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One of the most controversial topics of our time could revolve around the use of artificial intelligence, or AI. AI has been accused of illegally using copyrighted materials, and even Disney and Universal filed a suit against Midjourney, a generative AI tool, over copyright infringement. Mickey at Red Carpet Dreams in Hollywood Studios However, that hasn’t stopped Disney from using AI within its own business, and the company even doubled down on generative AI with a deal with OpenAI that would have allowed its tool, Sora, to generate short Disney-focused content. Although that deal fell apart when OpenAI shuttered Sora, Disney has not given up on AI and has committed to using it for other parts of its business, explaining that it’s nothing more than the company embracing emerging tech. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro recently held the company’s Q3 2026 earnings call, and one of the topics that came up was the use of AI. D’Amaro explained that Disney was always embracing emerging tech and wants to use it to bring innovative tools to its storytellers. However, he stressed that Disney would always be artist-driven, and that AI was just a tool to help those artists work faster and smarter. However, the idea is to keep human creativity at the center of what the company does. Josh D’Amaro ©Disney Disney believes that AI can amplify what storytellers can do and help them “unleash creativity.” The company believes that human storytellers cannot be replaced. Disney now has a clarity of purpose on how to use the tools to make what they do even better. D’Amaro believes that the use of such technology goes all the way back to Walt Disney himself, who pushed the cutting edge of innovation. ©Disney So how does Disney plan to use AI in its day-to-day business? When it comes to making movies, AI can be leveraged across core technical processes to increase the ability to get terms to market, as well as get more movies in 3D and premium formats. AI can also bring visual effects to more shots where those effects might have been much more difficult to accomplish. ©Disney For Disney’s streaming platforms, AI is helping the company improve its personalization and recommendation engine, which can benefit the viewer if they’re looking for something to watch with their interests in mind. ©Disney Disney’s tech teams are also exploring generative AI-powered creatives in ad delivery. There has been some backlash against AI ads, so it will be interesting to see how Disney will circumvent that kind of reaction from fans. ©Disney Finally, Disney wants to improve experiences booking Disney trips, Disney cruises, and other Disney vacations. AI can make planning and booking a Disney trip a lot easier for guests and tailor it to their expectations. According to Hugh Johnston, Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, Disney will also use AI to “implement precision labor demand forecasting” in the theme parks. The goal is to create a better experience for visitors as well as Cast Members, but also better cost management for the company. Disney World We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney Just Dropped 4 HUGE Announcements 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 Disney’s plans for using AI? Sound off in the comments! View the full article

If you’re going to Dollywood soon, you may be wondering how dining works — do you need to book reservations in advance or can you just walk up and dine? Dollywood tickets There are dozens of places to eat in the park and hotels, and the food here is shockingly delicious. Of course, there are A LOT of snacks to try, but what about when you want to sit down and enjoy a meal? Well, let’s chat about how table service dining works at Dollywood and if you need advanced reservations. In the Park If you’re going to the Dollywood theme park, there are NO advance dining reservations. You can’t call ahead or make reservations online, but you CAN show up at the restaurant on the day of your visit and add your party to the waitlist. This is available at spots like Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, Front Porch Cafe, and Granny Ogle’s Ham & Beans. Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans To get the shortest wait, we recommend going early in the operating hours for these restaurants (like at the very beginning of lunch, closer to 11 AM) or waiting to go late in the day. Check the hours for the spot you’d like to dine ahead of time and plan accordingly. Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans Of course, there are also plenty of quick-service dining locations around the park, and snack stands where you can walk up and eat quickly. One of our biggest tips for dining at a quick-service location is to use mobile ordering through the Dollywood app. Sometimes the menu is a bit limited, but you can often shorten your wait on a busy day. Grilled Corn on the Cob at Miss Lillian’s BBQ Corner But what about if you’re dining at the hotels? At the Hotels Dollywood is home to two hotels — Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Each of these spots is home to a table-service restaurant, and for the hotels, you CAN make dining reservations. In fact, they’re encouraged, particularly during busy seasons. DreamMore Resort Ember & Elm is the restaurant at HeartSong and Song & Hearth is the restaurant at DreamMore. Both of these spots have reservations through OpenTable, and you can find the link via their pages on the Dollywood website. You’re allowed to park at the hotels to get to your dining reservation; however, you’ll only be able to take the hotel trolley to and from Dollywood if you are staying at one of the hotels. HeartSong Resort Room No matter where you eat at Dollywood, you can often find some delicious eats — we had a spectacular time snacking around the park and hotels! And follow us at DFB for more theme park news, updates, tips, and tricks! Dollywood Has Quietly Become the Next Big Theme Park Food Destination Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a favorite dining spot in Dollywood? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Bob Gurr had his mind set on one thing #Disneyland #DisneyParks #DisneyEatsView the full article

ALDI is one of our go-to places for Disney finds, but what it also has is a lot of cute home decor. And since it’s nearly spooky season, that means the Halloween decor is starting to release! ALDI has the best finds! Next week, they’re releasing a Halloween LED Paper Haunted House Collection, and we couldn’t be more obsessed! Obviously, we’re going to need the ENTIRE collection, so let’s go through all of the haunted houses you can get! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Each house costs $9.99 plus tax, and there are six total to collect! These release on August 12th, 2026. You can start your collection off with the Purple Ghost Haunted House. This is a dark purple house with black stripes horizontally painted across it. It’s also covered in spiders, cobwebs, and ghosts with a tree and a black car in the front. ©ALDI Next up, we have the Mystic Brew Haunted House, which is covered in a dark purple color and lit up through the windows. You can spot a moon and a bat on the top of the house, a witch through the window, and a witch’s legs growing out of the ground. The front also features a tree and a fence. ©ALDI Welcome to the Ghost Manor Haunted House, which is painted a burnt orange with black rooftops. You can spot ghosts all around from top to bottom, with the largest one on the ground. The house also features bats and a large spider web. ©ALDI This next house has a GREAT play on words — introducing the Dead and Breakfast Haunted House. This light grey brick house features two skeletons seen through the windows, a black cat seen through the front door, and a large spider web at the top. A large tree is also placed at the front. ©ALDI Our next house on the list is the Brews and Bubbles Haunted House. This house is painted black with purple accents on the roof, windows, and door. A witch and her cauldron can be seen through the windows while an owl is placed on the roof. There is also some decor at the front of the house, including a stack of jack-o-lantern pumpkins and a cauldron that reads “Brews and Bubbles.” ©ALDI Now, don’t be sad, but we’ve reached our final haunted house of this collection. The Pumpkin Boo-Tique Haunted House features a pink front with light red roofs. Two skeletons can be seen through the top window while a black cat is featured on the right window. And the tree and bush in the front are decorated with jack-o-lanterns. ©ALDI Don’t you think we’re ending the Halloween fun here! There are still a few more spooky things we need to show you, including this 40-ounce Purple Halloween Tumbler! This water bottle features a handle on the side and a flip straw with Halloween symbols all over. You can find jack-o-lanterns, black cats, witch hats, snakes, and more printed on this tumbler! This costs $9.99 and is available starting August 12th. ©ALDI And you can decorate your house for the spooky season with this Skeleton & Jack-o-Lantern Accent Rug. This 20″ by 34″ rug features regular skeletons and skeletons with jack-o-lantern heads on a black background. You can grab this starting August 12th for $7.99. ©ALDI Closing out our list, we have the Pink Skull & Bows Coffee Mug. If you love girly things and spooky season, this is the perfect mug for you! It features skulls and bows in an alternating order and is $3.99 starting August 12th. ©ALDI If you don’t have an ALDI near you, but still want your spooky fix, head on over to our Amazon Storefront for over 100 Halloween finds! Check out our amazon storefront! These are just a few of the many Halloween finds at ALDI coming next week! We’re always on the lookout for the newest ALDI finds, so follow us at DFB for more! View the full article

