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How are your 2024 travel plans coming along? Magic Kingdom If you’re planning a trip to Disney, there’s good news as bookings for trips through all of 2024 are open! And, while you’re in the planning mode, we thought you’d like to take a look at all of the extra savings you can score on that 2024 Disney World vacation. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There’s more to Disney World than just the parks, and if you’re already visiting there, you might as well have a look at some of the other activities that could be added to your trip itinerary. Here are the 2024 discounts that are included in the Magical Extras Card that Disney hotel guests are eligible for! Just ask for this card when you’re checking in. Remember, these deals are yours because you booked a 2024 Disney World vacation package. Let’s go right on down the list! Miniature Golf Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course and Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course are the two mini-golf options at Disney World. Winter Summerland miniature golf You can receive four (4) vouchers per package, each voucher valid for one (1) 18-hole round of miniature golf on one (1) day for one (1) Guest at either miniature golf course. A voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at the time of redemption. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Here’s one for the sports fans in your party. Over at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, you can watch professional sporting events right at Disney World. ESPN Wide World of Sports You can receive four (4) vouchers per package, and each voucher is valid for one (1) general admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on one (1) day for ONE (1) Guest. Also, they are valid only on event days and some events require an additional admission charge. Visit espnwwos.com for more information on the schedule of events. A voucher and Magical Extras Savings Card are required at the time of redemption. Splitsville Luxury Lanes Ready to take part in a classic pastime? Look no further than Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs. You and the fam can tear up some good old bowling fun while enjoying food and drinks, and even check out some merch. Splitsville At Splitsville, you can receive 10% off the non-discounted price of bowling (walk-in bowling only), receive 10% off the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (dine-in only), and receive 10% off the non-discounted price of merchandise there. Surrey Bike Rentals Did you know that you can rent bikes while you’re at Disney World? Surrey Bike Rentals at Port Orleans Riverside You can receive 10% off Surrey Bikes located at the following locations: Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort, Disney’s Old Key West, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Also, if you want to save yourself a whole lot of stress in the planning process, we suggest you use a travel agent who specializes in Disney World — like our friends at Small World Vacations! They can take care of booking your trip, monitoring for new discounts you could be eligible for, and they know the ins and outs of everything Disney — so they can tailor your trip to your needs. Plus, it doesn’t cost you anything for their services! Disney Springs There are a ton of things to do at Disney Springs, but most everything falls into one of two categories: dining and shopping. Let’s go over the discounts available for each of those categories: Dining City Works Eatery & Pour House — 10% off food & non-alcoholic beverages. House of Blues® Restaurant & Bar — 10% off on the purchase of food. Also, 10% off your purchase at House of Blues Gear Shop (Excludes Art, Books, Jewelry, and Sale items). Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company — 20% off the entire purchase, excluding alcohol. (Also available at the following locations: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Disney Skyliner.) Local Green Orlando — 20% off the entire purchase. Paradiso 37 — 10% off Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Rainforest Cafe — 10% off adult entrees at Rainforest Cafe. (Offer valid for up to four (4) guests.) The BOATHOUSE Orlando — 10% off on food. The Spice & Tea Exchange — $1 off any 16oz Iced or Hot Tea To Go. T-REX — 10% off adult entrees. (Offer valid for up to four (4) guests.) Wetzel’s Pretzels — Buy two pretzels and get one free. Disney Springs Shopping Balocoloc Venetian Masks — 10% off your entire purchase. (This offer is only available at the Italy World Showcase Pavilion location in EPCOT) Basin — 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items. Chapel Hats — 15% off entire purchase. Coca-Cola Store — 15% off purchases of $30 or more. (Not applicable for rooftop beverage bar purchases or professional photography services.) Crown & Crest — 10% off entire purchase, excluding sale items. (This offer is only available at Crown & Crest in World Showcase in EPCOT.) Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers — 10% off purchases at the Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers stores at Disney Springs Marketplace, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT. Edward Beiner — 20% off your purchase (exclusions may apply). Just Fun Socks — 15% off entire purchase. Kendra Scott — 15% off your entire purchase. Ricoh Business Centers — 10% off your outbound Shipping services, and shipping boxes. Sugarboo & Co. — 10% off total purchase. Superdry — 15% off a purchase of regular-priced items. Volcom — 15% off the non-discounted price of merchandise. That’s a lot of discounts that you can take advantage of. So, make sure to ask for your Magical Extras Savings Card at the front desk upon check-in. Again, these savings are for Walt Disney World trips booked between January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 — but there is also a 2023 version of this card, so be sure to ask for it if you’re taking a trip soon! Head over to Small World Vacations and Let the Magic Begin! Are you planning a vacation to Walt Disney World in 2024? Tell us about it in the comments! The post Write this Down! How to Score Bonus Discounts on Your 2024 Disney World Vacation first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Amazon Prime Day might be over now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still save BIG on Disney merchandise! Well, time to buy more Loungeflys Loungefly backpacks are super popular in Disney World, and we just found some pretty great deals on a few Disney-themed designs. Check out these four bags that are all discounted at least 15%! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. All of these items are available on Amazon, which might mean that Prime members can save on shipping! If you don’t have a Prime membership already, you can sign up for a FREE trial by clicking the link below. Now let’s check out the Loungefly deals! Get the Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Loungefly Backpack for 16% Off! ©Amazon This Marvel-themed backpack shows Baby Groot jammin’ out to “Cosmic Mix Vol. 1.” ©Amazon Inside the bag, there’s a repeating pattern of Groot wearing his headphones. Shop this bag on Amazon Get the Minnie Mouse Sweet Treats Loungefly Backpack for 21% Off! ©Amazon This bag features two of our favorite things: Minnie Mouse and dessert! The bag has a 3D banana split design on the front, and there are ears and a big bow on top, which are covered in frosting and sprinkles. ©Amazon Inside, the bag is decorated with little Mickey ice cream sundaes. Shop this bag on Amazon Get the High School Musical Loungefly Backpack for 19% Off! ©Amazon If you spent your childhood learning every single dance move to “We’re All In This Together,” you 100% need this backpack. It looks like the East High Wildcat’s mascot, complete with a basketball jersey. ©Amazon The back says “Get’cha Head in the Game,” and the inside is decorated with the school’s logo. Shop this bag on Amazon 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! Sweatshirts also available! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney merchandise deals! Click here to get a FIRST LOOK at a NEW Disney Loungefly bag, coming soon! 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 Loungefly backpacks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. The post We Just Found Disney Loungefly Bags on SALE on Amazon! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re already counting down the days until Halloween, know that we share your excitement! Halloween at Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be returning to Disney World, as well as Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash. We’ve already started getting peeks at new Disney Halloween-themed merchandise coming soon too, but if you want to buy some decorations RIGHT NOW, you’ve gotta check these out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pottery Barn has released some fun Disney Halloween items that you need to see! Disney Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Luminary ©Pottery Barn The Disney Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Luminary is a great decoration for your front porch! You can leave it empty, or add your own lights or flameless candles inside to shine through the mouth, eyes, and nose. Check it out online! Disney Mickey Mouse Halloween Candy Bowl (Unavailable as of the Latest Updates) ©Pottery Barn Looking for the perfect new treat bowl to use when you hand out Halloween candy? Check out the Disney Mickey Mouse Halloween Candy Bowl! It’s Mickey-shaped and has an open top so you can fill it up with all that candy. Note — This item is listed as no longer available online, but check back for future (potential) restocks. Check it out online!Don’t forget that we have lots of Halloween Disney shirts available over at the DFB Store if you want to get more of your Halloween shopping done early! They’re great to wear to the parks, out trick or treating, or when just hanging out inside. Get these before they’re gone! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney Halloween news! Check out this Disney Halloween item you can get on Amazon for under $8! 