All Activity

The post A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Bob Iger Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

GRWM: Disney Experiences Showcase edition ✨ #D23View the full article

We don’t only cover Disney and Universal news here at DFB — we make sure to give you ALL of the news from EVERY theme park around the world. And this includes Six Flags! ©Six Flags The Six Flags theme parks are home to some of the biggest thrill rides in America, but those don’t go without their problems. A ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain has now been closed for over a month and we have everything you need to know! According to People Magazine, California officials are currently investigating reported incidents involving the X2 rollercoaster, which has been closed since July 12th. Six Flags has yet to share an official statement regarding the matter; however, “the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s (Cal/OSHA) Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit has opened an inspection,” according to People Magazine. ©Six Flags The investigation stemmed from several incidents involving the rollercoaster, including a fire on July 11th and an EMS call on July 5th. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries were reported on that day. ©KTLA 5 The X2 rollercoaster has also faced issues in years prior. People Magazine also reported on a wrongful death lawsuit that is connected with the attraction, writing, “The ride has also been the subject of a wrongful-death lawsuit stemming from the death of a 22-year-old man, Christopher Hawley, who suffered a fatal brain injury after riding X2 in 2022.” ©Six Flags The attraction does not have an opening timeline at the moment, but we’ll keep you updated with any information that is announced! Stay tuned to DFB for more theme parks news and updates. A NEW Record-Breaking Coaster is Opening at Six Flags Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been on the X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Cruella has arrived, darlings 🤍🖤 #D23View the full article

When’s our next paycheck coming in? We need to get this ENTIRE collection! Pooh and Tigger If you’re a fan of the beloved characters from the Hundred Acre Wood, you’re going to become obsessed with this keychain collection we found on the online Disney Store! It’s one of those collections where you won’t be able to convince yourself that getting one rather than getting them all is ok. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Eeyore Keychain ©Disney Store Take a look at this adorable Eeyore Plush Keychain! This is such a cute bag charm for purses, crossbody bags, backpacks, you name it. From the flowers to the pinned-on tail, we love the detail that was put into creating this keychain. view ONline We’re getting this Heffalump Keychain ©Disney Store This Heffalump Plush Keychain might be our favorite one in the whole collection! The Heffalump is carrying a basket with a little bee inside. Displaying this as your bag charm is going to be a standout piece. This is a great grab if you love the Hundred Acre Wood characters, but don’t want to choose the more popular characters. view ON AMAZON We love this Tigger Keychain ©Disney Store The wonderful thing about this Tigger Plush Keychain is that he’s the only one…that will add so much flair to your Disney bag! This Tigger plush is carrying a striped honey pot filled with flowers and a cute little bee. Hopefully Pooh doesn’t get jealous. view ONline Or, you can grab this Kanga and Roo Keychain ©Disney Store There’s also this Kanga and Roo Plush Keychain available online! This keychain is a two-for-one package, because you can’t have Kanga without her Roo. This keychain might be the cutest in the set, as Roo rests in his mother’s pouch, holding a flower. view ONline Don’t forget about Piglet ©Disney Store Piglet fans will want to grab this Piglet Plush Keychain! You know, maybe it’s too hard to say which is the cutest in the collection, because they’re all so dang cute. Piglet’s holding a flower, with a bee resting on it. His little smile is what really does it. view ONline Of course, there’s the Winnie the Pooh Keychain ©Disney Store You can’t have a collection of Hundred Acre Wood characters without the willy, nilly, silly ol’ bear. That’s why you need to grab this Winnie the Pooh Plush Keychain! Pooh is holding a pot filled with flowers, and a bee sits on top of it. View Online We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Get over to Amazon ASAP before these deals on Disney essentials disappear! BAGSMART Water Bottle Holder Bag We’re always on the lookout for ways to save before our next visit to Disney World, and Amazon often comes through with some big deals. In fact, there are a few right now on some of our favorite essentials! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This first essential will help you store all your important Disney day items BAGSMART Water Bottle Holder Bag The BAGSMART Water Bottle Holder is currently 25% off on Amazon and lets you hold all of your essentials while remaining hands-free. This bag has a zipper on the side that makes it easier to add and take things out, as well as a small card holder and card slots in the front pocket. Additionally, the top has a drawstring, ensuring nothing will fall out. It’s also water-resistant and can survive in the rain — which is crucial in Central Florida. BUY ON AMAZON Keep your MagicBands charged with this next essential Charging Station for MagicBand+ This Charging Station for MagicBand+ is currently 30% off on Amazon! This nifty device can charge up to four MagicBands at one time. It’s a one-trick pony, but it’s great at what it does! Save all the spare cords and opt for this one big charger! BUY ON AMAZON Sleep easier with this next device Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Tiny and portable, the Dreamegg Travel White Noise Machine is currently 5% off on Amazon. This sound machine is great for anyone who wants a truly peaceful sleep or nap. It’s so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand but still packs a punch with 35 different volume levels, 16 different sounds, a timer option, and USB-C charging capabilities! If you struggle with thin walls at Disney World hotels or can’t fall asleep easily when you’re away from home, this goes a long way. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! Continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney updates and great souvenir finds! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we make sure to keep you informed of all the most important theme park news. And usually that means discussing Disney or Universal. ©Silver Dollar City However, today we are talking about the all-new roller coaster coming to Silver Dollar City in 2027. Silver Dollar City is located near Branson, Missouri, and has just announced that it will be opening the longest family coaster in the Midwest in 2027. Miner’s Mountain Express is the upcoming coaster that is set to be over three minutes long and have 15 airtime moments, which is more than any other coaster in the park. ©Silver Dollar City According to the Silver Dollar City press release, “Miner’s Mountain Express invites guests aboard runaway mine cars racing across Daredevil Pass, dodging boulders, crossing rugged Ozarks terrain and plunging past a flooded mine shaft in search of a lost entrance to Marvel Cave.” ©Silver Dollar City This coaster is being designed so that it can be enjoyed by multiple generations in your family, and all the details are being carefully crafted to lead back to the park’s origin. This coaster already looks like it will be an incredible addition to this popular theme park. In fact, Silver Dollar City is so popular and beloved that it was named America’s #1 Theme Park according to TripAdvisor. ©Silver Dollar City You can view the whole Miner’s Mountain Express teaser video here! We will continue to bring you ALL kinds of theme park news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! This NEW Dollywood Ride Is Changing All Roller Coasters and We CANNOT Stop Talking About it! 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 theme park news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Calling all Disney Loungefly fans, we have a new lineup of bags to show you! Loungefly Bags BoxLunch just dropped six new Disney Loungefly bags, and even though they aren’t available to get right now, you can pre-order them. We recommend you do that, because these bags look like they are going to be popular grabs from Disney fans. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Aristocats Loungefly is so unique! ©BoxLunch We’ve never seen anything quite like this Marie Bow Loungefly Bag! The bag is inspired by the adorable kitten from Disney’s Aristocats, and in the shape of Marie’s bow. Marie is also printed on the front. It’s a smaller and lighter bag, perfect for Disney evenings when you don’t need to bring as much. view ONline We love this Chip & Dale Loungefly ©BoxLunch This Chip & Dale Loungefly Backpack is so adorable! The bag features the beloved chipmunks designed in a fuzzy texture. They’re sitting in a bowl full of acorns. Unlike the other two, this has a more traditional Loungefly design. The front pocket and main compartment. Suckers for nostalgic Disney are going to want to pre-order this one. view ONline Or, you can grab this Kermit Loungefly Bag ©BoxLunch Muppets fans will want to make sure they can get this Kermit the Frog Loungefly Bag early, before it sells out when it becomes officially available for purchase! The bag features the iconic character sitting back on a log, playing the banjo. You couldn’t ask for a more “Kermit” piece of merchandise. view ONline Don’t forget about this Oogie Boogie Loungefly ©BoxLunch The Oogie Boogie Bash is officially kicking off at Disney California Adventure pretty soon, and we think we found the perfect accessory. Of course, it’s this Oogie Boogie Loungefly Bag! The backpack features a translucent jelly exterior with an all-over bug print and a glowing, light-up lining. What’s not to love about it?! view ONline And finally, there’s this UP Backpack ©BoxLunch Adventure is out there, so make sure to grab this UP Loungefly Backpack for your journey! The bag features a mosaic tile-inspired design, with young Carl and Ellie on the front heart-shaped pocket. You’ll also find floating heart balloons, the iconic grape soda pin, and more movie-inspired touches. view ONline We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

