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Breaking News! New artwork and details revealed for Mama Odie, appearing in the future attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Check the Disney Parks Blog to see how we’re “digging a little deeper” into Tiana’s second act at Disney Parks, plus more news. View the full article

What you need to know before you go to Tortuga Music Festival 2023 in Fort Lauderdale from April 14 to 16. View the full article

DFB is all about the FOOD at Walt Disney World. ALL kinds of Disney food. And that means making sure that families with special dietary concerns (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) have the information they need to create safe and delicious meal plans for their vacation. Have you wondered about vegan dining in Walt Disney World? We’re happy to share — vegans CAN eat well at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially with a little advanced planning. Loved the veggies! For starters, in October 2019, Disney announced that every major table and counter service restaurant in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort would offer plant-based options! You will find menus with plant-based options that are available throughout Walt Disney World, these items “are made with no animal meat, dairy, eggs or honey. They are made with ingredients that come from plants, including grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes.” Finding those items on Disney menus is even easier these days. Plant-Based Logo Just look for the Leaf icon on restaurant menus! Recently, we’ve spotted more and more options for vegans. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is actually a great park to find plant-based eats. We’re often tempted to get the Zuchii Wrap from Ronto Roasters (even in the place of the delicious Ronto Wrap), and the “Lobster” Roll at Rosie’s All-American Café shouldn’t be ignored even if you do eat meat. Are you ready for more suggestions? Let’s dig into some vegan meal and snack options at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! You didn’t think we’d let you go without a few SNACK recommendations, did you? Some of the most beloved and iconic Disney snacks (Mickey pretzels, popcorn, and Dole Whip) just so happen to be vegan! And yes, the popcorn uses a dairy-free butter flavoring. 100th Anniversary Popcorn Box Just remember that Disney menus are constantly changing, so always inquire about your vegan options before placing an order. At many restaurants, it’s all about customization. Kiosks, Carts, and Walk Ups Feel free to mention your dietary concerns to the Cast Member taking your order. Keep an eye out for fresh fruit! At various kiosks (Anaheim Produce, etc.), keep an eye out for chips, pretzels, and fruit. Fairfax Fare Fairfax Fare is just one of several Counter Service locations that make up Sunset Ranch Market, so this is a great area to visit when each member of the group wants something a little different to eat. Let’s EAT! Fairfax Fare offers two Plant-based Soba Noodle Salad Bowls. This plant-based option has chilled soba noodles, edamame, red cabbage, red peppers, shredded carrots, celery, and green onions. It’s all tossed in Yakisoba sauce and served in a waffle bowl. You can add plant-based chicken for an additional $1. This one is plant-based! If you’re looking for something unique that’s also vegan, this could be a good option. Hollywood Scoops Stop here when you’re craving a treat! Hollywood Scoops The vanilla and chocolate frozen dessert items on the menu are both plant-based Tofutti. Milk Stand The Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is where you’ll find the very iconic and very controversial Blue and Green Milk in both non-alcoholic and spiked varieties. Blue and Green Milk Both Blue and Green Milk are non-dairy and plant-based frozen beverages made with coconut and rice milks. Ronto Roasters This location in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge boasts very tasty breakfast, lunch, and snack options. Ronto Roasters For breakfast, there are two plant-based menu items — Triple Suns Breakfast Wrap and Andoan Fruit with Muja Sauce. Give the Triple Suns Breakfast Wrap a try! Plant-based option at Ronto Roasters for breakfast! The Zuchii Wrap is made with grilled zucchini, smoky chickpea onion slaw, creamy garlic tahini sauce, and fresh cilantro wrapped in a warm pita. And this wrap packs a bit of a SPICY punch! Zuchii Wrap For lunch and dinner, the Andoan Fruit is offered in addition to a Zuchii Wrap. This fruit cup comes with jicama sticks, cucumber, pineapple, melon, and dragon fruit doused in a tamarind sauce and dusted with peppercorn ash. Andoan Fruit The fruit was fresh and crisp, and the tamarind sauce was spicy and flavorful. If you like a little spicy heat in your food, this may be a great treat for you! Rosie’s All-American Cafe Rosie’s All-American Cafe is on Sunset Boulevard in the Sunset Market Ranch area. Seating at Rosie’s The plant-based Lobster Roll is a vegan option! The “lobster” part of the sandwich is actually heart of palm, marinated for 48 hours. On top is celery, sweet apples, and creamy dressing, served with homemade potato chips on the side. The dressing is actually vegan mayo, dill, lemon juice, and Nori seaweed. “Lobster” Roll This sandwich totally surprised us — we totally think this is a well worth it dish for guests on a vegan diet! The Trolley Car Cafe The Trolley Car Cafe is actually a Starbucks location located on Hollywood Boulevard. Trolley Car Cafe Stop here for your coffee fix — ask for non-dairy milk. Woody’s Lunch Box Woody’s Lunch Box is located in Toy Story Land and serves nostalgic American classics with a twist. The small location — especially its seating area — is loaded with really fun larger than life decor! Woody’s Lunch Box There are two plant-based menu items here. Totchos are made with “Chili”, “Cheese”, Green Onions, and Corn Chips served over Potato Barrels. And a Toasted “Cheddar” Sandwich is made with Melted “Cheddar” on Toasted Sourdough Bread. What Exactly Is “Vegan Lobster” and Why You’ll Want to Eat It in Disney World Quick Service When dining at quick service locations, mention your dietary concerns before ordering. A manager or chef should be able to help. ABC Commissary Moving on to quick service, you can head to ABC Commissary on Commissary Lane for international and American cuisine. Lately, this location has been cranking out fresh, really good quality food! Dining room A plant-based California Burger — a grilled plant-based burger, grilled portobello mushroom, cashew-mozzarella, garlic-tomato “aioli,” nut-free pesto, lettuce, and tomato — is on the menu. Backlot Express This unassuming location actually is cram-packed with fun theming and will make you feel like you stepped backstage on a film set! Backlot Express This restaurant is usually known for theme park staples, like burgers and chicken tenders. But after a lunch we had there, we can honestly say that the real reason to come here is the TOFU! Teriyaki Tofu Bowl The Teriyaki Tofu Bowl is made with Seasoned Jasmine Rice, Marinated Tofu, Yuzu-pickled Edamame, Carrots, Cucumber, and Onions, and it’s all drizzled with House-made Lemon-Tahini-Chipotle Vinaigrette and Sesame Seeds. The ingredients remind us a lot of a poké bowl, and our reporter (who is a plant-based eater) said that it tasted exactly like one! They were very excited about this new dish since they hadn’t seen a vegan poké bowl before. BaseLine Tap House Hollywood Studios has a few options when it comes to bars and lounges. One of our favorites is BaseLine Tap House on Grand Avenue. Head to this spot if you’re a pretzel connoisseur. They’ve got a good one here! Order the Bavarian Pretzel minus the beer cheese dipping sauce for a vegan snack! Order the Bavarian Pretzel without the beer cheese dipping sauce and you’ve got yourself a delicious vegan snack. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo This location is heavily themed to fit into the world of Galaxy’s Edge and offers fun indoor and outdoor seating. The food is relatively approachable but with a “space” twist to make it fun. Cargo Pod Seating At lunch or dinner, look for the Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread made with Plant-based Meatballs, Herb Hummus, Tomato-Cucumber Relish, and Pita. Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread The ‘kefta’ are Impossible brand meatballs, so we know a lot of you will be happy about those! And they were very, very good. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines some bold flavors and a lovely presentation. We really enjoyed it and can highly recommend it even for non-vegan diners. PizzeRizzo The theming, centered around Rizzo the Rat, is a LOT of fun. Pizzerizzo We ordered the Spicy Italian “Sausage” Sub with a side salad with vegan ranch dressing. Spicy Italian “Sausage” Sub at PizzeRizzo The sandwich is made with plant-based “sausage,” and it’s dressed with oven-roasted sweet peppers, onions, and mushrooms with marinara sauce. Our sandwich included a drizzle of Italian salad dressing that had a strong oregano flavor when we tried it on its own but was well-balanced with the flavorful marinara sauce and other items on the sandwich. In addition, guests can typically ask for a vegan cheese or vegan vegetable pizza as a special order. REVIEW: The Plant-Based Sub Could be the BEST Choice at a Disney World Pizza Joint Table Service 50’s Prime Time Cafe This sit down restaurant is ALL about the fun Cast Members serving you. You might get razzed for not finishing your veggies or not cleaning your plate — all while sitting in sitcom-style kitchen-themed rooms! 