotel in Disney World But Some Disney Discounts Are Bigger Here’s where we may have to ruin the fairy dust with math. The bounceback offer tops out at 35% off select rooms. That is strong, but it is not the biggest Disney hotel discount we’ve seen. Annual Passholder discounts can sometimes go higher. Right now, Disney’s Annual Passholder summer hotel offer is advertising up to 40% off select rooms for certain stays in 2026. That’s definitely a discount worth considering if you qualify as an Annual Passholder. But bigger does not automatically mean better. You will often find a bounceback offer like this in your Disney World hotel room. Annual Passholder discounts are limited to Annual Passholders. They’re also tied to specific dates, specific resorts, specific room types, and limited availability. You may find a fantastic 40% discount at a resort that does not fit your trip at all. Or you may find the discount exists for the exact week you cannot travel because school, work, flights, or just life in general. Port Orleans French Quarter Disney also offers public room discounts, Disney+ subscriber offers, Florida resident deals, and other targeted promotions from time to time. Some of these can be excellent. Some are oddly specific, which only help if your dates, hotel choice, room category, and eligibility line up just right. The best Disney discount is not always the biggest percentage. The best Disney discount is the one you can actually use. NEW Vacation Discounts for Disney World, Disneyland, and More! The Dates Matter More Than the Headline Let’s say you book a bounceback offer for a Moderate Resort and save up to 30%. Then later, Disney releases a public offer that saves up to 30% at select resorts during a similar season. On paper, that may look like the same deal. Coronado Springs But maybe the public offer only gives the highest discount for longer stays. Maybe your room type is gone. Maybe the resort you want has shifted into a lower discount tier. Maybe the offer is technically available, but only for a pirate room, a tower room, a preferred room, or something that makes your total price creep up like an invisible villain with compounding interest rates. Tower Room with Resort View This is why you cannot judge these deals by headline percentage alone. You need to compare actual final totals. Check the resort. Check the room type. Check taxes. Check package requirements. Check whether tickets or dining plans are involved. Then decide. Which Disney World Resort Hotel is Best for YOU? When the Bounceback Offer Is Probably Worth Booking The bounceback offer is especially worth considering if you already know you want to return to Disney World in 2026 or 2027. It can be a good move if you are eyeing a Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa, where a 35% discount can make a much bigger dent than it would on a lower-priced room. It can also be useful if you are planning around one of the eligible travel windows and want to secure a discount before future offers are released. Disney’s Old Key West Resort This is also a nice option for people who do not qualify for Annual Passholder, Florida resident, military, or other targeted discounts. Not everyone has access to the fancy discount drawer. Bounceback offers are still exclusive, but they are exclusive in a different way. You don’t need an Annual Pass. You don’t need to live in Florida. You just need to be eligible as a current Disney Resort guest and book in time. All-Star Sports It is also worth noting that reservations booked with this offer can be modified or canceled without penalty up to 30 days before arrival. That makes this a decent “grab it now, sort it out later” option for planners who know they want something on the books. When You Should Keep Shopping If you ARE an Annual Passholder, you should absolutely compare it against Passholder hotel offers when those are available. A higher-percentage AP deal could beat the bounceback, especially during slower seasons or for select Deluxe Resorts. Woody and Buzz! If you are flexible with your dates, you may also want to watch for public room discounts, Disney+ subscriber offers, or special vacation package promotions. Sometimes Disney releases offers that are better for your specific travel style. Art of Animation Resort And if you are traveling with kids ages 3 to 9 in 2026, pay attention to the kids free dining plan offer. That offer can be combined with the returning guest room discount for eligible 2026 packages, which could potentially make the bounceback offer much more interesting for families. This is where the calculator has to come out. I know. Nobody wants to bring math to Disney World. Math is not invited to Trader Sam’s. But if the goal is saving money, you need to compare your actual package totals. CONFIRMED: Exclusive FREE DINING Offer Announced for Disney World in 2027 Watch the Fine Print The bounceback offer has rules and restrictions. The number of rooms allocated for the offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. The offer is based on the nondiscounted price for the same room. It cannot be combined with most other discounts or promotions, though the kids free dining plan exception for eligible 2026 packages is helpful. Kids’ Meal There are also excluded room types, including campsites, 3-bedroom villas, certain cabins and bungalows, Island Tower accommodations at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and suites at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Fort Wilderness So, yes, read the details before you make a final decision. Book the bounceback if it fits your likely travel plans, especially if you’re even moderately serious about returning during one of the eligible date windows. Then keep watching the discount offers. A bounceback offer can be a very solid discount, and for many guests, it may be the best offer they can access. But it is not automatically the best possible Disney World hotel discount. Annual Passholder deals, public room discounts, Disney+ offers, or package promotions could beat it depending on your dates and eligibility. Polynesian Island Tower Villa Think of the bounceback as a smart placeholder. It gets you a discounted reservation before the next round of offer uncertainty begins. Then, if Disney releases something better, you compare and adjust. The trick is not to get hypnotized by the “up to” number. Compare your real prices. Look at the dates. Know your eligibility. And please, do not wait until the 8th day after checkout to decide you want the deal. Disney World Discounts Should You Use It? The Disney World bounceback offer is a good deal. It may even be a great deal. But the best deal? That depends. If your dates line up, your preferred resort is included, and you do not qualify for a higher-percentage offer, grab it. If you have access to Annual Passholder discounts or can be flexible with future promotions, use the bounceback as your backup plan while you shop around. Either way, this is one of those Disney discounts worth knowing about before you check out. Because the only thing worse than leaving Disney World is realizing you left a hotel discount sitting on the nightstand next to the unused coffee pods. Keep following DFB because we’re always keeping track of every discount, promotion, and offer Disney releases! Disney World Just Dropped HUGE Hotel Discounts & Here’s How We’re Budgeting Differently in 2026 Read More About Disney Discounts Exclusive Disney World Hotel Discount Extended…But Is It the Best Deal?There Are Only Hours Left To Snag These Huge Travel Deals From AmazonNEW Disney LEGO Sets Are Coming to ALDI Next WeekThe Best $5 Disney Deal on Amazon Today6 Things I’m Totally Not Buying on Amazon Just Because It’s Prime Day Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be using a bounceback offer this year? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

When visiting Disney theme parks, there are many rules – – both official and unofficial – – that guests have to follow. Disney Springs transportation rules That’s especially true this summer, as Disney is enforcing some new (and old) rules at both Disney World and Disneyland. Resort Hopping from Disney Springs Just Got Harder The days of parking at Disney Springs for free and then park hopping to Disney World hotels look to be over. Beginning on June 28th, guests will have to show a hotel or dining reservation in order to be granted access to the buses or boats leaving Disney Springs. This rule has been enacted before during busy times of year, but now it is becoming permanent. Disney Springs Transportation Rule Disney has not shared the official reason for this rule change, although we can guess that it is because too many non-resort guests were using the buses to get around to Disney’s hotels, and it was making the wait too long for the guests paying to stay at these hotels. Disney Springs Boats This NEW Disney Springs Attraction Is Already Blowing Our Minds; See Food, Games, and More! Pin Trading Clampdown Pin trading has been a mega-popular hobby amongst Disney fans at both Disney World and Disneyland for over 25 years. Showing off our pins However, Anaheim pin traders be warned, the “Happiest Place on Earth” is enforcing some new (and old) rules this year, including: Pins are not allowed to be set up and displayed on benches, chairs, tables, and other surfaces. So, groups who would previously gather around certain areas and almost set up a “pin trading pop-up” will need to operate in a more free-flowing manner. In addition, Disney is clamping down on guests’ elaborate pin displays, with the rule stating, “Lanyards and small handheld pin trading accessories are allowed, subject to the Disneyland Resort rules, but no additional decorations or collateral (e.g., lights, signage, displays, etc.) are permitted.” Finally, the company also clarified the longstanding rule that guests can only trade a maximum of two pins per Cast Member or trading board per day, and it’s a one pin for one pin trading system. In other words, if you’re trading with a Cast Member or board, even if your pin is worth more, you cannot get two in exchange. Pin Board What Is Pin Trading In Disney World And Why Is EVERYONE Talking About It? A BIG Change at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The legendary Big Thunder Mountain Railroad returned to the Magic Kingdom in early May after a refurbishment that lasted well over a year. The legendary E-ticket attraction features updated tracks and trains that is still the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” while improving the ride experience. These changes, along with a comprehensive assessment from the safety teams, have even allowed Disney to LOWER the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches. Those two inches might sound small, but they can make a BIG difference in determining if a younger guest can ride this newly refurbished attraction. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Isn’t On Early Entry – Here’s the Best Time To Ride A Warning to Parents Looking for Bluey As of May, Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station is now home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Guests will be able to play some of their favorite games from the beloved show, like the popular keepy uppy, take some pictures with the Blue Heeler sisters, and have a hands-on experience with animals native to their home country, Australia! However, guests should also note that the only way to access the Conservation Station is via the Wildlife Express Train, which only allows foldable strollers onboard. Therefore, you’ll need to either fold their stroller or park it at the station in Africa, take the train to Conversation Station, watch the show, and pick up your stroller upon your return. Bluey’s Wild World If you’re heading to either Disney World or Disneyland over the rest of 2026, be aware that Disney is enforcing some new (and old) rules. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips. Disney Fans Are Sharing the Park “Myths” They Believed for Way Too Long, and My Mind Is Blown Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will these rules affect your next Disney trip? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

