Disney4me

Okay, we can’t be the only people to experience this weird airplane phenomenon. Air travel If you ever visit a Disney Park, chances are you’ll walk by some of the DFB team. We — quite literally — visit the parks every single day. And our Disney days aren’t just limited to the domestic parks. We love to visit the Disney parks overseas to stay up-to-date, experience new offerings, and continue to bolster our knowledge on all things Disney. While we fly internationally often enough, we’re still sometimes shocked by some cultural differences — even ones as small as butter! Butter is such a small thing to be surprised about, but bear with me, because this tiny detail opened the door to a much bigger realization about flying internationally. Orlando International Airport The shock doesn’t set in immediately. You’ve already been flying for some time, but now it’s time to put your tray table down, unwrap your roll, grab a butter knife, spread the butter, take a bite, and then…confusion sets in. “Why does the butter taste…DIFFERENT?” you think to yourself. It’s not bad, just not what you’re used to. Creamier, tangier, and almost cheese-like. But it makes perfect sense. Bread and butter at Disney World On international flights, especially those operated by airlines based outside the U.S., the brands we’re used aren’t always the ones being served onboard. That means you should expect different food, including butter, bread, snacks, desserts, coffee, etc. Our everyday brands are not every other country’s everyday brands, so it makes sense — it’s just not something we actively think about. ©Air Canada Still, it’s best to be prepared for the culture shock to start early! Sure, you expect a culture shock once you arrive at your international destination, but the truth is that the real change can happen when you’re 35,000 feet in the air. In fact, the shock can come much sooner. How the crew interacts with passengers, how formal or informal the service feels, meal pacing and presentation, languages spoken, and expectations around politeness, patience, and personal space might all quickly become unfamiliar. ©Air France Keep in mind that none of this is bad! In fact, it can be really cool! You’re traveling internationally — I hope — to experience different cultures and embrace this change. But if you’re expecting a standard U.S. airline experience, it’s easy to be thrown off. The trick is to view the flight itself as part of the travel experience. Once you do that, the experience can actually become quite delightful and exciting. ©Air New Zealand Have you experienced this kind of culture shock when flying internationally? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for more travel tips! We’re always out and about and ready to give you our best travel advice and updates along the way! Disney Expert Reveals the ONLY Airport They Use When Flying to Disneyland – And It’s Not What You Think 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 Share your best international travel tips in the comments below! View the full article

We’re at Disney all the time. Some of our team are local and visit every day, and others fly in, stay at hotels, and experience Disney World like a visitor. Because of this, we get a lot of great ideas for people visiting Disney World, and we love to share them here with you. VentaPak in Disney World We pulled some of our favorite essentials that our team has bought, used, and loved, so you know what to add to your packing list before the best vacation ever. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Air Conditioner Clip-On Belt AMKEN Waist Fan Central Florida can get crazy hot, and you might find yourself doing anything to cool down. We tried this clip on the air conditioning unit, and for $29, we were pretty blown away (haha, get it?). There are three speeds, but we like to keep it on the highest, and we almost got cold at one point. We also used it to cool down our phone when it was charging in the Orlando heat. We do wish it were a little quieter, but hey, Disney is loud, and no one can probably hear it anyway. Check It Out Here! Backpack Ventilation Spacer VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer We use this thing all the time! It clips onto your backpack straps, so there can be a bit of space between you and your backpack. It helps create a breeze coming through and makes our backs less sweaty (which we really need). We like that it also helps distribute the weight on our backs a little better, making trekking through all of Disney World a little bit easier. Check It Out Here! Theme Park Essentials Fanny Pack It comes with so many items! This bag really has it all! It includes a collapsible water bottle, fan, cooling towel, rain ponchos, and a reusable straw, so you can grab this bag instead of grabbing individual items. WE love the convenience of it as well as the fun bag it comes with, which you can wear as a traditional fanny pack, or across your chest, and we like that we didn’t have to bring a huge backpack to carry everything. Check It Out Here! Travel White Noise Machine We love how portable it is! We had low expectations for this tool, but it’s SO worth every penny. We usually listen to white noise on our phones, but we love the 35 different volume levels and the 16 different sounds. You can set different times like 30, 60, or 90 minutes, and you can still play on your phone while you go to sleep. One of our reporters set it up in their kids’ room, and it was nice to not have a phone connected to it, but they also asked to use it the next night! That’s a win in our books. Check It Out Here! MagicBand Multi Charger MultiCharger for MagicBand+ I am a HUGE MagicBand fan. I have a bunch that I wear to different parks, and once you include mine and my family’s, that’s a lot of charging to deal with. This charger lets you plug in multiple devices at a time, and it comes with sliders that are complete life changers. I bump my MagicBand off all the time, so the sliders keep it on my wrist so I don’t have to worry about it. Check It Out Here! Flat Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip I used to travel with a big, chunky power strip with a thick cord that didn’t wrap up right, and it took up so much space in my bag. Now, I keep this in my suitcase so I always have it when I travel, and it’s so much easier. I can charge all of my devices (and the MagicBand Multi Charger), and it barely takes up space. The cord is nice and long, and I cannot express how nice it is to have the cord wrap up into a small bundle. Check It Out Here! What’s your Disney World essential you won’t go without? Tell us in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of the best tips and tricks for your next trip. View the full article

