Disney4me

In celebration of the film’s upcoming debut, here's everything you need to save the universe!View the full article

We’re sailing on over to the ever-charming Disney Newport Bay Club at Disneyland Paris! Hop aboard as we take a tour of the 4-star seaside mansion’s classic New England style with 1920s nautical theming, Mickey and Minnie décor and more.View the full article

If an elegant — but slightly eerie — old mansion came up for sale, would you buy it? On the one hand, the price is pretty unbeatable, but on the other hand, you can’t figure out where that random chilly breeze is coming from in the hallway. Hey, they should make a movie with that idea! Would YOU move into an old mansion? Luckily, Disney is ten steps ahead of us; a NEW adaptation of The Haunted Mansion movie is coming soon! The movie is inspired by the classic Disney attraction, and we’ve already seen several little Haunted Mansion Easter eggs in the trailer. Disney’s newest Haunted Mansion adaptation will follow a doctor and her son as they look to start a new life. The pair moves into a mansion in New Orleans but quickly discovers that the place is, well, you can probably guess, HAUNTED! So far, we know stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, and Jared Leto will play a role in the film. Are you excited for this new movie to premiere? Disney announced that The Haunted Mansion will premiere on July 28th, and we now know that the movie will come with a PG-13 rating. It seems like this movie will be geared toward older kids and adults — expect some grown-up jokes! D23 Expo (2022) According to the film’s IMDb page, the movie was rated PG-13 for “some thematic elements and scary action.” Further details about the action of the movie have not been revealed yet, so we’ll have to wait and see just how spooky Disney plans to get with its new adaptation! Maybe there will be a jump scare or two! In the past, live-action Disney films like Cruella, Jungle Cruise, and even the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise have received a PG-13 rating. We can’t wait to see the new Haunted Mansion movie! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! What’s New at EPCOT: A $1,850 Backpack 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 excited to see this new movie? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Detail Revealed for Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' Movie first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s about to be one more reason to plan that Disney World vacation you’ve been waiting for — and we think it’s a pretty delicious one. Mickey at Garden Grill After a long hiatus, breakfast is finally returning to Garden Grill in EPCOT! This spot has been serving lunch and dinner family-style since it reopened, but you’ll be able to start your day with Chip ‘n’ Dale and the whole gang again on June 14th. And, you can make your reservations now! Breakfast will be back at Garden Grill starting June 14th, 2023 and reservations are open now! Garden Grill Disney didn’t share when reservations would open up, but we’re happy to share that you can now book your breakfast with Chip ‘n’ Dale, plus Mickey and the gang. We checked out the Disney World website just to be sure, and we were able to snag a reservation for breakfast. ©Disney Breakfast here will be served family-style with the Chip ‘n’ Dale Harvest Feast (like lunch and dinner). The breakfast feast includes a Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf, Smoked Bacon, Fruit, Eggs, Mickey-shaped Waffles, and more. Breakfast Skillet at Garden Grill The menu is a bit different than our last visit a few years ago. During our last visit, we had sticky buns (it seems that has been replaced by the Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf, though the dishes themselves could be pretty similar), pork sausage (missing from the updated menu), and tater tots (also missing from the updated menu). The Grilled Flank Steak and Cheesy Potato Casserole are also updated additions compared to our last visit. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates from around Disney World! Click here for your ultimate guide to the BEST breakfasts in Disney World Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you had Garden Grill breakfast? Tell us in the comments. The post HURRY! Reservations NOW AVAILABLE for Garden Grill Breakfast in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The pieces of the Poozeum exhibit, featuring fossilized feces, are leaving Orlando Science Center. View the full article

If you have been to Walt Disney World before you may be looking to spice up your next trip. There’s no better way than to complete a Disney World Challenge! Disney World Challenges are unofficial fan-created tasks to add an extra element to the fun of Disney. These are great for groups, adult trips, or […] The post The NEW Mountain Challenge in Disney World! appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Celebrate National Go Birding Day, April 29, by visiting one of these five Central Florida destinations for birdwatching. View the full article

There is prime people-watching to be had at Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld theme parks View the full article

We know a lot of you would say that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is your favorite park in Disney World. Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance Where else can you visit a galaxy far, far away? Or get shrunk down to the size of a toy and ride on Slinky Dog? Where else can you go on an adventure with Mickey and Minnie or plunge to the depths of The Twilight Zone in a decrepit old hotel? There’s a lot of fun to be had here, for sure, but what else is going on with Hollywood Studios these days? Let’s see what’s new. Hollywood Studios Merchandise Updates Mickey’s of Hollywood The live-action Little Mermaid collection has arrived! There’s a Tumbler for $24.99… Stay hydrated with Ariel …a Water bottle for $29.99… Pretty water bottle …a Purse for $24.99… Mermaid purse …a Kid’s shirt for $26.99… Ariel and her sisters …a Women’s shirt for $39.99… Ariel … a Tropical Scented Candle for $24.99… It smells tropical …a Dress for $128… Pretty dress and a Denim jacket. Here’s the front… Front of the jacket …and here’s the back. The jacket is $79.99. The back There’s also a Button Up Short Sleeve Shirt for $59.99… Colorful shirt with Ariel’s friends …a Men’s Tee for $34.99… Ariel …and a Reversible Bucket Hat. Here’s one side… Ariel’s friends …and here’s the other. The hat is $34.99. Under the Sea You can also get Hair accessories for $19.99… Fun hair accessories …a Fanny Pack for $44.99… Little Mermaid fanny pack …an Ariel Funko Pop for $14.99... Ariel …an Eric Funko Pop for $14.99… Eric ….a Triton Funko Pop for $14.99. Triton …a Kid’s Ruffle Sleeveless Shirt for $26.99… Cute ruffles around the sleeves …and an Ariel All-Over Print Shirt for $21.99. Ariel print We also found LOADS of new Mickey shirts, including a Yellow Mickey Tank… New Mickey tank top alert …an Orange Mickey Tee… Another Mickey tee …an Orange Mickey Tank… Another Mickey tank …a White Mickey Tee… Classic Mickey tee …a White Mickey Tank… The tank comes in white …and a Purple Mickey Tank. Each shirt is $34.99. You can also get purple We also found a new Raglan Disney World Shirt. Here’s the front… Raglan tee …and here’s the back. Disney World! The shirt is $39.99. Is It Cheaper To Buy Disney World Tickets Online Or At The Gate? Find Out Here! The Dark Room A new Star Wars Pride MagicBand+ is available for $54.99. Star Wars MagicBand+ We also found a Boba Fett Pin for $17.99… Boba Fett …a Star Wars Droid Pin for $17.99… Droid Pin …a Grogu Magnet for $14.99… I’m with Mando …a Yoda Magnet for $14.99… May The Force Be With You …a Star Wars Phone Case for $34.99… Rep Star Wars on your phone …a Disney Food Phone Case for $34.99… Our favorite thing: Disney food! …an Unlock The Evil Jafar Pin for $19.99… Jafar …an Unlock The Evil Dr. Facilier Pin for $19.99… Dr. Facilier …a Darth Vader Headphone Case for $19.99… Darth Vader …a Stormtrooper Phone Case for $19.99… Stormtrooper …an R2-D2 Phone Case for $19.99… R2-D2 …a Star Wars Rebel Pilot Headphone Case for $19.99. Rebel pilot We also spotted some new 100th anniversary medallions: Lightyear, Cruella, Monsters, and Belle! New souvenir medallions! These medallions are great inexpensive souvenirs. Genie+ Hit $35 and Sold Out This Spring. How High Will It Go in Summer 2023? Here’s What We Think Keystone Clothiers This Loki Shirt is burdened with glorious purpose for $39.99. LOKI We also saw a Star Wars Deluxe Remote Control BD Unit. A BD unit The droid is $109.99. Huge CHANGE Announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios — An Entire Area Will REOPEN Tatooine Traders Here you can get a Lightsaber Shirt for $39.99… Lightsabers …a Chewbacca Sweatshirt for $54.99… Chewy! …and Star Wars Bike Shorts. Shorts The shorts are $36.99. Here’s The Ultimate Guide To Disney World If You Hate People Frozen Fractal Gifts There’s a new Frozen Sleep Set for Kids. PJs for Kids The sleep set is $29.99. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Disney World Legends of Hollywood There’s a new Pandora Disney100 Mickey Charm. New charm! The charm is $85. See How An Iconic Part of the Disney World Cast Member Uniform Is CHANGING Soon This is a lot to take in, right? We’ve got a little fun break for you now – check out all the new, fun Disney-themed graphic tees and more in our merch store by clicking 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. What’s your favorite part of Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New at Disney's Hollywood Studios: A Collection You'll Want To Make 'Part of Your World' first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We love Cast Members — they really make the magic! Where we wish we were! Recently, Disney shared a story about one cast member’s creativity, and we just had to share it with you! With Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in full swing, Disney is highlighting its cast members whose ideas are creating positive waves of change. Recently, they shared cast member Paul Villegas’s story. @Disney Paul is a Fantasyland attractions lead and trainer in Disneyland, and he’s got a favorite attraction — the Storybook Land Canal Boats. He noticed that young children often felt scared to sit at the front of the boat due to the intimidating appearance of Monstro the whale. “I asked if I could design an ‘Official Whale Watcher’ sticker that cast members could hand out to our young guests and tell them it’s their job to be on the lookout for whales,” said Paul. @Disney The sticker, which is just one of the stickers he has designed for other Fantasyland attractions and shows, has been a hit with both the guests and cast members. He says that his creative streak is inspired by his sister, a first-grade teacher. Disney shared that Paul’s enthusiasm for his work and creativity have earned him the highly-coveted Walt Disney Legacy Award, which is the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products’ highest honor. This story proves that even “small” ideas from cast members can have such a big impact on Disney guests. Keep following along for the lasted news from Disney so you never miss a thing! Click here for the latest Disneyland news! 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 What is your favorite Disneyland restaurant? Let us know in the comments! The post The ELUSIVE Disneyland Souvenir You CAN'T Find Anywhere Else first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There have been a LOT of changes in Disney World since the 100th Anniversary started. Disney100 Sign With the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company in full swing, we’ve seen all kinds of new merch, construction updates, and Disney100 decorations pop up all over Disney World. Recently, we spotted some new decor in EPCOT — let’s take a look! During a recent trip to EPCOT, we visited The Land pavilion and noticed there was a new 100th Anniversary logo inside of the Living with the Land attraction! Can you spot it? Disney100 sign The cast members “hid” the Disney100 logo in the lettuce by alternating different colored plants. It is such a neat way to display the 100th logo, but it may be a little difficult to make out if you have sensitivity to certain colors. Forget hidden Mickeys; Disney moved on to hidden NUMBERS! Move over, Mickey! There’s a new symbol in town. In the past, we’ve seen all sorts of hidden details appear on Living with the Land, including holiday decorations, Mickey-shaped fruits and vegetables, and even little EPCOT-themed figures like Figment! We even found Figment in this attraction! While we’re on the subject of new things in EPCOT, we also peeped a glance at the new Journey of Water inspired by Moana walkthrough attraction, set to open soon! As you can see, it’s looking VERY close to completion. We’re always on the hunt for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB, and we’ll keep you updated with all the latest Disney information and more! Click here for more about Disney’s 100th decor in the parks Learn More About Disney 100 Years of Wonder – The 100th Anniversary Celebration! When Disney’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Actually Starts Is the 100th Anniversary Coming to Disney World? A NEW 100th Anniversary Disney Credit Card Design Is Coming! PHOTOS: Sparkly NEW 100th Anniversary Minnie Ears Are Now Available in Disney World ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW! Check Out the NEW 100th Anniversary Starbucks Tumbler Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you seen this new Disney100 sign at Epcot yet? Let us know in the comments below! The post Check out the NEW 100th Anniversary Decor at EPCOT in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re headed to Disney World soon and are hoping to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, you’re in luck! Disney World Exciting things are happening, from new character meet-and-greets to new snacks and merchandise. While the Disney100 Celebration started in January for our friends over at Disneyland, the celebration is finally getting into full swing at Disney World. Disney just shared two NEW things coming to Disney World in honor of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, and we think you’ll find them worth celebrating indeed. 100 Years of Wonder! First, Disney said that we would expect an all-new treat to come to Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. The Disney100 Petite Cake has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse, berry compote, and a Disney 100 Medallion macaron. Yum! ©Disney Alright, this is the exciting part. We saw the Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket at Disneyland, but Disney just announced that it would soon arrive at Disney World! However, the bucket will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. We’re not sure of the release date for these buckets — Disney just told us to stay tuned for details. Cinderella Premium Popcorn Bucket In the meantime, though, you can still grab the classic Disney100 popcorn buckets and refillable cups that we’ve already seen! They could still make great souvenirs if you visit before the Cinderella Premium Buckets make their debut. Disney World Disney100 Popcorn Bucket Well, what do you think? Are you already anticipating your next popcorn bucket and trip to Amorette’s? We’ll continue to keep you updated with any and all Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more. Click the link below to find out more popcorn buckets at Disney World. Looking for a new popcorn bucket? Click here for more! Learn More About Disney 100 Years of Wonder – The 100th Anniversary Celebration! When Disney’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Actually