In case you missed it, we are LIVE from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event D23 events happen annually, but this massive D23 Expo only happens every other year. The big weekend is located in Anaheim, California, and it’s where Disney shares MAJOR theme park news, company announcements, and entertainment updates from all aspects of the company. During Disney’s biggest event, the Entertainment Showcase, we noticed some major news that was missing! Disney, what’s up? If you don’t know, the Entertainment Showcase is a huge deal for theme park fans. This year, the theme park panel was called Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. The big panel was hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris, which we would say was legen — wait for it — dary. (If you know, you know). ©Disney The panel took place on August 15th and is easily the biggest aspect of each D23 weekend. This year, during the parks panel, we got news about Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom, Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom, Pueblo Esperanza coming to Animal Kingdom, and MORE! ©Disney We were thrilled to see these updates; there’s no doubt! That being said, there were a few things missing that had us side-eyeing Disney. Avatar Land Coming to Disney California Adventure We did get a look at the new Avatar Land coming to Disney California Adventure at the Imagineering: Horizons pavilion in the form of a new model. While it gives us a look at how the Disneyland Monorail will take us to the land, and a tiny bit of the new boat ride that will be part of the land, we didn’t hear anything about it at the showcase. Avatar Expansion Model at D23 2026 During the Experiences Showcase, Disney didn’t mention this new expansion at all, which we thought was…interesting. We don’t yet have a timeline for when we can expect to see this new land open, so until then, we’ll just be staring at photos of this gorgeous model! We FINALLY Have a Look at Disney’s New Avatar Land Disney’s New Abu Dhabi Park Disney recently talked about how they’re intent on seeing their Abu Dhabi park project through, but didn’t talk about it at all at the Experiences Showcase. ©Disney Well, that’s not entirely true — they mentioned it at the very start of the showcase, but then it never came up again. This is another project that we don’t have a timeline for, we don’t have much concept art for, or really much news at all other than its location and some loose details. Disney’s Abu Dhabi Is Still In Progress No Disney World Space Mountain or Tomorrowland Changes We saw lots of people convinced that Disney would announce some changes, or at least a refurbishment, to the Space Mountain ride located in Magic Kingdom. Alas, there was no mention of such a change, AND it also wasn’t announced that an overhaul is coming to Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Space Mountain However, Disney DID announce a massive overhaul coming to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland (though no concrete details or timeline were announced), and we do know that Disneyland Paris’ Space Mountain will be reverted to its original form, which means no more Hyperspace Mountain. Not to mention, Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain is ALSO changing. Basically, Disney World, for now, you’re out of luck. NEWS: Space Mountain Is CHANGING In Two Disney Parks No PLAY! Pavilion Update For years now, the PLAY Pavilion in EPCOT has been left closed off to the general public. Years ago, Disney had plans to revitalize the pavilion and bring it back to life for guests, but those plans were scrapped. It was supposed to be a “digital metropolis” that featured interactive experiences, games, entertainment, hands-on activities, and favorite Disney characters, both virtual and real. ©Disney || Play Pavilion Concept Art It’s been over three years since we heard anything more about the PLAY! Pavilion, and Disney has just seemingly totally forgotten about this part of the park. We’re assuming the thought process is, “it’s gone this long without anyone using it, there’s no harm in waiting a bit longer.” Personally, we’d love to see this spot used again, but we can be patient…if we have to be. Everything We Know About the PLAY! Pavilion Coming to EPCOT Timeline For Disneyland’s New Coco Attraction While we did get LOTS of news about the upcoming Coco attraction coming to Disney California Adventure, including new concept art, a storyline, and more, there was one big thing missing — an opening timeline. ©Disney We do know that the ride will take place a year after the events of the first film, and it’ll be a boat-style attraction with no height requirement that will walk us through Miguel’s memories of his time in the Land of the Dead. The idea of the ride is that music connects us all, and Disney has said it’ll be a ““truly be a beautiful, moving experience full of fun and surprises, leaning heavily into the music and emotion of the cherished Pixar film while inviting you to live Miguel’s journey alongside your own friends and family.” NEW LOOK: You Won’t Believe What’s Coming to Disney’s ‘Coco’ Ride Pecos Bill Restaurant Change To Tiana’s Palace There’s currently a large amount of speculation that Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is on its way to becoming Tiana’s Palace, to better fit in with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure being right next door. There was no mention of this possible change during D23. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Tiana’s Palace is currently in Disneyland, right near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and that’s a big reason it’s assumed this change will eventually also hit Magic Kingdom. For now, we’ll be sticking with Pecos Bill’s, but we’re really curious to see if an announcement is on its way as we get closer and closer to Piston Peak arriving just a few feet away. REVIEW: Should Disney World Turn This Restaurant Into Tiana’s Palace?! Villains Land Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment While we got lots of news on the two attractions coming to Villains Land, as well as the announcement that Cruella is somehow pretty involved in the new land, we didn’t hear any news about the shopping, dining, or additional entertainment coming to the land. ©Disney However, we did learn that the story of the new land has to do with a wishing well. While a wishing well is normally for positive, happy wishes, someone made an evil wish in the well, and it cracked the foundation, causing the evil to spread into the land and corrupt it. The Disney Villains were drawn to the power and are intent on taking it for themselves, and have used it to create the land you see around you. Sounds pretty awesome to us, but we’re hoping we’ll hear details on the other parts of the land soon! Disney Reveals Storyline and Character Inspirations for New Villains Land Monstropolis Suspended Coaster We did get the great news that Monstropolis will be opening in 2027, and the confirmation that the suspended coaster in the land, the first of its kind for Disney, won’t be opening with the rest of the land. However, we didn’t get any sort of opening timeline for the attraction, nor any additional concept art or another look at the ride. ©Disney While we did get a name for the show going into the Glob Theatre (formerly Muppet*Vision 3D), as well as the name of the quick service restaurant going in the land, a name for the coaster wasn’t announced. Maybe we’ll get some in a few months — that’s what we’re hoping for! Disney Quietly Shares 4 NEW Details For Monstropolis Land Firm Timeline For Pueblo Esperanza Disney gave us tons of news on the new rides coming to Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including the name of all three rides coming to the area. We know the land is set to open in 2027, but no official, more detailed timeline was shared. Model of Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent While this normally wouldn’t be too much of an issue, we’re already in August 2026, which means we could be just about a year away from opening. Considering many people have to plan their Disney World trips a minimum of a year in advance, the longer Disney holds off on announcing an opening timeline, the harder it’s going to be for people to plan their trips. BIG NEWS! ‘Encanto’ Ride NAME and FIRST LOOK for Disney World New Boardwalk Additions Back in June, Disney announced that three new experiences would be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk at Disney World, but there was no mention of these additions at D23. ©Disney Hurly-Burly is the new lounge coming to the area, suspected to be coming to the former Jellyrolls location. It’s expected to open in late 2026, but no opening date has been revealed. We’re also getting a new Basin on the BoardWalk, as well as a new quick service location, though no news has been released on what type of restaurant it will be, or an opening timeline. We’re hoping to hear more about these additions sooner rather than later! Disney Dropped 3 MAJOR Announcements Including A NEW Quick Service Restaurant Lakeshore Lodge Updates The new hotel coming to Disney World is called Lakeshore Lodge, and while we’ve been getting some pretty steady updates prior to D23, there was no mention of the new hotel at the event. Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge ©Disney The resort is currently set to open in Summer 2027, meaning we’ve got just about a year to go. Earlier this month, Disney released some new concept art for the hotel, introducing a new lounge, a look at the lobby, and a look at two additional restaurants (one quick service, one table service). We do think it was interesting to not hear anything at all about this new hotel, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for new announcements. Did Disney Just Quietly Confirm A Major Change In Their Latest Announcement? Disney Cruises From Japan Finally, Disney made no mention in their large section about Disney Cruise Line of the new cruises that will be setting sail from Japan. This is in partnership with the Oriental Trading Company, just like Tokyo Disney Resort is a joint ownership between the companies. This could be part of the reason why there was no mention of the new cruises at D23, but we have no way to know for sure. ©Disney — Disney Wish Back in late July, we did get a price point for the new cruises, which is helpful for planning, and we did see that the timeline has changed for the new ships, but that’s about all we’ve gotten recently. Again, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled! Disney Cruise Line Changes Timelines For 3 Ships We really are working on wearing our patience pants; truly we are! At this point, though, we are ready to pull our hair out waiting on more details. I guess it’s true that beggars can’t be choosers, but Disney, if you’re willing to hear our pleas, we’d be very grateful. This weekend was full of exciting updates, behind-the-scenes secrets, and more. So are we really that upset? No, but don’t tell Disney that. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, questions, and more. 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 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 news did you want Disney to drop? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

