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It’s shaping up to be a BIG year for Disney in plenty of ways. Magic Kingdom Not only are exciting new experiences coming to the parks, but this summer is stacked with a ton of new movie and show premieres. From Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 to The Little Mermaid and more, it’s a great time to be a Disney fan. And, Disney celebrities are dishing about it all on the latest episode of the D23 podcast! Did you know Disney’s Official Fan Club has a podcast?! That’s right — D23 Inside Disney is full of all sorts of juicy info that any die-hard Disney fan can’t get enough of. The latest episode was just released, and hosts Jeffrey R. Epstein, Sheri Henry, and Courtnee Collier are joined by a seriously star-studded group of Disney celebs. ©D23 This will also be the final episode of D23 Inside Disney for Jeffrey R. Epstein, who achieved the role of Vice President of Corporate Communications at Disney. Epstein also eventually became a spokesperson for the Official D23 Disney Fan Club. He announced that he was affected by the recent layoffs at Disney on the March 30th episode of D23 Inside Disney. ©Disney Heidi Blickenstaff, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, Jason George, Bret Iwan, and Ming-Na Wen all share inside stories and give a little insight into what it’s like behind the scenes when you’re on the set of a Disney production. Not only that, but the hosts talk Disney Dining Plan, park pass reservation changes, plus updates that are coming to Disney Cruise Line soon. It’s a great way to get caught up on all the latest Disney happenings you might have missed (but we’ve got all that right here on DFB too!) so take a listen if you have the chance! ©Ashley Eckstein’s Instagram You can see the official episode description below: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 had an extraordinary opening weekend, The Lion King celebrated a milestone performance on Broadway, more D23 Member events announced for 2023, Disney dining plan and Parks reservation updates announced for Walt Disney World Resort, experiences inspired by Encanto and Soul have arrived onboard the Disney Magic, Pupstruction is coming in June, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings will have its broadcast debut, the new season of Dancing with the Stars will simulcast on both Disney+ and ABC, and a premiere date has been announced for Hulu’s Drag Me to Dinner. Plus, a cavalcade of Disney stars—Heidi Blickenstaff, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Eckstein, Jason George, Bret Iwan, and Ming-Na Wen—come together this week to share behind-the-scenes Disney stories, who screams on coasters, and a possible… collaboration? Click Here To Listen to the Podcast We’re always on the hunt for exciting behind-the-scenes details from Disney, and you know we’ll be bringing you the latest Disney news — so stay tuned to DFB for more! Check Out All the HUGE Disney News That Just Dropped Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What did you think of this episode? Tell us in the comments. The post Jeffrey R. Epstein, Host of the D23 Inside Disney Podcast and More, Signs Off One Last Time first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

In the market for a new house? Things are looking pretty dismal on the housing market, but not as dismal as accidentally buying a haunted house! ©Disney That seems to be a problem for the lead characters in Disney’s new adaptation of The Haunted Mansion, which will be premiering on July 28th, 2023. We’ve had a few inside peeks at what we can expect from the film, but now we’ve got a first look at what one of the most iconic characters from the ride will look like! Disney’s newest Haunted Mansion movie will follow a doctor and her son as they look to start a new life. The pair moves into a mansion in New Orleans but quickly discovers that the place is not quite what it seems. Stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, and Jared Leto will play a role in the film. Haunted Mansion in Disney World Jamie Lee Curtis has signed on to play the iconic role of Madame Leota, and we just got a new look at what the character will look like. We saw a tiny sneak peek of Curtis as Leota in a trailer released by Disney, but her classic disembodied head is what we’ve been waiting to see, and here it is! Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota in Disney’s HAUNTED MANSION. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. According to Entertainment Weekly, director Justin Simien “knew he had to be selective about which of the grim grinning ghosts he wanted to check in” for the new adaptation of the ride, and “he ultimately balanced the ride’s extensive lore with a fresh take on a classic property” by putting Jamie Lee Curtis’ head inside a crystal ball. Madame Leota Simien says Curtis’ take on Madame Leota is both “subversive” and “funny,” but has “the gravitas you’d expect” from the character. “She starts off as one of the relics, one of the items, one of the aspects of the house that has to be discovered, but becomes a functional character and a useful ally in the film,” he shared. But, the story surrounding Leota in this version is “entirely new,” though he did draw inspiration from the original Disneyland ride along with the backstory Walt Disney himself oversaw before passing. Via Vogue One thing’s for sure — we can’t wait to see Curtis’ take on Madame Leota, along with the rest of the cast of characters in this new film. We’ll be on the lookout for the latest Disney movie, theme park, and more news, so stay tuned to DFB! Check Out the ‘Haunted Mansion’ Trailer 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 excited for this movie? Let us know in the comments. The post NEW LOOK at Madame Leota in Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' Movie first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Brightline train — a near-high-speed rail system that will span much of south and central Florida with a stop at the Orlando International Airport. Brightline train It could usher in a whole new method of transportation for folks heading to Disney World, and we even got to check out a look inside the new airport station. And now, it looks like we’re one step closer to that station being open! Brightline is opening its Orlando International Airport train station later this year, and we’ve been keeping up with all the latest updates. Brightline expects the route from Orlando to Miami to open sometime later this year. The company also expects to have a $6.4 billion economic impact on Florida’s economy over the next eight years and to create 2000 new jobs following construction. Brightline Orlando Train Station As of now, Brightline hasn’t shared an official opening date, but signs point to the service being one step closer to opening. According to WESH, the company is looking to fill over 170 job positions at the station before it opens. Positions include onboard train attendants, and Brightline will be meeting with candidates at the Annual Orlando Mayor’s Job Fair on May 17th from 12PM to 4PM. On May 18th, candidates can head to the Embassy Suites Hilton on International Drive from 10AM to 2PM for more information. ©Brightline Much of the train’s business is expected to come from the business community, as that’s what they’ve seen in South Florida. As of now, they have “identified 150 companies with a 20,000-employee population that have a need to commute between South Florida and Central Florida.” The trains are expected to carry around 3 million passengers per year, with that number increasing as more trains are added. Ultimately, the system will carry 6 to 7 million passengers per year. ©Brightline The new station is 37,350 square feet and features two train platforms, each as long as the Eiffel Tower. Brightline will screen all passengers and bags prior to boarding, so there’s an area for that as well. The station is also home to two different lounges. ©Brightline via The Orlando Sentinel We’re looking forward to one more transportation option to be offered near Disney World, and will be keeping an eye out for the latest updates. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! Take a Look INSIDE the Orlando Airport Brightline Train Station Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be taking the train when it opens? Tell us in the comments. The post The Orlando Airport Train Station Could Be Opening SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Welcome back to EPCOT, everyone! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Currently, something strange is going on with a popular EPCOT ride and an opening timeline has been announced for a new EPCOT restaurant. However, that’s not all that’s happening in the park — come with us to see what’s new! EPCOT Food Updates World Discovery Popcorn Stand This popcorn stand by Mission: Space has reopened with a new look after its refurbishment! Newly refurbished popcorn stand! Connections Cafe We also tried some new Perfect Sovereign Waffle Bites for only $4.19. Yummy A tasty snack for under $5 in Disney World? Count us in. Read our full review of this treat here. Refreshment Outpost You can grab Barq’s Red Cream Soda as part of an ice cream float, but it can also be ordered by itself! It’s $4.50 for a regular. Barq’s Red Cream Soda La Cava del Tequila We also spotted a Secret Margarita for $19. Secret Marg?! This is a classic margarita with a red additive for coloring served in a pouch and with a glow cube. EPCOT Construction Updates Morocco We noticed the area near Tangerine Cafe has been hedged off. new hedging World Showcase Lagoon Equipment is also out in World Showcase Lagoon, likely for barge removal (those two barges left just won’t go away!). Bye-bye, barges! Refreshment Station We’re so excited to see that Refreshment Station looks to be very close to finished with its refurbishment! Refreshment Station Here’s a look at the front! Fancy! Disney hasn’t said when this snack spot could reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. UK Pavilion The UK pavilion has new hedges and scaffolding near the gardens and the back side of the Toy Soldier Store. New hedges and scaffolding Other than that, the rest of EPCOT’s construction is coming along well! EPCOT Attraction Updates We found a Sunglass Hut pop-up shop in the American Adventure Pavilion! Sunglass Hut pop up shop! The Japan Pavilion also celebrated Children’s Day this past week. Children’s Day celebration EPCOT Merchandise Updates Port of Entry We found a Minnie Mouse Outdoor Voices Sports Top for $78… Outdoor Voices collection …a Goofy Outdoor Voices Sports Top for $78… Outdoor Voices collection …Goofy Outdoor Voices Leggings for $148… Outdoor Voices collection …Minnie Mouse Outdoor Voices Leggings for $148… Outdoor Voices collection …a Minnie Mouse All Over Print Outdoor Voices Dress for $118… Outdoor Voices collection …a Goofy Highlighter Outdoor Voices Sports Top for $78… Outdoor Voices collection …Goofy Highlighter Outdoor Voices Leggings for $98… Outdoor Voices collection …Goofy Shorts for $78… Outdoor Voices collection …Mickey Mouse Outdoor Voices Leggings for $98… Outdoor Voices collection …a Mickey Mouse Outdoor Voices Sports Top for $78… Outdoor Voices collection …a Goofy Allover Print Outdoor Voices Dress for $118… Outdoor Voices collection …and a Goofy Allover Perk Button-Up Shirt for $98. Outdoor Voices collection Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay Here we found an Ewok in Stormtrooper Helmet Plush for $22.99. Ewok! And we found more from the Jeff Granito Star Wars Collection! You can now grab a Bowl for $34.99… bowl …Coasters for $29.99… coasters …a Set of 4 Plates for $49.99… set of 4 plates …and a Tiki Mug for $24.99. tiki mug We also spotted the prettiest rock we’ve ever seen for only $5.99! Pretty! Creations Shop We spotted a new Mandalorian Mug for $27.99… Mando mug …and a Mandalorian Youth Shirt for $21.99. Mando shirt! There’s also a whole new collection to see! We found the Star Wars Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Hoodie for $64.99… 40th anniversary