All Activity
- Today
-
Earlier this week, Disney announced that the Play Disney Parks app will be shutting down on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026. The app powers dozens of interactive games across Disney World, including Star Wars: Datapad, Batuu Bounty Hunters, and DuckTales World Showcase Adventure. @Disney Now that the Play Disney Parks app is shutting down with no replacement in sight, what’s happening to these games? And more importantly, what about DUCKTALES?!? In DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, this interactive scavenger hunt takes you around EPCOT’s World Showcase, where Scrooge McDuck is hot on the trail of some of the world’s most precious ancient artifacts, and you can help him out using the Play Disney Parks mobile app! ©Disney As you explore the countries, you’ll find clues to help you find the ancient artifacts, which can lead you all over the Pavilions. We usually end up at this rune in Norway, where you have to read the stone tablet for clues! Runes at Norway’s Stave Church Plus, you’ll also run into some classic DuckTales characters like Scrooge McDuck, Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, but you can only make them appear by playing the game in the Play Disney Parks app. One of our favorite scenes was Donald being chased by a doll in the Germany Pavilion! ©Disney Now that the Play Disney Parks app is being shut down, it looks like DuckTales World Showcase Adventure will shut down along with all of the games in the app, including Star Wars: Datapad, Batuu Bounty Hunters, Off to Never Land in the Peter Pan’s Flight queue, Playset Party in the Toy Story Mania! queue, Rocket Race in the Space Mountain line, Soarin’ Challenge at Soarin’ Around The World, and even general park trivia you can play at home. Star Wars: Datapad If you want to play any of these games through the Play Disney Parks app, you can play them until you’re unable to log into the app on Wednesday, September 16th. We’ll keep you updated on the future of these games now that the Play Disney Parks app is being discontinued. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! This Disney World Website Change Makes Planning A Trip 10x Easier 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 game are you the saddest to see go? Comment below! View the full article
-
As much as we love eating our way around Disney World, some meals might leave you with some major lingering regrets! Prix-Fixe Meal at Be Our Guest Restaurant There are literally HUNDREDS of restaurants around Disney World. From the world cuisines around EPCOT to super immersive character meals, there’s something for just about every taste. But beware that even some of the most popular dining experiences have had their fair share of disappointed guests! We recently asked our Facebook followers what Disney World experiences they regret paying for, and people did NOT hold back. In fact, there were a few popular dining locations that were commonly name-dropped in the comments! Be Our Guest Restaurant Back when it first opened in Magic Kingdom in 2012, Be Our Guest Restaurant was a major must-do for lots of guests…including us! The restaurant is known for its iconic theming straight out of Beauty and the Beast, and in its early days, it featured a quick service breakfast and lunch, and a table service dinner. Be Our Guest Back when it offered different meal options and an à la carte menu, it used to be possible to dine at Be Our Guest without breaking the bank. But in recent years, that’s no longer been the case. Be Our Guest currently only offers lunch and dinner, which are both strictly table service with a prix fixe menu. Be Our Guest Be Our Guest’s prix fixe meals are PRICEY at $72 per adult or $43 per child, so the average family can easily expect to drop hundreds of dollars for a single dining experience just to get inside the Beast’s castle! That’s a LOT of money to spend on just one lunch or dinner, and while we have had some pretty good meals here, it’s definitely hard to justify the price tag just on the food quality alone. French onion soup au gratin Plus, while the Beast himself makes an appearance, it’s not the traditional character meal-style meet-and-greet you might be expecting. Chris M. mentioned that as part of the reason they found Be Our Guest disappointing, “The Beast comes in from a door in the corner, walks around the exterior of the room, and goes back out the same door…” Beast in Be Our Guest at Disney World Of course, the theming is pretty incredible, so it could be worth visiting at least once for that alone, especially if you have a major Beauty and the Beast fan. But if you’re in search of a more affordable Beauty and the Beast-themed meal, we’d suggest visiting Gaston’s Tavern just a few steps away, or even Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for a more upscale experience. Space 220 Much like Be Our Guest Restaurant, Space 220 in EPCOT has left some guests with regrets for a similar reason — it’s an INCREDIBLY immersive restaurant where you’ll be paying for the experience more than the food. Stellar View at Space 220 After you’ve boarded the “stellavator” to be lifted high above EPCOT, you’ll reach the dining room with panoramic views of outer space and Earth below. It’s an undeniably unique environment, but fair warning that the awe-inspiring vibes don’t necessarily extend to the food. Barbara B. shared her experience, saying, “We were SO excited to go [to Space 220], but the food was just okay and felt oddly like a buffet restaurant in Vegas we used to go to…” Cosmic Cheesecake And that frustration is even more understandable when you consider the price for a meal at Space 220 — lunch is $55 per adult and $29 per child, while dinner costs a whopping $79 per adult and $35 per child. Grow Zone Sprouts Salad If you really want to experience the magic of Space 220 WITHOUT the astronomical bill, you can try to get a reservation for the Space 220 lounge instead. You’ll still get to enjoy all of the theming, including the panoramic space views and stellavator ride. But, instead of a full prix fixe meal, the lounge serves strictly à la carte apps that range from $16 to $28 per item. Solar Flare The Space 220 lounge takes reservations, but heads up that they tend to book up FAST. If you aren’t able to snag a reservation, you can head to the Space 220 host stand on the day of your visit and ask about potential walk-up availability for the Space 220 bar. Walk-up availability isn’t guaranteed, of course, but it’s worth a shot if you weren’t able to get a reservation and want to try one last shot at getting the Space 220 experience! Oga’s Cantina Oga’s Cantina is a spaceport bar located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And — yup, you guessed it — it’s another spot where you’re paying for the atmosphere more than the actual menu items! Oga’s Cantina It’s definitely more of a drink destination than a food one, since there are only a few small bites on the menu. But lots of guests who were looking for a snack to go with their cocktails were left thinking, “wait, what?” Joan P. said, “When we went [to Oga’s], it was shoulder to shoulder and they were offering what looked like a mix between Chex Mix and cereal as an appetizer.” It sounds like Joan is probably referencing the Batuu Bites, a combination of blue corn, BBQ, and curry spice chips with lotus root, green bean chips, and herb dip. ©Disney We think the Batuu Bites are okay, but at $13 they’re definitely expensive for what you get. We’d probably opt for the Umbaran Cheese Roll for the same price if we’re really craving a snack to go with our fancy space drinks! Umbaran Cheese Roll As Joan also referenced, they tend to pack people in pretty tight at Oga’s Cantina, so you can probably expect that the experience will be crowded and a bit hectic. Which, to be fair, actually might be a pretty realistic experience for a spaceport bar! But if the overstimulating atmosphere isn’t your vibe, you might be better off getting your space food and drinks from one of the other spots in Galaxy’s Edge, like Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters, or The Milk Stand. The Beak and Barrel Our last entry on the list is also the newest. The Beak and Barrel is a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge that opened in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom on August 29th, 2025. It’s super immersive and detailed, and as is the running theme here, the experience is the real hook here! Skull Bar at The Beak and Barrel It’s wildly cool, especially for superfans of the classic attraction. But if you’re expecting a chill, relaxing experience where you can hang out and lounge to your heart’s content, this spot isn’t it! Guests are limited to 45-minutes at The Beak and Barrel, and you might end up with a standing table instead of a seat (which is actually the case at the previously mentioned Oga’s Cantina as well). The Beak and Barrel Martina R. shared her