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Some sad news has hit the entertainment world. Tony Bennett Via Instagram (Photo Credit: Marion Curtis) On Friday, July 21st, it was reported that legendary singer Tony Bennett had passed away. CNN shared that Bennett’s death was reported by his publicist. He passed away at the age of 96. Bennett’s career spanned 80 years. Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, he later changed his name (at the suggestion of Bob Hope) to Tony Bennett. Bennett performed as a singing waiter in New York at the age of 15 and then went on to sing in all kinds of venues, win 19 Grammy Awards (and a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy), and even have a cameo on The Simpsons. Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 though the public was largely unaware of his health issues since he continued to perform. Tony Bennett Via Instagram (Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur) In the Disney world, Bennett may be known by fans for his performance of The Bare Necessities, which you can listen to below. Walt Disney himself also had an influence on Bennett that many might not necessarily know about. According to CNN, in a 2004 interview, Bennett said that he felt he appealed to generations of fans because he didn’t change his tune. Bennett noted that he had modeled himself after “old masters” like Walt Disney and others. Bennett shared, “They played to the whole family…and so, if they hit, everybody bought it.”  Bennett also appeared on Muppets Tonight and in Muppets Most Wanted. Bennett is survived by his wife (Susan Benedetto), his sons, his daughters, and 9 grandkids. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all those mourning his loss. ©Tony Bennett Stay tuned for more news. The post NEWS: Legendary Singer Tony Bennett Has Passed Away first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney snacks — our one true love, our obsession, our EXPERTISE. Mickey Ice Cream Bar! We’ve tried hundreds, maybe thousands of them over the years, and we’re definitely experts when it comes to Disney World food. But since we’re in the parks all the time, we relish the chance to “mix things up” with our treats, and thus, our Disney snack hacks were born. Recently, we tried out a new hack in Hollywood Studios…and we’re taking you along with us! A little while back we shared a fun drink secret from BaseLine Tap House. There, if you order their Barrilitos Strawberry Hibiscus Soda on tap, you can get unlimited free refills as long as you bring the cup back to the counter. It’s incredibly refreshing on those hot summer days and a pretty great deal since the soda is $4.59 pre-tax and pre-tip. Delicious! The second part of this hack comes from the Gelato Cart in Muppets Courtyard. This cart has been around for a few months, and a while back, they introduced POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava, like the juice you can get at Disney restaurants for breakfast!) as their gelato flavor of the day. It was so popular that POG gelato is now on the permanent menu. You can get one scoop for $7.50 or two scoops for $9.25. The POG Gelato is a permanent menu addition! Since these locations are pretty close to each other, one of our reporters had the idea to make a POG gelato strawberry soda float! It’s not exactly a cheap hack, since you have to pay about $6 for the soda (after tax and tip) and then $7.50 for the gelato, but we wanted to try it anyway. Mixed together! First of all, it might be easier to get the soda WITHOUT ice so that you don’t make a mess. You’ll also want to take a few sips so that there’s room for the gelato to go in. However, once you mix the two, we noticed that we had this fun POG-strawberry foam growing at the top of our cup! It’s a yummy hack, but the price isn’t great. Overall, the flavors on this are DELICIOUS and very fruity. The carbonation of the soda adds a fun element to the float and once the gelato melts, it all just kind of blends together. Should you try this hack out? Maybe if you’re planning on buying both treats anyway, but in general, you can find Dole Whip and ice cream floats around the parks for much cheaper than this. If you try this out, let us know what you think! We’re all about those fun, fruity flavors in the summertime. We can’t wait to share more snack reviews and food hacks with you, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest from around Walt Disney World. Click Here for a FULL List of DFB Snack Hacks! 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 Would you try this homemade float? Tell us in the comments! The post We Just Hacked a POG Gelato Float in Disney World and You Totally Should Too first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It may only be summer, but Disney is already preparing for a whirlwind holiday season! Mickey pumpkin time! Between Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Oogie Boogie Bash, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, we’re certainly pretty excited about it. But if you’re like us and can’t wait, you might want to check out these Amazon items you’ll be glad you bought now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You’ll be glad you snagged these Disney merch items on Amazon before they’re gone — and there’s nothing like being prepared for the holiday season well in advance! An Iconic Mickey Mouse Jack-O-Lantern Loungefly ©Amazon Spooky season will be unmatched as long as you’re wearing this epic Mickey Jack-O-Lantern Loungefly backpack. Talk about the perfect bag to bring to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! View on Amazon This Ghoulish Hitchhiking Ghost Blow Up Yard Ornament ©Amazon These are three happy haunts we don’t mind bringing home — our only question is, how did they hitch a ride without us noting?! Grab Gus, Phineas, and Ezra to add to your yard decor. View on Amazon A Mickey Funko Pop Advent Calendar ©Amazon What’s better than counting down the days until Christmas? Counting down the days with a new Funko Pop every day! Now you can thanks to this advent calendar. View on Amazon This Holiday Loungefly Backpack and Ear Set ©Amazon Not only does this holiday-themed backpack give us all the Christmas feels, but it also comes with a pair of matching ears! View on Amazon A Classic Disney Advent Calendar with Mickey ©Amazon You’ll be able to count down all month long until the big day when Santa arrives. View on AmazonDon’t forget that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off in Disney World soon, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be coming up after that. We’ll be on the lookout for more Halloween and holiday news from around the Disney parks, and you know we’ll be bringing you the latest in all things holiday merchandise too — so stay tuned! 13 Things the Pros Buy BEFORE Their Disney Trip 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 What are you adding to your cart? Tell us in the comments. The post 5 Items On Amazon You’ll Be Glad You Bought Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so who has entire rooms in their house dedicated to Disney? Let’s go shopping! Because WE DO! We have bedrooms filled with Haunted Mansion stuff, walls covered in ears, and shelves covered with all the souvenirs we’ve collected from Disney parks throughout the years. Some of our team members’ kitchens are Disney-fied, too, but guess what? You can now get NEW Disney kitchen gear, and if that isn’t a good excuse to go shopping online, we don’t know what is! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yep, you guessed it, we’re heading on over to shopDisney to stock up on some fun new kitchen items (and we have NO shame about it). Get the Headless Horseman Mug ©Disney Um…this mug is ICONIC and gets us in the mood for the spooky season that will be coming up VERY soon. We love how it looks like a tankard straight out of the tale told in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. View on shopDisney Buy the Mickey Mouse and Friends Cutting Board ©Disney Bring Mickey and his friends into your kitchen with this fun cutting board. The artwork features silhouettes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. View on shopDisney Get the Fantasyland Castle Fireworks Mug It’s all about the fireworks! If it really is all about the fireworks for you, well, this is the mug you need. This mug is made with speckled ceramic, which is perfect for your hot beverages. View on shopDisney Buy the Mickey Mouse Spatula Set ©Disney Bring even more cheer to your kitchen with this set that includes a spatula with a handle that says “Making Magic” and a smaller spatula shaped like Mickey’s glove. View on shopDisney So head on over to shopDisney right now to stock up — your kitchen needs more Disney in its life. Meanwhile, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? Grab our DFB-exclusive 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! 6 Disney Deals You Don’t Want to Miss From Amazon! 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 Disney kitchen? Let us know in the comments! The post You’ll Honestly Use These NEW Disney Souvenirs Every Day — and They’re Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What if I told you that you could stay STEPS away from Disney World in a hotel that offers all the perks you’ll get at a Disney official hotel, free breakfast, free drinks, and fireworks views all for a fraction of the cost? Drury Plaza Hotel Interested? I thought you might be… Check out our video below: Should YOU Stay at the Disney World Drury Plaza Hotel? 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! Stay tuned for more Disney news! Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023 The WORST Disney World Hotels for 2023 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever stayed at this hotel? Tell us in the comments below. The post DFB Video: Should YOU Stay at the Disney World Drury Plaza Hotel? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s a great time to be a Frozen fan! Anna and Elsa Not only is a NEW Frozen movie on the way, but several international Disney parks are getting Frozen-themed lands! Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s World of Frozen will is set to open later this year. We’ve been getting some sneak peeks at the land recently, and Disney just released ANOTHER look at the project. Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen will be the first of THREE Frozen-themed lands in Disney Parks around the world. It will include a restaurant, stores, character meet-and-greets, and several attractions, including a version of Frozen Ever After (similar to the ride in EPCOT) and the first Frozen-themed roller coaster, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. ©Disney Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Michael E. Moriarty, recently released some NEW behind-the-scenes photos with Imagineers in the World of Frozen, which includes a photo with the whole team in front of the new land, which you can see is coming RIGHT along. ©Michael E. Moriarty via Instagram The photos show members of the World of Frozen team putting the finishing touches on things within the new land. ©Michael E. Moriarty via Instagram Imagineers also had a chance to admire the work in the new land, which features a ton of details that Frozen fans are sure to enjoy. It all seems so impressive! ©Michael E. Moriarty via Instagram We even get a sneak peek at the village of Arendelle and what it looks like. The photos show off just how immersive this land will be. It’s going to be like stepping into the Arendelle we’ve seen in the Frozen movies. ©Michael E. Moriarty via Instagram Let’s just say we’re seriously considering booking a trip to Hong Kong for the fall because World of Frozen looks AMAZING. ©Michael E. Moriarty via Instagram World of Frozen is set to open in November 2023 — that’s not that far away at all! We’ll keep an eye out for an official opening date and more sneak peeks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Meanwhile, have you checked out the latest Disney-themed t-shirts in our store? Click here – you’ll want to pick some up before your next Disney trip! Disney Imagineering Shares Inside Look at NEW ‘Frozen’ Ride — Get A Look 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 What do you think of World of Frozen so far? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Imagineers Share Behind-the-Scenes Photos of Disney's 'Frozen' Land first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s no use resisting — new Disney Halloween merchandise has arrived online and it might just be too great to pass up. Halloween at Magic Kingdom We’ve already seen a Disney Halloween costume that made us laugh out loud, Mickey pumpkin decor you’ll want to bring home ASAP, and more. But now we have some NEW fantastic items to share with you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Devil Stitch Mini Backpack ©Entertainment Earth We’ll start things off with the Devil Stitch Loungefly Backpack! It seems Stitch has embraced his inner chaos and gone for a Devil-themed costume this Halloween. You could totally pair this with a Stitch costume of your own or maybe even dress as an angel and let the metallic bag serve as a contrast to your look! This bag is set to release in August but you can pre-order it NOW. Get the Bag Online Now! Hocus Pocus Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth More of a Hocus Pocus fan? Celebrate the film with this Loungefly backpack that features some of the most iconic characters from the movie. What’s especially fun is that the bag has glow-in-the-dark elements so it’ll be great to use on a long evening out in the parks or at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. ©Entertainment Earth On the back of the bag, you’ll find a cute little detail featuring characters from the movie surrounded by stars. ©Entertainment Earth The bag is available for pre-order now and is expected to be available in August, so grab it while you can! Shop This Hocus Pocus Loungefly Bag! Candy Corn Minnie Mouse Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth Candy Corn might be one of the most controversial Halloween snacks, but you can trust Minnie Mouse to make it absolutely adorable in this Loungefly backpack! The bag features Minnie in a Candy Corn design on the front, with glow-in-the-dark elements… ©Entertainment Earth …Minnie as a true Candy Corn queen on the back… ©Entertainment Earth …and even a fun candy print on the inside! ©Entertainment Earth Whether you love the controversial snack or just can’t resist how cute Minnie looks on this bag, it could be a great one to pick up this Halloween season. Again, it is set to be released in August but you can pre-order it NOW. Grab Your Candy Corn Loungefly Here! Candy Corn Mickey and Minnie Ears ©Entertainment Earth Speaking of Candy Corn, Loungefly has also released a set of matching ears featuring Mickey and Minnie as pieces of Candy Corn! Seriously, if you love this Halloween snack, you have GOT to pick these up. Mickey and Minnie are depicted as Candy Corn on the front, on either side of a black bow, and you’ll find a standard design on the back. ©Entertainment Earth These ears have glitter, printed details, and bright colors to make you really stand out. The ears are set to be released in August and you can pre-order them now. Shop These Ears Online Oogie Boogie Crossbody Purse ©Entertainment Earth Don’t worry Nightmare Before Christmas Fans, you haven’t been left out! There are plenty of Nightmare Before Christmas items available too, including this Oogie Boogie Crossbody Bag from Loungefly! This really SCREAMS Halloween. It is shaped like Oogie Boogie’s face, has his signature green and black colors, glows in the dark, has a fun “Let’s Boogie” detail on the back… ©Entertainment Earth …and even has a colorful interior lining. ©Entertainment Earth It’s sure to add an extra touch of spookiness to your Halloween look! Pre-order the bag now — it’s expected to become available in August. Make the Oogie Boogie Bag YOURSAnd that’s just the beginning! All of these items are available on Entertainment Earth’s website right now but there are even MORE Disney Halloween items to pick up there, including more Loungefly backpacks, wallets, and ears. Shop all of the Disney Halloween items on Entertainment Earth here! 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 Halloween designs you can grab right now. Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! DisneyFoodBlog Halloween Merchandise Stay tuned for more Halloween news!  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 What do you think about these items? Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post There's No Use Resisting. This Disney Halloween Loungefly Merch Is TOO Awesome to Skip first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You’ve probably heard nearly all the Disney World dining tips the world has to offer — and to be fair, we probably told ’em to ya. EPCOT But, what if we said there were a few secrets we still had hiding in our back pocket for ways you can actually save a bit of cash when chowing down? You better believe it, because friends don’t lie — and since we’re BFFs, we’re telling you what Disney World won’t about its restaurants. Disney World is home to a ton of dining options, from sit-down meals to counter-service spots — but what do they have in common? Well, the cost of eating at Disney World can really add up quick. And sometimes, these meals can be a lot of food which can weigh you down throughout a long park day. No matter what sort of dining experience you’re after, chances are these tips might make your next trip even better. Quick-Service Swaps Disney World quick-service restaurants are perfect for when you’re looking for a bite to eat but don’t want to waste your precious time by stopping for a full sit-down meal. Some of our favorite snacks come from these spots, but did you know that you don’t have to order everything as it is on the menu? Casey’s Corner For example, Corn Dog Nuggets with Fries or a Cuties Orange is $10.49 at Casey’s Corner. But what if you only wanted the corn dog nuggets? Well, you can actually order the nuggets without the side and save a bit of money! In fact, this is the case at most Disney World quick-service locations — the caveat, though, is that you cannot do this via Mobile Order. Unfortunately, there’s no way to indicate you don’t want a side on the Disney World app, so you’ll have to do this in person. Ah Yes, a Casey’s Corner Picnic This is also a great option for someone who isn’t hungry for a full meal, but still wants some iconic Disney snacks. Have a table-service reservation later but still want to snack on those perfect, golden-fried corn dog nuggets without getting too full? You can have your nuggets and eat them too. Kids Meal Secrets Along the same vein as our last tip — did you know that adults can actually order kids meals at quick-service restaurants? YUP. And, this one even works on Mobile Order! This can especially come in handy if you’re not super hungry but still want to try something a dining location might have to offer. Inside the pods One of our absolute favorite places for this hack is over at Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In case you don’t know, this spot is known for delicious build-your-own-bowls and in our humble opinion, what is one of the best items in Animal Kingdom — cheeseburger pods. Think delicious, little pillowy cheeseburgers all wrapped up in a soft bun. These are available on both the regular menu and the kids menu. Cheeseburger Pods for the win You’ll get two cheeseburger pods if you order from the regular menu, but the kids meal only comes with one — perfect for a snack! And now, you’re officially in on the secret — you’re welcome. But in all seriousness, we’re always on the hunt for tips and tricks that might save you some dough or make your Disney World trip just a little bit more “magical.” Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest! BEST Table Service Restaurants To Make the Most of the Disney Dining Plan 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 best Disney dining secret? Tell us in the comments. The post We’re Surprised How Many People Don’t Know You Can Do This in Disney World Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Eats has put together five of the top summer salads for you to try at home. Find all the recipes here, and maybe even a couple from the Disney recipe vault!View the full article