merch …the Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Shirt for $36.99… Jabba the Hut …the Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Mug for $16.99… Disney mugs for life …the Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Poncho for $79.99… This is neat …a Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Phone Case for $34.99… I am…your phone case …a Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Tickets Phone Case for $34.99… Tickets, please! …a Star Wars Villains Phone Case for $34.99… Villains case …a Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Darth Vader Phone Case for $34.99… Darth Vader …a Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Ticket Headphone Case for $19.99… Ticket Headphone case …a Star Wars Return of the Jedi Watch Band for $36.99… Return of the Jedi …a Return of the Jedi 40th Anniversary Ticket Watch Band for $36.99… another watch band …and a Star Wars Darth Vader Watch Band for $36.99! Darth Vader band We also spotted a pair of Stitch Baublebar Earrings for $55… oh cute! …and a Stitch Baublebar Bracelet for $55. matching bracelet And there’s even more Star Wars merchandise with the Star Wars Young Jedi Characters Youth Shirt for $26.99… The Young Jedi …the Star Wars Young Jedi Nubs Youth Shirt for $26.99… Nubs shirt …and the Star Wars Young Jedi Youth Tumbler with Straw for $16.99. Young Jedi tumbler We also spotted an Oh Happy Day WDW Shirt for $29.99. Oh Happy Day! As well as a Donald Water Game for $19.99. Donald Duck Water Game Camera Center At the Camera Center, we found an Avatar MagicBand+ for $44.99! Avatar Magicband+ Art of Disney You can also grab the Mickey D100 Shadowbox for $1,500… Mickey! …or the Donald D100 Shadowbox for $1,500. Donald Duck! Gateway Gifts We also found a new Mickey Water Bottle for $29.99… Mickey Water Bottle …a Pride Mickey Plush for $29.99… Pride Mickey Mouse Plush …and a Stitch Hat for $24.99. Stitch hat Test Track There’s a New Orange Fanta bottle Claiming “Now More Delicious” for $4.69. Is it more delicious? There’s also a whole new Route 66 Collection! You can grab the Hoodie for $59.99… hoodie …the Shirt for $29.99… shirt …a Black Hat for $29.99… hat …a Yellow Hat for $29.99… ballcap …a Tumbler for $27.99… tumbler …a Throw for $39.99… throw blanket …and a Tank Top for $29.99. tank top Northwest Mercantile We found a Tree Hugger Tank for $29.99… tree hugger tank …a Tree Hugger Mug for $16.99… tree hugger mug …a Tree Hugger Sleep Shirt for $34.99… tree hugger shirt …and a Bearly Sleeping Sleep Shirt for $34.99. sleepwear Tea Caddy We found some new Lapsang Souchong Twinings Tea as well! new flavors! You can “dare to try one of the world’s oldest and most distinctive black teas” for $6.99 each or $6 each when you buy 4. La Gemma Elegante We also spotted a “Vintage” Disney Mickey x Gucci Full-Sized Backpack for a whopping $2,650! shew, check out this backpack! Here’s a look at the back. backside House of Good Fortune There are some interesting new offerings here! You can grab “Salt and Pepper Peeps” Flavored Lay’s, which are a Limited Edition Spring Flavor for $5.50… Salt and Pepper Peeps …Peach Oreos… Peach Oreos …and Birthday Cake Oreos for $6.95 each… Birthday Cake Oreos …Lays Steak Chips for $4.50… steak flavor …and Lays Rib Chips for $4.50. ribs flavor Sportsman’s Shoppe There’s a new A Cities of UK Collection as well! You can grab Manchester… Manchester …London… London …Edinburgh… Edinburgh …and Liverpool for $34.99 each. Liverpool We also spotted a London Mug for $19.99… London mug …and a London Hat for $29.99. London hat Mitsukoshi We found a Pikachu Onesie for $99.95… so cute …and a Six Piece Ninja Suit for $69.95. Insta-ninja Karamell-Küche Lastly, you can grab some Werther’s Blissful Bites in Crunchy Malt… Crunchy Malt …and Blueberry Açaí Varieties for $8.99 each. Blueberry Acai And that’s all that’s new in EPCOT! There’s always lots going on in this park and around all of Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Here’s why the new EPCOT restaurant will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation? EPCOT’s Three New Neighborhoods Have Debuted – Learn More Here See Our Full Review of One of EPCOT’s Newest Restaurants – Connections Eatery Get a Full Tour Inside EPCOT’s New Starbucks Location – Connections Cafe See All the Details You Need to Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster, Now Open in World Discovery NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT Go Inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure With Us Check Out All of the Tasty Details About La Crêperie de Paris See Our Full Reviews of Space 220, Which Has Officially OPENED in EPCOT Check Out Spaceship Earth’s Permanent New Nighttime Look Learn More About EPCOT’s New Nighttime Spectacular -- Harmonious See Full Details About the New PLAY! Pavilion Coming to EPCOT Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana, Coming to World Nature The Mary Poppins Attraction is on Hold – Learn More Here What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest EPCOT transformation news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite way to spend an EPCOT day? Tell us in the comments! The post What's New at EPCOT: A ,650 Bag 😳 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s be real here, when DOESN’T a cruise around the Carribean sound like a good idea? If your dream vacation this year doesn’t look like this, you’re not alone! If a tropical escape is on your Bingo card for this year, then you’re in luck because a Caribbean cruise is just what you need! We’re here to provide you all the information you need to decide on the best time of year for your cruise. So, when is the BEST time to cruise Caribbean? Well, there isn’t exactly a short answer. It truly depends on what you’re hoping to experience, as well as the cruise line you’d like. For example, you’ll need to assess available dates for each cruise line, to determine which works best for your schedule and travel party. Further, the activities and excursions you’ll choose from will depend on the season, the crowds, and even the weather in the Caribbean. So… who’s ready to plan a Caribbean cruise? Here are the best times to do it! January/February Because most kids are back in school after the Winter Break, and pretty much everyone has settled back into their post-Holiday work rhythm, these can be some of the most affordable months to cruise. The Disney Wish Because this is the Caribbean and is situated near the equator, you’ll still find mild temperatures during these months with the coolest islands being Bermuda, with temperatures around 69 degrees Fahrenheit and the Cayman Islands topping out at 87 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can pack away those bulky holiday sweaters and slip on your bathing suit! Disney Wish pool This is also the beginning of the dry season, so you won’t have to worry about rain showers interfering with your pool lounging or your shore excursions. This is also when you may experience some island festivals. Carnival, like Mardi Gras, is celebrated across many islands during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, which, depending on the year, could fall in either February or March. March/April The weather is consistently warm across all of the islands, usually staying solidly in the mid-80s. The water temperature is around 75 degrees, so perfect for snorkeling and just enjoying those pristine waters. Mickey and Goofy are ready for a swim! But this is where we’ll warn you about those Spring Break crowds (and the price tags that go along with those extra cruisers). You’ll see the Disney Cruise ships fill up with families while kids are on Spring Break. And during shore excursions, you may experience some extra rowdy crowds as College Spring Breakers head south for tropical vibes and to blow off some academic steam. May/June This may just be the Caribbean cruisin’ sweet spot. It’s less crowded than many other months as different school systems around the world are may still be in session, or are wrapping up and those final examinations receive most of the focus of families and academics. These two months are the calm before the “summer crowd storm,” so to speak. Relax on a beach! June is the official start of hurricane season, but it is rare that a major hurricane forms this early into the season. Colleges and other schools start to let out beginning in May, so you might find yourself on a graduation sailing. July/August You’re in the heat of summer cruising, both literally and figuratively! You’ll find temperatures at their highest, crowds at their peak, and the cruise prices rise to the occasion. Castaway Cay You’re also smack in the middle of hurricane season, so you’ll likely experience some rainfall during your cruise, and you’ll want to make sure to purchase that travel insurance in case hurricanes or tropical storms impact your cruise itinerary. September/October/November School is back in session, and most families are hunkering down and settling into their Fall rhythm and routine, so vacation cruises aren’t necessarily on the top of their “to do” list. Daisy, Minnie, and Clarabelle Cow as the Sanderson Sisters! This is the heart of hurricane season, so cruise lines tend to provide a bit of a discount on some cruises to entice guests to book a trip. September and October also provide some fun Halloween-themed cruises, which might provide even further incentive for a Fall cruise. But again, be sure to grab that travel insurance! December Holidays are a fun time to cruise! The ships and characters get festive, and what a fun way to celebrate a winter holiday than in shorts and bathing suits! ©Disney If you’re looking to save some money, you’ll want to cruise in the first two weeks of December. The closer your cruise dates get to Christmas or New Year, the more your wallet will feel it! If you do happen to be on a Caribbean cruise during these holidays, check out some of the local island celebrations. The Bahamian and Jamaican street parade, known as Junkanoo, is held on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day each year. ©Disney Now, you see why there isn’t exactly an easy answer as to when is the best time to cruise the Caribbean. It all depends on what you want to see and experience! With these tips and details, we hope you can find a cruise that allows you to have the Caribbean vacation of your dreams! Click here for more cruise advice! Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2022 You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S. This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you ever cruised to the Caribbean? Tell us about it in the comments below! The post When Is The Best Time To Cruise The Caribbean? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you missing that one special item that will really make your outfit pop? Cinderella Castle Maybe what you need is a themed, refillable popcorn bucket? They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found all over the parks at the various popcorn stands. We know, we know — the standard use is for carrying popcorn, but we think they can make for some fun and interesting statement pieces for your outfit since they usually come with a long carrying strap. We found that a special Disney100 popcorn bucket from Disneyland just made it to Disney World and we think it’ll make you feel like royalty! The Disney100 Premium Cinderella Popcorn Bucket has finally made its way to Walt Disney World! We previously saw this over in Disneyland and we’re so excited to see it at Magic Kingdom. Disney100 Premium Cinderella Coach Popcorn Bucket It features the Disney100 platinum overlay of the classic carriage. It’s retailing for $28, which is $2 cheaper than it was in Disneyland. Disney100 Premium Cinderella Coach Popcorn Bucket If you’re interested in picking one up, we’d recommend checking it out ASAP as they are very popular. The Cast Member we spoke to said that they were hoping to not sell out of the popcorn buckets today, but they weren’t expecting so many people to come out and want to buy one. It’s possible that these will sell out and we’ll have to wait for more shipments to arrive! Look at that queue for the Disney100 Premium Cinderella Coach Popcorn Bucket! We’ll keep you updated on all the latest Disney100 news, so stay tuned here at DFB! Click here for more Disney100 merch! Learn More About Disney 100 Years of Wonder – The 100th Anniversary Celebration! When Disney’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Actually Starts Is the 100th Anniversary Coming to Disney World? A NEW 100th Anniversary Disney Credit Card Design Is Coming! PHOTOS: Sparkly NEW 100th Anniversary Minnie Ears Are Now Available in Disney World ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW! Check Out the NEW 100th Anniversary Starbucks Tumbler Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Will you be picking up this Cinderella popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! The post The NEW Popcorn Bucket Could SELL OUT FAST in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ah, spring. The flowers are in full bloom and there are some sweet smells wafting down Main Street, U.S.A. from the Main Street Bakery. Talk about a PERFECT day in Disney World! Speaking of a lovely day in the Disney parks, now’s the time to treat all the mothers in your life to a little Disney magic — May is the month to celebrate Mother’s Day in Disney World. Mother’s Day + Flowers = A CLASSIC Combination In the Disney parks, those clever Disney bakers whipped up some sweet new and returning treats this month to celebrate Mother’s Day! We visited several Disney World restaurants to give a few of these desserts a try; let’s see what we thought. Beaches and Cream Soda Shop You may know the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop as one of the hottest ice cream shops in Disney World — snagging a reservation at this spot can be tricky! But luckily, there’s also a to-go window where guests can order some of those famous sweet treats without a dining reservation. Just in time for Mother’s Day, we ordered the Bouquet Shake for $15. Note that this isn’t a totally new creation; we’ve seen variations of this milkshake here before! Bouquet Shake Before we dig in, can we just say…WOW. Like the other famous milkshakes at this location, this is a MONSTER shake! It’s a strawberry milkshake with strawberry purée topped with a flowery chocolate cake. Yeah, an ENTIRE piece of cake. As the topping. Now, let’s talk about the taste. As usual, the strawberry milkshake was delicious (the milkshakes here are famous for a reason, after all!). It was super creamy and blended with real chunks of tart, ripe strawberries. This could take a while to finish… Interestingly, we noticed some chocolate sauce squirted inside the cup, which was a (welcome) surprise that wasn’t pictured in any of the treat photos. The chocolate sauce wasn’t necessary, per se, but the Beaches & Cream milkshakes are sort of known for being, well, extra. This thing is HUGE! Now, we also have to mention that MEGA cake topping. The cake was nice and moist and had a rich chocolate flavor. Additionally, the chocolate icing tasted like chocolate ganache with a super creamy chocolate flavor. Of course, you have to like chocolate to like this cake, but we thought it was quite good; especially considering that this is just the topping! Keep in mind that those beautiful flowers are made with a different type of frosting — the kind that is super-dyed and overly sugary. Be careful not to get it on your clothing! And while we’re on the subject, Beaches & Cream did not provide any plates, forks, or knives for our cake, so you might want to hit up the Beach Club Marketplace FIRST to get some utensils before you’re stuck carrying an unwieldy treat through a fancy hotel. It comes with an ENTIRE slice of cake! Listen, this is an expensive milkshake, but if you want to try a fun, novelty treat and enjoy strawberry milkshakes, we say go for it! In fact, of the three treats we tried, this is the one that we’d recommend as the most exciting and unique. All three were tasty, but this one REALLY stands out! If you don’t like super sweet treats, though, you probably know to avoid this one. Keep in mind that this milkshake is available through May 31st. Click here to see a full list of Mother’s Day treats available at Disney World BoardWalk Deli Across the way, the BoardWalk Deli has a new treat of its own! Introducing: the Minnie Croissant Roll. You can find this one at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn for $6.99. This is almost too pretty to eat! For this delightful dessert, the BoardWalt Deli took some croissant dough and injected it with raspberry marmalade. If you think it sounds good, it tasted even BETTER than we expected. The dough was perfectly buttery and flaky, with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft buttery inside — this is the stuff croissant dreams are made of! The raspberry marmalade was fresh and sweet but a little tangy, and it balanced the buttery flavor of the croissant nicely. It’s topped with a Minnie bow! There was a teeeny amount of whipped cream on this croissant, but that little bit of whipped cream added a nice contrast to the tart flavor of the raspberry marmalade. We loved this treat. YUM! Note that the raspberry flavor is very heavy here, so if you don’t like raspberries, you might not like this one. Our only (very small) complaint was that the raspberry was not evenly injected throughout the croissant, but there was enough to work with for us to disperse it around ourselves. Seriously, unless you absolutely hate croissants and fruits, we HIGHLY recommend the Minnie Croissant Roll. Guests have until May 14th to try this treat. Pineapple Lanai Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort got in on the Mother’s Day celebration, too! Pineapple Lanai has a new Mother’s Day Flowers DOLE Whip Float available for $13.50. This colorful treat consists of DOLE Whip with Banfi Rosa Regale sparkling red topped with shimmering edible flowers. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a boozy treat! It’s so pretty The presentation of this snack is SO pretty — it’s just like giving your mom flowers on Mother’s Day, but way BETTER than flowers because it’s Dole Whip. It does taste like a regular pineapple Dole Whip, but what we really thought was cool is that the flowers are also edible. Our reporter had never eaten flowers before and compared the taste to lettuce, so that’s different. Instead of a bouquet, give Mom a Dole Whip! This is also an upgrade to a regular Dole Whip thanks to the sparkling wine in it, but it really only gives it a hint of an alcoholic taste. So if you don’t like the taste of alcohol, you won’t need to shy away from this treat. There’s also plenty at the bottom of the snack, so when you’re done eating, you can just drink up! Keep in mind that this dessert is available from May 11th through May 14th. Clearly, Mother’s Day is the time for SWEET treats and fruity flavors! If you’re planning a trip to the Disney parks this May, come give these desserts a try. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! Click here to see a list of ALL the Mother’s Day treats available in the Disney parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you planning to do for Mother’s Day? Let us know in the comments! The post Trust Us. You Should LEAVE the Parks To Try 3 NEW Disney World Treats first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT is known for having some of the best variety of food throughout the Disney World parks. EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion From eating your way around the World Showcase during one of EPCOT’s many festivals to dining in a more upscale restaurant in your favorite country — you have options. Soon, you’re going to have even more! This summer, a new restaurant will be opening in the Japan Pavilion. Let’s take a look at what we know so far. Basics This new dining location is called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya and will be a table-service restaurant in the Japan Pavilion. According to Disney, this spot will offer a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya style.” Japanese Izakaya, a casual pub-style restaurant, typically serves a variety of small dishes meant to be shared, and we can expect to see a similar concept here. ©Disney In addition, this restaurant will celebrate Japan’s seasonal festivals. Each month there will be a new celebration that you can enjoy from your table, “from hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September.” During the meal, a cultural representative will guide you through the experience. ©Japan Pavilion-Mitsukoshi USA via Instagram The atmosphere will also reflect the festivals of Japan, with hand-painted lanterns and other authentic Japanese details. Opening Timeline As we mentioned before, Disney has announced that Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will open this summer, in 2023. We don’t have a specific month or day yet for its opening, but we’ll be watching for more updates! Menu For food, guests will be able to enjoy classic Japanese options like sushi and teppan items. There will be an open sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare your sushi right in front of you! Here, you’ll find highlights like the Kobore Sushi, which features negi toro and nakaochi tuna paired with salmon roe and green onion. ©Disney The Tokyo Negi Roll features green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno. There is also a Monster Roll and the Funamori — a sushi boat with a presentation of sashimi and sushi. ©Disney The Izakaya options (small, shareable plates) include items like the savory Karaage Chicken and the Salmon Misoyaki, as well as a Tomato Salad with Avocado. ©Japan Pavilion-Mitsukoshi USA via Instagram From the grill, you’ll find options like the Okonomiyaki, “a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.” ©Disney To accompany your meal, the restaurant serves beer, sake, shochu, and more. Location You’ll find this new restaurant on the second floor of Mitsukoshi, where guests will have stunning views of the fireworks and the Showcase Lagoon! Mitsukoshi The second floor of Mitsukoshi is where Tokyo Dining is currently located, although that restaurant has been closed for quite some time now. It was set to reopen this summer, but given that Shiki-Sai will be opening this summer, it might be replacing Tokyo Dining. Disney has not confirmed this yet, however. There you have it! While Disney has not yet confirmed an exact opening date for the restaurant, we do know that it is set to open this summer. Stay tuned to DFB for more information about this new dining location! We’ve Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. These Are the BEST. 