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 Have you ever spent Halloween in Disney? Tell us in the comments! The post The Disney Halloween Item You’ll Want to Bring Home ASAP first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the best things about Disney World is that you get the opportunity to do unique things (that you might not even realize are available!). The Edison in Disney Springs Yes, we’re talking about meeting your favorite Disney characters, but we’re also talking about things like special dining experiences, tours that can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the magic, food festivals with some incredible treats, unique entertainment, and more. Now, another special experience is coming to Disney Springs. The Edison in Disney Springs has been hosting some unique offerings — like its Shaken & Stirred Cocktail Classes (a private, customized experience) and its Mixology Series (which is not a personalized event but gives you the chance to experience some unique eats with paired cocktails). Well, now The Edison has announced its next event in the Mixology Series and it’s one you might not want to miss. Learning about booze The Mixology Sunset Dinner Series features an “elevated” three-course menu PLUS craft cocktails pairings while watching the sunset over Disney Springs. The Edison’s chefs and mixologists have come up with a July menu that celebrates “the tropical tastes of summer,” focusing on pineapple, passion fruit, floral notes, citrus, vanilla, and herbs. Yep, that sounds pretty awesome. Margarita So here are the details: the experience will take place on two evenings, July 20th and 27th. Each experience will have two seating options: a dinner in The Edison’s gothic dining room at 5:30PM or a cigar-pairing dinner at 8PM on the lakeside patio of The Edison. Both options are $75++ per person with the chance to add a specialty beverage upgrade for an additional $15 per person. ©The Edison You’re probably wanting to know more about the menu, so here’s the full menu for the event: Nitro-cello – Nitrogen-infused Siete Leguas reposado, Caravella limoncello, Lillet Blanc, lemon, lime, and agave paired with Crudo (yellowtail snapper, avocado, citrus, purple potato chip) Sweet Tea Mint Julep – Benchmark small-batch bourbon, sweet tea demerara syrup, and mint paired with: Petite Pork Shank (bourbon BBQ, roasted apple, chili, crushed peanuts, scallion) Milk Punch – Myers’s dark rum, Tuaca, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Madagascar vanilla, pineapple, lemon, and milk paired with: Bananas Foster (caramelized banana, vanilla ice cream, Myers’s dark rum caramel) Specialty Beverage Upgrade: 1 oz. Buffalo Trace bourbon (+$15 per person) Um… YUM! Tickets are extremely limited and only available for those who are 21 and older, but if you’re interested, you can book your spot here. Some of the remaining times only had 6 or less seats available when we last checked, so get those tickets ASAP. Charcuterie from our Mixology lunch We’ll let you know about any other special Disney events like this, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. 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 be interested in an experience like this in Disney World? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! The post Grab Your Tickets NOW(!) For This EXCLUSIVE Disney Springs Event first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you like caramel and you also like booze…pay attention. We bet you can smell this photo It’s no secret how much we LOVE Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase. The caramel popcorn is a MUST for many, but there are also tons of other treats to enjoy here, like the boozy Caramel Flights. Well, a NEW boozy caramel flight recently arrived, and we’re bringing you along for the ride as we try it! The NEW caramel flight at Karamell-Küche takes inspiration from some iconic summer cocktails. For $6.99, you get four Werther’s Original Caramel Mini-Squares inspired by the Lemon Drop Martini, Bahama Mama, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Espresso Martini. HELLO SUMMER. Caramel Flight Obviously, you will first need to love caramel to enjoy this flight because it is still the most prominent flavor with each square. We will say that the Lemon Drop Martini Square was our favorite. Lemon Drop Martini It had a stronger cocktail-inspired flavor (aside from just tasing the caramel) and was the softest of the four, so it was the easiest to cut and chew. Easy to cut The Bahama Mama had a slight coconut and pineapple taste to it. Bahama Mama Aside from a caramel flavor, it was the pineapple we tasted the most with this one. Mostly pineapple flavor The Strawberry Daiquiri was similar. Strawberry Daiquiri The caramel flavor was strong, and the strawberry flavor was light. It tasted more like the strawberry had been dusted on top of the caramel (which makes sense given that red coating), rather than incorporated throughout it. The flavor was mostly on top Finally, the Espresso Martini was chocolate-heavy, with a hint of espresso flavor. Espresso Martini We did feel like these flavors blended the best with the caramel underneath it. Great flavor throughout The downside is that the caramels can be rather chewy, but they can also melt in the Florida sun (like a LOT of snacks we have in Disney World). If you love caramel, though, and want to try some unique flavors, this might be a must-have for you. We’ll continue to make our way around Disney World eating ALL the new snacks, so stay tuned for more reviews. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Stay tuned for more news. PREVIEW and PHOTOS: Is This What We Can Expect When the Newest Restaurant Opens in Disney World? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever tried the boozy flight before from Karamel-Küche? Let us know your favorite flavor in the comments! The post A NEW Menu Item Has Dropped at One of the BEST EPCOT Snack Spots first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The holidays at Disney World. How do you really feel about them? It’s so BEAUTIFUL We’re thinking about entertainment, the treats, and the crowds. Not all of those make you excited. So, we wanted to find out what your thoughts were about a specific holiday week at Disney World. We asked and boy did you deliver! We reached out to our followers on Facebook to ask “Have you been to Disney World during Christmas week? Would you recommend it?” and the results were pretty varied. We had quite a few people leave their opinions in the comments, so let’s see what they had to say! Let’s talk about those crowds and wait times… Around 35% of the responders expressed concerns about the overwhelming crowds and long wait times during Christmas week at Disney World. Picture this: swarms of people everywhere you turn, lines snaking around every corner, and wait times that can make you question the concept of time itself. That’s what you can expect during Christmas week at Disney World. Christmas crowds at Magic Kingdom The crowds are beyond belief, with visitors reporting overwhelming numbers and packed-to-the-brim restaurants and attractions. One visitor even shared an example of waiting in line for what felt like an eternity just to use the restroom. Talk about patience being put to the test! Did I sign up for an obstacle course??? Approximately 20% of the feedback mentioned that navigating through the parks during Christmas week can feel like a real-life obstacle course. With such massive crowds, getting from one attraction to another becomes a strategic mission. It’s like wading through a sea of humanity, trying to find your way. Connections Cafe crowds But that’s not all, my friend. Some visitors also mentioned encountering instances of rudeness. From pushy individuals jostling in line to inconsiderate behavior, there were reports of people not embodying the holiday spirit. It’s disheartening to witness such behavior, especially when you’re there to celebrate and enjoy the magic. Maybe you should reschedule… Now, here’s some valuable advice coming your way. Roughly 15% of the responders suggested considering alternative times to visit Disney World for a more enjoyable experience. Early December, the week before Christmas, or the week after Christmas were mentioned as prime periods to soak up the festive atmosphere while avoiding the overwhelming crowds. A ghost town One insightful person specifically recommended the week before Christmas, highlighting the enchanting ambiance that comes with fewer visitors. There are always pros and cons… One of the main things is to brace yourself for some mixed feelings, my friend. Approximately 20% of the feedback reflected mixed views about visiting Disney World during Christmas week. While they acknowledged the crazy crowds and challenges, they still found the experience enjoyable. For them, it was all about weighing the ups and downs. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration They mentioned the magical ambiance, stunning Christmas decorations, and special holiday events as the factors that made it all worthwhile. Their advice was to go in with the right mindset, focus on the positive aspects, and embrace the holiday spirit. After all, perspective plays a significant role in shaping our experiences. It’s all about personal stories… In continuation of the previous point, the experience is always a personal one and we greatly appreciate the stories you shared about your unique experiences of visiting Disney World during Christmas week. Some expressed regret, labeling it a big mistake due to the overwhelming crowds and long wait times. However, there were others who absolutely adored it! Can’t forget the dancing reindeer! They were captivated by the enchanting vibes, the breathtaking Christmas decorations, and everything that makes Disney World extra special during the holiday season. It just goes to show that everyone’s experience can differ based on personal preferences, tolerance for crowds, and expectations. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party So, armed with these insightful tidbits, you can now weigh the pros and cons, consider your own preferences, and decide if braving the crowds during the most wonderful time of the year is worth it for you. Remember to plan ahead, stay patient, and embrace the magical moments that Disney World has to offer. Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! Click here for more on the changes coming for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Parade 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 How do you feel about being at Disney World during Christmas? Let us know us below! The post More Than 50% of Disney Fans Say You Should NOT Go to Disney World During This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