Have you ever been to Disney World’s FANCIEST hotel? Four Seasons Resort Nope, we’re not talking about the Grand Floridian or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we’re talking about something a little more exclusive! The Four Seasons Resort is one of the nicest places you can stay on Disney World property, and it’s even located inside of the Golden Oak neighborhood (yes, that’s Disney’s own neighborhood where the houses are $$$$). Recently, we made a trip out to the Four Seasons for a media event, and we’re taking you along with us! First of all, the Four Seasons is SO fancy that it only offers valet parking! So after we pulled up and dropped off our car, we headed inside to check out the scenery. Let’s head inside! The details in here are absolutely beautiful, but recently, they’ve been enhanced even more! The iconic fireworks chandelier. We were invited to the Four Seasons to check out some new artwork from Dom Corona. Corona painted 14 new pieces for the hotel and we got to see them all — each featuring iconic Disney characters and perfectly themed to the Four Seasons Resort. Artist Dom Corona has made some new pieces. There are two new paintings that hang in the main entrance on either side of the iconic fireworks-themed chandelier. One is daytime-inspired, and the other is nighttime-inspired. The first one is daytime, and this one is nighttime! Further down the hall, there are a series of floral-inspired canvases. The top two designs can be purchased and taken home. As a fun bonus, they also work with a unique Instagram filter that brings the works to life! (The filter makes it look like the flowers are popping out of the painting!) Flower & Garden Festival vibes, amirite?! Each of Corona’s pieces really gives you that “I’m on vacation in Disney World” feel, and they make a place as fancy as the Four Seasons feel a little bit more like home! You can check out all the paintings on display. And if you’re interested in learning more about the artwork, you can visit the Four Seasons on the weekends in July. During select dates, Dom Corona will be working from the hotel’s gift shop, painting live, and answering questions from guests. The piece Dom was working on when we stopped by. In honor of these new pieces of art that were commissioned, you can also enjoy some limited-time menu items at The Lobby Bar. The bar is open nightly from 5PM-11PM and these special menu items will be available Friday-Sunday. If you dine at The Lobby Bar, you’ll get complimentary valet parking. The Lobby Bar patio First up, there are two drinks available. The drink that your kids will love is called the Sparkling Citrus Symphony, and it’s made with lemonade, soda, and agave and served with a tiny canvas and watercolor paint set. You can get this one for $11. We thought it was a really fun idea, especially because you get to take your miniature painting home! The kids’ drink setup The adult beverage is also interactive! It’s called the Painter’s Palette and rings up at $20. It’s made with Hendricks Gin, Chef Fabrizio’s House-Made Limoncello Agave, and Laurent Perrier Brut. On the side, you get two tubes of blueberry and strawberry “paints” that you can squirt into your drink! (They’re really just flavored syrups.) This one is for adults only! If you’ve got an appetite, there are three limited-time food items you can try. The Mahi Masterpiece is $22 and made with peppers, garlic “paint,” mahi mahi ceviche, cilantro, and plantain chips. Or, if you’re more in the mood for beef, you can get The Sculpted Kebab for $18 with vegetables, beef, oregano garlic seasoning, and harissa greek yogurt. The kebabs are MASSIVE Finally, there’s the Gallerist’s Gazpacho for $14. It’s traditional Andalucian tomato gazpacho served with a dry ice fog — and the effect is pretty cool! Gazpacho For dessert, you’ll want to head next door to the ice cream shop, Lickety Split. There, you can get the Waddle Cone, which is made with strawberry gelato served in a sprinkle-topped waffle cone. It comes with a little bow on top to imitate Daisy Duck! The Waddle Cone If you’re hoping to try any of these menu items, make sure to get over to The Lobby Bar and Lickety Split before the end of July. And while you’re there, make sure to check out Dom Corona’s stunning new artwork displayed around the lobby floor of the hotel! We’ll keep you in the loop with any other happenings around Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB. We’ve got all the advice to help you plan the perfect trip! The Best (And Worst) Disney World Hotel Restaurants — Click 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 Have you ever been to the Four Seasons? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by the Four Seasons to attend their media preview of Dom Corona artwork and The Lobby. Bar menu. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post Why You’re Encouraged to Play With Your Food at This Disney World Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Haunted Mansion Legacy | Disney Files on DemandView the full article

Disneyland’s Fantasmic! is still closed, at least for a little while longer. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The nightly performances of Fantasmic! were put on pause after the Maleficent dragon in the show caught fire. The show is temporarily suspended until further notice, but Disneyland has decided to offer some NEW nighttime entertainment to make up for the missing show. So although you can’t see Fantasmic! right now in Disneyland, you will get a chance to see Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band every evening. The band will perform every night on a New Orleans-themed raft as they float down the Rivers of America. You can expect “high-energy New Orleans tunes, plus other Disney favorites.” There will be three performances each evening, beginning at 7:35PM — all performance times will be listed in the Disneyland app as of July 21st. After their “energetic and interactive performances,” guests can still enjoy the 100th Anniversary fireworks show Wondrous Journeys through August 31st or Halloween Screams through October 31st. Wondrous Journeys Note that Disneyland’s fireworks do not take place EVERY night (some nights you’ll just get the projections on Main Street, U.S.A. and Sleeping Beauty Castle), so be sure to check the Disneyland app to find out if you’ll get to see the fireworks when you visit. New Orleans Square at Disneyland Disney has not yet released official details on when Fantasmic! might reopen, but there will soon be “additional entertainment joining New Orleans Square,” so there’s that to get excited about! We’ll keep you updated when we learn more about that entertainment, as well as keep you updated on ALL Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Will you be in Disneyland soon? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Nighttime Entertainment Announced for Disneyland as Fantasmic! Remains Paused first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s been all kinds of news about change coming to the Disney Company recently — but more important updates could be on the way. Reedy Creek Improvement District Bob Iger is sticking around as CEO for longer than originally expected, linear networks like ABC could be heading in a different direction in the future, and we’ve seen Iger go from “hero” to “villain” in just a few hours. But there’s more to come — this time related to the former Reedy Creek Improvement District (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District). Just what’s next for this District and what does July 26th have to do with it? Let’s break it all down. Board Meeting For starters, July 26th marks the next major meeting for the District’s leaders — the Board of Supervisors that have been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The meeting will take place at the District’s Administration Building at 9:30AM and we expect a livestream will be available just as it has been in the past. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream During the meeting, the Board is set to address a number of issues that could result in some important impacts within the District, so let’s go over the biggest ones. Lawsuit News One of the things that will be addressed during the upcoming meeting is the various lawsuits the Board is involved in with Disney. First, there is a federal lawsuit that Disney filed against DeSantis, members of the Board, and more. That lawsuit alleges that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against Disney. But there is also a state court lawsuit that the Board filed against Disney. This lawsuit focuses on the development agreements Disney entered into with the prior Board (before the DeSantis-appointed one came into power) which the current Board claims stripped them of their power. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Both of these lawsuits are still pending and we’ll address their current status in a minute, but one important thing to note is that after the “regular” business of the July 26th meeting is conducted, the Board is set to have a “closed session” with its Acting General Counsel about the pending lawsuits. Essentially, this will be a private meeting that we won’t be able to watch via the livestream or otherwise. On the Board’s meeting agenda, it notes that this particular closed session was requested by the Acting General Counsel to “discuss strategy and settlement negotiations” related to the federal and state court cases. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board The persons who will attend this closed meeting will be the “Board of Supervisor members, Chair – Martin Garcia, Vice-Chair – Charbel Barakat, Brian Aungst, Jr., Ron Peri, and Bridget Ziegler; District Administrator Glenton Gilzean; Acting General Counsel Daniel Langley and A. Kurt Ardaman; and litigation counsel Paul Huck.” What’s particularly interesting is that it notes potential “settlement negotiations” could be discussed. That’s not all that surprising as a settlement can often provide a quick and quiet way to end a case. But it is still interesting to see. ©Reedy Creek Meeting Livestream (April 19th Meeting) In terms of the lawsuits themselves, here’s where things stand. In the federal case filed by Disney, DeSantis and the other Defendants filed a motion (and/or documents in support thereof) to dismiss Disney’s case in late June. DeSantis insisted that Disney can’t sue him for a number of reasons and the Board argued that the case should be stayed until the state court lawsuit is resolved (among other things). Disney has until July 26th to respond to the motion to dismiss. So July 26th could REALLY be a big day. After Disney’s response, the Defendants will have the chance to reply until August 9th, 2023, and then we could get a hearing set in the matter to see just how the case will move forward (if it’ll be allowed to move forward at all). Reedy Creek In terms of the state court case, Disney filed a motion to dismiss there — arguing that a Florida law signed by DeSantis basically makes the complaint moot. The matter was later set for hearing and that hearing was held on July 14th. Both sides were then asked to provide the court with their own proposed orders on the matter by July 19th. Based on some documentation filed with the court, it seems both Disney and the Board have submitted their competing proposed orders. Now, it will be up to the Judge to determine how they want to rule. Once an order is issued on this matter, we’ll also get more clarification as to how things will move forward there (if at all). Firefighter Agreement July 26th could be important for reasons beyond the Reedy Creek lawsuits though. One of the other matters on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda is to address the Collective Bargaining Agreement with part of the Reedy Creek Firefighters. Previously, a contract had initially been approved by first responders and firefighters that promised better staffing and pay raises in Reedy Creek. Then, suddenly, contract negotiations were reopened. Jon Shirey, President of the Reedy Creek Firefighters Association | ©Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel Jon Shirey, who leads the firefighters’ union, slammed his union members for sharing the proposed contract, saying that it pressured the new District administrator not to sign it as other public officials started to complain about the deal. He said, “We just shot ourselves in the foot to the tune of millions of dollars that this agreement would have put into the pockets of our members.” But now it seems things have taken a turn. Within the July 26th meeting agenda is a Collective Bargaining Agreement that appears to have been tentatively agreed to with the Firefighters Association A-Unit. Reedy Creek Fire Department In the meeting agenda, it says that “It is the intent and purpose of the parties…to establish fair wages, working conditions and benefits and put into practice effective and binding methods for the settlement of all misunderstandings, disputes or grievances that may arise.” If fully approved by the Board and any final approvals (if necessary) are given by the firefighters union, the agreement would be retroactive as of January 1st, 2023. More In addition to those matters, the Board of Supervisors will hear public comments on July 26th — sometimes these can reveal pending issues or concerns within the local community (even including Disney Springs restaurant or store operators) so that’ll be interesting to listen to. Additionally, there will be a management report presented, a proposed budget and millage presentation, and public hearings on resolutions regarding a fund balance policy and a conflicts of interest policy. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board All of these could result in some important updates within the District moving forward. We’ll be listening to the meeting to get the latest info. So, be sure to check back with us for all the latest details. Click here to see what a poll has revealed regarding the DeSantis x Disney feud Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Why July 26th Could Be Important for the Future of Disney’s Reedy Creek District first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things are seriously heating up around Disney World and that can only mean one thing — it’s almost time for Halloween! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sign We’ve learned a ton of details about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World this year, and tickets are already starting to sell out. This special event puts visitors in the middle of a Halloween party in Magic Kingdom, complete with its own fireworks, parade, characters, and snacks! And, we finally know just when during the party we’ll be able to check it all out. If you ask us, some of the best experiences at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are the entertainment offerings! Between parades, characters, and fireworks, we love getting our festive fright on in Magic Kingdom. And now, Disney has revealed just when we can check out some iconic shows. First up, Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade will be happening at 9:15PM and 11:15PM each night of the party. Boo to You Halloween parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (2022) And, Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show will take place each night the party occurs at 10:15PM. The Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade is a returning favorite… and continues to delight to this day. The parade features characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes, plus some unique characters like the grave digging ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks is a true highlight of the event and features fireworks and projections on Cinderella Castle. This is Halloween! We’ll be at the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party LIVE, so be sure to join us on August 11th as we take you through the party! In the meantime, have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? We’ve even got some Halloween-appropriate attire! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney World news! Our NEW Guide to Halloween at Disney World Is Here! 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 heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Tell us in the comments.The post Times Announced for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Fireworks Show! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re always on the search for something delicious to eat. Disney’s Animal Kingdom What’s even better is when we find something that’s not only delicious, but it’s also safe to eat for those of you who are vegan, vegetarian, or simply don’t want to eat meat while in the parks. Today’s search for some delicious vegan food brings us to Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom — to Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. Kusafiri serves up coffee, breakfast pastries, and the occasional breakfast sandwich in the mornings, and for the rest of the day, you can find heartier options like flatbreads and fried pastries. We’ve tried both the breakfast options and the flatbreads and pastries in the past, and they didn’t disappoint. Now, we’re headed back to this quick-service eatery to see if the available vegan options are just as good. Let’s go! The Impossible Empanadas are available at Kusafiri for $9.99. This meal features Flaky Latin Dough filled with Plant-based Picadillo with Mojo dipping sauce. When we received our food, it looked delicious… but will it taste just as good? Impossible Empanadas Well, it certainly surprised us. If you’re used to eating meat, you’ll hardly be able to tell that “real” meat isn’t in this snack. The dough is warm, light, and flaky — not oily in the slightest. When we think of Impossible meat, we don’t typically imagine something super flavorful, but there are so many great flavors working together when it comes to this snack. Impossible Empanada The oregano, red peppers, green olives, and paprika work well together. We’d say it’s even more flavorful than your standard empanada dish. And the Mojo Sauce? Well, it only enhances the flavor of the dish even more. It offers an interesting mix of kick and tang — you have to dunk your empanada in the sauce at least once to try it if you decide to get this dish. The lime juice and jalepeño peppers really shine through, here. Check out that sauce! The empanadas are decently filled, so it makes for a pretty substantial meal if you’re having them for yourself. However, if you’re hoping to share, this might not be the best option. We totally recommend this dish to anyone who loves empanadas — whether you’re vegan or not. If you’re not the biggest fan of super bold, potentially spicy flavors, maybe skip this one. Kusafiri — we’ll see you again Well, what do you think? Would you try this vegan dish? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates — food reviews included. Make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more vegan options to try at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Click 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! Would you try these vegan empanadas? Let us know in the comments! The post You’re Not Expecting This Snack To Deliver in Disney World, but It Totally Does first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s some Disney merchandise that people just LOVE, and this is a great example of that. ©Corkcicle Corkcicle came out with some Disney100 cups earlier this year that became super popular almost instantly. They kept selling out at the Corkcicle stand in Disney Springs, but now they’re available online, too! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. These Corkcicle cup designs celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary! Get the Brave and Brilliant Gift Set ©Corkcicle This set comes with four Prismatic Stemless Cups, which are each decorated with a different Disney princess: Tiana, Elsa, Mulan, and Snow White. They come packaged in a gift-ready box. Shop on Corkcicle Get the Disney100 Heritage Sketch Stemless Cup — Elsa ©Corkcicle You can also get the prismatic stemless cups individually instead of as part of a set. This one features Elsa! It holds 12oz of your favorite drink. Shop on Corkcicle Get the Disney100 Heritage Sketch Stemless Cup — Tiana ©Corkcicle And finally, this stemless cup features Princess Tiana. If you can’t wait for the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride in Disney World and Disneyland, this one’s for you! This cup is available in a lot of different Disney designs. ©Corkcicle You can get versions featuring Mickey, Minnie, Simba, Tinker Bell, Snow White, and more. Shop on CorkcicleWhile 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! DFB sweatshirt Stay tuned to DFB and we’ll let you know about all the latest Disney merch news! Click here to find out why EVERYONE is buying these shoes. 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 items will you be adding to your online cart? Let us know in the comments. The post The 100th Anniversary Merch That Can’t Stay on the Shelves in Disney World Is ONLINE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Wow! The weekend is almost here! Disney Merchandise Time flies and we’re about to have some fun! We’ve been keeping you updated on the best deals we’ve seen on the essentials you need and other must-haves. And guess what? We’re bringing you even more, so let’s jump right in! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are a ton of sales happening at shopDisney right now like the “$12 Lunch Box With Select Backpack Purchase” sale so don’t miss out on those! ©Disney Grab this Toy Story Lunchbox for $12 (normally $19.99) ©Disney When you buy a select backpack, you can grab this lunchbox for a $7.99 discount, and make sure you type in the code APPLE at checkout in the promo code section. View on shopDisney Grab this Toy Story Backpack ©Disney What select backpack qualifies? Well, this Toy Story Backpack is one of them! View on shopDisney There’s also an up to 50% off sale on On Swim and Swim Accessories. ©Disney Don’t miss out on them. They’ll go quick! View on shopDisney Shop this Encanto ”We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Baseball Cap for 30% Off ©Disney And here’s the back: ©Disney This hat is great for blocking out some of the summer sun and for showing off your Encanto love! View on shopDisney It’s part of the Family Madrigal Must-Haves 30% off sale. ©Disney Take advantage of it before the deals are gone! View on shopDisney Shop The Mickey Mouse Club Backpack for $18 with any purchase ©Disney Join the jamboree and dive into the nostalgia with this backpack which features patterns of vintage The Mickey Mouse Club logos and icons. View on shopDisney Shop this Stitch Plush for $25 with any purchase ©Disney This adorable plush captures Stitch’s charm with rainbow detailing, purple ears, and an embroidered heart. Inspired by Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, this vibrant plush symbolizes inclusivity and is part of the Disney Pride Collection. View on shopDisney Shop this Disney Sketch Cosmetic Case by Dooney & Bourke for $45 (normally $64) ©Disney With select Dooney & Bourke purchases, you can grab this cosmetic case for a $19 discount. It has a zip top closure, leather trims, and a fully lined interior making it a wonderful accessory for keeping your beauty essentials organized. View on shopDisney Shop this Disney Sketch Crossbody Bag by Dooney & Bourke ©Disney What purchases qualify? Well, this bag is one of them! Like the cosmetic case, the crossbody bag is covered in a fun Disney Parks icon pattern featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, and more. View on shopDisney For additional savings, there’s a code for free shipping on orders of $75 or more — just type in SHIPMAGIC at checkout in the promos section. ©Disney Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! Get these 9 Disney ornaments online before they’re gone! 