experience, “I told the [host] checking us in that I’m not standing up to drink my $20 cocktails, so I’ll wait until a table is available. They accommodated us after 20 minutes past our reservation time, which I agreed to because I wanted a seat. [Beak and Barrel] is decorated and themed really well, but the drinks were meh and the food wasn’t anything special. I 100% know and expect that Disney is expensive, and I’m okay with that, but this was a big waste in my opinion. One and done.” The Beak and Barrel Also similar to Oga’s Cantina, the food menu is pretty limited, but on the plus side, we found the small bites here to be on the more adventurous and unique side compared to lots of other options available around Magic Kingdom. Plus, we really did love the immersive environment and the theme dedicated to one of our favorite attractions. Kraken’s Catch But yeah, that 45-minute time limit is VERY strict so Cast Members can turn over the tables for new guests, and the atmosphere is high energy, so if you want a relaxing spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the parks, you’ll probably be disappointed with the experience here. It’s an impressive and immersive spot, but you definitely have to know what to expect — and be totally okay with it — going in! These spots just go to show that a pricey meal or a hard-to-get reservation doesn’t automatically translate to a great experience! It’s why we believe there are no “right” answers when someone asks about the best Disney World restaurants — it’s all about what’s best for YOU and what type of experience you’re looking for. We’re constantly checking out all of the latest Disney World dining changes, so stick with us to stay up to date on all the details you need to plan your next vacation! Disney World Fans Reveal the Restaurants They’re Ditching in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you experienced a Disney World meal that you regret? Share your experience in the comments! View the full article
-
FINALLY — EPCOT’s Food & Wine menus have dropped, Halloween has kicked off at the Disneyland Resort, Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats are BACK in Magic Kingdom, and I’ve got so many new snacks to tell you about. Latest news All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our new video: Latest Disney News: Food & Wine Menus, Oogie Boogie Bash & MORE! Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
-
When we’re planning our Disney World trips, the Walt Disney World website is a lifesaver. You can get Lightning Lanes, dining reservations, and hotel stays all in one place! Magic Kingdom But when we went to plan our next Disney trip today, the website had an entirely brand-new layout that’s ten times easier to navigate! Let’s take a look together. To start, the Walt Disney World website has a brand-new home page. The top navigation bar is simpler now, with far fewer items to click through. You’ll find fewer categories with only Parks, Tickets & Passes, Places to Stay, and Dining, but when you click on the tabs, you’ll find the longer list with everything you’d need for the category. The menu also has a translucent, frosted appearance, which feels a lot more modern and updated. ©Disney The redesign isn’t just on the homepage, because some individual pages have changed, too. Disney added a tab system so you can switch between meal periods, like lunch and dinner, without leaving the page or scrolling through both menus at once. This is such a game-changer if you know what restaurant you want, but can’t decide between breakfast, lunch, or dinner! ©Disney This update hasn’t hit all pages, notably, the dining reservations webpage still has the same layout… ©Disney … and the resorts pages still have the same look. Disney hasn’t announced whether or not redesigns will change the full site. ©Disney While Disney hasn’t yet announced more plans for the redesign, we’ll be sure to update you if it does. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! REVIEW: Disney, Please Keep the Caramel Coming in the Germany Pavilion Because We’re Eating It UP 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 website change? Comment below! View the full article
-
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event gave us so much Disney news and exciting updates. Especially about the projects currently underway in Disney World. Piston Peak Display at D23 2026 In fact, one project we got lots of new information about was Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom, and of course, Disney fans have LOTS of opinions. During D23, Disney shared a to-scale model of the entire land, confirmed details, shared the names of both rides coming to the land, gave in-depth details on what these rides will entail, and more! We now have a much clearer picture of what this new Magic Kingdom land will hold, and it’s safe to say Disney fans have thoughts about every aspect of this new land. Piston Peak We took to social media to see what fans think of this new land, and one area that fans seem to be upset about is the new ride, Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, where you will enter Miss Fritter (from Cars 3) Demolition Derby in a wild new spinning attraction. ©Disney One user @jcuk23 shared, “Miss Fritter looks like a copy of Aliens and Maters but with bigger cars, what a letdown. I was hoping for more of the Luigi’s ride.” While @hann_fansher said, “Disappointed to see Mrs Fritter get her own ride, she’s my least favourite character.” Piston Peak Model Several people also explained that they felt like this land is being put in the wrong park. @johnnybravolb explained, “1000% should have went into Hollywood studios.” And others shared that sentiment, with @orlanduuh saying, ” This looks cute but I think it’s in the wrong park but too late now.” One user explained how out of place this land feels saying, “ah yes we all know the abundance of cars in colonial America. Cars Land would be amazing but it just doesn’t fit.” Piston Peak Model at D23 2026 However, while some fans expressed their concerns, there were many others who are very excited to see this new expansion come to life! @raptorpurple shared, “I’M SO EXCITED!!! I’M NOT EVEN FROM FLORIDA LOL” while @noeler.25 said, “Im so excited! My son loves cars still so once its open we are planing a trip over!” Welcome to Piston Peak! But of course, there are still many fans who can’t move past the closure of the beloved Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. @figureshots3301 explained, “Was this worth losing the Rivers of America? I think not.” Rivers of America As with any new project or update, Disney fans are divided on how they feel, but we have to say we are excited to see Piston Peak come to life in Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak Model at D23 2026 We will continue to bring you all of the Piston Peak and other Disney World news, so stay tuned to AllEars so you never miss anything! HUGE Ride News Announced For ‘Cars’ Land in Magic Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
-
Our shopping carts are completely full of Halloween Disney finds, and honestly, we aren’t mad. ©Disney Winnie the Pooh has a few new Halloween items that we’re totally obsessed with, and Disney has really crushed the entire Halloween season this year. We’re pulling a few of our favorites that we think you’ll love just as much. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You can check out everything Halloween here! We’re pulling all of the favorites that we’ll be using at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Oogie Boogie Bash, and every fall, even in between. see more disney finds here! Winnie the Pooh and Pals Halloween Tote ©Disney This is a Disney Store Exclusive and features our favorite friends from the Hundred Acre Woods in their Halloween costumes. They look like bats and vampires, and I am truly dying of cuteness over here. It’s a great size to hold all your essentials for a travel day and is perfect to throw in your suitcase as an extra souvenir bag. check it out here Winnie the Pooh and Pals Halloween 1/4 Zip Pullover ©Disney This has the same design, but as a 1/4 zip pullover! It’s great to get cozy in on those beautiful fall mornings where it’s just a little chilly in the air. It’s also fun to keep in your backpack during your park day and pull out for fireworks when the sun sets. We love wearing items like this when we want to get in the Halloween spirit without having to wear a full costume. check it out here Winnie the Pooh Plush Halloween Wristlet Bag ©Disney Vampire Pooh is back! This wristlet is a perfect accessory for any outfit, and you can even clip it to a larger bag (like the tote!) to use as a fun keychain and coin purse. We’d keep our small essentials in it, like lip gloss and a wallet, so it’s easy to grab throughout the day. It’s also just so dang cute. check it out here Disneyland Halloween Boxer Shorts for Women ©Disney To match your Pooh Bear items, you should grab these pajama shorts. Whether you’re watching a Halloween movie on the couch with hot chocolate in hand or want a fun outfit with an oversized t-shirt, these shorts are going to be your go-to throughout the whole season. check it out here You can check out more of our favorite Halloween finds here! We love getting in the fall spirit, and there’s no better way to do that than with Disney merch. see more disney finds here! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite finds that you won’t want to miss all season long. View the full article