LEVEL99 opens in Disney Springs tomorrow, June 29th, and we couldn’t be more stoked that the general public will get to experience this high-energy, epic new attraction so soon! LEVEL99 opens SOON! We got a chance to explore the attraction a few days ago before its official opening and made it our mission to try out as many of the 63 games as we possibly could (and we got close!). Now that we feel we have a good understanding of the attraction and what it offers, we’ve put together a list of the five things we wish we had known before stepping inside for the first time, so you know them ahead of your trip! You Don’t Need A Ticket To Visit The Bar We’ll be the first to admit that the food and drinks at LEVEL99 are pretty fantastic! Everything there is homemade, even the ingredients of their various drinks, which really comes out in the taste of it all (in the best way). If you’ve been taking a look at the menu and have a few items you’d like to try, but you’re not totally sold on the games just yet, you don’t need to buy a ticket to check out the dining options and the bar! Loaded Elote Guacamole at LEVEL99 Yes, that means you’re able to walk in and let the staff know you’re just heading to the restaurant and bar, and there will be no issues (unless the attraction is at capacity; then it might depend). Why? Because in order to play any of the games, you need to tap into them with a wristband you get when you check in and they confirm your ticket, so there’s no way for someone who hasn’t paid for a ticket to get into one. It’s a great way to check out some of the delicious new offerings or grab a drink and check out the vibe of the place, without committing to a ticket just yet. You Can Pause Your Time Some of these challenges are HARD, and they’ll make you move in ways you haven’t in a LONG time (especially for the adults). Tickets for this experience range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and you may find yourself not wanting to waste any time, so you go from game to game to game. However, you CAN pause your time for up to 30 minutes, and it doesn’t count towards your overall ticket time. Magician’s Sideshow Yes, this means that if you’ve just finished an intense game and you need a second to take a rest and catch your breath, you can pause your time. You also don’t have to pause it all at once, so you can pause in five-minute intervals if you want, pause for 15 minutes at one time, and then use the other half at another, or maybe you want to use it all at once. Those options are all open for you, and trust us, you’ll want to use them. Solo Travelers Aren’t The Target Audience These games are meant to be played as teams, with 2-6 people depending on the game or duel, so that means that solo travelers are going to have a more difficult time here. Crystal Vision Game Sure, you can wander around and see if other groups will let you join them if you’re open to making friends, but many groups of friends may really just be counting on getting to do the games with just their group and may not be as open to having someone join them. In that case, the solo traveler would be decently out of luck and may not feel their ticket is worth it. There’s A MIX of Challenges Some of the most popular challenges you’ve likely seen advertised from LEVEL99 are the physical challenges, like the ones where you’re jumping through a hole in a prison wall, climbing and swinging on ropes, or chucking dodgeballs everywhere, but the truth is that there are plenty of games that aren’t physical to enjoy! Inside Wild Orchard Not every game is wildly physical, as some of the games have you focus more on your mental skills or problem-solving capabilities. Yes, there are some games that have a combination of both, but if you’re concerned you won’t have a good time because all of the games require physical skill, that’s thankfully not the case. There are still plenty of games you can check out and enjoy. We Loved It More Than We Thought We Would We had a feeling we’d really enjoy LEVEL99, as it’s a super unique offering in Disney World (and this is only the fourth LEVEL99 location to exist overall, so it’s a newer concept as a whole), but we didn’t expect to become quite obsessed with it. So much so that we have MULTIPLE groups of family and friends we want to bring ASAP. Enter Password It’s fun, focused on being screen-free, and there are bound to be games that everyone will enjoy. While it’s mostly intended for teens and adults, younger kids will also enjoy some of the games and can participate in activities like the Art Hunt, so we can see this becoming a new staple for a lot of families and groups on their upcoming vacations. We certainly hope that’ll be the case — we love this so much, we want it to THRIVE! Mansion Banquet We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, especially as LEVEL99 officially opens, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! The 11 Best Games At LEVEL99 In Disney Springs According To Our Very Competitive Team Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to head to LEVEL99? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney Adults are very good at Disney World. Maybe too good. We know where the good bathrooms are. We know when to mobile order. We know which benches have the best afternoon shade. We know that a Lightning Lane window can turn an otherwise normal person into a tactical commando with a phone battery problem. But Dollywood? Dollywood is a different creature. Welcome to Dollywood! It’s still a theme park, yes. There are coasters, shows, snacks, shops, crowds, strollers, and at least one food item you will think about during a random Tuesday staff meeting six months later. But this is not Disney World with more banjos. Dollywood has its own rhythm, its own rules, and its own little Smoky Mountain personality quirks. So, if you’re a Disney Adult heading to Pigeon Forge, here are the rules you’re probably going to break on your first visit. 1. You’ll Forget You’re in the Mountains Disney World is flat enough that your biggest elevation change is usually walking up the ramp to the PeopleMover. Dollywood is not that. Dollywood lives in the Smoky Mountains, and your calves will know about it by lunch. ©Dollywood This park has hills, slopes, winding paths, and tucked-away corners. You can still tour efficiently, but you should not treat this like a Magic Kingdom loop where your ping-ponging from Space Mountain to Pirates of the Caribbean to Haunted Mansion all at the same elevation. At Dollywood, pick zones. Move with the terrain. Wear shoes that will last through the day. And maybe don’t save all your uphill walking for the part of the day when your body is 60% cinnamon bread. REVIEW: Think Classic Theme Park Food Can’t Be Exciting? Dollywood Has Entered the Chat! 2. You’ll Skip the Height Wristband At Disney World, families are used to height checks happening at individual rides. Your kid walks up, stands by the measuring stick, and everyone holds their breath waits for the Cast Member to call out the final verdict. Dollywood does this differently, and Disney parents need to know it before somebody has a tiny meltdown in Timber Canyon. Height requirement at TRON Lightcycle / Run If you have a child under 48 inches, or you’re not totally sure where they land, go to Dollywood’s Centralized Measuring station early in the day. A Dollywood host will measure them and give them a color-coded wristband. That wristband helps everyone quickly figure out which rides they’re tall enough to ride. Do this first thing in your day, because nothing ruins a theme park day faster than standing in line, getting everyone excited, and then finding out your kiddo can’t ride. REVIEW: We Found Our Favorite Dollywood Dish at This Hotel Restaurant 3. You’ll Pack Like You’re Going to Disney World Disney World lets you bring in outside food and nonalcoholic drinks as long as they follow the rules. That’s why you’ll see Disney pros entering the parks with snack bags that look like they were assembled for a multi-day hiking trip. Dollywood is much stricter. Disney World Rules sign You generally cannot bring coolers, food, or drinks into the park. There is an exception for one unopened bottle of water per person, and you can ask for complimentary cups of water at many food locations with fountain drink capabilities. So yes, your emergency granola bar hip bag may need to stay in the car. This can impact you if you’re traveling with kids, picky eaters, folks with medical needs, or anyone who is hangrily dramatic when they miss snack time. Plan your food breaks and look at menus. Budget for in-park meals. And if you truly need to leave to eat somewhere else, Dollywood allows same-day re-entry with your ticket or Season Pass. Cinnamon Bread Also, you’re in Dollywood. Eat the cinnamon bread. This is not the place to perform snack austerity. REVIEW: You Can ONLY Get These Popular Desserts at Dollywood 4. You’ll Treat TimeSaver Like Lightning Lane Disney Adults know the Lightning Lane drill. Advance selections. Arrival windows. App refreshing. The occasional 7 AM panic mode. Dollywood has TimeSaver, but it is not Lightning Lane wearing a plaid shirt. Dollywood tickets TimeSaver can help you skip long waits at select rides and shows, but the details are slightly different. Some attractions have limits. Some rides may only be included with certain TimeSaver tiers. Big Bear Mountain, for example, is not something you should just assume is included with every option. Shows can also be part of the system but show reservations may need to be handled through the TimeSaver Reservation Center. ©Dollywood In other words, don’t buy it with Disney Brain and then get mad when it behaves like Dollywood. Check what’s included for your specific day and pass type. Dollywood is less about app chess and more about choosing where your paid skip-the-line help will actually matter. REVIEW: Dollywood Got It Right — All Sandwiches Should Be Like THIS 5. You’ll Underestimate the Weather In Disney World, weather planning usually means bringing a poncho, avoiding metal benches in August, and knowing which indoor show can legally count as a nap. Dollywood weather is a different kettle of trout. Because the park sits in the Smoky Mountains, weather can affect rides in ways Disney visitors may not expect. High winds can shut down a long list of attractions. Heavy rain, hail, freezing precipitation, and cold temperatures can also change what’s operating. ©Dollywood That does not mean your day is doomed. It means your plan needs options. Have a backup list of shows, shops, crafts, slower attractions, and food stops. Dollywood is loaded with live entertainment, demonstrations, and cozy little corners where you can wait out the weather. The Disney move is to duck into Mickey’s Philharmagic. The Dollywood move is to check the show schedule and let someone sing to you until the high wind stops. 