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 Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition 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! Are you excited to try this new restaurant coming to EPCOT? Let us know in the comments below! The post Everything We Know About the New Restaurant Coming to EPCOT This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know just 15 minutes outside of Disney World is the World’s Largest McDonald’s? To be technical about it, this is actually the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s, and it has a lot of things that your average McD’s at home doesn’t have. McDonald’s If you know us, you know we bring you the McDonald’s news. We have recently tried the Big Mac Sauce and reviewed it for you. We told you how McDonald’s plans to handle AI in the future. We even created a Bob Iger Celebrity Meal at Mcdonald’s. So it shouldn’t be a shock that when we heard about this special Mcdonald’s just right down the road from Disney, we had to go look. The World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s is located in Orlando. This Mcdonald’s is unique in a lot of ways so we had to check it out to see if it’s worth the drive off of Disney property. Here is our honest review of McDonald’s. Atmosphere From the outside, you can tell that this McDonald’s is unique. While it has the classic red and white colors and the iconic golden arches, there is something different. It stands two stories tall and has a multiple-lane drive-through. World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s When you enter the doors, you are met with the McCafe section. Not only does it have the typical McDonald’s coffees but it also has a bakery case showing off whole cakes, ice cream, and pastries. Cakes at McDonald’s? For ordering, there were several ordering kiosks. These are touch screen kiosks where customers can place their orders themselves. Order Here There was also a standard ordering counter, but customers were encouraged to use the kiosks. Counter to Order Once you placed your order and paid, you picked up a table number to place on your table so that a worker could easily find you. This allows you to sit instead of standing and waiting for your food to be ready. table number helps them find you There is also an open kitchen where customers can watch the chefs use the large brick pizza ovens (oh yeah — did we mention that this McDonald’s has PIZZA?). Pizza ovens There were multiple seating options including tables with chairs, communal tables using bar seating, and booths. tables and chairs While waiting for your food, you can go upstairs where there is more seating with large windows with views of Orlando. Upstairs This place was over the top with entertainment. There was even a moon playing the piano (what?!). We’re pretty sure he’s friends with Sonny Eclipse — the alien animatronic at Cosmic Ray’s in Magic Kingdom. The large play place was located upstairs. the play place It even featured a familiar Florida creature, which maybe isn’t something that you’d hope to find in a children’s play place… . Don’t worry, this one isn’t real. Peep the Gator While a play place is pretty typical in a McDonald’s, this one also included a large arcade area featuring a lot of popular games for kids and adults. Arcade area OK, enough with the decor. Let’s check out the food! Menu Of course, you can grab the classic McChicken, Big Mac, and Chicken Nuggets here. But some more unique menu items are what makes this McDonald’s so special. Here, they offer a Build Your Pizza for $8.99. You choose the toppings and type of cheese you would like. The menu on the kiosk They also offer a Build Your Own Pasta for $10.99. Customers have four types of pasta to choose from Raviloi, Spaghetti, Tortellini, or Cavatappi. Then, you choose your sauce — either Marinara, Olive Oil & Garlic, Bolognaise, Basil Pesto, or Alfredo. You can choose items like bacon, mushrooms, or tomatoes to add to the pasta as well. Build your own pasta They also had a Philly Cheesesteak for $12.59 which could come as a combo with fries and a drink or the sandwich itself. Philly Cheesesteak Finally, they offered Peanut Butter Explosion Cake or Cheesecake for dessert. These were $5.29. Peanut Butter Explosion In order to get the specialty items here, you must order inside or through the drive-thru. You cannot order on the mobile app. Food We tried the Build Your Own Pasta, Build Your Own Pizza, the Philly Cheesesteak, and the Peanut Butter Explosion Cake. So let’s break them down. Our spread For the Build Your Own Pasta, we chose a Ravoli base with Marinara sauce. We also added Mushrooms and Diced Tomatoes. Ravioli with Mariana Sauce The sauce was heavy on the garlic but tasted good. The ravioli was cooked great and tender. It also came with a piece of Foccica bread, which was moist and a nice addition. dig in On our pizza, we added Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Onions, Diced Green Pepper, and Sausage. We love the options! The crust was very thin and had a lot of garlic salt, which we liked. It didn’t quite have enough sauce on it, though, and we thought the pizza could have been cooked longer. Very thin-crust The Philly cheesesteak came with American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo on a Hoagie roll. The Philly The bread was pretty soggy from the meat and could have been toasted longer. The meat lacked flavor and the lettuce, tomato, and mayo threw us off for a Philly. Overall, this isn’t the best option if you’re looking for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. We wish this had been toasted longer Finally, the star of the show was the Peanut Butter Explosion Cake. This was a three-layer chocolate cake with Peanut Butter Icing in between and topped with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips. The cake of our dreams The cake was moist and the chocolate cake itself was not overly sweet. The peanut butter icing was a great consistency and added to the sweetest. We really enjoyed the cake and if you love chocolate and peanut butter, we think you will too. We would get this again. Overall We enjoyed the actual experience of the restaurant. It was fun to see how different this McDonald’s was and it made us feel like a kid again. We liked the different food options here and while we wouldn’t order everything again, it was fun to try. Ronald McDonald himself Some highlights for us were the Neon McDonald’s sign, the pizza ovens that we could see, and the cake. We did not like the Philly Cheesesteak and can’t recommend it. We also didn’t like that you couldn’t use the mobile app to order ahead for the specialty items. More seating We would come back just for the experience, not necessarily the food. Nosh or Not? You would like this restaurant if… You are a fan of McDonald’s and nostalgia, you might enjoy this one. It has so many unique things than the standard McDonald’s and can take you back in time when play places were in most McDonald’s. You have kids or are a kid at heart. There are a lot of arcade games to play and cool signs inside to see. Kids or picky eaters will be sure to find some food here that they would like between the classic McDonald’s items to the pizza or pasta. You are looking for somewhere fun to eat outside of Disney. Sometimes you want a break from your vacation and this would be a neat place to check out. You might want to skip it if… You are looking for a more upscale dining experience that is quiet and more adult-focused. There are a lot of kids and families here so it is loud and busy. You are wanting really great Italian food. While the food was fine, it was just that — fine. If you are looking for good Italian you might want to check out Via Napoli or Trattoria al Forno. You aren’t wanting to drive out of the Disney bubble. It is just a 15-minute drive but after a long park day, you might not want to sit in traffic on I-4 which gets busy. If you flew and are relying on Disney transportation, then you wouldn’t be able to get here either. We’ll keep watching for more food updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to see our Bob Iger McDonald’s celebrity meal! 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 Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of this McDonald’s? Let us know in the comments. The post FULL TOUR and REVIEW: The World’s BIGGEST McDonald’s Is 15 Minutes from Disney World and It Has PIZZA first appeared on the disney food blog. 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At Disney World, it can feel like there are always so many changes going on. Remember when the castle looked like this? We have seen Genie+ rules and park pass reservations change. We see old restaurants change and new ones open. We see stores at Disney Springs close. We like to say the only thing that doesn’t change in Disney World is that it is things will change. And now a BIG change has hit one of the most iconic landmarks in the park! Today, we were in Magic Kingdom and noticed that some of the gold ribbons from the 50th anniversary have been removed from Cinderella Castle! Disney has been slowly removing the 50th decorations in the parks since the celebration ended in March. The castle began to lose its 50th decorations in April with the removal of the buntings from the castle towers. Now, we see that the large gold ribbons that used to circle the top of the front two towers have been removed. Can you spot the difference? While there are some ribbons left on the other turrets, the front two towers have had theirs taken down. a closer look. Last month, we saw the moat around the castle being drained to bring in cranes to help remove the decorations. Earlier this week, we saw these walls put up behind the castle where a crane was hiding behind it. walls up behind the castle As a reminder, here’s what the castle looked like just a few days ago: Magic Kingdom It’s very likely that the other gold ribbons will be removed from the castle soon. For more Disney parks news, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter at DFB. Will Cinderella Castle go back to its original colors? Find out here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think they should do with the castle colors? Let us know in the comments below. The post Cinderella Castle Looks DIFFERENT in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready to track down an ultimate Disney food icon? For many families visiting Walt Disney World, eating a Disney Churro is a rite of passage! Churros! But churros come in all flavors and sizes at Disney, and even seasonal holiday churros! If you have special dietary needs, we’ve even found plant-based churros! We’ve also seen this epic food item on Disney merchandise! Churro Candle Today, we’re taking a look at the BEST Disney World churros and where you can find them. MAGIC KINGDOM We’ve seen specialty churros pop up here and there all over Magic Kingdom. We’ve even seen churro waffles at Crystal Palace on their breakfast buffet. Churro Waffle! Below are the tried-and-true spots for churros, but keep your eyes open because you never know where one of these sugary snacks will pop up! Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe Howdy, pardner! Mosey on over to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe for a little grub when you’re wandering through Frontierland! Baby churro with chocolate This massive counter-service spot once had a reputation as one of the best spots to grab a burger in Magic Kingdom, but these days, Pecos Bill is serving up Mexican fare. Currently Pecos Bill offers Fajita Platters, Nachos, Rice Bowls, and more (though you can still find a burger on the menu, too). Churros can be found here among the dessert options. A Churro Sundae Hack Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies You don’t have to wait for the future to indulge in frozen goodies; they’re here today at this Tomorrowland treasure. Serving up ice cream floats, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes, Auntie Gravity’s is located next to the Merchant of Venus store. Step in for a churro (or ice cream) If you’re not looking for ice cream, Auntie Gravity’s also has those classic theme park churros. Or grab both and make your own churro sundae! EPCOT La Cantina de San Angel A CHURRO SUNDAE has arrived at La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT. No, this is not a drill. Disney churros and ice cream … Are we dreaming?! Okay, enough talking. Let’s get to eating. Cantina de San Angel The sundae is $7.99 and consists of caramel and vanilla swirl soft serve (you can choose one or both) with caramel sauce, mini churros, and red, white, and green sprinkles. You can also add chocolate sauce if your heart desires! Churro Sundae The caramel and vanilla soft serve was creamy and delicious. The caramel sauce was amazingly gooey and added the perfect boost of extra caramel flavor. The churros are good, but we could tell that they were pre-made and stored, so they weren’t super fresh. They didn’t taste bad at all, though! The cinnamon sugar coating was very tasty — and the sprinkles added a nice extra texture. La Hacienda de San Angel Specializing in fresh Mexican cuisine, the goal of the menu is not to reproduce heavy Tex-Mex, but to offer authentic Mexican flavors straight from the market, including skillets, tacos, fresh corn tortillas, and a variety of margaritas. La Hacienda de San Angel Here, churros are served as Helado con Churros, Dulce de Leche ice cream with churros. A pretty fantastic way to finish an EPCOT day. World Discovery Snack Cart The