-
Disney World isn’t known for being a theme park filled with thrill rides, especially in EPCOT. The only thrill rides you’ll find here are Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and the controversial Mission: SPACE. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind On Facebook, we asked our readers, “EPCOT fans, tell us your biggest park-day disaster. We want to hear what went horribly wrong on your EPCOT trip and how you handled it.” One of the responses came because of this thrill attraction… any guesses on which one? If you guessed Mission: SPACE, you’d be correct! Reader Claire wrote, “Going on Mission Space Orange. Rode it, couldn’t walk or see straight, somehow made it back to the resort, threw up, slept for 4 hours and then was fine lol” Mission: SPACE If you’ve never been on Mission: SPACE, it’s INTENSE, especially the Orange Mission. There are two mission options to choose from on this attraction: Green Mission (around Earth) and Orange Mission (around Mars). Don’t get me wrong — the idea of this ride is awesome. And Disney worked with people at NASA to create it! Mission: SPACE The Green Mission offers a less intense experience, made for a gentler and more family-friendly ride. It uses a motion simulator that offers light movement and doesn’t spin, so it’s less likely to cause motion sickness. Guests must be 40″ to ride. The Orange Mission is more intense, using a centrifuge that spins and tilts to simulate the speed and G-forces of a spacecraft launch and reentry. On the Disney World website, it states, “Guests who wish to experience the Orange Mission should be in good health and free of high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.” Guests must be 44″ to ride. Mission: SPACE Getting sick on Mission: SPACE is not uncommon, even when you’re riding the less intense mission. Reader Megan responded to Claire, saying, “my husband made me ride it. I made it out and had to lay on the bench outside for about an hour. I was green. Thankfully did not throw up which was a miracle.” Mission: SPACE So, if you’re okay with feeling a bit nauseous after this attraction, go for it. But you absolutely could not pay me to get on this attraction. I’d much rather enjoy my day eating around the world, shrinking down to the size of a rat, and riding through plants. What is something in Disney World you’d never do again? Do you LOVE Mission: SPACE? I need to know, so tell me in the comments! Oh, and be sure to let us know and follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more on the Disney theme parks! 17 Things That Totally Annoy Disney World Cast Members (and What to Do Instead) 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 Mission: SPACE? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
-
EPCOT is known for its treats, and we have eaten our way around the World Showcase hundreds of times to try it all. If you asked us to pick our favorite pavilion, let’s be honest and say we’d really struggle because there are so many good ones, not including the EPCOT festivals either. Let’s eat some caramel! We’re heading to Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT, and we’re diving right into the caramel but with an autumn twist. First up, we had the Werther’s Original Caramel Coconut Cookie Sandwich for $7.99, which is two coconut cookies with salted caramel buttercream, Werther’s Original Caramel, and toasted coconut flakes. Caramel Coconut Cookie Sandwich We’re going to start you off with a warning: this thing is messy! The frosting gets everywhere once you start eating it, so make sure you grab lots of napkins. The cookies were very soft, like shortbread, and the coconut is baked in, which adds a little more texture and coconut flavor. The frosting was thick and reminded us of cinnamon roll icing (aka the best part of the cinnamon roll). It had a subtle coconut flavor but leaned more sweet than vanilla, with more coconut flakes on the outer edge. Look at that coconut! The thin layer of caramel matched the frosting well and brought a rich, gooey sweetness. Overall, we think coconut lovers are going to go wild for this, and who doesn’t love Wether’s Caramel? LAYERS! Then we had the Wether’s Original Caramel Pumpkin Swiss Roll for $6.49, which is pumpkin-flavored cake with salted caramel buttercream and Wether’s Original Caramel. Caramel Pumpkin Swiss Roll The pumpkin cake is rich and moist, and it holds its structure really well in the Florida heat. It was sweet with a warm spiced pumpkin flavor. The frosting is light and airy, with a buttercream texture, and is mostly vanilla-forward, with subtle cinnamon flavor and sweetness in the background. The perfect roll The caramel tastes homemade and was gooey and soft, and overall, a fun fall treat to try while in EPCOT. …followed by a perfect bite In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the snack reviews you need to know before going to Disney World yourself. We’re in the parks every single day, trying everything there is to offer, so you know what’s worth the time and what you should skip, so you can have the best trip EVER! 5 NEW MENU ITEMS ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite snack in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments. View the full article
-
The Halloween season has officially arrived at Disneyland, and we couldn’t be more excited! Minnie in her new Halloween outfit! There’s so much coming to the resort for the spooky season, and we’ve been doing everything in our power to keep up with it all so you stay in the know. Now that the Halloween season has officially kicked off, something very high on our list was to see some of our favorite classic characters in their new costumes, and we were NOT disappointed! When announcing what was coming for the spooky season, Disney let us know that Mickey and the gang were getting brand-new costumes to celebrate. They were described as featuring “harlequin motifs, frilled collars and cuffs, and swirling confection details in hues of orange, yellow, and black.” You can meet them in Town Square, and now that we’ve gotten the chance to see these costumes in person, we have to say they are super cute! Hi Minnie! We had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of these new character costumes at an event. We got to see both Minnie and Goofy in their new Halloween best. Minnie in her new Halloween outfit! Minnie is wearing a dress with puffy sleeves, multi-pattern leggings, and a brand-new bow. The colors of this new costume are various shades of orange and yellow. The whole design feels like a drawing come to life, and we definitely think that Disney pulled through on the promise of “harlequin motifs.” We are OBSESSED! Next up, we got to see Goofy, who has a similar color palette and overall design. However, his outfit appears to be reminiscent of a Court Jester, which fits into Goofy’s overall silly and fun vibe very well. Goofy’s new outfit! It’s safe to say that we are obsessed with these new costumes, and we think they will be an amazing addition to the Halloween season over in Disneyland! It’s time for spooky season! Looking for more recent Halloween activities around Disneyland Resort and Disney World? Check out our posts below! More Recent Halloween News! Why You Need NEW Photos With These Classic Disney CharactersLet’s Get Spooky! Halloween Has Landed in DisneylandChanges Hit Disney’s Haunted MansionThese Are the Accessories Everyone Will Have at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party This YearYou Have ONE WEEK To Snag This New Disney Collection Before It’s GONE We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Halloween news coming out of the Disney parks, so stay tuned to DFB! This Is NOT A Drill! We Know All The Halloween Treats Coming To Disneyland 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 a fan of the new costumes? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend their media preview of these new Halloween costumes. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article
-
