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Dollywood theme park is slowly capturing our hearts! The beloved theme park in the Smoky Mountains is home to some amazing coasters and all things Dolly Parton. Let’s talk Dollywood! If you don’t know, the park has also started doing different festivals throughout the year! Right now, you can check out the Flower and Food Festival from April 18 until June 7th. We tried a bunch of these festival eats, and we’re bringing you our FULL reviews! We started off over on Showstreet with a little something sweet. At Spotlight Bakery (home to the famous apple pie), we tried out 3 of the festival items! First, we grabbed the Lavender Dreams Cupcake for $8.79. The Lavender Dream Cupcake This cupcake was pretty surprising. The lavender comes in the flavor of the cake, but it isn’t overwhelming. The floral flavor is subtle, but if you’re floral averse, you might think this has a slight spray of perfume. The cake itself was super moist and light with a slight lemon tang, which paired nicely with the lavender. There was also a nice crust on the outside layer of the cake that we loved. Such a pretty butterfly! The icing was a buttercream icing that had the classic sweet, subtle taste. The pearls on top added a nice crunch, but they weren’t too hard. Next, we had the Black Forest Cupcake for $8.79. This cupcake was pretty different from the other! It still had that soft, fluffy cake with a slight crust on the outside. The cake was great for chocolate lovers because it had a very rich, chocolate-forward flavor. The Black Forest Cupcake There was a cherry filling inside that reminded us of a pie filling texturally. It was a sweet maraschino cherry that we thought made this good cupcake into a great one. The frosting was super soft and light, and it was lightly lined with a cherry syrup. It was easily our favorite part. The cupcake was surprisingly complex! It was delicious! Finally, we got a Butterfly Sugar Cookie! This cookie was a big hit with the team. We had low expectations, but we would go back for this time and time again. The cookie was soft, buttery, and sugary. It was easily torn in half, and our teeth sank right in. The icing was soft and not hard like we anticipated it to be. It was a sweet, subtle flavor that we think works with the cookie to make a seriously underrated snack. The Butterfly Sugar Cookie After that, we went over to Market Square BIG SKILLET in Rivertown Junction! If you’ve ever been to Dollywood, you know just how good it smells in this area. We started with the Sausage and Rice Skillet for $14.99! The Sausage and Rice Skillet This was easily our favorite bite at this spot. While it wasn’t the most visually appealing, it was absolutely delicious. The rice was perfectly cooked, so it was soft but not mushy. The sausage was easily the star of the show thanks to all of the herbs inside. It was cooked perfectly, so it had a small snap, but it was savory and herbaceous. The vegetables in the middle were bright and added a refreshing complexity that made this hearty meal super flavorful. It wasn’t reinventing the wheel, but it did a classic meal well. We loved this! Next, we grabbed the Pork Belly Bowl for $13.99! This was nearly perfect, but it just fell short. The pork belly was cooked perfectly, so it had a good shape, but it was still moist and fatty. It wasn’t overly chewy, but if you don’t like a fatty texture, you probably won’t like this. The cucumber salad was sweet and added a nice crunch that we liked. If you’re used to Asian cucumber salads, this one won’t be as flavorful, but it was on the sweeter side, which helped cut through the salty pork belly. The Pork Belly Bowl This dish fell short due to the rice. It was overcooked and mushy, despite the flavors being nice. It reminded us of the vegetable fried frozen rice from Trader Joe’s, which isn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t what we were hoping for. The toppings were still worth the bite, but the rice was a sad addition. A closer look! Finally, at this spot, we grabbed the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for $13.99. This was definitely our least favorite of the three bowls. The noodles were seriously overcooked, making them mushy and not a very pleasant experience. Luckily, the cheese was a saving grace! It was a white cheddar that was creamy, mild, and buttery. The Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese The chicken was another letdown in our book. It was fine, although it was a bit on the dry side. It reminded us of precooked chicken you can grab at the store. The sauce on the chicken leaned more honey than hot. This made the chicken sweeter, which balanced well with the savory cheese. This might be a safe “adventurous” food for picky eaters wanting to try something new, but we would probably skip next time. A closer look! For our last festival food booth, we stopped by Trailhead Eats! This spot has rotating festival eats and we tried all three options. The menu! The Braised Beef Potato was $13.99! This potato really surprised us. The potato itself was on the colder side, and it was slightly undercooked. It was still fork-tender, but it wasn’t super soft. That being said, the toppings really made up for it. The cheese was mild and flavorful, and mixed beautifully with the loads of braised beef below it. The Braised Beef Potato The beef was savory and slightly moist. The tomatoes added some nice acidity and brightness. The chimichuri on top was the real star. It added a great herbaceous flavor along with a nice amount of garlic. Once this was all mixed together, it created a hearty and comforting meal. Those toppings were delicious! Next was the Pesto Caprese Sandwich for $12.99. Talk about simply delicious! This sandwich has a nice, subtle mozzarella cheese that was moist and easy to bite into. The tomato was fresh and added a subtle acidity to the rest of the meal. The basil was also fresh, which was slightly minty and peppery. The Pesto Caprese Sandwich On the side, there was a dipping sauce that was similar to a gazpacho. It was light and thin but had a nice tomato flavor. It also had tons of herbs that made it feel more complex. The soft bread really held it all together to make a nice, easy meal. A look at the sandwich! Finally, we grabbed the Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich for $12.99! This was the epitome of sweet barbecue. The bun was soft and fluffy, so it served as a great vessel for all of that delicious pulled pork. The pulled pork was easily pulled apart, not dry, and it had several fatty bites that melted in our mouths. The Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich The honey barbecue was slightly thick and sweet, while still maintaining the caramelized flavor you can expect from a good barbecue sauce. There was SO much meat and sauce that we had some deliciously sticky fingers by the time it was done. On the bottom, there were a few bread and butter pickles that added a crunchy and acidic bite. Look at all that sauce! We were HUGE fans of Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival thanks to the delicious snacks and gorgeous topiaries. We can’t wait to share even more from our trip to the Smokies, so be sure to stay tuned with DFB for more. REVIEW: We Tried a 25 POUND (!!!) Apple Pie In Dollywood Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which would you try? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We’re a few weeks away from the end of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, and while that’s a bummer, it also means that the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, arguably the biggest festival of the year, will begin at the end of August. Food & Wine Festival This year’s Food & Wine Festival runs from August 27th through November 21st, 2026, which yes, means it lands during one of the hottest times of the year, and crowds fluctuate pretty intensely throughout that season (since you’ll go through summer, fall, and the very beginning of winter). Members of our team have been to the festival EVERY year for the past 10+ years, and yet, somehow every year, we make at least one new mistake that we vow to never make again (and we don’t…we just make a different one). If you’re heading to the festival this year, do yourself a favor and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes we did last year. Forgetting to Drink Water AND Electrolytes You’ve heard it approximately 14 million times, with at least 10 million of those being from us alone: DRINK WATER while you’re in the parks in the heat. However, that’s not the end of the story. When it’s hot outside, and you’re sweating buckets, it’s important to not only keep yourself hydrated with water, but to ALSO drink electrolytes to replace what you’re sweating out. Powerade has electrolytes! There’s a reason why you see athletes and those out in the sun a lot drinking a mix of water AND a drink with electrolytes, such as Powerade, Gatorade, or you see them adding electrolyte packets into their water. This is because electrolytes are essential minerals, like sodium, calcium, and potassium, that you won’t get in water regularly, but they’re incredibly important in helping your body regulate its functions, especially in the heat. Do yourself a favor and be ready to find the balance between drinking lots of water, ALSO getting electrolytes, while also balancing the fun drinks you’re getting throughout the day too. It’s a little hard, but it’s absolutely manageable. Eating In The Eat While you may think you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, when it’s 100+ degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is making you feel like someone is covering you with a wet paper towel the moment you step outside in the parks, there ARE indeed rules for eating, especially if you’ve got a sensitive stomach. Passion Fruit Cream Slush at EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (2025) This is especially true for items that have lots of dairy in them, or raw fish, such as sushi. We’ve heard some horror stories from members of our team on what can happen if you eat these heavier or more delicate items in the heat of the day (spoiler alert: sometimes they don’t mix well with the heat, and you may not feel the greatest), so we recommend eating those items earlier in the morning, or after the sun has come close to setting for the day. Keep Cool WHENEVER You Can When it’s THAT hot in Disney World, it’s important to stay cool whenever you can, and however you can. That means that, whenever there’s an opportunity, we recommend heading inside to take advantage of the AC. If you’ve grabbed food from a festival booth, instead of eating at a table (or on a trash can) outside, step into a quick-service restaurant to enjoy the AC, or at the very least, find some shade. Festival lines can get long! We also recommend bringing what you need to keep yourself cool when you are outside, such as fans, cooling towels, sunglasses, umbrellas — whatever works for you. If it will help keep you out of the sun, or help keep yourself cool on bright, hot, sunny days, it’s absolutely worth bringing into the parks, even if that means you bring a slightly bigger bag. Underestimating How Filling Booths Can Be Festival booths are known for having smaller portions at lower prices, which makes it much easier to snack around the festival throughout the day. However, we’ve seen firsthand how people think they can eat at a booth basically every hour, grabbing at least 1-2 items at each booth, and if you’re eating the whole portion yourself, or not sharing, that can become VERY filling VERY fast. Frozen S’mores from Festival Favorites It’s just something to keep in mind while you’re planning, because in this case, it’s common for your eyes to be bigger than your stomach, especially on, you guessed it, hot days. Be flexible and ready to change your plans around if needed, and really listen to your body! Refreshment Outpost full spread We’ll be at day one of the festival to bring you all our reviews and the updates you need to know to have a successful festival day, so stay tuned to DFB! Everything We Know About This Year’s Food and Wine Festival! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details 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 else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There are so many sweet treats and desserts all over Disney World that it can be difficult to know what you should try and what you should skip. Cinderella Castle That’s why we try to review every new item so that you can make easier decisions about what snacks you want to try on your next Disney World vacation. We recently tried two new croissants, so let’s see if you should grab them! First, we stopped by Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music Resort to try the Mocha Croissant for $6.49. Mocha Croissant We were surprised by how delicious this croissant was! It was extremely flaky, and the absolute star was the cream cheese filling. We were worried at first that this would be too overpoweringly sweet, but that was not the case. The filling added a great, slightly tangy flavor that balanced really well with the coffee flavor. Lots of Chocolate! Personally, we liked the half without the chocolate coating a little bit better because the coffee flavor came through a bit more, but if you’re a fan of chocolaty mochas, you would love the half with chocolate a lot! That being said, this was a very rich treat, but it would be delicious paired with a cup of coffee. Cream Cheese Filling Overall, we would definitely grab this next time we are at the All-Stars, but we wouldn’t suggest making a trip all the way there just for this croissant. Then we went over to Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation and tried the Chocolate-Marshmallow-Hazelnut Croissant for $6.49. Chocolate Marshmallow Hazelnut Croissant This is a messy one! This Croissant is loaded with marshmallow and chocolate, so that mess is unavoidable if you grab this treat. While the crust was nice and flaky, and we enjoyed the flavor of the hazelnut spread, overall, this Croissant was extremely sweet, to the point of being overpowering. If you’re able to tackle the mess, this would be great to share, and kids who love super sweet desserts will probably be obsessed with this, but for everyone else, the sweetness was a bit too much. So, unless you’re planning to share or have someone in your party who really loves ultra-sweet desserts, we would recommend passing on this one. So gooey! We’ve tried every snack at Walt Disney World, and you can see all of our reviews here in the Disney World Snacks Guide! So if you’re feeling overwhelmed planning what and where to eat on your next Disney vacation, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! And we always make sure to keep you informed of all the newest Disney snacks and drinks that pop up, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! This NEW Cookie Butter Croissant Changes EVERYTHING! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be trying either of these croissants on your next visit to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Alright, if you’ve had your eye on some Disney merchandise but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, when we tell you that we’ve got incredible news, we mean it with our whole hearts. ©BoxLunch We’re suckers for the Disney merchandise available over at BoxLunch, and love seeing the new items released what feels like week after week. We’ll be the first to admit, though, that some of those prices are EXPENSIVE, but that’s why NOW is the perfect time to shop, because there’s a BIG sale happening right now. At this very moment, if you purchase TWO Disney items on BoxLunch, you’ll get a third Disney item for FREE! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Decorate Your Kitchen! ©BoxLunch If you’ve been looking for some new additions to add to your kitchen to bring the Disney magic alive, the Disney Mickey and Friends Village Spice Jar Set is absolutely perfect. You can use each one for a different spice, and it even comes with 25 spice stickers to label them easily. It’s currently available for pre-order, and is expected to ship between September 15th and 25th. Grab it on BoxLunch! It’s Never A Bad Time For A New Loungefly ©BoxLunch For all the Tangled fans out there, the Tangled Pascal Floral Loungefly Mini Backpack is absolutely adorable and perfect for the summertime. The whole backpack is a beautiful teal color and covered with yellow and purple flowers, while the front pocket features Pascal himself. This item is also available for pre-order and is expected to ship between July 7th and July 17th. Grab it on BoxLunch! New Ears For The Summer Season? Yes, Please! ©BoxLunch If you love ears, but want a pair that does a great job of going with lighter colored outfits that may be easier to wear during the summer, look no further than the Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Bows White Ears. The ears and headband are white, but you’ll find embossed bows of different kinds all over the front and back of the ears, complete with pink polka dots. Then, a pink bow with white polka dots in the middle brings it all together. Grab it on BoxLunch! The Cutest Salt and Pepper Shakers ©BoxLunch We’re absolutely OBSESSED with the Ratatouille Remy & Gusteau’s Cookbook Figural Salt and Pepper Shakers, and love that they’re part of this sale! Yes, the set comes with both, but you can choose to put the salt and pepper in whichever one you’d like. This is available for pre-order now, and they’re expected to ship between September 1st and September 11th. Grab it on BoxLunch! Feel All The Nostalgia For Movie Night ©BoxLunch We absolutely FLIPPED when we saw the Pocahontas Retro Quilted Blanket for the first time, and yes, we’re just as excited this time around. The blanket is reversible, with a teal pattern on one side and a purple/pink pattern on the other. It’s currently available for pre-order with expected shipping taking place between June 16th and June 26th. Grab it on BoxLunch! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

We love Loungeflys for their unique style and designs, and this new bunch that just dropped has us giddy. ©Loungefly Loungefly bags can help us celebrate our favorite Disney movies, shows, and characters, all while being durable and practical for everyday use. We love wearing them in the parks and just around town to add a touch of Disney to our day. Here are four of the latest Loungeflys available on Amazon right now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. view OUR LOUNGEFLY Page on AMAZON Get this stunning The Hunchback of Notre Dame Loungefly! ©Amazon This Hunchback of Notre Dame Loungefly backpack has a detailed stained glass design to reflect the beauty of Notre Dame. Inside the window appliques with debossed designs of the characters, this mini backpack is perfect for fans of the film. view ON AMAZON This Oozma Kappa House from Monsters University is adorable! ©Amazon Scare your way into Oozma Kappa fraternity with this adorable mini backpack inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters University! Shaped like the suburban-style frat house, on the front, you’ll find Mike, Sulley, and their friends ready to greet you. The custom applique top handle is our dear friend, Art, with a huge smile on his face. On the sides, you’ll find cool details like the list of fraternities competing in the Scare Games, and on the back, Don Carlton’s business card. On the inside front pocket, you’ll find Mike, Sully, and Don joined by Squishy’s mom, Sheri. view ON AMAZON We love this Beauty and the Beast Loungefly backpack! ©Amazon This Loungefly Disney Beauty and the Beast Belle Stained Glass Portrait Mini Backpack is fit for a princess. Featuring embossed and appliqued stained-glass details, this backpack is inspired by Belle! The details of her castle on the side and the roses at the top really add a touch of character to this bag. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Rescuers Down Under bag! ©Amazon As a millennial, this Rescuers Down Under Loungefly is my favorite. With embroidered with characters from the film on the front, this bag includes debossed details on the sides, a magnetic flap closure, and zippered pockets. view ON AMAZON Don’t forget to take a look at more Loungeflys here! ©Amazon If you are looking for more Disney Loungeflys, be sure to visit our Loungefly page on Amazon. We keep this updated with the latest Loungefly designs and the Loungeflys that are on sale right now. view OUR LOUNGEFLY Page on AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Recently, we went to Dollywood theme park in the Smoky Mountains! The Apple Pie This colorful, butterfly-filled park is home to some of the country’s best roller coasters, snacks, and live entertainment! There are several famous snacks in the park, and if you don’t check out the 25-pound apple pie, you’re missing out on something BIG. Dollywood is known for its southern roots, beautiful scenery, and so much more. One of my favorite parts of the theme park is the sneakily good snacks and dining. Over on Showstreet, you’ll find Spotlight Bakery, which is home to the park’s Starbucks location and some delicious treats. Showstreet! There are several things to try here (and you can get the famous Cinnamon Bread at this spot), but the most notable item is the famous 25 Pound Apple Pie! We aren’t joking, this massive dessert (complete with a butterfly on top) is $249 for the entire pie, and the skillet is included. This is 25 POUNDS! For a slice of the 25-pound pie, it’ll cost you $25! This slice (which took us two hands to hold) is filled to the brim with apple slices, all below a golden brown crust. Multiple people stopped in their tracks to ask where we grabbed this slice! A slice of the pie! This pie was something! It wasn’t overly sweet or too sugary, especially compared to the cinnamon bread. It isn’t served warm, which we found to be a little disappointing. The filling was filled with cinnamon and butter, all cooked around those layers upon layers of apples. The apples were soft-baked, but they still had a bit of a bite, which made sure the pie wasn’t mushy. SO many layers! The crust was thick and flaky, just like you hope a good apple pie crust will be. Was this the best apple pie in the world? Probably not, but the novelty of it is the size! It was easily shared between 3 people with so much left over. When you divide it among multiple people, this is a pretty good price for the deal. It took TWO hands to hold! If you plan on eating it solo, bring some Tupperware to carry it home in! Spolight Bakery is a solid spot for Dollywood sweets and a quick, familiar coffee. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more theme park snacks, reviews, news, and more. REVIEW: This Is The Best $12.99 I’ve Ever Spent In A Theme Park Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us what you would try in the comments! View the full article

Sounds like adventure. Which Alaskan experience are you most excited to try? #DisneyCruiseLineView the full article

We might’ve found the greatest thing since sliced bread over at the Disneyland Resort! Parkside Market Okay, so maybe that’s a bit of an overreaction. Still, this lunch is one we absolutely CANNOT stop thinking about. We recently stopped by GG’s Chicken Shop at Parkside Market in Downtown Disney, and we HAD to share our experience with you! Atmosphere Parkside Market is one of the newer additions to Downtown Disney and is a two-storey quick-service spot that houses several different kitchens that serve up all kinds of tasty eats. GG’s Chicken Shop Inside, you’ll find tons of tables in a bright setting, and upstairs sits a bar with additional tables and booths. There is also some outdoor seating upstairs. Parkside Market But enough about the building — what’s on the menu here?! Menu GG’s Chicken Shop serves “a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and sides in Downtown Disney from Michelin-starred chef, Lee Wolen.” When the restaurant first opened, we gave it a strong review, so returning was never even a question. GG’s Chicken Shop During our recent visit, we opted for a simple lunch, but it absolutely stood out. Eats First up, we grabbed the Crispy Brussels Sprouts for $6. These are served with chili lime salt. Crispy Brussels Sprouts These have become our new obsession! They are great bang for your buck because the portions are pretty big. There is a lime chili seasoning on top that is so incredibly tasty with a wonderful zest and a hint of spice that is perfection! These are incredible! Next, we tried the Sweet Corn Elote for $6. This side is made with lime, chipotle, cotija, and cilantro. Sweet Corn Elote Another obsession, this elote is served in a small cup with lots of cotija cheese. There might be just a tad too much cheese, but the flavors still come through, and it’s absolutely delicious! In Southern California, you expect good elote, and GG’s Chicken Shop delivers. YUM Finally, we also tried the side GG’s Mac & Cheese — also for $6. GG’s Mac & Cheese This is a plain mac and cheese with no frills, and it’s perfect for a kiddos with a small appetite or those craving a small snack. It’s got that basic, yet reliable, cheesy flavor, and a price that’s tough to beat. Nosh or Not GG’s Chicken Shop is a must-visit if… YOU WANT GOOD QUICK SERVICE. This spot serves elevated quick-service food. It’s not the cheapest restaurant at Disneyland, but it is ideal for folks not wanting to spend a ton of time at a restaurant. A FUN TAKE ON THE CLASSICS INTERESTS YOU. The menu here does cater to classics like waffle fries and chicken sandwiches, but they are specially seasoned and crafted with a bit more care. YOU WANT TO STOCK UP ON SIDES. As you can see, we really dig the sides here — and they aren’t too expensive. If you want to taste a bunch of little things, this is a good spot. You should skip this Downtown Disney restaurant if… YOU WANT A THEMED EXPERIENCE. There are tons of nearby sit-down restaurants that’ll give you more of an immersion. Parkside Market works more like a food court. YOU WANT MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. The sides here are affordable. But keep in mind that sandwiches are a tad pricey and do not include any sides. You can rack up a bill fast. Overall We stuck with sides for our visit and came away with a delicious lunch! GG’s remains a fantastic addition to the Disneyland Resort, and we can’t wait to see what the restaurant delivers next! Everything we tried In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from the Disneyland Resort, so be sure to stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news, reviews, tips, and more! DATE ANNOUNCED for Permanent Closure at Downtown Disney Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disneyland restaurant before? Share your review in the comments! View the full article

We’ve got some fantastic news for the Disneyland Resort fans out there, especially if you love stopping by the Disneyland Hotel to see what’s happening over at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Indoor dining at this location is currently closed for refurbishment (set to last through Spring 2026, but the closure continues), but dining outside is still available, however, and that means you can experience these EIGHT new eats at the restaurant when they release on May 25th! To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland, there are special, limited-time dining options available starting on May 25th. While there’s no end date for them just yet, we suggest heading over sooner rather than later to ensure you can snag them. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar 15th Anniversary Hyena Mug (NEW!) @disneyeats on Instagram BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Teriyaki chicken, red onions, mozzarella cheese, micro herbs, Fresno chilies, green onions, and pineapple (option to add Kālua pork) (NEW!) @disneyeats on Instagram Chicken Katsu Curry: Crispy chicken cutlet, Japanese curry, jasmine rice, soy-marinated egg, and pickled ginger (NEW!) @disneyeats on Instagram Furikake Fries: Beer-battered French fries, furikake, green onions, and gochujang aioli (NEW!) @disneyeats on Instagram Ka-Blue-ie!: Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Coco Real @disneyeats on Instagram Lost Safari: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Grenadine, Myers’s Dark Rum @disneyeats on Instagram Ginger’s Pear-adise: Absolut Pears Vodka, Canton Ginger, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar @disneyeats on Instagram Old Kungaloosh: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Malibu Rum, Midori Melon, Pineapple & Cranberry Juices @disneyeats on Instagram Rosita’s Margarita: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Bols Orange Curaçao, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Falernum @disneyeats on Instagram At this time, there’s no mention of any new or special dining options coming to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Disney World, most likely due to the fact that the restaurant only opened in 2015 and isn’t celebrating any special anniversaries this year, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye out. More Recent Disneyland Resort News! I Go to Disneyland Every Day and This Lunch Is My New ObsessionNEW Eats and Drinks Just Announced for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki BarThe Disneyland Expansion Is Just Getting Started. Here’s What Might Come Next…Disneyland Pays $56,000 Settlement For Autopia Ride Vehicle EnginesThis Disneyland App CHANGE Just Made Visiting the Parks 10x Easier We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disneyland news, so stay tuned to DFB! REVIEW: This Disney World Hotel Spot Changed Its Menu, and It’s NOT What We Expected Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these items are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Universal Studios Orlando is seeing a good amount of construction across its three parks, with most of it happening at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure is getting close to being demolished to make way for something new, and a bunch of other ride closures have been happening across the parks. Now, Universal has announced that ANOTHER attraction is closing, and it’s going to be gone for a while! Both Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live!, located in DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida, are closing down for a good chunk of the summer. Both of the Kung Fu Panda attractions will be closed from May 18th through July 3rd. Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp DreamWorks Land is a fun area geared towards kids based on some iconic animated films. If you have kiddos, Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp is a great spot to bring them to during a park day. It features a playground and a water attraction. The closing of the area takes away from a good activity offering for little ones at Universal. Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp Despite the Kung Fu Panda attractions being closed, the remainder of DreamWorks land will remain open. You’ll still be able to check out the Trolls Trollercoaster, Poppy’s Playground, Shrek’s Swamp Meet, DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, and more. Shrek and Princess Fiona If you have a Universal trip coming up this summer, you may want to be aware of other closures that might throw a wrench in your plans. Take a look at the list of closures: Universal Studios Finnegan’s Bar and Grill closed through Winter 2026 Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show closed through Winter 2026 MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack closed from June 1st through June 16th Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure Jurassic Park River Adventure closed through November 19th Pteranodon Flyers closed through May 21st Me Ship, The Olive closed from May 26th through June 9th Epic Universe Viking Training Camp in Isle of Berk closed through May 22nd Jurassic Park is closed We’ll be keeping an eye out for any more construction news happening at Universal Studios. If you have a trip to Universal coming up, follow us at the Disney Food Blog so you have all the latest updates, making your trip that much easier. Something NEW Just Landed at Universal Orlando Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you going to Universal this summer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Epic Universe opened almost one year ago and has quickly become a fan-favorite Universal Park. One of the most loved aspects of this park is the incredible characters. Between the iconic Toothless meet-and-greet and the wandering characters in each land, the characters have really brought the park to life. Celestial Park in Epic Universe And we have some exciting news. One of our favorite original characters is officially getting a meet-and-greet in Celestial Park! Universal just posted this teaser video, and we are already SO excited. He looks so cute, and we cannot wait to meet him. Captain Cacao is one of several original characters at Celestial Park that have become a favorite among guests. Captain Cacao! He originated at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, and of course, because Universal Creative pays attention to everything, he was given a backstory. According to the Captain Cacao lore, he travels the cosmos aboard his ship, the Joei de Ganache (which is made of marshmallows, obviously), and travels through space in search of rare treats to bring back to his shop. So many sweets! Come on, how could you not be obsessed with him? Currently, Universal sells Captain Cacao plushes, which are, of course, very popular, and we know that this meet-and-greet is going to be a popular spot as well. So cute! So if you need to meet the cutest bear in the cosmos, take a trip over to Celestial Park starting on May 22nd! Celestial Park We make sure to keep you updated on all Universal news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Our FAVORITE Park Bags are Coming to Epic Universe! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this new meet-and-greet? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney fans are very good at having opinions. Connections Eatery We have opinions about the best EPCOT festival booth. We have opinions about whether School Bread is elite or merely surviving on nostalgia and toasted coconut. We have opinions about which bathroom is weirdly superior. We are complicated people, and sometimes that means trying to balance a tray of food while silently begging a family of six to stop treating a quick-service table like EPCOT headquarters. And lately, one EPCOT restaurant trend has been making Disney fans twitch harder than a My Disney Experience app on a low battery. We’re talking about holding a quick-service table before your party has food. It’s all outdoor seating, right? You know the scene. You’re at EPCOT. Maybe you just picked up food at Connections Eatery, Sunshine Seasons, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, La Cantina de San Angel, or another busy quick-service spot. You’ve got your tray. You’ve got drinks. You’ve got a kid melting into the floor, or maybe you are the kid melting into the floor emotionally. No judgment. Then you scan the dining room and realize every table is “taken,” except half of them are occupied by people who do not yet have food. Some are waiting for a Mobile Order. Some are holding down the fort while another family member stands in line. Some appear to have moved into the restaurant and are moments away from receiving mail there. This is what the stink eye was invented for. The Table-Saving Problem On paper, we get why people do it. Disney World is expensive. EPCOT is crowded. Florida heat is not a weather condition so much as a personal threat. If you’re traveling with kids, older adults, someone with mobility needs, or anyone who has reached that dangerous “I need food in the next three minutes or I become folklore” stage, grabbing a table early can feel like a smart strategy. Sunshine Seasons seating But when a restaurant is slammed, that strategy can gum up the whole system. The problem is not one parent sitting with a toddler for a few minutes while another adult grabs food. The problem is when whole tables are occupied for 15, 20, 30 minutes or more before food arrives. During that time, other guests who already have food are wandering around with trays, trying not to spill drinks, drop fries, or enter a new villain era. Crowds during lunch Quick-service restaurants work best when people cycle through them. You order, you pick up food, you sit, you eat, you clean up, you move on. It’s not exactly poetry, but it works. When tables become holding pens for people who are not eating yet, the flow breaks. Suddenly, guests with food have nowhere to go, Cast Members are dealing with frustrated diners, and the whole restaurant starts to feel less like a convenient meal stop and more like an airport gate during a thunderstorm. EPCOT Makes This Worse This issue can happen anywhere in Disney World, but EPCOT is especially vulnerable to it. Seating First, EPCOT is a food park. Yes, it has rides, shows, shops, characters, and enough walking to make your calves write a resignation letter, but food is one of the park’s main events. Between quick-service restaurants, festival booths, lounges, bakeries, snack stands, and “I just want one more thing from Japan” detours, people are eating constantly. Second, EPCOT can be brutal when it comes to weather. A cool indoor seat with AC is not just nice. It can feel like a tiny miracle with laminate flooring. Seating at Connections Eatery Third, EPCOT has several dining spaces that also function as natural rest stops. Connections Eatery is a big one because it has indoor seating, lots of foot traffic, and nearby charging access. That makes it extremely useful, but it also makes it extremely tempting for guests to camp out there when they are not actually eating. And listen, we understand the instinct. Sometimes your phone is dying, your feet hurt, your party has scattered across World Celebration like confetti, and you need a place to regroup. We are not immune to the siren song of air conditioning. There’s so much seating and, best of all, OUTLETS! But if the restaurant is packed and people with food can’t find a table, the polite move is to keep it moving. The Charging-Port Campout This brings us to another EPCOT restaurant trend fans are getting tired of: using restaurant tables as charging stations for long stretches of time. Again, we get it. Disney World practically requires your phone now. You need it for Mobile Order, Lightning Lane planning, maps, dining reservations, wait times, photos, group texts, payment, and emotionally checking out by scrolling for 90 seconds in a corner. A dead phone at Disney World is not ideal. It’s basically a tiny rectangular crisis. Wireless charging But there is a difference between plugging in for a few minutes while you eat and setting up an entire charging campsite at a dining table during peak lunch. If your table has no food, no drinks, no active meal, and three phones plugged in while guests with trays orbit the room like sad little satellites, that’s not great. Charging station inside Disney Springs restaurant Bring a portable charger. Bring two if your phone battery has the survival instincts of a churro in August. Use FuelRods if that’s your system. Take advantage of seating areas that are not actively needed for dining when you can. But don’t treat a busy restaurant table like your personal EPCOT co-working lounge unless you’re also actually eating there. Best Portable Chargers for Disney The Mobile Order Blob Mobile Order is one of the best tools Disney has given us. It can save time, prevent hangry decisions, and reduce the number of people standing in traditional ordering lines trying to decode a menu while a line forms behind them. But we need to discuss the Mobile Order pickup blob. This happens when guests crowd around the pickup counter before their order is ready. They hover. They form a vague human wall. They stare intensely at Cast Members. They check their phones with the urgency of someone waiting for lab results. Lines at Pecos Bill in Magic Kingdom Meanwhile, guests who have actually received the “your order is ready” notification can’t get to the counter. Please do not become part of the Mobile Order blob. If your app says your order is still being prepared, stand off to the side. Let the people with ready orders reach the pickup area. When your number is called, or your app tells you it’s ready, then go forward. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Mobile Order Pick-Up This is not just etiquette. It helps Cast Members do their jobs and keeps the pickup area from turning into a tiny food-scented barricade. We Cracked the Mobile Order Code in Disney World The Diaper Situation We Cannot Believe We Have To Mention Now we need to tread carefully, because traveling to Disney World with babies and toddlers is not easy. Parents are doing a lot. There are strollers, snacks, naps, sunscreen, tiny shoes that vanish into another realm, and the constant threat of someone needing a bathroom immediately after you just left one. We have sympathy. We really do. However. Do not change a diaper on a restaurant table. Do not change a diaper on a dining bench. Do not do it where people eat. Connections Eatery seating This should not be a controversial stance. This is not “Disney etiquette.” This is basic civilization on a vacation tour. Disney World has Baby Care Centers in all four theme parks, including EPCOT, and those facilities are designed for feeding, changing, nursing, and helping families with little ones. Most restrooms also have changing stations. Are they always exactly where you want them to be at the precise second disaster strikes? No. Of course not. Babies do not respect logistics. Baby Center But restaurant tables and benches are not changing tables. They are where someone else is about to place chicken tenders. Please, for the love of Remy, use the proper facilities. The Lingering After the Meal Thing There’s one more trend that deserves a mention: finishing your meal and then camping at the table long after you’re done when the restaurant is obviously packed. We’re not saying you need to inhale your food and sprint away like you’ve stolen something. Disney days are long. People need breaks. Sometimes you need a few extra minutes to cool down, check the app, regroup, or explain to your family why no, we are not waiting 85 minutes for Frozen Ever After right now. Seating But once the food is gone, the trash is gathered, and everyone is just scrolling, it’s worth looking around. Are people waiting with trays? Are families hovering near trash cans because there are no tables? Is a Cast Member doing that polite-but-haunted scan of the dining room? That’s your cue. Pack up, toss your trash, and move along. There are other places to sit in EPCOT that don’t involve occupying a dining table someone else needs for an actual meal. What Should You Do Instead? If you’re at EPCOT and trying not to become someone else’s vacation villain, here are a few simple rules. If your party does not have food yet, try not to take a table during peak mealtimes unless there’s a real need. If someone in your group genuinely needs to sit for health, mobility, or heat reasons, that’s different. Use common sense. The Disney gods do allow nuance. If you’re using Mobile Order, place the order early, hit “I’m Here” when you’re actually nearby, and wait away from the counter until your food is ready. If you need to charge your phone, use a portable charger whenever possible. A table with outlets is great when you are also eating. It is less great when you are guarding it for 45 minutes with one Diet Coke and a charging cable. If your child needs a diaper change, head to a restroom or the Baby Care Center. Yes, even if it’s inconvenient. Especially then. Dining room And if you’re finished eating and the restaurant is slammed, give your table back to the hungry masses. You will feel virtuous. Possibly smug. We support that. 6 Unspoken Rules for Character Dining in Disney World Disney Could Help, Too To be fair, this is not entirely on guests. Disney could make this easier by adding more shaded seating, more non-restaurant rest areas, more charging spots outside of dining spaces, and more consistent seating management at the busiest quick-service restaurants. When Cast Members help direct traffic or limit seating to guests with food during peak times, restaurants tend to work better. Regal Eagle Because sometimes people are not trying to be rude. They are hot, tired, overwhelmed, hungry, and trying to survive a day that started at 6:47AM with a Lightning Lane strategy meeting. Still, a little awareness goes a long way. At EPCOT, where food is practically its own attraction, quick-service tables need to serve their actual purpose: giving people a place to eat. So yes, grab your food. Find a table. Enjoy your meal. Rest for a few minutes. Charge your phone if you can. Nobody is asking you to eat your Connections pizza while speed-walking toward Mission: SPACE. Open seating But if you’re holding a table with no food while other guests wander by clutching trays and losing hope, just know this: somewhere nearby, a Disney fan is giving you a stink eye powerful enough to light Spaceship Earth. The Table Turnover Truce Disney World works best when everybody remembers they are not the only people having an expensive, sweaty, overstimulating day. EPCOT quick-service restaurants are busy because people need food, shade, AC, phone battery, toddler triage, and a moment to stop pretending their shoes were a good choice. We get it. We live it. We have written entire emotional memoirs in our heads while waiting for a table with a tray in hand. Katsura Grill But the restaurant table situation only works when guests use those tables for eating, then move along when they’re done. That tiny bit of courtesy can make a huge difference for the next family, couple, solo traveler, or snack-goblin trying to sit down before their fries go cold. We’ll keep watching for more Disney restaurant trends, etiquette debates, and EPCOT dining chaos. In the meantime, keep following Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney food news, planning tips, and strongly held opinions about where you should and should not park your tray. The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Has this ever happened to you at Disney World? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Universal fans, we have some exciting news for you! If you love movies, then you have to make your way over to Universal Studios to check out the new Spielberg Summer Blockbuster Exhibit. Spielberg Summer Blockbusters Tribute Store Universal is known for these ultra-themed experiences, like the immersive experience Tribute Stores put together for Christmas, Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and more. And this Exhibit has so many amazing props, costumes, and movie memorabilia you’ve come to expect from a themed Universal experience. This Exhibit is themed to all of your favorite iconic Steven Spielberg movies, and has so many great details and fun theming. First up, there is a room themed to Jaws and ET! Spielberg Summer Blockbusters: Jaws! You can see lots of Amity Island references as well as tons of cool Jaws merch on display, including Legos and an amazing Jaws license plate. More Jaws This room also had tons of fun ET details like this super cool display of the iconic bike scene! ET! There was also a display of old ET merch, including a hat and this amazing ET plush! More ET The next room was themed to Jurassic Park, and included a screen-used costume worn by Dr. Ellie Sattler. Jurassic Park Display And one for Dr. Ian Malcolm! More Jurassic Park Plus, there were lots of really cool Dinosaur models to check out. The theming of this room really was incredible. Jurassic Park Room The experience ends with a sneak peek at Spielberg’s all-new film Disclosure Day, which releases on June 12th! Disclosure Day This Exhibit was fantastic, and a must-visit if you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg’s films! This experience will be open all summer and is set to close on August 10th, so make sure to check it out while you can! Spielberg Exhibit We always make sure to keep you informed of all Disney and Universal news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Here’s How You Can Get 2 FREE Days To Universal Orlando! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be checking out this Exhibit? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

November in Disney World is sneaky good. 2025 Food and Wine Classic It does not always get the same glowing fanfare as spring break, Halloween, or Christmas week, but seasoned Disney travelers know what is up. November is when the parks start pulling out the garland, the weather begins behaving like it has read the room, EPCOT is still feeding people around the world, and holiday parties start taking over the nighttime calendar. In other words, November is not just a Disney World month. It is a Disney World events buffet. And Disney experts know exactly where they want to be sleeping between all that eating, walking, shopping, show-watching, and pretending they are “just going to browse” the holiday merch. That hotel? The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The EPCOT Area Advantage The Swan and Dolphin are not technically Disney-owned hotels, but they sit right in one of the most valuable neighborhoods in Disney World: the EPCOT Resort Area. That means you are close to EPCOT, close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and close to the BoardWalk, which is basically Disney World’s version of “we were just going for a walk and somehow ended up with a drink and dessert.” Swan and Dolphin Hotel walkway to parks The resort offers water taxi access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios roughly every 20 to 25 minutes, or you can walk to both parks using the nearby pathways. It also offers shuttle bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. For a November trip, that location is a planning gift wrapped in very practical ribbon. The 5 Best Disney World Hotels for Introverts EPCOT Food & Wine Is Still Going If you are visiting in early or mid-November, EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is still very much part of the conversation. In 2026, the festival runs from August 27 through November 21, and it includes Global Marketplaces, Eat to the Beat concerts, Emile’s Fromage Montage, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, and other returning festival fun, though specific offerings can change. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (2025) That makes the Swan and Dolphin especially useful because EPCOT is not a “pack a sherpa and emotionally prepare” situation from here. You can stroll over, eat a few festival bites, debate whether cheese is a food group, watch entertainment, and then escape back to your hotel without turning transportation into a second full-time job. We can’t wait for the booths to open! And if you have ever tried leaving EPCOT after fireworks with everyone else on property, you know why that walkable exit matters. It is not luxury. It is survival with nicer landscaping. 10 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Menu Items We Bet $100 Will Be Back This Year There’s Another Food & Wine Event Right at the Hotel Here is where November at Swan and Dolphin gets even more interesting. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns in 2026 for its 17th year, scheduled for November 20 and 21 from 5 PM to 9 PM each night. The event features gourmet dishes from award-winning chefs, wine, beer, spirits, live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks. The 2025 event Even better, event tickets include four full hours of unlimited food and beverage tastings, and a two-night bundle offers 10% savings for guests attending both nights. A discounted room rate is also available for Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve guests attending the event, based on availability, with proof of event ticket purchase required at check-in. Food and Wine Classic Drinks So yes, you could stay somewhere else and just show up. But staying at the resort turns the whole thing into a much easier weekend. Eat, sip, wander the causeway, enjoy the entertainment, and then simply go upstairs. No rideshare math. No “who is driving?” negotiations. No end-of-night transportation rodeo. That is the kind of planning detail Disney experts love because it makes the trip feel smoother without making the spreadsheet sprout another tab. Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus Hollywood Studios Holiday Nights Are Easier From Here November is also when Disney World starts tipping into full holiday mode. Disney has confirmed that Disney Jollywood Nights is returning to Hollywood Studios on select nights in 2026. This separately ticketed event brings holiday glam, themed entertainment, festive food and drinks, character greetings, and returning offerings inspired by the 2025 event, including Disney Holidays in Hollywood with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Jollywood Nights This is another reason the Swan and Dolphin make sense. Hollywood Studios is one of the two parks you can reach by boat or walking path from the resort. So if your November plans include Jollywood Nights, you are not committing to a long post-party trek from the glamorous holiday event to the deeply unglamorous bus corral shuffle. Muppets Drinks! You can dress cute, eat snacks, enjoy the vintage Hollywood holiday energy, and return to your room with your dignity mostly intact. FULL REVIEWS: Every Exclusive Snack We Ate at Disney’s Jollywood Nights 2025 Magic Kingdom Holiday Parties Are Still in Play Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also returning to Magic Kingdom on select nights in 2026, including festive treats and beverages, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party map Now, Swan and Dolphin are not quite as convenient for Magic Kingdom as they are for EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. This is the part where we do not put on sparkly blinders and pretend everything is perfect. Transportation to Magic Kingdom from the Swan and Dolphin drops guests at the Transportation and Ticket Center, not right at the park entrance. Adorable! @natassialeeann on Instagram Still, if your trip includes one Magic Kingdom party night and several EPCOT or Hollywood Studios plans, Swan and Dolphin can still make a ton of sense. You just need to know where the convenience shines brightest. FULL REVIEW of All the Snacks We Had at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2025 You Still Get Some Big Disney Perks Another reason experts keep Swan and Dolphin in the conversation is the perk situation. Guests can receive Early Theme Park Entry at all four Disney World theme parks and access Extended Evening Hours on select nights in select parks, with valid admission and other requirements. Early Entry at EPCOT That matters in November because the calendar can get crowded fast. Holiday parties, festival weekends, Veterans Day travel, Thanksgiving travelers, and general “it’s finally not lava outside” energy can all push crowds upward. Extra time in the parks is not magic. It is math. And Disney experts love math when it means fewer people standing between them and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The DFB Take Disney experts book Swan and Dolphin in November because it puts them in the middle of the good stuff. EPCOT Food & Wine is still running. The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic happens right at the resort. Hollywood Studios holiday events are easy to reach. Magic Kingdom’s Christmas party is still on the table. And the whole trip can feel a little less like “manage logistics until bedtime” and a little more like an actual vacation. Imagine that. Dolphin Hotel So if you are planning a November Disney World trip, do not overlook the Swan and Dolphin. It may not have the same name recognition as some Disney-owned Deluxe hotels, but for this particular season, it understands the assignment beautifully. Be sure to grab your tickets for the event and book your room soon before they are sold out. For Disney World news, dining reviews, and more, be sure to follow us at DFB! Here’s All the Information for the 2026 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Magic Kingdom is looking a little different right now as it gets ready for a busy park day! Magic Kingdom We wish we could tell you the difference in Magic Kingdom was a Piston Peak update, or at least SOMETHING for Villains Land, but that’s not the case. However, we are loving the decorations that Disney has put up to get ready for Memorial Day on May 25th! Memorial Day is just around the corner, and Disney World is ready! We recently went to Magic Kingdom and saw all of the flags and other decorations put up along Main Street U.S.A. Memorial Day decorations are up! They have bunting up on the Town Hall… Town Hall …as well as the train station! The train station has flags! The Town Square Theatre, where you meet Mickey Mouse, also has decor up! Town Square Theatre has decorations up! Memorial Day at Magic Kingdom is usually a busy day, and this year it could be busier! For starters, all the park’s attractions are open for the first time in a long time. Buzz Lightyear Space Rangers Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have both finally opened after lengthy refurbishments. Both attractions have brand-new elements, looks, and feels that guests are going to want to check out! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Also, Memorial Day is right before a big day at Magic Kingdom! Disney World’s Cool Kids’ Summer officially begins on May 26th, bringing more characters and fun activities throughout Disney World for kids of all ages. Cool Kid Summer in 2025! One of the things coming for Cool Kids’ Summer is Jessie’s Roundup — a fun craft and dance party with Jessie, Woody, and all their pals. The party will take place inside The Diamond Horseshoe restaurant, which has officially closed and will remain closed throughout the summer. The Diamond Horseshoe is closed! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. We’re looking forward to Memorial Day and the rest of the summer at Disney World. There’s a lot going on at Magic Kingdom, as well as the rest of Disney World, for the summer. In fact, May 26th, the day after Memorial Day, is a BIG day across the four parks! For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. Why May 26th Is a HUGE Day for Disney Fans Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have Disney World plans on Memorial Day? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disneyland has been hit with a $5 million lawsuit due to its new facial recognition technology. Disneyland A Disneyland guest is suing the theme park by alleging Disney didn’t properly disclose the use of the technology and that it violates privacy rights. The guest visited with her children in May 2026. Summer Christine Duffield is claiming Disneyland and Disney California Adventure violated several laws on her May 10th visit to Disneyland. The claim alleges that privacy, competition, and consumer protection laws were broken because Disney is collecting “biometric data” from their visitors thanks to the facial recognition technology, according to The Orange County Register. Facial recognition sign from April 2026 In the complaint, Duffield says, “Disney does not adequately disclose the use of their biometric collection, so consumers — which almost always include children — have no idea that Disney is collecting this highly sensitive data. Guests should be able to expressly opt in to this type of sensitive facial recognition technology with written consent — the onus of privacy rights should not be on the victim.” The technology has been in place since April 2026, and the lines are optional at the time of writing. Disneyland entrance scanners Disney did comment on the situation through spokesperson Jessica Jakary by saying, “We respect and protect our guests’ personal information and dispute the plaintiff’s claims, which we believe are without merit.” Disney’s use of facial recognition technology expanded in April 2026 to speed up lines and reduce ticket misuse. The optional lines that do not use this technology are marked by signs with a silhouetted person with a strike through it, as seen above. Disneyland Disney has shared that it deletes all biometric numerical values within 30 days of use. The only exceptions are when the data must be maintained for legal or fraud-prevention purposes. Disney previously tested facial recognition technology in Orlando back in 2021. Disney World tested the technology in 2021 Facial recognition technology has recently expanded in places like airports, Universal theme parks, and more. We will be following this lawsuit as it develops. You can read about more Disney lawsuits below. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates. NEWS: Disney Hit With $5 Million Lawsuit Over Facial Recognition TechnologyDisney World Sued for Bedbug Case at All-Star SportsLocal Unions Warn That Disney World’s Property Tax Lawsuits Could Raise Prices in the CommunityNEWS: Disney Set To Pay $10 Million Over Alleged Children’s Privacy Law ViolationsLaw Firm Drops Lawsuit Against Disney Over Use of Steamboat Willie in Parody-Style Ads Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Over at Animal Kingdom, there are only a handful of rides available while the new Tropical Americas is being created. This means that those rides tend to get longer lines. Especially, popular rides like Expedition Everest. Expedition Everest This thrilling coaster is an Animal Kingdom icon and a fan-favorite, but the line can get long, so we often suggest hopping in the single rider line to save some time. However, we just found out something that could be a bad sign for the future of this single-rider line. Recently, over at Expedition Everest, they began to try out a new system for loading guests onto the ride. Previously, you would reach the end of the line, and the Cast Members would assign you a row and have single riders fill in the gaps. However, now they are pre-sorting guests in the final room of the queue into odd and even parties. Expedition Everest What this does is allow the Cast Members to more efficiently load guests onto the ride. This does mean that the single rider line has started to move a lot slower than before. Because now Cast Members have odd-numbered parties pre-sorted, they have a group of individual guests who can fill those gaps. Therefore, the need to pull people from the single rider line is being reduced. Single Rider! However, this is not the only update. After speaking to a Cast Member at the attraction, we found out that this system is being tested out for a month as a part of a partnership between Expedition Everest and a third-party company. Expedition Everest They were not able to provide many details surrounding this partnership or which company they are working with; however, the Cast Member did note that, depending on what they decide to do with the queue, it is a possibility that they will be removing the Single Rider line, though the Cast Member didn’t think it would come to that. Let’s ride Everest! Currently, all that is known is that they are experimenting with the queue and how to move guests most efficiently. While we are thrilled they are attempting to make the attraction as efficient as possible, we would be so sad to see one of our favorite single rider lines go. Disney’s Animal Kingdom We will continue to update you on any Expedition Everest Single Rider news in the future when we get more information, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Click Here For a FIRST Look at the NEW Bluey Merch Coming to Animal Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this potential Expedition Everest line change? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Can you believe we’re already almost halfway through 2026? Main Street crowds While there has been a lot that has already happened in 2026 at both Disney World and Disneyland, there is still so much fun coming soon! From special events, fun holidays, and more, these are all the dates for 2026 that real Disney fans know. May 26th If you haven’t heard, TONS of new experiences are hitting Disney World on May 26th to kick off the summer activities. It’s officially the day Cool Kids’ SUMMER kicks off! Cool Kids’ Summer is filled with so many fun activities for little ones to enjoy! Meet your favorite Toy Story characters at Magic Kingdom, check out GoofyCore at EPCOT as CommuniCore Hall is retransformed, a dance party at Disney Springs, plus much more. It’s Cool Kid Summer! What else is coming to Disney World on May 26th? Oh, yeah…Bluey for the very first time! The beloved show, Bluey, is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get ready to experience Bluey’s Wild World as Bluey and Bingo take over the Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. ©Disney On May 26th, the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios will officially be open to experience. May 26th will also bring a brand-new show — Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This live show is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, and invites everyone to celebrate with the ultimate party at the Clubhouse. Oh, and did we mention that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets will open on May 26th? ©Disney Since we’re on the topic of new experiences, get ready to experience a brand-new version of Soarin’ Around the World on May 26th, called Soarin’ Across America! This patriotic makeover is for the 250th birthday of the U.S.A. ©Disney BOTH water parks will be open this year, starting on May 26th through September 8th. May 26th is also the first day of the free water park hotel perk, which is back after its debut in 2025. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel will get a free ticket to visit a water park on their check-in day! Typhoon Lagoon See, we weren’t kidding when we said May 26th was a big day for Disney fans! This is the Only Plan You Need for May 26th at Disney World Blizzard Beach June 1st EPCOT festival fans have June 1st marked on their calendar because this is the last day of this year’s Flower and Garden Festival. Be sure to head to the park to enjoy the outdoor kitchens and entertainment before the festival ends. Fleur de Lys Full Spread June 26th This one is a smaller holiday, but it does bring some fun to the Disney parks! 626 day is also known as Stitch day (for experiment 626). On this day, we usually get some fun snacks to celebrate our favorite alien, and you might even find Stitch roaming around the parks for a photo op. Experiment 626 Cone July 4th The annual fireworks show, Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. This will be for both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, so you can celebrate Independence Day on each coast! Read More about the Fireworks on Independence Day Here! The sky just lights up with this show August 7th This is the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. The event will return for select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026. Learn More about This Year’s Halloween Party Here! 2025’s trick-or-treat bag! August 14th D23 is Disney’s official fan club, and as part of the fan club, D23 puts on a HUGE fan convention each year. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience will take place from August 14th to 16th, 2026, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Disney fans know to watch this event like a hawk, as this is where we get some BIG news about the Disney parks. Learn More about This Year’s D23 Expo Here! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event August 18th The one and only Oogie Boogie — along with lots of his fellow Disney Villains — hosts the Oogie Boogie Bash as part of Halloween Time in Disneyland Resort! This extra-ticket event will return for 33 select nights from August 18th to October 31st, 2026. Read More about This Year’s Event Here! Oogie Boogie August 27th The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of global cuisine in Disney World! The dates for the 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival are August 27th through November 21st, 2026. Stay tuned for more Festival News by Checking Here! Mexico Booth at Food & Wine Festival 2025 September 8th This is the last day of Cool Kids’ Summer at Disney World! It is also the last day to enjoy the free water park ticket perk for resort guests. 2025 Cool Kids’ Summer Booklet October 22nd-25th runDisney fans have this weekend marked down as the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! Even if you aren’t a runner, this weekend will draw some large crowds to the parks. ©Disney November 18th Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday is on November 18th! That’s right, the power couple of the century SHARE a birthday because they both premiered in “Steamboat Willie” on November 18th, 1928. And every year, there’s one super rare and quite unique way to celebrate their birthday! Fans know that if they head to Magic Kingdom and head for Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid, you can find an ultra-rare hidden Mickey and Minnie shadow that only appears for a short period of time. Hidden Mickey! Disneyland will close out the year with Holidays at Disneyland (beginning November 18th), inviting you to celebrate diverse holiday traditions with enchanting décor, festive entertainment, and delicious seasonal treats. This seasonal celebration includes Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, adding even more fun and flavor to the winter season. ©Disney November 21st and 22nd You might be thinking you already saw this date — you have! This is the last date to enjoy this year’s Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. If you want to try some delicious food and experience the festival, be sure to head here before it’s over. 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival There are also Dapper Days happening at Disneyland Resort! Not familiar with Dapper Day? (Actually, make that Dapper Days because this event takes place a couple of times a year on BOTH coasts). The basic idea is to dress up in vintage outfits, just like what you might have seen when Disneyland first opened. Saturday, November 21st & Sunday, November 22nd: Holiday Boutique at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Sunday, November 22nd: Holiday Outing to Disneyland Park Dapper Day Expo December 5th and 6th Speaking of Dapper Days, over at Disney World on Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th: Holiday Outing, you can find events! December 5th: Magic Kingdom December 6th: Disney’s Hollywood Studios @cherylthrift and @gretchensarah at Dapper Days! Unknown Yet There are three other major events in 2026 that we don’t have the dates for them just yet. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. Last year, the party took place on select nights from Friday, November 7th to Sunday, December 21st, 2025. 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Similarly, Disney Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It took place on thirteen select nights between November 8th and December 22nd, 2025. We are keeping an eye out for this year’s dates! Jollywood Nights mug Finally, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays usually begins after Thanksgiving. In 2025, the dates were November 28th (the day after Thanksgiving) through December 30th. We believe the dates will be similar this year, and we are keeping an eye out for the official announcement soon. 2025 Festival of the Holidays Whew! There is still a lot to look forward to in 2026. For more Disney Parks news and information, stay tuned to DFB! Only 5 of Disney World’s Top 20 Restaurants Are in EPCOT…So Where Are the Rest? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of the dates are you excited for this year? Be sure to tell us in the comments below! View the full article

Wake up, it’s showtime at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar! Tucked away at the Disneyland Hotel inside the Disneyland Resort, this lively hideaway has become a destination all on its own, where every visit feels like stepping into an ongoing story filled with adventure, humor, unexpected surprises, and many of the puns you’ve come to know and love. The world-famous Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (where it’s world famous for being famous around the world) always has something new to uncover, with one-of-a-kind mugs, delicious drinks, hearty dishes, and an assortment of untold stories waiting to be discovered. Disney foodies, future Jungle Cruise skippers, and dedicated Adventureland fans – this one is for you. Read on to explore the history, design, and details that continue to make this location a cherished staple of the Disney Parks fandom. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Resort Learn More About the Story Uncover New Mugs Explore the Mystery, Romance, and Adventure What Food and Drinks Are on the Menu? Trader Sam’s Tips and FAQs Discover Trader Sam’s During Your Next Disneyland Day Learn More About the Story of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar As the story goes, in 1938, Dr. Leonard Moss (a botanist) and Dr. Kon Chunosuke (an entomologist and dedicated member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, also known as S.E.A.) were journeying up the Nile River in Northern Africa aboard the Mekong Maiden. Diligently adding their scientific findings to a shared expedition field notebook filled to the brim with key discoveries that would truly go on for Niles and Niles and Niles, the trip was going well with the notoriously unlucky Skipper Felix at the helm… until it suddenly wasn’t. Accompanied by fellow colleagues Rosa Soto Dominguez (an accomplished artist) and Siobhan “Puffin” Murphy (the second cousin of Alberta Falls, the ambitious leader of the thriving Jungle Navigation Company), the group was forced to shore after a confrontation with some feisty hippos. Subsequently attacked by a black rhinoceros and chased straight up a tree, much to the delight of some nearby laughing hyenas, the group’s field notebook was suddenly lost until it was recovered by Trader Sam, who was instantly captivated by the discoveries inside. Trader Sam’s Fun Fact: The name Rosa Soto Dominguez is a nod to the Dominguez family that owned some of the land that would later become the Disneyland Resort. Their family palm tree still stands – stop by to see the tree outside of the Jungle Cruise boathouse in Adventureland after some food and drinks at Trader Sam’s! Having been recently bitten by the bartending bug, Trader Sam took to deciphering the content within the notebook, having the sudden idea to create truly amazing concoctions from their notes. Hand-drawn sketches and notes decorated the inside of the notebook, inspiring elements of Sam’s new establishment. Today, Trader Sam’s features specialty drinks with a tropical theme and flavor, with stunning effects bringing the room to life. Cast members with humor and lightheartedness reminiscent of Jungle Cruise skippers have been trusted by Sam with his most valuable secret recipes, and it’s their job to make sure you enjoy each one of the adventurous drinks brought to your seat during your expedition to this bewitching tiki bar. Trader Sam’s Fun Fact: Indiana Jones is not only a world-famous archaeologist rocking the world’s most recognizable fedora, but a friend of Trader Sam! Legend has it Professor Jones has made many stops to Trader Sam’s in his globetrotting expeditions around the world, most notably to celebrate his monumental discovery of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (sadly, Temples A through H were already taken). Uncover New Mugs at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Trader Sam’s has been delighting