When you visit Disney World, you’re going to need to pack some essentials in your park bag to help with keeping you hydrated, keeping you cool (because it can get hot and humid in Florida), and dry (because it will also rain at least one day of your Disney World trip). PinFolio bag When we need to stock up on park essentials, we always turn to Amazon because we can find everything we need to stock our park bag with things that will make sure we stay comfortable in the parks. Even better? Amazon has these essentials at very affordable prices, under $30 each! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Waist Fan AMKEN Waist Fan If you don’t want just a neck fan because your entire torso tends to get hot, we love this waist fan that just clips to your waistband and keeps you cool from the waist up. This little baby also has a serious cooling effect with three speed settings to make sure you keep cool even on the hottest Florida days. We were honestly surprised at how strong this little fan is. view ON AMAZON Buy the Handheld Fan The JISULIFE Fan If you don’t want to carry around something so heavy, there’s always the handheld fan that we often bring to us to the parks. This little fan will do the trick when you’re standing in line: just pull it out of your bag and turn it on. It’s also so compact because it folds down and takes up very little space in your park bag. view ON AMAZON Get the Cross Style Rubber Bands Keep your popcorn from getting everywhere! Okay, so have you ever had a popcorn bucket full of popcorn and the lid just isn’t very sturdy, and it slips off and popcorn goes everywhere while you’re just trying to carry it? Well, these little bands are PERFECT for that because you can slip them around your popcorn buckets (or any other food containers you might bring into the parks) and everything stays put to prevent messes. That’s why we just call these popcorn bands! view ON AMAZON Buy the Mini Umbrella BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella Not everyone wants to put on a raincoat or poncho during a rainstorm, especially if it’s already super hot outside. But this mini umbrella is so compact that it’s easy to pack in your day bag. But this little umbrella is also for those sunny days…those super BRIGHT sunny days when the sun’s UV rays are declaring war on your skin. This does a great job of blocking those rays and making you feel a lot more comfortable while protecting your skin. We also love how it comes in its own little case. view ON AMAZON Get the PinFolio Bag We love our PinFolio! If you’re a pin collector, you shouldn’t go to Disney World without this handy bag that lets you display your pin collection, as well as keep the pins you collect stored. It’s so easy to use, too, and it even comes with a strap so you can wear it like a purse, but it also easily fits in a Loungefly-sized backpack. You can fit up to 40 pins in it! The backing for the pins is also sturdy, and once your pins are in there, they’re not going anywhere, so they’re good and protected. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We know that Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando is just around the corner, but can we take a moment to talk about the most wonderful time of the year?! Of course, we mean Christmas time! The Christmas tree at Universal Orlando Universal Orlando Resort is once again inviting guests to enjoy all things merry and bright with its holiday celebration later this year. The official dates are from November 14th through January 3rd, 2027. The celebration will take place across the entire resort, with returning decor and vibes to brand-new Christmas-themed areas. Let’s take a look! Universal Orlando just announced plans for the holiday season starting on November 14th, and we’re beyond excited. For starters, Universal Epic Universe, for the first time ever, will have holiday décor up at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. The cosmic winter wonderland of Celestial Park will be returning for the holiday season. Super Nintendo World Epic Universe Exciting seasonal experiences inspired by beloved holiday stories, characters, and traditions will be available across the entire resort. One thing we always look forward to is Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which will be at all three parks once again. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure will also be returning, as will Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida. Grinchmas The following is a more detailed look at what you can expect to see and do at Universal Orlando this holiday season, including additional details about the experiences guests can purchase to take their festivities to the next level: Guests can celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three wizarding world locations this season: Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Each land will dazzle with festive lights and décor, offering up holiday-themed entertainment at select locations. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, guests can also experience “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a breathtaking nighttime spectacle of projection and special effects against the majestic Hogwarts castle inspired by beloved holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films. The whimsical wonderland of Grinchmas comes to life in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, where guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live stage show based on the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Plus, guests can meet the mean, green one himself, The Grinch, stroll the dazzling Who-Ville Tree Lot, and more. Grinchmas Holiday cheer takes to the streets of Universal Studios Florida with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The nightly parade features larger-than-life balloons alongside elaborately themed floats inspired by beloved characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, as well as timeless holiday favorites. The festive procession culminates with a Christmas tree lighting led by none other than Santa Claus himself. For the first time, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will feature special holiday décor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Plus, guests in Celestial Park can discover a cosmic winter wonderland complete with twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays throughout the day at the Cosmos Fountain. Christmas in Hogsmeade Also for the holidays, guests with two-park, park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure can embark on a two and a half hour guided tour of Universal’s holiday offerings during the Universal Holiday Tour. The Universal Holiday Tour will be available on select dates beginning November 14th, 2026 through January 2nd, 2027, and pricing begins at $69.99 per person. Islands of Adventure The following is what’s included in the tour: An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch; An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch’s faithful dog Max; Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus; Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s (Optional). Universal Orlando Passholders can take advantage of a $10 discount per ticket, per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Suess Landing There will also be decor and celebrations taking place outside of the parks. Specifically at Universal CityWalk and Universal’s hotels, which will have a slate of festive offerings. You’ll definitely want to stop by when you have the chance during the Christmas season. Holidays at CityWalk We’re super excited for the holidays at Universal this year! We’re sure we’re going to hear more details of what’s to come the closer we get to the holidays, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog to not miss a thing. Universal Announced Return of POPULAR Halloween Horror Nights House Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you looking forward to the holidays at Universal? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney has spent a LOT of money in the parks and on Disney Cruise Line over the past few years, ever since it first announced a $60 billion investment in projects for both. Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom In Disney World, we’ve already seen several rides get huge updates, while new lands are being built in three of its new parks, along with an expansion in Magic Kingdom and a reimagined area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disneyland is getting a big expansion to Avengers Campus, as well as a new ride and land. Disney Cruise Line keeps announcing new ships, including the upcoming Disney Believe, which will start sailing in 2027. Well, now Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has commented on how the expansion plans are going. Disney just held its Q2 2026 Earnings Call and released the accompanying earnings report. During the call, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro held a Q&A session, with one of the questions targeting the status of the $60 billion expansion that Disney announced in 2023. The earnings report showed that Disney’s Experiences (which covers both the parks and Disney Cruise Line) was up 10% from the same time last year, with attendance in domestic parks up 3 percent. According to D’Amaro, this shows that the parks are still driving growth and profits and will continue to do so with the new lands and expansions. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was one of the rides that was recently updated in Disney World Disney also pointed out the success of Disney Adventure World’s World of Frozen, which opened in the second quarter at Disneyland Paris. D’Amaro even pointed out that Disney’s parks were outperforming those of the competition. For now, Disney Consumer Products also falls under Experiences (although that will change soon), and that division did well thanks to the success of Disney movies, including Toy Story 5, which made over $1 billion at the global box office. World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris Disney Cruise Line has also seen some expansion with the most recent ship, the Disney Adventure, which set sail in the second quarter of the financial year out of Singapore, a first for Disney. More ships are on the way, but D’Amaro commented that the current ships are performing very well. Disney Adventure Cruise Ship D’Amaro pointed out that although we’re living in financially uncertain times, Disney’s $60 billion investment, as well as the unique experience the company provides to its guests, continues to be highly valued. Thanks to this, the company will continue to grow (and make money) into the future. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney Just Dropped 4 HUGE Announcements 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 the expansions? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When we’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s one place we can always count on for a fun show, no line, and ice-cold air conditioning: Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie. Mickey Shorts Theater But Disney just put a wrench in our plans because Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie is closing for the second time this year! Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie is closing on Sunday, August 9th, with no set reopening date announced. This is the second time this year that the show has closed following a closure on April 29th for a special May 4th Star Wars merchandise event. Mickey Shorts Theater While the short isn’t showing, the Mickey Shorts Theater will be used for Annual Passholder Magnet distribution. This magnet’s theme is Kermit the Frog, which will be available from August 11th to September 24th, from park opening to park close, while supplies last. Every Annual Passholder can get one magnet and must show a valid Annual Pass and a government-issued photo ID. ©Disney If you want a whole Kermit-filled day, you can also take a special PhotoPass Magic Shot with Kermit and a banjo. So maybe Kermit isn’t there in real life, but your photo will tell a different story! It will be near the end of Hollywood Boulevard, close to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, from 10 AM to 4 PM daily. ©Disney And here at Disney Food Blog, we can’t forget about the food! You can grab a Key lime Kermit Milk Shake featuring vanilla ice cream, key lime cake crumbs, key lime sauce, and sprinkles from Dockside Diner. You’ll need to show your Annual Pass when you order, so have it ready to grab. ©Disney We’ll be sure to update you on all of the closures and events in Disney World. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants 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 closure? Comment below! View the full article

It’s been over a year since Disney announced a new theme park coming to Abu Dhabi, so we won’t blame you if you forgot. ©Disney Well, at the Walt Disney Company’s earnings call yesterday, mentions of Abu Dhabi came up in a question from the Q&A portion of the panel. Here, Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston updated everyone on the project. Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be the company’s seventh landmark theme park in collaboration with Miral, an Abu Dhabi company that creates destinations and experiences. In this collaboration, Miral will fully develop and build the new resort while Disney and its Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight. ©Disney The earnings call livestream included a Q&A portion, which is where CFO Hugh Johnston answered the pressing question: “How is the variability of fuel costs and the Middle East conflict impacting Disney?” Not only does this question focus on the rising fuel costs affecting the industry, but it also touches on the recent travel advisories from the US and Europe to the UAE. ©Disney Johnston began his answer saying, “Forward bookings at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line are healthy, but not immune to macros and fuel. We have seen a weaker consumer in Asia in Shanghai and Hong Kong in Q3 and Q4. We now expect the experiences segment to deliver growth at the high end, escalating in the 53rd week.” Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland Moving toward the Abu Dhabi portion of the question, Johnston exclaimed, “Abu Dhabi is being designed with a long-term view. We continue to believe in the rationale behind the project, and we are fully committed to seeing that project through.” ©Miral The Abu Dhabi theme park will be located on Yas Island on the waterfront. According to Disney, the theme park “will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.” We’ll keep you updated with more announcements about Abu Dhabi as they come out, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more. Disney Is About to Level Up the Snack Carts. How? With HOVERING DROIDS. 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 the new Abu Dhabi theme park? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

If there’s something in you that wants to sing “Circle of Life” every time you see the Tree of Life at Disney World, then you might be an Animal Kingdom fan. Disney’s Animal Kingdom We found some of our favorite shirts that are perfect for a day in Animal Kingdom. From The Lion King to Zootopia and more, these are going to be your new favorites for your upcoming trip to Disney World. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Zootopia Judy Hopps T-Shirt ©Amazon Have you seen Zootopia: Better Zoogether, the new show in the Tree of Life? We may forever hold a place in our hearts for It’s Tough To Be A Bug, but we love that Judy is hopping to the rescue on this t-shirt. It would be even better if you had a Nick Wilde one for your partner in crime. SHOP NOW Pixar Up T-Shirt ©Amazon This would be perfect to meet Russel, Kevin, and Carl in! Kevin wanders around Animal Kingdom, but she might spot this shirt and need a photo with you. It says “A world of adventure awaits,” which is pretty perfect for a trip to Animal Kingdom. SHOP NOW Lion King Simba T-Shirt ©Amazon Now this is a retro shirt! It’s giving total ’90s vibes with Simba and Nala on the front and those perfect nostalgic colors. Seeing the Festival of the Lion King in this would be so fun, and it would look great for photos with the family. SHOP NOW Lion King Retro T-Shirt ©Amazon Here’s another Lion King option! The whole gang is on there (yes, Timon is on there, just a bit smaller next to Pumba), and the geometric blocking looks so good. The movie came out in 1994 and is a ton of ’90s babies’ favorite movie, and if you’re part of that group, you’ll totally want this shirt! SHOP NOW Jungle Book T-Shirt ©Amazon While The Jungle Book is super represented in Animal Kingdom, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong! The shirt looks like an old postcard or poster and is an easy way to dress up for the day. If you have someone in the family who refuses to dress up, this shirt could be perfect for them. SHOP NOW In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney finds so you’re ready for your next trip to Disney World. View the full article