2026 has already been a big year at Hollywood Studios. The Muppets took over the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, the Mandalorian and Grogu made their Smugglers Run debut, and now September promises more changes to the park that opened as the Disney-MGM Studios back in 1989. It lights up! From special events to a major opening and some perks disappearing, there are some major things that Hollywood Studios guests need to know before heading to the park next month. Extended Evening Hours Extended Evening Hours offer two extra hours to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resorts at select theme parks on select evenings after the park closes to the general public. Hollywood Studios will host Extended Evening Hours on September 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 9 PM to 11 PM each night. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets The following Hollywood Studios attractions are available during Extended Evening Hours: Alien Swirling Saucers Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Slinky Dog Dash Star Tours – The Adventures Continue The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Toy Story Mania! Tower of Terror Extended Evening Hours are available to guests at the following hotels: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (The extended evening theme park hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only) The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Ignore the Haters and Do This First in Hollywood Studios After Hours Events After Hours events are separately ticketed events that allow guests to enjoy beloved attractions with lower wait times for an extra two hours after the park closes to the public, plus enjoy snacks included in the cost of this ticketed event. They’re returning to the park for their final two 2026 dates in September, as Hollywood Studios will host After Hours events on September 2nd from 9:30 AM to 12:30 AM and September 12th from 10 PM to 1 AM. Slinky Dog Dash The following attractions are available during After Hours Events at Hollywood Studios: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Slinky Dog Dash Toy Story Mania! Alien Swirling Saucers The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge After Hours These Snacks Could Be the BEST Perk of This Disney World After Hours Event The Magic of Disney Animation Back in 2025, Disney announced that a new take on the opening day Magic of Disney Animation experience would be replacing the Star Wars Launch Bay (which is a bit of theme park inception, since the Launch Bay is what replaced the original Magic of Disney Animation over a decade ago). This new attraction is set to open on September 14th! ©Disney The new take on the classic will be split into 4 sections: Olaf Draws The Magic of Disney Animation will host Olaf Draws, a class where YOU can learn how to draw iconic Disney animated characters! These classes will be led by Olaf himself with the help of some legendary Disney Animation artists who will help bring the class to life. ©Disney Olaf will be a brand-new Audio-Animatronic as he welcomes people into a new space, inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio, sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing. Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, returned to record original dialogue for the experience. “I’m so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,” Gad shared. Josh Gad at the World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland In Olaf Draws, each class features a different character, so you can return again and again! You may sketch any of the following in the class: Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!) Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog) Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2) Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules) Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2) Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon) Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3) Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto) Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard, director (Zootopia, Zootopia 2) ©Disney Disney Character Greetings at “Off the Page” Guests will meet beloved Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio,” including Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects. ©Disney Though specific characters may vary, here are some examples of whom you may encounter, and where: Mulan in Story (posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel) Rapunzel in Layout (in “a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera”) Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation Donald and Daisy in CG Animation Goofy in Lighting Stitch in Effects ©Disney Drawn to Wonderland Playground This is a whimsical indoor play area for the “youngest animators-to-be!” featuring an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.” This whole area is inspired by Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. ©Disney The Once Upon A Studio Theater The Once Upon A Studio Theater will present the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, upon which The Magic of Disney Animation is based. In addition, the theater will also present “enhanced effects that add an extra layer of magic.” For instance, “you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.” ©Disney NEW LOOK: We Got a Sneak Peek of the NEWEST Disney Animated Movie! The End of Cool Kids Summer September 8th will see the official end of the 2026 Cool Kids Summer promotion, which provided special experiences around the Disney World Resort, including Hollywood Studios. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios in September, keep these changes in mind as you’re making your way around the park, and stay tuned to DFB for further updates on Disney World and beyond. 3 NEW Annual Passholder Perks Have Hit 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 Are you heading to Disney World in September? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
- Yesterday
-
Lorrie joined the community
-
Are you ready? Halloween is a BIG deal in Disneyland, like even bigger than in Disney World, and when it arrives, all the spookiness hits Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in a HUGE way. And don’t even get us started on Oogie Boogie Bash, one of the BEST Disney Halloween parties. Halloween Time is here It’s called Halloween Time, and Disneyland goes all out with decor, characters in Halloween outfits, special food and snacks, and so much more. Well, Halloween Time has officially kicked off in Disneyland, and we’re there getting spooky with it. Halloween Time runs from August 21st through October 31st, and the first sign you’ll see of it is at the park entrances. The Disneyland entrance gets some fun character pumpkins on top of its gates. Once you make your way into Disneyland, you’ll see a giant Mickey pumpkin that folks are probably standing in line for to get a photo with — it’s pretty epic. Be sure to take some time to visit with characters — they’ve all dressed up just for the occasion! Check out Minnie’s sweet Halloween outfit! Minnie’s Halloween Outfit! Goofy is sporting his best Halloween gear, too! Goofy You’ll also see other Halloween decor throughout the park. Over in Frontierland, in front of the Golden Horseshoe, you’ll see the Halloween Tree, which is a tribute to legendary sci-fi author Ray Bradbury, who also just happened to be friends with Walt Disney. The Halloween Tree in Disneyland In New Orleans Square, Haunted Mansion has been given a Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, turning it into Haunted Mansion Holiday. This overlay will last throughout the Halloween and holiday seasons. Haunted Mansion Holiday Inside, you’ll see an impressive gingerbread house in the ballroom scene, and this year’s gingerbread house is a brand NEW design. The new gingerbread house! Disney California Adventure’s entrance gets an Oogie Boogie theme, and listen up, because you’ll HEAR Oogie Boogie speaking from time to time. Oogie Boogie at California Adventure! Meanwhile, Carthay Circle Restaurant has been infested by a cloud of “bats” overhead. Be sure to stop and get a photo with the Headless Horseman statue on Buena Vista Street, too. Headless Horsemen statue Cars Land becomes Radiator Screams (instead of Radiator Springs…get it?). The land gets a ton of spooky decor, including some of your favorite Cars characters dressed in costumes. You’ll also be able to get a ride on Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree In the late afternoon each day, Guardians of the Galaxy closes briefly and then reopens as Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark. Yep, the ride gets an all-new scary story and scenes. Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark Plaza de la Familia has also returned to California Adventure. This is a celebration of Día de los Muertos, and includes special entertainment, arts and crafts, special decor, and a memory wall where you can add your own memories. Plaza de la Familia Did we mention the food? There are HUNDREDS of Halloween menu snacks and drinks to bite into during Halloween Time. You can see the full list of Halloween and fall snacks in Disneyland here. Yes, there are A LOT. TREATS! Of course, we had to try one of these special treats, the Rest in Chocolate, which is available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour for $12.79. It comes with Chocolate Cookie Crumbles, Gummy Worms, and a Chocolate Tombstone. First, you get a lot of snack for your money! It’s two HUGE scoops of ice cream (you choose the flavor), so it’s easily shareable. And let’s just say…it not only looks SWEET, but it tastes pretty nice, too. It’s got a very cookies and cream-inspired flavor that just about anyone is going to love. Rest in Chocolate Also, don’t miss out on Halloween shopping in both parks and Downtown Disney. You might just find that perfect spook-tacular souvenir. That includes clothing and a Halloween Mickey bubble wand… The merch! …new Coco apparel… Coco! …ears, bags, accessories… More merch …a SWEET Haunted Mansion Holiday varsity jacket… We are LOVIING this. …a Hatbox Ghost sling bag, and more! Representing Hatbox Ghost Other places you can find Halloween in Disneyland include the Disneyland Hotel, which will have a Haunted Mansion decor theme this year, while Pixar Place Hotel is going with a Monsters, Inc. theme for the occasion. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the culinary team has created a MONSTROUS creation to be admired in the hotel’s lobby. Be sure to visit the snack cart there, too, for some faBOOlous treats. Grand Californian Don’t forget that character dining at the hotels is also getting fall and Halloween experiences. Storytellers Cafe hosts Mickey’s Autumn Adventures for breakfast and brunch, while Clarabelle’s Enchanted Halloween Dinner takes over for dinner. Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween will be available at Disneyland Hotel. ©Disney If you want a Halloween glow-up, visit the Disney stylists at Tenaya Stone Spa at the Grand Californian for a special Halloween look with hair, makeup, or nails. You can even indulge in the Wicked to the Core foot treatment. The Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Over in Downtown Disney, you can watch some of your favorite Disney Halloween movies (like Hocus Pocus) at The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on select nights. ©Walt Disney Studios Also, be sure to play Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a scavenger hunt where you’re tasked to find character pumpkins hidden throughout Downtown Disney. All you have to do is buy a map at select stores, find the pumpkins, and turn them in for a cool prize. This year’s prize is your choice of these cute little character bags! Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit Like we said, Disneyland does NOT come to play when it comes to Halloween, and if you get a chance to visit for the spooky season, you should check it out. We’ll continue to cover even more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Is NOT A Drill! We Know All The Halloween Treats Coming To Disneyland DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you ever been to Disneyland for Halloween? What’s your favorite thing about it? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend a media preview of Halloween Time. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article
-
“I guarantee someone watching right now is a future Imagineer.” For most viewers, it’s an inspiring line from one of Mark Rober’s always-creative CrunchLabs videos on YouTube. But for Brian Chung, a former Disney intern and current financial analyst for Walt Disney Imagineering, it became something more. After watching a behind-the-scenes look at the work consistently taking place at Walt Disney Imagineering, Brian found himself drawn to a side of Disney that blended creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving in ways he hadn’t considered before, quickly turning inspiration into action. Just a few months later, that same sense of curiosity would lead him to an unexpected trip, a carefully planned surprise, and a moment he never saw coming. Calling all future Imagineers, Disney Parks fans, and those with a calling for creativity: read on to learn more about Brian’s journey toward Walt Disney Imagineering, and how one moment paved the way for a dream opportunity to meet one of his larger-than-life heroes. Taking the First Steps Toward Joining Walt Disney Imagineering Before stepping into his full-time role as a financial analyst with Walt Disney Imagineering, Brian built his early career experience through two internships with The Walt Disney Company: first with the WDI finance team in Glendale, California, and later with the franchise strategy team in Orlando, Florida. But his journey with Imagineering started even earlier. While watching one of Mark Rober’s well-known CrunchLabs videos on YouTube highlighting the work happening at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, Brian discovered a new side of Disney that he had previously been unaware of. This blend of advanced engineering, endless creativity, and behind-the-scenes storytelling stuck out and caught his attention, inspiring Brian to explore an internship position with Disney. “It didn’t even really get on my radar until I watched that Mark Rober video where he did the walkthrough at the Glendale Imagineering campus. I knew it was just one small part of Disney, but it sounded so interesting. I was always so interested in design engineering, and I thought, well, maybe they have something open in finance as well,” Brian stated. While Brian noted that his family had a tradition of visiting the parks together about once every 10 years (most recently at Walt Disney World), this moment marked a turning point in his life and his eventual push toward a career at Disney. Brian's Favorites Favorite Character: Buzz Lightyear Favorite Franchise: Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles Eventually being accepted to the finance team in Glendale, Brian was welcomed into the fold for his first internship with The Walt Disney Company. From there, as an expression of appreciation for his first Disney steps in the early portion of his still-fresh career, Brian decided to take a risk and reach out to Mark Rober’s team in a personal email. Sharing how the Imagineering piece and many of Rober’s additional videos over the years had inspired him to take creative risks and participate in challenging projects along the way (from creating derby cars as a young boy to committing to the LC robotics team when he was younger), Brian let the team at CrunchLabs know how much of an impact that their videos had made on people like him around the world. Brian stated that even though his interests changed, his love for creativity and innovation never wavered. It’s a mindset that helped guide him to where he is today, entering a dream role with endless possibilities still on the horizon. The Start of a New Career… and the Trip That Set Everything in Motion Just a few weeks into his brand-new job in Orlando, Brian was settling into his role until his newest team presented an unexpected opportunity: a work trip to California in April to support one of his team’s operational planning meetings. Initially caught off-guard by this last-minute addition to his calendar, Brian leaned into the moment, determined to learn as much as he could and ask as many questions as possible along the way. Although he was certainly nervous about this sudden assignment, it reflected a mindset that he’s carried early in his career: saying “yes” to experiences that push far beyond his normal comfort zone, an inspiring mindset from one former intern to the other. So, lifted by that outlook, Brian charted his course for Anaheim, where he connected with several cast members from across The Walt Disney Company who were eager to greet him on his first work trip to Disneyland Resort. Yet shortly after arriving in sunny Southern California, something unexpected caught his attention. Several cast members on the WDI communications team discreetly reached out to Brian, asking him to film some “day in the life” content on his phone, raising some curiosity in Brian’s mind. Could this work trip just be a whole setup for something larger happening? Something certainly felt a little fishy. “You’re asking the finance guy to do this? That might not be the very best content that you’ll get, but it sounded fun,” said Brian. Sparked by the power of saying “yes” to exciting-yet-unclear opportunities in front of him, Brian agreed and took his first steps into a larger picture that would eventually lead to something far bigger than he could have ever imagined. Turning Brian’s Disneyland Visit into a Surprise Meeting Once he arrived at Disney California Adventure park for his meeting, Brian was thrilled to connect with several fellow peers from Walt Disney Imagineering for the first time in-person. Yet when he was asked to be mic’d up to help record some of his “day in the life” content to document his trip, he sensed something might actually be up. From there, his leaders revealed that there was one last person that they wanted him to