National Cherry Day is coming up on July 16! To help you celebrate, we've got an exclusive Disney Eats recipe for the Riviera Signature Cookies. View the full article

There’s a major airport-to-hotel transportation update you need to know about. Mears Connect bus No, Disney’s Magical Express is NOT coming back. Since the Magical Express ended, we’ve seen 2 major companies essentially “fill the void” of that service, transporting guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and their Disney World hotels (for a fee). Those main services are Mears Connect and The Sunshine Flyer. And these were competing comapnies…until now. On July 13th, Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer announced that they entered into an agreement whereby the companies will MERGE their services into ONE combined service that’ll get guests from the Orlando International Airport to Disney World’s hotels. ©Mears | Sunshine Flyer The new service has been named Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. It will keep providing guests with transportation to and from the airport and the eligible hotels “with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience.” Mears Connect Bus Rebecca K. Horton, Chief Operating Officer of Mears Transportation shared, “By merging operations…we believe we can provide an even better guest experience given the challenges and opportunities in today’s travel market.” Mark Sherman, General Manager of the Sunshine Flyer said, “As partners, we will be able to bring even more features and benefits to our guests…Whether it is 24/7 service, express options, or a private trip to ease guests’ minds the minute they step off the plane, together, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is delivering more to our guests.” Sunshine Flyer According to the press release that was shared, “Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is the only 24-hour shuttle servicing both A/B and C Terminals for both arrivals and departures and is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant for both standard and express services.” So just when will this change take place? Well, the new service will start on August 1st, 2023. There is a dedicated hotline available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have. You can call them at (407) 423-5566. ©Mears | Sunshine Flyer If you have an existing reservation, you can contact the customer care team listed in your confirmation email. You can also reach out via email during business hours by sending a message to mearsconnect@mears.com. If you have an existing Mears Connect reservation, don’t worry — your reservation won’t be impacted and will remain the same. If you have a Sunshine Flyer reservation and were planning to travel between July 14th and July 31st, you should receive an email (using the email linked to the original reservation) to confirm your travel instructions, so be on the lookout for that. ©Mears | Sunshine Flyer Here are a few other things to keep in mind: Sunshine Flyer guests arriving and departing in July will take their trip with the Sunshine Flyer. If you arrive in July but depart in August, you’ll be transported through Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine (those with upcoming reservations will be automatically transitioned to the new system). “All ticketing information including additional tickets, updates to reservations, and cancellations will now operate out of the Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine ticketing portal which you can access here: https://sunshineflyer.com/manage-reservations/.” The new service — Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine — will NOT offer train-themed transportation. ©Mears | Sunshine Flyer If you have an upcoming trip booked with either of these services, be on the lookout for any communication regarding this change, and be sure to reach out to Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine to clarify any concerns you might have. We’ll keep an eye out for more details and let you know what we find! Click here to see some of the latest nonstop flights announced for the Orlando Airport Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe What do you think about these services? Tell us in the comments. The post Important UPDATE About How You Get from the Orlando Airport to Your Disney World Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

News like this could hit hard with the summer heat, and we hate to be the bearer of bad news. EPCOT Amid all the changes that are currently happening at EPCOT with preparations for EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival and new signage unveiled at Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya in Japan, we didn’t know if we could take more change coming our way, but it’s happened and seemingly overnight. It wasn’t but just a few short weeks ago that the newly revamped Refreshment Station reopened its counter to visitors, serving delicious slushy concoctions with various toppings and flavors. It’s an ideal place to make a snack that can help stave off the Florida heat for a bit while you sit and enjoy the delicious treats. Refreshment Station However, on a recent visit, we were confused because Refreshment Station now looks like a ghost town. The cash registers have been closed with signs and food cards taken up. The counter where the toppings are usually held and final products ushered across are now picked clean with nothing left in them. Refreshment Station is empty This is pretty unusual for such a new reopening of a snack kiosk, but a quick check of the Disney World website also notes there are no operational hours posted for the next few days. No posted hours In fact, the earliest we could find new operational hours for this snack stand is July 27th, 2023. While we know it’s closed for now, there’s no official word or why or what may have led to cause the closure. Since July 27th is the start of the Food & Wine Festival, it’s possible that this spot will reopen with some new festival offerings on that day, and Cast Members are just preparing for the big event! Next posted hours This is similar to the Refreshment Port snack stand by the entrance of the World Showcase that mysteriously shut down seemingly without notice. When we noticed it, we checked with a few Cast Members who were equally confused as some didn’t even know it was closed, let alone why it would have been. Again, this spot will reopen on the 27th, so it’s very likely that the closure is in preparation for the Food & Wine Festival. Refreshment Port is closed For the latest in news and updates, be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog Click here to learn more about the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Does the closure of the Refreshment Station interrupt your EPCOT snack plans? Tell us in the comments. The post Another EPCOT Restaurant Has CLOSED Temporarily first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Does anyone else use little treats throughout the day as a motivator to get important tasks and chores done? That mid-afternoon Starbucks drink can make ALL the difference, right?! But wanna know what’s even better than a cup of coffee or a handful of pretzels? A Disney snack! Seriously — after a busy morning of riding rides, meeting characters, and staking out a spot to watch the parade, there’s nothing better than taking a little snack break. Mickey Pretzel Speaking of snacks, we’re always on the lookout for the newest Disney treats, and we’ve got some NEW foods to share with you! Let’s take a look. Starting tomorrow, July 14th, look out for some Haunted Mansion-themed treats at Disneyland Resort. We’re talking churros, punch, and even soup! Bring your appetite because we’re about to dive in! ©Disney OK, let’s start off with that candle. Yes, it’s one of the special treats coming to Disneyland, but no, you can’t order it by itself. Disney announced that a special Haunted Mansion-inspired pre-fixe menu will be available at Café Orleans. The menu will feature Vanilla Mousse and a Seafood Boil. ©Disney If you’re not in the mood for a sit-down meal but still want a savory snack, fear not! The Constance Concoction is coming to Harbour Galley, and it’s a potato and leek soup topped with pea flower crème fraiche, herb oil, and fried leeks served in a sourdough bread bowl. This doesn’t exactly scream “summer,” but who says soup is only for wintertime? ©Disney For those with a sweet tooth, check out the Crystal Ball Cereal Treat at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen! This cereal treat has a black-colored dark chocolate shell with teal and black M&M’S and is embellished with a Madame Leotta chocolate piece. ©Disney Disney also shared a preview of its Pickwick Ghost Punch from Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley‌. It’s a non-alcoholic drink with a combination of fruit, citrus juices, and sherbet. It sounds refreshing! ©Disney Finally, we can’t forget about the CHURRO! The New Orleans Square Churro Cart will serve the April-December Churro, a strawberry-flavored sugar churro with fresh strawberries, purple cherry sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and donut icing drizzle. Donut icing? We’re IN! ©Disney We can’t WAIT to check out the new snacks and treats coming to Disneyland; they’ll arrive just in time for the new Haunted Mansion moving coming soon! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. REVIEW: Here’s the Secret to Getting TWO Meals in One at a Disney Character Buffet 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 Are you planning a trip to Disneyland soon? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Unveiled SIX Haunted Mansion-Inspired Treats You HAVE to See! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney is always marking some kind of birthday or anniversary. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Disney World just spent 18 months celebrating its 50th anniversary. Disney’s Animal Kingdom just celebrated its 25th birthday. The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary right now. Disneyland will be celebrating a birthday soon, too – it’s 68th. Now we know how Disneyland plans on celebrating that milestone! The gates of Disneyland originally opened on July 17th, 1955, which means that July 17th, 2023 will mark the park’s 68th birthday! Disneyland’s visitors will get to celebrate, too, if they’re heading to the park on that day. First up, they’ll get to see a celebratory cavalcade with Mickey and his friends at 11:45AM. These special mini-parades don’t happen every day, so it’s a pretty cool event when we get to see one! ©Disney Visitors will be able to join the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band, and Disney Ambassadors in singing “Happy Birthday” to Disneyland — they’ll be making stops at “it’s a small world,” on Main Street, U.S.A., and at Town Square. We’re most excited about a special birthday snack, though! Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe will serve a Disneyland Anniversary Donut. It’s a Vanilla Iced Donut Filled With Cherry Compote and Topped with Whipped Topping and Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. ©Disney The good news is that we’ll have a chance to enjoy this treat for a couple of days: from July 15th through July 17th. We love celebrations with FOOD! Don’t forget that Disneyland is also currently the HOME BASE of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary Celebration — you’ll find special 100th anniversary decor throughout the park, as well as some celebratory snacks. You can also watch the 100th anniversary fireworks show, “Wondrous Journeys” in Disneyland as well as “World of Color — One” in California Adventure. World of Color — One Disneyland is just ALL about celebrating right now. While you’re at it, be sure to stop into the Hyperion Theatre in California Adventure to catch Rogers: The Musical, which is running through August 31st. Rogers: The Musical Happy Birthday, Disneyland! May you celebrate many more years to come. We’ll continue covering 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 visiting Disneyland on its birthday? Let us know in the comments! The post A RARE Parade Is Coming to Disneyland! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you don’t do your research ahead of time, unexpected problems can complicate your Disney World vacation! Cinderella Castle You’ll want to check the online calendar for ride refurbishments, plan out your dining reservations, and make sure you download the My Disney Experience app. But sometimes, even with all that preparation, there are some things that’ll surprise you. And if you’re visiting this week, we’re here to issue a warning! According to the Disney World website, the Monorail will have a delayed opening on the morning of Friday, July 14th. Disney expects that all Monorail transportation will be available by 10AM. EPCOT Bus transportation will be available while the Monorail is not operating, which will be helpful for those traveling from Magic Kingdom area resorts to EPCOT. If you’re driving to Magic Kingdom and trying to get from the Transportation & Ticket Center (the parking lot) to the park, you can take the ferryboat instead. Monorail Coral We’ll make sure to share more details on this situation if it causes any problems at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT in the morning, so stay tuned to DFB. You may want to budget extra time to get to the parks if you’re visiting tomorrow. Magic Kingdom Express Monorail Keep following DFB for the latest Disney World news and updates! We’ll make sure you’re in the loop with any information you need to know. Be Prepared for These Big Disney World Monorail Surprises — 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 prefer the Monorail or the ferryboat? Tell us in the comments! The post WARNING: The Monorail Will Have a DELAYED Opening in Disney World Tomorrow first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to food, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is doing something RIGHT. Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom According to many Disney World visitors, Animal Kingdom is considered to be one of THEEEE parks to visit if you’re hoping to grub. Today, we’re headed to Pandora — World of Avatar to none other than Satu’li Canteen to grab a bite to eat. Here, visitors can find some fan-favorite dishes, like Cheeseburger Pods and even noodle and rice bowls. The word on the street is that there’s a NEW bowl at Satu’li, and y’all already know we’re itching to try it. Come along with us! The Smoked Chimichurri-Braised Beef Bowl is available at Satu’li Canteen for $14.49. This dish features Smoked Chimichurri-braised Beef topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of base and sauce. You’ve always been able to get beef as a meat option here, but the way it’s cooked and served has changed! The Chimchurri-Braised Beef is replacing the Grilled Beef Before, the only beef option was the Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef marinated with garlic, herbs, red pepper spice, and red wine vinegar — and it didn’t come with any other sauce on it. Now, each dish comes with the same Chimichurri sauce while you have the option to add another sauce on the side (which you could also ask for in the past). We really liked the beef before! It was cooked on the rare side, which made it super tender and flavorful. We can’t wait to see how the updated beef compares! Grilled Beef that was served before As far as the updated beef bowl goes, we decided to go with a noodle base and we even got some green onion vinaigrette on the side to see how the taste of the vinaigrette compares to the Chimichurri sauce on the beef. The meal looks delicious, but will it taste just as good? Let’s find out! Looks delicious! Our first impression was all about the BEEF. It had a smoked flavor that reminded us of a cross between jerky and brisket. The herbs from the chimichurri definitely brightened up the flavor a bit — but it wasn’t really all that flavorful on its own. Some parts were tender and some parts were dry — so we were slightly disappointed that it was inconsistent in that way. We already miss the old beef, which was tender and juicy throughout. Smoked Chimichurri-Braised Beef As for the noodles? They were AMAZING. They had a great sesame and soy flavor — very similar to lo mien. The slaw was slightly sweet and added a nice crunch — we LOVED the texture of everything combined. Plus, the boba added some extra flavor and texture as well — they had a fruity, vinegary flavor. The boba might not be for everyone, but this reporter LOVED it. Give us all the noodles, please! On the side, we ordered the Charred Green Onion Vinaigrette. It had a pretty bold vinegary and herby flavor that was super bright and tangy. We’d heard from a few Satu’li visitors that the Chimichurri sauce on the beef tasted similar to this vinaigrette, but we didn’t get that impression. The meat and Chimichurri just tasted super smoky while the vinaigrette was bright and herby. If you prefer a brighter taste rather than the smoky taste, definitely grab some sauce on the side, because the two flavors aren’t at all comparable in our opinion. Charred Green Onion Vinaigrette So, while the meat itself wasn’t bursting with flavor like we’d hoped, this was overall a very enjoyable meal. If you love noodles and meats like jerky or brisket, definitely give this one a try. If you’re not a big meat person or don’t like Asian-inspired cuisine, skip this one. It could also be good to keep in mind that if you’re not a fan of the bright and vinegary flavors, you can request for the boba to be left off! What do you think? Would you try this meal from Satu’li Canteen? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates, food reviews included. Follow along so that you never miss out and never go hungry. Looking for more Disney food news? 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 this bowl? Let us know in the comments! The post A Popular Quick Service Meal Has CHANGED at Disney’s Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Need another reason to visit Disney Springs soon? We’ve got just the incentive! Disney Springs Now that we’ve had a chance to try out a few of the treats coming for the Flavors of Florida event at Disney Springs, we’re hungry for more. Gideon’s Bakehouse brought back a fan-favorite cookie for that event, but now they’ve announced that ANOTHER popular treat will also return for a limited time! If you’ve ever had a sweet tooth craving while at Disney Springs, chances are you’ve known just where to stop in and curb it! Gideon’s Bakehouse has a huge following thanks to its multitude of flavored cookies, drinks, and cakes. If you don’t already know where their store is at Disney Springs, you can find them in The Landing section, close to Morimoto Asia and Wine Bar George. You’ll want to get there early on any given day because they’re usually fairly busy — even with a line and virtual queue system! Gideon’s Bakehouse Line Gideon’s Bakehouse announced on Instagram that they’re bringing back a popular holiday treat to celebrate Christmas in July. The Kris Kringle Cookie Bites are making a limited-time return to Disney Springs now through Sunday, July 16th, 2023! ©Gideon’s Bakehouse The Kris Kringle Cookie is a white chocolate chip cookie filled with a “complex mix of flavors like coconut, caramel, and vanilla.” Gideon’s Bakehouse takes it one step further by adding freshly ground coffee beans throughout the cookie. The bitterness of the bean is added to balance out the sweetness in the rest of the combined flavors. Note that the cookie itself will not be available — just the bites! The bites are quarters of the cookie that are hand-dipped in white chocolate. They will be very limited each day and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. There’s a limit of 2 bags per person with 6 bites in each bag. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Kris Kringle Cookie from Gideon’s Bakehouse While you’ve stopped in for a visit, be sure to ask about the new collectible pin, too! ©Gideon’s Bakehouse Babegubadijádzs (Babe) is out in a new design. He’s around to help protect the things (and ones) you care about most so feel free to pin him to something, and all will be well. ©Gideon’s Bakehouse This collectible pin is now available in the store and online as an oversized metal glow-in-the-dark jewel and is limited to only 3000 pins of his likeness. Additionally, Steve Lewis of Gideon’s Bakehouse has been invited by Disney Springs to speak during the Flavors of Florida Culinary Series! Steve will be taking you through the story of how Gideon’s Bakehouse came to be. Gideon’s Bakehouse ⁣⁣⁣If you want a chance to hear the Gideon’s origins story, plan to be at Disney Springs Waterview Park Stage (next to The BOATHOUSE) on July 28th, 2023⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣. They ask that you arrive early, but the discussion will officially kick off at 10:30AM and will last approximately an hour. There’s no required advance registration for this event, you can just show up and enjoy a captivating culinary discussion! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Waterview Park seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis so if you’re looking to attend, be sure to give yourself ample time to get to Disney Springs. You may park as early as 8:30AM and enter Disney Springs as early as 9:00AM. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣We recommend parking in the Orange Garage that’s closest. We’ve actually attended a few of these culinary demonstrations in this series for Flavors of Florida already this year and had a great time listing to the chefs and sommeliers. We’ll continue to keep you posted on the latest food news so be sure to check back in with us at Disney Food Blog for the most updated information! This New Disney World Cookie Looks Like It Belongs in the Bathroom DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2023 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What's New!! chapter for the 2023 Holiday Season The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the 2023 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays We’ll Take This Little Golden Disney Book in Our Stocking, Santa! Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events What We Wish We’d Known Before Going to Disney World During the Holidays Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be running out to snag this treat? Tell us your favorite Gideon’s creation in the comments! The post A Popular Treat Is Returning to Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs for a Limited Time! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things in the media world just got more complicated. ©The Walt Disney Company The media industry is already facing a writers strike that has impacted a number of events and projects. Disney CEO Bob Iger discussed what was (at the time) a potential actors strike early in the morning on July 13th, saying “This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption.” And now it seems the actors strike will go from a potential to a reality. On the afternoon of July 13th, SAG-AFTRA (which brings together the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) held a press conference where they announced that a strike order had been issued. In other words, the actors union will be on strike, just like the writers union. The strike will reportedly start at midnight. ©SAG-AFTRA SAG-AFTRA indicated that the board had convened with the Alliance of Motion Pictures earlier in the day but the Alliance was reportedly unwilling to agree to a deal. After that meeting, the strike order was approved by a unanimous vote by SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA indicated that they have devoted time to achieving a deal for a sustainable future, but that the Alliance of Motion Pictures has devalued their works. Reportedly, they worked for weeks to try to reach a deal. They discussed how the streaming model impacts things, as well as the threats actors face with AI technology. ©SAG-AFTRA According to the press conference held on this announcement, SAG-AFTRA proposed some contract changes that the Alliance of Motion Pictures did not agree to. So, they are withholding labor until a contract can be agreed to. SAG-AFTRA representatives indicated that they have been left with no alternative but to strike. ©SAG-AFTRA Deadline previously shared that the British acting union — Equity — would “stand in unwavering solidarity” with SAG-AFTRA regarding the strike, which at that point was “looming.” Deadline also shared some videos of the reaction outside of Netflix Studios in LA as the press conference was being held, “Pay Your Actors” was being chanted outside the studio. Earlier on July 13th, Disney CEO Iger noted that he understood that labor organizations must work on behalf of their members. He mentioned that studios had already made a good deal with the Directors Guild and that they wanted to do the same with writers and actors. But he claimed there was a level of expectation they have that’s just not realistic. He said he respects the unions’ rights to get more compensation for their people, but also said “you also have to be realistic about the business environment.” See Iger’s full statements from earlier in the day here. ©Disney We’ll keep an eye out for updates as to how this will impact ongoing Disney productions. As CNBC reports, “The failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers means film and television productions will immediately halt, essentially shutting down Hollywood.” It will reportedly be the “first tandem strike in Hollywood since 1960.” CNBC reports that the actors have been “looking to improve wages, working conditions and health and pension benefits, as well as create guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in future television and film productions.” They’ve also been looking at transparency when it comes to streaming services so that “residual payments can be made equitable to that seen on linear TV.” ©Disney Stay tuned for more news. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Chaos Looms Over Hollywood as Actors Union Approves Strike first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney and Vera Bradley have teamed up again! This time they’re bringing us a new collection that makes us think happy thoughts. Peter Pan in Fantasyland We’ve seen some really great collections from previous collaborations between Disney and Vera Bradley celebrating Disney100 Years of Wonder. We most recently saw the release of a beautiful Bambi and friends collection and who could forget the Alice in Wonderland blue gingham pattern? Now, they’re looking to add a little sparkle (and sass) to your bag collection! Let’s rewind just a bit so we can tell you WHERE to snag these collections. Vera Bradley is a designer store (which you can also find in Disney Springs) specializing in printed cloth bags and accessories. They’re known for vibrant colors and mostly paisley prints but have been expanding into solid colors as well. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This time they’ve opted for another mostly solid design featuring the animated classic, Peter Pan. ©Vera Bradley Tinker Bell and Peter Pan’s iconic characters come from the Peter Pan animated story and are frequently celebrated at Disney bringing a pixie dust trail with them. Let’s take a look at a few pieces featuring her in the new collection! Get the Tinker Bell Tumbler with Straw ©Vera Bradley This printed tumbler is ready to accompany you on all your adventures. It’s made of double-walled acrylic and comes with matching straw. The outside design features Tinker Bell flying in pixie dust nestled among the flowers. Click here to shop the Tinker Bell Tumbler with Straw Get the Tinker Bell Small Backpack ©Vera Bradley On this backpack, we have an embroidered version of Tinker Bell with flowers surrounding her. This ornate design is nestled against an olive-green backpack. The embroidery is fixed to just the front zippered pocket of the backpack. The best part of this bag is that it’s made from recycled cotton! Click here to shop the Tinker Bell Small Backpack Get the Peter Pan Small Vera Tote Bag ©Vera Bradley The small Vera tote features both Tinker Bell AND Peter Pan in this embroidered design! The embroidery is only featured on one side of the tote while the remainder of the outside is filled with the gorgeous olive-green color. Click here to shop the Peter Pan Small Vera Tote Get the Tinker Bell Plush Throw Blanket ©Vera Bradley This cozy blanket is ready to keep you warm. The light blue background really makes the rest of the allover pattern of Tinker Bell and the flowers really pop with their vibrant colors. If the pattern wasn’t cute enough, Vera Bradley added fluffy pom-poms to the edges of this blanket to give it that extra pixie flair just like Tinker Bell’s signature poms on her shoes! Click here to shop the Tinker Bell Plush Throw Blanket And that completes your peek into the latest Disney collection from Vera Bradley. If you’re going to be stopping by Disney Springs soon, be sure to stop by the store and check out each of these items in person. If you just can’t wait to get your hands on them fast enough, use the links above to have them shipped right to you. As always, stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for the latest in Disney merch news. We Promise You’ll Use This Disney Accessory EVERY. DAY. 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 style of bag will you be adding to your collection? Tell us in the comments below! The post There’s a NEW Disney 100th Anniversary Collection Online Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fresh Italian pizza, crispy fish and chips, flavorful Mexican dishes…yeah, EPCOT has some of the BEST dining options in Disney World. Japan Pavilion But if you’re a little tired of the same old restaurants and food booths, we’ve got some GREAT news! A new restaurant is set to open in EPCOT this year called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. Let’s check in on the status of this new dining option. The Japan pavilion in EPCOT is home to lots of FUN Japanese experiences. There’s the HUGE Mitsukoshi department store, live entertainment, and several places to eat, like Teppan Edo! But soon, there will be even more to explore in the Japan pavilion. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is set to be a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya style.” ©Disney The menu will feature traditional Japanese foods like sushi and teppan items, and there will even be an open sushi bar and grill. Disney has also previously shared that you’ll be able to enjoy Japanese Izakaya, which is a type of casual pub-style restaurant that puts an emphasis on drinks and conversations with friends. Now that’s our kind of restaurant! ©Disney While we still don’t know exactly what will be on the menu, we do know that the restaurant will celebrate a variety of Japan’s seasonal festivals, and each month will bring a new celebration to diners’ tables while a cultural representative guides them through the experience. Click here to learn more about Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya As we wait for an exact opening date (and a full menu), we’ve been keeping an eye on the construction progress in EPCOT. We previously noticed that the Tokyo Dining sign was replaced with a new sign for Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, proving that Tokyo Dining is being replaced with a new restaurant. We saw a new Shiki-Sai sign outside! Surprise! During our most recent visit to EPCOT, we noticed a new sign for Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. Side note: does anyone think it’s hilarious to see those tiny little plants “blocking” the new entrance? Nothing to see here, folks! Just a few innocent plants standing around… Look what we found! The entrance is walled off with a black cover, so we can’t see what kind of construction is happening inside. We’ll have to wait and see what it looks like when the restaurant opens! It’s still covered for now Here’s a better look at the sign. Is anyone else suddenly hungry for sushi?! Check out the new sign! We can’t wait for this new restaurant to open! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. 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! Have you ever dined in the Japan pavilion? Let us know in the comments! The post First Look at NEW EPCOT Restaurant Sign! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re only about two weeks away from the start of the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, and things are starting get kicked into high gear. 2022 Festival Brochure Throughout the festival, EPCOT visitors can grab a variety of flavors from around the world from the festival booths located throughout the park. There is usually a LOT of food, but some Disney fans just use the eats to fuel up for Disney World’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend — a food-themed race that is held each year during the Food & Wine Festival. The weekend entails a series of themed races: a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon race, and even a 19.3-mile Two Course Challenge. One of the BEST parts about completing these races is the bling that you get at the end. If you’re running this year’s races, or you’re just a runDisney fanatic, you’re gonna want to keep reading! Disney just shared a look at the 2023 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend medals, and we think a few of you Disney fans are going to love them. Let’s check it out! First up, the 5k is Alice in Wonderland-themed. Check out this 5k medal! ©Disney The lanyard is yellow and the medal itself looks like the white rabbit’s watch. You can see Cheshire Cat, the Hatter, and Alice pictured on the medal. As for the 10k, it’s Beauty and the Beast-themed! Check it out! ©Disney The lanyard here is also yellow and the medal itself features a rose and sparkle pattern around the edges, with characters like Cogsworth, Lumiere, Chip, and Mrs. Potts featured. Alrighty, it’s time for the Half Marathon medal! If you signed up to run 13.1 miles, then this medal could soon be yours. It’s Encanto-themed! ©Disney The lanyard is blue and features Mirabel and Bruno against an orange and yellow background. We’re getting major Casita vibes. Last but most certainly not least, the Two Course Challenge medal features none other than Figment. ©Disney To get this medal, you’ll just have to ‘Journey Into Imagination’ (or leg cramps) and run both the Half Marathon and 10k races. What do you think? If you’re running any of these races, did seeing the medal help you set your eyes on the prize? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news and updates — runDisney news included! Make sure to follow along for more! Looking for more upcoming runDisney races? 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 Which of these medals is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK at 2023 runDisney Wine and Dine Race Medals first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

National Ice Cream Day is on July 16 and we’re celebrating by sharing 7 incredible ice cream spots with hand-scooped ice cream, sundaes, and soft-serve ice cream at Walt Disney World, including a new treat to try this summer! View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to criticism, but recently CEO Bob Iger participated in an interview on CNBC with David Faber to address a variety of recent topics that have been making headlines. Magic Kingdom During the interview on July 13th, Iger commented on The Walt Disney Company’s plans for the future and addressed some recent news, including the fact that Bob Iger is set to remain CEO through 2026. Here’s what Bob Iger had to say. The CNBC interview covered a wide range of topics, including the conversation around Disney World’s park attendance, the fate of Disney’s linear networks, and more. Iger was then asked directly about the ongoing political conflict with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Iger provided a comment. Background The political conflict started after Disney responded to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill (what critics refer to as “Don’t Say Gay”). DeSantis then criticized Disney’s response, and soon the conflict turned to the courts when both Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board filed lawsuits against one another. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream The political conflict has resulted in several major changes. One of the biggest changes was the removal of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was replaced with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. In short, the District oversees matters in the counties that Walt Disney World is located in and has the ability to vote on and enact changes that may impact Disney World. Click here to learn more about the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Iger’s Response to Recent Claims One of the current accusations made against Disney comes from both Ron DeSantis and others. Some believe that Disney has a “woke agenda” and accuse the company of “sexualizing children.” In Iger’s recent interview with David Faber, Disney laid out a response. Disney vs. DeSantis Faber pointed out a specific quote from DeSantis, which read, “We put the Company on a pedestal, but they’ve really embraced the idea of getting these sexualized content in the program line that I’m not willing to cross.” ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website Iger said that so far, Disney has publicly stated that it is “concerned that [DeSantis] has decided to retaliate against the company for a position the company took on pending legislation in that state.” ©Disney He then added that “the company was within its right…to speak up on an issue constitutionally protected right of free speech, and to retaliate against the company in a way that would be harmful to the business was not something that we could sit back and tolerate.” Bob Chapek and Bob Iger ©CNBC Iger also mentioned that he was not sure “the situation was handled very well” but went on to defend the company’s decision to file a lawsuit. Iger said, “And so, we have filed a lawsuit to protect our First Amendment rights there and to protect our business frankly.” Magic Kingdom In reference to Faber’s remarks about the political conflict, Iger noted, “The last thing that I want for the company is for the company to be drawn into any culture wars.” Faber then asserted that Iger can’t be happy when there are “literally Nazis standing outside at the front gates of the park,” which is likely in reference to headlines that there were people holding Nazi flags outside Walt Disney World, along with a sign featuring Ron DeSantis. Disney World Iger responded by saying, in part, “That was horrifying, quite frankly.” He added, “Our goal is to continue to tell wonderful stories and have a positive, positive impact on the world.” Magic Kingdom Finally, Iger addressed the claim that Disney is sexualizing children. He said, “The notion that Disney is in any way sexualizing children, quite frankly, is preposterous and inaccurate.” ©Reuters | Disney CEO Bob Iger Disney hopes to be “mindful of the environment” and “sensitive to the interest and the needs of the great audiences” that the brand hopes to attract. EPCOT Of course, following the interview, the conflict between DeSantis and Disney is far from over. The federal lawsuit filed by Disney is pending, as is the state lawsuit filed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. In the meantime, there are steps being taken within the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District that may impact Disney. We will have to wait and see what happens next, and we will continue to share the latest updates. Stay tuned for more Disney news. “It’s Very Disturbing To Me” — Disney CEO Bob Iger Comments on Potential Actors Strike Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Bob Iger Responds to Accusations that Disney Sexualizes Children first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The cat’s out of the bag — we can’t hold onto these Disney World tips any longer and keep y’all in the dark. Haunted Mansion in Disney World We’re exposing the SECRET Disney tricks no one will tell you about (EXCEPT for us) today, here on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Disney World Tips NO ONE Will Tell You (But We Will) 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! 