Starts Is the 100th Anniversary Coming to Disney World? A NEW 100th Anniversary Disney Credit Card Design Is Coming! PHOTOS: Sparkly NEW 100th Anniversary Minnie Ears Are Now Available in Disney World ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW! Check Out the NEW 100th Anniversary Starbucks Tumbler Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What do you think of the Cinderella popcorn bucket and the new The post A NEW 100th Anniversary Popcorn Bucket and Snack Are Coming to Disney World SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Both The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been the subject of many headlines since Disney released a statement against the Parental Rights in Education law (what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill). Over the past few months, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) has undergone some restructuring, with DeSantis imposing a new board to oversee taxes and other regulations within The Walt Disney World zipcode. Walt Disney World Thus far, many have focused their attention on the impacts that the newly-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board may have on the Disney parks. During a recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, several business owners sought to bring attention to another group impacted by proposed changes. A Quick Recap For a bit of background, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) is a special district in Orange and Osceola Counties created by the Florida State Legislature in 1967. The RCID was designed to manage various municipal services for the 47-square miles of the Walt Disney World Resort. The district was responsible for paying to provide municipal services, including power, water management, maintaining the roads, and fire protection. Reedy Creek For decades, the RCID has given Disney the power to make its own decisions without outside approval. Then, fast-forward to 2022, Disney spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, and things began to change. By April 2023, DeSantis had signed a law to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek governing district by June 2023. Now, DeSantis has proposed new projects for the board to handle, including building a prison near Disney World, appointing an outside source to inspect the Disney World monorail, and removing COVID-19 restrictions in the District. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website Most recently, Disney decided to fight back with a lawsuit, alleging that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company. Who is impacted? At a recent Board of Supervisors Meeting held by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, many business owners voiced their concerns with the ongoing battle between the Flordia Legislature and The Walt Disney Company. Attorney Jeff Aaron at the meeting One local businessman, Steven Schussler, who represents Yak & Yeti, The Boathouse, Rainforest Cafe, and T-rex restaurants, explained that some of the proposed changes will impact his staff and employees, claiming, “Every one of them has expressed concerns over what’s happening with Reedy Creek.” He went on to explain that some of his staff take a bus to work, and the board’s proposed changes could impact workers’ ability to get to work. Keep in mind that although there are many restaurants located on Disney property, not all of them are owned and operated by Disney. Yak & Yeti Then, the CEO of that same restaurant group Steve Lombardo explained that The Boathouse restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Disney Springs, and as a tenant of Disney, the restaurant must pay millions in taxes and other fees. The discussion of additional taxes concerned him, and Lombardo went on to say, “Please understand that when you make these decisions, it impacts far more than just Disney.” The Boathouse in Disney Springs After that, several other Disney Springs business owners voiced similar concerns, including Mark Gibson (who owns and operates Splitsville, Homecoming, and Everglazed) and George Miliotes (Wine Bar George), to name a few. @winebargeorge on Instagram Many shared their fears regarding the ongoing tension between the board, the state, and Disney. Some made a point to say that any changes made going forward will impact not just Disney, but the hundreds of small-business employees that operate in Disney World. Rising costs and employee retention were common fears shared among the business owners. A Basin representative was also present at the meeting From small shops like Basin to popular restaurants like Homecomin’, many representatives took the time to explain that new restrictions, taxes, and regulations could cripple third-party businesses on Disney World property. We will continue to monitor the status of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, so stay tuned for updates. BREAKING: Disney Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney Springs Restaurants Worried They’ll Bear the Brunt of Disney-DeSantis Battle first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has escalated the fight being waged by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Cinderella Castle After Disney spoke out against the Parental Rights in Education law (often criticized as the “Don’t Say Gay” law), DeSantis and the Florida legislature removed the Disney-friendly Reedy Creek Improvement District Board, replacing the members with some hand-picked by the governor himself. Disney has decided to fight back by suing DeSantis and the new Board, and now, the governor’s office has responded. Disney has officially sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (as well as members of the District’s new board) alleging that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against Disney. The lawsuit was filed in federal court and alleges that DeSantis has orchestrated a campaign to punish Disney for its political views, which has threatened Disney’s business. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, and alleges, “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.” DeSantis signing the new bill Within the full complaint, Disney has alleged: For more than half a century, Disney has made an immeasurable impact on Florida and its economy, establishing Central Florida as a top global tourist destination Disney is one of Central Florida’s largest taxpayers Disney is also one of the largest employers in the State Disney World Disney argues that DeSantis “paid no mind to the governing structure that facilitated Reedy Creek’s successful development until one year ago, when the Governor decided to target Disney.” In Disney’s view, “There is no room for disagreement about what happened here: Disney expressed its opinion on state legislation and was then punished by the State for doing so.” EPCOT at Disney World DeSantis said that Disney’s statement on the Don’t Say Gay law had “crossed a line.” Following that, Disney argues, he has employed “the machinery of the State in a coordinated campaign to damage Disney’s ability to do business in Florida.” And now, the governor’s office has released a statement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ©Deadline According to Variety, a spokesperson for DeSantis said that Disney seeks to “undermine the will of the Florida voters.” “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,” said Taryn Fenske, spokesperson. “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.” Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream Disney said the “latest strike” in DeSantis’ campaign has been the action taken by the board of supervisors of the District on April 26th, 2023 which invalidated some of Disney’s “publically noticed and duly agreed development contracts” that it had signed with the previous board. Reedy Creek Because of this, Disney is asking that the court: declare the legislative declaration just approved by the new Reedy Creek board as unlawful declare that the contracts Disney signed with the old board are still in effect, and declare that the laws impacting Reedy Creek (specifically, the first one that would have dissolved the district, and the second one that made substantial changes to the District) be declared unlawful. Reedy Creek We’ll continue to keep you updated, as this is a developing story. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest news. Learn More About the Lawsuit Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post DeSantis' Office Releases Statement in Response to Lawsuit from Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As the 2022-2023 runDisney race season comes to a close, we are excited to highlight another amazing runner who inspires us from the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.View the full article