meet: Mark Rober. Still under the impression that it was just merely a coincidence, Brian approached Mark casually, expecting nothing more than a quick hello before heading off to his next scheduled meeting. But as cameras began to gather and this shining moment suddenly lingered, it became clear that this wasn’t just by chance. Outside of the Animation Building inside Disney California Adventure park, Brian had his golden opportunity to connect with Mark in-person to reveal his journey up until this point, share the email that he sent months and months ago, and explain how Mark helped inspire him along the way. With Brian’s managers fully committed to this once-in-a-lifetime surprise, complete with staged meetings, packed bags, and carefully coordinated logistics to keep everything under wraps, it became clear to Brian that this moment had been planned entirely for him. “I remember telling my manager after that my cheeks were so sore just from smiling the whole time – it was just such a great experience,” said Brian. “This was such a big moment for me, and I’ve been telling this story to anyone and everyone.” Inspiration to Imagineering, and What Comes Next Brian’s past few months have been a thrilling roller coaster full of twists and turns, as he recently graduated from the University of Washington in December (with a major in Finance and Supply Chain) and is preparing to walk at his school’s graduation ceremony very soon. Brian also mentioned that he closely followed the Disney Careers website and LinkedIn during his initial internship process, further fueling his interest in the company and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a future with Walt Disney Imagineering. As our conversation wrapped, the former Husky reflected on this special moment with an appreciative sense of gratitude, describing the experience as something truly unexpected. “I see this all the time for a lot of guests at Disney who get to participate in these ‘surprise and delights’ or ‘magical moments,’ but it’s not something that I would have ever expected that they would do for a cast member, especially once that’s just three weeks into my new role… that’s one of the big reasons that even after my internships ended, I knew I wanted to come back to Disney for a job. The culture here is just so supportive.” It’s a full-circle milestone that reinforces exactly why he chose this path in the first place. Yet it also serves as an inspirational reminder for us all that the key moments that inspire you can help shape where you end up and who you are truly meant to become, guided by a pure passion for rising creativity and the endless push for innovation. D23 2026: News, Updates, and Info for Disney Experiences READ MORE A New Season of The Imagineering Story Is Coming to Disney+ READ MORE Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park to be Reimagined READ MORE The post From Inspiration to Reality: A Young Imagineer Meets Mark Rober at Disneyland appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
-
It’s officially Halloween season at Disneyland Resort, and that comes with quite a bit of excitement! Haunted Mansion Holiday There are new snacks, new merchandise, and lots of exclusive entertainment options. But of course, one of the highlights of the season is a major ride overlay at Disneyland Park. It’s official, folks — Haunted Mansion Holiday is BACK at Disneyland Park, and we are hyped! This ride overlay happens each year throughout the fall and winter, mainly the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Why so long? Because it’s themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas! Haunted Mansion Holiday This ride gets incredibly popular during the overlay season, and the Lightning Lanes book up quickly. You may be looking at a long wait if you want to check it out. Of course, the overlay starts on the outside, so you’ll have some awesome decor to take in while you wait! So many pumpkins! Throughout the ride, you‘ll spot characters from the film, including Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie. Wave hello to your friends! It’s Jack and Zero! They’ve also updated some of the ride gags and scenes to fit with the Nightmare Before Christmas motif. In terms of holiday ride overlays, this one is particularly impressive. It’s Madame Leota in her Christmas outfit! Of course, one of the most iconic parts of this overlay is the gingerbread display in the ballroom scene. Each year, there’s a new gingerbread creation, and they are MASSIVE. Check out this year’s version! The new gingerbread house! This overlay typically runs through early January before the ride closes to be turned back into the regular Haunted Mansion. If you want to check it out, you have a few months to stop by! So cute! It’s important to note, too, that this isn’t the only Halloween ride overlay at Disneyland Resort. At Disney California Adventure, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween come to life in Cars Land, and in the afternoons and evenings each day, you can ride Guardians of the Galaxy — Monsters After Dark. Tow Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree We’ll keep you in the loop with any more Halloween and seasonal fun at Disneyland, so subscribe to our newsletter for the latest. Here’s Your Guide to Halloween at Disneyland! 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 check out this ride in 2026? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Resort to attend their media preview of Halloweentime offerings. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article
-
In need of some new shoes for your next Disney World trip? We’ve got you covered! Brooks Ghost 17s We’re in the parks nearly every day, which means we see what people most commonly choose to wear. Right now, one shoe brand that’s rather popular is Brooks, which you can actually purchase on Amazon. So let’s check out some of the most popular options! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Before we check out some of our recommendations, check out our Amazon storefront to see more options from Brooks and shoes for the theme parks. Click the link below! view ON AMAZON This is a great option for the guys! ©Amazon Starting out our list is the Men’s Hyperion Max 3 shoe, which comes in a few different color combos and is currently 40% off the usual price. This shoe is designed for runners and is supposed to help you maximize your performance. It’s made with a RapidRoll Rocker for smooth transitions and DNA Gold cushioning for comfort. Can you say the perfect shoe for runDisney?! view ON AMAZON We love the Ghosts! ©Amazon For women, the Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 3 is a very popular choice! It has a higher-than-normal stack of cushioning and a wide base to reduce the pressure underfoot. It’s great for those going long distances in a single day, aka the perfect shoe for a day in the theme parks (cue 20K steps!). view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this one for walking! ©Amazon Perfect for those starting their running journey or just searching for a good walking shoe, we have the Brooks Men’s Anthem 8 Neutral Running Shoe. This has a soft midsole for a balanced experience, and it’s ideal for people with a more casual running routine. Literally designed for a walk in the park. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget some with style! ©Amazon Of course, we can’t forget to choose a pair with a bit more style. We love the animal print version of the Brooks Women’s Glycerin 23 Running Shoe. Brooks describes this shoe as “built for runners who crave distraction-free miles and effortlessly plush performance.” The fabric is designed to be extra breathable, which is great for those hot days outside (of which we get many in Disney World)! view ON AMAZON If you’re on the hunt for some more shoes, check out the link below to see all the ones we have on our Amazon storefront! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the lookout 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
-