When we’re at EPCOT, we love going to the Japan Pavilion. It’s a great spot for Japanese food, drinks, and dessert, plus there’s a massive shop for all of your souvenir needs. The cutest little EPCOT souvenir! We’ve fallen in love with the Gachapon machines outside of Mitsukoshi Department Store, and for a limited time, you can get a free souvenir there! Last year, the Japan Pavilion surprised Disney fans by adding a vending machine station selling gachapon. Over in Gachapon Corner outside of Mitsukoshi, these adorable vending machines are straight from Japan, featuring Gachapons, a toy vending machine that gives you a random small toy or collectible that’s super popular in Japan. It’s like a blind box, but more of an experience! So many options! These Gachapon machines turn a year old soon, and Mitsukoshi is doing a buy-one-get-one deal to celebrate. Beginning August 20th at 10:30 AM, you can purchase any Gachapon and then come inside Mitsukoshi Merchandise to receive a FREE Gachapon tote bag or Gachapon sticker, while supplies last. A Mitsukoshi employee gave us a sneak peek of the freebie options, and they’re SO cute. ©Mitsukoshi Department Store Gachapon Corner has a wide selection of Gachapon toys to choose from, featuring Japanese characters like Hello Kitty and Sailor Moon, anime like Dragon Ball Z and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, or animals like whales and dinosaurs. One of our favorites is the Hello Kitty dessert Gachapon, featuring Hello Kitty and Friends as ice cream, where we got this super cute Cinnamoroll ice cream sundae! We love him! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more EPCOT deals and promos, because who doesn’t love a good deal? Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! Disney Adults Have Adopted A New Japan Pavilion Trend 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 taking advantage of this buy-one-get-one deal? Comment below! View the full article