So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!). Saratoga Springs But how do you choose between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you! Choosing between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for. Animal Kingdom Lodge There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories: Common Ground Theme/Rooms Pools Food Transportation We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip. Common Ground Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks. They both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas. Welcome to Kidani Village Both resorts offer bus transportation to the theme parks at Walt Disney World. Bus transportation from Magic Kingdom For the Animal Kingdom Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates) For Saratoga Springs, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $451 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,477 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates) Saratoga Springs is a touch cheaper than Animal Kingdom Lodge, but let’s see what all that includes. Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests Theme/Rooms Just like our ol’ Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Flo are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same! Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo! And welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is more than your typical hotel, and honestly, it’s beyond the standard of a typical Disney hotel. This resort offers a few things that none of the resorts do. First, live animals right out your window! Definitely, the only Disney resort where you can wake up and view some giraffes out your window, and drink coffee or snack on some Zebra Domes on your balcony while watching real-live zebras. Disney also brings in Cultural Representatives from countries around Africa to share the unique stories, culture, art, and history of their countries. Off of the lobby, there is an observation room where guests can appreciate artifacts from African exploration or just sit and enjoy the animals on the safari. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays). Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby The Animal Kingdom Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic. Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge also has Disney Vacation Club accommodations over at Kidani Village, with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas overlooking their own animal savanna. Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village rooms look out onto the Sunset Savanna, and Jambo House rooms look out onto the Uzima and Arusha Savannas. All the savannas have giraffes and zebras, and a plethora of other beautiful animals. Saratoga Springs Resort Saratoga Springs has a main building called the Carriage House, where you’ll find check-in, the two main food service locations, the gift shop, and access to the resort golf course (oh, it’s that kinda hoity-toity place with a golf course!). The Carriage House All of the rooms are spread out in out-buildings with names themed after the sport of horse racing, The Grandstand, The Springs, The Carousel, The Paddock, and Congress Park. Each collection of outer buildings has its own pool area and pool bar (except for the Carousel section). Saratoga Springs offers villa-type accommodations with studio, 1-bedroom (sleep up to five), 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom layouts. Furnishings are generally a little bit more on the higher end. Saratoga Springs lobby Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date). Studios have two beds and a kitchenette. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, washer, and dryer. If you’re looking for convenience, these amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier! The Murphy bed at Saratoga Springs Both are large resorts with beautiful landscaping, but they do have some differences! First, this is a Deluxe Villa Resorts offering many of these perks. This hotel can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests. Here, you’ll escape to a 19th century equestrian resort, although there aren’t any horses! Opened in May 2004, the quaint gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Studio Studios at this resort are smaller providing a queen bed and pull-down bed. Two bedrooms sleep up to 8 people. Treehouse Villa However, the unique but very remote treehouse villas can accommodate up to nine guests. Results This could boil down to your preference. Are you looking to explore the adventure of the African savannas? Or do you want something a bit more contemporary? Do you want to look out your window at exotic animals on a savanna? Or peer out on pristinely manicured golf course greens? Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes. If you want some extra space in your room or accommodations for up to nine, Saratoga Springs is the one for you. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has the edge rooms overlooking the savanna and breathtaking views of the exotic wild animals of Africa. So this one is a tie — do you want space or an immersive theme? Pools Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out… Animal Kingdom Lodge AKL (as we like to call it) is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools as well: the Samawati Springs Pool and the Uzima Springs Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Uzima Springs pool is smashing. This oasis is 11,000 square feet. It includes a large free-form, zero-entry swimming pool (gradual like a beach, you can take one centimeter at a time getting in). Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool Samawati Springs Pool has a 67-foot water slide, a children’s wading pool, and kids’ life jackets in several sizes. There are two private hot tubs, tons of seating in comfy loungers, tables and umbrellas, and unlimited towels. Samawati Springs Pool You can build a herd of towel animals if you want. Oh, and of course, the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is for hydration purposes. Saratoga Springs This resort has two feature pools — High Rock Spring Pool and The Paddock Pool. High Rock Spring just completed a little renovation and touch-up, so it’s in tip-top shape for those looking to cool off or sunbathe. High Rock Spring offers a fun atmosphere with waterfalls, zero-depth entry, and a 128 ft. slide. You’ll find two whirlpool spas at this location. Got kids? They’ll love the Donald Duck splash area with a fun kiddie-sized slide. Pool at Saratoga Springs The zero-depth entry Paddock Pool showcases a slide that starts at the top of a water tower and provides 146 feet of fun! Kids can splash in the aquatic play area showcasing two small waterslides. Nearby, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool offers a nice respite. Paddock Pool at Saratoga Springs Leisure pools with whirlpool spas can be found at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand. Results There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Animal Kingdom Lodge! While Saratoga Springs has more pools, we prefer the theme, detail, and beauty of pools and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Plus, being that close to Zebra Domes has its advantages, but we’ll get to that in the next section! 