If you’ve visited Magic Kingdom this summer, you’ve probably seen all the construction happening around the park. In Fantasyland‘s Storybook Circus, popular souvenir store Big Top Souvenirs has been closed since February, and it reopened TODAY! Big Top Souvenirs We love going to Big Top Souvenirs for Big Top Treats, its built-in bakery case with a massive selection that rivals Main Street Confectionery and a shorter wait. But now that Big Top Treats has a brand-new menu, we’re trying everything to find out what’s worth your time and money! First, we tried the Circus Chips for $5.29. These are corn chips coated in brown sugar and cinnamon. Circus Chips The most forward flavor is a traditional Frito corn chip, but instead of salt, it has a light coating of cinnamon sugar for added sweetness. What surprised us was the texture: these are baked, not fried like Fritos, so while they’re just as crunchy, they’re a bit lighter and less greasy than the chips you’d find at the store. These are much more savory than sweet, so it might not be for everyone, but we really enjoyed the novelty! Last but not least, we got the Big Top Dippers for $6.99. This includes animal crackers and apple slices served with vanilla buttercream, Werther’s Original caramel, and colorful sprinkles for dipping. Big Top Dippers The animal crackers and apples are prepacked, and alone, they taste just like the standard kids’ meal side of apples and the animal crackers you can buy at the grocery store. The frosting is housemade vanilla, natural-flavored and super sweet. The caramel is Werther’s Original caramel, which is sweet and sticky to keep sprinkles on. These are basically just elevated Dunkarooz, and we’re here for it! If you’d want to get extra or pair these two sauces with another snack, you can get a cup for only $1 extra. Big Top Dippers We’ll be sure to keep you updated on new store and snack stand reopenings in Disney World. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney food reviews! This Magic Kingdom Restaurant Will Look Totally Different Next Month 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 new snack do you want to try the most? Comment below! View the full article
-
If you’re like us, you love saving money on your Disney finds! Scrunchie Sometimes the only thing better than buying that must-have from your wish list is buying that must-have from your wish list on SALE. Today, we’re rounding up some of the best Disney souvenirs on Amazon, and they’re all under $15! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Mickey shoulder plush ©Amazon Starting out the list at just $11 is this Mickey Mouse Perch’d Shoulder Plush. He’s such a cute cartoon design, and you could fix him to your shirt or the strap of your park bag to travel with you! He attaches with a magnetic base. view ON AMAZON This jewelry case is great for your next trip! ©Amazon If you travel with jewelry, it can be a pain to store it all and keep things organized. That’s where this Disney-themed jewelry case comes in! It has loops for hanging items, a slip pocket, four small compartments, and slots for your rings. Plus, the design on the outside just screams “fun Disney vacay.” view ON AMAZON We love the Minnie scrunchies! ©Amazon One trend that we’ve seen a bit more in recent years is the Minnie Mouse scrunchies in place of Minnie ears! These simply attach to your ponytail or bun and add the fun themed element without the discomfort that ear headbands often bring. No need to worry about storing these on rides or taking them off before shows so the folks behind you can see. They’re also a great accessory for runDisney events. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab an autograph book ©Amazon For just $12 right now, you could snag this autograph book from Amazon. If you’re planning to meet a bunch of characters on your trip, you might want to collect their autographs as a memento of your trip. This one is compact enough to fit in a park bag, but big enough to be easily signed. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget about this wireless speaker! ©Amazon Coming in right under the $15 mark is this Monsters, Inc. Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. This would be great for a pool day or party with friends or simply listening to music in the shower. It’s splashproof, after all! It has a 3-hour playtime, a slot for an SD card, and can access FM radio. view ON AMAZON And finally, the perfect park bag! ©Amazon Last but not least, we have this adorable Disney-themed canvas tote bag that would be great to carry to any of the Disney parks! It has each park’s icon on the front with fun postage stamp artwork. It’s also waterproof and has reinforced straps, so it’s durable for whatever adventure you take it on. 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
-
Halloween season means one thing for Disney collectors: new Loungefly bags start popping up when you least expect them. ©Loungefly While we usually see these collectible crossbodies debut at the parks or on Loungefly’s own site, this time a new spooky-season style has slipped quietly onto Amazon with a sneaky little drop for anyone who knows where to look. We spotted one, and it’s a glow-in-the-dark must-have for anyone who loves their Disney merch with a side of Halloween charm. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Ghost Mickey and Minnie Loungefly here! ©Amazon This Mickey & Minnie Mouse Ghost Glow Figural Crossbody Bag is a double dose of spooky-cute. The bag is shaped like Mickey and Minnie dressed up as little ghosts. It’s fully reversible in spirit — turn it one way and Minnie’s ghostly form takes center stage, complete with her signature bow rendered as a 3D appliqué on top of the bag; flip it around, and Mickey’s ghost design appears on the other side. Both characters are built up with a mix of appliqué, embroidered, and printed details for a textured, dimensional look rather than a flat print. The real party trick, though, is that the whole design glows in the dark, so once the lights go down, Mickey and Minnie’s ghost forms light right up. View on Amazon This Mickey and Minnie glow-in-the-dark backpack is fun! ©Amazon This Loungefly packs not one, but two spooky special effects into a single bag. The front of the mini backpack shows an illustrated black-and-white scene of Mickey and Minnie looking startled as a pair of ghosts pops up behind them — and that background actually lights up, putting the ghostly duo in the spotlight. Flip to the side pocket, and you’ll find yet another take on the ghosts rendered with glow-in-the-dark detailing, while the back of the bag features a second illustrated image of Mickey and Minnie. Beyond the light-up and glow effects, the design is built out with appliqué, debossed detailing, metal rivets, and printed graphics for extra texture. view ON AMAZON We love this Stitch crossbody bag! ©Amazon This Stitch and Angel Crossbody Bag has an interactive design. The front shows Stitch and Angel surrounded by glowing jack-o’-lanterns against a sunset backdrop, but the real fun is that magnetic costume appliqués can be attached and swapped on and off the two characters, so you can dress them up however you like. Flip the bag around, and Scrump makes an appearance, perched atop a jack-o’-lantern of his own. The design is finished with a mix of appliqué, debossed detailing, patent faux leather accents, and printed graphics, plus an adjustable strap for easy everyday wear. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this web crossbody bag! ©Amazon This Mickey & Minnie Spiderwebs and Bats Crossbody Bag goes for classic Halloween iconography rather than a specific costume theme. The front of the bag is topped with stitched spiderweb detailing paired with a bat appliqué, while more embroidered spiderwebs fill in the corners for a fully cobwebbed look. The standout feature is on the strap itself: a pair of glittery, padded bat appliqués dangle from the crossbody strap along with a metal charm, adding some dimension and sparkle to an otherwise moody design. Beyond the bats and webs, the bag is built out with debossed detailing and printed accents on faux leather, giving it plenty of texture without leaning on any one character. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget this Jack Skellington bag! ©Amazon This Jack Skellington Crossbody Bag with Bat Bowtie trades bright Halloween colors for something a little more chic. The bag is done up in black with an all-over debossed striped pattern that nods straight to Jack Skellington’s pinstripe suit, keeping the design sleek rather than cartoonish. Front and center is a molded metal hardware piece shaped like Jack’s signature bat bowtie, giving the bag a dimensional focal point instead of a printed graphic. Rounded out with appliqué and printed detailing on faux leather, it reads more like a moody, wearable accessory than a costume piece. view ON AMAZON And finally, this Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly! ©Amazon This Nightmare Before Christmas Loungefly gives the whole Halloween Town gang their moment. Jack and Sally appear together in embroidered detail on the front, surrounded by a full moon, scattered stars, bats, and Jack’s loyal ghost dog Zero. The rest of the bag is covered in coordinating night-sky detailing, so the romantic, moody scene wraps all the way around rather than staying confined to one panel. The design is rounded out with appliqué, debossed texture, and printed accents on faux leather. It’s a sweeter, more atmospheric take on Nightmare Before Christmas merch compared to the bolder bat-bowtie crossbody. 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
-