September in Disney World is one of the sweetest windows on the calendar, but if you’re visiting this year, you’ll want to know what is closed. We love the scarecrows! The summer crowds thin out, the Florida heat starts (slowly) to ease up, and EPCOT gears up for fall festival season. It’s a favorite time for savvy Disney fans to visit, but before you lock in your September plans, there are a handful of closures across the parks and Resort hotels you’ll want to know about. Here’s everything that’s closed in Disney World this September. 1. Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland Station The Walt Disney World Railroad has been running in modified “shuttle mode” for a while now, and that continues into September. To make way for Magic Kingdom’s massive expansion project, Frontierland Station remains closed, so the train currently only stops at the Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland stations. No reopening date has been announced yet. Walt Disney World Railroad 2. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress This nostalgic Tomorrowland attraction is taking a well-deserved rest. Carousel of Progress closed to make way for major updates to the show, and Disney has said it expects the attraction to return sometime in 2027. So if you were hoping to sing along to “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on your September trip, you’ll have to wait a while longer. Carousel of Progress 3. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon One of Disney World’s two water parks is taking its annual break this month. Typhoon Lagoon‘s last day of operation is September 8th, with the park closing the very next day, September 9th, for seasonal refurbishment. Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date yet, but in the meantime, Blizzard Beach will remain open for guests who want to cool off. Typhoon Lagoon 4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village will notice some changes this September. Beginning August 17th, the lobby and nearby areas are undergoing a phased refurbishment expected to wrap up in early November. Here’s the breakdown: Aug. 17 – Oct. 9: The main lobby and primary entrance are closed, with check-in temporarily relocated to the Palace Library. Sept. 28 – Oct. 9: The north side lobby corridor closes as well, taking the north side lobby elevators (second floor) and the outdoor terrace observation deck out of service along with it. Kidani Village Lobby 5. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Grand Floridian Cafe is closed for a refresh through October. The good news? Brunch isn’t going anywhere — it’s simply moved over to Citricos for the time being. The Grand Floridian Cafe should have reopened by 2027. 6. Disney’s Old Key West Resort It’s not a room or amenity at the Resort itself, but Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is temporarily closed for renovations through October, and that closure may affect the views from some Old Key West Resort rooms that overlook the course. Lake Buena Vista Golf Course 7. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Tiki drink fans, take note: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is closed through late October due to refurbishment work taking place at the Grand Ceremonial House. Closed for now 8. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Turf Club Bar & Grill is in the middle of a refurbishment that runs now through late September. During the late August through late September stretch specifically, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed, though the Turf Club Lounge will remain open for guests. Turf Club Bar & Grill September might be a quieter month at Disney World, but it’s clearly a busy one behind the scenes. None of these closures should be dealbreakers for a fall trip, but they’re worth factoring into your plans. As always, keep checking back with DisneyFoodBlog.com for the latest updates on closures, openings, and everything else happening around Disney World and beyond! Grab Your Chopsticks! Disney’s Monsters, Inc. Land Just Hit A MAJOR Milestone Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Last night was a BIG night for Disney news! We were at the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and Disney dropped LOTS of news about what’s coming to the theme parks and beyond, including Disney Cruise Line! ©Disney We got lots of updates on the Disney Believe cruise ship, an announcement that an entire new class of ships is on its way, and so much more. But wait, that’s a LOT going on. Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down! It certainly looks like Disney Cruises aren’t slowing down any time soon, and we’ll be keeping a close eye out for all the latest Disney news. More Recent D23 News! 12 Announcements MISSING From Disney’s Biggest Event of The YearDisney Announces 4 Cruise Line AnnouncementsDisney Just Made 12 MAJOR AnnouncementsNEWS: Monsters, Inc. Coaster Details, Will NOT Open With Land in Disney WorldName REVEALED For Villains Land In Magic Kingdom We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, both on land and at sea, so stay tuned to DFB! 6 Things Disney Cruise Experts Never Do on Their First 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 How do you feel about these announcements? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Contemporary Resort — an opening-day original — is arguably Disney World’s most famous hotel thanks to the iconic visual of the Monorail cruising through the resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse. Contemporary rooms When it comes to choosing the best room at the Contemporary, things come down to the old real estate axiom: Location, Location, LOCATION! Specifically, what kind of locations a guest prefers. Near amenities? As isolated as possible? Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve tracked down some of the best room options at the resort for every kind of guest! Let’s start with the Monorail, since it’s certainly the best-known amenity at the Contemporary, and also the most useful, given that the hotel is only one stop away from the Magic Kingdom. If you’re looking to stay as close to the Monorail as possible, you’ll want a room in the area of rooms 4101-4112, as these rooms are on the first floor of the hotel that features rooms, just above the concourse. Just a floor above them, rooms 4225-4248 are also close and on the Monorail side of the hotel. The Contemporary If you’d rather stretch your legs on your way to the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” you can forgo the Monorail altogether and instead utilize a direct walking path that links the hotel to the park. Rooms in the same area as above are quickest to access this path. You can WALK to Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary! Of course, not everyone staying at the Contemporary will want to head to the Magic Kingdom immediately. Some may want to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including restaurants like California Grill, Steakhouse 71, and its lounge, Chef Mickey’s, the Outer Rim bar, or the quick service Contempo Cafe. Some room options near these eateries also include those in the area of 4101-4112 and 4201-4224. Steakhouse 71 Others may want to be closest to the resort’s pool complex, which includes a Feature Pool, the Bay Lake Pool, and several waterslides and other activities. The best rooms near the pool include 4101-4112. Contemporary Feature Pool On the other hand, some guests want to be as far from the hustle and bustle of the concourse, the restaurants, the shops, the pools, and even the Monorail. Those guests will want to go as high as possible, with the 11th floor (the farthest up that’s home to rooms) being the quietest. In particular, the rooms ending in 01, 24, 25, and 48 are at the ends of the hallways, as far from everything as possible. The Contemporary elevator Here are some further room number tips: Room numbers ending in 25-48 are going to have views of the Magic Kingdom, with 37-48 featuring Tomorrowland and 25-36 having a better look at the front of the park. Rooms ending in 01-12 have a better chance of Bay Lake views on the backside of the hotel. Rooms ending in 13, 11, 37, and 38 are going to be closest to the elevators. In addition to your hotel room, you’ll also need to plan where to eat. Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! A solid meal So, once you’ve figured out which of these rooms is for you, how can you get it? The best way to try would be to request your desired room (or the desired area of your room) at the front desk when you arrive at the hotel. Now, you CAN try and call before your arrival, but in our experience, it’s better to do it in person. Also, once you make the request, prepare yourself to possibly wait a bit longer than for a general room. Contemporary Lobby Just remember, requesting a specific room or area will NOT guarantee you’ll be able to get one. So please, be kind to the front desk Cast Members; they’re doing their best to help you. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World hotel tips. The 4 BEST Disney World Hotels for 2027 (and 2 to AVOID Completely) 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 Where’s your preferred hotel room at the Contemporary? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

