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There are PLENTY of places to eat breakfast in Disney World. Nothing beats a Mickey waffle! From the various character meals to the breakfast buffets to the grab-and-go options at the Disney Resorts, you don’t have to go hungry in the morning before you hit the parks! And the same is true if you’re staying at a non-Disney resort on property. Recently, we got the chance to visit one of the newest hotels and try out their breakfast offerings…along with a little surprise! The Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs began its opening process in December 2022 and has been slowly opening fully since then. In honor of the hotel being completely open, we were invited out to take a tour and experience some of the offerings for guests of the resort! Drury Plaza Hotel One offering that’s included with your stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel is breakfast — served continental style in a dining room on the second floor. During our visit, we were able to try out the options and see the dining room for ourselves. Drury Plaza Hotel dining room First of all, the dining space is large and filled with various booths and tables. There are multiple stations where you can pick up food and drinks. Tables in the dining area The booth seats even have outlets for you to charge your phone and other devices! How handy! Outlets in the booth seats Breakfast is self-serve, with multiple stations spread throughout the room. The hot food stations served scrambled eggs, bacon and cheddar egg scramble, breakfast potatoes, and sausage patties during our visit. Eggs at breakfast Each station has tongs and serving spoons so that you can get as much food as you’d like. You’re free to come back for seconds! Anybody else feeling hungry?! We also spotted a station set up with pancakes, and off to the side, there’s a breakfast bar with make-your-own waffles (but more on that in a minute). Pancakes on the back wall On the two sides of the dining room, you’ll find more basic breakfast foods, including an assortment of pastries, bread, bagels, and condiments. You can use the toasters to get your carbs nice and crispy, and they also have some grab-and-go fruit. Pastries and toast Further down the counter, there’s a cereal bar with milk, bowls, and four different kinds of dry cereals. Sometimes you just want a basic breakfast, and they’ve got that here! Cereal Bar And of course, there are plenty of beverage options. They’ve got juice, coffee, and soda available in self-serve drink stations. Drink stations But one of our favorite parts about the breakfast here is the waffle bar! There are two stations (one on either side of the dining room), and each one has multiple waffle irons. But the best option, of course, is the Mickey waffle maker! Waffle Bar Each station has one iron that makes GIANT Mickey waffles…like the size of the big ones you get at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom. Of course, we couldn’t resist As long as you get enough batter, it makes a really cute (and HUGE!) Mickey waffle! These aren’t like the tiny ones you get at other Disney buffets. That’s one big honkin’ Mickey waffle! And of course, we had to top ours with some syrup. Yummy! DELICIOUS All in all, the breakfast here is pretty basic. We tried some of the different hot options and they were all standard and fairly good. Nothing that will completely blow you out of the water. But the real kicker is that this breakfast comes INCLUDED with your stay at the Drury. You don’t get that same luxury at Disney-owned resorts! Breakfast buffet And what’s more? There’s an additional BONUS meal that happens every day at 5:30PM at the Drury. At that time, the hotel hosts what they call the “Kickback” which is essentially a leveled-up snack bar/dinner option. Each night, they serve salad, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and some kind of protein or entree. There’s also fresh-popped popcorn available from 4PM-9PM daily. And did we mention that the 5:30 Kickback and the popcorn are ALSO included in your stay? That’s a pretty good deal, if you ask us. Seating in the dining room So while there aren’t any mind-blowing eats here, the food is fairly good, and it’s even better considering it’s included in the cost of your stay. That could save you some significant change when you’re planning your trip. If you’re staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel soon, make sure to take advantage! We’ll keep you in the loop with more Disney Resort offerings, deals, and tips, so stay tuned to DFB. Thanks for following along! Click Here to See Our Tour of the Drury Plaza Hotel! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you stay at the Drury to get the included meals? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of the Drury Plaza Hotel. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post The SECRET Place to Make Your Own Mickey Waffles in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re a Disney fan, chances are you have an absolute favorite, number-one, top character you just can’t get enough of. Hey, Mickey! And, if that character just so happens to be one you can actually meet in the parks, well, that’s even better! We’ve met our fair share of classic Disney icons, but soon, we’ll have another face to say hi to — because Disney just announced that a new character meet and greet is coming to the parks! Disney has shared that the live-action version of Ariel from The Little Mermaid will begin greeting folks in the parks soon! To celebrate the film’s release on May 26th, Ariel will be visiting with guests beginning sometime this summer. ©Disney You can find her at Hollywood Studios in Disney World, over at Walt Disney Presents, where you can also see a sneak peek and props from the film. Over at Disneyland Park, Ariel can be seen at the promenade near “it’s a small world.” She’ll even be over a Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris! ©Disney Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the new live-action film, shared the news thanks to Disney Parks. You can check the video out below: Disney has shared an official date for when we can expect the live-action Ariel to start greeting guests in Disney World or the other parks, but we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from under the sea! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney park, movies, and more news you can use. Watch the Trailer for the NEW Live-Action ‘Little Mermaid’ Here Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Who is your favorite Disney character? Tell us in the comments. The post A NEW Character Meet and Greet Is Coming to Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Halle Bailey Disney Parks Ariel Announcement | The Little Mermaid Special LookView the full article

The battle between The Walt Disney World Company, Reedy Creek Improvement District, and Governor Ron DeSantis is ongoing. Reedy Creek Recently, we brought you a lot of news on the matter. Earlier today, the bill impacting Disney’s Reedy Creek Agreements passed in the Florida Senate. That bill is expected to pass in the House of Representatives and be signed by Gov. DeSantis. Yesterday, we reported on how Disney Springs businesses are worried about how this all could impact them. It was also announced yesterday that Disney is suing Governor DeSantis and current district board members. Now, there’s another update on this situation. Now, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly Reedy Creek Improvement District) will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 1st, at 9:30 AM, according to the Reedy Creek website. There is only one item listed on the agenda for the meeting. Reedy Creek “Board discussion and direction to litigation counsel and authorization to defend District officials sued in official capacities” is the single item listed on the meeting Agenda. We will be sure to report any news that comes from this meeting on Monday. Click here to learn about Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the New District Board. During this meeting, we’ll likely hear the board’s thoughts on Disney’s lawsuit against the supervisors and Gov. DeSantis. We may learn what the board plans to do in response. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website For the latest news on the Reedy Creek battle, be sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog. See DeSantis’ Statement Following the Disney Lawsuit Announcement Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: DeSantis-Appointed Board Will Hold Special Meeting To Discuss Disney Lawsuit first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ariel from the all-new live-action story "The Little Mermaid" is officially becoming part of your world on land!View the full article