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Check out Cousin Amy’s Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with Plant-based Ranch Dressing, Rice Paper Bacon, Chives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Sliced Red Onions. Lettuce Wedge – now served with Rice Paper Bacon Under entrees, ask about Cousin Harold’s Vegetable Garden — a seasonal alternative dish. Finally, don’t skip dessert — the Traditional Warm Apple Crisp is plant-based! This is a bowl of canned apple pie filling, basically, topped with a brown sugary, oaty crisp. Hollywood Brown Derby If you want a relaxing meal while you’re in Hollywood Studios, this is a great spot, just be aware that it is one of the nicer restaurants in the park, so that comes with a higher price tag. Brown Derby Opt for a plant-based appetizer, entree, and dessert: Roasted Squash and Apple Soup with Thai Curry, Farro Granola, Maple Gastrique; Tomato Risotto with Eggplant Fritters, Pepper Relish, Herb Oil; and Chocolate-Coconut Cake with Chocolate Sauce and Hazelnut Cream. Tomato Risotto Overall, the Tomato Risotto seemed like a very thoughtful (and delicious!) vegetarian dish. Hollywood and Vine Hollywood & Vine offers a full Buffet for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with an extra helping of FUN thanks to the presence of Disney characters! Since this is a buffet, feel free to ask to speak with the chef or manager to walk you through your options. Pluto! At breakfast, look for the Plant-based Frittata with Tomato Jam. During lunch and dinner, start with the Fruit and Salad Bar, including the Kale, Apple, and Cranberry Salad. The Couscous Salad with Cilantro-Lime was tasty but could have used a bit more flavor as it was pretty bland — save for the pretty overwhelming olive flavor — so if you’re not an olive person you might want to skip this. Couscous Salad But the Roasted Mushroom Farro Risotto was excellent. There was a rather strong mushroom flavor, so if they aren’t your jam you might not like this! We thought it was creamy, rich, and had a nice earthy flavor. Roasted Mushroom Farro Risotto The Crispy Tofu with Asian Glaze was incredible. It was so perfectly crispy and had a spectacular Asian-inspired glaze that tasted primarily like soy and sesame — but not in an overpowering way. Crispy Asian Tofu We think plant-based eaters and meat-eaters alike will enjoy this. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano This is a sit-down restaurant that aims to serve up Italian eats with California charm. Eclectic decorations You can grab the Minestrone Soup with Ditalini Pasta as this is a plant-based dish. In fact, our plant-based reporter thought this menu item was packed with flavor and felt very comforting. Minestrone Soup Next up, check out this entree! The Polenta Cake, Mushroom, and Herb Cauliflower features Polenta layered with Sautéed Mushroom, Spinach, and Red Pepper with a Cashew-Cheese Sauce. Our team member who tried it and is a plant-based eater was totally astounded by the dish, and even our reporter who doesn’t stick to a plant-based diet was really impressed (and might even consider ordering it over the other menu options they tried during their recent visit)! Ready to Dig In? Our plant-based reporter said they wished they could eat it EVERY day. But save room for dessert! According to our plant-based eater, the cherry chocolate cake was ridiculously good! Despite being plant-based, everyone at the table (including eaters who eat dairy and other non-plant-based foods) was trying to grab a bite. It seemed like the most popular dessert at our table! YUM! This is actually a plant-based chocolate cake served with a Morello Cherry-Pomegranate-Molasses Sauce. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater The REAL big draw here? You’re eating IN A CAR! Plus, it’s themed like an old drive-in complete with a screen playing old sci-fi hits. Sci-Fi Dine-In Plant-based items on the menu include Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Cashew Cheese, Flying Saucer Impossible Burger, and the Cookie Shake. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Cashew Cheese is a plant-based dish that features a blend of Spinach, Artichoke, Red Peppers, Cauliflower, Cashew Cheese, and Oat Milk. It is served with House-made Chips. The Chips and Dip The dip was wonderfully creamy and had a great taste! It wasn’t overly salty like some dips can be. The manager even came over to confirm it is completely vegan, which…WOW! It was so creamy that we would not have known that it was vegan if the menu and the manager hadn’t made it clear. Special Diet Resources Make Advance Dining Reservations before your trip. The vegan dining process can begin right away — we recommend noting that you are vegan when you create the reservation. If you call (407) WDW-DINE to make a reservation, ask the Cast Member to note your dietary restrictions. Remember to always ask your server or a chef if an item is vegan. Walt Disney World restaurants are constantly changing ingredients and suppliers. Even if you’re a vegan, you can find a bunch of great food at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Ultimate Guide to Vegan Food in Magic Kingdom for 2023 & 2024 More Helpful Hints and Resources Though it is far less difficult these days for vegans to find options throughout Walt Disney World, as with other guests dining with special diet concerns, you may wish to note that there is a plant-based guest in your dining party on any Advance Dining Reservations you make for Table Service restaurants. We recommend clearly noting your restrictions (no eggs, no meat, no dairy, no honey, etc.). Of course, if you would like to learn more about your options even prior to making your Advance Dining Reservations, you can peruse individual restaurant menus on the Walt Disney World website or visit the Walt Disney World website’s Plant-based Dining Guide page. If you are dining at a Counter Service location which accepts Mobile Order, keep your eyes peeled for the Plant-based icon! (Not familiar with Mobile Order? Learn more here!) Check out our DFB YouTube Video about some of the BEST Disney World restaurants for vegan and vegetarian dining! 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 vegan menu items are your favorites at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your thoughts in the comments!The post Disney's Hollywood Studios Vegan Ultimate Guide 2023 and 2024 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. From Disney World to Disneyland, chances are most of us fans love a good deal. Magic Kingdom The love for Disney does not come cheap, so being able to pass along some savings from time to time is one of our favorite things to do! Whether you’re heading to the parks soon or are just doing some wishful thinking, these Disney merch items on sale might be just what you’re looking for. We love finding a good deal on the best Disney gear, but we especially love when it’s on sale! Right now, you can find savings on some awesome merch on shopDisney, like this Marvel Sweatshirt. ©Disney It was originally $59.99, but you can get it on sale for $34.98. Click Here To Shop the Marvel Sweatshirt Still not ready to let go of Disney World’s 5oth Anniversary? We know the feeling. New 50th Anniversary Loungefly Grab this Loungefly backpack for $59.98 instead of $88! Click Here To Shop the 50th Anniversary Loungefly Backpack Or, get these ICONIC 50th Anniversary Crocs. 50th Anniversary Classic Clogs Crocs They were originally $65, but they’re on sale for $39.98. Click Here To Shop the 50th Anniversary Crocs Celebrate the chaos of Stitch with this cozy Stitch Spirit Jersey. Stitch Spirit Jersey It features the Disney World logo across the back and more Stitch shenanigans! Click Here To Shop the Stitch Spirit Jersey This Gold Minnie Mouse Keychain would make a great little accessory for your keys or purse. ©Disney It was normally $15, but it’s on sale now for $8.98. Click Here To Shop the Minnie Mouse Keychain Discover a whole world under the sea with these Little Mermaid Nesting Plush Dolls. ©Disney They’re on sale for $24.98. Click Here To Shop the Little Mermaid Plush Set Protect your furniture in style with these EPCOT Mexico Pavilion Coasters! Coaster set You can grab them for $14.98 — they were originally $24.99! Click Here To Shop the Mexico Coaster Set Happy shopping! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or repping your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! New Flower and Garden Merch! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! Can’t Get Enough Disney Merch? 