10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools Food Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category. Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge has nine(ish) dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness. Maji Pool Bar is located near the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar is over at the Jambo House pool. — and both are a pretty standard pool bars, but with some unique African beers and some tasty nibbles, but nothing truly destination-worthy. Maji Pool Bar The Mara is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa, this quick service restaurant located in Jambo House is sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located next to the Resort’s Uzima Springs pool area. Guests can dine indoors or take their meals poolside, or to a small area offering shaded tables outside. The Mara Unique items, including Bobotie and Breakfast Quinoa are served alongside classic Disney dishes like Mickey Waffles and more for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner feature the truly tasty African Potjie (a flavorful stew) among the options, which also include counter service favorites like Chicken Nuggets, Burgers, and Flatbreads. The “Grab & Go” market area features snacks, desserts (including the spot’s famous Zebra Domes!), bottled drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty coffees, and fruit. The Mara also offers a selection of African and international wines, beers, cocktails, and even choose-your-own-flavor smoothies. Oak-Grilled Chicken Bowl at The Mara Victoria Falls and Cape Town Lounge are cozy lounges in Jambo House near Boma and Jiko. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer, or mixed drink. It’s a great place to hang while waiting for a table at Boma or Jiko. Or just stop in before you head to (or after you return from) the parks to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu, including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more. Victoria Falls Lounge Cape Town Lounge serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more. Guests may also order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar. Lounge seating Tucked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. While Sanaa is a table service restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the spot offers the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings — a quick-service experience for which reservations are not required. Sanaa The best part: the view from the restaurant is of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savanna — enjoy the ever-changing scenery of some of the most beautiful African plains animals you’ve ever seen. Bread Service at Sanaa P.S. Don’t miss Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service, served with NINE different dipping accompaniments! The other Table Service option at the Jambo House is Boma. Boma continually emerges on the “favorite restaurants” lists of many Disney guests! The popular buffet at Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample flavorful African dishes while also dining on some American favorites during breakfast or dinner. Boma We always give two thumbs up to this restaurant, and we always find something new to try here! And the pièce de résistance: Jiko. Jiko — The Cooking Place is a Signature Dining Experience (which is Disney-speakfor fancy, schmancy), hands-down, one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants on Disney World property. We can highly recommend this one if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food and a lovely and tranquil atmosphere. Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko Sharing tastes of Africa with a special Jiko flourish, this restaurant doesn’t offer a great view or any characters, but it does offer truly beautiful food — and the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna is right outside… Boma vs. Jiko vs. Sanaa: Comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants Saratoga Springs Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an equestrian-themed resort, with dining options that are simultaneously relaxed and refined. The Turf Club Bar and Grill features steaks and chops — along with pasta dishes — in a lovely atmosphere created with dark woods and forest greens. Pork Chop You can also enjoy spending some time at the Turf Club Lounge. (Check out the Mint Julep — you won’t regret it) We want to note that the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is only for dinner. Backstretch Pool Bar and On the Rocks Pool Bar serve cold specialty drinks that are perfect for relaxing by the pool on a sunny day. On the Rocks Pool Bar The Artist’s Palette is a Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spot made to resemble an artist’s studio in New York. The indoor seating is welcome on hot Florida days, chilly mornings and evenings, and rainstorms! Fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads, and more are on offer, and the bakery case always boasts some fantastic and creative cupcakes. Stop by Artist’s Palette for seasonal treats! The Paddock Grill is located by the Paddock Pool, offering substantial eats to enjoy poolside — even for the early risers at breakfast! Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort! Results It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Animal Kingdom Lodge might be your jam! Menus are influenced by approachable African flavors and spices, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites. While the variety at Saratoga Springs is rather slim, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of dining options. So, if you’re not looking to board a boat, take a walk or a bus over to Disney Springs, then foodie fans should choose Animal Kingdom Lodge. New DFB Video: Join Us For the Monorail Crawl! Transportation Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!! Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. Or the Skyliner Route. Or even boat access. If you want to visit any of the Disney Parks (even the nearby Animal Kingdom), your only option for free Disney transportation is a bus. Animal Kingdom Lodge Bus Stop Now, Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the furthest resort from the Disney Parks (except Animal Kingdom), and relying solely on bus transportation makes it feel every inch of that distance. And no one really looks forward to having to wrestle to get their stroller on and off the bus, or standing in those lines at the end of a park day to be packed in like sardines with your fellow Animal Kingdom Lodgers once that bus does arrive. Waiting for the bus Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also use ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry. Saratoga Springs If you don’t mind a stroll, Disney Springs can be reached by walking. However, boat transportation is also offered. Take a boat to Saratoga Springs! This hotel is fairly far away from the Disney parks, so getting to and from places using Disney’s complimentary transportation can take a big chunk of your day. Keep in mind that Saratoga Springs is also a LARGE and SPREAD OUT resort, so that bus is gonna make quite a few stops before you get to your park for the day — or get to room after a long day in the park, so be prepared and set aside that time. Results Saratoga Springs wins in this category due to its proximity to Disney Springs. The Sassagoula Riverboats are a pleasant mode of transportation, except during inclement weather. And we love that boat ride. But this was a VERY narrow margin. Keep in mind, like we mentioned above, that the Saratoga Springs buses will make multiple stops around the