One of the easiest ways to save money on Disney purchases is to get a Disney Visa card. Disney Visa Card This card not only comes with a rewards program perfect for Disney fans, but cardmembers can snag some great discounts on vacations, experiences, and merchandise. We’ve got 3 charts to display some of the best ones available! Disney World First, for those heading to Disney World, there are discounts available on merchandise, dining, guided tours, recreation, and hotel rooms. Year-round discounts range from 10%-15%, while room discounts that become available seasonally can offer more than that amount. Discounts at Disney World Most of these discounts require some advance planning, so make sure to look ahead when putting together your Disney World trip. Disneyland Resort The discounts available for Disneyland Resort are very similar to the ones available for Disney World. The main difference is that there are no recreation discounts offered. Discounts at Disneyland Before your trip, make sure to check out the special offers page of the Disneyland Resort website, as well as the discounts page on the Disney Visa website, to see if there are any temporary deals not listed here. Entertainment Discounts Even if you’re not heading to Disney World or Disneyland, there are some discounts you can snag with your Visa in other cities and at home. Saving on Disney streaming purchases and Marvel Unlimited subscriptions is easy when you check out using your card and follow the specific discount protocol outlined on the Disney Visa website. Entertainment discounts For those who enjoy their entertainment live, check out the savings on Cirque du Soleil, The Lion King, and Aladdin. There are some truly spectacular shows! When in doubt, ask and see if there’s a Disney Visa discount or check the Disney Visa website before you make a purchase. It doesn’t hurt to double-check! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on how to save money on vacation! Click Here to See ALL the Disney Discounts and Deals! 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 Disney Visa? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Saving money at Disney World IS possible, even though many people think it can’t be done. FuelRod Max 10 The key is that you’re not saving a HUGE chunk of money all in one go (unless you’re taking advantage of Disney hotel or park ticket deals and discounts, which we always recommend!). It’s often saving a few dollars here and there that all add up at the end of the day. For example, you use free cups of water throughout the day to fill up the water bottle you brought from home instead of buying water for $4-$5 each time you’re thirsty. While saving $5 on this Disney World tool may not seem like a lot, not only is that $5 you can save on something else, but this also saves our SANITY in the parks each day, which is invaluable. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The ULTIMATE FuelRod FuelRod Max 10 You’ve heard us talk about FuelRods in Disney World time and time again. There are FuelRod stations located all around Disney World (and you can check your My Disney Experience App to see where the closest one is near you; it’s very helpful), which allow you to purchase a FuelRod one time, then trade it out whenever yours dies for no extra cost. It’s a pretty great deal, especially when you can buy FuelRods on Amazon ahead of your trip for a little cheaper, but we still got a little frustrated with how soon the regular FuelRods would run out of charge. Then, Disney introduced the FuelRod Max 10, and EVERYTHING changed. FuelRod MAX10 This is a larger portable charger, but as we’ve learned time and time again, larger chargers don’t ALWAYS mean that they work better. However, in this case, the FuelRod Max 10 works like a charm. It’s more expensive than regular FuelRods in the park by a good bit — the whole kit with its chargers will cost you $80 in the parks, but you can snag the same thing on Amazon ahead of your trip for $75 instead. Multiple charging ports It comes with multiple charging ports for you to charge more than one device as needed, and one of the coolest parts? If your device allows for wireless/magnetic charging (which often requires a special case), you can attach it magnetically to your phone to charge without the need for a charging cord! We even used it magnetically when it was raining without the fear of ruining the charging port or an expensive cord — and it rains in Disney World A LOT. It does charge slower magnetically than with a cord, but that’s pretty standard for any magnetic charger. Charging magnetically What’s really impressed us about this is its battery capacity. It’s got 10,000 milliamps of power, which is fantastic, especially for a busy day taking photos and videos, booking Lightning Lanes, checking the My Disney Experience app, mobile ordering, and everything in between in Disney World. It is a bit bulky, we’ll admit it, but we think the charge capacity AND the way you can swap it out in the parks whenever you need, so you never have to worry about being without a charge, is completely worth it. Comes with charging pieces In fact, this has the same milliamps as a few of the others we’ve tried, like the INIU chargers that our reporter typically uses when they’re out in the parks every day, but after using this, they said they’ll likely switch over, because this has the same capability and charge AND they don’t have to worry about plugging up to charge after a long day in the parks. We’ve also seen it go on sale online before, too, which makes it an even BETTER deal, so if you see it on sale, it’s especially worth snagging. Grab it online ahead of your trip here! We’re in the Disney World parks EVERY day, trying out new devices to see what’s worth the money, and bringing you all the latest news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