cart is located in front of Mission: SPACE so it isn’t too far from the front of the park. of course, we had to grab a churro! The snack cart serves popcorn, Mickey pretzels, cotton candy, churros, bottled drinks, and more. ANIMAL KINGDOM Trilo-Bites Trilo-Bites was once known as the place in Animal Kingdom to find those huge turkey legs, but these days the menu features cold treats… along with a few surprises. Trilo-Bites It’s almost a sure bet that you’ll happen upon an Ice Cream Float, Waffle Cone, or Milkshake. But keep your eyes peeled because in addition to the ice cream treats, you’ll also find those classic churros! Isle of Java If you’re in search of a cup of coffee before taking on the Yeti at Expedition Everest, stop by the Isle of Java kiosk on Discovery Island just before entering the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Isle of Java You’ll find coffee and breakfast pastries (including those delicious churros) on the menu. Harambe Fruit Market The Harambe Fruit Market is the place to stop when you’re looking for fresh fruit, cold drinks, and other healthy snacks in Animal Kingdom. You’ll also find Mickey Pretzels, muffins, assorted chips, and other quick eats on the menu. Churros at Harambe Fruit Market But, of course we’re talking about churros today which are served with the traditional chocolate sauce here! Nomad Lounge The experience of travel is celebrated at Nomad Lounge, so bring your sense of adventure! That said, the spot itself is so relaxing and welcoming, whether you choose to sit inside or on the outdoor covered patio offering views of Discovery River, you may want to abandon the desire to travel so you can sit and stay awhile in this truly lovely lounge. Churros! Hand-crafted cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic specialty drinks and small plates, are on offer. And we love the churros here. They come with vanilla bean and strawberry chili dipping sauces, which were just fantastic. HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS Anaheim Produce Anaheim Produce is just one of several Counter Service locations that make up Sunset Ranch Market, so this is a great area to visit when each member of the group wants something a little different to eat. Lightsaber Churros If you’re looking for something lighter, you’ll some fruit or fruity slushies here, but it’s also a spot to grab a classic churro, before (or after) a stay at the Tower of Terror. We’ve also found some fun, seasonal churros here too — like the Star Wars Lightsaber Churros. Disney’s Lightsaber Churros Are Back…But In a New Location! DISNEY SPRINGS Many places in Disney World serve churros on their menu. Be on the lookout for sugary snacks at these locations… Paradiso 37 A lively restaurant with Latin flair, Paradiso 37 highlights cuisine from the Americas (37 countries in the Americas, to be precise, and hence the name) and offers a towering tequila bar. Paradiso 37 This is where you want to head for delicious tapas for sharing and margaritas to pass around and of course, a plate of churros to wrap up your meal! Sunshine Churros If you’re looking for a sweet treat while you’re strolling through the Springs, you could stop by Sunshine Churros to grab a traditional churro or try one of their festive flavors on the menu! Spooktacular Churro We’ve seen flavors like Watermelon, Apple Cinnamon, Fruity Pebbles, Salted Caramel, Rose Gold, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Oreo. We’ve also seen seasonal flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Grape, Double Chocolate, Golden Dragon, and Peanut Butter Lovers. Pepe by José Andrés Pepe features Spanish cuisine, including hot and cold sandwiches on pan de cristal (a unique Spanish bread) along with Spanish sangria and more. Churros These might be some of the best churros we’ve had in Disney World. They were soft on the inside with a deliciously fried crunchy exterior, and they had a delicate coating of sugar that did not distract from the high-quality dough. Vivoli il Gelato This spot might be your first thought for gelato (as well it should be), but this is not a one-trick-pony dessert spot. Guests will find more than a dozen flavors of gelato and sorbet on the menu in addition to panini, biscotti, espresso drinks, and tarts. Truly decadent gelato creations include — but aren’t limited to — Bombolatos (warm Italian doughnuts filled with gelato), shakes, sundaes, floats, and MUCH more. And since the specialty creations often incorporate seasonal flavors, you never know what you’ll find. Waffle Sundae Here you won’t find a traditional churro, but an Italian’s take on a churro — and here it is the Churro Leige Waffle. 10,000 Readers Rate YOUR Favorite Disney World Snacks! DISNEY RESORTS Maya Grill – Coronado Springs Maya Grill offers dinner a la carte and celebrates the tastes of “Nuevo Latino.” You’ll also find some Wines, Beers, and Cocktails, including Margaritas, as well as several Dessert options, including Sorbet, Fried Baby Churros, and Impossible Cake. Fried Baby Churros The Fried Baby Churros are served with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. We have raved about the churros here before, and these did NOT disappoint. Three Bridges Bar & Grill – Coronado Springs Three Bridges Bar & Grill is a casual restaurant serving upscale, Spanish-inspired bar food like queso, braised pork tacos, and other shared plates and burgers. The robust beverage menu features specialty cocktails and sangria which can be ordered by the pitcher. ©Disney The Warm Churros here are not exactly like what you receive in a park. The whole batch is super light and fluffy, and not remotely greasy. Looking for more Disney snacks? Look no further! Click here for more. Disney Parks Churro Bites Recipe Put on your Minnie Ears, grab a pot, and let’s get cooking some Disney Parks Churro Bites! ©Disney Ingredients To make the Churro Bites, you’ll need these 8 ingredients! ©Disney Recipe After you’ve gathered everything you need, you’ll want to combine some of the ingredients in a sauce pan… ©Disney …before adding flour to begin giving the mixture more of a dough-like appearance. ©Disney Add the last few ingredients to your Churro Bites… ©Disney …so you can move on to the FUN part by piping out the mini treats! ©Disney After you’ve fried them, drain the Churro Bites… ©Disney …before tossing them in all that wonderful cinnamon sugar!! ©Disney Then, voilà! You’ve got your own Churro Bites straight from the Disney Parks! Brb, we’re already getting all the ingredients together for some churro goodness! Let us know if you make these for yourself! Next time, you’re headed on vacation, refer to our BEST Disney World Churros guide. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast or a tasty snack, DFB wants to help you discover the most delicious Disney waffles. The Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee in EPCOT 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 Where’s your favorite place to grab a waffle at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!The post Guide To Churros and EVERY Place To Get Them In Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve had your eye on some Disney merchandise recently, NOW might be the time to finally buy it! Why? Because Disney is having a major online SALE. Disney merchandise Disney merchandise can be pretty expensive, so we’re always excited to find ways to save on our favorite collectibles. Now, you can save a LOT on TONS of Disney merch online. Check out some of the deals! shopDisney is having a Sitewide Savings Sale that ends this Sunday. You can get 25% off orders of $150 or more and 20% off orders of $100 or more. Let’s see what items we found that you should check out. The Disney100 Soap Dispenser is available online. It has a Mickey hand soap dispenser so you can have your own soap-based, hidden Mickey. Disney100 Soap Dispenser The soap dispenser is refillable with foaming hand soap so it can be used even after you first run out of it. It’s a great way to show off your love for Disney in a guest bathroom. We have seen these in the parks but now, you can buy it online. Click Here to Add the Disney100 Soap Dispenser to Your Cart This Peter Pan Mug celebrates the movie’s 70th Anniversary. It features Peter Pan, Wendy, the Lost Boys, and scenes from the film. Peter Pan Mug We have spotted this mug in the parks, but if you don’t have a trip planned soon, you can grab these during the sale. It is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Click Here to See the Peter Pan Mug These Mickey Mouse and Friends Packing Cube Sets by Petunia Pickle Bottom are available online. They could come in handy for summer travels and even your next Disney trip. It is a 4 piece set and the pattern features signatures from Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Mickey, and Donald. The dimensions can be found on the website below. Click Here to See the Mickey Packing Cubes If the mom in your life is a Star Wars Fan, these last two items might make the perfect Mother’s Day gifts. We found these Ewok Minnie Ears on shopDisney as well as in the parks. They feature two Ewok ears and a bow to match. EWOK EARS! These ears were designed for Disney by Ashley Eckstein. You can celebrate the 4oth anniversary of Return of the Jedi with these ears. Click Here to Purchase the Ewok Ears Finally, this newly released, Mustafar Starbucks Mug is a part of the Been There series. We saw these in the parks on May the 4th: Star Wars Day in Hollywood Studios. Starbucks Been There Series Star Wars Mustafar Mug These are a part of a series where you can collect different ones from different planets in Star Wars including Coruscant and Jakku, which both are also on shopDisney. See the Starbucks Been There Mustafar Mug Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is this Sunday, just as the sale is ending. Mother’s Day! If you need some last-minute gift ideas for the Disney-loving women in your life, check these items out. For more Disney merch alerts, be sure to follow us at DFB. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day 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 What is one piece of Disney merchandise you’ve been wanting? Let us know below! The post HURRY! Major SALE Announced for Hundreds of Disney Items! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has a lot of huge projects in the works right now, and some of you might be wondering WHEN they’ll all finally be finished! Never fear — we’ve got the answers. ©Disney Between all of the exciting announcements about park pass reservation changes, dining plans returning, and the ways Genie+ could be changing soon, it’s clear that there’s a lot going on behind the scenes at Disney. The Walt Disney Company’s latest earnings call meeting confirmed quite a few things that we’ve been keeping an eye on! The Walt Disney Company just had its earnings call meeting for quarter 2 of fiscal year 2023 and confirmed several timelines for projects happening at the parks & resorts, on streaming services, for theatrical releases, and more. Many of these timelines had already been confirmed, but now you can see them ALL in one easy-to-understand way. First up, we have the upcoming theatrical releases! ©Disney Immediately looking at this chart we see some very anticipated productions like The Little Mermaid live-action movie (debuting so soon!) which comes out on May 26th. ©Getty Images Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will debut on June 30th… ©Lucasfilm …the live-action Haunted Mansion will be released on July 28th, just in time to kick off the Halloween celebrations around the Disney parks a few weeks later… ©D23 …and Wish the animated family film coming to theaters on November 22nd. These headlining titles to watch for are going to be distributed through various brands within the Disney umbrella like Disney Animation, Lucasfilm, 20th Century (formerly Fox), Searchlight, and Marvel. Next up we have timelines confirmed for key Disney+ and Hulu releases! ©Disney While not quite getting the big silver screen treatment as the previously listed films, these sound like some great movies to keep an eye out for. Titles like Loki‘s season 2 and Only Murders in the Building‘s season 3 have drawn great numbers in audience views for their previous seasons and they’re looking to strike gold again for a second or third time around. Loki billboard in Disney World Titles like X-Men ’97 may be new but given their familiarity in previous films and television shows, we get a sense that the audience will feel connected enough to the characters to give this one a fair watch. Let’s switch gears and talk about what’s upcoming for Disney parks and experiences! There’s a LOT coming to the various Disney parks around the world. ©Disney If you didn’t already see Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary at Sea and they will continue that celebration through September of 2023. Happy 25th, Disney Cruise Line! For our Disneyland folks, we’ve got new experiences to look forward to like “Rogers: The Musical” Stage Show opening June 3oth, 2023 and San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park confirmed now to open this summer! Other anticipated timelines aren’t as definitive, like the Adventureland Treehouse in Disneyland which will open in 2023, but no specific month or day is listed yet. Rogers: The Musical If you’re following the progress of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction well, it seems like we’re not quite “almost there”…yet! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney The timeline confirms we’re still on track for a 2024 opening but Disney isn’t committing to an anticipated season just yet so we’ll have to keep waiting for more insight on this one. While we knew most of these opening dates and timelines already, it’s great to see them all in one place. We’ll be watching for more updates on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! Click here to see all the reboots, remakes, and sequel movies in the works at Disney right now! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are you most excited to see coming to Disney soon? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Confirms Opening Dates for Several MAJOR Projects first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Oh, the Cinderella Castle. It’s been covered in toilet paper, turned into a cake, and used to launch a tiny fairy as she flies through the air. There’s a reason this castle is THE Disney World icon — it’s been through a LOT (and looks good no matter what)! Look at that glorious castle! One of our personal favorite Cinderella Castle iterations is the seasonal Castle Dream Light makeover we see around the holidays. As the sun sets, the castle lights up with thousands of tiny, sparkly lights that look as if a light snowfall gently landed on it. It’s spectacular. The only problem? We haven’t seen the Castle Dream Lights in a LONG time — we’re talking since before the pandemic in 2020! Cinderella Castle Dream Lights during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party To walk you through a little timeline, Disney’s phased reopening in 2020 resulted in a scaled-back holiday season, which meant no Castle Dream Lights. Then, in 2021, the 50th Anniversary celebration came along, and Cinderella Castle went through a little transformation. 50th Anniversary Cinderella Castle For the 2021 and 2022 holiday seasons, Disney decided to use festive projection effects on the castle instead of installing all those tiny little lights. Many speculated that the 50th Anniversary decorations prevented the Dream Lights from going up, but Disney never officially commented on its reasoning for replacing the Dream Lights. Holiday Projections on Cinderella Castle In the past, we asked our readers what they preferred: the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights or the holiday projections. We received THOUSANDS of votes, but ultimately, 63% of our readers preferred the lights. We miss these lights! Now that the 50th Anniversary is over and those castle decorations are being removed, could the Castle Dream Lights FINALLY return? We sure hope so! Disney has proven that it can (and does) listen to guest feedback. The Happily Ever After nighttime fireworks show returned, and the Harmonious barges were removed after the 50th Anniversary, proving that changes made within the past few years are not necessarily set in stone going forward. That could be a good sign for those of you on Team Dream Lights. Which team are you on? We’ll have to wait and see what happens this year, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that those beautiful lights come back someday. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! EPCOT’s SECRET Soda Flavor is NOT At Club Cool 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 team are you on? Castle Dream Lights or holiday projections? Let us know in the comments! The post Could the Castle Dream Lights Come Back Now That the Disney World 50th Anniversary is Over? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Which Magic Kingdom attractions have the most popular Lightning Lanes, how can you get more than one Lightning Lane at a time, and what ELSE can Genie + get you in the park besides line-skipping privileges? Magic Kingdom We’ve got the ULTIMATE Genie + game plan for you today to help you rock your day at the OG Disney World park. Genie+ can be tricky, but we’re here to help you figure it out. You can download our Genie+ cheatsheet by clicking below! Check out our video: How to Use Genie+ in Magic Kingdom Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more Disney news! All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection READ THIS Before Using the New Genie Planning Tool in Disney World Check Out the FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World See What Rides You Can Pay EXTRA for in Disney World & How Much They May Cost Learn What Rides Are Included With Genie+ in Disneyland (Plus the Ones You’ll Pay EXTRA to Ride) You CAN’T Re-Ride Disney World Attractions With Genie+ You CAN’T Cancel Pay-Per-Ride Selections in Disney World Get the Answers to All of Your Burning Questions About Disney Genie See Why You May Want to Stay in a Disney World Hotel When it Comes to Disney’s Pay-Per-Ride System Here’s What Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders Need to Know About Genie+ See 5 Ways Genie+ Might Surprise You Learn Some Disney Genie HACKS Get a Step-by-Step Guide to Using Disney Genie+ See Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland Still Confused About Disney Genie? Check Out These DFB Videos Learn About How Disney Genie Can Be Your Personal Assistant in Disney World Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Which Lightning Lanes do you book first for Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below. The post DFB Video: How To Use Genie+ in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has been embroiled in a political battle with Florida legislators for quite a while now. Cinderella Castle Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the new board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (previously known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District), and later, members announced that the board would be suing Disney. The new board has taken action to increase its control over Disney, and now it looks like another legislator has taken a swing. Did you know Disney parks are no-fly zones? No-fly zones are typically placed over high security or hazardous areas, which means that normal aircraft cannot fly over the area for any reason. This is why you won’t see Disney parks outside of the window when you fly into Orlando or Los Angeles. But now, it appears this status could change. Look at that glorious castle! Congressman Troy Nehls, a Republican who serves Texas’ 22nd District, has recently reintroduced the Airlines Independent of Restrictions (AIR) Act, which would take away Disney’s no-fly zone. ©Troy Nehls Notice we said, “reintroduce.” Yes, Nehls last introduced the bill in 2022 that sought to do the same thing, and it did not pass. In the original press release from 2022, Nehls said that the letters “call[] out blatant favoritism towards The Walt Disney Company” and urge those in charge to “reconsider the appropriateness of Disney’s designated ‘no fly-zone’ over their resorts.” ©Jonathan Michael Salazar Per Nehls’ website, he believes that “Disney is the only theme park in the United States that benefits from the restriction for the commercial gains of eliminating banner ads and disruptive aircraft from their parks. Most flight-restricted areas in the United States are over places of high security or hazardous regions.” He continued, saying that “Theme parks like Disney should not receive special treatment just because they are well-connected. Our national security should not be compromised to fit the needs of one corporation.” Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican congresswoman from Colorado, is one of the original co-sponsors of the bill. She stated, “Woke corporations shouldn’t get any favors from the government,” and that “The FAA has no business granting a no-fly-zone over Disney parks. Universal Studios, Hershey Park, Six Flags, and other theme parks don’t have no-fly-zones over them, and it’s time for Disney to get the same treatment. No corporation should get preferential treatment from the government—especially when it is grooming children. Go woke, go broke.” Disney parks are no-fly zones If the bill passes, it would “direct the Secretary of Transportation to rescind the two ‘no-fly zone’ Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM’s) over Disneyland and Disney [W]orld.” Keep in mind, though, that in order for this bill to become law, it will need to pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the president. We’ll have to wait and see if it passes, or if the majority votes against it again. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB — we’ll have all the updates for you! A TON of Disney news just dropped — here’s everything you need to know! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about Disney’s no-fly zone? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: U.S. Congressman Seeks To REVOKE Disney World’s No-Fly Zone first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes, it feels like it takes a Disney Ph.D. to figure out how to navigate the parks. What’s a Lightning Lane? Why does everything suddenly have a plus sign in front of it? Why on Earth is the line for Journey into Imagination with Figment over 5 minutes? Helllooooo, crowds! Oh, and on top of all those changes, you might also want to consider the crowd level during your vacation. Back in 2022, we saw some BIG crowds in the Disney World parks. The theme parks were reportedly in higher demand than ever before and attractions and restaurants were finally starting to operate like they did before the pandemic. Fast-forward to 2023, and things are looking a little different. Could the crowds finally be subsiding in Disney World? Let’s talk about it. While we may not have a Mousters of Science in Disney World park attendance, we do visit the parks often enough to spot some trends. Based on previous patterns and the general attitude of Disney fans both in the news and on social media, we can make some educated guesses about Disney World’s park attendance. Of course, we’re just speculating here, but based on what we’ve seen (and heard) so far this year, let’s discuss five reasons Disney World might be empty this summer. Main Street. U.S.A in Magic Kingdom First, let’s look at a pretty surprising piece of news that even DISNEY didn’t predict correctly. Annual Pass Availability In April 2023, Disney resumed Annual Pass sales. The passes were brought back with a word of warning from Disney itself; the same day that Annual Passes went back on sale, Disney added a statement to its website informing customers that Annual Passes could become unavailable (sell out). ©Disney If you read down to the last line in Disney’s message, you can see that Disney itself predicted, “We anticipate a pass or select passes may become unavailable for purchase later today (April 20th, 2023).” Well, weeks