passionate guests and plenty of thirsty explorers since it debuted in 2011, serving up inventive drinks and memorable moments for 15 years. Alongside its playful effects and captivating atmosphere, the lounge has built a devoted following thanks to its ever-evolving lineup of collectible mugs for purchase, including the latest Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar 15th Anniversary Hyena Mug (served with the Barrel of Mischief cocktail), available at the location on May 30 or through the early mobile order release on May 29! But the story of these mugs traces back even further. In fact, the memorable establishment of Don the Beachcomber in 1933 (a Polynesian-themed bar and restaurant in Tinseltown) helped usher in a new era of dining and drinking in Southern California. This Hollywood hotspot introduced legendary drinks such as the Navy Grog, Three Dots and a Dash, and yes, the Zombie, while also inspiring a distinctive style of presentation through elaborately designed drinkware. Over time, these creative mugs became a signature element of the experience, influencing bars and restaurants across the greater Los Angeles region and setting the stage for the collectible culture fans love today. Over the years, the bar has released a wide collection of mugs that draw deep inspiration from Disney storytelling, adventure lore, and the classic tiki design elements. From the Jungle Cruise-inspired Congo Queen mug from 2021 to the elusive Jack Skellington Halloween mug from 2015, these pieces have become must-haves for collectors and fans alike. There are a ton of collectibles to uncover at Trader Sam’s, whether you’re adding to a growing case for your collection at home or taking home your very first piece. Take a look above at some our favorite tiki mugs from recent years, and be sure to check out the Zombie Mug, the Piranha Pool Mug, and the Krakatoa Punch Mug (all three are available for purchase at the time of publishing) on your next visit to the lounge. Trader Sam’s Fun Fact: The current mugs for sale can be seen at the bar inside of the location. While you’re browsing the area, be on the lookout for a few hidden gems nearby, including the original ship-in-a-bottle from the Adventurers Club at Walt Disney World and a whaling harpoon from the 1954 Walt Disney Pictures film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Explore the Mystery, Romance, and Adventure of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar The Disneyland Hotel architecture is mid-century modern, which happens to be the same time period that saw such a popular growth in the tiki culture in America. With this, the exterior of Trader Sam’s takes its design cue from this 1950s-era tiki motif, blending in a dose of Disney DNA that has been very popular at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World and at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland park. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, and stepping inside reveals a richly layered environment packed with detail. Bamboo-lined interiors frame the bar setting, while shelves filled with artifacts and walls decorated with photos from Trader Sam’s legendary travels bring the setting to life. Each piece adds to the sense that you’ve stumbled into a well-worn outpost at the center of countless stories. As you take it all in, you’ll quickly notice that the experience extends far beyond just the decor. Cast members (channeling the quick wit of former or retired Jungle Cruise skippers) bring an added level of energy to the space, serving up drinks alongside playful puns and well-timed surprises. With Easter eggs, visual gags, and interactive moments, Trader Sam’s rewards those who take a closer look and turn each visit into its own small adventure. Trader Sam’s Fun Fact: For all the Jungle Cruise enthusiasts out there: look out for a collection of actual 1950s photographs of the Jungle Cruise and a life ring from the Magdalena Maiden, one of the retired Jungle Cruise boats. What Food and Drinks are on the Menu at Trader Sam’s? We know that the decor scattered throughout Trader Sam’s, which is made up of trinkets and treasures that Sam has collected throughout his travels, inspires the spirit of the space, but the menu is also influenced by his enchanting journeys. The physical menus are even meant to look like the found field notebook with a worn brown cover, more proof of the impeccable attention to detail and commitment to the visual storytelling. Sam has searched the Amazon, Congo, Mystic Point, and Polynesia looking for ingredients that he could mix into his magical libations, ready to lure in travelers looking for a tropical treat. The drinks are a reflection of his many adventures, using unique flavors to create richly themed, refreshing elixirs for fellow explorers. Peyton’s personal favorite picks include the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum or the Angolada, and Maura favors any of the fun non-alcoholic specialty beverages like the Polynesian Punch or Skipper Sipper. Trader Sam’s also offers beer, hard seltzer, and wine depending on what creations are calling to you during your visit. Trader Sam’s Tips: There are a ton of great choices on the menu. One delightful drink for a refreshing sip on a warm summer day is the Piranha Pool, featuring strawberry vodka, crème of coconut, strawberry purée, and pineapple juice. It’s a cold drink suitable for a sunny So Cal day at the Disneyland Resort, but remember: real rewards await those who choose wisely. In addition to an extensive menu of drinks, you can also dive into plenty of delicious dishes during your Trader Sam’s dining experience. The culinary team is cooking up appetizers, entrees, and desserts, even offering breakfast and plant-based options, so there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Start your morning with a hearty helping of Ube-stuffed French Toast or the Kālua-style Pork Breakfast Croissant Sandwich, while afternoon adventurers and evening excursionists can enjoy Tempura-Battered Green Beans, Poke Bowls, or Tonkotsu Ramen. The bites and beverages, combined with the special effects, Easter eggs, and design elements of the space, will immediately transport you to paradise. Let’s uncover the highlights of what you can find on the menu when Trader Sam’s reopens May 25, including limited-time offerings making their debut in celebration of the 15th anniversary – no map or compass required to discover. 15th Anniversary Items at Trader Sam’s Classic Tiki Cocktails Jungle Bird: Hamilton Pot Still Gold, Demerara 86, Campari, Pineapple & Lime Juices, Simple Syrup, Orange Bitters Navy Grog: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Planteray 3-Star Rum, Hamilton Demerara 86, Honey Syrup, Grapefruit & Lime Juices, Soda Water Lap Lapu: Myers’s Dark Rum, 3-Star Rum, Orange & Lemon Juices, Passion Fruit, Simple Syrup Saturn: Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Lemon Juice, Passion Fruit, Orgeat, Falernum Test Pilot: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Flor de Caña 4, Cointreau, Lime, Falernum, Angostura Bitters, Pernod Absinthe Three Dots and a Dash: Rhum Clement VSOP, El Dorado 8, Clement Creole Orange Shrub, Lime Juice, Honey Syrup, Falernum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, Angostura Trader Sam Original Cocktails Ginger’s Pear-adise: Absolut Pears Vodka, Canton Ginger, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar Old Kungaloosh: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Malibu Rum, Midori Melon, Pineapple & Cranberry Juices Rosita’s Margarita: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Bols Orange Curaçao, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Falernum Ka-Blue-ie!: Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Coco Real Lost Safari: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Grenadine, Myers’s Dark Rum Food Items BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Teriyaki chicken, red onions, mozzarella cheese, micro herbs, Fresno chilies, green onions, and pineapple (option to add Kālua pork) Mac Salad: Macaroni pasta, togarashi aïoli, and carrots Chicken Katsu Curry: Crispy chicken cutlet, Japanese curry, jasmine rice, soy-marinated egg, and pickled ginger Furikake Fries: Beer-battered French fries, furikake, green onions, and gochujang aïoli Breakfast at Trader Sam’s American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon or turkey bacon, and sweet potato medley Tropical Pancakes: Macadamia nut buttermilk pancakes, passion fruit curd, and toasted coconut Loco Moco Burrito: Steamed jasmine rice, beef patty, fried egg, gravy, crunchy fried shallots, and furikake served with salsa roja Ube-stuffed French Toast: Japanese milk bread, coconut custard, ube diplomat cream, and fresh tropical fruit Kālua-style Pork Croissant Breakfast Sandwich: Tender Kālua-style pork, bacon, scrambled egg, and Havarti on a toasted croissant bun, served with a pineapple wedge Korean-style Egg Sandwich: Scrambled Egg, Roasted Turkey, Fresh Tomato and Havarti on Japanese Milk Bread, served with a pineapple wedge “Lomi-Lomi” Salmon Sandwich: Smoked salmon, scrambled egg, tomato, and red onion on a croissant, served with a pineapple wedge Island Garden Avocado Toast: Croissant, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and watermelon radish served with fresh berries and pineapple (Plant-based) Lunch and Dinner at Trader Sam’s Pork Gyoza: Fried pork and vegetable pot stickers, unagi sauce, bonito flakes, and gochujang aïoli Tempura-Battered Green Beans with togarashi aïoli Chile-Orange Glazed Chicken Wings with togarashi aïoli Chicken Tenders with French fries or sweet potato fries Shrimp Tempura: Ponzu dipping sauce, chile threads, and green onions Island Chopped Salad: Crisp baby gem lettuce, smoked ham, green papaya, tropical fruit compote, cotija cheese, edamame, passion-orange-guava aïoli, and crispy fried shallots served with passion fruit vinaigrette Szechuan Cucumber Salad: Field greens, arugula, pickled cucumber sunomono, red onion, chili crisp vinaigrette, and edible violas (Plant-based) Poke Bowl: Choice of ahi tuna, salmon or marinated tofu with smashed avocado, sliced cucumber, edamame, and surimi crab with sushi rice topped with crispy fried onions and togarashi aïoli Hawaiian Platter: Choice of braised Kālua beef short rib or teriyaki chicken thigh with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, baby bok choy, and sweet teriyaki glaze Angus Hawaiian Cheeseburger: Applewood-smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, Havarti cheese, togarashi aïoli, and teriyaki sauce served with French fries Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork-based broth, wavy noodles, pork belly slices, fresh green onions, shitake mushrooms, sambal, marinated soft-boiled egg, garlic oil, and nori Pupu Platter: Pork gyoza, tempura-battered green beans, shrimp tempura, chile-orange glazed chicken wings, togarashi aïoli, and ponzu dipping sauce Kālua-style Pork Nacho Poutine: Sweet potato fries, cheddar cheese sauce, pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and lime crema Pan Roasted Striped Bass: Miso-glazed striped bass, cauliflower rice, jumbo asparagus, steamed baby bok choy, and coconut lime beurre blanc Coconut Cake with whipped cream & guava sauce Scoop of Ice Cream: Coconut ice cream or passion fruit sorbet Drinks at Trader Sam’s Uh-Oa!: Myers’s Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, P.O.G., Grapefruit, Cinnamon Krakatoa Punch: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Orgeat, Hibiscus HippopatoMai-Tai: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Flor de Caña Extra Seco Rum, Orgeat, Orange Curaçao Hala Kahiki: Planteray Pineapple Rum, Pineapple Juice, Honey, Fresh Lemon, Peychaud’s Bitters Angolada: Smith & Cross Navy Strength Rum, Cream of Coconut, Tropical Juice Blend, Angostura Bitters Mosquito Mojito: Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, Falernum, Mint, Fresh Lime Zombie: Hamilton Demerara 151 Rum, Bacardi 8 Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Grapefruit, Cinnamon Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum: Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum, Crème of Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Cinnamon Tangaroa Cooler: Hamilton Pot Still Gold Rum, Tamarindo Syrup, Grapefruit, Tropical Juice Blend Tiki La Casita: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Guava, Orange Creole Shrub, Tropical Juice Blend Safari Swizzle: Hamilton Demerara 151 Rum, Mint, Fresh Lime, Angostura Bitters Shipwreck on the Rocks: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Mint, Fresh Lemon Piranha Pool: Strawberry Vodka, Crème of Coconut, Strawberry Purée, Pineapple Juice Safe Travels: Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Falernum, Grapefruit, Fresh Lime Temple of the Forbidden Rye: Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Allspice Liqueur, Ginger, Tropical Juices Blend Notes of Adventure: Tanqueray Gin, Orgeat, Passion Fruit, Tropical Juice Blend Nile River Sunset: Golden Eagle Vodka, Apricot Liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, Honey, Fresh Lemon Schweitzer Falls: Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Sprite (Non-alcoholic) Polynesian Punch: Sam’s Gorilla Grog and Hibiscus Grenadine (Non-alcoholic) Skipper Sipper: Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Agave, Falernum, Mint, Fresh Lime, Splash of Soda Water (Non-alcoholic) Trader Sam’s Tips and Frequently Asked Questions Trader Sam’s is an immersive establishment that brings to life the rare and unusual, so we know there are often questions about how to best take it all in and embrace this special experience. Still looking for answers or want some tips on how to tackle your next trip to Trader Sam’s? Let us be your guide (or skipper works, too)! How Do I Get Into Trader Sam’s? Looking to secure a seat at Trader Sam’s? You can add your party to the walk-up list using the Disneyland mobile app* on the day you plan to visit, or you can drop by the host stand and add your party to the list-in person. Trader Sam’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – so early risers, night owls, and anyone in between can enjoy this spot. Trader Sam’s Tips: If you’re a culinary enthusiast whose focus is more on the food and drinks rather than the interior decor, the outdoor tables give you access to the same full menu and may have a shorter wait time. If you have to wait for a table, you can set off to shop and sightsee throughout the Disneyland Hotel or Downtown Disney District – no theme park ticket or reservation needed. Do I Need a Theme Park Ticket or Reservation for Trader Sam’s? Since Trader Sam’s is located at the Disneyland Hotel, those looking to visit do not require a Disneyland Resort theme park ticket or reservation for the day in order to drop in. This experience is also open to anyone, not just those staying at the Disneyland Hotel. Trader Sam’s can be a late-night pit stop after a fun-filled park day, or a destination of its own for drinking and dining – you’re in control of your destiny here! Keep in mind that the experience is limited to 90 minutes per party, so plan accordingly. Do You Have to be 21+ to Visit Trader Sam’s? Trader Sam’s welcomes wanderers of all ages to the indoor area