We’re in Anaheim, California, for D23: the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, an expo where Disney releases some major news about The Walt Disney Company, notably upcoming Disney movies, cruises, and theme parks. D23 Entertainment Showcase We just watched the Disney Experiences Showcase live in-person, where Disney revealed 12 MAJOR announcements about Disney World and Disneyland! Now, let’s recap all of the major announcements Disney made at the Disney Experiences Showcase! Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress recently closed in Disney World to get a major makeover, including all-new scenes and a Walt Disney animatronic. ©Disney Disney announced the new voices of Father and Mother in the updated version, and we got a hint at the opening timeline! OPENING TIMELINE and Cast Announced for NEW Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom Piston Peak National Park A new area inspired by the Pixar movie Cars is coming to Frontierland in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak Model at D23 2026 Disney just said that Piston Peak National Park will feature two rides – and they both have names now! Check out our post for more info on Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along and Cars Ridge Run Rally. HUGE Ride News Announced for ‘Cars’ Expansion in Magic Kingdom Villains Land Something wicked is on the way to Magic Kingdom. In August 2024, Disney officially announced that Magic Kingdom is expanding with a brand-new Villains Land, but nothing has been announced since – until now! ©Disney Disney just revealed the land’s name, the characters featured, and two new attractions: a Maleficent roller coaster and an Evil Queen dark ride! Disney Reveals Details About NEW Villains Land Roller Coaster EPCOT Spaceship Earth EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction is the park’s icon, but it hasn’t seen an upgrade in a while – but that’s all going to change! ©Disney During the “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” panel at D23, we learned that this ride will be getting some new magic with a brand-new version! Spaceship Earth Is Getting an Upgrade in EPCOT! Journey Into Imagination with Figment Just when we thought the expo was over, Disney surprised us with a MAJOR plot twist. They’re adding a brand-new version to Journey Into Imagination with Figment! Journey into Imagination with Figment Don’t worry, Figment isn’t going anywhere! Instead, he will be reunited with Dreamfinder! Dreams really do come true. This Iconic EPCOT Character Is Returning After 28 Years! Hollywood Studios Monsters, Inc. Land The iconic monsters from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. will have a brand-new land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The monsters are inviting YOU to Monstropolis, where they need human laughter to power the city and keep it running. ©Disney We got SO many details on the new land last night, including news on the Laugh Floor roller coaster, the Glob Theater show, a new quick-service restaurant, an update on Harryhausen’s, and even an opening date! Monstropolis Will Open at Hollywood Studios in 2027! Animal Kingdom Tropical Americas A new land themed after the Tropical Americas is coming to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park in 2027. @Disney Disney just announced the names and more details for El Carrusel de los Animalitos (the carousel ride), Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto (the Encanto ride), and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. Who’s ready to ride? ‘Encanto’ Ride NAME and FIRST LOOK for Disney World Expedition Everest As you may know, the Yeti on Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t work because it was causing stress on the roller coaster. So instead, Disney just put like a flashing effect on it to make it look at least a little scary (hence its nickname, Disco Yeti). ©Disney But Disney just announced that the Yeti is coming back to life for even more thrills! IT’S HAPPENING! Disney World Is Actually Fixing the Yeti in Expedition Everest!!! Disneyland Tomorrowland A massive update is coming to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland! According to Disney, the update to Tomorrowland will honor the original land’s history “while reimagining its future.” Disneyland’s Space Mountain But don’t worry, Disneyland is promising to keep what guests love most about Tomorrowland, “while also introducing new experiences and possibilities for the next generation of fans.” MASSIVE Changes Coming to Tomorrowland in Disneyland Returning entertainment Not one, not two, but THREE beloved shows are returning to Disneyland Resort in 2027! ©Disney “Remember…Dreams Come True,” “World of Color,” and “Magic Happens” parade will all be returning to Disneyland next year! 3 Beloved Shows Are Returning to Disneyland in 2027! Disney California Adventure Avengers Campus Disney announced that Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure would be expanding at D23 in 2024, and we got a major update this year! ©Disney We got a HUGE first look at Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense, a behind-the-scenes look at Marvel actors filming scenes for the rides, and the biggest of all, an opening date! Two NEW Disneyland Rides Announce 2028 Opening Coco Ride A ride themed after Pixar’s Coco is currently being built at Disney California Adventure. ©Disney In the ride, Miguel will think back about the incredible journey he took in the film. You will enter the ride from a museum dedicated to the music of Miguel’s great-great-grandfather, Héctor Rivera. Then, you’ll get into a boat and travel through Miguel’s memories of his time in the land of the dead. We also learned that the ride will not have a height requirement, so EVERYONE can ride. You Won’t Believe What’s Coming to Disney’s ‘Coco’ Ride All of these upcoming Disney projects have us so excited to experience them in person soon. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news out of D23! EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Shopping at D23 This Year Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which announcement are you most excited for? Comment below! View the full article

If you’ve ever set an alarm for the crack of dawn, thrown on your Mickey ears half-asleep, and sprinted through the Hollywood Studios streets, you already know the drill: you’re not walking into the park, you’re racing into it. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests pour in shoulder-to-shoulder, all beelining for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash or Rise of the Resistance. Breakfast gets skipped. Coffee gets abandoned mid-sip. And by 9:15 AM, half the group is already cranky, sweaty, and wondering why “The Most Magical Place on Earth” currently feels like a stampede. We’re here to tell you: there’s a better way, and it starts with turning off your alarm. Why Sleeping In Might Be Your Best Hollywood Studios Strategy Yet Here’s the truth rope drop culture doesn’t want you to hear — if you’ve got Lightning Lane Multi Pass booked and you don’t have Early Theme Park Entry that morning, rushing to the park at rope drop is barely buying you anything. Early Entry is where the real standby-line advantage lives, since it lets eligible resort guests into select attractions a full 30 minutes before regular guests. If you’re not in that Early Entry window, you’re just showing up to stand in the same regular queue as everyone else who also woke up at 6 AM for the privilege. Meanwhile, your Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections are already locked in and waiting for you, whether you arrive at rope drop or at 10:30 with a full stomach and clear head. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sleeping in also does wonders for the parts of the morning nobody puts in the vacation planning spreadsheet: getting there. Rope drop mornings mean everyone at your resort is trying to catch the same bus, board the same Skyliner gondola, or squeeze into the same parking tram at the exact same moment. It’s stressful before you’ve even scanned into a park. Push your departure back an hour or two, and that whole situation flips. Buses run smoother, lots have space, and you’re not white-knuckling a countdown to park opening while stuck in a transportation line. Skyliner And then there’s breakfast. Rope droppers tend to fall into one of two camps: those who wolf down a granola bar in the car, or those who skip the meal entirely to save five extra minutes in line. Neither is a great way to start a 10-hour theme park day. Sleeping in gives you the time to actually sit down, eat something real, and start the day fueled instead of frantic. Hollywood Studios The other piece of this puzzle is what you’re giving up on the back end if you insist on an early start because Hollywood Studios might be the single best park in all of Disney World to enjoy late into the evening. Between the glow of the Hollywood Tower Hotel lit up at night, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feeling genuinely otherworldly after dark, and fireworks or nighttime shows closing things out, this park comes alive once the sun goes down. Rope dropping and wearing yourself out by early afternoon means you’re far more likely to bail before the park’s best hours even begin. Sleep in, save your energy, and let Hollywood Studios show off after dark. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Make Your First Stop Fairfax Fare, Not a Queue Once you do roll into the park a little later than everyone else, resist the urge to make a beeline straight for a ride. Instead, head over to Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard for the Mickey Waffles. This is one of the only quick-service spots inside any Disney World park where you can actually get a Mickey-shaped waffle platter, and it’s an easy one to overlook if you’re not looking for it. Grab your waffles, find a seat in the outdoor dining area, and enjoy breakfast in the shadow of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It’s a genuinely fun way to ease into the park, and a much better way to start your day than gripping a stroller handle while power walking toward Slinky Dog Dash. Mickey Waffle platter Rope drop has its die-hard fans, and there’s nothing wrong with an early start if that’s genuinely your vacation style. But if you’ve got Lightning Lane Multi Pass locked in and no Early Entry advantage to chase, sleeping in might just be the smarter move. For more tips on making the most of every Disney park day, keep following us on DisneyFoodBlog.com. This Hotel Is Just a 17 Minute Walk From Disney’s Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you think rope dropping at Hollywood Studios is necessary, or could you sleep in? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