later, all Annual Passes are still available for purchase. ©Disney Note that the Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Dust Passes are available exclusively for Florida residents, and the price varies based on blockout dates and park pass reservation availability. ©Disney This is significant for two reasons. First, it’s interesting that Disney resumed Annual Pass sales this year. When Annual Passes were unavailable between 2021 and 2023, many speculated that Disney paused Annual Pass sales to assist with park capacity. Now that APs are up for sale, did Disney’s recent decrease in park capacity reignite new Annual Pass sales? In theory, more Annual Passholders equals more people in the parks, so perhaps Disney wants higher theme park attendance this year. Disney World Annual Pass Second, it’s telling that all four types of Annual Passes are still available. Per Disney’s statement, it seems like many people expected Annual Passes to sell out almost immediately, so the fact that passes have not sold out could indicate that demand is not as strong as people may have initially thought. (Or, on the flip side, Disney could have been using that type of language to intentionally create a sense of urgency to buy — we’ll never know for sure!) Park Pass Availability Now, let’s talk about what we’re seeing in the parks. Over the past few months, besides a few MAJOR holidays, Disney’s Park Pass availability has been wide-open at all four theme parks. ©Disney Even the attraction wait times have been unusually low compared to last year. In fact, virtual queue availability for Magic Kingdom’s newest ride, TRON Lightcycle / Run, has remained open even HOURS after the queue opens. TRON Lightcycle / Run Thinking back to the grand opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests had to work hard to secure a virtual queue spot in line; meanwhile, TRON seems to be (relatively) easy to ride! Rise of the Resistance draws some BIG crowds. Of course, we see lulls in crowds pretty much every year, but if the current trend continues, we could see some EMPTY parks this summer. Park Pass CHANGE Speaking of Park Passes, did you know that they are going away for most guests in 2024? Disney shared that Park Pass Reservations will not be needed for those who have date-based park tickets. This change will take place starting January 9th, 2024. Magic Kingdom This HUGE news bomb could be attributed to softening crowds, as Disney might not feel the need to restrict park capacity due to large anticipated crowds. Earnings Call Revelations Next, we can use a primary resource to determine the summer crowd level: Disney itself! In a recent earnings call, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy discussed theme park growth and park attendance. In reference to the Disney Parks revenue, she said, “Per cap growth was more moderate this quarter as we are comparing against the first full quarter of offering Genie+ and Lightning Lane at both parks in the prior year.” It sounds like things are slowing down. Slinky Dog Dash McCarthy also said, “Please keep in mind that in the back half of this fiscal year, there will be an unfavorable comparison against the prior year’s incredibly successful 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World,” adding, “We typically see some moderation in demand as we lap these types of events, and third quarter-to-date performance has been in line with those historical trends.” The 100th Anniversary has replaced the 50th Anniversary celebration. In short, Disney basically said that demand in the parks is slowing down (and will continue to slow down) now that the 50th Anniversary is over. Shortly after the earnings call, the Disney stock price dropped quite a bit, proving that theme park attendance is a key indicator of how Disney is doing financially. As the year progresses, we’ll have to wait and see if park attendance jumps back up! Summer Discounts Finally, we can also look at the current deals and discounts to gauge how busy Disney anticipates the parks to be this summer. Currently, we’re seeing deals for pretty much EVERYONE, including Florida Residents, Disney Visa Cardmembers, Annual Passholders, and theme park guests. Beach Club Resort When we see promotions like these, we usually assume that Disney wants more people in the parks and resorts, so they start lowering the price to entice more visitors. We may not have a crystal ball, but it’s safe to say that summer 2023 will be pretty different than summer 2022 and 2021 in Disney World. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! NO MORE PARK PASS RESERVATIONS For Most Disney World Tickets Starting in 2024! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning a trip to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments! The post 5 Big Reasons You Might See an EMPTY Disney World This Summer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This is a BIG year for the Walt Disney Company. 100th Anniversary at Magic Kingdom The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and that celebration is HUGE. It started in January in Disneyland, but it has made its way to Disney World, too. The anniversary has brought in NEW snacks at the parks, as well as TONS of merchandise, but some announcements about the 100th anniversary surprised us! These were the announcements we did NOT expect. EPCOT would serve as HOST for the Celebration at Disney World We were surprised when Disney announced that the main HOST for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in Disney World would be EPCOT. We might have expected Magic Kingdom, but EPCOT is going to be getting a new 100th anniversary nighttime show PLUS a new lighting scheme for Spaceship Earth. ©Disney EPCOT is also where you’ll get to meet Mickey and the gang all dressed up in their platinum 100th anniversary outfits. There will even be a platinum Mickey Mouse statue to greet guests at the park. Learn more about how EPCOT will host the celebration Character Meet and Greets at Disney World Hotels Folks who stay in a Disney World hotel might get a nice 100th anniversary surprise in the form of characters showing up at the hotels IN their 100th anniversary outfits. So be sure to look for those special character buses. These meetings are not on a set schedule, so they can turn up at any time! Looking Good Donald! When we got a chance to witness these hotel character sightings, they only stayed for about 20 minutes, so you’ll have to be in the right place at the right time to catch them. See more photos of characters at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Monthly Celebrations at Disney World Disney World surprised us again by announcing monthly celebrations in Disney World based on specific themes. It all started in April with “Disney’s conservation efforts and the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.” Here are the other themes: May: “All things from a galaxy far, far away will be featured with an emphasis on Star Wars” June: “The delightful Pixar Characters will take fun to infinity and beyond” July: “Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends will provide ‘swell fun’ for all” August: “The Disney Princesses and beloved Frozen Characters take the throne” September: “Super Hero adventures take flight!” Happy 25th, Animal Kingdom! Much of these themes will be carried out through existing experiences like Movies Under the Stars at Disney World hotels, character caravans, parades, and more. Here’s More on The Monthly Celebrations Walt Disney Archives Traveling Exhibition You don’t have to go to Disney World or Disneyland to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary, though. You can see rare pieces of Disney history through a traveling exhibition that will include TONS of Disney artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives. The Disney 100 — The Exhibition opened in February in Philadephia, but it will be making its way across the world to give everyone a chance to see it. ©Disney There will be two Disney100 exhibits traveling to different cities around the world, including Chicago, Kansas City, and other locations across the U.S. A second exhibit will begin in Munich, Germany, and will travel to London and other international cities. Each exhibit will have 250 items on display PLUS a hologram of Walt Disney! Learn More About The Exhibit We’re excited about everything the 100th anniversary will bring all over the world and we’ll keep you updated on how you can get in on the big anniversary, too! So stay tuned to DFB for more! Have you checked out the latest Disney-themed t-shirts in our store? Click here – you’ll want to pick some up before your next Disney trip! Everything You Need To Know About Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration 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 are you celebrating Disney’s big anniversary? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 Unexpected Announcements for Disney’s 100th Anniversary first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival starts on July 27th, and we can hardly wait. 2022 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival We’re so ready to get a look at all the new food coming to this year’s festival, as well as rock out with the Eat to the Beat concerts, and take part in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt. We’re also excited about the merchandise. We’ve seen a sneak peek at some of the merchandise for this year’s festival, but now we’ve found even MORE! We spotted some NEW EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merchandise on the official EPCOT Food & Wine Festival website. It’s a dark blue jacket with the festival logo on one side and a graphic of Chef Mickey on the back, next to a hamburger with a signpost on it. How fun is this? ©Disney Previously, we got a peek at some other merchandise, including this “Wine Your Way Around The World” Spirit Jersey. ©Disney Of course, there will be TONS more merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, spirit jerseys, pins, accessories, home decor, mementos, and more. If you want an idea of what kind of merchandise is available, you can get a look at all of last year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merchandise here. 2022 Food and Wine Festival Ears But don’t forget, DFB has you covered with new Food and Wine Festival Tees! You’ll want the PERFECT thing to wear, and these shirts are available as tanks AND tees. We’re all about those Food and Wine vibes. DFB Exclusive Food & Wine Merch! Want to know more about this year’s festival? Here’s everything that has been confirmed for the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival so far! We’ll be covering the festival ON THE GROUND, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more coverage! We’ve Covered the EPCOT Food and Wine Fest for 15 Years. Here Are Our Predictions for 2023 Ready to Plan for Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including details on what’s new this year, touring plan ideas, and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price! Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be at this year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments! The post SNEAK PEEK at EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Merchandise first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are bringing you some BIG news about EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival. 