6. You’ll Look for Gators Instead of Bears Disney World has Florida wildlife rules. Watch the water. Stay out of lakes and canals. Don’t feed animals. Don’t treat any body of water like a splash pad unless Disney has specifically told you it is one. Alligator in Animal Kingdom Dollywood has mountain wildlife rules. Bear sightings in the Smokies are not some bizarre once-in-a-generation headlines. They’re part of visiting the region. That doesn’t mean bears are wandering through Dollywood asking for cinnamon bread, but it does mean you should be bear aware while visiting the area. Disney did have that infamous black bear sighting in Magic Kingdom a few years ago, which temporarily turned Frontierland into the weirdest nature documentary on Earth. But in the Smoky Mountains, bears are not doing a cameo. They live there. ©Dollywood BizJournal Do not approach bears. Do not feed bears. Do not leave food or trash where bears can get to it. Do not try for a selfie. Dollywood Has Quietly Become The Next Big Theme Park Food Destination 7. You’ll Dress for Disney, Not Dollywood Disney Adults love an outfit plan. Matching shirts, mouse ears, park bags, and carefully chosen footwear. Dollywood needs a slightly different formula. Just like Disney World, Dollywood is a family-friendly park with clothing rules, and yes, there are some funny specifics. Guests may not dress as Dolly Parton or Santa Claus. Which is a sentence I adore because it feels like it was written after an incident. Also, just like in Disney, footwear is critical. But certain rides require footwear with heel straps. If you show up in loose flip-flops and expect every attraction to welcome your toes with open arms, Dollywood may have other plans. Nortiv 8 ActiveBreeze Women’s Comfortable Mesh Running Shoes The big difference here is difference in the weather. In Dollywood, morning can feel different from the afternoon. A sunny forecast can still produce a chilly shift. Bring layers when the season calls for it, and don’t assume your Orlando heat strategy automatically transfers. Basically, dress like you’re visiting a theme park that lives next door to a national park. REVIEW: We Tried a 25 POUND (!!!) Apple Pie In Dollywood 8. You’ll Treat the Shows Like Filler This may be the biggest Disney Adult mistake. At Disney World, shows can be wonderful, but many guests treat them as air-conditioned recovery rooms between the rides. We love you, Carousel of Progress. You have carried many overheated souls. Carousel of Progress Dollywood’s shows are not filler. They are part of the main event. Live entertainment is woven into the park’s identity. The music, theater, seasonal performances, and musicians are a huge part of why Dollywood feels like Dollywood. If you only chase coasters and snacks, you’re not doing it wrong, exactly, but you are missing out on half of the park’s personality. Check the entertainment schedule before you go. Build a few shows into your day. Get there early enough to grab a decent seat, especially during busier seasons. And remember that some show seating is first-come, first-served, which means your Disney “we’ll just slide in two minutes before” energy may not serve you well here. Welcome to Dollywood! Dollywood is not trying to be Disney World. It’s cozier, twangier, hillier, and less obsessed with making you manage your entire day through an app. It asks you to slow down a little, look around, listen to the music, eat something fried, and maybe appreciate the country charm of a banjo. Showstreet! Disney Adults will absolutely break a few Dollywood rules on their first trip. That’s fine, there is a learning curve. But once you learn the Dollywood rhythm, it starts to make sense. Get the wristband. Pay attention to the weather. Watch for bears. Wear better shoes. See the shows. Eat the bread. And maybe, just maybe, let your Lightning Lane thumb take the day off. And be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! REVIEW: This Dollywood Sundae Isn’t What We Expected Read More About Dollywood HERE 8 Rules Every Disney Adult Will Break in DollywoodREVIEW: Think Classic Theme Park Food Can’t Be Exciting? Dollywood Has Entered the Chat!REVIEW: We Found Our Favorite Dollywood Dish at This Hotel RestaurantREVIEW: Dollywood Got It Right — All Sandwiches Should Be Like THISDollywood Announces Delayed Opening for New Roller Coaster Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you been to Dollywood? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Disney World is constantly changing and sometimes it can be hard to keep up! Tropical Americas Construction in Animal Kingdom We’re here to monitor those changes, so you’re not surprised on your next Disney World vacation! Here are seven changes coming to Disney World this July! Changes to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT fireworks shows There are two nighttime fireworks shows that happen nightly at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Happily Ever After is the nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom that features lights, lasers, and special effects on Main Street, U.S.A., and the Cinderella Castle, along with some of the most popular Disney songs. EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks show is Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which features fountains and lights along to a selection of Disney songs that remind us that we are more alike than we are different. Happily Ever After For three nights in July, Happily Ever After will not take place. Instead, guests will be able to enjoy Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. This nighttime fireworks show will take place on July 3rd, July 4th, and July 5th at 9 PM each night. Similar to Happily Ever After, projections will be cast on Cinderella Castle and the Main Street, U.S.A. buildings. Fourth of July fireworks! Unlike Magic Kingdom, where the consistent fireworks show will not be showing, Luminous will still occur, with the special Fourth of July fireworks show taking place after it concludes. The Heartbeat of Freedom fireworks show will be shown on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 9:15 PM nightly. It’s important to note that this show is not a full fireworks show, but rather a 5-minute patriotic finale. You’ll be able to purchase a fireworks dining package or dessert party package for each of these shows. Disney World Has EXTENDED Park Hours For Fourth of July Heartbeat of Freedom ©Jeff Krause Carousel of Progress closes for a lengthy refurbishment I know this might be some of the most devastating news you’ve heard today, but it’s true. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will be closing on July 6th for a long refurbishment. Because of the technological advances in today’s world, the attraction can be seen as outdated. The new attraction will feature the 1960s, 1980s, the new millennium, and a possible future with an introductory scene featuring Walt Disney himself. The attraction will reopen sometime in 2027. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress If You Hate That Disney World Is CHANGING Carousel of Progress, This Might Make You Feel Better Extended Evening Hours continue If you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or another select hotel, you have access to the parks longer than the regular guests! These resorts include: Disney Deluxe Resorts Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (The extended evening theme park hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only.) The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Other Select Hotels Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The dates for Extended Evening Hours in July include: Magic Kingdom: Wednesday, July 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th: 10 PM to 12 AM; Wednesday, July 8th: 11PM to 1PM EPCOT: Monday, July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th: 9 PM to 11 PM FULL LIST of Disney World Extended Evening Hours Dates and Theme Parks for 2026 EPCOT at night LEVEL99 will be open LEVEL99 opens on June 29th in Disney Springs, replacing what was recently the NBA Experience and DisneyQuest. LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience where guests will experience physical and mental challenges. You can find this location on the West Side of Disney Springs, and it’s actually the largest LEVEL99 to date. So, be prepared for crowd levels to be high during the first couple of months of its opening, especially with it opening in peak vacation season. LEVEL99 Tickets Are Available RIGHT NOW For LEVEL99 in Disney Springs! Grand Floridian Cafe closes for refurbishment Starting in mid-July, a beloved brunch spot will be closing for refurbishment until October. Although Disney hasn’t officially announced the closing date, the hours of the Grand Floridian Cafe on the My Disney Experience App show regular hours through Sunday, July 19th, and starting on Monday, July 20th, the hours change. If you were hoping to eat brunch here during your trip, don’t worry, because Disney has also revealed that brunch will move upstairs to Citricos while Grand Floridian Cafe is under refurbishment! Mickey waffle with chicken? Yes, please! REVIEW: Should You Leave Magic Kingdom for Brunch at Grand Floridian Cafe? Currently closed for refurbishment We’ve already named some things that will be closing for refurbishment, but there are some things that have been closed and will continue to be closed throughout July. Located inside Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, Big Top Souvenirs remains closed for its refurbishment. This area closed in January and has plans to open later this year. This spot is where guests could meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck, and without this space, they do not have official meeting times. However, they sometimes meet near the Storybook Circus sign, but this is not guaranteed. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest times! Pete’s Silly Sideshow has revealed an opening date of June 27th, however, Big Top Souvenirs is still listed on the refurbishment list. Big Top Souvenirs La Signature in the France Pavilion will be temporarily closed starting on June 29th and is expected to reopen sometime later this year. Here, you’re able to find over 70 different French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. As of right now, there has been no reopening date announced. La Signature The sister bar counter of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has been closed since April and does not currently have a reopening date. Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at the Polynesian Village Resort had originally been scheduled for their refurbishment to go through late June; however, the calendar on the My Disney Experience app shows that it will still be closed through the end of July. So, if you’re looking to grab a drink, you’ll have to join the walk-up list at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Closed for now A MAJOR Hotel Transportation Perk Is BACK At Disney’s Polynesian Resort! Ongoing construction A lot of exciting things are coming to Disney World in the near future, which means there’s a lot of construction happening around the parks and resorts. Let’s start off with the Piston Peak construction — The Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom closed last July to make room for a themed land inspired by the Pixar film, Cars. This land will include two newly themed attractions, including a rally race-themed attraction and a family-friendly attraction for those smaller racers! There are a lot of walls up, and even food kiosks are being closed (R.I.P. Westward Ho), so keep in mind that you may have to reroute during your trip to Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak Construction Over in Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A. officially closed in February to make room for the Tropical Americas featuring Encanto and the Indiana Jones films. This land will feature several attractions based on these movies, including a boat ride located in the Casita inspired by Antonio’s special gift. The previous Dinosaur attraction will be rethemed to an Indiana Jones attraction. Animal Kingdom construction Disney World’s NEW Tropical Americas Restaurant Will Be One of Its BIGGEST There’s always something changing at Disney World, but we’re always on the lookout. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB, so you don’t miss any Disney news and updates! Disney Quietly Made a Huge EPCOT Change, and Everything Looks a Little Different Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these changes are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! 