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you’re probably going to fly into Orlando because that’s generally the easiest way to get there (unless you live close enough to drive, but so many of us don’t!). So scoring a free plane ticket might seem like a pretty sweet deal, right? Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport Well, you can get a free companion pass (as in a FREE ticket for someone to fly with you) with Southwest Airlines RIGHT NOW, but you’ll have to hurry up and grab this offer soon because TODAY is the last day to get it! Southwest Airlines has a current promotion where you can get a FREE companion pass for a family member, friend, or loved one. You will need to be a Rapid Rewards member, but all you have to do is register for the promotion and purchase a Southwest flight (one qualifying round trip or two qualifying one-way flights) using Rapid Rewards points, a combo of points and cash, or any other form of payment by TODAY. ©Southwest Airlines You will need to travel by November 18th, and you will need to designate a companion for the free companion pass that you plan on flying with on qualifying flights from January 5th through March 3rd, 2027. That’s a great excuse to visit Disney World in late winter or early spring, right? ©Southwest Airlines Of course, if you’re a Rapid Rewards member, you’ll also earn points for those flights you book, so it’s a win-win, and your traveling buddy gets to fly FOR FREE. Rapid Rewards members also get free WiFi and tier benefits. You can also purchase points if you need them. So don’t forget…book that first qualifying flight TODAY to get a free companion pass for 2027! In the meantime, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more airfare promotions, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 3 New Things Southwest Airlines Planes Desperately Need 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 promotion? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Details We Dig: Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve more options than you might realize. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle of the road and comforting? Disney has it! And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you won’t have a hard time finding it. Welcome to The Edison! We recently stopped by The Edison in Disney Springs to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere If you’re looking for a seriously unique theme, might we introduce you to The Edison? This restaurant, located in The Landing, is designed to look like a 1920s electrical company. The Edison It’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like this in Disney World. The atmosphere feels very elevated because there is lots to see thanks to the detailing. It’s moody and atmospheric, making it feel very immersive. It might not be for everyone, because it is considered a “steampunk” vibe, which hasn’t been popular for a little while. The best part of this restaurant’s atmosphere? The live entertainment! When we stopped by, the entire band was incredibly talented. They played lounge covers of pop songs that were light and created a really nice environment. The live entertainment! They weren’t too loud, so you could still have a conversation easily. They came out roughly every 30 minutes to perform. If you don’t love live entertainment during your meal, this might not be for you, but the performers really elevated the restaurant’s atmosphere for us. This spot tends to have lots of seating open, even during a busy Disney Springs day. This can be great for anyone who needs a quick break or a calm environment. They were great performers! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu This spot offers up American-inspired fare that’s more of a fast casual vibe. If you want something light, you can check out the Shares & Nibbles section with bites like, Deviled Eggs, Angeled Eggs, dips, and more. ©Disney For a veggie-forward option, they offer two full salads that you can add proteins to. They offer 4 different burgers for anyone looking for an elevated yet classic dish! ©Disney Looking for more? That’s where their Patented Specialties come in! They have an array of options like steaks, ribs, chicken sandwiches, grilled cheeses, and more! ©Disney You can also indulge in sides like fries, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies. ©Disney If dining is a family affair, they also provide kids’ starters, main courses, and desserts! ©Disney We also like to use this stop as just a place to grab a quick drink because they have TONS of options. Classic sodas? They have them! Fancy cocktails? Check! Zero proof sips? You’ll find them here! ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Drinks To drink, we picked up the A Dame’ll Sting Ya for $19.00. This is made with Sipsmith Lemon Drizzle Gin, Stirring’s All Natural Ginger Liqueur, Honey, Lemon Juice, Cranberry Juice, and Fresh Savannah Bee Company Honeycomb. A Dame’ll Sting Ya This drink was an interesting mix! It was fairly bitter, but it also had a subtle sweetness that balanced it out. The lemon flavor was there, although it was quite subtle. We were missing the honey flavor, which was pretty disappointing. The drink overall was fairly one-note. It wasn’t our favorite! There are other sips at this location that we’ve enjoyed more, but if you love something that’s a little sharp or sour, this could fit the bill. Eats First up, we grabbed the Monumental Pretzel for $16.00. This is a Bavarian-style pretzel with pimento cheese and honey mustard. The Pretzel! The pretzel was pretty dense, but it was still soft on the inside with a nice crunch on the outside. The salt flakes on the outside were the main flavor in each bite, plus they added a bit of crunch for texture. The honey mustard dip leaned a bit too sweet in our opinion. We missed having more tang from the mustard. Honey Mustard The pimento cheese was thick, but sadly didn’t add much to the pretzel. The flavor was lacking and didn’t add much to the pretzel itself. Both dips were on the smaller side, which was another disappointment. We thought the dip amount didn’t quite match up to the large pretzel, so don’t be afraid to ask for more if you order this! The pimento cheese! Next, we grabbed the DB “Clothesline” Candied Bacon for $19.00. This comes with four pieces of bacon seasoned with maple and black pepper, plus a side of sweet & spicy pickles. Look at that! If you’re looking for something savory, this might surprise you! The bacon was crunchy and chewy, which offered a nice textural balance. The bacon itself was surprisingly sweet. While it only came with four pieces, they were pretty big! The presentation was fun and a silly way to make an American classic even more fun. A closer look! The pickles were an amazing balance of spicy and sweet. They had a great crunch, which we really enjoyed. This would be easily split between two people, but if you have more than that in your group, people might be left wanting more. Have a bite! For our main entree, we tried the Edison Burger for $25.50. This burger is made with a signature blend of sirloin, short rib & brisket, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato, Edison Sauce, and L. Burbank fries. The Edison Burger This was a solid classic cheeseburger! It was hefty, but we think that price was pretty steep for what it was. The burger was cooked a perfect Medium with a slightly pink inside. The char on the outside added lots of flavor; however, it might be too much for some people. The bacon was chewy and a bit hard to bite through as we tried the burger. A look inside! The bacon added lots of salt to the burger, but the rest of the ingredients helped to balance it out. The sauce got a bit lost due to the rest of the elements on the sandwich. If you’re eager to taste the sauce, ask for extra on the side! The buns were soft and pillowy, plus they soaked up the juices from the burger so we didn’t miss a second of flavor. While we really enjoyed it, we wouldn’t say it was anything to write home about. Have a bite! Finally, we tried the Mikey’s Bag-A-Donut for $16.00. These were warm powdered sugar donuts that came with Nutella and raspberry sauce. The Mikey’s Bag A Donuts These guys were also pretty dense, but they had a nice crust on the outside. The donuts reminded us of a classic cake flavor, which felt familiar. A closer look! They powered sugar on the outside added a subtle sweetness while still being light and airy. The raspberry sauce was a balance of tart and sweet, like the actual fruit. Dip it! The Nutella has a whipped texture. It was a light chocolate flavor that paired well with the donuts. A look inside! They were a nice way to finish off the meal! Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You love live entertainment You need a break from the crowds Or you love a quick cocktail You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want a unique, more complex meal You want a bright atmosphere when dining Or you don’t love live entertainment while dining Overall This restaurant can be a hit for many. It has an incredible atmosphere and wonderful live entertainment, but the food isn’t anything that has blown us away. It offers classic, familiar flavors that are good but not great in our book. It can be an amazing place to grab a quick drink, escape the heat, and catch your breath. The Edison! 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! Disney Springs Restaurants – The Ultimate Guide 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

