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Disney4me

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  1. Disney World is preparing for a lot of changes in 2024. EPCOT Every year Disney introduces new things, takes away some of our favorites, and overall is just different than the year prior — that’s why we keep you updated on everything Disney so you’re prepared! If you’re heading to Disney World in 2024, here are some CRITICAL dates you need to know while you plan. EPCOT Festivals EPCOT festivals are wildly popular thanks to their entertainment offerings, food options, and more, meaning that the first days are BUSY. You’ll be battling huge crowds and long lines everywhere. If you’re not set on experiencing the festival on its first day, these are days we suggest staying away from the park. 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival While Disney hasn’t released the exact dates EPCOT’s festivals will begin in 2024, we can tell you when they ran in 2023, which may give you an idea to plan around: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 13th through February 20th) EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March 1st through July 5th) EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival (July 27th through November 18th) EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (November 24th through December 30th) runDisney Races While you may think that runDisney races don’t affect you if you’re not running, that’s simply not the case. These weekends are VERY crowded with people who head into the parks after running, not to mention the traffic that develops outside the parks due to roads closing for the safety of the runners. Princess Half Marathon Weekend (2023) Once again, if you’re not participating yourself, we suggest skipping the following dates in the parks (Disney will announce more 2024 dates as the year progresses): Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 3rd through 7th) Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 22nd through 26th) runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 18th through 21st) Holidays It’s no secret that major holidays are big hits in Disney World (Disney World on Christmas Day is a big YES for many people), but minor holiday weekends are as well since many kids are out of school for three-day weekends. Christmas Day Crowds (2022) Here’s a list of when you can expect larger crowds in Disney World thanks to it being a holiday and/or a break from school for many kids: New Year’s Day (January 1st) Valentine’s Day (February 14th) President’s Day Weekend (February 17th to 19th) Spring Break Crowds (Late March to Mid-April) Summer Crowds (Late May to Early September) Labor Day Weekend (August 31st to September 2nd) Halloween (October 31st) Thanksgiving Week (November 24th to 30th) Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24th and 25th) New Year’s Eve (December 31st) January 9th What’s the big deal with January 9th? Two big things — the Disney Dining Plan returns after over 3 years of being gone, and park passes are no longer needed for the majority of park guests! Passholder Entrance This will be a HUGE day in Disney World, so if neither of these things is super important to you, avoid the parks on this day. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date Now, don’t get too excited — we don’t have this date YET. But rest assured, when it’s announced what day this new ride will be opening, you’ll want to stay FAR AWAY if you’re willing to wait to ride. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction This ride revamp is widely anticipated, meaning that hundreds of people will likely be crowding at the gates to be one of the first to ride on opening day. And there you have it — ten (well, more than that) dates to keep a close eye on for 2024. If you’re interested in being in the parks for any of these dates, you’ll want to plan way ahead and make sure you have your game plan in place. And if you’re the opposite? Plan to stay FAR AWAY! Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place. DFB Everything Bundle As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news! These 11 MAJOR changes are coming to Disney World in 2024! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Tell us in the comments! The post 17 Critical Dates For Disney World Fans in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  2. Are you ready to run amuck, amuck, amuck? ©Disney Spooky season is here — the Halloween decorations are up in Disney World, the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash are coming soon, and Disney Halloween merchandise has arrived. That means we are finally getting a NEW Hocus Pocus collection, so take a deep breath, form a calming circle, and get ready to shop! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve seen some of these items both in the park and online, ad we think that they could make great additions to your spooky outfits this Halloween season. Let’s check it out! Get The Harveys Hocus Pocus Tote Harveys Hocus Pocus Tote Bag This might be the witchiest tote bag you’ll ever see. It features the sisters three, along with lots of spooky Hocus Pocus icons all over it. Isn’t it GLORIOUS? View on shopDisney Buy the Sanderson Sister Plushes Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters Plushes You can get all three Sanderson Sisters with this set that features Winifred, Mary, and Sarah, in their cute plush versions. These are a must for Sanderson Sisters fans, right? View on shopDisney Get the Hocus Pocus 2 Spirit Jersey Hocus Pocus Two Spirit Jersey back The Hocus Pocus 2 spirit jersey features the new characters introduced in the sequel, as they’re surrounded by witchy imagery and more. It says “Be your own kind of magic.” We agree! View on shopDisney Buy the Hocus Pocus Hat Hocus Pocus Hat front This hat has the all-seeing eye on it and is shaped just like a witch’s hat. This could be a great addition to your Halloween Hocus Pocus costume. View on shopDisney Buy the Hocus Pocus Ears Hocus Pocus Ears front Okay, we LOVE these ears because they’re so unique. They’ve got the eye on one ear and the moon on another, with a bow made out of coffins — okay, that is strange and unusual (sorry, wrong movie) and we like it. View on shopDisney Get the Hocus Pocus BaubleBar Earrings Hocus Pocus Earrings Sport some Hocus Pocus love on your ears with these bird earrings with symbols from your favorite spooky movie. View on shopDisney Get the Sanderson Sisters BaubleBar Ring ©Disney Celebrate the Sisters Three with this ring that has Mary, Winifred, and Sarah on it. This chunky gold ring could make quite the statement this fall! View on shopDisney Get the Sanderson Sisters BaubleBar Necklace Hocus Pocus necklace You can also get a BaubleBar necklace with the Sanderson Sisters on it. Winifred is front and center (as always), while Mary and Sarah are in silhouettes behind her. They’re surrounded by spooky vines and artwork. View on shopDisney Get the Hocus Pocus BaubleBar Bracelet Hocus Pocus bracelet This gold Hocus Pocus charm bracelet matches the other jewelry and has charms that feature the Sanderson Sisters, a spell book, and the moon. View on ShopDisney So head on over to shopDisney NOW to get these fun new Hocus Pocus souvenirs! We’ll keep an eye out for more Hocus Pocus merchandise, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? We’ve even got something for you Sanderson Sisters fans! Our Hocus Pocus shirts! It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Director ANNOUNCED for Disney’s ‘Hocus Pocus 3’ Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be grabbing any new Hocus Pocus gear from this collection? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's NEW 'Hocus Pocus' Collection Is Online Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  3. When you’re at EPCOT, you’re not just eating at a theme park — you’re eating AROUND THE WORLD. EPCOT So WHICH restaurants are gonna offer something NEW and EXCITING for you to try, which ones will give you the BEST variety, and which ones will stretch your dollar? Let’s go on a Disney food adventure today, on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: We’ve Eaten at EVERY EPCOT Restaurant and These Are the BEST  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 Disney 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite thing to eat in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments below. The post DFB Video: We’ve Eaten at EVERY EPCOT Restaurant -- These Are the BEST first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  4. Get ready folks, it’s practically time for pumpkin spice lattes and spooky candles — Disney is ready to celebrate the Halloween season NOW! Halloween Time Is HERE Halloween decorations are up in Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will run from August 11th through November 1st, and tons of Disney Halloween merchandise is available to pick up. But now something NEW has popped up online and it’s an item Starbucks fans will want to pick up ASAP! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Starbucks Halloween Tumbler — Disney World Mickey Pumpkin Halloween Starbucks Tumbler A NEW Starbucks x Disney World Halloween tumbler has landed online! We already spotted this in Magic Kingdom, but now you can get it without having to leave your home. The tumbler features a Mickey jack-o’-lantern on the front… Mickey in Front! …an ombre color design and a Starbucks logo on the back. Starbucks Cup The cup is meant to be a cold beverage tumbler and comes with a multicolored striped straw. Grab it online now so you can enjoy it all spooky season. Get this cup on shopDisney! Starbucks Halloween Tumbler — Disneyland ©Disney If you’re more of a Disneyland fan, you can get the Disneyland version of the Starbucks cup online as well. Get the Disneyland Starbucks cup here!Looking for more great Disney items? Check out some of our favorite Disney Halloween items on Amazon here! And while you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! And we even have some Halloween items for you to pick up. Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! DisneyFoodBlog Halloween Merchandise Stay tuned for more Disney news! Click here to see how to get a discounted Disney Halloween tote bag online! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new 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 EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Will you be picking up this Halloween Starbucks tumbler? Tell us in the comments! The post NEW Disney Starbucks Cups Now Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  5. Ok, you’re probably wondering, “What is a Disney World Blueberry?” Fair question. Every time you meet a character in Disney World, whether it’s the big cheese himself, Mickey Mouse, or a Disney princess, there’s going to be a Character Attendant Cast Member nearby. They wear blue polo tops and khaki pants, hence the name “Blueberry.” (Admittedly, the outfits aren’t nearly as cool as the polka dot dresses or sombreros that Minnie and pals get to wear, but that’s another story for another day) It’s a JOY to work in Disney World! Basically, Character Attendants are like the sidekicks to all your favorite characters. Mickey needs a pen to sign his autograph? Ask a Blueberry! Need someone to snap a photo? Ask a Blueberry! Want to know when Goofy will be back from his phone call with his son Max? Ask a Blueberry! You get the idea. Now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, let’s discuss five things a Disney World Blueberry wants you to know. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you may want to meet a few characters! Luckily, there are TONS of characters to meet — from Captain Jack Sparrow to Princess Cinderella, you’ve got plenty of options. But meeting characters isn’t always as easy as you might expect. But, we’ve seen and done it all, so we know exactly what mistakes you can avoid. Check the schedule! Speaking from experience, the lines to meet characters in Disney World can get pretty long, pretty fast. In fact, in some cases, the line gets so long that Character Attendants must “close” the line before the character is even out meeting guests. The line to meet Jasmine gets SUPER long! Now trust us, we know there’s nothing worse than walking up to a character, only to learn that the line is closed and no one else can meet the character. Turning away guests is one of the WORST parts of the job. But if the line is closed, do not panic. Unless you’re trying to meet a character at the end of the day (usually 5PM or later), odds are they will be back later. Kisses from Donald! If you’re not sure when and where you can meet all the characters in Disney World, we’ve got you covered. First, go to the My Disney Experience app, then tap on the map icon to the left of the home icon at the bottom of the screen. ©Disney From here, tap “Filter” in the top left corner, then select the park you plan to visit and hit “Apply.” ©Disney Now, this is the most important part! At the top of the screen, you should see some text that says, “Wait Times,” “Attractions,” or “Dining.” Tap on the drop-down arrow by the text at the top of the screen, then tap “Characters.” ©Disney Finally, at the top right corner of your screen, tap “Show list.” Any characters that are in the parks that day will show up on the list, and if you tap on a character, you can see all the times that they will be out meeting guests. ©Disney If meeting Princess Belle, Vanellope von Schweetz, Goofy, or any other character is a priority, check those times and try to arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of the character’s scheduled appearance. Do not rope-drop the Royal Sommerhus in EPCOT! Okay, this may seem a bit contradictory to the last point we just made, but there is one spot in EPCOT where the line (and the wait time) can sometimes be deceiving. For many families, meeting Anna and Elsa is HIGH on the list of must-do activities in EPCOT. That said, the line to meet these characters tends to get super long first thing in the morning, then slows down around 2PM (a.k.a. nap time for many little ones). Hi, Anna! Speaking from experience, the line is normally a little shorter in the late afternoon. That said, there are some days when the wait time doesn’t go down all day, so keep that in mind. But generally, we recommend visiting Anna and Elsa sometime between 2PM and 5:30PM for the best chance at a lower wait. This same advice may work over in Magic Kingdom at Princess Fairytale Hall, too! Don’t ask Mickey to hold your baby. We know, we know — wouldn’t it be adorable if Mickey Mouse could hold your baby? Well, he can’t. It’s a safety concern, and it’s best to leave the babies in the hands of a responsible HUMAN, not a mouse. Hey, Mickey! And before you ask, all those human characters like Princess Cinderella can’t hold your baby either. Mickey loves meeting babies, though, so don’t be afraid to bring your little ones by for a meet and greet! Adults can meet characters, too! On the other hand, Mickey (and all the Disney characters) love meeting adults, too! Don’t feel ashamed — we’re all kids in Disney World, and Cast Members will NEVER judge an adult for stopping by to say hello. Pooh Whether you’re stopping by for a quick chat, hoping to snag an autograph, or just want a cute picture, Blueberries have seen TONS of adults come to meet the Disney characters. Trust us, you won’t be the only one. Don’t be afraid to ask some fun questions! Finally, don’t be afraid to think up some FUN questions! Character Attendants often see kids and adults alike happily waiting in line to meet the characters, only for guests to freeze up and get “starstruck” when it’s their turn to meet the characters. Meeting Minnie doesn’t have to be awkward! All you have to do is plan one simple question or comment to get the conversation started. Hey, Minnie! For example, if you’re meeting Goofy, you can ask him if he’s been fishing lately. Did he catch any big fish? Or you could ask Daisy about her bow collection. What’s Princess Belle’s favorite book? Obviously, keep the questions appropriate, and make sure that the character will be able to answer your question (don’t try to trick them!). But generally, your interaction will be super memorable if you have something to talk about! Bring it in, Pluto! Meeting characters is one of the best parts of going to Disney World! As long as you’re prepared, positive, and ready for a good time, everyone will have a blast. And don’t forget to be kind to Cast Members — they’ve got a tough job, after all! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Psst! We’re Revealing the SECRET Tip To Get a Popular Souvenir 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a favorite character interaction story? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Things a Disney World Blueberry Wants You To Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  6. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Magic Kingdom is seriously lacking in the food department compared to other Disney World parks. Partners Statue in Disney World Sure, we have our favorites — the Spicy Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, the Cinnamon Roll from Gaston’s, and more, but we’re always on the hunt for something new we can add to our lineup. It looks like the Disney gods have heard our prayers because a new snack has popped up in Magic Kingdom! There’s been a snack switcheroo in Magic Kingdom! Sunshine Tree Terrace has new Crispy Chicken Dumplings on the menu! For $8.49, you get five fried dumplings served with an orange-ginger glaze sauce. Sunshine Tree Terrace has NEW dumplings! But, you used to be able to get Fried Pork and Vegetable Pot Stickers here instead! This was one of our favorite quick (and pretty hidden) snacks in Magic Kingdom, so we’re interested to see how the new dumplings compare. Pot Stickers that used to be at Sunshine Tree Terrace Ummm, okay — did we just find our new favorite Magic Kingdom snack?! These are PACKED with flavor. The exterior dumpling is perfectly fried golden brown, and had the perfect crispy texture without being hard. The chicken was tender and the green onions added a fresh pop to the dish. Lookin’ good But we especially LOVED the sauce. It was very orange-forward, with orange peel standing out (similar to how it would in an orange marmalade, but not that thick or sweet). The sweetness from the orange complemented the aromatic ginger in the sauce really well. We would swim in this sauce if we could. Seriously this is so good! You get five, so that is pretty reasonable for Disney standards, even though they are a little small. Since it’s fried, you want to eat it quickly to get the best experience. Otherwise, it can seem a tad greasy as it settles. We think you’ll enjoy these if you like the old pot stickers, as the new dumplings have even more flavor. If you’re not a fan of orange or ginger, you might want to consider skipping these! YUM Head over to Sunshine Tree Terrace to grab this new snack (and get a Dole Whip while you’re at it!). We’ll be keeping an eye out for more new snacks throughout Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite hidden snack in Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Who Has Two Thumbs and a New FAVORITE Magic Kingdom Snack? (Hint: It's Me.) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  7. Is there ever really a BAD time to eat in Disney World? You’re probably shocked to hear us (the Disney Food Blog) say that the answer is YES! Cinderella Castle We know, we know — it’s basically scandalous for us to tell you NOT to book a dining reservation. Although there are so many table service restaurants that we truly love in the parks and hotels, there’s one time when we strongly recommend you skip reservations altogether. If you’re going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom, PLEASE don’t book a dining reservation during the party. Although some table service restaurants remain open during the event, this is possibly the worst time ever to book a sit-down meal. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary (2022) Why is it such a bad idea? You only get a few precious hours of Halloween party time during the event, and sit-down meals can take up WAY too much of that limited time. We usually tell people to budget one to two hours for a table service meal, and the party only lasts from 7PM to midnight (although guests with tickets can get into the park at 4PM). You only get five hours of spooky fun, and we’re begging you not to waste a single moment. Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks Instead, you should plan a longer, sit-down meal earlier in the day (before the party starts), and then get lots of tasty Halloween treats during the party! TONS of themed, limited-time treats and snacks show up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, and a lot of them are ONLY available during the event. Take the opportunity to try things that you can’t get any other time of the year! ©Disney We’re especially excited to try the Terrifyin’ Twice Spiced Chicken Sandwich (at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe), the Pain and Panic Loaded Tots (at Friar’s Nook), and the Loaded Sweet Potato Fries (at Golden Oak Outpost). ©Disney For dessert, we can’t wait to get the Black Velvet Whoopie Pie (from Liberty Square Market), the Apple Fritter Sundae (from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor), and the Tropical Graveyard (from Sunshine Tree Terrace). Check out ALL the Halloween eats here. It’s a good idea to have a longer meal early in the day because you’ll be up until midnight, so you’ll need a break and time to rest before the big party. During the party, use your time to go on rides with Halloween overlays, visit the trick-or-treating trails, watch the popular Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, meet characters dressed in their spooky best, and see the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. There’s more than enough to fill your time! Boo to You Halloween parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (2022) Here’s a quick look at all of the party-exclusive offerings: Trick-or-Treating at designated spots throughout the Magic Kingdom (with allergy-friendly options available — Request an allergy-friendly treat bag from a Cast Member) , as well as Party-exclusive treats available for extra purchase; Guest-only access to Magic Kingdom attractions (some with Halloween overlays); Show: Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular; Fireworks Show: Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular — Presented at 10:15PM; Parade: Boo-To-You Halloween Parade — Presented at 9:15PM and 11:15PM (NEW this year: Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle will make appearances dressed up as the Sanderson Sisters in the Boo-To-You Parade!); Disney Junior Jam Dance Party at Storybook Circus and more character-themed dance parties; NEW Pop-Up Parties with Max Goof and his Powerline party pals throughout the park: Exclusive entertainment such as the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet; Photo opportunities with Disney characters in their Halloween costumes and event-exclusive PhotoPass Magic Shots; NEW in 2023, guests will have a chance to join a Virtual Queue for the new TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland; this means that spots will be limited, so riding this coaster during the party isn’t guaranteed; Party-exclusive snacks and merchandise available for extra purchase. Click here to learn ALL about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! If you simply MUST schedule a dining reservation during the party (again, we warn AGAINST this plan, but we won’t keep the information a secret if you’re really set on it), Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table are the only restaurants that will be open for Table Service dining. If you’re hoping to eat there during your time at the party (assuming you’ve got a ticket to attend the event), you may now make Advance Dining Reservations 60 days prior to your booked evening at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party via the Walt Disney World website. Dining Room at Cinderella’s Royal Table We’ll continue to watch for more news about Disney’s Halloween celebrations, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates. Click here to find out which Not-So-Scary party dates have already SOLD OUT. IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new 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 EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Let us know in the comments. The post This May Be the WORST Possible Time To Book a Dining Reservation in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  8. We’re big fans of Disney’s Encanto, and we’ve always wanted to try one of Mirabel’s mom’s famous arepas. The healing powers were a plus, but we also just wanted to try that tasty traditional Colombian food! ©Disney Luckily, our dreams of getting a bite of one of the Madrigal family’s arepas are finally coming true! How do you even begin a task like this? Well, we’ll tell you! Disney released a recipe for White Corn and Mangalitsa Pork Arepas With Hogao. The chef who created this has also created food for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, so we know we’re in for a real treat. Here’s what you’ll need: Ingredients For Hogao: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup sliced scallions 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 cups diced tomatoes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For pork rillettes: 3 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut in large pieces 1 tablespoon coarse salt, plus more to taste 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped 1/2 cup celery, diced 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup Colombian lager or chicken broth 3 bay leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes For corn arepas: 2 1/2 cups precooked white cornmeal 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon coarse salt 3 tablespoons butter, melted 3 cups warm water 1/4 canola oil ©Disney White Corn and Mangalitsa Pork Arepas With Hogao Here’s how to make them: Directions First, make the Hogao: Preheat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add scallions, garlic, and cumin. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tomatoes are softened. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, until thickened. Cool completely and store covered in refrigerator up to 1 week. Next, make the pork rillettes: Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously season pork with salt and pepper; set aside. Heat oil in a large, deep-sided pot over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add onions and garlic and sweat until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to brown. Add reserved pork, celery, chicken broth, lager (or chicken broth), bay leaves, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Cook until liquid reduces slightly, about 5 minutes. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until fork tender, about 3 hours. Remove from oven. Remove pork from liquid, reserving cooking liquid, and transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Cool for 10 minutes. Mix on low speed until meat is broken up. Strain solids from reserved sauce. Run mixer at low speed, and slowly add sauce back into meat until it reaches pâté-like consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Set aside and cool while making arepa dough. Lastly, make the corn arepas: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cornmeal, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl; slowly add water until thoroughly mixed. Wet hands and form a ball of dough with 1/4 cup of cornmeal mixture. Press to form arepa cake about 3 inches wide and 1/4-1/3 inch thick. (Dough will continue to stiffen. If dough becomes too stiff, add a small amount of water). Form 2 tablespoons of pork rillettes mixture into a small ball. Place in center of arepa and form cake around meat mixture. Once pork is totally covered, gently press into a flattened cake. Repeat until all arepas are ready for cooking. With caution, heat 1/4 cup canola oil in large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat, until hot. Working in batches, fry arepas for 5 minutes. Turn and fry and additional 5-6 minutes, until golden. Place on prepared baking sheet and repeat step until all cakes are fried, adding more oil to pan if necessary. Bake 5-10 minutes or until arepas sound lightly hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and top with hogao before serving. Encanto Topiaries BOOM! You’re ready to live your Encanto life! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all things Disney! Click here for more Disney recipes! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be making this recipe? Let us know! The post RECIPE: How To Make Arepas from Disney's 'Encanto' first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  9. Listen, we’re no strangers to expensive Disney souvenirs — Disney vacations themselves are already really expensive. EPCOT While we were in Magic Kingdom recently, we walked into Crystal Arts, which is home to some expensive souvenirs. What we didn’t expect to find were two rare souvenirs that cost a LOT of money. Seriously — you could buy a LOT of Mickey pretzels with all that cash. There are currently two expensive new souvenirs in the Crystal Arts store in Magic Kingdom — a vase and bowl that both feature some very rare Disney art. Yes, these are some of the only pieces of Disney merchandise that feature the Earffel Tower (that’s the water tower with Mickey’s ears)! They are beautiful! Both items also feature the other park icons — Spaceship Earth, Cinderella Castle, and the Tree of Life, plus lots of fireworks. Amazing detail So now you’re wondering — how much really are these items? The vase will cost you a whopping $3,750, and there are only 23 left, while the bowl will cost you $3,500, and there are only 20 left! The Bowl So if these are items you’re interested in, grab them now before they’re gone because when they’re gone, they’re GONE. While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Main Street U.S.A. DFB Shirt! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! Check out the $99,000 souvenir that Disney introduced earlier this year! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s the most expensive Disney souvenir you’ve ever bought? Tell us in the comments! The post Alright, Who’s Buying These WILDLY Expensive Disney Souvenirs? (And Can We Be Friends?) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  10. Everything is always changing in Disney World. Ariel Milkshake Right now, some things are changing on World Showcase Lagoon in EPCOT (and some Disney fans might not be happy about it). Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is in the middle of construction for new Disney Vacation Club villas. New restaurants are on the way, as are new attractions. But restaurant menu changes are also happening regularly at Disney World restaurants. So let’s take a look at the changes we saw this week. Magic Kingdom Friar’s Nook The Breakfast Sandwich description changed from “Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar served on a Multigrain Croissant with Tots” to “Sausage, Egg, and Cheddar served on a Pretzel Bun with Tots.” Breakfast Sandwich Also, the price changed from $8.99 to $9.25 We Have To WARN You about This New Disney World Treat Main Street Bakery The Chocolate-Hazelnut Bear Claw has been removed from the menu. Main Street Bakery The Lime-Frosted Coconut Bar has also been removed. Should This Brand-NEW Starbucks Drink Replace Your Usual Order? Cheshire Cafe The following changes have happened at Cheshire Cafe: REMOVED: All Mixed Up Slushy REMOVED: Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat ADDED: Mixed Berry Tea Slushy with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles for $5.99 ADDED: Blackberry Tea Slushy with Whipped Cream for $5.99 We Promise No Bats Were Harmed in the Making of This Disney World Treat Westward Ho The Breakfast Sandwich has been replaced at Westward Ho with the following: ADDED: Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Cheddar — Fried Chicken topped with a Half-Egg Omelet and Cheddar for $7.49 Westward Ho in Magic Kingdom ADDED: Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Pepper Jack — Fried Chicken topped with a Half-Egg Omelet and Pepper Jack for 47.49 Proof That the Simplest Snacks Can Sometimes Be the BEST in Disney World Disney’s Hollywood Studios Milk Stand The Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal changed from $9.49 to $9.99. Milk Stand That’s the only change here. This HACK May Change Your Mind About Blue Milk in Disney World EPCOT Connections Cafe & Eatery We’ve seen some changes that have us surprised at Connections Cafe: REMOVED: Southwestern Burger REMOVED: Mediterranean Burger Southwestern Burger REMOVED: Bahn Mi Burger REMOVED: Side Salad We Ate 30 Layers of Cake in EPCOT and We’d Do It Again Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie We’ve got one change here this week: Tartine Aux Fromages description changed from “Country Bread, Tomato Sauce, Swiss, Parmesan, and Goat Cheese” to “Country Bread, Tomato Sauce, Swiss, Parmesan, Pesto, and Goat Cheese.” Les Halles We’ve got no other changes to report from Les Halles! 21 Reviews From EPCOT’s MOST BELOVED Bakery — Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie Disney’s BoardWalk Inn BoardWalk Deli There’s a new allergy-friendly menu item available at BoardWalk Deli. The Roasted Turkey Sandwich is a new gluten/wheat-allergy-friendly sandwich that’s now available. BoardWalk Deli It’s made with Oven-roasted Turkey, Vine-ripened Tomatoes, Provolone, and Garlic Aioli on Allergy-Friendly Bread for $10.49. Trust Us. You Should LEAVE the Parks To Try 3 NEW Disney World Treats Cape May Cafe Non-alcoholic mocktails have changed at Cape May Cafe: REMOVED: Agave Garden REMOVED: Pink London Spritzer Cape May Cafe We have no other changes to report on here. Why You Shouldn’t Sleep on Cape May Cafe Character Dining in Disney World Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Martha’s Vineyard Some non-alcoholic mocktails have changed at Martha’s Vineyard, too: REMOVED: Agave Garden REMOVED: Pink London Spritzer Martha’s Vineyard There have been no other changes here, though. Has Disney World Gone TOO Far With Their Creative Drinks?! You Tell Us! Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Intermission Food Court Breakfast has changed at Intermission Food Court. Under Entrees, the following was updated: Waffle Bounty Platter changed from $12.49 to $12.79 Mickey-shaped Waffles changed from $10.49 to $10.79 REMOVED: Pancakes with Berry Compote (Menu Item) Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel Sandwich is now served with Potato Barrels and price changed from $6.99 to $8.99 Egg and Cheese Bagel Sandwich is now served with Potato Barrels and price changed from $5.99 to $7.99 ADDED: Pancake Bounty Platter — Vanilla Pancake, Scrambled Eggs, Potato Barrels, Bacon, and Sausage for $12.49 Loaded Totcho Bowl — Potato Barrels topped with Scrambled Eggs, Cheddar, Sausage Gravy, and Bacon for $10.99 ADDED: Western Omelet — Served with Breakfast Potatoes for $10.99 ADDED: Vanilla Pancakes — Served with Bacon and Sausage for $9.99 REMOVED: Plant-based Mickey-shaped Waffles Loaded Totcho Bowl Kid’s Meals have also changed: REMOVED: Pancakes with Berry Compote ADDED: Kids’ Vanilla Pancakes — Served with choice of two Sides and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or small DASANI Bottled Water for $7.29 Here’s how Bakery has changed: ADDED: Mickey-shaped Brownie — House-made Brownie topped with Ganache, Walnuts, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, and M&M’s chocolate candies for $4.99 ADDED: Chocolate Croissant — Drizzled with Dark Chocolate and dusted with Powdered Sugar for $4.29 ADDED: Seasonal Sugar Cookie with Sprinkles for $3.49 Intermission Food Court The Beverages offered have also changed: ADDED: Classic Cold Brew Coffee for $4.79 ADDED: BODYARMOR Sports Drink – Orange Mango for $4.69 ADDED: BODYARMOR Sports Drink – Strawberry Banana for $4.69 ADDED: AHA Sparkling Water – Blueberry & Pomegranate for $3.49 ADDED: AHA® Sparkling Water – Lime & Watermelon for $3.49 Want Specialty Cocktails? Here’s how they are different now: ADDED: LiveWire Crystal Shiso Mojito — Casa Magdalena Rum, Coconut, Shiso, and Lime for $12 ADDED: Siponey Royale Whiskey Spritz — Rye Whiskey, Wildflower Honey, Lemon Juice, and Sparkling Water for $12 ADDED: Social Hour Cocktails Whiskey Mule — New York Distilling Company Ragtime Rye Whiskey and Ginger Beer for $12 ADDED: Cutwater Spicy Bloody Mary — 12-oz. can Cutwater Vodka blended with Cutwater Spicy Bloody Mary Mix for $11 ADDED: High Noon Sun Sips Vodka & Soda Pineapple — Vodka with Soda with flavors of Pineapple for $11 ADDED: RAMONA Blood Orange Wine — Lightly sparkling Sicilian Wine mixed with Organic Blood Orange Juice for $11 Intermission Food Court In addition to these changes, Lunch and Dinner had some updates, too. Entrees changed like this: REMOVED: Plant-based Tuna Sandwich ADDED: Meatball Sub — Marinara, Provolone, and Parmesan served with Kettle Chips for $12.49 REMOVED: Greek Salad with Plant-based Tuna Salad REMOVED: Impossible Burger ADDED: Korean-style Impossible Burger — Impossible Patty topped with a Korean-style Barbecue Sauce and Pickled Vegetable Slaw for $13.29 ADDED: Mediterranean Curry-Chickpea Salad — with Grilled Pita Bread and Tomato-Cucumber Salad for $8.99 Also, the Rock and Roll Cupcake has been removed from the dessert part of the menu. We Tried 3 Different Types of Mickey Waffles in Disney World — You Know, For Science Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Cafe Some wine choices have changed at Contempo Cafe: REMOVED: Parducci Chardonnay, California REMOVED: Parducci Merlot, California Contempo Cafe These are the only changes at Contempo Cafe. Friends Don’t Let Friends Miss Out on This Delicious Disney World Treat! California Grill At California Grill, the Black Truffle Pizza has been removed from the menu. California Grill Dining Room It was replaced with Stone Fruit and Burrata Pizza — California Stone Fruit, Prosciutto di Parma, Salted Pistachio, Mozzarrella, and Pickled Hot Peppers. The 2 BEST Things on the Menu at California Grill in Disney World Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Victoria Falls Lounge There was one change at this lounge: Marinated Olives with Almonds description changed from “Marcona Almonds, Citrus Zest” to “Marcona Almonds, Preserved Lemons.” Victoria Falls Lounge That’s the only thing that changed here, though. Disney Food Blog Review: Victoria Falls Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge If you have your heart set on a specific menu item in Disney World, we always recommend checking that restaurant’s menu on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app so you don’t get any surprises. We’ll also continue to report on menu changes, so check back with us, too. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What menu change has surprised you the most in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 14 Disney World Restaurants CHANGED Their Menus This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  11. From popular new Loungefly bags to light-up Mickey pumpkins, Disney fans take new merchandise pretty seriously. Big Thunder Mountain You never quite know what you may find in the parks and resorts — sometimes, we even find ULTRA rare Disney merchandise we just have to share. And remember that one time Disney teamed up with a CAR company to show off a new 100th Anniversary design? Yeah, there’s no limit to Disney’s merchandise collaborations. Today we’re back to share a NEW Disney collaboration with ALDO. Warning: it’s selling out FAST! The NEW Disney X ALDO collab is full of new shoes! While you might not want to wear these new Stiletto Pumps to the parks, they would make a fabulous addition to any high-fashion Disney look. ©ALDO If you’re in the market for a more casual pair of shoes, you might prefer ALDO’s new Platform Sneaker featuring Mickey and Minnie! These sneakers will add several inches to your height — that’s a serious platform. ©ALDO Don’t worry — we found some men’s shoes, too, like this pair of Cup Sole Sneakers. We see all our favorite Disney characters on these shoes! ©ALDO ALDO also released some smaller accessories, like this Key Chain… ©ALDO …and these Printed Socks! We just know those socks would match the new sneakers perfectly! ©ALDO If you’re interested in seeing the full collection, you can check it out right here. Be warned, though, the collection is selling out FAST! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. See the NEW Halloween Loungefly bags right HERE! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you plan to buy any of these new items? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney's NEW Shoe Collaboration is Selling Out FAST! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  12. Buckle up, we’re gearing up for a new set of adventures with one of our favorite Guardians of the Galaxy! Rocket and Groot! Recently a new Guardians of the Galaxy sequel made its way to theaters, and it’s safe to say Marvel fans had a LOT of fun watching the new movie. But now we’re moving on to new adventures with the help of Groot! Who’s ready for a new trailer?! Disney just debuted a NEW look at I Am Groot season 2. What’s Groot going to get into this time? We can’t wait to find out! Check out the full trailer below: Mark your calendars — the series will be available to stream on Disney+ on September 6th. That’s one short month away! We can’t wait to check out the new series of shorts. Season one had some hilarious moments, so there’s no telling what Groot will do this time. ©Disney There are TONS of new releases on Disney+ right now, so you’ve got plenty to check out while you wait for season two of I Am Groot. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Why You’ll NEVER See These Disney Movies on Disney+ 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited to see this new show? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW 'I Am Groot' Season 2 Trailer Released by Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  13. So many things are changing around Disney World, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Cinderella Castle Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is in the middle of some major construction, various hotels are getting new rooms, and quite a few new restaurants are on their way. But more work could be on the way soon at various spots throughout the parks, hotels, and even Disney Springs! We’re constantly on the hunt for new permits that could indicate where some construction work could be started in the near future. Specifically, what we look at are called Notices of Commencement. These can indicate the type of projects that might start soon. We’ve seen permits that have hinted at changes for all kinds of things in the past — from changes at closed attractions to restaurant adjustments. And now we’ve found some more! Let’s take a look at some of the interesting projects you’ll want to look out for in the coming weeks and months. EPCOT EPCOT We’ll start in EPCOT for which we saw a permit filed recently to install a cart at an address tied to the Italy Wine Cart at the Italy Pavilion (right next to Gelateria Toscana and in front of La Bottega Italiana). The permit lists Walt Disney Imagineering as the owner and Icarus Exhibits Inc. as the contractor. We’ve seen Icarus Exhibits listed on a number of other Disney-related permits before. They’ve been tied to work on Cinderella Castle, Gelateria Toscana, the buildings that house Creations Shop and Club Cool, and more. We’ll certainly be on the lookout for any changes at the pavilion and the installation of this cart. Italy Pavilion Also for EPCOT, we spotted a permit to “install marquee and signage” at an address tied to the old Starbucks by World Showplace (i.e. Traveler’s Cafe). Imagineering is listed as the owner on the permit and Jon Richards Company FL, Inc. is the contractor. Based on their website, it seems they’ve worked on a number of food and beverage carts in the past, and a variety of projects for Disney. We’ve seen Traveler’s Cafe getting a bit of a makeover in recent weeks, and one Cast Member we spoke to mentioned that they believed a new food and beverage spot was in the works. We later saw a map for EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival that seemed to indicate that the Swirled Showcase booth (a Festival booth set to open later this year) should be located somewhere near here. So we could see some signage coming here soon — whether that’s related to the Swirled Showcase booth or something else. Traveler’s Cafe Also in EPCOT, it seems some work is going to be done at the Journey into Imagination pavilion. One permit filed recently noted that it was for the “installation of scenic items” at an address tied to Journey into Imagination. Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts is the owner on the permit and the contractor is Bungalow Scenic Studios. We’ve seen them on a Disney-related permit in the past. Some of their previous work seems to include signage at Donald’s Dino Bash in Animal Kingdom and other things in Disney. While there’s not a ton of detail here, other than some “scenic items” will be installed and that the permit will automatically expire within 1 year, it is interesting to see it listed for Journey Into Imagination. Why? Well, Disney previously announced that later this year Mickey and Minnie will be meeting guests in their 100th Anniversary outfits in the Imagination! pavilion. A NEW Figment meet-and-greet is also set to come to the Imagination pavilion this summer. Could this be related to those new additions? It’s not clear, but we’ll certainly be looking for updates. The Disney World Monorail and the Imagination Pavilion Magic Kingdom Next, let’s hop to Magic Kingdom where some more work could start soon. First, it seems Bungalow Scenic Studios is hard at work in Disney as they’re listed on a permit for the “installation of scenic items” at an address tied to Fairytale Garden. This is the former home of the Merida meet-and-greet, which is in the middle of being transformed into a Mirabel meet-and-greet (from Encanto). According to Disney, the space is meant to be “transformed with whimsical decor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.” Thus far, we’ve seen construction walls go up here and machinery arrive, but perhaps soon we could see some “scenic items” arrive too! Machinery has arrived Also in Magic Kingdom, we spotted a permit for some general construction at an address tied to the Tomorrowland Launch Depot. Normally, that might not be all that exciting, but what’s interesting here is that the contractor is listed as MLC Theming Inc. and the expiration date for the permit is listed as 11/3/2023 (which is relatively soon). We’ve seen MLC Theming listed on a number of Disney-related permits in the past, including one related to a Disney snack spot and another for some restroom work in EPCOT. Their website indicates that they strive to be the “undeniable contractor of choice within the theming industry.” Their work seems to include “scenic painting and aging of structures, fabricating facades, carving rock work, and more.” Grid Digitization Portals It’s not clear what work would be done in the store, as the permit only notes it is for “general construction” but we’ll certainly keep an eye out for updates. And MORE! In terms of other permits we’ve seen for some interesting work, one indicates that an LED screen could soon be installed in the Coach store at Disney Springs. Another permit has interestingly been filed for “CAPA Restaurant Renovation” within the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. Capa is a restaurant located on the 17th-floor rooftop of the Four Seasons and is a Spanish-influenced steakhouse also offering fresh Florida seafood. This could simply be a renovation for parts of the restaurant that guests don’t see, but it’s still interesting to see that filed. ©Four Seasons And we spotted a TON (and we do mean a TON) of permits for addresses that appeared to be tied to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. That makes sense because the water park is currently closed as it undergoes refurbishment, but if you were hoping to see the water park reopen ASAP, these permits might be an indication that your wish will not be granted just yet as there’s still work to be done. Some of the permits appeared to be for plumbing work or other more general things. But quite a few were for “carpentry work.” For example, we saw one for carpentry work at the Toboggan Racer Slides, another for carpentry work at the Double Dipper Water Slide, some for carpentry work at patios, carpentry work at Melt-Away Bay, and more. So it looks like work at Blizzard Beach is still ongoing and could be happening for a while. ©Disney And that’s a look at some of the things that could change in Disney World soon. We’ll continue to look for permits that might signal more upcoming work, so stay tuned for all the latest! Click here to see the Haunted Mansion CHANGE that hints at the Hatbox Ghost’s arrival! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these projects are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments. The post New Permits Could Signal CHANGES at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Attractions first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  14. Every year, we see the Disney World merch team round up the usual suspects for Halloween: new Loungefly bags, Crocs, Starbucks Tumblers, and pins. Lots and lots of pins. Don’t get us wrong — we love all those spooky Loungefly bags, but this year something new caught our eye. Happy Halloween! When we discovered Disney’s NEW Halloween popcorn bucket, we immediately fell in love. It even reminds us of the SUPER popular Light-Up Mickey Pumpkins that sold out in 5 minutes flat on shopDisney recently. (Those pumpkins may return online soon, though!) So naturally, after discovering this new popcorn bucket, we HAD to show it off. But there’s one small problem; we may need to book a flight just to get ahold of this new souvenir. Take a look at Disney’s NEW Glowing Pumpkin Popcorn Bucket — complete with a cute little Mickey ghost on the side. Yeah, we NEED this one. Isn’t it cute? ©Disney So, what’s the catch? Well, this new popcorn bucket is debuting exclusively in Tokyo Disneyland as part of the park’s new Halloween celebration this year. That means we just might need to make a special trip to Tokyo Disneyland this fall if we plan to add this new bucket to our collection. Sigh. Cinderella Castle in Tokyo Disneyland This isn’t the first time we’ve been a little jealous of Tokyo Disneyland’s SWEET merchandise. Take a look at this Winnie the Pooh popcorn bucket we saw back in 2022. It’s perfection! Remember this one?! And who could forget this INNOVATIVE popcorn bucket that collapses and expands for easy transport?! Man, they think of EVERYTHING in Tokyo Disneyland! ©Tokyo Disney Resort via Instagram Well, if you needed an excuse to go on vacation, this just might be your new reason. This popcorn bucket is set to debut on September 1st, 2023. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! 8 NEW Popcorn Buckets Have Come to Disney World in 2023 IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World! We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new 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 EVERYTHING CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World FULL LIST of Rides That Will Be Open at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Target Has NEW Halloween Inflatables Online Now! How To Get the CHEAPEST Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Would you make a special trip to Tokyo for this new souvenir? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Created a NEW Halloween Popcorn Bucket – But There’s a Catch first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  15. We love Disney snacks here at DFB, but that’s no secret — it’s what we do! Corn Dog Nuggets from Casey’s Corner, anyone? While we have our favorite spots to eat around the different Disney parks, we also love creating our own snack hacks to combine our favorites into something uniquely delicious. If you’re looking for a special sweet treat in Magic Kingdom, THIS is the hack for you! Buckle up — this is our FAVORITE Magic Kingdom snack hack so far. This DFB Snack Hack involves a Mickey waffle and ice cream — yes, we’re making the ultimate dessert! The first step is to grab a Mickey Waffle at an old favorite snack spot of ours: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! Sleepy Hollow Refreshments There are a few options available here, but we grabbed the plain Mickey Waffle with powdered sugar for $6.49. Mickey Waffle with Powdered Sugar Next you’ll want to head over to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and grab a scoop of your favorite ice cream (we chose vanilla) with any toppings you desire (we added some caramel sauce to ours because DUH!). Yay for ice cream! Put the two together, and you’ve got a Mickey Ice Cream Waffle! Isn’t it glorious? Can you hear the choir of angels singing? So delicious! We tried folding it like a taco and had to eat it fast — it’s HOT — so grab napkins! But it was warm and sweet and amazing nonetheless. Overall this snack hack cost us less than $15, and for how easy it was to make and how heavenly it tasted, we highly recommend trying it out. Can a person go wrong with Mickey waffles and ice cream? The answer is no. No, they cannot. Yum! Looking for more of our snack hacks? Check out the links below! Other Disney Snack Hacks! Hands Down, This Is the BEST Magic Kingdom Snack Hack We’ve EVER Seen!The Magic Kingdom Friar’s Nook UPDATE You Need To Check Out5 Disney World Snack HACKS for $5 Or Less! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney food hacks and news! Read ALL of our Disney Snack Hacks right here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite snack hack you’ve ever tried? Tell us in the comments! The post Hands Down, This Is the BEST Magic Kingdom Snack Hack We’ve EVER Seen! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  16. There are a lot of things in Disney Springs that make us want to RUN there, no questions asked. Vivoli il Gelato First, Gideon’s Bakehouse — need we say more? Sometimes, you just really need a good cookie. Second, we’re also a little obsessed with Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew because sometimes, you just really need a donut. There are SO many good snacks to be had, but we think the most EPIC might have just arrived, and it’s going to have us running to Disney Springs all over again. Vivoli il Gelato may be known for its amazing gelato flavors, but did you know this spot also serves cannolis? Yes, they do! And sometimes, they serve some unique cannoli flavors, like red velvet, peanut butter, peppermint, and more. Red Velvet Cannoli But Vivoli il Gelato just may have come up with the BEST idea for a cannoli flavor ever. Okay, brace yourselves. Vivoli il Gelato just introduced a French Toast Cannoli. It’s “sweet ricotta meets French toast perfection.” Does that sound good or what? So if you’re in Disney Springs, be sure to pop by Vivoli il Gelato to check it out. We can also recommend their gelato flavors, too, as well as their sorbetti flavors. Pretty much everything here is tasty and fresh! You can even get shakes and waffle bowls, too. Yum! Mint Cookies and Cream Shake from Vivoli il Gelato! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney food news! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Disney World Mobile Order Secrets That We’ve Learned the Hard Way 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to Vivoli il Gelato? What was your favorite snack there? Let us know in the comments! The post A French Toast CANNOLI (!!!) Is Now Available In Disney World 🤤 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  17. We’ve got some bad news for fans of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride! Haunted Mansion in Disney World Haunted Mansion is a popular ride in both Magic Kingdom (in Disney World) and Disneyland Park. Over on the east coast, this attraction is going to be CLOSED temporarily for part of August! Make sure you take note of this closure so that you’re not disappointed during your upcoming trip. Haunted Mansion will be CLOSED in Disney World from August 7th through the 9th, 2023. It should reopen at 9AM on August 10th. Disney noted on the ride’s webpage that this closure is for “routine refurbishment.” However, we can’t help but wonder if Disney Cast Members will be working on the NEW Hatbox Ghost animatronic that’s coming to the ride soon! Haunted Mansion The Hatbox Ghost has been at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion for a while now, but Disney recently announced that it would be coming to Disney World as well. The only timeline for the ghost’s arrival is sometime in 2023. ©Disney When the Hatbox Ghost arrives, you’ll be able to spot him as your Doom Buggy passes the Endless Hallway. This is different from the ghost’s location in the Disneyland version of this ride. Disneyland Hatbox Ghost Disney also noted that guests will see some “temporary barriers” pop up as Cast Members work on the change. We’ve already spotted some of those barriers, so we know that the ghost is on his way! Again, Disney has NOT confirmed that this closure is for the installation of the new animatronic — it could just be routine maintenance to keep the ride running smoothly (but we’re keeping our fingers crossed!). Haunted Mansion Make sure to plan your trip around this closure if you’re a Haunted Mansion fan, and stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news! Click here to learn more about the Hatbox Ghost, coming to 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a fan of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride? Let us know in the comments. The post A Word of Warning About Haunted Mansion in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  18. The spooky season is here! Yes, it’s August, but the fall decorations are up in Magic Kingdom, and the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is right around the corner. Happy Halloween! So when Disney says it’s Halloween, then IT IS HALLOWEEN! We’ve already started to see loads of new Halloween merchandise drop, but wait until you see the new Halloween Loungefly bags we just came across (tip: just go grab your wallet now). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Winnie The Pooh Skeleton Mini-Backpack ©Amazon Pooh is all dressed up in his Skeleton Halloween costume on this new Loungefly. It even features a zipper pull that’s a honey pot candy bucket. The inside lining has a spooky pattern with bats, Pooh, and Piglet. You can pre-order this bag now, and it’s expected to ship on September 29th, 2023. View on Amazon Buy the Mickey-O-Lantern Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Amazon You can also get a Mickey jack-o’-lantern Halloween bag that’s all done up in orange and black. There’s a giant Mickey pumpkin on the front, and the rest of the bag features a pattern of Mickey pumpkins. It also glows in the dark — bonus! View on Amazon Get the Loungefly X LASR Disney Totally Batty Mickey Bat Mini Backpack ©Amazon Mickey Bats are everywhere on this backpack with a simple black and white pattern. However, those bats also glow in the dark, making it perfect for spooky Halloween nights in Disney World. View on Amazon Buy the Loungefly Pooh Lion Costume Fuzzy Mini Backpack ©Hot Topic If you thought Skeleton Pooh was cute, wait until you see Fuzzy Lion Pooh! This backpack features Pooh in a lion costume complete with a pumpkin candy bucket. This bag is also available for pre-order now and is expected to ship between September 12th and September 23rd. We’re just going to say this: Pooh is winning at Halloween right now! View on Hot Topic So it’s time to stock up on Halloween Loungeflys because, to quote A Nightmare Before Christmas, “This is Halloween!” We’ll let you know if we spot any other fun Disney Halloween merchandise online, so stay tuned to DFB for more. While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? We’ve even got some tees that are perfect for the spooky season. DisneyFoodBlog Halloween Merchandise It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! 7 Disney Halloween Items You Can Get From Amazon Right Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you ready for Halloween? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Disney Halloween Loungefly Bags Are Online Now! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  19. So how do you handle breakfast when you visit Disney World? Friar’s Nook Do you have breakfast at your hotel before you hit the parks? Or do you get to the parks and grab something quick while you’re on the go in between rides? There are a lot of breakfast options in Magic Kingdom, including character dining. But there are also some great quick options that you may not know about. One of those quick breakfast options, though, just got WAY better. So let’s head into Fantasyland and visit Friar’s Nook. Previously, you could get a Breakfast Sandwich there, which featured Bacon, Egg, and Cheddar served on a Multigrain Croissant with Tots. Well, that Breakfast Sandwich is now Sausage, Egg, and Cheddar served on a Pretzel Bun with Tots for $9.25. New Breakfast Sandwich We’ll just let you know right now — the new Breakfast Sandwich is a HUGE improvement. In the past, the sandwich usually came with a croissant that was dry and disappointing. The pretzel bun works SO much better — it’s dense and bready but still nice and soft. That pretzel bun is EVERYTHIING We also loved the flavorful sausage, which was tender. The eggs were light and fluffy. That, paired with the bold flavor of the cheddar, made for the perfect breakfast sandwich. We will say, though, that we wished this was a little bigger, but it does come with tots, so it’s still pretty filling. If you’re looking for a quick way to fuel up in Magic Kingdom, this is a great option. Sausage, egg, and cheddar Of course, if you prefer the old Breakfast Sandwich on the Croissant, this may not be your thing, but we really do feel like this was a much-needed upgrade. Stay tuned to DFB for more reviews! With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! The Ultimate Guide To The Best Breakfast 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you tried the Breakfast Sandwich at Friar’s Nook before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! The post Breakfast Has CHANGED at Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom – We LOVE This Upgrade! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  20. We’ve used Mobile Order HUNDREDS of times in Disney World. Mobile order is a lot more common in Disney World now! We were using Mobile Order through the My Disney Experience app long before it was made really popular during the pandemic era, and over the years, we’ve learned quite a few tips and tricks. We’ve seen Mobile Order go through many iterations, but today we’re sharing the Mobile Order secrets we learned the HARD way. There Are Grace Periods First of all, we’ve got good news for people who are consistently running late — Mobile Orders can often be picked up a little earlier or a little later than the scheduled window. Typically, the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button will pop up 5 minutes before your Mobile Order window begins. We’re ready to EAT If you miss your Mobile Order window and the order disappears from the home screen of the My Disney Experience app, don’t worry. Simply click on the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner of the screen, then select “Mobile Food Orders.” You should be able to find your order there, and if you take it to the restaurant’s Mobile Order pickup counter within a few minutes of the window expiring, the Cast Member there may be able to revive the order for you. Transitioning From Breakfast to Lunch is Tricky Perhaps the most challenging time of the day to place a Mobile Order is the time right around the transition from breakfast to lunch…and we have experienced this multiple times! First of all, the Mobile Order return windows are shorter at the end of the breakfast hour — instead of getting 30 minutes, you might only get 20 or 15 if you order past 10:30AM. Ronto Morning Wrap Also, it’ll be more challenging if you’re running late to pick up your order — we’ve had orders that expired at 11AM disappear from the main page of the app as soon as the clock struck 11. And from there, you can’t re-place your order because breakfast is no longer being served. Your only hope is to check at the counter and see if they can accommodate you! Sleepy Hollow If you place a lunch order that STARTS at 11AM, you won’t be able to pick it up 5 minutes early if the restaurant is still serving breakfast, as well. So if you’re grabbing food during that meal transition period, just make sure you’re prompt! You Can Change Your Mobile Order Arrival Window You probably know if you’ve used Mobile Order before that you don’t have to place your order for the current time — you can select one in the future. But did you know that you can modify your order time AFTER you place it? ©Disney Once your order is placed, if it’s not yet time to pick it up, you can select “Change Arrival Window.” We’ve been able to click this button in the past and then refresh the screen multiple times to get an earlier window to pop up. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s definitely something you should try if you’re hungry in the moment! You Can Get Joffrey’s Coffee FASTER Nobody likes standing in long lines in Disney World, and the lines for coffee can be shockingly long in the morning and mid-afternoon. Sadly, you can’t use the Starbucks app to mobile order at those locations, but there IS a way to order Joffrey’s coffee without a long line. Joffrey’s Coffee Several quick service spots serve Joffrey’s coffee in some fashion, and at those places, you can often Mobile Order a Shakin’ Jamaican or a French Roast to kickstart your day or get that afternoon caffeine boost. Digitally ordering your coffee at a spot like The Friar’s Nook or Sleepy Hollow could save you some significant time! There Are Some Limits to What You Can Order And finally, this last one is less of a tip and more of a warning — we’ve learned the hard way that there are some limits to what you can Mobile Order. Often, Disney doesn’t have the allergy-friendly dishes listed as Mobile Order options in the app, so you’ll need to order those at the registers. Mobile Order sign in EPCOT Also, if you would like to modify an item on the menu to have an ingredient removed, it’s often not possible to get that done through the app. That’s another “go wait in the line” scenario. So while Mobile Order can be handy in most situations, there’s still plenty of use for the physical line. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Those are some of the things we learned the hard way about Mobile Ordering! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips and tricks to help you out on your vacation. Click Here to See How Mobile Order CHANGED in the Disney World App! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you use Mobile Order in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World Mobile Order Secrets That We've Learned the Hard Way first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  21. The one thing you gotta love about EPCOT is how many unique foods you can find throughout the park. House of Good Fortune at EPCOT’s China Pavilion Not only can you get that infamous Pickle Shake at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, but you can also find some interesting snacks in the World Showcase Pavilions. Take potato chips, for example — we’ve tried some very unusual flavors, including Octopus Chips, Fruit-flavored potato chips, and more. Well, now, we’ve discovered Beer Chips, and we HAD to try them — our curiosity got the best of us. Yep, you read that right. BEER-flavored chips. We were looking at some of the new chip flavors at House of Good Fortune in EPCOT’s China Pavilion (where we’ve found a LOT of those unique flavors) and came across Peach Beer Lay’s and Craft Beer Lay’s. So we decided we HAD to get the Peach Beer chips because we were CURIOUS. Peach Beer Lay’s Okay, so we’ll admit this went about how you probably thought it would. The actual texture of the chip was nice, we’ll say that — it’s the classic wavy Lay’s texture. It turns out, though, that these chips taste like they were soaked in peach schnapps. Not beer. Peach schnapps. So if you love peach schnapps, these might be interesting to try. Although we might recommend just getting peach schnapps instead…these chips were odd. They taste like Peach Schnapps?! We have to say that these chips were NOT our jam. But hey, at least we tried them. That’s part of the fun of checking out all the chip flavors in China, right? Next time, we’ll just go back and buy those pizza chips we really DO like from the Japan Pavilion. But if you’re curious, you can grab a bag of Peach Beer Chips for $5.86. We’ll continue trying out more new foods we find in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! The BIG Reason Why EPCOT Is the Best Park to Visit Right Now Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you tried any of the chips flavors at the China Pavilion? Let us know your faves in the comments! The post BEER-Flavored Chips Exist in Disney World and They Might SURPRISE You first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  22. Are you ready for a change? Disney World sure is! Are you prepared for the changes coming to Disney World? If you’re planning for your next Disney World trip for 2024, you’ve got to know all the things that are changing from this year to the next (and be prepared because it’s a LONG list). But fear not — we’re here and we’ll guide you through all of the changes coming so that you’re ready to make those travel plans with confidence! What’s going to be changing at Disney World in 2024? Well, do you have a minute? Go ahead and get comfortable, put your feet up, and let’s go over it all. Resort-Wide Disney Dining Plan Look, this is probably the BIGGEST change that you’re going to see on this list and the one we’ve been anticipating greatly. The Disney Dining Plan will be returning on January 9th, 2024. For those who don’t know what the dining plan is (especially since it’s been missing from Disney World since 2020), it’s a way for Disney World guests who book a vacation package through Disney to pre-pay for their dining costs. The Disney Dining Plan is returning! Two plans will be available: the Standard Dining Plan and the Quick Service Dining Plan — here are FULL details on what each plan will offer and here’s a list of all the Disney World restaurants participating in the plan. The One Thing We Noticed About the Disney Dining Plan That Could Change Everything New Park Pass Reservation Rules Alright, next up, you know that all Disney World ticket holders must make a park pass reservation for each day they plan on being in the theme parks. That will change on January 9th, 2024 — park pass reservations will NOT be needed for those who purchase date-based tickets. This means that guests who buy theme park tickets tied to specific dates will not need to make a reservation. Park pass reservations are going away — sort of However, this change doesn’t affect those with tickets that are not based on specific dates. They will still need to make park pass reservations (i.e. Annual Passholders unless they’re visiting specific parks after 2PM, Cast Members, and other non-date-based ticket types). Read More About The Park Pass Reservations Change Genie+ Changes Moving right along, there might be some good news for those who miss the days of grabbing FastPass+ reservations in advance of their Disney World trip. Disney recently shared that they’ve listened to guests who wanted to “plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit.” The company has expressed that is now “working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.” Genie+ on the My Disney Experience app However, Disney has not yet revealed any further details on what this means for guests using Genie+, but more details should be released later. Disney did announce a new change to the pricing of Genie+, but we think there are more changes to come in 2024. Here’s More About This BIG Genie+ Change Disney World Hotels Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently constructing some new Disney Vacation Club villas at the resort that are set to open sometime in 2024. This will give DVC members some new options for staying at the resort. The new rooms will feature waterfront views with most also offering balconies. ©Disney | Polynesian Village Resort concept art The new structure will also offer new dining and swimming options, as well as other recreation areas. Here’s Everything We Know About the New Hotel Rooms Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Next, over at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, they are in the process of updating all the hotel rooms with new furniture and decor. These new rooms will feature artwork that contains images of Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney pals strolling through the BoardWalk. ©Disney On top of that, the lobby of the hotel is expected to get a refresh. We already saw some construction at the check-in desk, and the former Dundy’s Sundries shut down to make way for Carousel Coffee. Carousel Coffee Outside, on the BoardWalk itself, there’s a new restaurant in progress! The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is under construction currently and is set to open sometime in 2023. Also, a new bakery and cafe is coming to the BoardWalk. It’s The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and it will feature a variety of pastries and baked goods, as well as offer a counter service and table service restaurant. It will also even serve an afternoon tea. Concept art for The Cake Bake Shop The new restaurant is set to open in 2023, which you’ll want to plan on visiting in 2024. Learn more about The Cake Bake Shop’s Afternoon Tea Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Next up for you corn dog lovers, the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs stand is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk. They already run a stand at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort, but now they’ll be making their way to the east coast. ©Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs While you will generally find a “regular” corn dog on the menu, the really exciting thing here is Blue Ribbon’s constantly rotating menu of unique corn dog creations. The Disney World menu hasn’t been released yet, but in Disneyland, we’ve seen things like the Mexican Street Corn Dog, a Christmas Corn Dog, and even a Golden Dragon Corn Dog! Mexican Street Corn Dog An official opening date hasn’t been released yet but it is set to open in 2023, meaning by 2024 there could be a whole new world of corn dog creations for you to try! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Room changes are also coming to the Grand Floridian Resort. Disney announced that some of the rooms will be updated with new furniture and color schemes. We’ve already seen many of these updated rooms open up to guests. Grand Floridian Resort DVC Studio Lots of the DVC rooms have been updated already with a Mary Poppins Returns theme. Enhanced 2-Bedroom Villa Disney also announced a little while back that the lobby of the hotel is going to undergo a refurbishment soon. Construction walls inside the lobby of the Grand Floridian And we can’t forget about the restaurants! Both Citricos and Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridan got refurbishments with new decor in the past couple of years. So, you’ll definitely want to pop into the resort while you’re at Disney World. Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Beach Club Resort is also updating guest rooms. The rooms’ look and feel might be changing, but you won’t feel out of place. NEW Beach Club Rooms The bathrooms have also seen a little bit of an update. The shower curtains have been replaced with a glass door. Bathroom You’ll find new carpet in the hallways, too. Look closely — do you see those Donald Duck footprints? See Donald’s footprints? The hotel hopes to have the rest of the rooms at the resort upgraded by October 2023. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Here’s a massive update for you. Disney Vacation Club has announced its plan to redesign the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The proposal calls for more than 350 refreshed cabins to replace the existing cabins at the resort. Although the new cabins will be part of the Disney Vacation Club resort lineup, the proposed cabins will be open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members. Fort Wilderness Cabin Concept Art ©Disney So far, the concept art shows modern cabins “inspired by the resort’s idyllic setting, while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling,” per Disney. The cabins will sleep up to six adults and feature a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio. A select number of cabins will be dog-friendly. As part of Disney’s Environmental Sustainability initiative, Disney stated that “the proposed cabins will be built with an eye toward the environment, utilizing the footprint of the existing cabins and taking advantage of more energy-efficient features.” Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground There will also be an updated pool and walking trail enhancements as well as new dining experiences at Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern. Trail’s end construction Currently, Disney expects the new Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to open in 2024. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Now over to All-Star Sports. The refurbishments are in progress currently but should be completed sometime this year, which means all the new rooms should be open by 2024. All-Star Sports old room overview So far, a few sections of the resort have been completed, and the updated rooms look very similar to the new ones at All-Star Movies and All-Star Music, with two queen beds (one of which is a Murphy bed). Another Big Hotel Change If we’re talking about changes at Disney World hotels, we also need to talk about a new piece of Disney tech — Hey Disney! This service works with Amazon Echo and Alexa devices and offers “custom voice assistance” to guests staying at Disney World resorts. Through Hey Disney, you can get assistance with room amenities, guest services, planning, weather info, and much more. Hey Disney at the Polynesian Village Resort So far, the only hotels with Hey Disney! devices are Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Hey Disney! at Art of Animation Resort! Don’t forget that you can also get Hey Disney! for your home on Amazon! Now let’s talk about what’s going down at the parks. Magic Kingdom Tiana’s Bayou Adventure A new ride is coming to Magic Kingdom. Splash Mountain closed in early 2023 to make way for a NEW ride themed to Disney’s animated film The Princess and the Frog. The new attraction is called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and is set to take visitors through the bayous of Louisiana to help Tiana with her new endeavor, Tiana’s Foods. New Concept Art This ride will pick up the moment after The Princess and The Frog ends and we will “join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.” Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney So what actually happens after the film? Tiana opens Tiana’s Palace and requires the riders’ help finding a missing key ingredient for the Mardi Gras party she’s throwing for the people of New Orleans. We’re going to be seeing old and new characters, hearing familiar and new songs, and embarking on a whole new adventure with Tiana! It’s set to open in 2024. Read all about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here! Hatbox Ghost is coming to Disney World Disneyland’s infamous Hatbox Ghost will finally be making the journey East to appear inside Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, took to the stage at the D23 Expo in 2022 to make the announcement. Hatbox Ghost Hatbox Ghost is set to start haunting Haunted Mansion guests sometime in 2023. Learn more about Hatbox Ghost Coming to Disney World EPCOT Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana If you haven’t heard, EPCOT has been undergoing an EPIC transformation over the past few years, with much of it set to complete by or during 2024. That means that EPCOT visitors will finally get to enjoy a new attraction, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana. The walkthrough attraction will feature lots of shade, as well as a series of water features. Progress on Journey of Water This attraction is set to open in the fall of 2023. Here’s An INSIDE LOOK at the ‘Moana’ Attraction Coming to EPCOT World Celebration Completion Most of the construction at EPCOT is happening at what is now the World Celebration section of the park. The good news is that those construction walls should all be down by late 2023. That means that riders exiting Spaceship Earth will have a good look at Dreamers Point, which will feature a new statue of Walt Disney. Walt Statue in World Celebration The CommuniCore Plaza Festival Area and CommuniCore Hall should also open in late 2023. Communicore Plaza is an outdoor space for visitors to relax while enjoying festivals, although the space can also host concerts and performances. CommuniCore Hall is inside the plaza and will be the first structure built in EPCOT to support festival programming. Everything You Need To Know About The EPCOT Transformation New Nighttime Show EPCOT will also be debuting a new nighttime show in late 2023 as part of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary celebration, so make sure to experience it when you come in 2024. New EPCOT show ©Disney Disney hasn’t released a lot of details about the show, but has said that it would “reflect the commonality in all of us.” Learn More About How EPCOT Will Be Disney World’s Host For the Disney100 Celebration While we’re in EPCOT, let’s talk about food. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya A new restaurant is coming to the Japan pavilion and it’ll be called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. The Table Service restaurant is meant to present a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.” Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Sign The menu will have “Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items,” plus there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Sushi options will include things like Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, and Funamori. Japanese Izakaya-style eats will be available too (Izakaya is a type of casual pub-style restaurant that puts an emphasis on drinks and conversations with friends). Some of the small dishes available will include Karaage Chicken, Salmon Misoyaki, and Tomato Salad with Avocado. ©Japan Pavilion-Mitsukoshi USA via Instagram But the unique thing that’ll set this restaurant apart is that each month it will honor a different Japanese seasonal festival. Sometimes that’ll be with special menu items or unique decor. And a cultural representative will be present during your meal to guide you through the experience. Plus, the restaurant will feature fireworks views. It appears that it will be located in the former Tokyo Dining space within the pavilion. The restaurant is set to open in the summer of 2023, and might be your new must-visit spot for Japanese eats, seasonal celebrations, and fireworks at EPCOT in 2024! Click here to see more about Shiki-Sai! Let’s hop on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and find out what’s going on there. Hollywood Studios New Star Tours Adventures Disney announced that Star Tours will be getting some new scenes/adventures that guests can get when they ride! Star Tours While this isn’t technically a new ride, the new stories will make your ride new, since it’ll be stories none of us have seen before! Star Tours Loading Area This isn’t the first time that new stories have been added to the ride, as they’ve been updated multiple times throughout the years. We can’t wait to see the new stories! Read all we know about the new stories being added here! Alright, let’s head out of the parks now and head on over to Disney Springs. Disney Springs Summer House on the Lake Summer House on the Lake is set to open in late 2023. The restaurant will serve up pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, wood-grilled dishes, and more. There will even be a weekend brunch. ©Summer House Concept Art INSIDE the Summer House will be a snack spot, too, called The Cookie Jar, which will serve freshly-baked cookies and pastries. Read About One of Summer House’s OTHER Locations For A Preview EET by Maneet Chauhan Another new restaurant set to open in 2023 is EET by Maneet Chauhan. The restaurant is a creation by James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star Maneet Chauhan together with hospitality entrepreneur Vivek Deora. ©Disney via Instagram It is set to serve Indian cuisine in a “modern, fun” concept. Disney hasn’t revealed the menu for EET yet, but Chauhan owns another restaurant in Nashville called Chauhan Ale & Masala House, and the menu there features “globally influenced Indian cuisine that highlights aspects of the culinary scene not only in Mumbai or New Delhi, but Nashville as well, perfectly combining Indian fare with traditional Southern dishes.” Menu items include Tandoori Chicken Poutine, Tamarind Lamb Chops, Paneer Cheese, Garlic Parmesan Naan, Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, and more. That could be an indication of what’s to come, but we’ll have to wait for the exact details. © George Burns Photography (Via Eater) The restaurant is set to open later in 2023 and could be an exciting NEW addition to Disney Springs. Will it become a new Disney Springs favorite? Only time will tell, but it is a new spot that should definitely be on your radar! See more about what we COULD expect from EET here! And those are all the projects we know are expected to open in 2024! Stay tuned to DFB because we’ll update you as we hear more. See Disney’s confirmation of the opening timelines of MANY major projects right here! 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which project are you most looking forward to? Tell us in the comments! The post Everything NEW Coming to Disney World in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  23. Get READY — some big Disney announcements could come out soon! ©Disney We’ve already got Destination D23 to look forward to in September and the IAAPA Expo in November which could bring some theme park updates. But there’s an important date to know before then — August 9th. On August 9th, Disney will hold its earnings call for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 (Q3 of FY 2023) and that could give us some MAJOR updates on a few different things. Here’s what we’re expecting. 1 — Writers’ and Actors’ Strike First up, Disney could provide some important updates about the two entertainment strikes happening right now — the writers’ strike and the actors’ strike. WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actor’s Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) — basically, the writers and actors that bring a bunch of your favorite shows and movies to life — are currently on strike. ©Disney We’ve already seen some Disney-owned productions shut down as a result of the strikes, and reportedly Disney is considering delaying some of its movies because of the strikes. But perhaps most importantly, Disney CEO Bob Iger’s statements regarding the strike are part of what transformed him (in the eyes of some) from a hero to a villain in 72 hours. During a CNBC interview, Iger commented on how devastating an actors’ strike would be (at the time he spoke, the actors’ strike had not been officially announced but was expected). ©D23 Iger shared that the industry is still trying to recover after COVID-19 shut down many productions. He went on to say “This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption.” In addition, Iger said that the strike was “very disturbing” to him, and he claimed that there was a level of expectation held by the union that was not realistic. Though he said he respected the unions’ rights to get more compensation for their members, he said they also needed to be “realistic about the business environment.” ©Disney Iger has since received a heavy amount of criticism about his comments from a variety of individuals. Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA President, said that Iger’s comments were “repugnant,” “out of touch,” and “tone-deaf.” Writers and actors from Disney series and movies, Abigail Disney (granddaughter of Roy O. Disney), and several others have all spoken out against Iger’s comments. ©Disney | She-Hulk on Disney+ So, we expect a few things could happen during this earnings call. First, Iger typically begins the call with an overview statement about the financial state of the Company and other updates. It’s possible that during this initial portion of the call, he will clarify his earlier comments, make further comments about the strike, or potentially even shift his tone and approach toward the situation. It’s possible that Iger will also give an update as to how the strikes have impacted Disney’s current slate of movies and series, whether the release dates for some of these will be delayed, and just how Disney’s finances may be affected. Asha from the new Disney Wish Movie It’s possible that Iger will also be asked about the strikes by an investor and will have to address it in that way. It’s certainly a huge matter that major entertainment studios are having to handle in some way right now, so it might be top of mind for many shareholders going into this meeting. Click here to see more about Iger’s comments, those who have criticized what he had to say, and more 2 — Financial Situation at the Disney Parks Disney should also provide us with an update on the financial situation of the Company as a whole and its various sectors, one of which is Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. This is something we generally see released within the earnings report, but elaborated on during the earnings call itself. For quite some time, while Disney’s direct-to-consumer section has struggled financially, the Disney parks division has proven to be a highly profitable business. But, last quarter we saw some mixed results and a warning about the future. EPCOT Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products revenues for the quarter increased 17% from $6.6 billion in April 2022 to $7.8 billion in April 2023. That was good news. But, the financial results at Disney’s domestic parks were “slightly unfavorable” from the previous year. Interestingly, there was a decrease at Disney World that was largely offset by growth at Disneyland. Disney indicated that some of the results at Disney World were unfavorable due to “higher costs reflected cost inflation, increased expenses associated with new guest offerings and higher depreciation.” ©Disney During a past earnings call, then-CFO Christine McCarthy noted that “Per cap growth was more moderate this quarter.” In other words, things had slowed down a bit. McCarthy also warned that in the “back half of this fiscal year, there will be an unfavorable comparison against the prior year’s incredibly successful 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World.” She shared, “We typically see some moderation in demand as we lap these types of events, and third quarter-to-date performance has been in line with those historical trends.” Slinky Dog Dash Basically, because the 50th Anniversary celebration has ended in Disney World, things might be slower than they were last year. It’s one of the several indications we’ve had that could point to an EMPTIER Disney World this summer. McCarthy’s statements, along with the various discounts Disney has offered, the continued availability of Annual Passes, the large availability of Park Passes, and even some of the unusual crowd levels are some of the things hinting at an emptier Disney World this summer, and we could see the impacts of some of that on the Q3 earnings results. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Iger, however, has indicated that he’s not worried about Disney World seeming emptier this summer. Instead, he has said that a few things could be impacting Disney World’s attendance levels, including an increased number of attractions that have reopened post-pandemic, decreases in tourism to Florida as a whole (pointing to lower hotel tax revenue), and discounts offered by Disney’s competitors. But, Iger previously said, “We’re not wringing our hands over it.” He indicated that Disney does NOT have “long-term concerns” about the parks business. Disney’s Animal Kingdom While Iger might not be worried, investors could be, especially if the earnings report reveals that the parks haven’t performed as well as hoped. So, we’ll be watching for any important updates there regarding the financial state of the parks, whether demand has significantly changed, and what Iger’s plans for the future of the parks might be.  MORE! But wait…there’s MORE! Here are some other things we might hear about during this upcoming earnings call: An updated look at the number of subscribers Disney+ has now (and whether things are moving toward more subscriber growth) How Disney’s direct-to-consumer division is doing in terms of its finances and whether it is getting closer to being profitable More details on the Disney+ price increase (for the ad-free tier) which will hit users by the end of the year Whether any of Disney’s cost-cutting measures (and its removal of certain content from Hulu and Disney+) have impacted the Company’s finances during the last quarter ©Disney Any update on the acquisition of the remaining 33% of Hulu that Disney does not yet own (and where things stand in terms of the negotiations with Comcast) Any updates on Disney adding Hulu content to the Disney+ app News about the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District), the ongoing lawsuits involving the District, and any more about Disney’s feud with DeSantis More updates about Iger’s goals surrounding the cable networks (like ABC) that Disney owns and the potential of selling those off Any updates on the potential of finding a partner to assist with certain things with ESPN We’ll be listening to the earnings call closely to give you ALL the updates you need, so mark down August 9th on your calendars and stay tuned for more! Click here to learn more about the executive changes made at the Disney Company 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! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What news do you hope Disney reveals during the earnings call? Tell us in the comments. The post Two Big Announcements We’re Expecting from Disney This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  24. There are a few very important (and specific) rules to follow at Disney World. For example, adults can’t dress up like Disney characters while they’re in the park (but Disney-bounding is OK), and you cannot bring any balloons into Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But sometimes what you can and can’t do in the parks is dictated not by the rules but by temporary CLOSURES! Magic Kingdom Entrance Next week, there are six things that you CAN’T do in Disney World, not because they’re against any rules, but just because those attractions and restaurants are temporarily closed. Here’s a complete list of those scheduled refurbishments so that you’re prepared for your upcoming vacation. Magic Kingdom Closures Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the reopening timeline. The tree at the top of this ride has been removed as Disney continues construction, and several new rock structures have been built at the bottom of the drop. There’s a new water tower as well, which says “Tiana’s Foods” on the front and “Never, ever lose sight of what’s really important” on the back. It’s topped with Tiana’s crown, which has two stars on it to represent Ray and Evangeline. Recently, we spotted some moss and grass being added to the mountain. Moss and grass being added If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt… DFB Exclusive! …and a Tiana tee as well! Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch! You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store. Click here to shop our DFB merchandise store. Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer Island Over on Tom Sawyer Island, the Barrel Bridge is currently missing. It’s GONE A Cast Member told us that it has been removed for maintenance, and they didn’t know when it might return. The rest of the island is still open to explore, though! Watch out for this Magic Kingdom PROBLEM in August. EPCOT Closures & Reopenings Tokyo Dining In the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT, Tokyo Dining is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. This restaurant is being re-themed to become Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. New Shiki-Sai signs are outside! The new table-service restaurant features a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.” ©Disney Shiki-Sai is expected to open this summer, so we should hear more news about a specific reopening date very soon. Click here to learn more about the NEW restaurant coming to EPCOT. Traveler’s Cafe Traveler’s Cafe is the old Starbucks location, which closed when Connections Cafe opened in World Celebration. Lately, we’ve spotted some changes to this spot (including a new paint job), so we’re wondering if that could mean it will reopen soon! Traveler’s Cafe According to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival map, it looks like this spot will be the location for Swirled Showcase when it opens as a festival marketplace booth on September 22nd. NEW additions arrived in EPCOT, and they could make Disney fans ANGRY. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Closures Voyage of the Little Mermaid This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen. If you can only eat at ONE Hollywood Studios restaurant, let it be this one. Disney World Water Parks Blizzard Beach Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park has officially reopened, but now the other water park, Blizzard Beach, has closed for refurbishment. Blizzard Beach Water Park Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates! The BEST Rides at Blizzard Beach, Ranked Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Click here to check out more upcoming closures and current construction projects at Disney World. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 Things You Can't Do in Disney World Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
  25. Oh, Disney Springs, how we love your many food offerings! Disney Springs Seriously, you could eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at totally different spots in Disney Springs multiple days in a row — that’s how much there is to experience! We’ve got our favorites in the district, and one of them is Wine Bar George. If you love this restaurant as much as we do, or you just love scones, don’t miss out on this new offering! This weekend, August 5th and August 6th, Wine Bar George is offering some new menu items — scones and hand pies! ©Wine Bar George To be more specific, you can grab a Freshly Baked Scone with Moscato glaze or a Seasonal Hand Pie filled with braised chicken and apples. Um…braised chicken and apples? Yeah. We’re THERE. Wine Bar George Wine Bar George hasn’t announced how long these specialty new menu items will be around, so you might want to head to Disney Springs by August 6th to guarantee yourself a seasonal hand pie or a scone. And don’t forget to pair them with the wine the restaurant is famous for! With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2023 As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Check out our ultimate guide to eating the best food in Disney Springs! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Best Restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The Best Disney Springs Restaurants The Best (and Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite restaurant in Disney Springs? Tell us below! The post You NEED to Visit Wine Bar George in Disney Springs This Weekend -- Here's Why. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
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