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Disney previously announced that a fan-favorite event, The Eat to the Beat Concert Series, is returning this year for the festival! This concert series features different bands and performers from various genres of music. They can be a super popular event and can easily fill up. Luckily, there is a way to secure your seat in advance. Disney also announced that the Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will be returning with the concert series. If you want to book your spot for these dining packages in advance (which we highly recommend doing in case spots fill up), you will be able to make reservations for these packages starting on July 6th. Eat to the Beat The dining packages entitle guests to lunch or dinner at a select EPCOT restaurant and same-day reserved seating at the Eat to the Beat Concert that evening. Eat to the Beat 2022 And if you’re planning to go to this year’s Food & Wine Festival, we’ve got the perfect outfit to help you get ready — check out our EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Tank Top at our online DFB Store! Food & Wine vibes! For more information and news about EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here at DFB. We bring you all the information, tips, and tricks you need to know about the event. Click Here to See The FULL Concert Line Up for 2023 Ready to Plan for Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including details on what’s new this year, touring plan ideas, and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price! Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you done an Eat to the Beat Dining Package before? Let us know in the comments! The post DATE ANNOUNCED: When Reservations OPEN for Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival might seem far away — but Disney is already getting ready! It’s Food & Wine time! This year’s festival will take place from July 27th to November 18th, and we already know some of our favorite booths are returning! We’ll also get to play Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak again, as well as eat our weight in cheese for a prize with Emile’s Fromage Montage. We even get to check out some amazing entertainment during the Eat to the Beat concert series. But one thing has been left uncertain until now — will dining packages return for this year’s festival? During the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, guests can jam out to local and globally recognized musicians at the America Gardens Theater. In the past, we’ve seen popular bands from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s and across tons of musical genres. Eat to the Beat This year, we can expect some exciting performances from Boyz II Men, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sugar Ray, and more! So how do you guarantee a good seat at these shows? It’s official! Disney has confirmed that Dining Packages will be available for the Eat to the Beat Concert series this year. ©Disney With these dining packages, guests will be able to purchase lunch or dinner at select EPCOT restaurants, which includes same-day reserved priority seating at the Eat to the Beat Concert that evening. Reservations for dining packages will open on July 6th, 2023. We still have yet to get the full details of the packages this year, but stay tuned to DFB as we follow along closely! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Looking for some tips to dominate the festival? Check out a realistic budget here, 4 things you have to do before the festival begins, as well as some insider tips. And if you’re planning to go to this year’s Food & Wine Festival, we’ve got the perfect outfit to help you get ready — check out our EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Tank Top at our online DFB Store! Food & Wine vibes! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Click here to learn all about the Eat to the Beat Concert Series Ready to Plan for Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including details on what’s new this year, touring plan ideas, and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price! Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What part of Food and Wine Festival are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! The post CONFIRMED: Eat to the Beat Dining Packages Will RETURN to the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you ready for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs during the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival (2022) Did you know there’s way MORE to the festival than just food and wine? Sure, all the food booths are something to get excited about, but you can also go on a Remy-themed Scavenger hunt, eat your way through a cheese crawl (oh, wait, that IS food), and see some amazing performances by some of your favorite bands? Well, now we know what bands are playing at this year’s festival, and these names are HUGE. That’s right. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series is returning to this year’s festival. The concerts take place on select nights during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival at America Garden Theater. Showtimes will take place at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8PM on Fridays through Mondays from July 27th to November 18th, 2023. 98 Degrees Performed at Eat to the Beat — 2022 So who’s performing this year? Here’s the full lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Orianthi – NEW! July 28 and 29 for King & Country – NEW! July 30 and 31 Southern Avenue August 4 and 5 Tiffany August 6 and 7 Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart – NEW! August 11 and 12 The Bacon Brothers – NEW! August 13 and 14 Joey Fatone & Friends August 18 through 21 Ayron Jones – NEW! August 25 and 26 Phillip Phillips – NEW! August 27 and 28 Baha Men September 1 and 2 MercyMe September 3 and 4 Ray Parker Jr. September 8 and 9 Tobymac September 10 and 11 Celebrity Latin Talent – To Be Announced September 15 and 16 Raul Acosta & Oro Solido – NEW! September 17 and 18 Los Amigos Invisibles September 22 and 23 98° September 24 and 25 Boyz II Men September 29 and 30 Boyz II Men October 1 and 2 Mark Wills October 6 and 7 Sugar Ray October 8 and 9 Hoobastank October 13 and 14 Air Supply October 15 and 16 Taylor Dayne October 20 and 21 Billy Ocean October 22 and 23 Hanson October 27 through 30 We the Kings – NEW! November 3 and 4 Shelia E. November 5 and 6 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy November 10 and 11 38 Special November 12 and 13 Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will also return this year. Guests can reserve spots for the Eat to the Beat shows by purchasing a dining package starting on July 6th, 2023. Disney stated that more details on the dining packages will be announced in late June. If you don’t want to miss out on seeing your favorite band, this might be your best way to get a good spot for their show! Eat to the Beat Looking for some of our best tips for tackling the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? We’ve put together 10 of our readers’ best festival tips here. We’ll be posting LIVE from the festival on day one, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. Looking to score some fashion points at this year’s festival? Be sure to check out our Food and Wine Vibes Tank now available at the DFB Store. Food & Wine vibes! Looking for even more fun Disney-themed shirts? Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Everything CONFIRMED to Return to the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Ready to Plan for Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including details on what’s new this year, touring plan ideas, and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price! Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be visiting EPCOT Food & Wine Festival to see a concert? Which one? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Released for 2023 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Here is a first look at the lineup of artists bringing sizzling sounds to the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting July 27 at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare.View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. When it comes to shopping for your favorite Disney items — the cost can really add up quick! Who doesn’t love Disney shopping? That’s why we love being able to tell you about all the latest sales and deals you can find throughout the parks and online. And right now, there is a ton of Disney merch on sale online — from ears to ornaments to accessories, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for Disney merchandise you can’t get anywhere else, look no further than shopDisney! Right now, there are a few different sales going on and a ton of different items on sale — like these Encanto ears! Encanto Ears We love the embroidered floral pattern. And, the entire Encanto collection is 30% off — take a look at everything here! Click Here To Shop the Encanto Ears Right now, you can get this Disney100 Mickey Ear Hat for just $12 with any Disney100 purchase! 100th Ornament Now is the perfect time to finally start that Disney Christmas tree you’ve been wanting! Not only that, but there are plenty of other 100th Anniversary items on sale right now too — check them all out here. Click Here To Shop the Disney100 Ear Hat Ornament Looking for a new park bag? This Unified Character Collection backpack might be just the thing. ©shopDisney There are so many different items in this collection — and it’s all on sale! Click here to check out the entire collection. Click Here To Shop the Unified Character Backpack And finally, you can get this Stitch Beach Tote for just $20 with any purchase from shopDisney! ©shopDisney You’ll be ready to hit the beach and catch some waves in no time thanks to this deal. Click Here To Shop the Stitch Beach Tote Plus, get a Dooney & Bourke Cosmetics Case at a discount when you purchase any Dooney & Bourke item! ©Disney Yep — that’s a discount on designer merch! Happy shopping! Click Here To Shop the Cosmetics Case You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to shopping for Disney merch — good deals can be found if you know where to look. Luckily we do here at DFB, so be sure to stay tuned for more! Check Out This 100th Anniversary Merchandise on SALE! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What will you be adding to your cart? Let us know in the comments. The post Don't Miss Out on These HUGE Disney Merch Deals! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There have been a lot of changes recently at Disney World. 100th sign at Animal Kingdom We started seeing more Disney100 signs put up around the parks like the one above at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A whole area is reopening at Hollywood Studios. Moana is now meeting guests at Animal Kingdom, and a new Dooney and Burke collection was released in the parks. There is one more BIG change at EPCOT coming on May 14th. Before we get into the change coming, check out our EPCOT checklist. It’s a free downloadable file that has a complete checklist of all there is to do and see at EPCOT. Just enter your email and we’ll send it right to you. Alright, back to the big change that is coming. Akershus will once again be open for breakfast and lunch starting May 14th! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a character dining restaurant located in Norway in the World Showcase. Here you can enjoy a meal and meet some of the Disney Princesses. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall A full menu was revealed, so we know we can expect Norwegian waffles, pastries, potato casserole, and more for breakfast. We also know that it will cost $53 per adult and $34 per child (3-9). Akershus Royal Banquet Hall We do know that some princesses will be there as they are for dinner currently. While there is no set list of which Princesses will be there, here are a few you might see: Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White. During character dining, guests can take photos with the princesses and get their autographs as well. Akershus Advance dining reservations are recommended for this restaurant and they are open for booking for breakfast and lunch now. If you are wanting to meet a variety of princesses without having to wait in line, this might be a good option for you. For more Disney food news, be sure to follow us at DFB. Check Out the New Disney Treats that are Coming to The Parks Soon! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you been to Akershus before? Let us know below! The post The BIG CHANGE Coming To a Disney World Restaurant Next Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article