We’ve rounded up five ways to celebrate mom at Disney Springs (happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April 28 through May 14).View the full article

We’ve battled all kinds of wild weather in Disney World! Main Street USA We’ve seen hurricanes, floods, severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, and even a few cold snaps in the parks. And in general, we’re pretty good about being prepared for all of it! But if you’re traveling to Disney World or Central Florida today, there are some weather-related issues that may delay your plans. The Orlando International Airport has announced via Twitter that there may be issues due to incoming thunderstorms. Travelers may need to expect flight and baggage delays when flying into Orlando, and it’s recommended that you check with your airline for any specific updates. So what’s going on with the weather? Well, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Florida and Georgia until 10PM. Possible threats include tornadoes, hail, and winds of up to 70MPH. Orlando is included in the area that’s under the weather warning. Rainy day in EPCOT We’ll be on the lookout for more weather updates and we’ll keep you in the loop if there are any more warnings. If you’re traveling today, be safe and keep a close watch on news from your airline. And for those in the theme parks, make sure to hunker down and pack that rain gear! The Times to Visit Disney World With the Best and Worst Weather — Click Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you dealing with the weather in Central Florida today? Tell us in the comments!w The post Orlando Airport Issues WARNING About Delays Due to Severe Weather first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You may know Joe “Big Daddy” Flanigan’s joint by reputation, finger-licking ribs and those indispensable green plastic cups, but do you know where the longtime neighborhood grill has opened its latest location? View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you are a fan of Disney’s animated movie Coco, you’re going to want to hear this news! Coco and Miguel at EPCOT Coco has become a beloved story for many Disney fans. Guests were excited when, at the D23 Expo last year, Disney teased that a Coco-themed land could be added to the Magic Kingdom. We’re also pretty jealous that, at Disneyland Paris, Casa de Coco — Restaurante de Familia, is opening this summer. But now there’s a NEW way that fans can bring Coco into their homes. Coco: The Official Cookbook is available for pre-order now on Amazon! The cookbook features over 50 recipes inspired by the Disney Pixar movie. In the cookbook, you can find recipes for appetizers, meals, drinks, and treats. ©Amzon It includes step-by-step instructions for any skill level. Gino Garcia, the author, is a Latinx chef and educator. You can learn how to prepare dishes that Miguel and his family might serve to loved ones as they celebrate Día de Los Muertos. ©Amazon The cookbook officially comes out July 25th, and it would make for a great gift for anyone who loves the movie Coco and enjoys cooking. Some of the recipes include the following: Garden Salad with Creamy Pepita Dressing Elote Callejero Tinga de Pollo y Chorizo Chicharrones en Salsa Verde Pan de Muerto Agua de Jamaica and many more! ©Amazon Be sure to preorder your cookbook today so you can be one of the first to make Coco-inspired dishes for your family and friends. Pre-order Coco: The Official Cookbook Here For more Disney food news, follow DFB. Check Out More Information on the Coco Restaurant Coming to Disneyland Paris! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What is a dish you would love to see in this cookbook? Let us know below! The post Fans of Disney's 'Coco,' This News Is Exclusively for YOU first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you one of those folks who ALWAYS has your next Disney World trip booked (you know, like us…)? We’ve got the perfect shirt for you! If so, you’re going to NEED our newest DFB t-shirt design! Here at DFB, we make a lot of Disney-inspired designs with your next trip to Disney World in mind. But this new design is perfect to wear when you can’t be at Disney World! We’re some people. Order your t-shirt here! And we’ve got the perfect office accessory for every Disney Adult — our “Some People” coffee mug! We’ve got mugs, too! This would be the perfect gift for your Disney loving mom or dad! Order your mug here! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party details have just been released, so if you’re making your fall Disney World plans, don’t forget we have some fun Halloween shirts, too! We’ve got fun halloween tees! Check out our Halloween t-shirts here! Thanks for your support of DFB! We appreciate you! And keep following us for all the latest Disney news, and MORE exclusive merch! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. When is your next trip to Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Attention Disney Adults! We've Got Your New Favorite Shirt Right Here first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re looking for a break during your Disney World vacation, head to Disney Springs! Disney100 sign at Disney Springs To take a break from the parks, you can enjoy bowling at Disney Springs or eat at one of the many great restaurants. You can also shop until you drop. So come along with us to see what is new at this shopping and dining district. Disney Springs Construction Updates The BOATHOUSE We stopped by the BOATHOUSE restaurant to check out the construction there on the updated outdoor patio. A new patio coming! The new covered patio is officially OPEN, so you can dine outside on it the next time you visit! Merchandise Updates Uniqlo We found a lot of new items for The Super Mario Bros. movie like this Mario navy youth shirt for $14.90… Mario Bros. Plumbing …this Jumping Mario youth shirt for $14.90… Mario! …this Toad youth shirt for $14.90… How cute! …the Super Mario Bros Movie youth shirt for $14.90… The movie logo …this Bowser youth shirt for $14.90… Bowser …this Super Mario Bros Movie adult shirt for $24.90… Adult version …this Toad Mushroom Kingdom adult shirt for $24.90… Mushroom Kingdom …this Jumping Mario adult shirt for $24.90… It’s a Mario! …and finally, this Super Mario characters adult shirt for $24.90. Mario & Luigi Corkcicle A new store has recently opened up at Disney Springs. The Corkcicle Kiosk is located near Paddlefish and sells Corkcicle products. Corkcicle Kiosk They do sell some items with Disney characters on them as well. We spy Mickey and Minnie! Be sure to check them out your next time at Disney Springs. Click Here to See More About the Corkcicle Kiosk Finally, Mother’s Day is just around the corner (May 14th) and Disney Springs is already celebrating with a new sign. Mother’s Day at Disney Springs And that’s all that’s new in Disney Springs! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What’s your favorite thing to do in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments. The post What's New at Disney Springs: A NEW Store Has Opened! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a HUGE week for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Happy 25th, Animal Kingdom! Not only did we celebrate Earth Day, but we also celebrated Animal Kingdom’s 25th anniversary! We’re also now celebrating the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary ALL over Disney World, so there’s been a LOT going on. So we’re going to get you caught up on all the news from Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom Food Updates Popcorn Carts The Pumbaa Popcorn Bucket has arrived and this thing was FLYING off of popcorn cart shelves. But you can see why — just look at it! Pumbaa Popcorn Bucket The popcorn bucket is $22 and you can find it at Trek Snacks as well as popcorn carts around Animal Kingdom. See More Photos of this Popcorn Bucket! Joffrey’s What do you get when you make an iced latte with strawberry, banana, and chocolate syrup topped with whipped cream and cherries? You get the Savannah Banana Latte, which tastes like a drinkable banana split. YUM! Savanna Banana Latte This delicious drink for $6.49 is a special offering for Animal Kingdom’s 25th anniversary, so it probably won’t be around for long. Read A Full Review of This Coffee Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates Discovery Trading Company Okay, so there are a LOT of Animal Kingdom 25th anniversary souvenirs available right now. There’s a Phone Case for $34.99… 25th iPhone case …a Mickey-Shaped Die Cut Magnet for $19.99… Fun Mickey-shaped magnet …a Round Ornament for $19.99… Tree of Life ornament …a Mickey-Shaped Ornament for $19.99… 25th ornament …an Alive With Magic Kid’s T-Shirt for $29.99… Alive with Magic …a Loungefly Mini Backpack for $88… Sweet new Loungefly …and even a Spirit Jersey. Here’s the front… 25th spirit jersey …and here’s the back. The spirit jersey is $79.99. Kevin! But there’s even MORE! There’s a Mickey-Shaped Magnet for $11.99… Smaller magnet …a Lightbox for $44.99… Beautiful lightbox …an Ornament for $19.99… Ornament …a Keychain for $11.99… 25th keychain …a Black Button-Up Shirt for $44.99… Tie shirt …a Blue Tank Top for $39.99… Perfect for hot Florida days …a Tiger-Striped Button-Up Shirt for $59.99… This shirt is WILD …a Pocket Tee for $39.99… Fun design …a Tumbler for $29.99… Tumbler …a Kevin Pin for $17.99… We love Kevin! …a Tree of Life Pin for $19.99… Tree of Life pin …a Mystery Pin Set for $24.99… Which pin will you get? …a Kilimanjaro Safari Pin for $19.99… Mickey on safari …a Dinosaur Pin for $19.99… Dinosaur FOREVER …an It’s Tough To Be A Bug Pin for $19.99… It’s Tough To Be A Bug …a Festival of the Lion King Pin for $19.99… Festival of the Lion King …and an Annual Passholder Pin for $19.99. Annual Passholder pin We also found this cool Lion King Magnet for $14.99…, Remember Who You Are …and an Animal Print Apple Watch Band. For Apple Watch The watch band is $36.99. Find Out What Popular Animal Kingdom Attraction Will CLOSE for a LONG TIME in Disney World Mombasa Marketplace You can get a National Geographic Elephant Plush for $29.99. It’s so cute This Legendary Lion King Phone Case is also available. Legendary! The phone case is $29.99. This Is NOT Something We Expected to See in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Animal Kingdom Character Updates We got to meet Princess Atta from A Bug’s Life for Earth Week! Princess Atta We love seeing all these rare characters during this time. Is It Cheaper To Buy Disney World Tickets Online Or At The Gate? Here’s The Answer! So that’s everything that’s been going on in Animal Kingdom. AND if you’re headed to Disney World soon, don’t forget to pack some of our fun t-shirts! Click here to see them all! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite thing in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New at Disney's Animal Kingdom: We Met a RARE Character! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. McDonald’s fans, listen up! There’s a new collection dropping soon that you’ll want to see. We’re loving it. McDonald’s has been busy lately. If you missed it, McDonald’s has new Happy Meal toys for Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 (the movie premieres in theaters May 5th). They also made a BIG sauce announcement, when they revealed that Big Mac sauce is NOW available in a dipping cup. Now, there is a new way to celebrate McDonald’s. Funko announced on Instagram that they will be releasing some new Pop! characters as a part of their heritage collection. They have created Pop! Ronald McDonald and Pop! Hamburglar figures. You can see Ronald McDonald celebrating with his birthday hat and present. The Hamburglar is sporting his classic outfit. Both will be sold online at the Funko Pop! website, but there’s no news yet about when they’ll be available. Click here to see the Ronald McDonald figure on Funko Pop!’s website… …and click here to check out the Hamburglar figure! You can set up notifications to be alerted when they go on sale. ©Funko via Instagram McDonald’s has been an American staple since it began, so as Funko is celebrating its past, McDonald’s is looking toward the future. Recently, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said the brand has no intention of slowing down when it comes to innovation. Kempczinski said that the company would soon begin piloting automated order-taking through voice recognition and that when it comes to AI, McDonald’s is “learning just like everybody else.” Kiosks If you love Mcdonald’s, you’ll want to check out those Funko Pop! characters. For more news, keep following us at DFB! Click Here to Read More about How McDonald’s Plans to Navigate Artificial Intelligence Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What is your go-to McDonald’s order? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW McDonald’s Funko Pop! Characters Are Coming Soon! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There is A LOT that goes into planning a Disney vacation. Magic Kingdom Train Station One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay during your vacation. We’ve got a definitive ranking of ALL the Disney World hotels, but some of them are closer to other parks, so if you’re spending most of your time in Magic Kingdom, it narrows down which may be the best for your stay. So how do you decide where to stay? Here’s our list of the BEST hotels near Magic Kingdom! Disney’s Contemporary Resort (0.5 miles away) Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the best hotels to stay close to the Magic Kingdom. The resort has a few modes of transportation to get to the park — you can walk (it’s about 10-15 minutes) or take the Monorail! Disney’s Contemporary Resort Monorail The downside to this resort, though, for many, is the price. This is a deluxe resort, meaning that just one night is HUNDREDS of dollars. Contemporary Resort Now if you’re REALLY looking to splurge at this resort, you can check out another spot at this hotel. Bay Lake Tower Bay Lake Tower in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is connected to the rest of the resort by the Sky Way Bridge. This part of the hotel is considered a Deluxe Villa Hotel, meaning it has studios and multi-bedroom villas that include kitchens and kitchenettes. Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort Prices for this resort start at around $500 a night but can change depending on the season. You’ll be able to access the monorail station just like other guests, and the walk to the park will only take 10-15 minutes. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (0.7 miles away) A little bit further away is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, also on the Monorail route. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort This is another deluxe resort less than a mile away from the park, which also costs close to $700 per night, depending on the season. From the Grand Floridian, you can get to Magic Kingdom on the Monorail, by strolling on the walkway (note: the walkway is temporarily closed at the time of this writing in spring 2023), or even by boat (find it on the dock by Narcoossee’s). Grand Floridian If you’re okay with splurging and being close to the park is your highest priority, this may be a great option. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa You can also choose to stay in one of the resort’s villas for a similar price range! Grand Floridian Villas These villas come with their own kitchens and kitchenettes inside deluxe studios or multi-bedroom villas. Sometimes these are better fits for families, but it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your group. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (0.8 miles away) The last resort on the Magic Kingdom monorail route is the Polynesian Village Resort. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort This resort’s rooms can cost around $650 a night, depending on the time of year, but you can take the monorail, board a boat, and walk to Magic Kingdom. Polynesian Villas & Bungalows You can also stay at villas and bungalows at this resort, meaning you get your own — you guessed it — kitchen or kitchenette! Polynesian Village Resort Bungalows These are pretty hard to grab, though, so you’ll want to be planning well ahead of time to reserve a bungalow. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (0.8 miles away) Not on the monorail route, but super close by is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Disney’s Wilderness Lodge This is also a deluxe resort, but it’s a tiny bit more affordable at around $450-500 per night, depending on the season. You won’t have monorail transportation from this resort, but you will have buses and a boat to take you to the park. Boulder Ridge Villas The Villas here are around $800 a night, depending on the season, but that’s because you can stay in literal cabins! ©Disney This means you have an entire cabin, which can be an amazing setup for many families and larger parties. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins Another option at Wilderness Lodge is the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins for around $450-$500 a night (depending on the season). Copper Creek Villas Room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge You can choose between deluxe studios or one of the 26 waterfront Cabins (those book up fast, though, so keep that in mind). Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (2.3 miles away) While Fort Wilderness isn’t technically a hotel, we wanted to include it here, because it is the most affordable option close to Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness has boat service to Magic Kingdom, as well as the traditional Disney Bus option. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Cabins are available at this spot for around $500 a night, depending on the season. Now that doesn’t sound very affordable to many, but you can also choose to camp with your own tents or campers on the Campsites for only around $70 a night! And those are the best hotels close to Magic Kingdom! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news and tips. Get our definitive ranking of EVERY Disney World hotel here! Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels 9 Ways Your Disney World Hotel Stay Will Be Different in 2023 Our Picks for the Best Disney World Hotels in 2022 These Are the WORST Disney World Hotels for 2022 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel You Couldn’t Get the Disney World Hotel Reservation You Wanted – Now What? The 6 Disney World Hotel Problems No One is Talking About See Why You Might BAIL on Your Disney World Hotel A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Are Disney World Hotel Perks Worth the Hefty Price Tag? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which is your favorite Magic Kingdom area resort? Let us know in the comments below! The post The Closest Disney World Resorts To Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gov. Ron DeSantis attempted to shrug off Disney’s federal lawsuit against Florida on Thursday, calling it a politically motivated effort without merit. View the full article

I’m excited to share some of the impressive recycling and upcycling Disney costume initiatives taking place around the world.View the full article

Hey hockey fans! Have we got an update for you! Downtown Disney Lots of visitors love Disneyland’s Downtown Disney district for all the restaurants and shopping options, but now there’s a NEW reason to head to this spot. A super famous item is going to be displayed there for a limited time! If you have ever wanted to see the famous Stanley Cup in person, this is the weekend event for you. This weekend only, from April 29th through the 30th, the Stanley Cup is coming to Downtown Disney. From 12PM to 7PM, visitors can get their picture taken with it. ©Disney You’ll be able to see the cup in a display area located between Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Tortilla Jo’s. While you’re there, you can also check out some ESPN merch! ©Disney Again, if you’re a hockey fan, this is an event you won’t want to miss. We’ll keep updating you on the latest at Downtown Disney, so stay tuned! Click here for the latest on Downtown Disney! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! See Our DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Get All the Info About Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Should You Go to Disneyland in 2022? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Will you be checking this out when you visit Downtown Disney? Let us know in the comments below! The post The NEW Reason You'll Want To Visit Downtown Disney ASAP first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The end of spring usually includes a special shopping spree in order to stock up on summer necessities. EPCOT Whether you plan to vacation at the beach, head to the theme parks, or chill by the pool, it can be super fun to buy a new summer wardrobe, stock up on poolside and travel necessities, or even just refresh your home for the new season. If you’re hoping to stock up on some things just in time for summer, you’re in luck, because shopDisney has some sale items that you might love. From home decor, to Minnie Ears, to park bags, this shopDisney sale has it all. So, just sit back, relax, and let’s go shopping! First up, we have this 2023 Flower and Garden Festival Figment Travel Tumber by Tervis. We’ve actually seen this one in the parks! Tervis Tumbler The tumbler features Figment, some succulents, and the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival logo — and right now, it’s 30% off online! Click here to purchase the 2023 Flower and Garden Festival Figment Travel Tumbler Next up, you can grab these 2023 Flower and Garden Festival Minnie Ears featuring Snow White! Snow White Ears These are the official ears of this year’s Flower and Garden Festival — and they’re on sale! Click here to purchase the 2023 Flower and Garden Festival Minnie Ears While you’re shopping, we’ve got a limited-time sale on exclusive Disney-inspired merch at the DFB Store, too! Ready to Ride! Use code MAKEMAGIC to save 20% on our t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, and more! Click here to check out Disney-inspired merch at the DFB store! Any Star Wars fans? This Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Cross Body Bag could be great for the parks or at home. Star Wars Women of the Galaxy bag This Loungefly bag features images of some of the Star Wars ladies! Click here to purchase the Star Wars Women of the Galaxy Loungefly Cross Body Bag Up next, we have this Mickey Mouse Hip Pack. Mickey Mouse Hip Pack It could hold your park necessities as well as a water bottle — and once again, it’s on sale! Click here to purchase the Mickey Mouse Hip Pack If you’re looking for some tableware to refresh your kitchen or patio for spring, these Mickey Mouse Plates could be the ones for you. ©Disney These plates come in a set of four and are beige with pink and gray detailing. Maybe you can pick them up now at 30% off and save them for a Mother’s Day gift! Click here to purchase the Mickey Mouse Plates Next, there are these 50th Anniversary Crocs. 50th Anniversary Classic Clogs Crocs The Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration is now over, so this could be your last chance to snag some merch from the celebration — and they’re marked down. Click here to purchase the 50th Anniversary Crocs Last but not least, we have this Moana Beach Towel! Moana Towel The towel features Moana, Pua, and Hei Hei, and you can even get it personalized with your name or initials. Click here to purchase the Moana Beach Towel Well, what do you think? Did you see anything you liked? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney merchandise news. Click the link below to check out more merch we’ve seen online recently! Looking for more Disney merchandise? Click here for more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which of these merchandise items is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post Figment Merch, Loungefly, and MORE Disney Items On Sale Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The ongoing battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company has reached a tipping point. What first began as apparent retaliation for Disney’s response to the Parental Rights in Education law (often criticized as the “Don’t Say Gay” law) rapidly spiraled into a hostile war between the state government and a massive company. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ©Deadline After outlining his plan of attack against Disney, DeSantis and his newly-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District) granted themselves “superior authority” and declared the previous Board’s agreements with Disney to be void. Disney swiftly responded by suing the governor and the entire District Board in federal court. That hasn’t seemed to dissuade DeSantis, though, and now it appears as though the war has only just begun. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board held a meeting on April 26th, 2023, where they declared that agreements previously entered into by Disney and the former Reedy Creek Board were void. This was apparently the final straw for Disney, who was primed and ready to file a federal lawsuit faster than the top speed on Test Track. Not only that, but the company has alleged that DeSantis has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” over them. So, what’s really going on here? Let’s go back to the beginning. How It Started In January 2022, HB 1557 — the Parental Rights in Education bill (known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics) is introduced in the Florida House of Representatives, and passed the following month. At first, Disney failed to make a statement about the bill, prompting backlash from fans and protests from Cast Members at the Florida and California theme parks. Pride Mickey Ears Then, in March, Disney issues an initial statement, followed by more comments from then-CEO Bob Chapek. Shortly after the bill is signed into law by DeSantis, Chapek issued further statements on the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Disney officially spoke out against the law, and Chapek shared that he called the governor’s office to urge DeSantis to reconsider. Disney Pride Decoration In the statement, Disney said, “Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law.” Disney continued: “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.” How It’s Going This led to the governor declaring that Disney had “crossed a line,” and soon after a campaign started that aimed to strip Disney of its special tax district status — known then as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. After much delay in actually delivering a plan to thwart Reedy Creek (and a CEO shakeup at Disney), DeSantis signs the bill to dissolve Reedy Creek into law. Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream But, according to the governor — this wasn’t a retaliatory act. “I would not say that that’d be retaliatory. I mean, the way I view it is, you know, there are certain entities that have exerted a lot of influence through corporate means to generate special privileges in the law…I don’t think we should have special privileges in the law at all,” DeSantis said. Reedy Creek With Bob Iger’s return to Disney as CEO, many were wondering if things could potentially change with Reedy Creek. In February, HB 9B Reedy Creek Improvement District, Orange and Osceola Counties, was filed in the Florida House of Representatives, proposing a board appointed by the governor and a new name — but not dissolving the district. DeSantis later signed the bill, and quickly appointed his own members to the Board. Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream A DeSantis-appointed board of supervisors for Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (now renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) discovered agreements Disney entered into with the prior board that gave Disney a great amount of power over certain things moving forward (despite what the new board may say or do). Reedy Creek DeSantis and the new Board have criticized those agreements, while Disney has defended them as being legal and properly noticed. DeSantis outlined his plan of attack against Disney, which included a bill to nullify those agreements between Disney and the old board. What’s the Latest? In a press conference, DeSantis announced that the District owns some of the land surrounding Disney World, and they could potentially develop it — even joking that a state prison could be built there. via Twitter The governor indicated he wanted to change some things about Disney World and how safety inspections are done, and mentioned DeSantis had specifically pointed out the monorail as something he wanted the state to be able to inspect. DeSantis discussed the Disney World monorail and how it is not subject to state safety inspections. He said, “This monorail is exempt. They exempted the Monorail from any safety standards or inspections…so they’re gonna go and make sure that the monorail is subject to oversight just like everything else would be in the state of Florida.” Monorail During their latest meeting on April 26th, the board unanimously approved legislative findings prepared by their special counsel (which are included in the board’s agenda for this meeting). In doing so, they’ve effectively voted to declare Disney’s Development Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants as “void ab initio” (a.k.a. void from the beginning). You can read a full breakdown of what this means here. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website But, Disney has seemingly been one step ahead of the governor since he first decided to “not be retaliatory,” and quickly filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the CFTOD Board in federal court. The suit argues that DeSantis has orchestrated a campaign to punish Disney for its political views and that this all now threatens Disney’s business. It goes on to say, “A targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech—now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.” ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website Not only that, but Disney argues that state legislators have been blatant about their reasoning behind the attacks on the company. “They have proudly declared that Disney deserves this fate because of what Disney said.” Disney even pointed out how the Florida representative who introduced the Reedy Creek dissolution bill once shared, “You got me on one thing, this bill does target one company. It targets The Walt Disney Company.” Magic Kingdom A spokesperson for Governor DeSantis’ office released a statement the same day the suit was filed, which said: “We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state. This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of their hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.” What Happens Next? According to DeSantis — not much. Per NBC, as part of an “international trade mission” to Jerusalem, DeSantis spoke about the lawsuit at a press conference. He said, “I don’t think the suit has merit, I think it’s political.” He continued, “I think they filed in Tallahassee for a reason, because they’re trying to generate some district court decision. But we’re very confident on the law.” Cinderella Castle Others in the legal field aren’t so sure. Disney claims that it has been “forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment.” Disney claims that DeSantis and his appointed board have violated Disney’s federal constitution rights “under the Contracts Clause, the Takings Clause, the Due Process Clause, and the First Amendment.” American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT Floyd Abrams, a First Amendment attorney known for his work with the Pentagon Papers, shared with CNN, “It’s a serious First Amendment case,” and that he expects it to survive a motion to dismiss by the state. Another First Amendment attorney, Ted Boutros, agreed and said that Disney had “a powerful complaint” with “extremely strong” First Amendment arguments. The Frank Stanton Professor of First Amendment Law at Harvard Law School, Rebecca Tushnet, shared that Disney “has a strong case, both under the First Amendment and potentially for violation of its property rights that the state is trying to destroy.” ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters Disney’s ultimate view seems to be summed up in one sentence “In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.” If the relief is granted, it could essentially undo the changes DeSantis, the legislature, and the new board have sought to make within the District. This is a developing story, so be sure to check back for the latest updates. Read More About the Board’s Most Recent Actions Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney Claims DeSantis Is Waging a “Relentless Campaign to Weaponize Government Power” — Here’s a Breakdown of the Drama first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The ongoing case between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was brought to national attention when Disney recently filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis (and members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District). The battle started when Disney released a statement against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law (what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), and Governor Ron DeSantis responded by attacking Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website For context, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now referred to as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) is a special district in Osceola and Orange Counties created in 1967 by the Florida State Legislature. This special district was created to manage all municipal services for the land within and around the Walt Disney World Resort. The district was responsible for paying to provide the municipal services necessary to maintain the Walt Disney World Resort, including fire protection, water management, maintaining the roads, and power. Now, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has voted to take away some of Disney’s independent power. In the past, the Reedy Creek Improvement District gave Disney the ability to make its own decisions without outside government approval. After the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors discovered the agreements Disney had made with the old Reedy Creek Improvement District Board, the new board of supervisors called for legal action against Disney. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website In March 2023, Senate Bill 1604: Land Use and Development Regulations was filed in the Florida Senate (there is a related bill in the Florida House of Representatives known as House Bill 439: Land Use and Development Regulations). Magic Kingdom Senate Bill 1604 describes plans to revise the planning periods included in a comprehensive plan, require local governments to determine if plan amendments are necessary, require local governments to evaluate and update comprehensive plans to reflect changes in location conditions, and more. In short, the bill aims to take away the Development Agreement between Disney World and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. This change would give the Florida government the ability to impose taxes and make land decisions relating to roadways and more. Welcome to Florida On April 26th, 2023, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board declared Disney’s Development Agreement void, and later that same day, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 1604. From there, the bill will head to the Florida House. Click here to read more about Senate Bill 1604 ©Visit Florida We will continue to look for updates on the battle between Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company. Stay tuned for more. Disney Springs Restaurants Worried They’ll Bear the Brunt of Disney-DeSantis Battle Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Bill Impacting Disney’s Reedy Creek Agreements PASSES in Florida Senate first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bob Iger is having to face a lot of challenges at Disney right now and he has some OPINIONS. ©D23 At the forefront of Iger’s challenges have been accusations that Disney is promoting some kind of “woke agenda” or has strayed from Walt Disney’s original “vision” and “values.” Coupled with that comes all of the controversy surrounding Disney’s handling of the Parental Rights in Education Bill, the ensuing fight between Disney and Ron DeSantis — which is now headed to court after Disney filed a lawsuit against the Florida Governor, and the drama surrounding the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District). So just what does Iger have to say about these things? We’ve dug for some of his thoughts and are breaking it all down for you here. 1 — NOT Agenda Driven During the 2023 Shareholder Meeting, one individual shared how, in their opinion, Disney’s films and entertainment are “increasingly promoting the woke agenda.” They went on to accuse Disney of choosing to “collaborate” with “predators to sing to children.” The individual concluded with another question, “Would it not be beneficial for the Company to ditch the LGBTQIA+ and gender ideology for good?” His advice was to “Turn Disney back to the a-political fun place that it used to be and I bet that you’ll win back both the trust of families and the stock market.” Photo Op in Disneyland So what did Iger have to say about Disney reportedly promoting a “woke agenda?” Well, he actually had some strong opinions. In response to the question, Iger said that Disney prides itself on being “accessible to all people.” He acknowledged that Disney has “recently gotten criticism…for what some perceive to be agenda-driven content.” Iger shared that he is sensitive to that and that Disney’s “primary mission needs to be to entertain.” To drive this home, Iger said, “I’m very serious about that. It should not be agenda driven. It should be entertainment-driven. That should be the goal in all of our stories.” ©Disney+ How Iger’s view could (if at all) change Disney’s content remains to be seen. But it is clear that he does not view Disney’s goal as being to promote a particular “agenda,” but rather to entertain. 2 — Parents Should Be Able to Trust Disney’s Content Iger spoke a bit more on the subject, particularly as it relates to parents and their “comfort” levels with children’s content. According to Iger, Disney won’t be able to please everyone all of the time, but they should “be sensitive to the fact that parents have different levels of comfort with the content that is delivered to their children.” Vampirina in Animation Courtyard Iger said, “I want parents to be able to trust the content that we’re creating for their children.” He went on to note that Disney is “committed to delivering age-appropriate content for family audiences while also telling stories that reflect the world around us and that foster greater understanding, greater perspective, greater acceptance of all people.” Again, it’s unclear what changes could result from Iger’s view on this topic but it is interesting to see his discussion of how parents can have different comfort levels when it comes to content their kids are consuming. 3 — DeSantis Has Retaliated and Punished Disney for a Constitutional Right Many have drawn a connection between Disney’s statements against the Parental Rights in Education Bill (what critics called “Don’t Say Gay”) and the subsequent actions by Governor DeSantis and legislators in Florida to dramatically change the Reedy Creek District and strip Disney of some of its powers over the District. Iger drew that connection directly, clearly, and out in the open. In discussing the Reedy Creek District situation during the 2023 annual shareholder meeting, Iger said, “A year ago, the Company took a position on pending Florida legislation, and while the Company may have not handled the position it took very well, a company has a right to freedom of speech just like individuals do.” Pride in Animal Kingdom 2022 According to Iger, “The governor got very angry about the position Disney took and seems like he’s decided to retaliate against us, including the naming of a new board to oversee the property and the business, in effect to seek to punish a company for its exercise of a constitutional right…and that just seems really wrong to me.” While some have tried to draw that connection more subtly it seems Iger was not willing to waste any time beating around the bush and directly accused the governor of punishing Disney for exercising a constitutional right. And that battle only continues… Click here to see how monorail inspections at Disney could CHANGE thanks to DeSantis’ plans 4 — Anti-Business, Anti-Florida Iger has more to say about DeSantis and his actions in Florida. Also during the 2023 Shareholder Meeting, Iger said, “We love the state of Florida.” He continued, “I think that’s reflected in not only how much we’ve invested over the last 50 years, but how much we’ve given back in the form of jobs, and community service, taxes…tourism of course, and all sorts of other responsible business practices.” Iger noted that retaliating against any company or individual for a constitutional