In 2024, performers at Disneyland unionized with the Actors’ Equity Association, the same union that represents Broadway and live theater productions in the U.S. Pixar Parade in Disney California Adventure The new union calls itself “Magic Unlimited” and represents entertainment cast members, including theatrical performers, parade performers, and character performers, as well as hosts, leads, and trainers that support Disney’s entertainment cast. Now, according to The Los Angeles Times, those Cast Members are facing a new proposal from Disneyland that takes away a paid parental leave benefit and offers fewer holidays. The 1,700 Disneyland Cast Members represented by Magic United are both full-time and part-time workers. They are now reporting that Disney is threatening to take away paid parental leave and proposing fewer holidays as they negotiate a new contract that includes higher wages. This includes Cast Members who support Disneyland’s parades, shows, and characters, including those who perform as some of Disney’s most iconic characters. Mickey Mouse in Disneyland According to a union member, the current proposal from Disney does not include paid parental leave, cuts the number of paid holidays from 12 to 11, and decreases the amount Disney matches for employee contributions to 401(k) plans. Joy meeting at Pixar Pier! A Disneyland spokesperson, though, pointed out that the proposal could change as these negotiations are new and being done with Magic United for the first time, which is different from modifying an existing contract. So Disneyland maintains no benefits are being cut and that the 11 holidays match what more than 80% of current Disneyland Cast Members already receive. Bluey’s Best Day Ever in Disneyland These Cast Members received up to eight weeks of paid parental leave before they organized. However, now that Disney and the union are negotiating a first contract, existing benefits are not guaranteed to carry over, meaning Disney can claim that no benefits have been cut. “They are trying to strip away the very things that make the Disneyland experience what it is,” said Al Vincent Jr., Actors’ Equity’s executive director. “When you propose to take away paid parental leave from those who work day in and day out to give other families great experiences, that’s not family friendly.” Jack Sparrow We’ll keep an eye on the situation and keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 10 Weeks When Disneyland Will Be Empty 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 View the full article

Disney has some major announcements up their sleeve that they’re saving for D23: the Ultimate Disney Fan Event, a yearly expo where they release some major news about the Disney theme parks. Piston Peak announcement at D23 in 2024 But there’s one upcoming land that Disney hasn’t told us about in a WHILE – Piston Peak National Park! This upcoming Cars land in Magic Kingdom has Disney fans swirling with anticipation, but we still don’t have much info on the area. Here are five major Piston Peak announcements that we’d bet money Disney will announce at this year’s D23. Disney has announced that Piston Peak will have two rides. One is a race through the mountains on wild terrain along mountain trails, dodging geysers and splashing through mud holes on an exciting and thrilling rally race ride. Disney created their own outdoor track to better understand off-roading, and you can take a peek here. ©Disney Each vehicle (a car, of course!) will have its own name, racing number, and fun personality. The ride also introduces a new character named Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore in a pre-show, where he’ll tell you about the history of Piston Peak and its folklore (which Disney has promised we’ll learn more about later). But even with all of that info, Disney still hasn’t told us the ride’s name! @Disney There’s also a second ride coming to Piston Peak. Disney shared it will be geared toward “smaller racers” and fun for the whole family. The queue for this ride will be housed in the park ranger lodge, but that’s it. We haven’t even gotten concept art for this ride. Disney, we’re begging you for more! ©Disney Disney hasn’t announced character meet-and-greets for Piston Peak, but our team of Disney experts thinks it’s a likely addition to the land. Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater previously met in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the early 2010s with a designated meet-and-greet spot, and we know they’re still around because we ran into Lightning McQueen back in February at the Daytona 500! Hi, Lightning McQueen! And now for the best part – the food! Disney hasn’t announced if dining options are coming to Piston Peak, but with the closure of Big Al’s and Westward Ho to make room for the new land, Frontierland is lacking in dining options. We’re confident that Disney has a restaurant up their sleeves, even if it’s just a quick-service stand! With the ultra-popular Flo’s V-8 Cafe and Cozy Cone Motel restaurants in Radiator Springs in Disney California Adventure, it would be a missed opportunity not to make it a must-eat destination. Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure And for the biggest announcement we’re hoping to get, Disney hasn’t yet announced an opening date or even a timeline for Piston Peak National Park. Hopefully they’ll announce at least an opening year for the new land! ©Disney Wondering what Disney might announce about Villains Land? Check out our predictions here! We’re so excited to head to D23 to see what they announce about Piston Peak in person. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the Disney World news from D23! EVERYTHING Disney Has Announced About Piston Peak 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 Piston Peak? What do you think Disney will announce about it at D23? Comment below! View the full article

EVERYONE STAY CALM! We’re less than 30 hours away from the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and we couldn’t be more excited! Halloween is here! From trick-or-treating and themed treats to special character meet-and-greets, spooky attraction overlays, and live entertainment, there is SO much to do at this party! But with this party comes a few changes. Here is your reminder for what’s about to change at Magic Kingdom with the start of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Park Hours The Halloween party takes place on 38 select nights between August 7th and October 31st. On these nights, Magic Kingdom will close to the general public at 6 PM to prepare for the 7 PM to 12 AM party. If you’re vacationing to Disney World and hoping to spend a full day in Magic Kingdom, we’d suggest planning it on a non-party day. But since the park closes early, it tends to steer a lot of people away, leaving shorter wait times for a lot of the rides. If you don’t mind not having a full day in the park, coming to Magic Kingdom on a party date may be in your best interest! Magic Kingdom is officially decked out in pumpkins! The Longest Line at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Will NOT Be For a Ride Live Entertainment Since the park closes earlier than nightfall, the Happily Ever After fireworks show will not run on these nights. Instead, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular will take its place with showings at 10 PM each night. If you were hoping to watch a fireworks show, Luminous, The Symphony of Us still takes place in EPCOT at 9 PM. Fantasmic! over in Hollywood Studios will also still run with showtimes at 9 PM and 10:30 PM. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular The Festival of Fantasy Parade during the day will also change its hours. Instead of having one showtime at 3 PM each day, the parade will now have one showtime at 2 PM. This may only be an hour change, but it’s important to know since you don’t want to plan your day around something that already passed. Festival of Fantasy Parade And for the folks attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’ll be able to enjoy an exclusive parade to the party! Mickey’s Boo-To-You! Halloween Parade has two showtimes throughout the party — 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM. During this parade, you’ll be able to see some of your favorite characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes, with the Disney villains closing it out! Mickey’s Boo To You! Halloween Parade The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular also takes place several times throughout the night. The Sanderson Sisters host a fun stage show and hope to cast a spell on everyone at the party with the help of other Disney villains, like Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent. This takes place on the Cinderella Castle Stage. Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular EVERYTHING You Need To Know About The Weather Policy for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Character Experiences Not only will there be exclusive meet-and-greets with rare characters, like Jafar from Aladdin, Lady Tremaine from Cinderella, and the Hundred Acre Wood characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes, but there will also be some NEW festivities and dance parties with some of your favorite Disney characters! Jafar at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party NEW this year is “A Masquerade with Stitch,” where guests will “Join Stitch and his pals Lilo and Angel at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland—where Stitch is hosting an ever-changing masquerade. After getting his paws on Lilo’s Costume Trunk, every accessory he tries on sparks a theme swap—keeping the party playfully unpredictable all night long.” Rocketeer Plaza Stage Also NEW this year is “See Spirited Swashbucklers!” Guests can “Sail over to Adventureland, where Captain Jack Sparrow has dropped anchor to lead a swashbuckling series of pirate antics.” Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom The Destination DescenDANCE Party returns to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café where guests can show off their best dance moves to some of their favorite songs! And, of course, we can’t forget The Cadaver Dans. The barbershop quartet will be in Frontierland singing some classic tones and delivering some “dead pan” humor. The Cadaver Dans The Eats It wouldn’t be a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party without exclusively themed treats! Over 50 spooky items will be available during the party at a variety of locations. Some of our favorite returning items include the Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn Fries from Casey’s Corner… Chipotle Barbecue Pork and Street Corn French Fries … the Buffalo Chicken Hand Pie and Bowl of Bones from Friar’s Nook… Bowl of Bones … and the Cajun Crawfish and Sausage BOOtine from Golden Oak Outpost. Cajun Crawfish and Sausage BOOtine There are also some new items we’re SO excited to try, like the Devilish Crispy Chicken Sandwich from The Plaza Restaurant… ©Disney … and the Doom Buggy Dumplings from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. ©Disney For a full list of all of the treats you can find at the party, click the link below! 17 NEW Snacks Announced for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World Merchandise Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is BIG on its merchandise. From shirts and spirit jerseys to Minnie ears and Loungeflys to home decor and pins, there is something for everyone in the family! ©Disney For a preview of this year’s merchandise, click the link below! We Are LOSING IT Over This Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Merch Preview We’ll be LIVE from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tomorrow, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB and follow along! Everything You Need for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party After Hours of Rigorous Testing 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 headed to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

At DisneyFoodBlog, we eat our way through Disney World and Disneyland so you don’t have to guess. The full spread! Every month, our team of reporters hits table service spots, quick service counters, lounges, and everything in between, ordering the new menu items, the classics, and the dishes everyone’s talking about online. We take notes on flavor, value, portion size, and whether a dish is actually worth the wait or the price tag, because we know that on a Disney vacation, every meal is also a budget decision and a memory in the making. Last month, our team ate at 24 different restaurants across both coasts. We can’t cover every single bite in one article, but we’re highlighting five standout meals that taught us something important about dining in the parks right now — and we think these lessons will help you plan your next trip. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Proves Appetizers Can Steal the Show When we headed to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, we started with the Bread Dip Pyramid, a $13 combo of Brazilian cheese bread, creamy tomato sauce, and a smoky chorizo dip. The sauce turned out to be the real star, thick and chunky with tomato, acidic and rich all at once, with the chorizo bringing a meaty depth and just a mild kick of spice. The cheese bread itself was soft and airy with a crisp exterior, pulling apart easily while still holding its shape against all that dipping. This meal taught us two things worth remembering: first, that Skipper Canteen isn’t the only place to find great Brazilian cheese bread at Disney World anymore, and second, that Jock Lindsey’s continues to be one of the most reliable stops for appetizers and cocktails in all of Disney Springs. If you’re tempted to skip the lounge menu in favor of a “real” meal elsewhere, this is your reminder not to. Read Our Full Dining Review Here of Jock Lindsey’s! Bread Dip Pyramid Capa Reminds Us That Splurges Are Sometimes Worth It Few meals this month made an impression quite like Capa. The NY Strip Steak with blackened caramelized onions was good enough to earn a permanent spot on one reviewer’s special-occasion list, and the combination of outstanding food, incredible service, and impeccable views made the case that some restaurants genuinely justify their price tag. Our lesson here is a simple one for readers planning a milestone trip: When you’re celebrating something big, Capa is the kind of place where the extra cost buys an experience, not just a plate of food. New York Strip Rix Sports Bar and Grill Now Has Churro Waffles Breakfast got a serious upgrade with Rix Sports Bar & Grill‘s new Chicken and Mickey Waffles for $20 — Mickey-shaped churro waffles topped with crispy Nashville hot chicken tenders, hot honey maple, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The Nashville sauce dripped down onto the plate, so nearly every bite carried some heat alongside the sweetness, and the churro flavor baked into the waffles took the dish beyond a typical chicken-and-waffles combo. It landed at a pleasant medium heat rather than anything punishing, with the best bites coming from dragging those sweet waffles through the spicy sauce. What we took away from this one is that Disney’s kitchens are leaning harder into bold sweet-and-spicy flavor combinations lately, and it’s worth seeking these dishes out if that flavor profile appeals to you — just come prepared for a little bit of heat. Read Our Full Review of the Waffles Here! Churro Chicken and Waffles Golden Oak Outpost Proves Quick Service Can Still Surprise You At Golden Oak Outpost, the Hot Honey Chicken Strips for $12.99 came with marshmallow and candied pecan-topped sweet potato waffle fries, and the whole plate over-delivered for a quick counter-service lunch. The chicken was crunchy and coated in hot honey with a great sweet-heat balance, while the waffle fries brought nostalgic marshmallow flavor with just enough hot honey drizzle to tie the whole plate together. The candied pecans added a nutty note that some might find a touch sweet, but it balanced nicely against the chicken’s spice. This meal taught us not to underestimate quick service: Disney World chicken strips, a menu staple most guests think they already know, can still get better. Read Our Full Review of These Here! Hot Honey Chicken Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby Sets a New Bar for Downtown Disney Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby recently opened at Downtown Disney. We were blown away by the Beef Wellington, priced at $73 and served with potato puree, fresh herb salad, and red wine demi. It lived up to every bit of its reputation. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare and wrapped in crispy puff pastry with mushroom duxelles and Dijon mustard, our reporter called it “utter perfection,” and the red wine demi and elevated potato puree rounded out a genuinely show-stopping plate. This restaurant is worth booking if you want a meal that impresses even seasoned Disney food reporters, if your family is fans of Gordon Ramsay and his shows, or if you simply need a slower, more upscale pace during an otherwise chaotic Disneyland day. Our takeaway: this quickly became one of our favorite Downtown Disney restaurants, full stop. Read Our Full Review of Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby Here! Beef Wellington Taken together, these five meals show just how wide the range of “worth it” can be at Disney. Sometimes it’s a $13 appetizer at a lounge, and sometimes it’s a $73 entrée at a celebrity chef’s table — and both can earn a spot on your must-do list. The throughline across everything we ate this month was flavor experimentation: kitchens across both coasts are leaning into bold sweet-and-spicy combinations, elevating quick-service classics, and proving that even reliable comfort foods like cheese bread and chicken strips can be reinvented in new ways. Our biggest lesson for readers planning their own trips is to keep an open mind about where you spend your dining budget — some of the best bites we had all month weren’t at the fanciest restaurants. Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby That’s exactly why we keep doing this. With so many restaurants, menus, and price points across Disney World and Disneyland, it’s easy to end up spending money on a meal that just isn’t worth it and just as easy to walk right past something incredible. Be sure to keep checking back with DFB for all of our latest restaurant reviews, new menu item taste tests, and dining guides, so you always know exactly where to spend your time and money on your next Disney 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 What is your favorite Disney restaurant? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