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There are few more nightmarish scenarios for a Disney World vacation than getting sick. Magic Kingdom First Aid Center However, if you find yourself in this spot, you have to take care of yourself, even if it means sacrificing some of your vacation time. Trust us, it’s not worth the risk. Pack Smart Before we get into what you should do if you’re feeling sick at Disney World, a quick note about packing for your trip. Stock up on over-the-counter medications, including cold and anti-nausea medications, as well as hydration packets like Liquid IV or Gatorade powders to stay hydrated. That way, if you do start feeling ill, you’ll already have some remedies on hand. ©Amazon In Your Hotel Room If you find yourself not feeling well in the morning, don’t push yourself to leave your hotel room to get to the parks. Understandably, you may want to power through to try and “make the most” of your vacation. However, if your body is telling you a hard “no,” you really need to listen. If you find yourself room-ridden with food poisoning symptoms and need to order some supplies — like more medicine or hydration packs — through a service like Instacart, the front desk will deliver it to your room for you for $6. ©Disney In the Parks If your symptoms don’t strike until you find yourself out for the day, each of Disney World’s four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), and Disney Springs are home to First Aid stations. Make your way there ASAP. EPCOT First Aid AdventHealth Options If symptoms persist, seek medical help either in the form of a telehealth service or from a local facility. Since 2021, Disney has partnered with AdventHealth to offer a number of services to Guests, including urgent care, AdventHealth Telehealth, in-room care, prescription delivery, equipment delivery, and more. AdventHealth Guest Health Care Services ©Disney Some of these services include: In-room visits where an AdventHealth provider will arrive at a guest’s hotel room within 2 hours. Medication may be dispensed by the visiting provider or delivered to your room via AdventHealth Pharmacy. In-room appointment costs start at $325, are self-pay at the time of service, and are not eligible for insurance. 24/7 telehealth service via the AdventHealth app, featuring secure AdventHealth Telehealth visits with an AdventHealth provider, diagnosis, and treatment for minor ailments. Prescriptions are sent to a nearby preferred pharmacy or delivered to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel. An AdventHealth emergency room is located at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, which offers “access to expert emergency care with no wait. It is staffed by a comprehensive clinical team, including board-certified emergency physicians and emergency nurses.” AdventHealth ER at Disney World Refunds? According to PlanDisney, “theme park tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable, but the good news is that they are valid until their stated expiration date! So, if you do happen to get sick, hopefully, you can find another date in the future that will work for you.” In other words, you’re most likely not getting your money back. However, it’s always worth reaching out to Guest Services to see if anything can be done or any accommodations can be made, including possibly rescheduling your trip to a later time and allowing you to reuse your tickets. ©Disney If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being sick on your next Disney World vacation, these are the steps you need to take to take care of yourself first and foremost. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips. Like It or Not, an Iconic Attraction Is About To Close for a HUGE Overhaul in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever gotten sick on a Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

We recently covered one of the most terrifying roller coasters yet, the Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas near Dallas, Texas. The roller coaster is going to set SIX world records for roller coasters, including a 309-foot maximum elevation and a descent that will send guests 87 mph. When it opens, it’ll be the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest coaster ever! ©Six Flags Over Texas Tormenta Rampaging Run was set to open on Friday, June 26th, to commemorate Six Flags Over Texas’ 65th anniversary, but the opening has been postponed, with no new opening date in sight! “All of us at Six Flags Over Texas are just as excited as you are to experience this record-breaking dive coaster,” The park said in an Instagram post on Monday. “As we continue preparing for its debut, the commissioning and testing process is taking longer than expected. While this means pausing our current opening timeline, it ensures that when Tormenta charges out of the gates, it will be a ride experience worthy of its name — bold, intense, and unforgettable. We’ll share a new opening date as soon as it’s ready to be announced. Thank you for your continued patience – we look forward to riding with you soon!” ©Six Flags Over Texas When Tormenta Rampaging Run opens, it will be the tallest, fastest, longest, and first giga-dive coaster that is over 300 feet tall. The roller coaster is going to set six world records for roller coasters, including a 309-foot maximum elevation and a descent that will send guests 87 mph, making it both the tallest and fastest coaster in the world. The dive coaster will also be the world’s longest coaster at 4,199 feet, the world’s tallest vertical loop at 179 feet, the highest Immelmann inversion that carries passengers upside down and 218 feet above ground, and a 95-degree beyond-vertical drop, plunging riders 285 feet. ©Six Flags Over Texas We’ll be sure to update you on when Tormenta Rampaging Run opens at Six Flags Over Texas. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park news! Six Flags Announces Record-Breaking Coaster Opening in 2027! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you ride this record-breaking roller coaster? Comment below! View the full article

BoxLunch just quietly dropped five new Loungefly styles, and if you’re the kind of person who checks the site regularly, you already know how fast these tend to disappear. We love Loungefly! Whether you’re prepping for a park trip, hunting for a gift, or just treating yourself after a long week, this batch covers a surprisingly wide range of fandoms. Here’s a look at what’s new and why each one is worth a second glance. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This One Was Made for Minnie Fans ©BoxLunch Some bags are cute. Some bags are an event. The Loungefly Disney Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Figural Mini Backpack lands firmly in the second category. It’s embossed with polka dots, features an iridescent applique of Minnie’s face, includes figural ears, and finishes the whole look with a rhinestone bow detail. It’s the kind of piece that photographs well in front of Cinderella Castle and holds up in real life too. Snag yours before it sells out. view ON AMAZON The Underrated Disney Movie That Deserves More Love ©BoxLunch Oliver and Company never gets the credit it deserves, and fans of the film know exactly how rare good merch can be. The Loungefly Disney Oliver & Company Floral Drawstring Mini Backpack finally delivers. It features Dodger and Oliver set among embroidered flowers on the front flap, paw prints embroidered on the body, and a twist lock closure that keeps things secure without the fuss. It’s a thoughtful design that rewards people who actually know the film. view ON AMAZON For the Pixar Fan Who Cries at Balloons ©BoxLunch If you’ve ever teared up during the first ten minutes of Up, this one is going to hit differently. The Loungefly Disney Pixar Up Embroidered Icons Canvas Mini Backpack captures the spirit of the film with Up icons set against a cloudy backdrop and embroidered detailing throughout. The canvas construction gives it a slightly more textured, understated look than the typical Loungefly, which makes it a solid everyday carry for fans who want something that feels a little more grown-up. view ON AMAZON The Gaming Crossover Nobody Saw Coming ©BoxLunch Marvel Rivals has built a surprisingly devoted fanbase fast, and Jeff the Land Shark has somehow become the breakout character nobody predicted. The Loungefly Marvel Rivals Jeff the Land Shark Mini Backpack leans into that energy with a moving Jeff applique on the front, embossed details on the body, and a zipper pull shaped like his name tag. It’s playful, it’s specific, and it’s the kind of thing that signals to other fans that you’re in on it. view ON AMAZON A Bag That Literally Smells Like a Snack ©BoxLunch Disney parks and food go hand in hand, and somehow, Loungefly managed to bottle that feeling. The Loungefly Disney Minnie Mouse Key Lime Pie Lime Scented Mini Backpack is exactly what it sounds like: a lime-scented mini backpack shaped like a pie. It features a die-cut pie-shaped front pocket, embroidered details, lime ears, and a 3D bow. It’s fun, it’s unexpected, and it genuinely smells good. view ON AMAZON Whether you’re adding to your collection or shopping for someone who never turns down a new Loungefly, this BoxLunch drop has something for a lot of different fandoms. 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

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Slinky Dog Dash Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. Sure, we can look at past data to get an estimate of the crowd levels in Disney World, but you never know what may happen from year to year. Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World this past week. Slinky Dog Dash toppled the Muppets at Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom Wait Times Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 60 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 45 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 38 minutes Jungle Cruise — 33 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 33 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 32 minutes Space Mountain — 31 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 30 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 27 minutes Haunted Mansion — 22 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 16 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 14 minutes Astro Orbiter — 13 minutes Astro Orbiter Tomorrowland Speedway — 13 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 10 minutes “it’s a small world” — 10 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 10 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 8 minutes Mad Tea Party — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 6 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Test Track — 70 minutes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 69 minutes Frozen Ever After — 45 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 44 minutes Soarin’ Across America — 32 minutes Mission: Space Mission: SPACE — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Living with the Land — 13 minutes Spaceship Earth — 13 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 9 minutes Journey into Imagination — 9 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 8 minutes Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Canada Far and Wide, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage — 49 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 33 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 23 minutes Expedition Everest — 23 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 11 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 65 minutes Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 63 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 47 minutes Toy Story Mania — 37 minutes Tower of Terror — 33 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 35 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 31 minutes This is amazing! Alien Swirling Saucers — 23 minutes Star Tours — 7 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Disney dropped a TON of news this week, especially around what we can expect from the holiday season in both Disneyland Resort and Disney World, but we also got some much-needed updates on a few projects happening inside the parks. Minnie Mouse at Pete’s Silly Sideshow We finally know when a long-closed attraction will reopen in Magic Kingdom, an EPCOT store is getting ready to temporarily close, and we’re in our final week before Carousel of Progress closes for its long refurbishment. If you’re heading into the parks soon, a lot is going on that you need to know about ahead of time, so we’re here to catch you up! Beginning June 29th, La Signature will be closed in EPCOT for refurbishment, and don’t forget that Carousel of Progress will close for its refurbishment on July 6th, in less than a week. Plus, this past week, Westward Ho officially closed at Magic Kingdom on June 22nd, so we’re curious to see what may take its place when Piston Peak opens. Westward Ho Let’s take a look at all the current closures taking place in Disney World from June 26th through July 3rd. Magic Kingdom Storybook Circus Pete’s Silly Sideshow temporarily closed starting January 4th, 2026, and reopened early on June 26th! This is the Storybook Circus meet and greet area, where you can meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Minnie Mouse as they join the circus. Pete’s Silly Sideshow Big Top Souvenirs closed on February 20th, and Disney has said it’ll “reopen for guests to enjoy later this year,” but there’s no date in sight. When we stopped by recently, we noticed that the entire top of the store is GONE right now! As of right now, there’s no mention as to when this store will reopen. The tent disappeared! We’re really curious to see how this all turns out, so we’ll keep you updated! Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw some updates to the concrete on the land, as well as leveling taking place for the new attractions — how exciting! Piston Peak construction Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. The No-Brainer Trick Everyone Forgets About in Magic Kingdom Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Parts of) Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. The courtyard area, new Disney Jr. show, and meet and greet station for Sofia the First and SupeKitties officially opened on May 26th, but we’re still waiting for the other sections of the area to open. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters, complete with the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat! The Magic of Disney Animation in Walt Disney Studios This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area that we can’t wait to see! Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, Disney released new information about Monstropolis, saying that “Monstropolis — the monster city now powered by laughter — is getting ready to give humans a glimpse of what’s been hidden from their world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … why are the doors finally opening to us?” ©Disney We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, which we’re beyond excited to experience. If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! We Reviewed Our 10 Favorite Snacks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios EPCOT La Poutinerie Refreshment Port, located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, closed for refurbishment on January 12th. We know that when it reopens, it’ll become La Poutinerie, and Disney recently revealed some of the menu to us, as well as let us know that it’ll officially open on July 1st. ©Disney The spot will be sponsored by Air Canada, and promises to deliver “a Canadian classic with a twist.” We’re stoked! FULL LIST of Everything You Can See and Do at the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, thanks to an update by @bioreconstruct on X, we can see that the walls have been cast and placed for the Casita in front of the Encanto dark ride. via @bioreconstruct We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride! via @bioreconstruct This new land is shaping up nicely! It will have three new rides – a carousel featuring classic Disney animals, an Indiana Jones ride where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and an Encanto ride that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. 3 Disney World Lightning Lane Rules You Should Break Disney World Hotels Boat Dock — Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Starting on May 11th, the Boat Dock at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort became unavailable for guests to use due to refurbishment. The dock is closed! Boat transportation was unavailable through June 5th, but has now reopened. Though construction on the dock as a whole will continue through late June. It’s not too bad, but this does mean the only way to get from the hotel to Magic Kingdom is to take the Monorail or walk. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Additionally, exterior elevator landing repairs will be taking place through late May 2026. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort For those looking to dine at this hotel, you need to know that the Turf Club Bar & Grill and Turf Club Lounge will both be under refurbishment from mid-March through mid-September 2026. Turf Club Bar & Grill In early April, the Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment and will reopen in early August. In the meantime, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu. Then, from early to mid-August, the Turf Club patio will close for refurbishment, and finally, from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment, but the Turf Club Lounge will be open. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. Tidal Pool At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Yachtsman Steakhouse — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort On May 11th, Yachtsman Steakhouse officially closed for refurbishment. Yachtsman Steakhouse The restaurant is expected to open sometime in early August, though no official date has been set. Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Disney just filed permits for the BoardWalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles” earlier this year, and now that we have a bit more information on them, we’re thinking that this currently vacant spot could soon become the home of the new Basin on the BoardWalk store on its way! The shop will be rooted in the resort’s classic boardwalk heritage and will offer a sensory shopping experience that is described as “both timeless and distinctly new.” Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th. 2025 and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. It was just recently revealed, though, that a new lounge will be coming to the BoardWalk! ©Disney The new lounge will be called Hurly-Burly and will be a “fun-filled afternoons and glamorous evenings inside a historic seaside theatre with a vibrant BoardWalk story that spans over a century.” Based on the concept art revealed, it’s looking like the former JellyRolls building would be the best fit for this spot, but we’re also waiting to see where the new quick-service restaurant announced for the BoardWalk will be going! Disney World Announces NEW Holiday Hotel Discount We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Why Disney Adults Are Suddenly Booking Trips to the UK Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner with so many fun food, drink, entertainment, and merchandise options! French Onion Soup Dumplings at Gyozas of the Galaxy And if you’re going to one of the four EPCOT festivals this year, you’ll need to pack some things that will help you along the way. We found eight items that you need for your next EPCOT festival trip! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Add this waist fan to your cart! Those summer days in Florida can get HOT, and it’s always nice to be prepared with something that will cool you off, including this Rechargeable Waist Fan! This fan simply clips onto a belt loop and pushes air upward, so not only will it keep your whole body cool, but it’ll also keep your energy up! AMKEN Waist Fan This is one of our favorite items to bring with us to the parks, especially on those crowded festival days. There are six speeds, so you can adjust the air to your liking. And the best part? It’ll keep you cool ALL. DAY. LONG! It has a 35-hour battery life, so no need to worry about sweating your day away at the Disney parks! view ON AMAZON This lightweight sling bag is a must! Let’s be real — with so many items to try at the festival, you’ll have your hands full! And the answer to that isn’t a big, bulky bag that’ll weigh you down the whole day. This Sling Bag With Adjustable Straps is perfect to bring with you on your next festival day! Easy to organize! There’s honestly SO much space in this bag, it’s crazy! You’ll be able to fit all of the essentials in this bag: sunscreen, utensils, hand sanitizer, a phone charger, sunglasses, and SO much more. It features two exterior zipper pockets and a front open pocket that’s large enough to fit a water bottle, so instead of worrying about carrying your water bottle, you can worry about carrying those festival foods! view ON AMAZON We can’t go without this water bottle! Speaking of water bottles, you’ll need a good one to bring with you because, say it with me — YOU NEED TO STAY HYDRATED! One of our favorites to bring is the Disney-Inspired Owala Water Bottle. The water bottle is subtle enough that it doesn’t scream “I’M A DISNEY ADULT!” while keeping your drinks ice cold all day! We love Owalas! There are so many different options to choose from including Disney Princesses Ariel, Rapunzel, and Moana, Star Wars characters Darth Vader and the Mandalorian, and Marvel characters Iron Man, Loki, and Captain America (and there’s so many more, but if I were to list them all, we’d be here for a while). This stainless-steel water bottle is made with double-wall insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. You also have the option to sip through the straw or tilting back and drinking from the opening. view ON AMAZON And don’t forget about a tray! Yes, we decorated ours and you have the option to decorate yours, too! But what’s most important about this Food Tray is the amount of food it carries! Trust us, we’ve showed up to a food booth, ordered everything on the menu, and had to balance two drinks, three plates, and a handful of napkins until we found a trash can table. Don’t be this person — be prepared! Get a food tray! This food tray comes in so many different colors and is so helpful when trying to juggle everything you bought at the nearest food booth! It also makes the food taste 10x better knowing you weren’t going to drop it. AND it’s under $5 — the deal of a lifetime! view ON AMAZON You’ll need to charge your phone! Dear FuelRods, thank you for being our small yet powerful best friend. This portable phone charger is unlike none other, especially in Disney World. The FuelRod Max10 provides wireless charging — just stick it to the back of your phone and you’re good to go! Not into the Max10? Grab the FuelRod Rod Pack of Two! These kits come with every phone charger attachment, so you’ll be good to charge it no matter the phone type you have! FuelRod MAX10 The best part about having these in Disney World is the exchange stations around the parks and resorts! Did you FuelRod die in the middle of the day? No worries — you can find the nearest exchange station on the My Disney Experience app, and it’ll pop out a fully charged one FOR FREE! Note that these exchange stations are only free in Disney World, so if you found a station at the airport, you’ll more than likely have to pay! But you can also recharge them at home using a USB-C cord! view ON AMAZON Don’t turn into a lobster! Make no mistake, the Florida sun is no joke, even if you think you’re safe on a cloudy day — it’ll sneak up on you! So definitely grab yourself some sunscreen, but not just any kind of sunscreen…grab the Supergoop! (Re)setting Face Powder with SPF 35! Not only does it protect you from the sun, but it also sets your makeup for the day! So yes ladies, you don’t have to worry about your makeup sweating off or looking oily with this magic sunscreen! ©Amazon There are four different color shades to choose from, so it’s perfect for every skin tone and every skin type! After applying your makeup, simply brush the (Re)setting Powder generously over your face to set the look. And be sure to continue to use it throughout the day to reduce shine and strengthen your protection! view ON AMAZON No need to worry about those Disney germs! With so many people going to Disney World every day, there’s bound to be germs everywhere you go and on everything you touch. That’s why it’s important to carry hand sanitizer with