right seems “wrong,” particularly when such actions are taken “against the company that means so much to the state that you live in.” Magic Kingdom Iger mentioned how Disney has “over 75,000 employees…countless thousands of indirect jobs have been created, about 50 million visitors will go through our gates this year alone, about 8 million of them from outside the US, and we [meaning Disney] are the largest taxpayer in the state.” And Disney is set to invest more in the state soon, “over 17 billion dollars in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years,” to be more exact, “and those investments we estimate will create 13,000 new Disney jobs and thousands of other indirect jobs, and they’ll also attract more people to the state and generate more taxes.” Minnie! In conclusion, Iger said, “Our point on this is that any action that thwarts those efforts, simply to retaliate for a position a company took sounds not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida.” Those are some pretty fierce words to throw into the middle of an already heated battle. Click here to see how Disney has subtly responded to some of the Reedy Creek drama 5 — All Disney Wants in Florida With all of this controversy, you might be wondering just what Disney wants in Florida. Iger has spoken to that too. During a TIME Magazine interview, Iger talked about how Walt Disney’s dream turned “swampland in Central Florida into a business that employs over 75,000 people, that is visited by tens of millions of people every year, that is a major tourist destination in the United States, and for the state of Florida, that creates huge value for our company and its employees, and for the state of Florida itself.” EPCOT at Disney World Iger went on to say that Disney’s “sole goal” in Florida is to keep creating value for these constituencies. He said, “All we want is a relationship with the state that enables us to continue to do that.” Iger said that they have the desire to continue to invest in Florida, grow the business, hire more people, increase attendance, and more all so they can “increase more value for the Walt Disney Company and for the state of Florida. It’s that simple.” Click here to see what hotel is getting a MAKEOVER in Disney World 6 — Willing to Discuss Things With DeSantis? By now you might be wondering just what Iger thinks about DeSantis and whether he’d even be willing to talk to DeSantis at this point, given the tension that could exist. But, during the TIME Magazine interview, Iger said “the governor of Florida wants to meet with me to discuss all of this, of course, I would be glad to do that.” ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website Iger continued, “You know, I’m one that typically has respected our elected officials and the responsibility that they have, and there would be no reason why I wouldn’t do that.” At this point, it seems the battle between Disney and DeSantis continues to be quite adversarial, with DeSantis discussing a potential prison being built near Disney World, changing ride inspections, and more. But who knows what things could change in the future. See what DeSantis has had to say about building a prison near Disney World 7 — On What Really Is “Political” Will Disney be weighing in on every issue? What’s a political issue and what’s not? Iger has some thoughts on this too. In late November of 2022, soon after Iger returned to the CEO position, he spoke during a town hall meeting and said, “I think there’s a misperception here about what politics is…Some of the subjects that have been proven to be controversial as it relates to Disney have been branded political, and I don’t think they are.” This seems to echo his earlier statements from 2022 (prior to his return to the CEO position). At that point, Iger discussed his desire to speak up about the “Don’t Say Gay” situation and explained, “A lot of these issues are not necessarily political. It’s about right and wrong.” Disney Family Pride What about potential backlash from fans or others? According to Iger, “When you are dealing with right and wrong, and when you are dealing with something that does have a profound impact on your business, I just think you have to do what is right and not worry about the potential backlash to it.” Now, that doesn’t mean Disney will weigh in on every issue. During the 2023 shareholder meeting, Iger said “I also understand there are gonna be gray areas. There are gonna [be] times when we decide to weigh in on an issue that we believe is worthy of debate because of its relevance and importance to our business or to our employees…and there are times when I actually believe we shouldn’t.” Disney Pride Decoration Still, Iger said that he feels strongly that Disney alone should be able to determine “whether, when, or how to weigh in on an issue, whether it’s private or public.” 8 — On Controversy We couldn’t write up this post about controversial Bob Iger quotes without including a quote from Iger ABOUT controversy — ironic, isn’t it? Back in November of 2022, Iger discussed the Reedy Creek/DeSantis situation and made several of the quotes identified above. But he also spoke about controversial situations themselves. He shared, “Do I like the company being embroiled in controversy? Of course not.” ©Disney FOX Business reported the remainder of Iger’s words where he noted the following about controversy: “It can be distracting, and it can have a negative impact on the company. And to the extent that I can work to kind of quiet things down, I’m going to do that.” This was all said before the latest developments in the Reedy Creek saga (and prior to some of Iger’s more direct and public statements about DeSantis’ alleged “anti-business” actions), but still it’ll be interesting to see how (if at all) Iger manages to “quiet things down.” Click here to see what the DeSantis-appointed board has been working on with the Disney District 9 — Straying Too Far from Walt’s “Vision” or “Values” Another big criticism that goes hand-in-hand with some of the situations discussed above is that Disney has strayed too far from Walt Disney’s original “vision” or “values.” Iger addressed this (somewhat) during the TIME Magazine interview when he was asked if you can change a company and keep its values. Iger replied, “I actually think that if you study great companies over time and you try to figure out why some companies stand the test of time and others do not, you would quickly conclude that most companies fade away because they’ve abandoned the core values that created the company in the first place.” Disney World’s Festival of Fantasy parade He continued by saying that “in the interest of staying relevant, they distance themselves from the essence of what they were.” But he noted, “There is a way to completely adhere to those same values but to present them to the world, to your customers, and to your employees in much more relevant ways.” So it seems Iger does NOT want to abandon Disney’s “core values” but he does feel that there may be a way to present those to the world in a more relevant manner. 10 — The “Right Values” in Disney Films Finally, we’re tackling Iger’s views on the “right values” contained in Disney films. If Disney’s content is not supposed to be agenda driven but is still meant to be accessible and touch people’s hearts, then what will be represented in them? During the 2023 shareholder meeting, Iger discussed some of that. He said, “We’ve been telling stories for 100 years aimed at entertaining and inspiring families from all over the world. And we’re extremely proud of the positive impact we’ve had on billions of people over that 100-year period of time. For generations, the stories that we’ve told have touched people’s hearts, because they’ve been infused with right values.” It’s Lightning McQueen! Just what are those “right values?” Well, according to Iger, Disney’s films have “celebrated heroes, emphasized the value of family and friendship, they’ve instilled a steady faith in the belief that good triumphs over evil, that tomorrow is always brighter than today.” He shared, that it is his “hope that Disney continues to be a source of hope and optimism for the world. And we’re honored to actually carry forth Walt’s legacy of inspiring joy and wonder for everyone.” JOY! And there you have it — 10 important and potentially controversial quotes from Bob Iger on some hot topics. What will Iger say next? And what challenges will Disney face as it moves forward with job cuts, budget cuts, continued Reedy Creek drama, and more? We’ll be watching to see and we’ll share ALL of those details with you. To see more about what Iger has said recently, click here to see his views on having more Marvel in Disney World, and click here to learn about Iger’s bromance with Steve Jobs. Click here to learn about 5 controversial Bob Iger CHANGES Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which of these quotes intrigued you the most? Tell us in the comments. The post 10 Controversial Things Bob Iger Has Said About Disney's Alleged 'Woke Agenda' first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Listen up Marvel fans, we got some news for you! Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at AMC Theatre in Disney Springs Marvel fans are getting ready for some big projects coming up. Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 will be released next week. There have also been two trailers released recently — The Marvels and Secret Invasion — with both movies coming out this summer. While Marvel fans love looking forward to more new releases, Marvel just announced one recently-released film that will be available for streaming very soon. If you missed seeing the latest Ant-Man movie in theaters, you’ll have your chance soon to watch it from home. Marvel announced that Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania will be available for streaming on Disney+ beginning May 17th. You can catch Paul Rudd as Scott Lang and Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne fighting against Kang the Conqueror played by Jonathan Majors. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania at Disney Springs We’ll be watching for more updates on the latest Disney+ news, so stay tuned to DFB! Find Out Why More Marvel Can’t Come to Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you seen Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania yet? Let us know in the comments. The post DATE ANNOUNCED: When ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp Quantumania’ Will Arrive on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney says it’s a story that’s been a century in the making. The Disney100 Celebration is here! Disney’s new animated movie, Wish, is set to debut in theaters in November 2023, and Disney fans are already excited to watch the story surrounding the idea of wishing on a star. Now, we’ve finally got the TRAILER for this upcoming film! The film follows the story of Asha, a 17-year-old girl, and her goat Valentino. The two live in Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, where wishes can literally come true. However, the plot thickens when Asha gets more than she bargained for and a wishing star comes down from the sky to join Asha and Valentino. This is apparently the origin story behind Disney’s very own wishing star — you know, the one that soars over the castle at the opening of every Disney film? Disney released the first official trailer AND poster for Wish today, and we got some highly-anticipated details regarding the film and what we can expect. Watch the trailer here: The poster seems to reflect the branding of the 100th Anniversary celebration with the blue, purple, and gold color scheme. Check it out! ©Disney We already know that Asha will be played by Ariana DeBose, who has appeared in the film adaptations of Hamilton and West Side Story. No Disney movie is complete without a villain, right? Well, Wish‘s villain will be played by none other than Chris Pine. ©Disney So, who’s ready to head to the theater? For many Disney fans, November can’t come soon enough! We’ll continue to keep you updated if Disney gives any more details between now and then, so follow along for more. If you’re interested in all things Disney entertainment, click the link below to check out the latest details on Disney’s upcoming Haunted Mansion movie. Hoping to watch the Haunted Mansion trailer? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be headed to theaters to watch Wish? Let us know in the comments. The post VIDEO: Watch the NEW Trailer for Disney’s Upcoming Movie, ‘Wish,’ Here! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If Disney World is supposed to be The Most Magical Place on Earth, then why are long-time Disney fans enraged by what’s happening in these famous Orlando theme parks? Disney World entrance Find out the TRUTH today, on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Why Disney World Fans Are Hitting Their Breaking Point Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more Disney news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What Disney World changes are you upset about? Let us know in the comments below. The post DFB Video: Why Disney World Fans Are Hitting Their Breaking Point first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you picked out your Halloween costume yet? Coming Soon! It might only be April, but Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be here before you know it! We’ll be meeting some of our favorite characters in their spooky attire, trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom, and watching exclusive entertainment in no time. If you want to take part in this popular party, you’ll have to act quickly — tickets go fast. And starting TODAY, a select group of people can already buy theirs! For the general public, tickets to this event go on sale on May 2nd — but some Disney World guests can buy theirs today. So who qualifies? Boo to You Halloween parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Starting today, guests of Disney World resort hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, or Shades of Green will be able to purchase tickets to the party. The event takes place on select nights from August 11th through November 1st, so if you have a hotel reservation during that time — now’s your opportunity to grab tickets! Even the resorts take part in the celebration If you are hoping to celebrate Halloween in Disney World this year and haven’t already made plans, you might want to look into booking a hotel stay. Having a participating hotel reservation during this party gives you a full 5 days extra to get your tickets before they go on sale to the general public! Halloween Fireworks During the party, you’ll be able to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4PM, three hours before the official start of the party. You’ll also be able to trick-or-treat, catch the party-exclusive Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and ride some of Magic Kingdom’s attractions including Tron Lightcycle / Run (although that ride WILL require a virtual queue boarding pass to ride during the party). Hocus Pocus Villains Spelltacular We’ll be at at the party this year, bringing you all the details, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Want more information about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Check out these posts: SNEAK PEEK at Disney’s New Halloween Merchandise NEW Halloween Costumes Revealed for Mickey and Minnie Mouse First Look at a Treat Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party FULL LIST of Prices and Dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party How TRON Lightcycle / Run Will Work at the Halloween Party Everything CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Exclusive DISCOUNTS Announced for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets How To Get the Cheapest Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Full List of Rides That Will Be Open for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party CHANGES Revealed for Disney World’s Halloween Parade PHOTOS: See How Disney World Attractions CHANGE at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Halloween at Walt Disney World Get All of the Latest Updates on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The SECRET Hint Disney Dropped About Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2023 Disney World In August: Tips and Info 25 Dates to Consider When Planning Your 2023 Disney World Vacation Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you celebrating Halloween in Disney World this year? Let us know in the comments below! The post 🚨Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party TICKETS Now On Sale for Select Guests🚨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article