resort before it leaves for the parks, which can sometimes add an extra 20 minutes to your travel time. Saratoga Springs is one resort that comes with a LOT of bus stops! If you’re not planning to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs, and your focus is more on the Parks, then that ease of access to Disney Springs may not tip the scales for you, and you may want to go with Animal Kingdom Lodge, instead. Learn all about WDW Transportation The Winner! So, who is the ultimate winner in the Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Saratoga Springs battle? Let’s recap! Theme/Rooms: Tie — Animal Kingdom won the “theme” portion, but Saratoga Springs has the spacious rooms. Pools: Animal Kingdom Lodge is the clear winner of the Pools category Food: Animal Kingdom Lodge also got us craving some of our favorite snacks in the Food category Transportation: Saratoga Springs edges out a win in this category with boat access to Disney Springs. Saratoga Springs We hate to say it, but it depends! The two resorts both hold their own when it comes to food. When it comes to Theming, Food, and Pools, Animal Kingdom Lodge may seem like a clear choice with its immersive lobby and amazing savanna complete with animals! Animal Kingdom Lodge If Saratoga Springs seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, that wins the Transportation battle, but it doesn’t have the same energy, food, or pools that the Animal Kingdom Lodge does. And the price difference between the two definitely gives the advantage to Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above. Keep following DFB for more articles like this, and sign up for our newsletter below to get them straight into your inbox! Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023 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 do you think? Is Animal Kingdom Lodge or Saratoga Springs Resort better? Let us know in the comments! The post Saratoga Springs vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Wheel at Icon Park brings back onboard game, this time called Great Florida Road Trip with retro feel, faux cameras View the full article

No two days are alike in Disney World — but you probably already knew that. EPCOT Right now, we’re in the midst of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and of course — eats! But before we know it, the Food & Wine Festival will be here. Disney is doing all sorts of preparing to make sure EPCOT is in tip-top shape, so let’s take a look at what’s new! EPCOT Construction Updates 100th Sign The 100th Anniversary has come to EPCOT! 100th EPCOT sign We spotted this new sign with Spaceship Earth in the background. Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana Fall is getting closer which means we’re also getting closer to the opening of Journey of Water! As a reminder, this is a walk-through experience where guests can interact with water and learn about the water cycle. It’s located in the World Nature section of the park. We’re getting close! Disney has specified things a tiny bit and confirmed the opening timeline by noting that the attraction will open in the fall of 2023 (which means we can presumably expect to see the attraction before the winter of 2023 hits). We’ll let you know when we get an official opening date! Check Out an Update on the Journey of Water Construction Here CommuniCore Hall & Plaza CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be housed in EPCOT’s World Celebration (which is slated to be completed in late 2023), bringing EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World,” according to Disney. CommuniCore Hall and Plaza is coming along We’ve been keeping up with the construction progress in this area, and it looks like more of the building’s exterior layers have been added since we last popped in. We can’t wait to experience the first event in this new location! Learn More About CommuniCore Hall & Plaza Here Refreshment Station — Cool Wash Back in October 2022, we noticed that the “Cool Wash” sign DISAPPEARED from the kiosk and was replaced a sign that said “Refreshment Station.” The new sign was in the style of other new additions to EPCOT (it has the same font and everything) and had images of a drink and slushy. What’s happening here? It looks like tables and benches have been added inside. These are an upgrade from the previous standing-room-only tables that were in this area before the spot closed. See the Latest Cool Wash/Refreshment Station Update Here EPCOT Merchandise Updates Creations Shop There’s a new Dooney & Bourke collection available in the parks! It features Mickey and Minnie in the classic Picnic short. New Dooney collection! There are three different bags to choose from, and we’ve spotted them online too! You can check out the entire collection at the link below. See the Full Collection Here We also spotted this new Joey Chou candle holder for $29.99. Joey Chou candle holder Or, pick up this Joey Chou shirt for $39.99. Joey Chou shirt There’s a new Star Wars MagicBand+ for $54.99. NB1 MagicBand+ Get ready to celebrate the new Guardians film coming out soon with lots of new merch, like this youth shirt for $26.99… Guardians youth shirt …crop shirt for $26.99… Guardians crop top …this baseball hat for $29.99… Guardians hat …a red shirt with a very nice-looking friend on it for $29.99… Guardians shirt …this logo shirt for $34.99… Guardians adult shirt …a dog plush for $26.99… Woof …and a mug for $19.99! Guardians mug We also found a new Toy Story pin starter set for $34.99… Toy Story pin starter set …and this Figment suncatcher ornament for $19.99! Figment suncatcher This would probably look so cool hanging in a window! Gateway Gifts Add this new Moana pin to your collection for $17.99. Moana We also saw this Pocahontas limited edition pin for $17.99 as well. Pocahontas Between these and the starter set, you’ll be a pro collector in no time. Sportsman’s Shoppe There’s a new Musto Performance Land Rover collection in the UK Pavilion! Pick up this navy hoodie for $140… Musto collection …white jacket for $190… Jacket …red and black reversible bucket hat for $50… Hat …shirt for $60… Shirt …duffel bag for $55… Duffel …and a lot more, too! La Gemma Elegante Disney meets designer with the new Gucci Donald Duck collection! The mini backpack is $1,850… Gucci and Donald …and the wallet is a cool $1,125. Gucci wallet Disney changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off! That’s everything new we spotted at EPCOT this time around, but keep in mind that things are always changing in Disney World! For the latest updates and news you need to know to be prepared for your trip, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. Read More About the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Here Ready to Plan for Your EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including details on what’s new this year, touring plan ideas, and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for 20% off the cover price! Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Insider Tips for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival What to Pack in Your Park Bag for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Food and Wine Festival 101 Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite EPCOT festival? Tell us in the comments. The post What's New at EPCOT: A ,850 Backpack 😳 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

From April 29 - 30 at 12pm – 7pm, guests will not only be able to take photos with the Stanley Cup at Disneyland Resort, but can also play air hockey with their friends and family!View the full article