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 How crowded was Disney World on your last visit? Tell us in the comments below. The post DFB Video: Disney World Tips NO ONE Will Tell You (But We Will) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Summer 2023 has been a BIG season for movie releases! ©Disney The live-action The Little Mermaid kicked off a season filled with additions from the Fast & the Furious and Transformers franchises, as well as another film from Pixar. To round out the summer, we’ll get the highly-anticipated Barbie movie from Greta Gerwig and Disney’s new film Haunted Mansion. And if you’re really excited about that last one, we’ve got some news for you! Disneyland Resort is set to host the Haunted Mansion premiere on July 15th, but will the possible actors’ strike affect those plans? Currently, there is potential for a SAG-AFTRA strike, but the decision has not yet been made. A strike was recommended after the deadline for union negotiations passed (it ended at 11:59PM on July 12th) and no deal had been reached. ©Disney Variety reports that Disney still plans to host the premiere, whether or not a strike is called. If a strike is called, the cast of the movie (including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, Daniel Levy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Hasan Minhaj, Marilu Henner, and Lindsay Lamb) would not be able to attend. It’s not yet clear if director Justin Simien, producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, executive producers Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman, and composer Kris Bowers would attend and participate in traditional Q&A and a walk on the red carpet. ©Disney The union is meeting on Thursday, July 13th to make the decision about a strike, and a press conference is scheduled for 12PM PT. We expect to learn more information at that point. The premiere is set to take place at Disney California Adventure at the Hyperion Theater. With or without a strike, the studio is expecting about 2000 guests, including fans in costumes. There is supposed to be a pre-reception with food and drinks. Rogers The Musical at the Hyperion Theater We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any major changes for this premiere and any details about the possible actors’ strike and how it could affect film productions and events this summer. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest! Want a Sneak Peek at the Haunted Mansion Movie? 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 Are you planning on seeing the new film in theaters? Tell us in the comments! The post Could Disney CANCEL the ‘Haunted Mansion’ Movie Premiere Due to an Actor Strike? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who is ready for spooky season?! We know we are! Mickey pumpkin time! And we’re not the only ones, either. We’ve already celebrated being Halfway to Halloween in Disney World with some treats and merch, and you know Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be here before we know it. Home Depot is also getting in on the spooky spirit with new decorations! Get ready to get spooky with Home Depot! The home improvement store sells more than just plywood and light fixtures — it’s also a great place to get some killer Disney holiday decor — and with Halloween right around the corner, we’re stoked to see what will be available. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the 13 ft. Giant-Sized Animated Jack Skellington ©Home Depot Okay, so we NEED this 13-foot Jack Skellington because it actually moves! Its head and mouth move to make it look REAL as it sings and dances. Yes, please! View at Home Depot Get the 6.5 ft. LED Jack Skellington on Coffin Sleigh Inflatable ©Home Depot Need even MORE Jack Skellington in your life? Of course, you do! This inflatable has a light-up Jack riding on his coffin sleigh. View at Home Depot Buy the 3.5 ft. LED Jack Skellington with Orange Suit Inflatable ©Home Depot But wait, there’s even MORE Jack you can add to your yard. There’s also this light-up Jack in his orange suit. How perfectly spookily stylish. View at Home Depot Buy the 5 ft. LED Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters with Spell Book Inflatable ©Home Depot Your house can run amuck, amuck, amuck with this fun inflatable featuring the Sanderson Sisters in all their witchy glory with BOOOOOK. View at Home Depot Get the 13.5 ft. LED Oogie Boogie Archway Inflatable ©Home Depot Well, well, well, what have we here? It’s Oogie Boogie as an arch to bring a bit of spookiness to your Halloween display. He even lights up! View at Home Depot Buy the 3.5 ft. LED Minnie in Halloween Print Dress Inflatable ©Home Depot Minnie is looking bewitching in her Halloween outfit in this light-up inflatable. She’s ready to complete your Halloween yard decor. View at Home Depot 7 ft. LED Animated Ursula with Eels Inflatable ©Home Depot All those Poor Unfortunate Souls won’t be able to resist this Ursula inflatable that even comes with Flotsam and Jetsam. Just don’t sign a contract with her (trust us on this). View at Home Depot We can’t wait to see what other haunted home decor Home Depot comes out with for Halloween, and you know we’ll be looking out for Christmas and Hanukkah decorations later in the year too. We’ll be keeping up with all the Disney Halloween news you need to know, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Disney Halloween Loungefly Bags Are 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 How are you celebrating Halloween this year? Tell us in the comments. The post STOP Everything! The ONLY Halloween Decor You Need Is Now Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We talk quite a bit about Resort Hopping here on DFB… but today, we’re talking about “Resort Shopping!” Choosing which Disney World Resort hotel to stay at during your Walt Disney World vacation is one of the most fun parts of planning! That said… Disney’s BoardWalk Inn …it can simultaneously be one of the most overwhelming factors when you’re dealing with such a wide array of options. To that end, we’re hoping to help you out by doing a little of the comparison work for you. Today, we’re talking about TWO Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Beach Club Resort versus Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! We’re tackling this topic by breaking things down into a few chosen categories: Common Ground, Theme, Pools, Food, and Transportation. Let’s go! Common Ground So, what do Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn share in common? For starters, they both fall into the highest category of Disney Resort hotels. Categories are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, and both of these are Deluxe Resorts, so room sizes and guest perks are fairly comparable. (For instance, both are eligible for Extended Evening Hours held at select theme parks on select nights, as this perk is exclusive to Deluxe Resort guests.) Disney’s Beach Club Resort AND, as it just so happens, they are also both Deluxe Villa Resorts! The Disney Vacation Club Villas that each offers may be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. Both BoardWalk Inn and Beach Club Resort share an incredibly cool perk: they are both within walking distance of EPCOT! And therefore… they’re also both within walking distance of each other ;). International Gateway in EPCOT’s World Showcase So, no matter which you choose, you’ve got easy access to all of the restaurants at both hotels! And we’ll dive a little deeper into the transportations options that these Resorts share underneath that topic below. Prices for both of these Resorts are, as you might anticipate, in a similar range: For the Beach Club, for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.) For the BoardWalk Inn, for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates.) Disney’s BoardWalk Inn One more thing these Resorts share in common, as you’ve likely already surmised by their names , is that both BoardWalk Inn and the Beach Club play upon similar coastal beach themes. But the way they do that is where the differences begin… Theme/Rooms Disney’s Beach Club Resort Seaside New England serves as the inspiration for Disney’s Beach Club Resort! Disney’s Beach Club The Beach Club is the sister to Disney’s Yacht Club. However, the Beach Club distinguishes itself with its more laid-back and breezy beach vibe. Disney’s Beach Club That light and airy feel extends, of course, to the guest rooms throughout the hotel. Disney’s Beach Club Room — A refurbished Club Level Room in June 2023 Disney’s Beach Club features standard guest rooms with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as Club Level Rooms (up to a Presidential Suite which sleeps up to 7 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Resort View, a Water View, or a Deluxe Room. Beach Club Villas Beach Club Villas have villa-type accommodations with studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to eight) layouts. (Be aware, though, that Villas are currently being refreshed with a planned completion estimated for late 2023.) Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas transports visitors back to the turn-of-the-century with a whimsical East Coast-style boardwalk atmosphere. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Much like a classic boardwalk experience, entertainment and eateries ABOUND at this Deluxe Resort! Disney’s Boardwalk Inn The BoardWalk does a terrific job balancing the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s BoardWalk Inn features standard guest rooms with either 1 King Bed or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed OR 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed, as well as Club Level Rooms (up to a 2 Bedroom Suite which sleeps up to 9 adults). For standard rooms, guests may choose a Standard View, a Resort View, or a Water View. BoardWalk Villas offers studio (sleep up to five), 1-bedroom (sleep up to four), and 2-bedroom (sleep up to nine), and 3-bedroom (sleep up to 12) layouts. Results More than perhaps any other category, this one comes down purely to preference. If you’re looking for more Disney whimsy, the BoardWalk Inn fits that vibe best. If you’re looking for a bright and clear yet classic feel, the Beach Club may deliver more of what you’re looking for. Pools Beach Club Resort Oh, boy… pools are a GREAT topic when it comes to the Beach Club, thanks to Stormalong Bay! This 3-acre water recreation area is available exclusively to both Yacht and Beach Club guests. Stormalong Bay Seriously, Stormalong Bay is a destination all its own. This pool complex is practically its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom, a lazy river, 3 whirlpool spas, and a tanning deck! Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Kiddos (and adults) can take on the 230-footlong ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while Shipwreck pool with its own mini waterslide is available just for the little ones. Stormalong Bay Water Slide Oh, and guests who prefer a little more quiet can take advantage of any of the 3 additional leisure pools. BoardWalk Inn The primary pool at the BoardWalk Inn is the Luna Park Pool. This huge pool holds nearly 185,000 gallons of water! Luna Park Pool The Luna Park pool boasts a 200-foot long slide known as the Keister Coaster! The Keister Coaster! A whirlpool spa and kiddie pool complete the offerings of this water play area. And two leisure pools are available offering calm and relaxing respites. Results As much as I love the Keister Coaster, a solid WIN goes to the Beach Club for Stormalong Bay in this category. In fact, not only does Stormalong Bay win this competition against BoardWalk Inn… it pretty much beats out EVERY SINGLE Disney World Resort for the BEST hotel pool of all! Food Beach Club Dining Guests at The Beach Club have an array of dining options to enjoy, from Disney Character Dining to Quick Service restaurants to a relaxing lounge, and beyond! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe Cape May Cafe features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks. Cape May Cafe plate from the Dinner Buffet Though Disney characters are not present during Dinner, the evening buffet meal serves up something unique, too, as all-you-can-eat surf-and-turf gets the spotlight with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy! Ah, Beaches and Cream… THIS is the place to go for classic diner eats and GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World! The Famous KITCHEN SINK at Beaches and Cream! Tucked between the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox. And it’s possibly best known for being home to the famous Kitchen Sink: an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house! Beach Club Marketplace is the quick service location AND gift shop at the Beach Club. Beach Club Marketplace Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Beach Club Marketplace has a limited menu of hot meals along with some stellar grab-and-go and pastry options. Martha’s Vineyard is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours. Martha’s Vineyard Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. The cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill is the Pool Bar for Stormalong Bay! CHEERS from Hurricane Hanna’s! Thankfully a few substantial entrees (like burgers and chicken nuggets) are on the menu along with the drinks, because you won’t want to leave this amazing pool area! And remember, all of the restaurants at the Yacht Club Resort are easily accessible to Beach Club guests! These include: Yachtsman Steakhouse (Signature Dining) Ale & Compass Restaurant (Casual Table Service) The Market at Ale & Compass (Quick Service) Ale & Compass Lounge Crew’s Cup Lounge BoardWalk Inn What could beat all the options you see above? Well, let’s take a look at the whopping array of restaurants along Disney’s BoardWalk (along with those tucked inside the Resort)! Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) Flying Fish The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare. Trattoria al Forno features regional Italian specialties with classic preparations. Charcuterie Board at Trattoria al Forno Many ingredients are crafted in-house, including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines. A lovely a la carte breakfast is also served; however, we are hoping that the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast (a character meal featuring Disney couples such as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and Ariel with Prince Eric) makes its return soon. Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The Brewery Nachos with Chicken at Big River Grille The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views. The BoardWalk Deli serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels, an “overstuffed warm pastrami Reuben” or a hand-piped cannoli. Italian Sub Sandwich at BoardWalk Deli In Disney’s words, the menu takes us on “a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore,” and you can check it out here. According to the story of AbracadaBar, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Magic Mirror at AbracadaBar Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge! The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find.” Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has lovely hidden touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Belle Vue Lounge Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks, or even to take a quick snooze in a comfy chair to recharge in late afternoon. (Not that I’ve done that or anything…) Craving a cool treat? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. BoardWalk Ice Cream The treats here are inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop that we mentioned earlier, but they are served in portable portions. BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! Boardwalk Joe’s A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer. Stop by the Pizza Window for a piping hot pizza pie! BoardWalk Pizza Window They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or bring your pizza feast back to your room and relax. Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations! Out by the Luna Park Pool, you’ll find this poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Leaping Horse Libations Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu. You can find Carousel Coffee inside the BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Carousel Coffee Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). Jellyrolls So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey or Elton John song to request! There is a cover charge of $18.00 to enter. Jellyrolls is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat! Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! Atlantic Dance Hall You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM. More to Come along the BoardWalk… We’re not done yet! The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk this year! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! Cake Bake Shop in Indianapolis Disney notes that the new eatery will present a “whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.” And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case! And there’s STILL one more new spot on the way to the BoardWalk later this year… Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs! ©Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs currently serves Hand-dipped Corn Dogs and other unique Corn Dog creations over in Disneyland at the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs kiosk in Downtown Disney. And let me tell you… these are NOT you average Corn Dogs. A few that we’ve tried at the Downtown Disney location are the Mexican Street Corn Dog, a Christmas Corn Dog, and even a Golden Dragon Corn Dog! Results We’re giving this round to the BoardWalk Inn. With so many eateries, it’s a true dining destination where even the simplest of snack are far above par. But here’s the great thing: no matter whether you choose BoardWalk Inn or Beach Club, you have incredibly easy access to ALL of the dining options for both Resorts… PLUS those at the Yacht Club, too! Considering these options are all steps away from EPCOT and its own fantastic food, it’s an embarrassment of riches in the EPCOT Resort area when it comes to dining. Transportation SPOILER ALERT! Being just steps away from each other, the Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn share the same free Disney World Resort transportation options. And fortunately, the transportation perks at these EPCOT area Resorts are pretty great! A very rare perk is that, from both the Beach Club and BoardWalk Inn, guests have a very short walk to get to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance (between the park’s United Kingdom and France pavilions). International Gateway Sign Folks can also walk to the connected Yacht Club Resort and to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels. The International Gateway also hosts EPCOT’S Disney Skyliner Station. From EPCOT, the Skyliner has a stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort and continues directly to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (which serves as the Skyliner Hub). EPCOT Disney Skyliner Station From Caribbean Beach, it’s a simple transfer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (or to Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts). Guests at both Resorts can also walk along Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; however, due to the longer distance to Hollywood Studios, other forms of transportation to Hollywood Studios are provided. For instance, you can take a Friendship Boat down Crescent Lake to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Friendship Boat docked at the BoardWalk The Friendship Boat also makes stops at EPCOT and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels. And, of course, there is complimentary access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and Disney Springs. Results No surprise here that this category is a DRAW! The Winner! “Aaaand the winner is”... whichever Resort YOU think it is for your group’s needs and desires. We do want to give a special nod to the spectacular Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club; and if soaking up rays and splashing around your Resort’s pool is a major vacation goal for you… well, that could certainly be the clincher. On the other hand, if you are more drawn to immersive Disney theming, the BoardWalk Inn, with its charm and sense of fun, might be the better fit for you. The lovely thing about the EPCOT Resorts in particular is that you can easily soak up the atmosphere of all of them simply by taking a stroll around the area! When you include the Yacht Club in the mix, it’s practically a three-fer! Still, have a Resort decision to make? If you’d like to check out some more Resort comparisons, feel free to click on any of the links below: Contemporary vs. Yacht Club Resort Guide Grand Floridian vs. Wilderness Lodge Resort Guide Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide Saratoga Springs vs. Coronado Springs Resort Guide Wilderness Lodge vs. Riviera Resort Guide Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs Resort Guide Art of Animation vs. Pop Century Resort Guide Coronado Springs vs. Port Orleans Resort Guide Caribbean Beach vs. Coronado Springs Resort Guide  Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe The post Beach Club vs. BoardWalk Inn Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all fellow foodies! It’s one of my favorite times of the year again: National Culinary Arts Month! Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re celebrating by recognizing our talented culinary cast members who work together to create unique, next-level dining experiences all year long. From unique flavor profiles to visually satisfying platings, our culinary […]View the full article