The construction and closure news isn’t slowing down around Disney World, despite how much we’d love for it to. It’s our job to keep you up-to-date, so that’s exactly what we’ll do! Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort One Disney World hotel is having some pretty serious issues with a water outage, though the hotel itself hasn’t closed because of it, and another Disney World hotel just began a pretty big construction project this past week. Though, we are happy to see that one construction project inside the parks has taken a big step forward! Starting with the great news — Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has taken a pretty big step forward. We now have a glimpse of what the new entrance to the land will look like! A new addition! If you were planning on staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort soon, though, you do have to know about the big construction project that just started. The convention center at the hotel has begun a refurbishment that will last a whole year, and the hotel’s El Centro Corridor and surrounding areas will also undergo refurbishment tied to the convention center refurbishment. Coronado Springs Let’s take a look at all the current closures taking place in Disney World from August 14th through August 21st. Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress Carousel of Progress closed on July 6th to undergo a major refurbishment. The work will include completely revamping the scenes in the attraction to make them more modern and represent more recent parts of history, as well as adding a new Walt Disney animatronic at the opening. ©Disney Currently, the attraction is set to reopen in 2027, though no official date has been set yet. Big Top Souvenirs 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 saw that the big top has FINALLY been added back to the shop, which is a relief! The tent is back! 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 a new addition to one of the old boat docks, as a shed-like structure has now been added to the boat dock near Memento Mori. A new building? 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. New Model Shows How Magic Kingdom’s Newest Expansion Will BLEND In Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vacation Fun Disney announced that Vacation Fun will be closing for the second time this year on Sunday, August 9th. So far, no reopening date has been announced, but the area is currently being used as an Annual Passholder magnet distribution site through September 24th, so it’s likely the closure will at least last through then. Vacation Fun The first time this attraction closed this year was on April 29th for a special May 4th Star Wars merchandise event. (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 SuperKitties officially opened on May 26th. 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! Now, we know the rest of The Walt Disney Studios will open on September 14th. 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. Most recently, we saw teeth arrive at the top of what used to be PizzeRizzo, meaning new theming elements are actively beginning to go in! Those teeth! If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! Disney Quietly Shares 4 NEW Details For Monstropolis Land EPCOT La Signature La Signature, one of the stores located in the France Pavilion, closed for refurbishment on June 30th. La Signature closed The store specializes in French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. During the closure, if you’re looking to buy Guerlain products, they’ll be temporarily available at the nearby Plume Et Palette. Sections of Germany Pavilion On July 13th, both the guest bathrooms in the Germany Pavilion and the majority of the Volkskunst store in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion closed for refurbishment. The roof of Das Kaufhaus is also under refurbishment. Totally closed While a Cast Member did tell us the store closure was to fix the Cast Member bathrooms out of sight, Disney has not revealed a reopening date for the store or the public bathrooms. Disney FINALLY Added an Upgrade to This EPCOT Lounge 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, we noticed that large cranes are in the area to adjust the roofs of existing buildings, likely to keep them in theme. Lots of work! We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride! Recently, we got a chance to see how the entrance of the new land is shaping up. Things are certainly looking great so far, and we’re thrilled it’s reached this stage! A new addition! 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. NEW Look at 3 Rides Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Expansion Disney World Hotels Convention Center and El Centro Corridor — Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Beginning on August 10th, the Convention Center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort began a planned refurbishment that is expected to last through September 2027. Coronado Springs Additionally, the hotel’s El Centro Corridor and surrounding areas will also undergo refurbishment tied to the convention center refurbishment. While there’s no end date for this construction project, we do know that work will be completed in phases, with certain spaces being temporarily inaccessible at times. Boat Dock — Disney’s Old Key West Resort Starting on July 20th, Disney closed the boat transportation at Old Key West Resort, called the Sassagoula River Cruise. These boats usually go to Disney Springs, so now, you’ll need to take a bus instead. Old Key West Dock Right now, the closure is expected to last through early August. 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. Construction on the dock as a whole was set to continue through late June, but has now continued into July. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort 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 closed 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 pool 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 Recently, it was revealed that reservations for this restaurant are now available beginning on August 28th! Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort It was recently announced that the Village Green area of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will be closed from August 10th through September 4th. This is an outdoor space where you can usually watch Movie Under The Stars, do yoga, attend arts and crafts classes, and more. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn 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! Room Prices Revealed: How Much a Christmas Stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Costs This Year We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Dates Announced for FIRST D23 Event in Singapore 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

Taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Dreamfinder and Figment 🎩💜 #D23 #DisneyParksView the full article

"Disney Animatronic" | Neil Patrick Harris | 2026 Disney Experiences Showcase Opening Number #D23View the full article

The news we’ve all been waiting for 💨 Dreamfinder + Figment 🎩💜 #D23View the full article