It’s one of the largest global household brands, and it’s survived the changes that come along with serving customers for nearly 70 years. McDonald’s McDonald’s is the world’s largest global corporation and serves customers on six continents — and has even had partnerships with brands like Disney (Who remembers THOSE days?), Krispie Kreme, and numerous celebrities. McDonald’s has successfully remained a fan-favorite fast food chain for several decades now, and according to McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, the brand has no intention of slowing down when it comes to innovation. Recently, we’ve seen that menu changes would come soon to McDonald’s, increasing the quality of food and therefore pricing. However, McDonald’s is also seeking to increase the quality of user experience based on trends regarding mobile order, pick-up, and dine-in habits. McDonald’s Kempczinski shared in an interview with Squawk on the Street NBC that around 40% of global McDonald’s sales are completely digital, and the time has come to tune into these user preferences by exploring the restaurant and hospitality options surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). But, that’s also due in part to higher prices as well. McDonald’s via Newsweek 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.” As he put it, “The McDonald’s restaurant as you know it is going to evolve over time.” He shared that traditional McDonald’s restaurants will stick around, but there’s an opportunity to think about innovating and changing the physical layouts of McDonald’s restaurants for a “digital world.” McDonald’s McDonald’s is also experimenting with a restaurant in Dallas that has no indoor dining and focuses only on mobile order and pickup via drive-thru. And, you’re not alone if you’ve noticed your McDonald’s orders getting more expensive. Price increases have helped the company, but some are pushing back. McDonald’s reported “higher-than-expected sales” in their first quarter as traffic to their stores grew, despite those price increases, according to the Associated Press. Adults Happy Meal at McDonald’s “The McDonald’s restaurant as you know it is going to evolve over time,” Kempczinski said. McDonald’s Fries Well, we’ll be sure to keep you all updated with all the changes that come along. Don’t forget to stay tuned and follow along for more Disney and food-related news, and click the link below to check out some McDonald’s Happy Meal toys that came out recently. Click here to check out some recent McDonald’s Happy Meal toys 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. Do you go to McDonald’s frequently? Let us know in the comments! The post How McDonald’s Plans To Survive The Times With Artificial Intelligence (And Higher Prices) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

First, we celebrated Disney World’s 50th anniversary for 18 months. Now, we’re celebrating the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in Disney World. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Although Disney World is a little late to the party (the 100th celebration kicked off in Disneyland earlier this year), we’ve finally started seeing some 100th anniversary decor in Disney World. EPCOT will serve as the “host” for Disney World’s 100th celebration. Now, we know that EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth will soon get its own 100th anniversary makeover. Spaceship Earth will be getting a brand new nightly lighting show to honor Disney’s 100th anniversary. Jason Read, show lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering said, “The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth. We’ve helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.” ©Disney He continued, “We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary. You may see homages to everything from the Wonderful World of Disney television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.” ©Disney Spaceship Earth covered in Mickey balloons! We can’t wait to see it! Disney did not announce an exact date when the new lightning will appear on Spaceship Earth, but did say it was coming “later in 2023.” In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye out for other ways Disney World is celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary and we’ll keep you updated! So stay tuned to DFB for more! When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! GET READY! A 100th Anniversary SURPRISE May Pop Up at Your Disney World 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. Will you be visiting EPCOT this year? Are you looking forward to the 100th Anniversary Celebration there? Let us know in the comments! The post Spaceship Earth Will Look Different in Disney World SOON first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you one of those lucky folks with some extra cash in your pocket or bank account? Disney World Theme Park Ticket Cards We love finding that extra dollar or two in a old coat pocket, or in between sofa cushions, but can you also hold onto an extra few dollars based on where you buy your Disney Park tickets? Our mission (besides eating tons of Disney food and giving your our honest reviews) is to share with you all of the tips and tricks we uncover to help you have the best Disney vacation possible. And no one can argue that a magical Disney vacation can be even MORE extraordinary when you know you’ve saved some money in the process. Disney World And Disney vacations can cost SO MUCH. You have to spend money on: Park Tickets, Transportation (unless you live in Orland0), Resort Hotels, Food, Souvenirs, Extra Events or Tours, Genie +, PhotoPass, Parking, and all of those other little charges that can accumulate around the adventures of a family vacation. And when you add all of those columns up, saving a bucks in each column can total up to some big savings. So, let’s take a quick look at where you buy your Disney Park tickets to see if you can save money buying your tickets ONLINE or in person at the GATE. Ok, here’s the good news right from jump. That’s right, we’re not gonna string you along to the bottom of the post to tell you what you’re wanting to hear. We’re gonna lay it out right now (but keep reading because you’re already here, and you know how fun our articles can be )! If you’re wondering whether it’s cheaper to buy Disney World tickets online or at the gate, the ticket price is the same, regardless of where you buy them. The next question then is, should you buy them online or wait to buy them at the gate? Animal Kingdom Ticket Windows If you asked about where you should buy your tickets 10 years ago, the answer would be different. But you’re asking this question NOW. In the age of Park Pass Reservations, My Disney Experience, and Disney Genie. You’ll pay the same price if you buy your tickets online or in person, but you’ll lose your option to plan in advance. If you only visit Disney World once every five or ten years, or maybe just once in a lifetime, you need to know that this is not your Grandparent’s, Parent’s, or even Older Sibling’s Disney World. Advanced planning is the name of the game if you’re going to try to experience all of the iconic attractions and eat at as many of the memorable dining options as possible, all while not spending all of your precious vacation time waiting in lines. So much of your Disney vacation is planned, booked, and organized before you ever leave home. Disney World’s Festival of Fantasy parade First, you’ll have to book those desirable dining reservations at least 60 days prior to your vacation. So, suppose you’re planning to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table, the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ, or raise a glass in space at Oga’s Cantina. In that case, you’ll have to be online 60 days before your vacation to secure your spot (and even then, demand is so high that there’s no guarantee). But, let’s say that luck is on your side, and you’ve got those perfect dining reservations. Well, all of those restaurants are in one of Disney’s parks, and to gain entry to the parks, you need a valid park ticket (or annual pass) and a Park Pass Reservation. Tower of Terror Now, we go into all of the details of the Park Pass Reservation