If you visited Universal Studios Hollywood recently, you may have been exposed to measles. Universal Studios Hollywood According to KTLA, Los Angeles County health officials are warning anyone who visited the park late last month that they could have been exposed to measles after someone with the infectious disease visited the park. According to health officials, a person infected with measles visited Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26th from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. If you were in the park at the same time, you may want to confirm whether you are vaccinated against measles. If you have not had measles in the past and have not received a vaccine for it, you are at risk of developing the disease after exposure. In that case, you should monitor yourself for symptoms, which can include runny nose, cough, fever, rash, and red and watery eyes. Universal Studios Hollywood You should also contact your health care provider if you are pregnant, an infant, or immunocompromised. Also, call a health care provider immediately if you develop symptoms. You should also stay home and avoid any large gatherings. You may develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure. Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour Measles, which is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, is a serious respiratory disease caused by an airborne virus. A whopping nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into contact with an infected person are likely to become infected themselves. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the disease is by receiving two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. To receive a vaccine, you should contact your health care provider. If you’ve been exposed and have symptoms, avoid large gatherings Measles cases have been rising in the U.S., particularly in California. Earlier this year, health officials reported a potential measles exposure at Disneyland, too. We’ll keep an eye out for more theme park news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. I Travel Full Time. Here Are the Things I ALWAYS Do When I Get to My Hotel Room. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood soon? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

The 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner, which means announcements are starting to fly in from all sides! Spaceship Earth With less than a month until the festival begins, Disney has announced that several things will be returning this year, along with some new additions. Let’s dive into the newest announcements for this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! “Cheers to Cheese!” at CommuniCore Hall This is a NEW interactive exhibit coming to the festival this year! From September 18th through November 8th, guests can browse the “Cheers to Cheese!” exhibit, which explores the history of cheese with added fun facts. CommuniCore Hall This Is the ONLY EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trick You Need To Know About Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak This fun scavenger hunt sends you around World Showcase to find Remy in the countries and at the Global Marketplaces (food booths). Guests can purchase a map at Disney Traders, Creations Shop, festival markets, and other select shops for $11.99 plus tax. At the end of the scavenger hunt, guests will be able to pick up a prize at Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler (even if you don’t complete it!) This activity is available during the entirety of the festival, and prizes are subject to availability. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Map 2025 12 Nights When EPCOT Will Be CROWDED During the Food & Wine Festival Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit From September 25th through November 2nd, guests can partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a scavenger hunt similar to Remy’s Hide & Squeak, but instead of finding Remy, you’re looking for decorative pumpkins! Guests can purchase a gameboard and stickers from Creations Shop, Disney Traders, festival merchandise kiosks, Gateway Gifts, and World Traveler at International Gateway for $11.99 plus tax. And at the end — even if you don’t complete it — you’ll receive a spooky festival keepsake! Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Map 2025 7 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Habits That Instantly Mark You as a Rookie Emile’s Fromage Montage Emile’s Fromage Montage has been confirmed to return, although Disney has yet to release further details since menus have not been released. This activity sends guests around to the food booths to receive stamps for qualifying cheesy items. Once you’ve collected all of your stamps, you’ll be given an additional treat or a souvenir! We’re keeping an eye out for more information, so we’ll let you know when it comes out! Emile’s Fromage Montage 2025 Disney Reveals FIRST Look at EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Souvenirs Exclusive PhotoPass Magic Shots PhotoPass photographers are all around EPCOT to capture some great moments and memories from your magical vacation. They also have these things called Magic Shots, which insert certain Disney characters or props into your photo depending on how your posed. Well, there are some new and returning Magic Shots for the festival this year, so let’s get into them! Magic Shots! First up, the Leaning Tower of Cheeza from A Goofy Movie Magic Shot returns, featuring Max Goof and Bobby Zimuruski. ©Disney The Elemental crew joins the fun with a Magic Shot featuring Ember and her father, Bernie Lumen. Guests can find this Magic Shot on the path from Spaceship Earth to CommuniCore Hall. ©Disney The Giant Empanada Magic Shot returns to the Mexico Pavilion! Pose next to this delicious (and giant) food, which reads “EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026.” ©Disney The Balloon Magic Shots are always a must, and at this year’s festival, guests can hold balloons featuring countries from the World Showcase! This Magic Shot can be found at select spots in World Celebration. ©Disney The Muppets have been all the rage lately, and it continues as the Swedish Chef travels to World Celebration for a Magic Shot! Don’t fret if you see a lobster sitting on your shoulder when you get the photo back! ©Disney Finally, we have another NEW Magic Shot as Waiter Mickey adds a little flavorful flair to some photos around World Showcase! ©Disney Going to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? We Need to Have a Chat. Jammin’ Chefs If you’ve ever been to EPCOT, you might have heard the JAMMitors in passing. This live entertainment option features several Cast Members making music by drumming on buckets and trash cans. During the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, a little kitchen flair is added as they turn pots, pans, and other unlikely kitchen tools into instruments! No showtimes have been announced as of yet, but we’ll keep you posted when they drop! JAMMitors Knowing what to do and how to tackle EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival can be stressful — we get it! But don’t worry, our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining has a WHOLE chapter covering the festivals, so you don’t have to go in blind! Be sure to check it out before you go! We’ll be LIVE from EPCOT on the first day of this year’s Food & Wine Festival, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! We Know When EPCOT Food & Wine Festival MENUS Will Drop IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you going to this year’s Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