Horizons: A Carousel of Progress officially closed out night two of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa! If you were seated in the audience, watching at home on Disney+, or just following along with Disney Parks on social, you may already want to relive that epic opening musical medley. Neil Patrick Harris is no stranger to extravagant opening numbers, and fans were treated tonight to a show-stopping, star-studded spectacle led by our host with the most as the lights dimmed and the presentation began. And what better way to honor the name and theme of tonight’s showcase than with a song dedicated to iconic Audio-Animatronics figures across Disney Parks? What Inspired the Disney Experiences Showcase Opening Number? Carousel of Progress has some of the most beloved Audio-Animatronics figures in Disney history, and others mentioned here include it’s a small world, DJ Rex from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Throughout the song, Neil daydreams about his new goal in life – being a Disney Parks Audio-Animatronic figure – wistfully saying, “I bet everybody here has that one special Disney role meant just for them” at the top of the number. Joining Neil onstage was comedian Tig Notaro as Abraham Lincoln (and later the Yeti from Expedition Everest), Megan Hilty as Madame Leota, and Jack McBrayer as the Caretaker (kind of), along with musical theatre favorites Skylar Astin and Darren Criss (who we see as both pirates and hitchhiking ghosts). There was even an appearance from Disney Legend and the voice of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Paige O’Hara, and surprise cameo from Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rhode. The original song had a brand-new tune with some snippets of the familiar melody from The Sherman Brothers’ “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” which we know as the (extremely catchy) theme song of the Carousel of Progress, in addition to “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid and “Belle” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The lyrics take us on a harmonic journey through the decades of Disney Parks Audio-Animatronics figures, with a live band for the evening, The Phoenicians, and an electric ensemble of dancers. Ready for an “animatronic roll call?” The song is packed full of Easter eggs and nods to Disney Parks attractions and lore, in addition to pop culture moments – let us know if you can find them all! Lyrics to the Disney Experiences Showcase Opening Number IN THIS GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD, OR LAND THERE’S A JOB THAT’S WAITING FOR ME WHERE THE AIR IS SWEET AND THE SOUND’S PRE-PLANNED AND ADMISSION IS PERPETUALLY FREE A ROLE THAT LASTS FOREVER WITH NO BAD DAYS WHATSOEVER PART OF HISTORY WISH I COULD BE… ANIMATRONIC WHERE LIFE IS A RIDE ENTERTAINING ALL DAY WHILE AIR-CONDITIONED INSIDE ANIMATRONIC WHERE LIFE IS A BREEZE I’D NEVER FEEL MY AGE BECAUSE I’D HAVE ROBOTIC KNEES I’D SPEND ALL DAY GREETING FANS WITH GUTS MADE OF GEARS WHILE THAT SAME SYMPHONIC MUSIC PLAYS ON LOOP IN MY EARS I’D LIKE TO BE A DISNEY ANIMATRONIC AND LIVE MY LIFE ON A RIDE ANIMATRONIC I’D LIKE THE ROUTINE! EACH DAY IS THE SAME AND EVERY NIGHT I GET CLEANED AND SINCE MY JOB IS ICONIC THEN I’D NEVER BORE JUST TAKE IT FROM AN A-1 MODEL WHO’S BEEN HERE SINCE 1964! ANIMATRONIC YOU NEVER GET OLD! NO NEED TO REHEARSE WHEN YOU’RE REMOTE CONTROLLED I’D LIKE TO BE CATATONIC BUT WIRED WITH GLEE! YO HO YO HO AN ANIMATRONIC LIFE FOR ME! RUM! GOLD! GOLD! MAYBE I COULD BE A HANDSOME PIRATE GESTURING TO TREASURE OR A PAIR OF SKULKING SKELETONS DEVOID OF EARTHLY PLEASURE! NOTHING LIKE DEATH BECOMES HER! IN THE ENDLESS HALLWAY I’LL SING MY TUNE LIKE THE HATBOX GHOST YOU APPEARED TOO SOON I CAN DANCE AND SCARE AS A HAUNTED HOST WHILE WE DISAPPEAR LIKE PEPPERS GHOSTS HAPPY HAUNTS MATERIALIZE AND BEGIN TO VOCALIZE GRIM GRINNING GHOSTS COME OUT TO SOCIALIZE I COULD DANCE ON MY SERVOS OR GLIDE ON MY SLIDE OR JUST CHILL IN EVEREST BECAUSE MY MECHANISMS DIED IT’S GREAT TO BE A DISNEY ANIMATRONIC AND LIVE MY LIFE ON A RIDE ISN’T TECHNOLOGY AMAZING SEE HOW THE FACIAL EXPRESSIONS PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS HERE’S WALT HIMSELF, TRAILBLAZING! I’D GIVE MY LIFE TO BE CRAFTED BY THOSE BOSS IMAGINEERS THERE MUST BE SOMETHING THERE THAT WASN’T THERE BEFORE I COULD DJ LIKE REX! OR BE A SMALL CHILD DOLL! AND JOIN IN IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL! I’LL KEEP MOVIN’ I’LL KEEP TICKIN’ AND LIKE CARLOS WON’T BE CHICKEN GRAB A KNIFE AND GRAB A FORK WITH A CROONER FROM YU NORK AND LIKE SKIPPY I’LL BE STATIONED IN SUSPENDED ANIMATION DON’T CARE IF I’M LAST GEN OR ADVANCED LIKE KYLO REN I’LL MOVE LIKE THE NA’AVI SHAMAN UNLESS B-MODE IS MORE COMMON BE A SCIENTIST WHOS FOXY OR A GANGSTER FULL OF MOXY I’LL IMPRESS, I’M UNPLUGGED ASKING TOURISTS FOR WARM HUGS THEN AT LAST I’LL LAST FOREVER AND FOREVER’S WHAT IT’S WORTH TO LIVE EACH DAY THE EXACT SAME WAY IN THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH! WHEN YOU ARE ANIMATRONIC YOUR LIFE IS DIVINE! YOU DON’T FEEL PAIN OR NEED THE LIGHTNING LANE TO SKIP THE LINE CAUSE WHEN YOU’RE ANIMATRONIC THE MAGIC’S INSIDE! SO LETS GET ELECTRONIC! IN STEREOPHONIC NO NEED TO EAT OR DRINK SO I CAN SKIP MY COLONIC! ALL I WANT IT LIFE IS TO BE ANIMATRONIC! ANIMATRONIC! ANIMATRONIC! ANIMATRONIC! ANIMATR— ANIMATRONIC! AND LIVE MY LIFE (THERE’S A GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW) LIVE MY LIFE (SHINING AT THE END OF EVERY) LIVE MY LIFE ON A DISNEY THEME PARK RIDE! The D23 2026 festivities are in full swing here on Disney Parks Blog. Follow along tonight for all of the exciting updates and announcements from the showcase, and stay tuned for more stories about shopping, panels, and our favorite fandom moments. Walt Disney World Resort A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: The Ever-Changing Carousel of Progress Walt Disney World Resort Exploration Awaits: New Updates Unearthed for Indiana Jones Ride at Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Resort Yeti Audio-Animatronic Coming Back to Life Inside Expedition Everest The post Neil Patrick Harris Kicks off Horizons: A Carousel of Progress with an Epic Opening Number appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We got TONS of exciting updates about the new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom during the Disney Experiences showcase at D23! ©Disney During the showcase, President & Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn and Executive Creative Director Caroline May from Walt Disney Imagineering took to the stage to share new details about the highly anticipated Villains Land expansion, including more information on the land’s storyline and characters. It was revealed that while the overarching story of Villains Land is brand new, the characters you find throughout the land may feel familiar since Imagineers are referencing classic characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios as inspiration. Basically, you can look forward to a new adventure with an original take on some iconic baddies! ©Disney The entrance to Villains Land will take a page from classic fairytales, in which the real journey often begins when characters stray from the safe path into a foreboding forest. Upon entering Villains Land, you’ll encounter a Wishing Well with a dark twist. Disney explained the backstory of the Wishing Well: “Once upon a time, someone made an evil wish here – a wish so evil it corrupted the stone and broke open the structure, spreading the Well’s poisoned magic throughout the forest.” ©Disney But of course, the magic of the Well is hard to resist, especially to those with ill intentions, so the villains have come here to try and claim the last of the Wishing Well’s power. Disney said, “Villains Land will be shaped by those who have used this dark magic to conjure the perfect new lairs for themselves. These mighty fortresses and gleaming palaces not only reflect the personality of the villains who own them, they invite guests into a tantalizing treasure trove of treats, trinkets, and more temptations.“ The Dark Forest Model at D23 2026 In addition to the backstory of the new park expansion, Disney also confirmed that Villains Land is the official name of the land. ©Disney We also got more information about BOTH of the park’s headlining attractions. The Imagineering team teased that Maleficent’s Coaster will bring guests face-to-face with the Mistress of All Evil herself, complete with elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions. ©Disney Disney also shared an update on the land’s new dark ride, which will feature an array of our favorite Disney Villains, hosted by the Magic Mirror. ©Disney The size and scale of Villains Land has been compared to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so we can’t wait to explore everything this wicked new world has to offer! 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 part of the new Villains Land are you the most excited to experience? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