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. What will you be grabbing from this sale? Let us know in the comments! The post 7 of the BEST Disney Deals You Can Find Online Right NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve seen quite a few changes at Disneyland Resort recently! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopened not too long ago, and Paradise Pier Hotel is currently getting some major renovations. But there are also changes happening in Downtown Disney, the shopping and dining complex. And recently, one location there closed! Sprinkles Cupcakes has permanently closed in Downtown Disney. The former store is no longer listed as a location in the “California” section of the Sprinkles website. Sprinkles in Downtown Disney! The cupcake shop is a national chain with a variety of locations across the U.S., including one at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. They’re known for their iconic “cupcake ATMs” that distribute cupcakes like vending machines. We’ll be interested to see what replaces Sprinkles Cupcakes at Downtown Disney in the future! Sprinkles Cupcake Case — Downtown Disney We’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Disneyland Resort and news of any more changes coming in the future. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest announcements! Click Here to Learn About Other Changes Coming to Disneyland! 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 The post ANOTHER Downtown Disney Dining Location Has Permanently CLOSED first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s official. Cinderella Castle Disney World has moved on from the 50th anniversary and on to the next celebration. While some decor from the 50th anniversary is still lingering (we’re looking at you, pink castle), Cast Members are making way for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. We’ve been seeing new merch all around the parks for a while now, but today a major decor addition came to Magic Kingdom! This morning, after scanning into the park, we noticed there was a new 100th-anniversary sign in front of the train station! Disney100 sign It’s simple — one big “100” and a small “Disney100” written in the bottom left. But it’s shiny, true to the platinum colors that define the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. Disney100 sign People were already starting to line up for pictures in front of the sign this morning. Everyone wants pictures! We also spotted some new decor inside the Emporium! New 100th decor! This isn’t the only transition we’re seeing in Disney World right now. Earlier this week, we noticed that the moat was being drained around Cinderella Castle. This presumably is to remove the remaining 50th anniversary decor, but we’ll keep you updated if any new decor goes up as well. We’ll keep you updated with all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to read all about Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration 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 sign in Magic Kingdom yet? Let us know in the comments below! The post PHOTOS: See the NEW 100th Anniversary Decor in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Genie can be a complicated system, but if you know how to use it, it can be a lifesaver on your trip. Expedition Everest Lightning Lane From stacking Lightning Lanes to outsmarting Genie+, there are a lot of ways that we make the most out of this extra in the parks. Sometimes that even looks like skipping Genie+ in some parks. But if you’re going to buy Genie+ for your trip to Magic Kingdom (and it is a good park to get it for), you’re going to want to know what to prioritize. So we’re giving you the scoop on how to make your selections. Let’s jump in! First, let’s clear a few things up about how to use the new-ish system. Disney Genie is a free planning system that you’ll find in the My Disney Experience app. It will ask you for your ride and attraction preferences, and it will create a personalized itinerary for you throughout the day. You’ll be able to see projected wait times, mobile order your food, adjust your plans, and more. ©Disney Disney Genie+ is a PAID service that is somewhat similar to FastPass. With Genie+, you’ll pay a price that fluctuates between days, and be able to make selections for various Lightning Lanes throughout your day. It starts at $15 per day, and we’ve seen it get as high as $35 per day during busy seasons. Lightning Lane sign for Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Genie+ becomes available to purchase at midnight on the day of your trip to the park — and you can start making your first selection at 7 AM. Then, you’ll be able to make your next selection after 120 minutes (starting when the park opens), your return time window has ended, or you have used the selection and are ready to book another. Individual Lightning Lane Selections, on the other hand, are a pay-per-ride service for the most popular attractions, which aren’t covered under Genie+. In Magic Kingdom, two rides use the Individual Lightning Lane system: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run. But keep in mind that TRON also has a Virtual Queue system, which is free to use, instead of a traditional standby line. That’s right — at least for now, you can’t just head to the TRON ride and wait in a line for it. Lightning Lane at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Okay, so now that you understand the differences, let’s talk about which rides to prioritize with Genie+ in Magic Kingdom. We are in the parks looking at wait times and Genie+ Lightning Lanes times every day, and we can tell you that these are the Lightning Lanes that fill up the fastest. Generally, Peter Pan’s Flight is a good option to start with. Peter Pan’s Flight This ride is very nostalgic and well-loved, and the capacity of this ride is pretty low. That means that the line moves slower than a lot of the rides — so getting a Lightning Lane is useful! Another good option to select is Jungle Cruise. This is also a nostalgic ride that tends to keep pretty high wait times throughout the day, so if you’re hoping to ride this one, getting Lightning is a good idea. Jungle Cruise While Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle / Run are not included in Genie+, they are both rides that are very popular as well, so keep that in mind when you are making a game plan for your Lightning Lanes. Depending on how important these higher-thrill rides are to you, you might want to focus on getting these before making your Genie+ selections, if you want to do both. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train For TRON specifically, if you are going to try to use the free Virtual Queue system, I would suggest doing that at 7 AM first, since it will likely be gone in seconds — especially while it is still new. If it’s super important for you to ride, I would opt for grabbing the paid Individual Lightning Lane for this attraction first since it’s less risky. But ultimately it’s up to you to decide what your priorities are. TRON Overall, prioritizing the highest-demand rides is a good way to utilize Genie+, but think about what is right for you when mapping out your day. If you’re more excited about rides that don’t typically stay as high of a wait, it might still be a good idea to use Genie+ with those priorities. Pick the things that are right for your group! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney tips and tricks. Click here to see all the rides that AREN’T included in Genie+ in Disney World All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection READ THIS Before Using the New Genie Planning Tool in Disney World Check Out the FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World See What Rides You Can Pay EXTRA for in Disney World & How Much They May Cost Learn What Rides Are Included With Genie+ in Disneyland (Plus the Ones You’ll Pay EXTRA to Ride) You CAN’T Re-Ride Disney World Attractions With Genie+ You CAN’T Cancel Pay-Per-Ride Selections in Disney World Get the Answers to All of Your Burning Questions About Disney Genie See Why You May Want to Stay in a Disney World Hotel When it Comes to Disney’s Pay-Per-Ride System Here’s What Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders Need to Know About Genie+ See 5 Ways Genie+ Might Surprise You Learn Some Disney Genie HACKS Get a Step-by-Step Guide to Using Disney Genie+ See Genie+ Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland Still Confused About Disney Genie? Check Out These DFB Videos Learn About How Disney Genie Can Be Your Personal Assistant in Disney World Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Which rides do you prioritize when you go to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The FIRST Genie+ Lightning Lane You Should Grab in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

From special merchandise to nature-themed food and beverage offerings to adventurous in-park experiences, there are so many opportunities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom!View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando adds Ne-Yo and Martina McBride concerts for Seven Seas Food Festival. They'll be event's last 2 singers of 2023. View the full article