you, specifically this Mickey Mouse Touchland Hand Sanitizer and Case! Since it’s a spray sanitizer, it won’t get messy and all over the place when you try to get some out! Touchland and Disney Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case And the best part is the case that comes with it! It’s both stylish and easy to use since it comes with a clip, so you can hook it onto your bag or belt loop. It also will keep your hands moisturized with aloe vera and essential oils, leaving your hands sanitized, hydrated, and delicately scented. We said, “not today, germs!” view ON AMAZON You can’t eat without utensils! Let’s channel our inner Animal Kingdom environmentalists and save nature one step at a time by purchasing this Travel Utensils Set instead of grabbing a new fork every time you get food at a new booth! You can purchase one or multiple depending on your party size, but it’s perfect for those on-the-go festival days! Reusable Travel Utensils Set Each set comes with a spoon, fork, and knife, and it’s all packed together nicely in a carrying case! And they’re dishwasher safe, so when you’re done, there’s no need to worry about having to wash them by hand! view ON AMAZON We’ve got you covered for all of your festival day needs, so be sure to remember all of these items for your next trip! And while you’re at it, check out all of these other amazing items you could use on your next trip HERE! CHECK OUT OUR FULL LIST ON AMAZON And don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re at Disney almost 24/7 for work. We’re always checking out the newest Disney theme parks and cruises, so we’re Disney World veterans with tried and true park essentials. See how much we can fit in our bag! We compiled our 5 favorite Disney World essentials that will make your trip ten times easier. If you’re heading to the Disney parks or hotels soon, make sure you pick these up! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Mini Backpack Organizer Insert will help you stay organized! HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer This Mini Backpack Organizer Insert fits perfectly into a Disney Loungefly Mini Backpack, keeping you organized! It has 7 multi-pockets of different sizes that fit portable chargers, water bottles, umbrellas, cosmetics, travel items, wallets, purses, or phones. view ON AMAZON This MagicBand+ Charging Station is a lifesaver for Disney trips! Charging Station for MagicBand+ This MagicBand+ Charging Station charges up to four MagicBands at once. It was so convenient to bring one item to charge multiple MagicBands instead of everyone bringing their own charger. It’s great for families since you can charge MagicBands all in one place, and it only takes up one single outlet! view ON AMAZON This Flat Plug Power Strip is perfect for hotel stays! Flat Plug Power Strip The Flat Plug Power Strip has 3 outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 USB-C ports. It charges up to 7 devices at the same time. It’s perfect for your next vacation – charge your cellphone, laptop, tablet, earphones, or camera all at once! No more fighting over limited hotel outlets again. view ON AMAZON Sleep like a baby with the Dreamegg White Noise Machine! Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine The Dreamegg White Noise Machine is a portable egg-sized sound machine made for traveling! It has 16 soothing nature sounds, including ocean waves, rain, birds, and fan sounds, along with white noise to mask background noise and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You’ll sleep like a baby even in the loudest of hotel rooms! view ON AMAZON Cover up any noise with this Pillow Speaker! Pillow Speaker This Pillow Speaker is a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s designed to fit right under your pillow! It’s so easy to connect to your phone – turn the speaker on, and it quickly pops up for Bluetooth pairing. It was super lightweight and portable to fit into our suitcase. The buttons are super handy to adjust the volume and skip forward or backward. Pillow Speaker This Pillow Speaker can get pretty loud! When it is not under a pillow, you can hear it very well. You can also hear pretty well if it’s near the edge of the pillow. You might want to play with it before getting ready for bed to see what the best volume setting is for you. The quietest setting was audible when holding it close to our face, but not through the pillow. 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

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Whether you want sushi, fried chicken, or Mickey Waffles — we review every Disney World restaurant to help you choose! Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya We recently stopped by Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT to see how the latest menu is standing up against our previous reviews, and now we’re bringing you our thoughts. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is located in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion, and it offers a fun, shareable dining experience inspired by traditional Japanese izakaya-style meals. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya The menu is packed with sushi, teppan dishes, and other small plates designed for sharing, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal with family and friends. Sushi fans will find plenty to love, including favorites like the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Monster Roll, and the impressive Funamori sushi boat, all served in a lively atmosphere that encourages conversation and leisurely dining. Lots of space You’ll find Shiki-Sai in the Japan Pavilion, tucked away on the second floor above the Mitsukoshi Department Store. The restaurant beautifully celebrates Japan’s changing seasons, with seasonal touches woven throughout the decor. Inside, there’s a mix of booths and tables surrounding an open sushi bar where guests can watch chefs at work. One of the standout features is the collection of virtual windows that change to reflect the current season, creating a beautiful backdrop that makes the space feel even more immersive. The virtual windows are stunning But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Here’s a look at the Nigiri menu. Guests are served two pieces per order. ©Disney The menu here is quite extensive. Here’s a peek at the Sashimi selection, as well as some Sushi Combinations ranging from $25 to $100. ©Disney The Chef Specials menu has several types of sushi and sashimi. The Fune for 4-6 certainly caught our eyes! ©Disney There are some classic dishes here, too, like the Salmon Roll and the Spicy Tuna Roll. The prices on the Roll & Temaki menu range from $7 to $18. ©Disney The Izakaya Classics section of the menu has plenty of options, too. ©Disney There are also rice and noodle options like Udon and Beef Rice. There is also a kids’ menu that includes a Kids Temaki set or a kids’ bento. ©Disney To drink, there are a few non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. ©Disney We can’t forget about dessert! The Yuzu Cheesecake and the Ichigo Parfait are standouts. ©Disney You can grab a special cocktail like the Violet Sake, Tokyo Sunset, and more. ©Disney There is also Sake ranging from $10 to $25. ©Disney The menu includes Japanese Spirits like gin, whiskey, and vodka. ©Disney There are multiple wines you can choose from as well. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the drinks! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Cocktail Flight for $25. The Cocktail Flight First, we tried the Mt. Fuji cocktail. This is a refreshing sake cocktail with blue curacao and pineapple. This cocktail felt like we were biting into a pineapple! It was very fresh and bright, with a little hint of sourness — just like a pineapple. It was not an alcohol-forward cocktail, meaning that the alcohol was masked by the other flavors. Mt. Fuji Next, we tried the Violet Saki. This cocktail was also hard to taste the alcohol, which we can appreciate. The cocktail was very sweet as well. This is a very popular EPCOT drink, especially if you’re looking to beat the heat. Violet Saki Finally, we tried the Tokyo Sunset. This sunset-colored cocktail with pineapple, coconut rum & orange juice with a splash of grenadine. This one was the standout, with our reporter even writing, “This is one of my favorite drinks I’ve ever had.” They mentioned they would return here again for this drink alone. The grenadine and rum were the strongest flavors, but again, it wasn’t a very strong alcohol flavor. All three of these flight options are going to be good for anyone looking for an alcoholic beverage without the pinch of alcohol flavors. Tokyo Sunset Eats First up, we grabbed the Tokyo Negi Roll for $20. This is made with Green onion Tempura rolled with Tuna Tataki and topped with Jalapeño Aïoli, Shredded Carrot, and Sliced Jalapeño. Tokyo Negi Roll The fish was very fresh and tender, especially for central Florida, since we aren’t right by the ocean! The fish melted in our mouths and was very buttery — which we love in sushi. Presentation is stunning The rice was perfect as well and held the roll together. The sauce had a bit of a spice to it, and the fresh jalapeño had a really nice crunch. The green onion tempura was also a good addition, giving the roll a nice crunch for added texture. Let’s dive in! Next, we grabbed the Takoyaki for $10. Takoyaki are popular Japanese street food balls made from a wheat flour-based batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and pickled ginger, cooked in a special molded pan. We were very excited to try this. Takoyaki Our reporter had tried Takoyaki after searching all of Orlando for some and was left disappointed each time. This was a really nice surprise! Very crunchy on the outside The outside was really crunchy, and the inside had a really nice salty flavor. The octopus was so tender, and the rest of the batter was very buttery and creamy. We would order this again. If you’re looking for something more adventurous outside of the traditional American palette, this could be a good option to try! The inside had a really nice salty flavor Finally, we tried the Agedashi Tofu for $14. This is deep-fried tofu with shimeji mushrooms in a flavorful broth. The tofu is so smooth and silky, and the broth had soaked all through and made it very flavorful. Agedashi Tofu The mushrooms were also tender and were not chewy or rubbery. They added a nice earthy, umami flavor compared to the savory broth. We really appreciated the flavors of this dish. Agedashi Tofu Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You LOVE sushi. This one seems pretty self-explanatory, but if you appreciate sushi, this is for you. You’re looking for a unique theme park dining experience. This restaurant has high-quality dishes and a great atmosphere that will have you forgetting you are in a theme park. You want an authentic experience with Japanese culture. From the seasonal themes to the kind staff, you can learn a LOT during your visit. Come here for the food, stay here for the experience — it’s well worth a visit! You should skip this Disney World spot if… You or someone in your group is a picky eater. Look, there’s a lot of raw fish, seafood, and sushi on the menu here. If you have someone who isn’t interested in these flavors and doesn’t want to dive into the traditional Japanese cuisine, you might want to skip this place. You’re looking for somewhere quick. Like many other table service restaurants, it will take time. If you’re trying to pack in a full park day with rides and attractions, this might be a skip. You are looking for something that won’t break your budget. This restaurant is not the cheapest place to eat in EPCOT, and you’ll drop some serious money here depending on what you order. Overall Overall, we had a really wonderful experience at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, and it’s a restaurant we’d happily return to again and again. The service was excellent from start to finish — every Cast Member we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely made us feel at home. The food was fresh, flavorful, and offered something a