A warm drink at Disney’s Animal Kingdom hits differently, even when the weather is doing that classic Florida thing where it feels like summer in December. Isle of Java Hot Cocoa Isle of Java is one of those spots you wander past a million times, and you assume it is just another quick-service stop for caffeine or a grab-and-go snack. Hot cocoa is not usually the item that pulls you in, but curiosity won this round. We ordered the Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s for $4.79 and expected a basic theme park drink. The first sip completely changed the situation Would you try the Hot Cocoa from Isle of Java? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Disneyland Paris Resort has a… complex reputation when it comes to food. Generally, the resort has a reputation for its culinary offerings not living up to the lofty standards of the City of Lights. Did we find the best food at Disneyland Paris? Recently, members of our team visited Disneyland Paris, and while there, we sampled several of the resort’s restaurants and food offerings…to mixed results. However, there was one offering that definitely lived up to its reputation: Tartiflette au Reblochon. Available at a food stand near Disneyland’s Paris’s version of “it’s a small world”, the Tartiflette au Reblochon costs €7 (approximately $8.25), and it was more than worth it! Popular for a reason The dish is essentially a casserole of potatoes, cream, reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions, and IT WAS DELICIOUS. Yuuuum It had a creamy texture and a nice salty flavor that honestly made it one of our favorite foods at the whole resort. Dig in One note, the portion is relatively small — especially for an American pallet– so if you’re planning to make a meal out of it or with a party that wants to share, we’d definitely recommend ordering a second. So creamy… While Disneyland Paris might not have great food across the board, the Tartiflette au Reblochon definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the resort’s best food offerings. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s best food offerings around the world! I’ve Been to 12 Disney Theme Parks, and This Ride Totally Surprised Me 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 been to Disneyland Paris? What was your favorite food? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Dole Whip — it’s arguably one of Disney World’s most popular snacks. YUM! If you’re going to the parks for the first time, it’s likely a seasoned veteran will recommend this tropical treat to you. It comes in a variety of fruit flavors, and it’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day. So where can you find it? We’ve got the maps to tell you! Magic Kingdom Starting things out in Magic Kingdom, there are three different locations where you’ll find Dole Whip typically. The first, and most famous, is Aloha Isle in Adventureland, where they have the original pineapple Dole Whip and the iconic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Magic Kingdom Down the walkway to the other side of Adventureland, closer to the castle hub, you’ll find orange and strawberry Dole Whips at Sunshine Tree Terrace. Then, in Fantasyland, Storybook Treats usually has a seasonal Dole Whip creation with flavors that change as the treats do. EPCOT In EPCOT, there are two main locations where you can find Dole Whip regularly. La Cantina de San Angel has the Tequila Sundae with Lime, which is made with lime Dole Whip. EPCOT There is also Dole Whip on the menu at Refreshment Outpost. The flavors there change seasonally, and there are often specialty Dole Whip treats for each EPCOT festival. Animal Kingdom Heading over to Animal Kingdom, there’s one main spot where you can get Dole Whip since Trilo-Bites closed. You’ll want to head to Tamu Tamu Refreshments to get soft serve and treats like the Simba Sunset. Animal Kingdom Here, you can also snag the Pineapple Crisp Sundae or get your Dole Whip spiked with rum. Disney Springs The most popular spot to get Dole Whip in Disney Springs is at Swirls on the Water, which has flavors that change monthly or seasonally, and is home to the Dole Whip Flight (a sampler with three different mini Dole Whips). Disney Springs You can also find Dole Whip-adjacent treats at Wine Bar George and The Basket at Wine Bar George. Disney World Water Parks Both of the Disney World water parks have Dole Whip spots, which is fitting, since who doesn’t love a cold treat while relaxing on a beach?! At Typhoon Lagoon, you can head to the Snack Shack to get Dole Whip and soft serve. Typhoon Lagoon If you’re visiting Blizzard Beach, make sure to stop by the Warming Hut, which is near Melt-Away Bay. Blizzard Beach Both of these locations occasionally get specialty treats for unique events and various seasons of the year. Disney World Resorts Finally, there are several spots to stop around the Disney World Resorts. The Polynesian Village Resort is a mecca for Dole Whip, with it available at both pool bars, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, Capt. Cook’s and Pineapple Lanai. Next door at the Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower, you can find the DOLE Whip Sundae at Wailulu Bar & Grill. This restaurant has spectacular views, so that’ll be one magical sundae! Polynesian Village Resort At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you can order Dole Whip at El Mercado de Coronado. It’s the hotel’s cafeteria-style restaurant, and they have various soft-serve flavors available. Coronado Springs Resort The BoardWalk has a Dole Whip beverage at BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas. A great option to grab while you’re walking around and exploring! BoardWalk Last but not least, you can order Dole Whip at one Value Resort — All-Star Movies Resort! Here, head to the cafeteria, World Premiere Food Court, to get it. All-Star Movies Resort That’s your full map of Dole Whip locations in Disney World as it currently stands. Make sure to snag some on your next trip if you haven’t before! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World snack tips! 12 of Our Favorite Snacks Under $10! 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 is your favorite spot to buy Dole Whip? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The holidays have always been a time for gathering, joy, and traditions — and for generations, Disney has been at the heart of those celebrations. From the earliest days of Disneyland in 1955 to today’s global parks, resorts, and cruise line experiences, the holiday season has become one of the most cherished times for Disney fans around the world. From Nov. 14, 2025, through Jan. 7, 2026, Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle at Disneyland park. A Tradition That Began in 1955 When Disneyland opened its gates in 1955, the holidays quickly became a centerpiece of the guest experience. That first Christmas season featured carolers and festive décor, setting the stage for traditions that would endure for decades. Just three years later, Walt Disney personally introduced the Candlelight Processional in 1958 — a moving ceremony combining a mass choir, live orchestra, and narration of the Christmas story. Today, this beloved event continues at Disneyland and EPCOT, drawing thousands of guests each season. Over the years, Disney expanded its holiday offerings across the globe. In 1983, Walt Disney World debuted Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which evolved from a single-night celebration into a multi-week extravaganza featuring parades, fireworks, and exclusive treats, and Jollywood Nights began bringing seasonal magic to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023. At Disneyland, seasonal overlays like Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday became fan favorites, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to making the holidays magical in ways only Disney can. A Global Gathering Place Disneyland Paris Disney parks have long been a destination for families and friends to come together during the holidays. Across the globe, each park celebrates the season in ways that reflect its local culture and traditions — while staying true to the Disney magic that unites guests everywhere. At Tokyo Disney Resort, the holidays sparkle with distinctly Japanese touches, blending Disney storytelling with seasonal customs that resonate with local guests. Disneyland Paris transforms into a festive European market, creating moments that are both authentic to the area, yet unmistakably Disney. In Hong Kong and Shanghai, holiday celebrations, which then transition to Chinese New Year, incorporate regional flavors and traditions, from décor to unique entertainment offerings that honor local heritage. “When we design holiday experiences, we’re thinking about more than lights and music — we’re creating traditions that families will carry with them for generations,” David Lightbody, Senior Vice President, Disney Live Entertainment, said. “Every parade, every song, every shared moment is part of a story that connects grandparents, parents, and children in a way that feels timeless.” Holiday Magic at Sea From early November through December, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is decked from bow-to-stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. In 1998, Disney Cruise Line brought holiday celebrations to the high seas with the launch of the Disney Magic. Soon after, the line introduced Very Merrytime Cruises, transforming ships into floating winter wonderlands adorned with shimmering garlands, nautical-themed Christmas trees, and life-sized gingerbread displays. Guests enjoy festive entertainment, holiday-themed menus, and special character experiences — all while sailing to tropical destinations. Today, these cruises run from early November through December, offering families a unique way to make Disney part of their holiday traditions — even while crossing oceans. Giving Back to Communities Disney’s holiday giving legacy dates back nearly 80 years, beginning with Walt Disney’s collaboration with Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks in 1948 to create the Toys for Tots logo and first national poster. Walt even produced a short film encouraging toy donations, and Disneyland became an official drop-off location when it opened in 1955. Walt Disney That spirit of generosity continues today through the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, which in 2025 includes Stitch traveling the globe as part of the Disney Holiday Magic Tour. This year’s efforts feature immersive shopping experiences for families in need, toy distribution events, and VoluntEARS working alongside Marines to sort and deliver thousands of toys. Over the years, Disney has donated millions of toys to kids in need around the world. Stitch visits a children’s hospital as part of the Disney Holiday Magic Tour Holiday Magic Beyond the Parks Disney’s holiday spirit extends far beyond its destinations. This year, one-of-a-kind activations like the Selfridges holiday pop-up in London — a massive Disney takeover called “A Most Magical Christmas” — transforms the Oxford Street store with an 11-meter castle facade, Disney-themed windows, exclusive merchandise, themed cafés, and nightly light shows featuring beloved characters and nostalgic scenes. This created a truly immersive, magical experience through the festive season that brings Disney magic to iconic shopping destinations throughout the UK. Mickey Mouse in front of the Selfridges holiday pop-up in London As the #1 global licensor, Disney brings holiday magic to millions around the world through consumer products that celebrate the season in true Disney style. For 70 years, Disney has been part of holiday traditions — creating spaces where families gather, communities thrive, and magic feels real. As we celebrate this season, we honor the past and look forward to continuing this legacy for generations to come. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade returns to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif. from Nov. 14, 2025, through Jan. 7, 2026. Disney’s Global Holiday Magic Disney Parks are the most visited theme parks globally with 145 million guests annually (source: 2024 TEA report), with the holidays being one of the biggest seasons. Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade first aired in 1983, becoming a Christmas morning tradition for millions of families. Disney’s domestic theme parks alone generate nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact and support more than 403,000 jobs, underscoring Disney’s role as a cornerstone of America’s holiday economy. Disney is the #1 global licensor, with $63 billion in licensed product sales in 2024 extending holiday magic across the globe. Disney’s relationship with Toys for Tots dates back to 1948, with tens of thousands of toys donated annually. Hong Kong Disneyland The post Making Spirits Bright: How Disney Has Defined Holiday Wonder for Generations appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

2026 is going to be a year of construction at Walt Disney World. While projects like Piston Peak, Tropical Americas, and Monsters, Inc. land are receiving the majority of guests’ attention, there are also a litany of projects happening across the resort’s many hotels. Skyliner One of the earliest major hotel projects in 2026 will see Disney’s popular Skyliner gondola system — which directly serves Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios with indirect access for Boardwalk, Yacht, and Beach Club guests — will be closed from January 25th through the 31st. However, not every Disney hotel project has a definitive confirmed end date. Pop Century Disney’s pop culture-themed Value Tier resort has been in the midst of an ongoing major refurbishment of rooms, the lobby, and other common areas for a while now. According to Disney, it’s set to finish sometime in February 2026. Disney’s Pop Century Resort All-Star Sports Both the Surfboard Bay Pool and its associated kiddie pool area will be closed from January through April of 2026. According to Disney, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will still be available, as will the other pools throughout Disney’s All-Star Resorts, including the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort; and the Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Grand Slam Pool Port Orleans According to Disney, guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment from early May 2025 through August 2027. New rugs and furniture Contemporary Over at the Contemporary, an ongoing series of refurbishments that began in September of 2024 is set to last all the way through the summer of 2027. In the midst of that, the Bay Cove Pool, its water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower will close on January 26th, and remain shuttered until sometime in May. A new Bay Lake Tower room Animal Kingdom Lodge The resort’s Kidani Village area will finish its current refurbishment in May 2026. When that’s complete, the Jambo House area will enter its own refurbishment from May 2026 through January 2027. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts The sibling resorts are both undergoing routine exterior maintenance through 2027. Yacht Club beach Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground At some point in 2026, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area — which has been open during construction since 2025 — will close as part of an expansion including a new zero-entry pool, a full deck, and even pickleball courts. There’s no set reopening timeframe for the new pool area. Meadow Swimmin’ Pool If you’re planning a Walt Disney World hotel stay in 2026, you NEED to keep these projects and closures in mind, as they might affect where you choose to rest your head at night. Stay tuned to DFB for continuing updates on the evolution of the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” 5 Most Critical Months for Disney World Fans in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your Disney World go-to hotel? Would construction stop you from staying there? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Well, folks, it’s another holiday at Disney World, which means we need to check in on how many of y’all are in the parks right now. We all know holidays can get busy at Disney World since everyone has time off, but is this still true for 2025? Magic Kingdom crowds We’ve seen some weird holidays this year where it should have been packed like it has in years past, only to find that we could easily walk around, take the best castle photos, and ride our favorite attractions without any waits. On the other hand, random days have been packed wall to wall with people, which is making us scratch our heads and wonder how everyone got this time off. Is Christmas Eve 2025 one of those days? Let’s find out! Of course, we’re heading to one of the most popular Disney World parks, Magic Kingdom. This is the most iconic moment of a Disney trip, with the big, beautiful Cinderella Castle waiting to welcome us home. Magic Kingdom Transportation lines got pretty long, but there wasn’t much clutter at the entrance. To help the line go faster, make sure you have your MagicBands connected to your account or the ticket card for each person. You’ll need to scan your card or MagicBand and then your fingerprint, so make sure the ticket matches the person scanning in. Magic Kingdom entrance with Christmas Eve crowds Then we’re off! Under the tunnel and onto Main Street, U.S.A., where we found even more people (I mean, of course we did, but hey, we were hopeful for a minute there). Christmas Eve on Main Street, U.S.A. Yep, we were met with tons of people all here to celebrate Christmas Eve at Disney. Who can blame them? This is “The Most Magical Place On Earth!” Christmas is already magical, so it’s like double the amount of magic. Spending Christmas Eve at Disney World! The crowd levels are pretty high, but still not incredibly out of the ordinary for the most-visited theme park in the world. Adventureland Let’s take a look at some of the wait times, too. So far, it seems the wait times are pretty standard — long, but not too intimidating. ©Disney Normal (yet hefty) wait times seem to be standard at the other Disney Parks today, as well. ©Disney If you’re visiting during the holidays, you might want to purchase Lightning Lanes if riding attractions is one of your priorities. Guests waiting to ride Space Mountain on Christmas Eve! We also recommend adjusting your Disney World itinerary around the holidays, as having the intention of hitting all of the most popular rides could set you up for a letdown. The crowds are usually higher than normal, so limiting your ride list is generally a good idea. Line for Pirates of the Caribbean on Christmas Eve There are some rides that have different holiday overlays you’ll want to hit up, though. Yes, these are going to have long lines, but they are a little bit more special during the holiday season than the rest of the year. Those rides include: The Jingle Cruise — Magic Kingdom Journey Into the Imagination — EPCOT Glimmering Greenhouses — EPCOT The Jingle Cruise is back! There are also lots of Christmas decorations to see around, like the massive trees, wreaths, and garland. Some characters even have special holiday outfits which you might want to see! My favorite this year was Figment, which you can meet after his ride in EPCOT. He looks so cute in his holiday sweater! Figment in his Christmas Sweater Okay, back to the crowds and away from my love of Figment (and yes, we are Figment stans here — sorry, not sorry to everyone who thinks he’s annoying). The parks are busy. Lines are long. People are everywhere. Christmas Eve PhotoPass lines So if you’re coming during the holiday season, even if you’re already planning that 2026 trip, be ready to minimize your list of “must-dos” and be ready to be a little bit more patient than usual, even though you should probably be ready to be patient all the time. Christmas Eve crowds Need help planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog, where we share the best tips and tricks so you can have the ultimate Disney World vacation. 8 RULES NOBODY WARNS YOU ABOUT DURING CHRISTMAS IN DISNEY WORLD Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you go to Disney World on holidays? Tell us your top tips in the comments. View the full article

The DFB team and I have been to EVERY SINGLE Disney World quick service restaurant… BEST VALUE …and THESE are the top 10 that WE think are the BEST value of the bunch. Check out our video below: Please Don’t Do This in Disney World 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 do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

If you’ve been anywhere near a Target lately, you already know the struggle. Is THIS actually the Happiest Place on Earth? Disney Adults are casually “running in for toothpaste” and somehow walking out with a vintage-style Disney tee that looks like it time-traveled straight out of the 1960s. Honestly, we get it. The soft fabric, the retro graphics, the deep cut movie choices. These shirts are doing something to us. Right now, Target has a handful of Disney graphic tees that feel perfectly worn in and wonderfully nostalgic. They’re subtle enough to wear outside the parks but still scream, “Yes, I know my Disney history.” And yes, people are absolutely buying multiples. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. One Hundred and One Dalmatians Happy Patch With Tongue Out T-Shirt — 40% OFF ©Target This one is already a fan favorite, and the fact that it’s currently 40% off is not helping anyone’s self-control. If you grew up loving 101 Dalmatians, this tee feels like a warm hug from your childhood VHS collection. The design features Patch front and center with his tongue out, looking exactly like the chaotic puppy icon he is. It’s playful without feeling juvenile, which is a tough balance and one Disney absolutely nailed here. The artwork has that slightly faded, old school look that makes it feel like something you found at a thrift store (except it actually fits and doesn’t smell weird). It’s a short-sleeve crewneck graphic tee that works year-round, especially layered under a denim jacket. One thing to note is that shoppers say this shirt runs small, so sizing up is probably a good move. Between the nostalgia factor and the discount, it’s not shocking that Disney Adults are grabbing this one fast. View on Target The Sword And The Stone Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt ©Target If your Disney tastes lean a little more deep cut, this Sword in the Stone tee is about to become your personality. This movie doesn’t always get the spotlight, which somehow makes wearing it feel even cooler. The graphic features Arthur (or Wart if you know what’s up) trying to pull the sword from the stone in a snowy setting. Above it all is the movie title in its vintage-style font that feels straight out of the 1960s. The whole design gives retro poster vibes, like something you’d see hanging in a classic movie theater lobby. This shirt is perfect if you want a nostalgic Disney look that’s a little less obvious than Mickey or the Fab Five. It works just as well for a park day as it does for a casual Target run or brunch with friends who definitely don’t know every Disney movie by heart. View on Target The Jungle Book Baloo and Mowgli Logo T-Shirt — 40% OFF ©Target This one is pure good vibes, and Disney Adults are absolutely snatching it up, especially since it’s also currently 40% off. Baloo and Mowgli dancing together is basically a lifestyle choice at this point. The illustration shows Baloo on his hind legs with his arms out, mid-dance, while Mowgli keeps up right beside him. Above them, “The Jungle Book” is printed in its rustic orange block-style font that feels very retro and very intentional. It’s cheerful without being loud, which makes it surprisingly versatile. Like the Patch tee, customers mention this shirt runs small, so consider sizing up if you want that relaxed, broken-in feel. It’s the kind of shirt you throw on when you want to feel comfy but still put together, especially for long park days or lounging around dreaming about your next trip. View on Target 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