Here at Disney Food Blog, we love heading to the Disney Parks for fall vibes and decor. We’re the kind of Disney adults who start planning our Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party outfits before tickets even go on sale! ©Disney If you’re in the same boat, then you’re going to love this new Disney Loungefly collection. The Fall Girl collection includes a mini backpack and a bag charm that channels autumn leaves, playful ghosts, and pumpkin spice lattes. In other words, it’s the perfect Disney Park accessory! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. FALL in love with this Minnie Mouse Halloween Loungefly Mini Backpack! ©Disney This Minnie Mouse Halloween Loungefly Mini Backpack features a cream-and-red two-tone corduroy design embroidered with Minnie’s smiling face on the front and 3D ears! The front zipper pocket features orange die-cut fall leaf appliqués and is lined with burgundy scalloped trim. And to top it all off, a simulated leather bow featuring an allover Halloween print! view ON Disney Store This Disney Parks Halloween Mini Backpack Bag Charm is adorable! ©Disney Carry the Halloween spirit with you with this Disney Parks Halloween Mini Backpack Bag Charm! Inspired by Loungefly’s signature mini backpacks, this miniature replica features an allover Disney Parks Halloween print of ear headbands, pumpkin lattes, fall leaves, and Mickey-shaped pumpkins. It’s the perfect accessory to carry your Halloween candy in! view ON Disney Store 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
-
Taking your entire extended family on vacation can be tricky and challenging, but lots of people do it! Magic Kingdom at Disney World We’re constantly seeing large groups of folks traveling together in Disney World — it just might mean that you have to plan more intricately and have WAY more flexibility. But after taking my whole family to Disney World and then taking them on a family cruise… I would 100% pick one option over the other. Large Groups in Disney World Let’s start by breaking down what you’ll experience traveling with a large group on each type of trip. If you’re doing an extended family (or friend group) trip to Disney World, choosing accommodations is your first hurdle. You can either stay onsite and likely split up between multiple hotel rooms, or you can go the off-site route with a rental house or larger space to share. During my family’s trip, we did a little bit of both — staying a night in a 2-bedroom Villa at Kidani Village on property and then spending most of our stay off property in the same multi-room timeshare (my aunt and uncle already owned the timeshare, so that was a budget-friendly choice). Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Staying off property can be great for having a space to spend time together and cook meals, relax, or enjoy other offerings in the Central Florida area, but there is one big hurdle… getting TO Disney World each day. Piling the whole family into vehicles and driving to the parks takes a lot of extra time, and you must factor in traffic. Plus, then you’re carpooling, and everyone is committing to the same plans for the day. That is, unless someone wants to pay for rideshare. Rideshare Pick-Up and Drop-Off at EPCOT The day that we stayed on property was a bit more easy-going. We could use resort transportation to get to the parks on our own schedule and come and go from the hotel room whenever we felt like it. We didn’t have quite as much space, and we spent more money, but there were some definite pros to being in the “Disney bubble.” Animal Kingdom Lodge Another thing to consider with your group trip to Disney World is your day-to-day plan. Where will you eat? Will you get dining reservations? Will you purchase Lightning Lanes? With so many options and more people, it can be hard to get everyone to agree on these things, particularly if there are varying budgets. Generally, traveling with a large group to Disney World means that you may have to play to the lowest budget of the group if you want everyone to stick together. Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios However, if you’re willing to split up during the daytime, you add a great deal of flexibility to your plans. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in Disney World, so you can divide and conquer — rides, food, live entertainment, characters, etc. Whatever each person prefers! Seriously, our biggest piece of advice for going to Disney World with a group is to split up when you need to. If you try to force everyone to agree on the to-do list all day, every day, then you’ll be miserable by the end of the trip. Mad Tea Party Basically, Disney World offers a lot to do across four parks, dozens of resorts, two water parks, and Disney Springs, so if you choose this for your trip, you have options galore. There’s a wide margin of budgets that Disney World can accommodate, and you can customize the trip to your liking. But what about the cruise? Large Groups on a Cruise Well, a couple of years after our Disney World trip, my family tried another vacation… this time, a cruise! If you’d like to do a cruise with a large group, I’ve found that most of the decision-making comes on the front end, as opposed to deciding what to do every moment of the day like you do in the parks. We had to communicate quite a bit to decide on a cruise line, a sailing date that worked for everyone, and choose our excursions ahead of time. Disney Destiny stateroom However, once you get on the boat, it’s a bit smoother sailing (pun intended). You don’t all have to wake up early to get to the parks or coordinate your transportation and schedule. Depending on the cruise line you choose, you may need to think about dining ahead of time, but for the most part, you can all go to the main dining spaces together and enjoy meals as a group. Even entertainment options are readily available on the schedule — you just need to show up and watch! Worlds of Marvel on the Disney Treasure Like Disney World, your family can tailor the cruise experience to fit your needs. If you want to do everything together, you can look at the schedule of events and decide what to do and when to do it each day. If you would prefer flexibility, everyone can split to do their own activities and meet back up for meals, pool time, or shows. It all comes down to personal preference. We found that in general, there were fewer group decisions that had to be made with a cruise. Royal Caribbean Cruises Also, if you’re traveling with littles, we found a cruise to be easier. When it’s naptime, or you need a break, it’s much simpler to pop back to your stateroom than it is to leave a theme park, board transportation, and THEN walk to your room. In general, sleep was smoother for everyone. Everyone could just wake up and go to bed whenever they were ready. Queen Bed in Category 4C Oceanview Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Wish Now, of course, one of the big downsides to taking a cruise can be the “on a boat” aspect. Some folks may not be comfortable with the smaller confined spaces or may be prone to seasickness. These are things you’ll need to discuss with your group before booking. Which I Would Pick Again After doing both types of vacations with my family, it’s clear that the cruise was the winner for us! Our party in particular had a lot of varying preferences. Some of our group liked to stay up late while others were early risers. When we went to Disney World, some people wanted to tap out around dinner time, while others wanted to go from park open to park close. And the majority of my family members didn’t care much about the rides or shows, instead wanting to prioritize experiences, food, and relaxing activities. ©Celebrity Cruises With all those things in mind, Disney World just wasn’t quite worth the hassle for our group. It required a lot more planning and decision-making, and those who were expecting a vacation left feeling more exhausted than relaxed. The cruise, on the other hand, was right up our alley — the perfect amount of family time, relaxation, and flexibility. Verandah on a Disney cruise Of course, this is what worked best for my situation. To decide for your group, you’ll need to take stock of what you know about the people traveling with you and make a decision based on their personal preferences. And though Disney World isn’t the ideal vacation for my extended family, it’s a vacation I LOVE taking with my immediate family, since we’re a Disney family who love the rides, characters, and entertainment. Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom So, I ultimately learned this lesson the hard way. Not every type of vacation is made for every group, and planning for multiple people can be much more challenging. If you have a group trip coming up, make sure to be patient and willing to negotiate… and like we say, be willing to split up if necessary. That can definitely minimize arguments! For more tips on planning your Disney World trip or cruise vacation, subscribe to our newsletter. 11 Disney World Restaurants Where Big Groups Are No Problem Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite type of family vacation? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