system HERE, but let’s just go over a brief summary. Disney implemented the Park Pass Reservation upon reopening after the 2020 closures to manage park capacity. Now, even though Parks are back up to full running capacity, Disney saw the value in the system for being able to foresee demand and ensure proper staffing, resources, and supplies to keep the parks operating efficiently and minimize waste and unnecessary expenses. Toy Story Land What this means for YOU is that you will have to let Disney know in advance, which park you plan to visit, each day of your vacation. If plans change, you can always modify or cancel your park reservation, depending on the capacity and park pass availability at any other park you might switch to. The Park Pass Reservation system essentially holds a place for you in the parks, ensuring that whether you show up as soon as the park opens, sometime in the afternoon, or even 10 minutes before the park closes, you have a spot and can enter the park. Tomorrowland Speedway The catch is, to make a Park Pass Reservation — you need a valid form of admission — a park ticket or an annual pass. If you’re waiting until you get to Disney World to buy your park ticket at the gate, then you run the risk of the park not having park pass availability to permit you admission. If you don’t have a Park Pass, you can’t enter the park, even if you have a dining reservation. Hello, Snow! Something similar happens with the Disney Genie service. Again, we dissect every detail HERE, but the quick and short of is that Disney provides a paid service that grants guests access to skip the standby lines and join the Lightning Lane queue for quick access to the rides. Guests can purchase Genie+ on the same day they are visiting a park (at 12:01AM), and once the park opens, guests can start selecting attractions (one at a time) for their Lightning Lane selections. And, you guessed it, to make good use of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, guests will need BOTH Park Tickets and Park Passes. The similar rules apply to Virtual Queues. Genie So, when it comes to the ease of vacation planning, buying your Park Tickets online may not cost any different than buying your ticket at the Main Gate, but it might just cost you peace of mind and a little hassle or disappointment if that park availability is in question (especially around the holidays!). Holiday crowds! Something else to consider is that “actual retail price” of the ticket (as Bob Barker would say), is the same whether you purchase your tickets online or at the Main Gate. Still, Disney does offer vacation packages where you can bundle your park tickets with your hotel stay for an overall discount. Whether you choose to look at it as a discounted room or discount tickets is up to you, but the bottom line is if you pay for the package instead of a la carte, you’ll save some money! You can also find some savings through Travel Agents or trusted ticket vendors like AAA. Usually, those discounts only add up to a few bucks, but as we mentioned in beginning, a few bucks is a few bucks (and that’s some cash you can use to buy a Mickey Ice Cream Bar)! Still the same on the inside Ultimately, the price of Disney World tickets is the same, whether you buy them at the gate or online. However, you’ll encounter some differences and benefits when you buy online. First, buying online reduces the amount of time you spend at the gate trying to acquire a pass. With online tickets, you’re also less likely to lose them. You can link them to your Disney Experience account and only use your account card to access the park. With tickets linked to your My Disney Experience account, you’ll also have earlier access to make Park Pass Reservations and Genie+ Selections. Some Disney ticket vendors also offer discounted prices, depending on the packages you choose. Mickey Looking at all these advantages, buying online is cheaper as it saves time and offers added security. Be careful not to fall for scammers as you seek the best Disney ticket vendor online. And if you really want the feeling of having a physical ticket in your hand, you can always ask for one at Guest Relations. Guest Relations So, though, we think it’s easier and sometimes even cheaper to buy your tickets online. If you already have your tickets and are looking to upgrade to an annual pass or add on Park Hopper options or even another park day — that’s when heading over to Guest Relation or the Main Gate for those purchases may be your best bet. If you want to learn more about Disney Parks and making some tough Disney vacation decisions, keep following DFB! Breaking Down Hidden PRICE INCREASES on 2023 Disney World Park Tickets 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 Which do you prefer, a physical ticket or an electronic ticket? Let us know in the comments below! The post Is It Cheaper To Buy Disney World Tickets Online Or At The Gate? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Last Saturday, Disneyland Paris cast members had the chance to attend the European gala that took place at Walt Disney Studios Park for the upcoming movie release of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.” Selected among their peers for being true Marvel fans, these Disneyland Paris cast members showcased a variety of Guardians […]View the full article

Waking up at the crack of dawn to buy Genie+, wrangling your family, and creating a detailed game plan for your day in Disney World is EXHAUSTING. You deserve some coffee. Between all the Starbucks locations throughout the parks and the Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea kiosks sprinkled around, you’ve got some premium options in the caffeine department. We LOVE Starbucks! Forget that watery gas station coffee — we’ve got a NEW drink recommendation for those of you that run on pixie dust and caffeine when you’re in Disney World. Disney’s Animal Kingdom just stepped up its coffee game. Just outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom, the Joffrey’s Coffee kiosk is often passed by as guests race to get through security and enter the park. But we’re here to tell you NOT to skip this unassuming little snack spot! If you like coffee, give this place a try! The newest menu item to arrive at this location is the Savanna Banana Latte, an iced latte with strawberry, banana, and chocolate syrup topped with whipped cream and cherries. This is a special offering for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 25th birthday, so we expect it to be a limited-time, seasonal offering. Savanna Banana Latte When you mix strawberries and bananas, you’re bound to get a refreshing drink, and this latte did not disappoint! Despite all those fruity flavors, we were still able to taste that signature Joffrey’s iced coffee. The coffee itself wasn’t overly strong, and the combination of flavors came together to taste like a banana split! The whipped cream was smooth and fluffy, and the cherries gave us a nice little pop of flavor when we bit them. YUM! Although we were worried that the strawberry banana flavoring would overpower the chocolate, we felt that the ingredients came together quite nicely. In fact, we even went back for seconds! If you consider yourself an iced latte lover or a Joffrey’s fan, give this new drink a try. If you’re not a coffee person, the coffee flavor will probably turn you off of this drink. For $6.49, we recommend this new drink — it’s perfect for those that love a good old banana split sundae! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! The Ultimate Guide to Coffee in Magic Kingdom 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 to drink in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The Most Iconic Dessert Is Now a COFFEE Flavor in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

#AnimalKingdom celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a blast from the past! #DisneyWorld #ShortsView the full article