The Disney Parks are home to some of the most iconic and delicious snacks and drinks, ranging from the classic Mickey-shaped Pretzel and the familiar chicken tenders and fries to a Pickle Milkshake and foam-numbing drinks. Fuzzy TaunTaun The variety of offerings makes Disney a great place for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike. But let’s talk about the kids for a minute — they can be REALLY picky. So picky that they might only eat certain brands even though they’re familiar with the food as a whole! Well, good news, parents! This new collaboration could make eating a bit easier for your kids! We’re in the Disney theme parks every day, AND we’ll be live from D23, so we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know about this collaboration! So, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks! 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 What do you think about this collaboration? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Do Disney Military Tickets Include Lightning Lane? The answer is completely different depending on whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland. At Walt Disney World, Disney Military Salute Tickets and regular military-discounted tickets do not include Lightning Lane. Any Lightning Lane pass you want must be purchased separately through the My Disney Experience app. […] The post Do Disney Military Tickets Include Lightning Lane? WDW vs. Disneyland Explained appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Believe it or not, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts on August 5th! 2025 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party map Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event where guests can celebrate spooky season at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The event brings exclusive entertainment, snacks, merchandise, and experiences. With everything you can do at MNSSHP, you’d be surprised at what we think the longest line will be for this year! During the Halloween party, Disney has rides available, exclusive merchandise, and TONS of exclusive snacks and beverages. Yet, we think the most popular and longest line to deal with will be for the exclusive popcorn buckets. A sign in front of Magic Kingdom! The Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket, which was previously announced to be coming to Disneyland, will also be available in Disney World at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Once you see this thing, you can imagine why we think the longest line will be for popcorn buckets. Just take a look! ©Disney That’s not all, as another popcorn bucket that is coming to the party is the Headless Horseman Popcorn Bucket. ©Disney So, if the longest lines are going to be for these items, what’s the best thing you can do to maximize your time AND get your hands on these exclusive items? Our first recommendation would be grabbing them FIRST THING! Once you enter the party, we wouldn’t wait. 2025’s trick-or-treat bag! If you were okay with missing some entertainment, you could go during parade and fireworks showtimes since that’s where the crowds will be. Even going at the end of the night might not be the worst idea, as guests may be trying to get last-minute trick-or-treating and rides in. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party You can find the popcorn buckets at carts near Cinderella Castle, and there is a limit of two per person! While not party exclusives, you can also find the Vampire Mickey Bucket or Halloween Pooh Sipper during the day. You’ll find those at snack carts around Magic Kingdom: Adventureland snack cart near Jungle Cruise Liberty Square snack cart near Liberty Tree Tavern Fantasyland snack cart near Gaston’s Tavern Frontierland snack cart near Pecos Bill’s and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Popcorn Cart This year, the Halloween party will run from August 7th to October 31st. We seriously can’t wait for spooky season and some Halloween fun. We’re going to take you with us when we go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so stay tuned for that and follow us at the Disney Food Blog. Major Magic Kingdom Fireworks Change Starts in 11 Days Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When you’re packing for a Disney trip, you’re likely trying to make sure you have everything you need, while also trying not to overpack and leave room for the souvenirs you may bring home. Disneyland luggage We’ve been there many times, so we’re always on the lookout for the best essentials you’ll need on your trip. Ones that will help you save room in your bag while also making sure you don’t break the bank. For those of us who are traveling soon but on a MAJOR budget, we just found three essentials on Amazon that are all under $15, and we guarantee they’ll make your trip easier. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. One Charger That Turns Into Three! ©Amazon Chargers take up a LOT of space in your bag, and you don’t really realize it until you’re realizing that you can’t fit another essential in your bag because your cords are everywhere. Slim things down and don’t worry about adapters with the 3 in 2 Multi Charging Cable Cord. The connector is both a Type A and C USB cord, and the output has options for charging three devices at one time, even an Apple Watch! It’ll make life much easier, whether you’re flying or driving, believe us. Grab on Amazon! Watching Your Favorite Shows on Planes Just Got Way Easier ©Amazon If you’ve chosen to fly a budget airline, you may not have a TV on the back of your seat, meaning you may be in for a long flight of nothing. The Foldable Airplane Phone Holder solves that problem easily. It comes flat, making it extremely easy to pack; then you’ll fold it to either tuck it into the seat back pocket in front of you or you can place it on your tray table. Set your phone or tablet on it, and you’re good to go! Grab on Amazon! Never Lose Your Small Liquids Again ©Amazon It’s already bad enough that you need to fill smaller tubes with your shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids, since planes don’t allow full sizes, but then you’ve got tons of bottles all over the place. What if they leak? What if you misplace one, and then your whole routine is off? Make that all a problem of the past with the 4-in-1 Detachable Travel Dispenser Bottles Set, where all four dispenser bottles sit inside the one container. Easier for packing, no need to worry about messes, and they’re easy to detach and use as needed. Grab on Amazon! We’ll continue to be on the lookout for all the latest and greatest travel essentials, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is coming up REALLY soon, and we are so ready to eat our way around all the food booths (and get you reviews because that’s what we do). We’re also ready to listen to some LIVE music performances, chase a rat around World Showcase for a prize, and eat a ton of cheese for another prize. ©Disney However, another thing to look forward to is the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merchandise, and, well, Disney just gave us a first look at what you’ll be able to buy at this year’s festival. So let’s check it out!! Starting with apparel, you’ll be able to get an EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Tee, which is a white T-shirt with the Food & Wine logo on the front pocket. ©Disney You can’t have a special event with ears, so check out the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Ears. This year’s ears are topped with a tiny chef’s hat and feature Mickey and Minnie. ©Disney Cuddle up in a cozy EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Sweatshirt that’s even the color of wine. Who doesn’t love a comfy hoodie on a cool fall evening? ©Disney You can also grab the festival Baseball Cap in that same color. ©Disney There’s also a…and we’re quoting Disney here, “a churro that magically transforms into a tote bag,” which sounds like the most disappointing use of a churro ever, but also the best tote bag ever. It’s a little odd, though, being that churros aren’t necessarily something Disney World is known for, but it’s still an iconic Disneyland treat. ©Disney You’ll also be able to pick up this gorgeous Wine Glass… ©Disney …a Pastry-Topped Mug… ©Disney …and a Tray that comes in handy when you have to lug all those food items and beverages around. ©Disney The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival starts on August 27th and runs through November 21st. We’ll be at the festival on DAY ONE, getting you all the food reviews and details about this year’s festival, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 5 Bags Perfect for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, All Under $25 IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be attending the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival this year? Share your plans in the comments! View the full article

Good boys give good advice. 🐾 #Disneyland #PiratesoftheCaribbean #DisneyParksView the full article