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 mug is your favorite? Tell us below! The post How to Get a Disney Souvenir for Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Loungefly bags are super popular in Disney World — you’ll see those mini backpacks everywhere you go. But the bags can also be pretty expensive, usually around $90 each. Don’t worry — we just found a bunch ON SALE! ©Entertainment Earth Right now, you can get four Disney Loungefly mini-backpacks for under $40 each online! Let’s check ’em out. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Each of these bags is available online now at Entertainment Earth. Get the Princess Jasmine Red Outfit Loungefly Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth This backpack shows Princess Jasmine in her red outfit from the movie Aladdin. There’s a front zipper pocket and a couple of side pockets, and the shoulder straps are adjustable. View on Entertainment Earth Get the Cruella Graffiti Loungefly Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth If you loved the Cruella movie as much as we did, you definitely need this Cruella graffiti bag. It’s black with hot pink writing and doodles all over. View on Entertainment Earth Get the Peter Pan Loungefly Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth This mini-backpack features the flying ship from Peter Pan, which is leaving a trail of pixie dust behind it as it soars over Neverland. The zipper front pocket has a little Tinker Bell keychain! View on Entertainment Earth Get the Mickey Mouse Chocolate Box Loungefly Mini-Backpack ©Entertainment Earth This cute mini-backpack features Mickey holding a box of chocolates. It’d make a great gift or you can treat yourself! View on Entertainment Earth Here are some bonus items for ya — we spotted a few pairs of Minnie ears that were just $30 each! Get the Pastel Ghost Minnie and Mickey Glow-in-the-Dark Ears Headband ©Entertainment Earth Spooky season is coming up, so make sure you’re prepared with these adorable pastel ghost ears! One ghost is Mickey, and the other is Minnie, and they even glow in the dark. View on Entertainment Earth Get the Mickey Mouse Mouseketeers Disney 100 Ears Headband ©Entertainment Earth Fans of the classics will love these Loungefly ears. They celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary with the iconic Mouseketeers logo! View on Entertainment Earth Get the Mickey Mouse Y2K Ears Headband ©Entertainment Earth These brightly colored ears feature smiley faces with Mickey as the eyes! There’s a patterned bow in the middle, and the headband is covered in lavender fabric. View on Entertainment Earth 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! DFB t-shirt Stay tuned to DFB, and we’ll keep you up to date on all the latest Disney merch deals. Click here to shop for more Disney Loungefly bags! 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 bags are you adding to your online cart? Let us know in the comments. The post We Found 4 Disney Loungefly Backpacks for UNDER Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Everybody STAY CALM. It’s happening! Shimmering Sips There are only 7 days (!!) left until the absolute BEST day of the year in Disney World, and we could not be more excited. No, we’re not talking about Dole Whip Day or even Christmas (although both are super fun occasions). What we’re looking forward to is even BETTER. Next Thursday, July 27th, is the first day of the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!! The festival runs through November 18th. This annual festival in EPCOT brings more than 25 food booths (called Festival Marketplaces) to the park, each of which serves unique and tasty eats and drinks. Click here to see ALL the food booths and menus! There are even four NEW booths coming in 2023, but those won’t open until September 22nd. Mexico Booth Items 2022 Delicious food isn’t the only fun part of this festival, though. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is a popular event at the America Gardens Theatre. These concerts are free with EPCOT admission and take place three times per evening — at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8PM. Iconic bands and artists can be seen performing Fridays through Mondays, while local bands will perform Tuesday through Thursday evenings. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will return for 2023 as well. Purchasing a dining package saves your seat at the concert that day and also gets you a meal (for breakfast, lunch, or dinner) at an EPCOT restaurant. Eat to the Beat sign There are some NEW things coming in 2023, too! One of the new things we’re most excited about is the Muppet Labs experience at the Odyssey pavilion! At this indoor booth, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker will join the festival as the taste-testers in residence, where they will be taste-testing the flavors of tomorrow and today! ©Disney Remy’s Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt and Emile’s Fromage Montage (the CHEESE CRAWL) are returning in 2023 as well. It’s Emile! If you’re visiting the festival later in the year, you can check out Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, another family-friendly activity, which will return from September 29th through October 31, 2023. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit 2022 Are you looking for the perfect thing to wear to the Festival? Check out our Food & Wine Festival tees at our DFB online store! We have the perfect design for your EPCOT trip. Food and Wine Tee Stay tuned to DFB, because we’ll be covering EVERYTHING about the Festival on day one! Click here to see all the Food & Wine Festival booths and menus! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival with code CHEFS. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you visiting the Festival this year? Let us know in the comments. The post Only ONE WEEK LEFT Until the BEST Day of the Year at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We all have our favorite airlines. What’s your favorite airline? Maybe you feel that one airline has a friendlier crew than the other. Or, maybe you like the complimentary snacks and free wifi. Maybe you have better luck finding flight deals with a certain airline. No matter what it may be, we all have our preferences and little things that make our flight experience better. For those of you who love Disney World, an airline has added some subtle Disney details that might make part of the flight feel just like you’re riding a Disney World ride. Air Canada released an all-new pre-flight safety video that features some fan-favorite characters, rides, and attractions from the Most Magical Place on Earth. Check it out! Throughout the video, you’ll hear in-flight safety instructions followed by clips of Disney World visitors following similar instructions as they climb aboard rides in the park. We caught glimpses of Jungle Cruise, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Dumbo, and more! ©Air Canada and Disney We must say… flight safety videos are a little more interesting (or a little less daunting, if you’re an anxious flier) when Disney World rides are involved. Air Canada said that this summer safety video is now available on 90% of flights from now through September 2023. What do you think? Will you switch it up and fly Air Canada soon? Will you fly Air Canada soon? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney and travel news. Make sure to follow along for more! Traveling to Orlando soon? Here’s what you need to know. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever flown Air Canada? Let us know in the comments! The post You Know You’re a Disney Adult When Even an Airline Safety Video is Exciting… first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Haunted Mansion | Sketch Artist ClipView the full article

Picture it: you’ve saved up your hard-earned cash and finally booked the Disney World vacation of your dreams. You think you’ve chosen the perfect hotel for you and your family, but then you arrive and find out…uh oh…it’s NOT at all what you expected. These things happen and can totally throw off your trip — but we can help. Walt Disney World We’ve covered all kinds of hotel news and info to help you make the best choice for your group — from a ranking of every Disney World hotel to a look at the WORST hotels for 2023, and everything in between. But today we’re taking a closer look at a few hotels that are NOT for everyone so you can be best prepared to make the right choice for your trip. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort We’ll start with one hotel that might be very tempting to book but is definitely NOT for everybody. Saratoga Springs Resort is an equestrian-themed hotel that definitely has some big selling points. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort You can get a nice, spacious room here, usually for a pretty decent price. It is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, which means there are villas available that can REALLY get you a lot of space for the whole family, and even some great perks like a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and a washer & dryer. Plus, because this is a Deluxe Villa Resort you’ll generally qualify for Extended Evening Hours, which can help you stay in the parks on select days later than the “traditional” guests. The Murphy bed at Saratoga Springs But, the hotel definitely isn’t for everyone. First, the Disney theming here is fairly light. While you will find some Disney touches (mainly in the form of paintings or other more subtle designs), it’s totally different than the IN YOUR FACE, over-the-top theming of places like Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. We’ll keep an eye out for more hotel news and let you know what we find! Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023 The WORST Disney World Hotels for 2023 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which Disney World hotel is your favorite? Tell us in the comments. The post Beware! This Disney World Hotel Isn't for Everyone first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been to every single restaurant inside Magic Kingdom multiple times, and we know where the BEST places to eat are. But we also know some of the WORST spots. Magic Kingdom If you’re heading to Disney World soon, make sure you avoid these Magic Kingdom restaurants! Here’s the thing — the WORST Magic Kingdom restaurant is going to depend on your group and what you all hope to do in the park. Depending on your plans, there are some restaurants that will be perfect and others that will be…less than ideal. Magic Kingdom Let’s dive into which restaurant is the worst for each situation. If You’re on a Budget: Cinderella’s Royal Table It’s pretty iconic to get to eat INSIDE Cinderella Castle, but that privilege comes at a hefty cost. This meal costs $65 per adult and $39 per child for breakfast and $79 per adult and $47 per child for lunch or dinner. Cinderella’s Royal Table The food is decent at Cinderella’s Royal Table, but you’re definitely paying for location and characters more than the quality of the eats. Dining Room at Cinderella’s Royal Table The other restaurant inside a castle — Be Our Guest Restaurant — is also pretty pricey at $67 per adult and $39 per child for lunch and dinner. However, that’s significantly cheaper than lunch/dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, so if you simply must have a castle, then the Beauty and the Beast one will at least save you a few bucks. Be Our Guest Restaurant’s Grand Ballroom Budget-friendly places to go instead: Casey’s Corner or Columbia Harbour House! Both are quick service restaurants, which are generally much cheaper than the table service spots. Both spots are also tried-and-true favorites of Disney World fans. Don’t forget to use Mobile Order to skip the line when you order your food! If You’re an Adventurous Eater: Pinocchio Village Haus We’re…not huge fans of Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland. It’s super fun to sit upstairs and look through the big window into the “it’s a small world” ride, but the menu is very limited and the eats aren’t great. Pinocchio Village Haus The menu here is pretty much just varieties of flatbreads, salads, and chicken strips. Pizza Flatbread There’s usually plenty of indoor seating, and it has Mobile Order, so it might be a good place if you’re desperate for air conditioning and traveling with companions who have non-adventurous palates. But overall, we usually tell our friends to skip this spot. Upstairs at Pinocchios Where adventurous eaters should go instead: Skipper Canteen. This table service restaurant is located in Adventureland, and the menu lives up to its location. There are lots of fun, definitely-not-your-average-theme-park-food dishes on the menu. If You’re a Picky Eater or Traveling with Kids: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen On the flip side, the worst place to go if you’re traveling with choosier eaters is Skipper Canteen. Skipper Canteen The menu here has all kinds of adventurous eats, like falafel, curried vegetable stew, “Hardy Har Char Siu Pork, and a WHOLE sustainable fish. Whole Fried Fish(es) at Skipper Canteen If you don’t like adventurous eats but still simply can’t resist this spot (the Jungle Cruise theming is super tempting, after all), there are a couple of more approachable menu items, such as fried rice and fried chicken. The kids’ menu also has mac & cheese and chicken tenders. NEW menu items! Where to go instead for more familiar food: Liberty Tree Tavern or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. If you want a sit-down meal with familiar dishes, head to Liberty Tree Tavern, which basically serves Thanksgiving all year round. Cosmic Ray’s has very approachable eats like burgers, chicken strips, and chicken sandwiches. If You’re Looking for Something Light: Liberty Tree Tavern Liberty Tree Tavern may have familiar food, but it’s very heavy. This restaurant serves what is essentially a Thanksgiving feast! Liberty Tree Tavern The Patriot’s Platter comes with turkey, pot roast, oven-roasted pork, mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing, and mac & cheese (not exactly a super light snack for your theme park day). A full spread at Liberty Tree Tavern We have to admit that the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is sometimes enough to tempt us to visit even if we’re not incredibly hungry — it’s THAT good. And the price isn’t bad for such a big meal either: $39 per adult and $21 per child. Plus, there’s a plant-based option on the menu, which is Impossible Meatloaf. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake Overall, however, this is definitely the worst possible choice for a quick, light meal. Where to go to find a light, refreshing lunch: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments or Columbia Harbour House. We love the waffle sandwiches (fruit or chicken!) at Sleepy Hollow, and they make a great, light lunch if you’re not super hungry. Columbia Harbour House has seafood like a lobster roll and grilled salmon, which we’ve really enjoyed in the past. If You Want a Quiet Meal: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café A cavernous dining room with an alien belting out space-themed tunes is not exactly what we’d call a relaxing experience. Sonny Eclipse is the alien animatronic who hosts your meal at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, and he doesn’t stop singing and talking…ever. Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Although Mr. Eclipse has quite the cult following, this spot might not be for you if you’re looking for a quiet break from the busy Magic Kingdom park. Seating at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe However, the huge dining room means plenty of indoor seating (that means air conditioning!!), and you can also use Mobile Order here. The menu is very approachable, too, with burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, etc., so it’s good for kids and choosier eaters. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe eats Where to go for peace and quiet: Be Our Guest Restaurant or Liberty Tree Tavern. Both of these sit-down restaurants have smaller dining rooms and a more relaxed atmosphere. Try sitting in the art gallery room at Be Our Guest for the most peaceful vibe. If You Hate Typical “Theme Park” Food: Casey’s Corner This actually physically hurts us to admit, but Casey’s Corner might not be for everyone. Shocking, WE KNOW. It’s a fan-favorite spot, possibly because of its prime real estate right at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., in front of Cinderella Castle, possibly because of those beautiful corn dog nuggets. But if you’re not in love with this restaurant for its nostalgia factor, then you might be underwhelmed by the menu. Casey’s Corner What’s on the menu, you might ask? The short answer is hot dogs. The long answer is chili-cheese hot dogs, foot-long hot dogs, Chicago-style hot dogs, plant-based hot dogs, and corn dog nuggets. It’s all pretty much classic theme park fare, which might be perfect for some groups but could be disappointing to others. Casey’s Corner spread Personally, we love this spot, and we know lots of Disney fans do too. But if we’re totally honest with ourselves, the restaurant doesn’t have super exciting or unique food available. (If you DO go to Casey’s Corner, don’t forget to get “plastic” cheese to dip your corn dog nuggets and fries in!) YUM Where to go instead for more unique eats: Skipper Canteen or Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Both spots have unusual dishes that we’ve really enjoyed in the past. 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! Grab the DFB Guide! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and tips for your upcoming vacation! Click here to find the BEST restaurants in Magic Kingdom! 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 least favorite restaurant in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments. The post We've Eaten at Every Magic Kingdom Restaurant -- These Are the WORST first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Which Disney World Resort hotel is the best fit for your family? What are your MUST-RIDE attractions in the theme parks? How many days should you plan to spend in Disney World? The Walt Disney World Main Gate Yep… there are LOTS of decisions that need to be made when it comes to planning a Walt Disney World vacation. And, with the announcement of the return of the Disney Dining Plan for vacation packages starting January 9, 2024, you’ve now got one more thing to consider: Is the Disney Dining Plan vacation add-on WORTH IT? So, we’re digging into that topic to help you decide. There’s a LOT to cover here, and we’re going to start with a basic introduction to the Disney Dining Plan: What is the Disney Dining Plan? Disney Dining Plans are an optional add-on to a Disney World Vacation Package (which also includes your Disney World hotel room and theme park tickets.) This means that the Disney Dining Plan is exclusive to guests staying in a Disney World Resort hotel. Disney Dining Plans are pre-purchased, so all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant that accepts the Disney Dining Plan and… well, EAT!! Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger Then to pay, you simply scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile pass so the appropriate number of “Credits” — the unit of currency of the Disney Dining Plan — are deducted from your allotment. The meal receipt will show how many credits you’ve used and how many are remaining in your account. (You can also check your Disney Dining Plan credits on the My Disney Experience app.) There are TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan from which to choose for 2024: that Standard Disney Dining Plan (simply called the Disney Dining Plan) the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. Plate Mickey on the Table at Garden Grill! Let’s talk about inclusions… Disney Dining Plan (Standard) As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Standard Disney Dining Plan are as follows: Everyone in the travel party will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay. Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails. For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 4 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay. Quick Service Disney Dining Plan As stated on the Disney World website, inclusions for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan are as follows: Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night, and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay – along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay. Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails. For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay. What Counts as a Meal? At Table Service restaurants*, a meal is made up of an entrée, plus a dessert (for lunch and dinner only), OR a full buffet (where applicable). As noted above, a beverage (including alcohol and specialty drinks) is included as well. Boma Buffet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge *Signature (fine dining) Restaurants, select Character Meals, and other unique dining experiences require TWO Table Service credits; and you can learn about credit requirements for each restaurant here. At Quick Service restaurants, a meal is comprised of either an entree OR a combo meal. Trio Platter at Columbia Harbour House As noted above, a beverage (including alcohol, where available, and specialty drinks) is included as well. What Counts as a Snack? Oooh, BOY… THIS is my favorite topic. SNACKS! Carrot Cake Cookie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios The delicious Carrot Cake Cookie you see above is eligible with a Disney Dining Plan snack credit. And so is this lovely dish of Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork at Eight Spoon Cafe! Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork at Eight Spoon Cafe And guess what? So is the decadent Brownie Sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor! Plaza Brownie Sundae in Magic Kingdom And these are just a glimpse! With so many options, though, you need more guidance. And that’s where the Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Logo comes in. Whenever you see THIS on a menu or sign… Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Logo … that little purple and white checkerboard symbol tells you that you’re good-to-go, because it means that the designated item is Snack Credit eligible! And I do want to stress the word “little.” For instance, in this photo of the Glacier menu at Main Street Confectionery, you’ll spot the purple squares right next to the prices. Glaciers at Main Street Confectionery Good thing they’re a little easier to see in person. Oh, and you may also use Mobile Order to purchase a snack item. Snack Credit Items Designated in Mobile Order If so, just look for the “Qualifies as a Snack” text below the name of the item. Learn how to use Mobile Order at Disney World HERE What is a Refillable Resort Mug? Everyone in your traveling Party receives a Refillable Resort Mug with either version of the Disney Dining Plan. Refillable Resort Mugs are good for refills from self-service beverage stations at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location (whether you are staying at that particular hotel or not) for the entire length of your trip. 100th anniversary Refillable Resort Mug We’re talking soda (Coke products), coffee, iced and tea, and hot cocoa throughout your whole trip! Plus, you get to keep the mug as a little souvenir to use again when you get home as a fun way to remember your vacation! (The out-of-pocket cost for a Refillable Resort Mug, BTW, is $21.99.) We’ve got everything you need to know about Disney World Refillable Resort Mugs here. What is Different About the Disney Dining Plan for 2024? The Disney Dining Plan was most recently available in 2020. Following the Resort’s temporary closure in response to the global health crisis, the Disney Dining Plan was suspended upon the reopening of Disney World. A reopened Magic Kingdom in July 2020 When the Disney Dining Plan returns (again, it is now available for booking for vacation stays starting January 9, 2024), there are a few aspects that will be different from when it was previously available. Versions of the Disney Dining Plan As noted above, there are TWO versions of the Disney Dining Plan from which to choose: the Standard Disney Dining Plan (simply called the Disney Dining Plan) the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. Previously, guests could choose from FOUR versions; however, the Disney Dining Plan PLUS and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan are not returning for 2024. Cost of the Disney Dining Plan The cost for the Standard Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $94.28 per adult, per night (ages 10 and up), and $29.69 per child, per night (ages 3 to 9). This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package. When the Standard Disney Dining Plan was last available in 2020, the cost was $78.01 per adult, per night, and $30.51 per child, per night. Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom The cost for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for 2024 is $94.28 per adult, per night (ages 10 and up), and $23.83 per child, per night (ages 3 to 9). This cost is added to the regular cost of a Disney World Vacation Package. When the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan was last available in 2020, the cost was $55.00 per adult, per night, and $26.00 per child, per night. With both versions of the Plan, the Adult price has seen an increase, where the Child price has seen a decrease. Inclusions of the Disney Dining Plan When you refer back to the inclusions of each version of the Disney Dining Plan listed above, you may notice that ONE Disney Dining Plan snack credit is included per guest for each night of their stay. The Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Terrace in Magic Kingdom When the Plan was previously available, Plan participants received TWO snack credits per guest for each night of their stay. Restaurants Participating in the Disney Dining Plan The list of participating restaurants that accept Disney Dining Plan meal and/or snack credits has changed for 2024; however, the lists always tends to change from year to year to recognize new restaurants and remove closed ones. For instance, the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been added as a 1-credit Table Service option. Howdy, Partners! Step Inside Roundup Rodeo BBQ! That said, something new and noteworthy about the 2024 list is that several Disney World bars and lounges will accept Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan! Enchanted Rose Lounge in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Additionally, a few Character Meals that previously required ONE Table Service credit now require TWO Table Service credits: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (for lunch and dinner only), and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. Snow White at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall These join Cinderella’s Royal Table, which already required two Table Service credits. (The remainder of Character Meals, including Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, require just ONE Table Service credit.) Click HERE to find a full list of 2024 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants and Meal Credit Requirements The Pros of Purchasing the Disney Dining Plan There’s a reason Disney fans were so excited to hear about the return of the Disney Dining Plan. It’s because there are a lot of great things about it! Let’s run down the pros to purchasing a Disney Dining Plan. Convenience Because the Disney Dining Plan is a pre-paid option to enjoy your meals and snacks, you don’t have to think about out-of-pocket costs when you dine! Menu at Trattoria al Forno With the exception of gratuities (which are NOT included in the Disney Dining Plan), it’s as easy as making your Advance Dining Reservations (for Table Service restaurants), showing up, chowing down, and scanning your MagicBand, MagicBand+, or Key to the World Card to use your meal or snack credits. Easy peasy! Variety No matter whether you choose the Standard Disney Dining Plan (which includes one Table Service meal and one Quick Service meal per night) or the Quick Service Plan (which includes two Quick Service meals per night), you can choose from a HUGE variety of restaurants all over the Disney World theme parks, hotels, Disney Springs, and BEYOND! Potjie Inspired Pork Vindaloo from Sanaa Guests who have previously visited Disney World can take an opportunity to visit some favorite restaurants from their last trip and try some new-to-you locations. New Disney World visitors may be surprised by the various cuisines and dining atmospheres that can be enjoyed. The large number of eateries that accept Disney Dining Plan credits encourages a lot of folks to try new things… it’s something of a “hidden benefit” to the Plan! Character Meals Oh, and the above variety of participating restaurants we just mentioned? That includes Character Meals! Character Meals in Disney World are a HUGE dining highlight for lots of guests! And why shouldn’t they be? Farmer Mickey at Garden Grill in EPCOT Whether you’re young or young at heart, it’s tough to think of a better accompaniment to your meal than a hug from Mickey Mouse or a conversation with a Disney Princess as you dine. One thing character meals AREN’T, though, is inexpensive. You can really maximize Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan at a Character Meal. (The proof is in the pudding — you can check out the prices for each Character Meal here.) Here’s the rundown… The following Character Meals require 1 Table Service credit per person: Mickey & Friends Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace — Riviera Resort Chef Mickey’s Family Feast – Contemporary ‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch – Polynesian Village Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe – Beach Club A Buffet with Character at The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at The Garden Grill – Epcot Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Breakfast) Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios (Lunch and Dinner) Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House – Animal Kingdom Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno — BoardWalk Inn and Villas The following Character Meals require 2 Table Service credits per person: Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Epcot Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — Wilderness Lodge Click HERE for MORE about EVERY Character Meal in Disney World! Use Your Credits YOUR Way You can use your Dining Plan credits ANYTIME and in ANY WAY. You can also use them on the day you check in and the day you check out. Here’s a scenario: If you use two meal credits per day, on a 6 night trip that means you can enjoy twelve different restaurants for your meals. The Grand Ballroom in Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant — A 2-Credit Signature Restaurant But remember, YOU can choose how and when to use each meal credit, and you are not obligated to use them on any certain day or in any certain order. So if you have the Standard Disney Dining Plan and would like to try a Signature Restaurant or see a Dinner Show (both of which require 2 Table Service credits, as opposed to one), you can do that! Ditto goes for snack credits! If you are simply too full from one of your meals and aren’t up for a snack following your feast, save it for the next day and enjoy TWO snacks. While we’re on that topic… ALL. THE. SNACKS. The amount of snacks eligible as a “snack credit” around Disney World may surprise you! You’ll find eligible options that cost up to $8.00 (and even more in some cases)! Mickey Ice Cream Bar! In fact, you’ll find OODLES of items at the food booths during EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals that are snack credit eligible! Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta — Snack Credit Eligible item at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival! And to our “use it your way” point above, lots of folks on the Disney Dining Plan enjoy saving up snack credits to make a full meal out of several snacks around EPCOT. Getting Ready for the 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival? Click HERE! Specialty Beverages — and Alcoholic Drinks — are Included As noted above, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and cocktails) are included in the Disney Plan Plan for of-age guests — and, yes, that includes Quick Service restaurants that serve alcohol (which, BTW, is most of them, though you will only find alcohol at Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom). Painted Lemur at Sanaa Those who are not of-age or opt not to imbibe can enjoy specialty beverages such as milkshakes, smoothies, and various “mocktails.” Refillable Resort Mugs As a reminder, every member of your traveling group receives a Refillable Resort Mug on the Disney Dining Plan. Self-service Beverage Station You can really work up a thirst having fun in the parks (not to mention in the Florida heat), and a lot of guests find this inclusion to be a great benefit… especially for those who love to enjoy soda while on vacation! The Cons of Purchasing the Disney Dining Plan Of course, where there are PROS, there is also the FLIPSIDE. Let’s run down some of the CONS of the Disney Dining Plan. Planning, Planning, and More Planning… For some folks (self included!), lining up several Table Service (or sit-down) restaurants for each day of their vacation is a joy. Take a seat at Homcomin’ by Chef Art Smith For others? Not so much. And we’re not just talking about simply picking where you’d like to eat and booking Advance Dining Reservations 60 days ahead of your meal. What about when you’re actually in the parks? What if you land a spot in a Virtual Queue for, say, TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom that conflicts with a mealtime that you’ve previously scheduled? Is TRON on your MUST-RIDE List? First, the good news: in the TRON scenario mentioned above, Cast Members are often able to assist in instances such as these. That said, it’s still one more factor that needs to be considered. And if being locked into too many places sounds enough like regular life to you than a vacation, well… adding the Standard Disney Dining Plan (which includes one Table Service credit per night of stay) simply may not be a fit for you. Learn the ins-and-outs of Advance Dining Reservations HERE Now, we should remind that there is another option here: the Quick Service Dining Plan includes two Quick Service restaurant credits per night of stay… no Advance Dining Reservations required! Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowl at one of the BEST Counter Service Restaurants: Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom For some, it may not be so much a matter of whether A Disney Dining Plan is right for you so much as WHICH Disney Dining Plan is right for you. You might find it helpful to fully consider both options. The Cost of the Disney Dining Plan Here is a simple truth about the Disney Dining Plan: it’s more convenience-based than savings-based. And for many, the pre-paid aspect alone is enough of a bonus to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. That said, if you don’t know the ins-and-outs of MAXIMIZING the Disney Dining Plan, you may well be paying MORE for what you eat and drink using the Plan than what you might by paying out of pocket. Is the Disney Dining Plan picking up the bill? Then MAKE THE MOST OF IT. Fortunately, we have a few resources for you: First, we have this page right here. And we also have a brand new DFB Guide to Maximizing the Disney Dining Plan so you can make the most of it! Mezzo Metro Pizza at Via Napoli Furthermore, even paying completely out of pocket, depending on where you dine and what you order, you may very well be able to eat delicious foods in fun and lovely settings and be completely satisfied at less cost per day. In fact, if you visit this page, scroll down to “Awesome Disney World Eats on a Budget” to find some of our favorite suggestions! DFB Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Vacation Remember… Adult Pricing Starts at Age 10 Why is “10” the magic number when it comes to the Disney Dining Plan? Because, as is the case with Disney World theme park tickets, anyone age 10 or older is considered an Adult on the Disney Dining Plan. The thing is… what if your 10-year-old (or your 11- or 12-year old) doesn’t have an adult-sized appetite just yet? A WHOLE LOTTA FOOD at EPCOT’s Garden Grill! You will have already paid the Adult price to potentially see some of that food go to waste. Or what if your mini me still prefers Chicken Strips, mac and cheese, and other items that are typically available on Kids Menus, but are not on the regular entree list? WE LOVE Chicken Strips, too! As we’ve discussed previously, this fairly common occurrence is treated on a case by case basis. Technically, adults (anyone age 10 or over) are supposed to order from the adult menu and kids (ages 3-9) are supposed to order from the kids’ menu. In practice, if an older child (or actual adult) doesn’t like any of the food on the adult menu, the server may be able to bring a larger-size portion of any of the food on the children’s menu. That said, when this happens, an adult credit will be deducted from your account even though the guest is eating “kid” food. These are questions only you can answer when it comes to your kiddos, but they are something to keep in mind when you’re determining the value of the Disney Dining Plan for your family. Alcohol is Included “Wait a minute,” you may be thinking… “How can alcohol being included be both a PRO AND a CON??” Well, this has to do with exactly what we mentioned above. Clearly your 10- (or 11-, or 12-, and up to your 20-) year-old can’t drink alcohol. Now, it is true that they can enjoy a specialty drink like a yummy milkshake or a fun mocktail with each meal on the Disney Dining Plan. Happy Haunts Milkshake at Columbia Harbour House But dollar for dollar, alcoholic drinks– cocktails, beer, and wine — typically offer the highest price value on the Plan versus what you would pay out of pocket. If you have members in your group who can’t or simply prefer not to imbibe (or prefers not to imbibe at EVERY SINGLE MEAL), that’s an automatic strike — for lack of a better word — against being able to maximize the value of the Plan. Need tips on maximizing the Disney Dining Plan? Click HERE! Sooo… Is the Disney Dining Plan WORTH IT? Well, here’s the thing… it all depends on what you want for your vacation. We’ve presented several factors above that ultimately boil down to individual preferences (do you love planning your dining and figuring out how to maximize your vacation dollars in advance, or do you prefer to wing it?), family specifics (what are the ages of everyone in your group, and will your pre-teen be ready to eat several full-sized adult meals?), and personal budgets (maybe you don’t want to spend as much on food and drinks as the Disney Dining Plan costs… and that’s okay. Perhaps you’d rather splurge on several days of Disney Genie+ to ride all your must-do attractions instead). What we’ve aimed to do here is present you with all of the necessary information along with both sides of the Disney Dining Plan coin, so you can make the decision that’s best for your traveling group. And if you need a little more help, you can check out our list of Disney Dining Plan FAQs here, and our Ultimate Guide to the Disney Dining Plan video from our DFBGuide YouTube Channel below! 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 The post Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth It in 2024? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one Disney World park that’s the KING of unique souvenirs, it would have to be EPCOT! EPCOT at Disney World Just walk through the World Showcase alone and you’ll be able to find interesting snacks, clothes from around the world, and gadgets and gizmos aplenty! Each country pavilion tends to have its own merchandise that it’s known for, and usually, those items are pretty exclusive to that particular pavilion. However, we recently spotted one popular EPCOT souvenir at a Disney World hotel! In the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, you can head into La Gemma Elegante to check out the stunning Venetian masks on display. These handmade designs are unlike anything else you can buy in the parks. Venetian Masks in EPCOT We could spend hours staring at all the details on these masks, but now, we won’t have to trek to the back of EPCOT to do it! We recently spotted the Venetian masks for sale in an additional store in Disney World. There’s another place you can buy them! During a recent visit to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, we spotted the Venetian masks for sale in Jackson Square Gifts & Desires. We spoke to the Cast Members there, who told us that these are made and supplied by the same vendor as the ones in EPCOT. WOW! And they have some designs in here that are JUST as detailed and intricate. This one in particular is very fitting for Port Orleans and Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras vibes! They have them displayed on multiple shelves and hanging on the walls, so make sure to take a peek at the designs the next time you’re visiting. Check them out! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more Disney merchandise news and updates, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest! We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know from the parks. The Best Disney World Souvenirs for Every Budget — Click 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 check out the Venetian masks when you visit? Tell us in the comments! The post How to Get a Rare EPCOT Souvenir Without a Park Ticket first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article