little different from what you typically find around Disney World. We especially appreciated how elevated the menu felt, making this meal feel like a special experience rather than just another quick stop during a park day. Sushi being made! One of the biggest highlights is how much Shiki-Sai feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of EPCOT. Tucked away above the Japan Pavilion, it offers a quieter atmosphere that’s perfect for taking a break from the crowds. The views overlooking the park are fantastic, and even if you aren’t seated near a window, the seasonal digital window displays add a charming touch to the space. This restaurant left such a strong impression on us that we’re already planning our next visit — and that may be the biggest compliment we can give it. Shiki-Sai In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Amazon Prime Days are over, and the last few days have been filled with lots of amazing deals. Cinderella Castle But if you missed out, there is no need to worry, we found so many Disney souvenirs and essentials that are still on sale today, that you need to check out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World this summer, check out these essentials! Check out these fun Disney Character Socks Character Socks! These high socks are so much fun. They feature Mickey, Minnie, Mike, and Sulley. If you’re looking for a cute accessory to enhance your Disney outfits on your next vacation, then look no further than these cool socks. VIEW ON AMAZON Next, check out this Silly Symphonies Skeleton Dance Vintage T-Shirt ©Amazon If you love vintage Disney, especially older Disney Cartoons, then this is a fantastic niche t-shirt to grab before your next Disney trip. If you’re looking for some subtle Disney merch, this is a great option. VIEW ON AMAZON Next up is this great Backpack Organizer HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer This Backpack organizer is amazing for either your travel bag or in the parks. Here you can keep all your items nice and organized, so you never lose anything. When you’re dealing with a hectic travel or park day, having all your items organized is such a game-changer! VIEW ON AMAZON Next, check out Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip When you’re traveling with a big group (or if you just have a lot of devices), then this power strip is a fantastic travel essential. The ability to plug in all of your devices in one place really helps keep your hotel room and cords very organized. VIEW ON AMAZON Last up is this Shark Chill Pill Cooling Fan Shark Chill Pill Fan When you visit Disney World in the summer, it will get VERY hot, and one of the best ways to beat the heat is with a cooling fan. And this one has both a fan and a misting feature, plus it can be attached to your clothes, which makes it incredibly easy to bring around the parks with you. Plus, it is still over 10% off right now. VIEW ON AMAZON Will you be grabbing any of these souvenirs and essentials while they are on sale? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! View the full article

A new month is right around the corner, and while that means lots of things in the world of Disney, it also means that new titles are coming to Disney+! ©Disney Each month, there are dozens of new titles that drop on the streaming platform for subscribers to enjoy. Whether you prefer feature films, tv shows, documentaries, or anything in between, there’s something for you on Disney+. Here’s what you can look forward to arriving in July! There’s a lot dropping in July, so get ready — you’re about to have a lot to add to your watch list! July 1st Abandoned (Hulu Original) – Premiere – All Episodes Streaming King & Prince: Our Meet-Up in LA (Disney+ Original) – New Episode Magicampers (Season 1) – New Episodes X-Men ’97 (Season 2) (Disney+ Original) – Three-Episode Premiere July 3rd Disney Celebrates America (ABC News Live) – 24-hour programming begins The Simpsons: Simpsley – Disney+ Exclusive Episode July 4th Disney Celebrates America (ABC News Live) – 24-hour programming concludes July 5th Chibiverse (Season 4) – New Episodes Hammerhead Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory World’s Biggest Mako Attack of the Samurai Sharks Shark vs. Giant Croc Shark Island Showdown Sharks: Reef Rivals Great White Gauntlet July 6th Doctor on the Edge (Hulu Original) – New Episode July 7th Doctor on the Edge (Hulu Original) – New Episode July 8th Bluey Compilations – Premiere King & Prince: Our Meet-Up in LA (Disney+ Original) – New Episode X-Men ’97 (Season 2) (Disney+ Original) – New Episode ©Marvel July 10th Project Runway (Season 22) – Premiere July 11th Theme Song Takeover (Season 6) – Premiere July 13th Rabbit Hole (Season 1) (Pocketwatch) July 14th Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro – Premiere Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 5) – New Episodes July 15th King & Prince: Our Meet-Up in LA (Disney+ Original) – New Episode X-Men ’97 (Season 2) (Disney+ Original) – New Episode July 16th The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One July 17th America’s Funniest Home Videos (Seasons 19-21) Descendants: Wicked Wonderland – Premiere Project Runway (Season 22) – New Episode ©Disney July 18th Theme Song Takeover (Season 6) – New Episode July 19th Women’s Sports Sundays – WNBA: Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury (ESPN) – 7pm ET July 21st Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro – New Episode July 22nd BeddyByes – New Episodes King & Prince: Our Meet-Up in LA (Disney+ Original) – New Episode X-Men ’97 (Season 2) (Disney+ Original) – New Episode July 23rd Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston – Premiere Banana Ball: Party Animals vs. Clowns (ESPN) – 7pm ET July 24th Project Runway (Season 22) – New Episode Soy Luna: Let’s Roll Again (Disney+ Original) – Premiere – All Episodes Streaming NFL Flag Championships (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ABC, NFL+) – TBD Banana Ball: Bananas vs. Firefighters (ESPN2) – 8pm ET It’s time for Banana Ball! July 25th How Not to Draw: Shorts (Season 5) – New Episode Locker Diaries: Descendants: Shorts – Two-Episode Premiere Theme Song Takeover (Season 6) – New Episode NFL Flag Championships (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ABC, NFL+) – TBD Banana Ball: Bananas vs. Firefighters (ESPN2) – 5pm ET WNBA All-Star Game (ABC) – 8:30pm ET July 26th NFL Flag Championships (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ABC, NFL+) – 10am ET Banana Ball: Bananas vs. Firefighters (ESPN2) – 4pm ET Women’s Sports Sundays – NWSL: Angel City FC vs. Racing Louisville (ESPN, ESPN Deportes) – 9pm ET July 28th Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro – New Episode July 29th The Devil Wears Prada 2 – Disney+ and Hulu Streaming Premiere King & Prince: Our Meet-Up in LA (Disney+ Original) – New Episode X-Men ’97 (Season 2) (Disney+ Original) – New Episode July 30th Disney Jr. Play Break: Shorts (Season 1) – New Episode Lollapalooza Livestream Day 1 July 31st Lollapalooza Livestream Day 2 Project Runway (Season 22) – New Episode Banana Ball: Tailgaters vs. Party Animals (ESPN2) – 9pm ET Streams (offer Premium subscribers carefully curated, continuous programming on Disney+) Pixar – Now Streaming Throwbacks – Now Streaming Disney Princess – Launches July 23rd ©Marvel We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney streaming news, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney+ Drops Trailer for New Supernatural Animated Series, ‘The Doomies’ Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about what’s coming this month? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

It’s no secret that Disney World is home to a wide variety of dining options, ranging from quick-service eateries to heavily themed table-service restaurants and beyond. Dry-Aged Duroc Pork Chop However, if you’re planning a visit in 2027, be aware that not every Disney restaurant is created equal next year, and there are some that it may be wise to hold off on until your next trip. Be Our Guest From a thematic standpoint, there’s no denying that Be Our Guest is one of the most impressive spaces in Disney World, meticulously recreating the Beast’s Castle from the iconic film Beauty and the Beast. However, if you’re only going for a meal, the prix-fixe price ($72 per adult, $43 per child) is expensive, and for many leaves a bit to be desired. That’s why so many guests still lament the restaurant’s previous offerings, including the previous lunch and breakfast menus. Be Our Guest REVIEW: Why You Should Skip Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant and Eat HERE Instead ‘Ohana There was a time when the Polynesian Resort’s ‘Ohana was hailed as one of the best dining locations on property. However, our recent visits here have been a whole lot more inconsistent. Sometimes, the food and service are still SPOT ON, just like the good ‘ole days, while other times we’ve found the quality of the items to be lacking, which is really disappointing for a dinner that costs $65 per adult. This inconsistency becomes especially hard to recommend when more reliable options like the Wailulu Bar and Grill or even ‘Ohana’s attached Tambu Lounge are available at the Polynesian. Inside ‘Ohana REVIEW: Why You Should Skip Disney World’s ‘Ohana and Eat HERE Instead Coral Reef The main draw of the Coral Reef at EPCOT has always been — and will always be — the direct views into The Living Seas aquariums. If that’s a draw for you, then go for it. If you’re not a SeaLife fan and are only looking for a meal, there are better options. Coral Reef Restaurant 5 Changes Coming to EPCOT Next Month! Rainforest Cafe Located at the front of Animal Kingdom, this outpost of the once-popular chain restaurant offers the same menu and thematic experiences as its other remaining outposts. So, in other words, a somewhat stuck-in-the-1990s typical theme-restaurant menu. Rainforest Cafe Not to mention the fact that another Rainforest Cafe is still in operation at Disney Springs. Which means, yes, you can get the EXACT same meal, surrounded by pretty much the EXACT same theming, elsewhere on the property. Hence, it’s likely worth skipping at Animal Kingdom for some of the park’s more unique culinary offerings. Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs 4 Changes Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Next Month! Catalina Eddie’s Located on Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Boulevard, Catalina Eddie’s offers pizza, pastas, and Italian subs. However, the food is a bit bland, and the outdoor dining setup offers little shade, meaning a daytime meal there ends up being chowing down on mediocre pizza under the blazing sun. Yeah, not ideal. Catalina Eddie’s We Tried EVERY Snack in Hollywood Studios — Here’s What’s Actually Worth It! Garden View Lounge This past March saw the long-awaited reopening of the afternoon tea experience at the Grand Floridian, which had been shuttered for over 6 years. This British afternoon tea experience offers Twinings tea selections paired with small bites, including scones and pastries, all themed to Alice in Wonderland. Overall, we found the experience to be mostly lovely, but a bit lacking for the price. At $79 per adult, it’s essentially paying the same price you’d normally pay for a REALLY nice prix fixe meal for tea and finger foods. Sunflower Seed and Jelly Bun REVIEW: Don’t Go to This Disney World Lounge for the Food…Go for the VIBES! Space 220 Space 220 provides one of the most unique themed dining environments in any Disney theme park. Guests first board a “space elevator” that mimics taking them 220 miles above the Earth to the Centauri Space Station, where they’ll dine. Once seated, the restaurant’s massive panoramic windows (actually screens) provide simulated daytime and nighttime views of the Earth inside the dining area. The restaurant’s menu offers a prix fixe selection — two courses during lunch, three courses for dinner — featuring modern American cuisine. Lunch costs $55 per person, while dinner jumps to $79 a per adult. On top of that, the restaurant is one of the toughest reservations to get at EPCOT. Not a bad view However, there’s a way to enjoy the theming of Space 220 without needing a reservation or spending prix-fixe prices. Space 220 also features a lounge with its own menu of à la carte Flight Bites and cocktails, including our go-to Blue Moon Cauliflower, which is made with Tempura-fried cauliflower, housemade hot sauce, and bleu cheese dust. It has a light, crispy batter on the outside, with saucy cauliflower on the inside, while the buffalo sauce adds a nice kick. Blue Moon Cauliflower The 11 Best Things to Pack For the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, According To Our Rigorous Testing! When you’re putting together your 2027 Disney itinerary, you’ll probably want to skip over these Disney World restaurants this time. Stay tuned to DFB for further Disney dining tips. The Best Disney World Rides for Groups of 3 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you heading to Disney World next year? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Universal Kids Resort is Universal’s brand-new theme park in Frisco, just outside of Dallas, Texas. The park features seven lands themed after some iconic Universal movies: Shrek, SpongeBob, Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World. Poppy-licious Pink But here at Disney Food Blog, there’s one thing we care about more than the rides – the food! It’s literally in our name! We tried almost every bite at Universal Kids Resort, and we noticed that many menu items are taken directly from Universal Orlando in Florida. Here are all four Universal snacks you can find in Texas, too! ​​ Mac & Cheese Cone If you’re craving one of the Mac & Cheese Cones from Isle of Berk in Epic Universe, then you don’t need to go to Florida for it. Universal Kids Resort offers a Mac & Cheese Cone at Bello Bay Bites inside Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club. It’s creamy golden macaroni and cheese inside a garlic-sauce bread cone, topped with an adorable Minion tot! Mac & Cheese Cone The Epic Universe Mac & Cheese cones have stronger flavors, like the Pork, Bacon, and Jam Cone, or the Dragon’s Garden Pyre cone with lemon-herb chicken and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The one at Universal Kids Resort is a lot like their plain Classic Mac & Cheese Cone, built for milder, kid-friendly palettes. Dragon’s Garden Pyre Shrekzel The Shrekzel is an iconic snack at Universal Orlando. It’s a salted pretzel in the shape of Shrek’s face, and honestly, it gives Mickey pretzels a run for their money. We were so excited to find it in Texas! Shrekzel! You can find the Shrekzel at Swamp Snacks inside Shrek’s Swamp. It’s a freshly baked Shrek pretzel served with Tostitos nacho cheese sauce. The only difference is that the Universal Orlando version is served with a green ogre-colored cheese sauce, but the nacho cheese in this one wasn’t bad! Swamp cheese Troll Cones At BroZone Cones in TrollsFest at Universal Kids, you can get Trolls-inspired soft serve shaped like their twisty hairstyles. You can get it in classic vanilla, chocolate, or swirl, or you can get speciality cones, like a pink lemonade Poppy-Licious Pink and a huckleberry-flavored Brozone Berry! Poppy-licious Pink These are the same exact Trolls cones you can get at Trolls Treats at DreamWorks Land in Universal Orlando! The menu at Universal Kids Resort is identical, minus the Churro Sundae, which is exclusive to Florida. BroZone Cones Strawberry DOLE Whip While DOLE Whip is a Disney staple, it’s also served at Universal parks nationwide. We had to stop by the iconic Goofy Goober’s in SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom to try their Goofy Goober’s sundae! The Triple Gooberberry Sunrise is made with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, strawberry DOLE Whip, chocolate fudge, crushed s’mores cookie crumbles, and strawberry Pop-Tarts pieces, whipped topping, banana, and a cherry on top! Triple Gooberberry Sunrise This is pretty similar to the Strawberry S’mores Sundae at Chill Ice Cream at Islands of Adventure. It’s made with DOLE Whip strawberry sorbet, chocolate fudge, marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs. It’s perfect for chocolate strawberry lovers! ©Universal We loved trying all of the food at Universal Kids Resort. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park food news! There’s a NEW Minions Land, and We Saw It ALL at Universal Kids Resort 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 tried any of these Universal snacks? Comment below! View the full article

Racing into magic with Piper, Mark Rober & Make-A-Wish kids 🏁💙 #DisneyWishes #ThisIsDisneyView the full article

We’re just about a year away from the opening of Disney’s newest hotel, the highly anticipated Lakeshore Lodge! ©Disney In the lead-up to the hotel’s opening in the summer of 2027, Disney has begun releasing details on the sprawling nature-themed resort, including a brand new look at concept art for Lakeshore Lodge’s sprawling pool and water recreation area! Dubbed The Wetlands, the outdoor recreation area will sit just beyond the hotel’s lobby, and immerse guests in an area that’s “surrounded by the beauty of Bay Lake.” ©Disney The Wetlands will feature a mixture of several different kinds of areas designed for guests of all ages. Younger guests will especially enjoy Heron Shores… The Wetlands at Lakeshore Lodge ©Disney …and Otter Springs (can you see the massive otters?), areas loaded with interactive water features that draw inspiration from the classic 1995 animated film Pocahontas, specifically the lyrics “the heron and the otter are my friends” from “Colors of the Wind.” See the otters? ©Disney Meanwhile, the Daydream River offers guests a “leisurely” tour around the Wetlands area and allows them to see the landscape. Note how integrated the river is into the landscape. The Wetlands at Lakeshore Lodge ©Disney Finally, at the center of the Wetlands sits Lakeside Lagoon, a zero‑entry feature pool that will sit as the main hub of the area. Lakeside Lagoon at Lakeshore Lodge ©Disney Notice the water slide? This feels like an especially appropriate element, since the site where Lakeshore Lodge as a whole currently sits was once home to River Country, Disney World’s first water park, which thrilled guests with attractions that looked directly out onto Bay Lake from 1976 until 2001. ©Disney Lakeshore Lodge will also feature another pool area on the opposite side of the resort. Perspective Pond will feature a relaxing leisure pool and whirlpool spa, each of which is “perfectly positioned for views of Magic Kingdom fireworks in the evenings.” We think we found the Perspective Pond in the hotel’s larger concept art. ©Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be “inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” The resort will feature 967 rooms, ranging from studios to suites, with many offering views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. In addition, the property will feature one- and two-bedroom Lake Houses along the waterfront, offering an even “closer connection to nature with ample space to relax and unwind.” via @bioreconstruct on X/Twitter As Disney forges ahead to the Summer 2027 opening of Lakeshore Lodge, the company is releasing more details about the upcoming resort, including its Wetlands pool area! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the resort as it’s released. Three Disney World Hotels Fans Aren’t Booking in 2027 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning on paying a visit to Lakeshore Lodge? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

There’s a new attraction opening in Disney Springs in just a few short days, and it’s the talk of the town! LEVEL99 LEVEL99 opens in Disney Springs on June 29th, but thanks to the company, we got a special early preview of the location. It offers 63 different games, some of them focusing more on mental agility, others on physical capabilities, and some are a combination of both! It’s meant for teens and adults, but families can also enjoy the offerings available, but since this is such a collaborative space, who is this attraction really for? Is it worth the cost for YOU to spend $30-$40 on your next trip? Let’s break it down! Solo Travelers While many people choose to go to Disney World with their families or groups of friends, there are plenty of solo travelers out there. There’s a freedom in being able to plan your trip how you want it without having to touch base with anyone else, but how does that extend to LEVEL99? Crystal Vision Game Well, LEVEL99’s games are meant to be collaborative and are made for 2-6 players, so being a solo traveler will be pretty difficult. Now, if you’re feeling open to making friends and wandering around the games before you find a group to let you join in on different games, then this may be a better fit, but in general, we don’t think solo travelers will have the best time here. While you are able to do the Art Hunt on your own, the Duels absolutely require two people, so those will be out unless you do find a stranger to play against. Groups With Young Kids LEVEL99’s personal description states that it’s intended for teens and adults, but does that mean younger kids can’t enjoy it? In our experience, no, that’s not the case, BUT they likely will experience it very differently. Pirates Brig Some of these games are HARD, even for adults, whether that’s in the way of the mental challenge really making you think, or it’s hard physically on your body. While some of the physical challenges in particular may actually be easier for kids (they don’t have as much mass to maneuver as they climb, duck, jump, etc.), many of the games are built for taller/larger bodies, like those that teens and adults have. So younger kids may find that they’re smaller than what games anticipate, or get frustrated at the puzzles that are more challenging. However, if your kiddos love a challenge and aren’t often prone to frustration, then they may have a great time! For those with REALLY young kids, and by that we mean around 3-6 years old, the Art Hunt may be a good fit, but a lot of the rooms will be too much. Couples If you’re feeling competitive or want to show off your skills on a date night, we think this is actually a great spot to go for couples! Now, that’s taking into account that this type of activity is something you and your partner are into, ie. you’re adventurous, are ready to have some fun, and you’re open to waking up sore in the morning from jumping, climbing, and running around. Island Bash A lot of the games can be played with two people, so there’s a whole world of opportunity there. Even better, if you wanted to make this a double date situation, so you’ve got four people all together, that’s extra great. You can play all together for some games, then split up for others, and all have a great time. The Art Hunt and Duels will also be open to you with that many players, so you’re bound to have a great time (as long as you know what you’re getting into!). Large Groups When it comes to large groups, such as those that you’re looking at having between 7-10 people, or even more, this absolutely can be a great hangout spot, but you’ll need to be willing to split up! Again, the maximum amount of players the games can have is 6 players, so if you’ve got more than that, we’ll recommend splitting up into smaller groups, or being willing to switch up who goes with who in certain rooms. Inside Wild Orchard With that many players, though, it also means there’s no issue if someone doesn’t want to do a certain room. You’ve already got plenty of players, so no one has to feel pressured to do something they don’t want to. Talk about team building, though maybe not in the way you were expecting! The Retro Pinball Game We can’t wait to be back at LEVEL99 soon and explore more of the games and opportunities the space has to offer, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! Everything You Need to Know About LEVEL99 at Disney Springs in Walt 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 Are you planning to visit LEVEL99? Tell us in the comments! View the full article