until 8:00 p.m., and after that time the area becomes restricted to voyagers 21 years of age and over. Visitors 21 years of age or older planning to consume alcoholic beverages should have a valid government ID on hand with their other essentials. Please note that there is a limit to two of these drinks per person per transaction. While cocktails and other alcoholic beverages are a highlight of this experience (and something Sam is quite proud of), there are plenty of provisions and no-booze brews for all to sip on. Why is Trader Sam’s Called an “Enchanted” Tiki Bar? As you’ve likely already learned, Trader Sam’s is not your typical tiki bar. When seated in the enclosed indoor area, you can expect dim lighting, flashing lights, high activity, and moments of loud noises – all helping to create a magical ambiance. The cozy hideaway can quickly morph into a frenzied, fiery space, with certain orders prompting extra thrills and theatrics. Trader Sam’s is a full sensory experience as you sip, snack, and take in the sights and sounds of the atmosphere around you, so this spot feels extra special. Discover Trader Sam’s During Your Next Disneyland Day Are you ready to gather your crew, grab your treasure map, and set course for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar? This spot is a dream destination for foodie fiends, lore lovers, and anyone who appreciates a thrilling theatrical experience, with a dash of distinctly Disney flair (and lots of puns). We’ll definitely be stopping by soon to celebrate their 15th anniversary, knowing there are more memories to be made and details still to discover at this eccentric establishment. Cheers! To explore the latest food & beverage news across the Disneyland Resort and beyond, check out our Disney Eats topics page here on Disney Parks Blog. *Message, data, and roaming rates may apply for use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Disney Eats: What’s Cooking With Bluey-Themed Bites at Disneyland READ MORE Disneyland Resort 2026 Calendar, Events, and Offers READ MORE Star Wars Popcorn Buckets, Sippers, and More at Disneyland READ MORE The post Drinks, Mugs, and More at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Resort appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Over the years, the perks you get for staying at a Disney World Resort have changed, but there are still some benefits that can improve your vacation. All-Star Movies Of course, you can get early booking for Lightning Lanes and enjoy Early Theme Park Entry every day, but a perk people often forget exists is the Airport Luggage Transfer. This service has been available for guests of Value Disney Resorts flying with Southwest Airlines, but now it’s expanding! Airport Luggage Transfer has been available at all five of the Value Resorts for a little while now, and up until this point, it has been exclusively available for those flying with Southwest Airlines. As of May 19th, Airport Luggage Transfer is expanding at select resorts to include American Airlines and United Airlines. Luggage transfer Guests on eligible arriving and departing domestic flights at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) can have their luggage transferred between the airport and the Disney Resort at which they’re staying. Disney says they hope to grow this service more over time, so we’ve got our fingers crossed for more resorts being added in the future. Luggage Services queue at All-Star Movies How does this service work? Well, before arriving at your hotel, you’ll need to fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer service anytime from 30 days to one day (24 hours) prior to your departure flight. If you registered more than seven days in advance, you’ll receive luggage tags in the mail. When you arrive in Orlando, you’ll be able to skip baggage claim and go straight to your hotel — you can either call Luggage Assistance from your in-room phone to have the bags delivered or visit Luggage Assistance directly. It can take up to four hours from your flight’s arrival time to have the luggage arrive at your hotel. Pop Century Resort When you leave, you’ll need to drop your bags off with Luggage Assistance by the required drop-off time. You’ll need a government-issued ID to drop off your bags. Then, when you arrive at your home airport, you’ll pick up your luggage from baggage claim there! Crush at Disney’s Art of Animation This could come in seriously handy if you’re traveling with a group or several children, and you don’t have the capacity to tote around a bunch of luggage. We’ll make sure to let you know if any more changes are announced for this service. Full List of Disney World Hotel Perks for Your 2026 Trip Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you use this perk when you stay at the Value Resorts? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

As we continue deeper into the 21st Century, it’s not hyperbole to suggest that the Disney Parks have reached their most important crossroads of the last 20-plus years. Coming out of a pandemic that shut the theme park industry — and the world — down temporarily, life has moved back into a familiar rhythm that includes elevated theme park expectations. Disney has attempted to answer the call with new offerings and innovations, and we’re on the precipice of its biggest stateside undertaking since the 1990s. Disneyland Over the last several years, The Walt Disney Company has made strides to elevate its parks worldwide, with the most recent advances coming in the highly touted Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo DisneySea. Stateside, we’ve seen the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, new attractions, lodging options, shows, and more. However, Disney is in the midst of what could be its biggest domestic undertaking since it opened Disney California Adventure in 2001, and there are plenty of questions that need to be answered. The undertaking, of course, is DisneylandForward. This nearly $2 BILLION development investment was approved back in May 2024 and will be a major priority for The Walt Disney Company over the next decade. Before we examine the immediate impact of the plan, it’s important to lay out the specifics. Concept Art ©Disney Initially proposed in 2021, the DisneylandForward project is a partnership with the City of Anaheim, where specific parts of the Disneyland Resort property would be re-zoned for expansion that would allow new lands, attractions, lodging, dining options, and experiences. In this proposal, Disney wants to reassign specific zones already being allocated for parking lots, hotels, etc., for new projects. To put it simply: DisneylandForward is a multi-decade-long, multi-billion-dollar plan that gives Disney flexibility to do what it wants with the Disneyland Resort. Mickey and Goofy in Disneyland! When looking at the Disney Parks through the lens of historical context, Disneyland has been one of the most restricted Disney resorts in the world. When Walt Disney opened the theme park in 1955, he already understood that expansion was necessary, but would be limited due to the residential and metropolitan area surrounding his resort. This led to his desire to open Disney World in Florida — a resort that not only dwarfs Disneyland, but is the size of San Francisco. ©Disney By pulling on older plans from the 1990s and presenting a case that passed unanimously by the Anaheim City Council, Disney is now on track to add a “mix of theme park, hotel, retail, dining and entertainment on the eastern and western edges of the Disneyland resort.” The current “DisneylandForward conceptual development plan stays within Disney’s existing 500-acre property in Anaheim with no physical expansion or additional acreage,” and according to the Orange County Register, Anaheim spokesman Mike Lyster explained that development could include things like entertainment and lodging in the same space. ©Disney While Disneyland plans to use the $1.9 billion investment towards expanding lodging, retail, parking, dining, and theme park entertainment over the next decade, the now-approved plan is ultimately in effect for 40 years as the resort transforms into a unified entertainment center. With teases such as new hotels, hotel lands inspired by Avatar, Coco, Black Panther, Tangled, Frozen, Zootopia, Peter Pan, Tron, and/or Toy Story, and new transportation, the future of the Disneyland Resort is intriguing, to say the least. Avatar land at Disneyland ©Disney In fact, over the past couple of years, Disney has revealed BIG expansions coming specifically to Disney California Adventure. Avengers Campus is doubling in size to include two new attractions — Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Avengers Campus ©Disney Avengers: Infinity Defense will have riders join the Avengers in an epic battle against Thanos. The ride will feature familiar Marvel characters and will even feature Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Iron Man. It will be set between different worlds with settings including Wakanda, Asgard, and New York. Avengers: Infinity Defense ©Disney Stark Flight Lab will also feature the return of Downey Jr. and will let you fly like Iron Man, sporting a robotic arm that attaches to your vehicle for a more dynamic simulated flight. ©Disney Disney also announced a new Coco ride coming to the Pixar Pier area! Occupying a new space that will also expand the park’s footprint, this boat ride looks like it will go in the area south of Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and behind Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. ©Disney WhenDisney CEO Josh D’Amaro announced the new attraction in August 2024, he shared that “Walt Disney Imagineering will draw inspiration for the attraction from beloved classics, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology. These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.” Like the Avengers expansion, construction on this project has already begun. ©Disney Disney also revealed in 2024 a new Avatar land coming to Disney California Adventure! ©Disney Based on the Avatar sequels and different from Pandora — The World of AVATAR located in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, this new destination will feature an innovative boat ride that’ll let passengers explore new areas of Pandora in a “thrilling excursion that will bring all the action, excitement, and wonder of Avatar, taking guests all the way to the wide-open seas of Pandora.” Disney further stated that “This is going to be a dynamic, intense and emotional experience on a grand scale that we know our guests will love.” ©Disney Taking over a portion of the current Hollywood Backlot area in Disney California Adventure, this new land may still expand the park, but it will also mean the closure of existing dining options, attractions, and shops. ©Disney To make way for this new experience, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close in 2027. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Here at the DisneyFoodBlog, we’ve had reporters cover DisneylandForward’s progress since its announcement. From viewing Anaheim City Council meetings, note-taking during official Disney pitches, meeting with city and Disney representatives in person, and asking questions, it’s clear that a lot more is still in the works. While these announced projects are at the top of the priority list early in these expansion plans, what comes next is anyone’s guess. In fact, it’s possible we see several more projects announced before the Avatar expansion is even installed. With the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event happening in August 2026, we expect updates on these projects as well as a more detailed plan as to what the resort will look like over the coming decade. DisneylandForward Parking Concept Art ©Disney It’s fun to think about a brand-new Disneyland Resort that cements it as the crown jewel of the theme park experience. Alas, the reality of development is sobering — massive change is not going to happen overnight. Each blue sky idea will likely require years of R&D and construction, and the likelihood of simultaneous development is probable. Issues are going to pop up before the first parking lot or dark ride ever opens. In an effort to analyze how initial construction and overall development will influence the economics and tourism experience of the Disneyland Resort, we looked at the history of Disneyland expansion, considered modern examples from other expanding Disney Parks, and spoke to experts. Disneyland When considering the ramifications of the major Disneyland expansion, the year 2001 is an important footnote. It was in 2001 when the resort opened the Downtown Disney District and Disney California Adventure. While expansions like Galaxy’s Edge have transformed Disneyland since then, these two MAJOR Disneyland additions have yet to be rivaled at the Anaheim theme park resort. So let’s begin our contextual study of what DisneylandForward could look like in the early years based on the transformations and reception of Downtown Disney and California Adventure. Downtown Disney Occupying 20 acres, this mall-like shopping and dining district occupies 300,000 square feet and connects Disney’s theme parks to the resort’s hotels. Still expanding and evolving to this day, Downtown Disney could reflect other retail and entertainment options coming to the resort in the future. Downtown Disney could also serve as a warning. For the most part, the outdoor entertainment/retail/dining center is warmly received by locals and tourists alike for its diverse offerings and California-vibe atmosphere. HOWEVER, a modern problem plagues the district that could potentially carry over to new plans. Naples Ristorante E Bar Disney is not shy about announcing blue sky ideas — plans that are so fresh they don’t have realistic limitations like budget or size. Downtown Disney is currently suffering the effects of the failed realization of blue sky ideas — particularly close to its two entrances near Pixar Place Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel. Over here, you’ll find the small Star Wars Trading Post occupying what once was a booming Rainforest Cafe, in addition to the shell of a mega ESPN Zone that is now partially occupied by a Lululemon store. Similarly, an AMC Theaters cinema was also removed. The Lululemon store is open! All three spots were removed in 2018 to make way for a 700-room luxury hotel that was ultimately canceled the same year. According to the Los Angeles Times, Disney canceled the project due to Anaheim’s “elimination of a tax rebate agreement that would have saved the media giant $267 million over 20 years.” The fallout is still being felt, despite the district’s evolution in 2023 and 2024. While a city dispute seems less likely this go-around, wrenches can still be thrown in the mix, and failed development can remain a reminder of empty promises. Star Wars Trading Post is a nice little shop, but it is hardly a good use of the spacious (and “wildly” thematic) restaurant, while the ESPN Zone still has some wasted potential despite the Lululemon addition. The AMC theater’s plot was replaced by Parkside Market, a stage, a park area, new shops, and restaurants — and they have absolutely elevated the area. But it had to go through some rough years first. Star Wars Trading Post Disney California Expansion could provide another fascinating look at the pressures surrounding DisneylandForward. Debuting in February 2001, shortly after the opening of Downtown Disney, the 55-acre and $1.4 billion theme park is still the most ambitious expansion project in Disneyland Resort history. The Orange County Register was there on day 1, reporting on the scene, and it’s astonishing how the pros and cons of the project are similar to this day. “The Anaheim resort — featuring revamped roads, freeways and landscaping, the new 751-room Grand Californian Hotel and the glitzy Downtown Disney retail/entertainment strip — has been waiting years for this day,” wrote Bernard J. Wolfson of The Orange County Register back in 2001. Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Opening day, according to Wolfson, was underwhelming both in experience and attendance. Regarding the latter, “city officials said a fear of delays and congestion nightmares might have caused the unusually light traffic on streets surrounding the Anaheim Resort.” Several Anaheim departments were preparing for a large volume of traffic that never arrived. Ironically, traffic was a major concern among Anaheim locals during the city meetings we attended for DisneylandForward. Could worries be exaggerated? It’s impossible to say until DisneylandForward comes to fruition, but it’s worth noting that the first traffic scare came and went, becoming even less than an afterthought. Disney California Adventure As for reception, Disney California Adventure remains one of the most controversial Disney Parks on the planet. Back in 2001, Wolfson wrote, “The crowd’s response was mostly mixed, with some people loving it and others saying it wasn’t worth the $43 admission price. Small children seemed to like it, most nodding big yeses to questions about whether they enjoyed it.” Disney California Adventure First of all, can we take a second to acknowledge the $43 tickets?! Currently, an adult ticket for just one park STARTS at slightly above $100 and can really get up there in cost. Price-for-product debate still rages on among California Adventure parkgoers, as does ride offering (or lack thereof) controversy. California Adventure has undergone tons of retheming, new draws such as Cars Land and Avengers Campus, and more to justify its existence. Without a doubt, from an offerings standpoint, it’s in a better position now than it was back in 2001. However, as it moves away from its original California theming towards a more IP-centric mindset, controversy has once again reared its ugly head. Make sure to watch that traffic light! Former Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed all future theme park projects will be IP-based, drawing mixed reactions, to say the least. As the once-original California Adventure moves away from the California aspect in favor of IPs like Pixar and Avatar, one has to wonder what kind of approval the new project will garner. That question becomes even more prevalent given that there’s a new CEO (Josh D’Amaro) in charge. San Fransokyo Square Approval was a major topic of conversation during our interview with Dr. Andi Stein, California State University, Fullerton professor and former Graduate Program Coordinator in the CSUF Department of Communications. Dr. Stein is a respected voice when it comes to research on Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company, as well as other topics related to entertainment and tourism. Having visited every Disney theme park in addition to her expertise, she provided valuable insight into what the advent of DisneylandForward could yield. ©California State University, Fullerton When discussing challenges the Disneyland Resort has faced and will continue to face regarding expansion, Dr. Stein mentioned the local community’s resistance. “We saw that with the idea of putting what eventually became Tokyo DisneySea in Long Beach (Calif.). There was going to be a park that focused on waterways of the world, and the original plan was to have that in Long Beach. The residents of Long Beach didn’t want that, so it ended up in Tokyo.” She also brought up that a West Coast version of EPCOT was supposed to make its way to Anaheim, but once again, locals stopped that until the idea eventually morphed into what is now Disney California Adventure. As for DisneylandForward, Dr. Stein feels the expansion will face a similar challenge with locals and that it might be difficult to develop without creating “havoc” for people in the area. “Ultimately, it might be great for everybody, but in the meantime, it could be a mess.” She cited that the California Adventure and Downtown Disney projects could help provide a blueprint since this new project is facing similar challenges, but noted that it’ll still be difficult due to the simple fact that different people are involved nearly 25 years later. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Focusing on the tourism side, Dr. Stein commended the Disney Parks for minimizing construction eyesores with the use of walls and strong hiding tactics. When asked if construction would dissuade tourists from visiting Disneyland, Dr. Stein said, “I think a lot of it depends on what they have to close in order to expand. People get upset when they’ve paid top dollar to go to the park, and half the rides aren’t open.” Jungle Cruise construction Dr. Stein suggested alternating closing the right attractions (making sure a good amount of E-Ticket attractions are always open) to appease fans, and really leaning into press and marketing could save tourism during the nitty-gritty early stages of development. She talked about how good Disney is at selling the magic of hyping up the future of the parks, and if they nail that aspect, the resort could be in good shape. The Avengers Campus expansion seems to be the immediate play for Disney, but it’s worth monitoring all the new lands and attractions being installed at other Disney Parks all over the world, as they could be the blueprint for what’s coming to Disneyland soon. World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World in Paris All in all, we can only speculate based on what history has shown us and the little information Disney has revealed up to this point. We’ll continue to keep you in the loop with every Disneyland expansion update, so stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest! A Full List of New Theme Park Land Expansions Disney Is Planning Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited or nervous about Disneyland’s expansion? Share your thoughts in the comments below! View the full article

Disneyland has introduced some amazing snacks this year, and WE’RE all for it! Banana Caramel Bread Pudding So we’ve come up with a list of BEST SNACKS to try in 2026 – from the new, to the classics, to the limited time onlys! Check out our video below: The BEST Disneyland Snacks for 2026 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There are TONS of changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios very soon! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets and the Walt Disney Studios are opening on May 26th, along with a brand new show! Now, thanks to these changes, we have a big Lightning Lane update in Hollywood Studios. In case you missed it, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is coming to Hollywood Studios on May 26th, 2026! The popular Disneyland show is coming over to Walt Disney World as a part of the new land, the Walt Disney Studios. ©Disney The show will feature Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto in a fun-filled party! Ahead of its opening soon, Disney has finally confirmed that this new show will get a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass line. It will be part of the second-tier Lightning Lane offerings. The previous show’s Lightning Lane This isn’t a huge surprise, considering the last show in this location also has a second-tier Lightning Lane! If you’re new to the paid Lightning Lane system, it’s pretty straightforward. There are a few kinds of Lightning Lanes in Disney World Lightning Lane Multi Pass Lightning Lane Single Pass Lightning Lane Premier Pass This new show will be part of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass system! Before your trip begins, you can select 3 rides to skip the line for in your chosen park. You can choose one from Tier One and two from Tier Two. As you use your Lightning Lanes throughout the day, you can book new ones for attractions you haven’t skipped the line for yet! Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane This can be a great way to save some time in your day, especially if it’s super hot and busy. We don’t expect that the Lightning Lane for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will sell out quickly when it launches. This show will be pretty popular, though, especially for families with younger kids or people looking to escape the heat. If it’s high on your priority list, consider grabbing this Lightning Lane before your day starts in the park. ©Disney The show will play multiple times a day, so luckily, you have a lot of options! 10:15 AM 11:05 AM 11:55 AM 12:45 PM 2:35 PM 3:30 PM 4:20 PM 5:10 PM ©Disney This will be one of the first new options to open in the new land, thanks to the phased opening Disney is doing. Later this summer, guests will be able to check out the new Drawn to Wonderland playground, Olaf Draws, and “Off the Page,” which will feature new meet and greets coming to the land. We can’t wait to check it all out when it opens! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more. Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lane Multi-Pass in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us what you think of the Lightning Lane system in the comments! View the full article

Disney, we cannot thank you enough for this app change. We’re not being dramatic when we say we’ve waited years for this change and will never, ever go back to the old way. Scanning in If you’ve ever made a park reservation, you might have noticed how annoying it is to use the app, but then be linked to an outside website to actually make the reservation. Lucky for us, making park reservations just got so much easier. You can now make park reservations in the Disney World app! You don’t have to go to an additional website. Finally! ©Disney You’ll pick your guests… ©Disney …and your date… ©Disney …and your park, just like normal. ©Disney Boom! Park reservation made, all without leaving the app. This has to be one of the best changes Disney has made to the My Disney Experience app, and making reservations just got so much easier. This is currently for Annual Passholders and guests with non-dated tickets, since those with date-based tickets will pick their dates when purchasing. ©Disney While many guests find the park reservation system to be unnecessary and limiting, it doesn’t seem that Disney is ready to let go of the system quite yet, especially with these new app changes. While it doesn’t happen every day, we see park reservations filling up for Annual Passholders for big days like Passholder previews for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Let’s ride! What do you think about these new changes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. WE ARE OBSESSED WITH THIS NEW AND EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL PASSHOLDER COLLECTION Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

For years, rope dropping — arriving at a Walt Disney World theme park to be there in time for Cast Members to literally drop the rope and allow guests to rush to their attraction of choice — has been an integral part of many guests’ vacation plans. Rope drop crowds! However, there are a couple of annoying rope drop issues that can ruin your morning… if you’re not prepared. Have a Backup Ride Plan For many, the primary goal of rope dropping is to rush immediately to Disney World’s busiest rides — think TRON Lightcycle/Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Slinky Dog Dash — to attempt to jump in line before they balloon to their usual wait times. TRON Many guests will build their whole rope drop strategy around getting to their tip-top ride of choice. The only issue? Rides go down, and sometimes never open for the day. Take Rise of the Resistance. This mega-popular Star Wars attraction may be the most advanced masterpiece of modern Imagineering. The multiple-part experience features animatronics, several ride systems, and trackless vehicles. Rise of the Resistance However, thanks to all those elements, the ride sees long wait times when operational and significant downtime, especially compared to other major attractions. Rise of the Resistance If you find yourself rushing to Hollywood Studios only to find Rise of the Resistance shuttered at rope drop, you can instead get your Star Wars fix on Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run or Star Tours: The Adventure Continues. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Early Entry Guests Even if you find the ride you wished to rope drop open, you may also discover it already has a long line. How can that be? Two words: Early Entry. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels (and select other hotels) can take advantage of a 30 Minute Early entry into each of Walt Disney World’s theme parks every day of their stay (including check-in and check-out days), so they have a chance to head to select in-demand attractions a half an hour before. Early Entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you find yourself rope-dropping a Disney World hotel without having access to Early Entry, your best bet may be to look over the list of Early Entry-eligible attractions at your park of choice and avoid attempting to rope drop one of them if possible. Test Track Attractions currently available for Early Entry include: Magic Kingdom Park “it’s a small world” Astro Orbiter Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Dumbo the Flying Elephant Mad Tea Party Peter Pan’s Flight Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain The Barnstormer The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Tomorrowland Speedway Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress EPCOT Frozen Ever After Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Mission: SPACE Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Soarin’ Spaceship Earth Test Track The Seas with Nemo & Friends Disney’s Hollywood Studios Alien Swirling Saucers Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets – Opening May 26th Slinky Dog Dash Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Toy Story Mania! Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Na’vi River Journey Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Space Mountain Next time you’re planning to rope drop a Walt Disney World theme park, be sure to keep these tips in mind so minor annoyances don’t lead to a major morning meltdown. Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” 12 Disney World Hotels That Make Rope Drop 10X Harder, and 22 You Should Stay at Instead Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your rope drop strategy? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article