Say it ain’t so! A once-free Disney World souvenir will be going away for good soon, and we aren’t thrilled… Kids’ Meal at Restaurantosaurus! We’re getting closer and closer to saying goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A. before it permanently closes for good in Animal Kingdom on February 2nd, 2026 — making way for Pueblo Esperanza, the new Tropical Americas-themed land. We’ll miss this section of the park — especially the thrilling ride DINOSAUR. However, losing Restaurantosaurus hurts just as bad, especially since it means we’ll also be losing a free souvenir! Restaurantosaurus currently offers a FREE Animal Kingdom souvenir cup, and the loss of the restaurant means a loss of this cool souvenir. Animal Kingdom Souvenir Cup! You can only get the souvenir cup with a Kids Meal, and it’s not sold separately, unfortunately. The cup itself is sized like a smaller medium drink, and you can fill it up at the machine at this quick-service restaurant. Stylistically, it features a green lid similar to those found on a coffee cup and showcases several types of animals in multicolored patterns. You’ll also find the iconic Tree of Life and the Animal Kingdom title logo printed on the cup! It truly is a really unique Animal Kingdom souvenir that doesn’t break the bank and lasts a good long while. We love it! Considering a cup like this would probably cost at least $10 on its own, but comes included in a Kids Meal for around $10, it’s hard to overlook how much of a deal this souvenir really is. With Restaurantosaurus’ closure, obviously, we’re losing this perk. Whether it will pop up at a different Animal Kingdom restaurant remains to be seen, but we have our fingers crossed! We love this little cup and the value is unbeatable — we’d love to see it offered again elsewhere. Restaurantosaurus As we previously mentioned, DinoLand is shutting down on February 2nd to make way for the Tropical Americas-themed land, which will feature several new attractions, including an Encanto ride and an Indiana Jones ride that will replace DINOSAUR. More details are still rolling out about the new land, but if you want to experience Restaurantosaurus and DINOSAUR before they close, make sure you do so on or before February 1st. ©Disney We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Animal Kingdom construction and closure updates, so keep it right here at the Disney Food Blog and stay in the know! We’ve Got Some Bad News About Disney World’s New Indiana Jones Ride 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 “free” Disney souvenir? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Lots of Disney fans were very excited to hear that Avatar: Fire and Ash was on the way when the title of the film was announced back in August 2024. ©Disney While the sequel film, Avatar: The Way of Water, had a bit of an underwhelming opening weekend back in 2022, it picked up speed quick and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. We were curious to see if the same thing would happen with this third installment of the series, but as it turns out, that’s FAR from the case. In fact, the film has hit over $300 million on its opening weekend! Audiences returned to the world of Pandora for the first time since 2022 this past weekend when Avatar: Fire and Ash opened in theaters, and reports are now showing that the film has grossed over $347.1 million worldwide just in its opening weekend. It was number one at the box office domestically, grossing $89 million, as well as internationally, where it grossed $258.1 million. This now means that with all three films in the franchise combined, the series has grossed $5.6 billion to date. ©Disney Its opening was especially historic in China, where it grossed $57.6 million, putting it as the second highest MPA opening this year, just behind Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2. The film is directed, written, produced, and edited by James Cameron, which is WILDLY impressive. ©Disney The film currently holds a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, a 4.5/5 PostTrak score, and an “A” CinemaScore, indicating that audiences are happy with how the film turned out. As it turns out, people are going to see this film on the biggest screen they can, as Premium Formats delivered an overall 66% of the opening weekend, and 3D showtimes contributed 56% of the box office. This is certainly a film to watch on the big screen! ©Disney Not only do the Avatar films now rank as three of the top ten December openings of all time, but The Walt Disney Studios now has films that account for five of the top ten domestic opening weekends of 2025. More Recent Disney Movie News! NEWS: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Earns $347.1 MILLION at the Box Office Opening WeekendDisney Shifts Release Dates for 3 Movies Coming SoonOne Of These Actresses Could Be Rapunzel In The Live-Action ‘Tangled’Everything NEW Coming to Disney+ in January 2026Why Every ‘Star Wars’ Fan Is Marking Their Calendar for February 2027 Be sure to stay tuned to DFB — we’ll keep you updated on all the latest Disney media news, so you can decide what’s worth going to the theater for, and what you may want to watch on streaming! Disney Has Teased 9 New Movies…Here’s What We Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to go see this film in theaters? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Time is running out to grab your friends and family some last-minute gifts for the holidays, but if they’re Disney fans, or are maybe going on a Disney trip soon, we can help! Hollywood Studios We’ve compiled a list of some of the BEST deals on Amazon right now, because they’re all under $12 and would be GREAT for Disney fans of all ages. Don’t wait to shop though — these deals could be gone soon! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Impress Your Friends With Your Cooking! ©Amazon Want to impress your friends at your next dinner party with some new recipes? The Disney Villains Cookbook is the perfect gift! There are 50 different recipes, all inspired by various Disney Villains. You can make Kronk’s Spinach Puffs, Gaston’s Chicken Drumsticks, Cruella Cookies, and so much more. What a fun way to spend the holidays! Grab it here! Mess-Free Fun For The Win! ©Amazon If you’ve got a little one who loves to make art, but you don’t want to clean up the messes they sometimes cause, the Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow! 24-Page Activity Pad is the perfect solution. It comes with a sticker stamper to use on the 24 pages, and it’ll keep kids occupied for a while with its 300 stickers! There are also refills available, so it won’t be something you use once and then have to throw away! Grab it here! Can’t Decide Between Halloween and Christmas? ©Amazon For those who can’t decide between loving Halloween or Christmas more, you’re likely a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas. We love the design of the Nightmare Before Christmas Fear Fest World Tour Jack T-Shirt, and we know a lot of people in your world will too, because on the back? It lists all the spooky holidays experienced in Halloween Town! Grab it here! For The Princess Fans! ©Amazon If your little one, or a little one you know, loves Disney Princesses, don’t miss this deal on the Disney Princess Create-A-Scene Activity Pad! It comes with four sticker sheets with over 80 stickers, 12 coloring pages, and 12 sticker scenes for tons of fun. Grab it here! Who Doesn’t Need A New Park Bag? ©Amazon A new park bag is on the holiday list for many Disney goers out there this year, and the KEYCHIN Enchanted Kingdom Crossbody Bag Mouse is not only adorable, but is a great size! We love the all-over pattern featuring many iconic Disney finds, and that it has a waterproof coating on the outside! Grab it here! Bring Stitch to The Party! ©Amazon Need a new game to play with the whole family? The Laughing Stitch Dice Games is a great fit! It’s intended for ages 6+, and the game is easy for all to understand — poke Stitch’s belly to play the music and start the countdown to when he’ll laugh, then pass him around your circle while rolling the die to tell you where to pass him. If you’re holding him when he laughs, you’ve gotta take a token! Grab it here! For Those Traveling in 2026 ©Amazon Know a Disney fan who’s traveling in 2026? Give them the American Tourister Minnie Mouse Luggage Tag so they can travel in style, while also making sure their bag can get back to them safely if it gets lost. She’s cute as can be, and we think you’ll smile every time you see her! Grab it here! Clip On Items in Style! ©Amazon Ever needed to clip something onto your bag in Disney World, but wanted to do it in a cute way? The Aluminum Mouse Ears Ring Carabiners Clip can solve that problem, because they look just like Mickey’s head! The set comes with a black ring and a red ring, and they are made to withstand water and abrasion. Grab it here! Cuddle With Stitch! ©Amazon Who doesn’t want to cuddle with Stitch, right? If you know someone who loves the little blue alien, you won’t want to miss the deal you can snag on the Blueberry Crumble Frozen Yogurt Stitch Munchling right now. He smells like blueberry too, which we love (but it will make you hungry)! Grab it here! Perfect Safe Toy For Itty Bitties! ©Amazon If you’ve got a really little one who you’re worried about playing with small toys, the Fisher Price Moana & Maui’s Canoe Sail Boat is a great toy for them! No need to worry about them swallowing anything accidentally, and it’ll help grow their imaginations, as they can create their own adventures. Grab it here! For The BFFs Who Love Bluey! ©Amazon Know two kiddos who can’t get enough of Bluey? The Bluey Girls BFF 6 Piece Toy Jewelry Box Set is a great gift, because they can split the hair clips, bracelets, and rings inside the set. They’re adorable, and they’ll go into the new year rocking their new accessories! Grab it here! Put Up Your Hair The Magical Way! ©Amazon For one low price, you can get multiple Disney-themed scrunchies that are cute as can be with the 6 Pack Mouse Ears Scrunchies! You can theme them to your outfits both inside and outside of the parks, though if you wear them in the parks, we have a feeling you’ll be getting lots of compliments. Grab it here! Perfect Water Bottle For The Kiddos’ New Year in School ©Amazon Does your kiddo, or another one you know, need a new water bottle for the new year? Then check out the Zak Designs Cars 3 Stainless Steel Water Bottle! It features both Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm, and has the straw built right into the lid with a cover, so fewer germs! Grab it here! Villains Makeup! ©Amazon Need some new makeup and want it to be Disney-themed? Look no further than the wet n wild Disney Villains Fiery Femmes Eye & Face Palette! The palette comes with mattes, shimmers, satins, and glitters, so you can find whatever look suits you best. Grab it here! The Most Unique Night Light You’ve Ever Seen ©Amazon The Minnie Mouse LED Kids Night Light is like no other, because it projects one of six Minnie Mouse designs onto the ceiling or wall! It’s a great way for kids to feel safe at night, while also looking forward to the day ahead. Grab it here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest and greatest Disney finds, whether it’s for gift ideas or to just enjoy yourself! View the full article