CALLING ALL FIGMENT FANS! FIGMENT!!!!!! We are at D23 and just finished the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress presentation, where we got a TON of news, and to our surprise, it included a BIG story that’s coming- or should we say returning- to EPCOT! Figment has been at EPCOT since 1983, when the first Journey into Imagination opened. While the attraction has been through a few different versions over the years, Figment has been a staple in the park. But before there was Figment, there was Dreamfinder — the whimsical dream-chaser who helped bring imagination to life. Introduced in the original Journey Into Imagination attraction, Dreamfinder guided guests in “collecting sounds, colors, ideas, anything that sparks the imagination.” Journey Into Imagination with Figment Until 1998, Dreamfinder was part of the attraction, and he will soon return! Disney has not shared many details yet, such as a timeline, but we are excited to see where this will take us! Stay tuned to DFB as we share all of the breaking news coming out of D23! BREAKING NEWS: Spaceship Earth Is Getting an Upgrade in EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this announcement? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

Okay, Disney has dropped a LOT of parks news during the Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and our heads our spinning! But what we might be MOST excited about is that we finally got details about Villains Land (yep, that’s it’s official name) coming to Magic Kingdom. ©Disney First up, we got details about a Maleficent-themed roller coaster that will be coming to the land, but Disney also revealed that a dark ride would be coming, too — and we got more details about that! The dark ride will be hosted by the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror. Your journey will take you to him in the catacombs beneath her palace. Once you’re there, he’ll transport you to the mystical Mirror Realm where you’ll see what lies on the OTHER side of the mirror. You’ll encounter all sorts of Disney Villains durinig your journey that will include a combination of special effects and physical set pieces. ©Disney We also learned more about the roller coaster coming to the land, which will be Maleficent-themed and will use things that’s never been done on similar Disney rides before…OOH! ©Disney We’ve been also keeping an eye on construction of the land, but it looks like it might be some time before we see any real progress, but it’s REALLY HAPPENING. Disney also didn’t drop any details about an opening timeline, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This NEW Look at Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land Makes Us Think Disney Has a Long Way To Go Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We have been keeping a close eye on the construction happening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the new Monsters, Inc. land, Monstropolis. Disney just shared new details about the new land during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and we are getting excited! From a first look at some of the new restaurants and shops to new details about the anticipated roller coaster. ©Disney Disney shared new information about the Monsters, Inc. factory and door vault coaster under construction. First, they showed an animated look at what the loading area for the new coaster will look like. Once loaded onto the ride, riders will be lifted 40 feet in the air in 4 seconds and then launched into the vault. It already sounds like we are going to be in for a thrilling adventure through the door vault! While it is exciting to get new updates about the ride, there’s also some not-so-great news. While the rest of Monstropolis will be opening in 2027, the door coaster is still being worked on and prepped for human ridership. As a result, the coaster will NOT be opening with the rest of the land in 2027. However, that does mean we can look forward to an expansion of the land after it opens! There will be an all-new show, called “Welcome to Monstropolis”, that will be opening in 2027! Disney just announced that the Glob Theater will feature a theatrical show that will welcome guests to Monstropolis. The show will feature a brand-new song by Randy Newman called “Welcome to Monstropolis”. We also got concept art for the new show. ©Disney In addition to the “Welcome to Monstropolis” show, the new land will also feature Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, the Monster University Alumni Club, the Scareporium, and Harryhausen’s Restaurant! There is a lot to look forward to in this new land, which will be opening in 2027. ©Disney We are bringing you all the Disney news you need to know from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, so make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! BREAKING NEWS: Monstropolis Will Open at Hollywood Studios 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 excited for this new roller coaster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

After two years of public development – and decades of daydreams from fans – Disney has released some concrete details about Villains Land! Villains Land ©Disney At the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney finally revealed the details about the land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” including its name, and you’ll NEVER guess what it’s called! Drumroll, please! Villains Land will officially be called… Villains Land! President & Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn and Executive Creative Director Caroline May from Walt Disney Imagineering wanted the endings of each land to remain the same (i.e., FrontierLAND, TomorrowLAND, etc.)—they wanted each land to feel right at home with the rest of the park. ©Disney The antagonist-driven Magic Kingdom land is scheduled to include “two major attractions, dining, and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale,” which we also got further details on tonight! ©Disney Disney has confirmed that Disney Legend and former animator Andreas Deja — best known for helping to bring some of the evilest Disney Villains to life onscreen, including Gaston, Jafar, and Scar — will be officially consulting on the project. Given Deja’s involvement, we’re hoping that some specific elements from various characters’ film appearances can be worked into the land’s overall architecture. ©Disney A Maleficent Coaster will headline one of the land’s attractions. Guests “will come face-to-face with the Mistress of All Evil herself, Maleficent. You’ll race through enchanted briar surrounding her frightening mountaintop fortress – if you’re feeling brave enough to answer her invitation.” ©Disney There will also be a dark ride in the land hosted by the Magic Mirror! Disney announced that “you’ll find the Magic Mirror where the Evil Queen keeps him in the catacombs beneath her pristine palace. After making your way to him, he’ll magically transport you into his mystical Mirror Realm to see things on the other side of the mirror.  There, in his ethereal realm, you’ll be transfixed by countless Disney Villains conjured in ways only the Magic Mirror can do. A combination of special effects and physical set pieces will bring his Mirror Realm – and these iconic Villains – to life.” ©Disney Walt Disney Imagineering hopes to bring the feel of “magic” to this dark new corner of Magic Kingdom. The team visited Paris, France, and Barcelona, Spain, to research architecture styles to bring attributes like rich color palettes, swirling natural patterns, and ominous proportions to Villains Land. Here, “they coined the term “Conjured Architecture,” which has served as a guiding light for the style and aesthetic of the villainous landscape of Villains Land.” Stay tuned to DFB for more on this highly anticipated project. 3 Villains Land Additions That Won’t Cost Very Much But Disney Fans Will LOVE Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for (INSERT NEW LAND NAME HERE)? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article