Journey to the Magic Podcast, Series 3, Episode 6: Romesh RanganathanView the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This post is for all the Up fans out there! It’s Kevin! A few weeks back, Disney dropped an EPIC Up LEGO set online, but it was so popular it sold out very quickly! Sure we can still meet Kevin around Animal Kingdom, but that’s not enough for us sometimes, which is why we’re thrilled that the Up LEGO set is back on the market in a different place! You can now pre-order the Disney 100 Up House for $59.99 on Entertainment Earth! ©Entertainment Earth The set is coming in May 2023 and comes with figurines of Russell, Carl, and Doug. The set has 598 pieces and is recommended for ages 9 and up. ©Entertainment Earth Since this set was so popular the first time around, we do recommend pre-ordering it sooner rather than later so you don’t miss out! Buy the Disney 100 Up House here! In other Up news, check out the Loungefly bag we saw recently, and stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Click here to see the Up spirit jersey we saw in Disney World AND online! 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. Who is your favorite character from Up? Tell us why in the comments! The post Act Fast! A SOLD OUT Disney LEGO Set Is BACK! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Things are changing all over Disney World! Mickey Mouse at Garden Grill Narcoossee’s has reopened at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, California Grill has a new menu at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Roundup Rodeo BBQ has opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But another change is on its way. Breakfast is FINALLY returning to Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT and now we know just what it’ll cost and what it’ll include! Breakfast will be back at Garden Grill starting June 14th, 2023. Here’s what you need to know. Pricing Breakfast will be priced at $42 per adult (plus tax and gratuity) and $27 per child (plus tax and gratuity). Menu 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. ©Disney There will also be an allergy-friendly version available. ©Disney Some non-alcoholic beverages are included in your meal, like fountain beverages, tea, and Joffrey’s Coffee. Or you can pay extra to get a specialty character drink or some alcoholic beverages. ©Disney 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. A Family-Style breakfast skillet at Garden Grill Currently, this restaurant serves lunch and dinner as a character meal with Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto, but the website hasn’t specified whether or not the characters will be available at breakfast as well. Since it is identified as the “Chip ‘n’ Dale Harvest Feast” we expect the characters will be present, but we’ll be on the lookout for updates. Hey There, Pluto! Disney hasn’t revealed when reservations for breakfast will become available but we expect it could be 60 days before June 14th, which would be April 15th. For now, Disney just says to “check back soon” to learn about booking those dining reservations. We’ll let you know when we learn more. Stay tuned for more updates about this spot and other dining locations in Disney World! Click here for your ultimate guide to the BEST breakfasts in Disney World Will you be trying to get reservations for this spot? Tell us in the comments! The post FULL MENU and PRICING Revealed for Garden Grill Breakfast in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are some great travel times coming up at Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond! The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom through July 5th with topiaries, food booths, and more to explore and summertime is just around the corner! This means today is the perfect time to plan your next trip — and we have details on some great DEALS and DISCOUNTS! EPCOT is in full bloom! Today our friends at Small World Vacations have compiled all of the current Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney discounts for DFB readers. The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your vacation with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Current Walt Disney World Deals and Discounts Spring and Summer Discounts Depending on the hotel you choose, you can save 25% most nights from July 11th to August 20th, and September 15th to September 28th, 2023; you can save 30% most nights from August 21st to September 14th, 2023. Pop Century Resort You’ll want to check out the savings at the select hotels for this offer! Click here to check out this spring and summer offer! And, guests can save up to 25% on stays from April 10th-July 10th at select Disney World hotels. At other select resorts, you can save 25% most nights during the window of April 10th-July 10th. Click here to see more about this deal! Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Offer You can save up to $700 on a 2-night stay at select Disney World hotels when combined with select Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser If you book a voyage on the Galactic Starcruiser from now through September 30th, 2023, you can save money on select Disney World hotels. This offer is valid for stays immediately before or after your voyage on the Starcruiser. Click here to read more about this offer. Disney Visa Offer If you have a Disney Visa Card, you can save up to 25% on Disney hotel stays in early 2023! This offer is valid for select Disney World Resort hotels for stays on certain nights through April 30th, 2023. Disney VISA Disney Visa cardholders can save up to 35% on their Disney World hotel rooms this summer! The deal applies to most dates (with some blackouts) from May 14th through September 7th, 2023. Click here for more details on this Disney Visa offer! Florida Resident Offer On most nights from now through April 30th, 2023, Florida Residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney World Resort hotels. BoardWalk Inn Florida Residents can save up to 30% on select Disney World hotel rooms from May 1st to July 10th. And, Florida residents can also save up to 30% on rooms at certain Disney World hotels for their summer vacations. The offer is valid for stays most nights from July 11th through September 28th, 2023. Click here to see the details of these offers! Annual Passholder Offer On most nights through April 30th, 2023, Annual Passholders can save up to 25% off regular room rates at Disney World Resort Hotels. Click here for more details on new Annual Passholder deal! Art of Animation And, check out this other Annual Passholder offer! Passholders can save up to 30% on select Disney World hotel rooms during the window of May 1st through July 10th. Click here to see more about this offer! Disney World Annual Passholders can save 30% on stays this spring and summer at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser! Each “voyage” is two nights long with a visit to Galaxy’s Edge during your stay. Click here to see more about this exclusive offer! 2023 Military Offers Members of the U.S. military can take advantage of great rates on rooms most nights from January 1st through December 15, 2023. Tree of Life Here’s a look at the 5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax And here’s the pricing for the 4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket With the Park Hopper Option: $349 plus tax With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $379 plus tax Click Here for More Details on the 2023 Military Offers. Disneyland Offers Check out the latest deals for your next Disneyland vacation! Disneyland Hotel Disney Visa Cardholder Offer Heads up, Disney Visa Card members! If you’re looking to visit Disneyland in 2023, there’s a new hotel deal you might want to know about. Grand Californian Lobby Disney Visa Cardholders can save up to 25% on premium rooms at select Disneyland Resort hotels on select nights from now through June 8th, 2023. Trips can be booked anytime between now and June 5th. You’ll also need to use your Disney Visa Card to check in. Click here to check out the details on this discount! Disneyland Spring Offer You can save up to 15% on select stays at Disneyland hotels this spring. Disneyland Hotel Trips must be booked by June 5th, and the deal is valid for stays Sunday to Thursday nights from now through June 8th. Click here to get more details on this offer! Disneyland Military Offers U.S. Military members can also save on hotels over at Disneyland Resort! The deal is available on certain nights between January 9th, 2023 and December 15th, 2023 and you can book the deal from now until December 11th, 2023. Click here to read more about this offer! Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney Discounts Our friends at Small World Vacations can also help you plan your next Disney Cruise Line sailing, a trip to Aulani, or even an Adventures by Disney vacation! Check out these deals. Restricted Rates You can save up to 35% on summer 2023 Disney Cruises! Sail the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and more without paying full price! Disney Dream Click here for more details on this deal! Disney’s Aulani Resort Disney Visa Cardholders have the opportunity to save even more on their Aulani vacation! On select dates between April 14th and June 4th, Aulani is offering cardholders 30% on stays of 5 nights or more and 25% on stays of 4 nights or more. Aulani Views And, from now through June 9th, 2023, you can save 25% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights, and 20% on select rooms for stays of 4 consecutive nights. Click here for more details these offers at Aulani Adventures by Disney Guests can save up to $750 per person on select 2024 river cruises. Travel dates are May 23 through December 28, 2024, and you must book by April 19, 2023. Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise ©Disney Click here for more details on these Adventures by Disney Guests can also save $350 to $750 per person on select Adventures + Flight on select 2023 trips. You must book by May 31, 2023. Click here for more details on this Adventures by Disney offer. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. Cinderella Castle Let the agents at Small World Vacations compare discounts to find the best possible savings for YOU! When you feel ready to start planning your next Disney Vacation, Small World Vacation is happy to assist you with pricing and guidance. And there is no charge for their expertise and firsthand knowledge. You have questions…they have answers! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! The agents at Small World Vacations know what you need to know before you go. Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Exclusive Small World Vacations Limited Time Offer Considering booking a Disney World trip? If you want to save time and money, you definitely want to book with a Small World Vacations travel agent. And now is a perfect time! Small World Vacations has an exciting offer for DFB readers in APRIL! Book a new Walt Disney World Vacation valued at $3800 or more and get one FREE power bank phone charger per reservation. ©Small World Vacations Offer valid on bookings with code DFB0423 made with Small World Vacations from April 12 – April 30, 2023. Check-in between May 1 and September 30, 2023. Previously booked reservations are not eligible. Void if the reservation is canceled or modified to non-eligible prices or dates. No cash value. (While supplies last. Substitutions may be necessary.) Get a quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation and let your agent know that DFB sent you. Include code DFB 0423. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. If you are ready to begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation, simply fill out Small World Vacations’ no-obligation quote form! Small World Vacations is happy to share over 23 years of Disney expertise and extensive experience with My Disney Experience, discounts, dining and reservations so you can sit back, relax and enjoy some Disney Magic! Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, the Disney Food Blog Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World valued at $19.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! We know what you need to know before you go. We’re Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (that’s the highest level, ranked by Disney!) who have been there, done that, and are going back. Learn how we can help you and what our guests are saying about us: “I am a very hands-on type of person and I’ve always planned our vacations. I decided this time to give Small World Vacations a try. Best thing I could have done. My agent was able to handle the booking part, which is the tedious part of the planning. Then she was able to get me free dining for my trip, which saved me a ton of money. She answered all my questions very promptly as well.” Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments below! The post The 3 Weeks You Can Get 30% Off at Disney World Resorts This Summer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Delray Affair, a three-day arts and crafts festival, heads into its 61st year from April 14-16, with booths set up along 10 blocks of Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. View the full article

Who’s getting ready to fly this summer? ©Southwest If you said yes, you may be on the lookout for some flight deals. Here at DFB we keep an eye on all the latest flight deals and discounts so you can fly to Disney World (or wherever you may be going) for LESS. If you’re flying soon, you may want to take a look at these Southwest deals! Southwest is currently having a sale on their flights for travel starting in May and beyond, and there are some pretty great deals you may want to snatch up. ©Southwest Countless cities all around the country are included, with some cities like Austin, Chicago, Denver, Fort Myers, and more offering nonstop flights for low prices. ©Southwest These flights may book up fast now since summer is a busy time of year to travel and Southwest has recently begun regaining their customers’ trust after their winter meltdown by sharing their new strategy to reduce cancelations. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney and travel news! See what other limited-time deal Southwest recently brought back! 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 airline to fly? Tell us in the comments! The post How To Save BIG on Your Next Southwest Flight! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Theme Park Rangers heads to Universal for fresh food options and SeaWorld for a shortcut plus huge photo experience at Fun Spot. View the full article

MSC Cruises has been sailing from Port Canaveral for less than two years, but it’s set to bring in its third vessel in a new class this month. 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. It’s seriously getting hard for us to keep up with all the new merchandise that’s been popping up in the parks and online recently. Pixar gear We know we’ve been putting a spotlight on Disney100 and Flower and Garden Festival merchandise recently, but you can’t go wrong with some merchandise featuring the classics. Speaking of which, nothing in the shops is as classic as Mickey Ears, and we’ve spotted some new ones that we think you might love. Say hello to the new The Lion King Ears! We love these! These ears have a beige headband, blue and purple patterned ears, and a light blue bow that features Simba and Nala. We found these at Island Mercantile in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Can you feel the love tonight? However, if you won’t be in the parks any time soon, they’re also available online at ShopDisney. Click here to purchase the The Lion King Ears These aren’t the only ears we’ve seen lately that are inspired by The Lion King. We also saw some The Lion King BaubleBar ears in the parks a few weeks ago. Oh, and they’re also online! BaubleBar Lion King Ears These ears feature yellow and orange beading and fringe, with a giraffe print bow. Click here to purchase the BaubleBar Lion King Ears What do you think? Will you be adding these to your cart? Here at DFB, we’re on the lookout for all the latest Disney merchandise. Follow along so that you never miss anything! Oh, and click the link below for more Ears we’ve seen lately. Looking for MORE Ears? 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. What do you think of these Ears? Let us know in the comments! The post More NEW 'Lion King' Minnie Ears Have Landed in Disney World -- And They're CHEAPER! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s only April, but we’re already thinking about Halloween in Disney World (and you should be too)! Mickey pumpkins! Lots of people are starting to plan for their Halloween-time vacations, and several of you have asked us WHEN Disney will release more information about the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We have a few hints about the event, and we’ve taken a close look at the data from previous years to determine when those tickets might go on sale and how much they will cost. Even though October is months away, it’s time to start planning for your fall trip. We recommend planning your Disney World vacation several months in advance so that you’re able to secure all the park pass reservations, dining reservations, hotel rooms, and special event tickets that you want. These can all sell out pretty quickly, so it’s better to be prepared well ahead of time! Cinderella Castle Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a seasonal Magic Kingdom event requiring a separate ticket for entry. In 2022, the event took place on 37 select nights from August 12th through October 31st. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World 2022 Disney has not released any information about the 2023 event. However, a little while ago, they dropped a pretty big hint about the parade that runs during the party, which leads us to believe that the party will be returning this year. We usually learn about the event around April and May each year as Disney celebrates “Halfway to Halloween.” Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sign 2022 During previous years, “Halfway to Halloween” is when we learned about when the party would take place, when tickets would go on sale, how much those tickets would cost, and what kinds of entertainment, attractions, and treats would be available during the party. May 2nd, 2023, is officially the halfway point to Halloween, so these big announcements could come out any day now! Tickets sign in 2022 While we wait for confirmation, we’re going to look at previous years to form our best guesses on when the tickets will go on sale, how much they’ll cost, and what kinds of things will be at the party. When Will Tickets Go On Sale? In 2022, tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party went on sale to Disney World hotel guests on May 12th, and to all other guests on May 18th. Those tickets began to sell out in early August of 2022, and the event was completely sold out by mid-September. Halloween night was one of the first dates to sell out. Crowds waiting to go inside for the party | 2022 If we look back to 2021 (when the party was replaced by the Boo Bash after hours event), tickets went on sale on June 8th for hotel guests and June 15th for all other guests. This event began to sell out on June 15th (the first day that tickets opened to all guests), with Halloween day selling out the fastest. Entrance to Magic Kingdom 2022 If we look back even further, we find that tickets went on sale for the 2020 event on February 25th and for the 2019 event even earlier, on January 15th. OUR BEST GUESS: As January and February have both already passed, we know that Disney plans to release tickets later this year than they did in 2019 and 2020. Our best guess for 2023 is sometime in mid-May, which is when the tickets went on sale in 2022. This is right around the “Halfway to Halloween” time, so it makes sense that Disney might mark the occasion by releasing tickets. Halloween Party 2022 Note that tickets for this event can sell out quickly, especially for dates closest to Halloween. If you want the best chance of getting a ticket, you can book a Disney World hotel room for the time that you want to go to the party, which means you will likely be able to buy tickets earlier than other guests (assuming Disney continues their trend of opening the ticket sales early for hotel guests). Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Sometimes Disney will restock tickets closer to event days even for sold-out parties, and we have seen them selling tickets at the gate on some nights if availability opens up. Neither of those things is guaranteed, though, so it’s best to plan ahead and get those tickets ASAP. How Much Could Tickets Cost? Another important question is how much will those tickets cost? Let’s look at previous years to get an idea. In 2022, ticket prices ranged in price from $109 to $199. The cost of the ticket depended on which date you attended the party. Dates closer to Halloween were more expensive, and weekends were generally more expensive than weekdays. Trick-or-Treat bag Back in 2021, tickets for Boo Bash started at a higher price of $129, but the most expensive ticket was the same as in 2022, at $199. Note that Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members got a $10 discount on their tickets in both 2021 and 2022. This discount may return in 2023! In 2020, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was quite a bit cheaper than in 2021 and 2022. For kids, tickets ranged in price from $80 to $144, and for adults, tickets ranged in price from $85 to $149. In 2019, tickets were $74 to $130 for kids and $79 to $135 for adults. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party map 2022 OUR BEST GUESS: We’re expecting the 2023 tickets to cost as much if not more than the 2022 tickets. Prices at Disney World usually increase over time, not decrease, so it would be unusual for tickets to be cheaper this year. We’ve seen price increases hit park tickets, restaurants, Annual Passes, and more, so we’re expecting the same to happen for tickets to the Halloween party as well. Decorations at the 2022 party If you’re working on your budget for your 2023 Halloween trip to Disney World and want to attend this event, we’d recommend budgeting between $100 and $200 per person for tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, depending on which day you’ll want to go. If you’ll be there in August or early September, tickets will likely be cheaper than in late September and October. If you’re planning to go on Halloween night, you can expect to pay the highest ticket price. What Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? If you’re new to the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scene or if you want a quick refresher on this event, let’s take a look at everything included in the 2022 event to get an idea about what MIGHT come to the party this year! The front of the map in 2022 First, it’s important to note that this party is a separately ticketed event, so you must have a specific Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket in order to get in. A regular Magic Kingdom park ticket will NOT get you entry to this event. In previous years, a ticket to the party got you into Magic Kingdom a few hours before the party officially starts, but if you want to be in Magic Kingdom all day and then go to the party that night, you’ll need both a Magic Kingdom park ticket and a party ticket. In 2022, the party took place from 7PM to midnight, with guests able to enter the park at 4PM. It doesn’t happen every night — last year, there were 37 available dates between August 12th and October 31st. This Way to the Halloween Party! The party usually includes trick-or-treating around Magic Kingdom (with Cast Members handing out free candy), seasonal treats and merchandise throughout the park, and a special fireworks show towards the end of the evening. Get some treats! You’re welcome to come dressed in a costume for the event, and the Boo-To-You Parade is an absolute must-see (the Headless Horseman that kicks off the parade is amazing). Boo To You Parade In 2022, there was a Hocus Pocus-themed show on the Cinderella Castle stage, and Jack Skellington hosts the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. Fireworks at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Lots of Disney characters attend the event, and many of them come dressed in their Halloween costumes! Pooh and Friends ini their Halloween costumes One of the best parts about this party, though, is that you can get on lots of rides and attractions with a lower wait time than you’d usually see. Most rides stayed open for the party in 2022, and some even got a Halloween-themed makeover. Here’s a list of all the rides that were available during the 2022 parties: Adventureland Jungle Cruise The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Pirates of the Caribbean Swiss Family Treehouse Frontierland Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Splash Mountain (now closed and being re-themed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will open in late 2024) PIRATE at Pirates of the Caribbean! Liberty Square Haunted Mansion Madame Renatta outside the Haunted Mansion shares “chilling” tales… Fantasyland Prince Charming Regal Carrousel “it’s a small world” Peter Pan’s Flight The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mad Tea Party (with a Halloween overlay) Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Special lighting and music at Mad Tea Party Storybook Circus Dumbo the Flying Elephant The Barnstormer Tomorrowland Astro Orbiter Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (with a Halloween overlay) Space Mountain (with a Halloween overlay) Tomorrowland Speedway Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover Space Mountain On the website, Disney notes that “entertainment offerings, available attractions and experiences are subject to change,” so it’s possible that the list of available rides will be different in 2023. You might be wondering “What about TRON Lightcycle / Run?” TRON Lightcycle / Run is open! This coaster opened in April of this year, so it was not available for the Halloween party last year. However, several big roller coasters stayed open for the event in 2022, so we’re hoping that TRON is open during the 2023 party! Everything We Know So Far About the 2023 Event So far, Disney hasn’t told us much about the 2023 event. The only hint we’ve received is an audition opportunity posted on the Disney Auditions website for a Flag Corps performer for Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. The job listing stated that the performers must have weekly availability from June 1st through November 1st, 2023. (Likely for rehearsals and then performances throughout the season.) The flag-spinning pirates! The audition didn’t specifically mention Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but this parade has been a traditional part of the offerings at the party. We’re expecting many of the offerings from 2022 to return again in 2023, but it’s always possible that Disney could switch things up or even completely change the event. It happened in 2021 with the Boo Bash, so you really never know! Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular As we said before, Disney has NOT confirmed any information about the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We’re still waiting for official news, but in the meantime, these are our best guesses about the upcoming event! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Click here to learn all about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And check out our video about the 2022 event 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 hoping to attend the Halloween party in 2023? Let us know in the comments! The post Everyone’s Asking When Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets Will Go On Sale. Here’s Our Best Guess. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to Disney World rides, there are two shining stars that are currently on the top of seemingly EVERYONE’S must-ride list. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind You probably already know which ones we’re talking about. Yep, TRON: Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT! These are Disney World’s NEWEST rides, and that fact alone causes them to be pretty busy, since everyone is hoping to experience them for the first time. Other than that, these thrill rides are just super FUN for many Disney visitors, and according to many, there isn’t another way to get a similar experience in Disney World. Disney combats the crowds with a virtual queue system, which allows people to reserve a spot in line by joining a boarding group from their phone. This allows visitors to wander the park and experience other things while waiting for their return time, or their “appointment” to ride. Currently, virtual queues and Individual Lightning Lane reservations are the only way to experience EITHER of these attractions. That poses an important question for many visitors: Is it possible to ride BOTH of these rides in one day? TRON: Lightcycle / Run The answer is YES! That is, of course, assuming that you are able to reserve your spot for both before they sell out or run out of available spots in line. This post is going to be your step-by-step guide to riding TRON and Guardians in the same day. Let’s go! You Need a Park Pass Reservation and the Ability to Park Hop As you might already know, the park pass reservation system at Disney World has taken the reins since the park reopened after the pandemic. This system just requires you to select which park you want to visit on which day, so that Disney can better control the number of people in each theme park. ©Disney You’ll want to purchase a Park Hopper ticket (if you don’t have an Annual Pass) and make a park pass reservation for Magic Kingdom. We’re making the reservation for Magic Kingdom because since TRON is newer, it will likely sell out faster, so we want to prioritize it first. Since TRON is located in Magic Kingdom, our park pass reservation has to be for that park in order to book a virtual queue. Try For a Virtual Queue This is where things kind of slip out of your control. The virtual queue opens at 7AM each day, so ideally you’ll want to be up and at ’em and ready to join the virtual queue in the app around 6:59AM, or earlier! Be ready to join the virtual queue as soon as the clock strikes 7 — because trust us, these babies go fast. TRON Lightcycle / Run Virtual Queue To book a virtual queue, open your Disney World app and make sure you click the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner of the app display. From there, you’ll click “Tip Board” in the upper left-hand corner. Make sure the park at the top is set to Magic Kingdom. This will bring up every attraction in Magic Kingdom. You’ll then scroll to TRON: Lightcycle / Run, where you should see the virtual queue option in the middle. Ideally, this is where you should be waiting before 7AM. Budget and Be Ready to Buy an Individual Lightning Lane If the virtual queue option says “Not Currently Enrolling New Guests,” that means all the slots are filled and you can no longer join. At this point, you can try for an Individual Lightning Lane, which is the skip-the-line service for this ride. The price of a Lightning Lane for TRON has been $20 since the ride opened (but this could change!), so make sure you budget enough in advance so that you’re prepared to purchase a Lightning Lane for each member of your group. TRON Lightning Lane Next, you’re going to want to scroll to the top of the Tip Board page and change the selected park to EPCOT. Scroll until you see Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and select the Individual Lightning Lane option. If you’re able to purchase a Lightning Lane, book one for as late in the day as possible as long as it doesn’t interfere with your dinner plans. The Lightning Lanes for Guardians have been $17 each recently (but are subject to surge pricing.) If these are sold out, there is still one last-ditch effort we’ll talk about a bit later. ©Disney Keep in mind that you are able to purchase up to two Individual Lightning Lanes per day, per person, so if you end up needing to use a Lightning Lane for TRON and want to ride Guardians in the same day, you will more than likely hit your limit for allotted Individual Lightning Lanes. Keep in mind that Lightning Lanes can also sell out, so you’ll want to be pretty snappy with this selection as well! Park Hop! So, you successfully joined the virtual queue or got a Lightning Lane and experienced TRON. Great! Now, it’s time to Park Hop to EPCOT. You can park hop starting at 2PM, so you can leave Magic Kingdom and head to EPCOT between 1 and 1:30. Give yourself plenty of time to make it to EPCOT and then to Guardians before your Individual Lightning Lane return time. Let’s park hop to EPCOT! If you are unable to get a Lightning Lane for Guardians, there is one more thing you can try. A second virtual queue for Guardians opens each day at 1, but you have to already be at EPCOT in order to join. Since you can enter the park starting at 2 with your Park Hopper ticket, there is a small chance that you’ll be able to grab a spot in the virtual queue once you’re inside the park at 2. If you have a large party, this probably won’t work, but we totally recommend still trying! In groups of 1 or 2, we’d say you might get lucky. ©Disney And there you have it! Good luck, and happy coaster-ing! Here at DFB, we’re kind of experts when it comes to helping our readers plan the Disney World vacation of their dreams. From food reviews to planning advice, we’ve got you covered! Follow along for more Disney news, reviews, and updates, and click the link below to check out more details you should know before you ride TRON: Lightcycle / Run. Know before you go! Read this before you ride TRON: Lightcycle / Run 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? Let us know in the comments! The post How To Ride Guardians of the Galaxy and TRON in the SAME Day at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ tourism oversight board is looking to exert its authority over development in Disney World’s special district. View the full article

Traveling is stressful! Orlando International Airport Whether you’re heading to the airport for business, for vacation, to visit family and friends, or for an important job interview, the whole airport experience can give anyone anxiety! The travel industry knows this, and some airports have created little safe havens for the weary travelers to find some respite. Air travel is common, much more common than it was fifty years ago. Air travel is expensive! And, though you may be familiar with your local airport, you don’t visit it nearly as often as you do your regular Target, grocery store, or gas station. So even though you might know which terminal you’re departing from, you still have to get your bearings once you get passed security. So, you’re spending quite a bit of money to travel to a highly anticipated destination, and experiencing it all in familiar yet complicated airport, not to mention that nagging feeling of wondering if you’ve forgotten anything — it’s no wonder that traveling is stressful! Orlando International Airport crowds in January The travel industry has responded to the plights of weary travelers worldwide and have responded with airport lounges. Whether your goal is to relax, grab some drinks, be productive, or just get away from the throngs of travelers and their luggage, airport lounges can provide you with a brief retreat on your journey. These lounges have become popular with various types of travelers for various reasons. Vacationers can start their break early by arriving at the airport with time to spare, and christening their trip with a cocktail before their flight. Families may want to book a lounge with a kids room, providing a safe place to play and get out the wiggles before being confined in an airline seat. Travelers with a LONG travel day or who experience delays or cancelations can wait out their downtime in style — some lounges even provide showers for those overnight journeys! And for those who get access with their airline club membership, why not make the most of the perks available? LaGuardia Airport So, now that we know what airport lounges are and why they can be so handy, let’s take a look at some of the world’s top airport lounges and what you need to access them. Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France Air France La Première Lounge This lounge is in the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in terminal 2E on Concourse K. It has food, snacks, drinks, and cocktails. You can also find showers, spa services, and all of the business features you need, like internet, copiers, and printers. ©SkyeTravel.com You’re in for a treat if you’re departing or connecting in Paris in Air France’s La Première cabin. You can also purchase access if you’re departing on a long-haul Air France or Delta flight that’s not equipped with La Première cabins for 500 euros ($600), or 75,000 of the airline’s Flying Blue frequent flier miles, per person. Heathrow in London, England Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse This lounge is in the Heathrow Airport in terminal 3. It has food, snacks, drinks, and cocktails. You can also find flight monitors to keep tabs on your next flight status, showers, spa services, and all of the business features you need, like internet, copiers, and printers. There is also a kids area for little ones to expel some energy. ©Justin Tallis/Getty Images To get in, you’ll need to be flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One, or some combination of high-end elite status with Virgin Atlantic or one of its airline partners. John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City, United States Centurion Lounge This lounge is in the JFK International Airport in terminal 4. You won’t find showers or spas, here, but you can find food, snacks, and drinks as well as a digital library, and they proudly boast about their specialty local-grown coffee. You can also find Centurion Lounges at 24 other locations: Domestic: Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/JFK, New York/LGA, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle International: Buenos Aires, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, Monterrey, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Sydney ©USAToday If you have a Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion (a.k.a. Black) card and present a same-day boarding pass, you can spend some time in these lounges. Those with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve business or personal card can also come in when flying Delta. Frankfurt Airport, Germany Lufthansa First Class Terminal This lounge is in the Frankfurt Airport in the First Class Terminal. This spot get rave reviews and provides not only the usual snack, food, and drinks you’d come to expect, but also has showers and private rooms you can use or reserve for those exhausting red-eye flights, and all of the corporate business features you may require. ©Frankfurt Airport You’ll need to be departing in first class on Lufthansa, or arriving on Lufthansa in first class and connecting to a flight operated by Lufthansa, Austrian, or Swiss. Uber-elite Hon Circle fliers can also get in. Istanbul International Airport, Turkey Turkish Airlines Business Lounge This lounge is in the Istanbul Airport in the International Terminal, take the escalator opposite the E1 boarding gate on the International departures floor. This lounge offers similar amenities to the Frankfurt lounge, with a plethora of food, snacks, and drinks. You can also find showers, a private nap room, and a quick refresher between flights. You’ll also have access to children’s areas to help keep the tykes entertained. ©Business Traveller First- and business-class passengers on Turkish Airlines and other Star Alliance flights and Star Alliance Gold elites will have access to this lounge. Hong Kong International Airport, China Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge This lounge is in the Hong Kong Airport in Terminal 1, Level 5, entrance near Gate 65 on Level 6. This lounge is very spacious and offers plenty of places to rest, relax, and yes — even stretch in between flights. You can find showers and some amazing food and specialty drinks. Be sure not to miss out on the Tea Room and the relaxation room. ©Shutterstock Access to this luxurious lounge is reserved for those flying first class with Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon and those with top-tier status in the Oneworld Airline Alliance, such as Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members, regardless of their class of travel. Hamad International Airport, Qatar Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge This lounge is in the Hamad International Airport in Terminal 1, from the Duty-Free South Area, go up the escalators located to the left of the Giant Teddy Bear near Eye-Q Sunglasses and the Seafood Bar Caviar House & Prunier. This lounge invites you to “treat your five senses to a beautiful portrayal of Arabian heritage in a refreshing resort-like atmosphere.” It provides food, snacks, and drinks a la carte and buffet-style. There are also showers and kids spaces available. ©Karim Jaafar/Getty Images You need to be flying business or first class on Qatar Airways, or one of its Oneworld partners, though you might be able to purchase access online ahead of time or during travel if you’re flying the airline in economy or on a basic business fare. Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates Emirates First Class Lounge This lounge is in the Dubai International Airport in Terminal 3, Concourse A, on Level 4 in between gates A1 and A24. This lounge is open 24 hours a day and hosts more amenities than most other lounges we’ve reviewed. Some comments mention the shear size of the lounge can lead to an impersonal vibe, but that also means there’s plenty of space to relax. You’ll find ample food and beverage options, showers, spas, private rooms, conference rooms, and kid’s spaces. ©Dubai International Airport You’ll need to have Emirates Skywards Platinum elite status or be departing in first class on an Emirates flight. O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, United States United Polaris Lounge This lounge is in the O’Hare International Airport in Terminal 1, Concourse C, near Gate C18. Plenty of food, drinks and space. This lounge offers showers, private rooms, and everything you need to keep up with work while you travel. ©O’Hare International Airport For access, you must be flying United Polaris (not just the airline’s domestic business or first class) or business or first class internationally on a Star Alliance carrier. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, United States Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club You can find several of these lounges on any Atlanta concourse you’re departing from. These lounges aren’t super big, but are plentiful and offer the basic lounge amenities you’re looking for like a place to rest from the hoards of travelers, food, snacks, and drinks. The Lounge on Concourse B seems to be a favorite among Sky Club members. ©Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport You’ll need a Delta Sky Club membership or to be flying business class on international or transcontinental routes with Delta or its SkyTeam partners. Some SkyTeam elites can also get in, as can folks with the Amex Platinum or Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards who are flying with the airline the same day. Though not available for all lounges, the easiest way to guarantee you have lounge access on any given day is to purchase it outright with a day pass or one-time-use pass. LoungeBuddy is a great service that allows you to preview which lounges in any given airport around the world offer travelers the ability to purchase one-time access. If you find a lounge that looks appealing, you can purchase your one-time access directly through their app. LaGuardia Airport A few lounge providers allow active duty military members to access their lounges for free. In particular, United Airlines provides lounge access to active duty military members with a valid military ID and their families, so long as they have a boarding pass for same-day travel on a United- or United Express-operated flight. American Airlines also allows US military personnel and their immediate family traveling in uniform to access its Admirals Clubs if they’re traveling on a same-day flight operated by American. Next time you have lengthy travel day ahead of you, check out some of these lounges which can help you keep your sanity and might even be a highlight of your trip! And stay tuned to DFB as we provide more travel tips and planning advice! The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2022 You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S. This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you experienced any of these amazing airport lounges? Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments below! The post The World's Best Airport Lounges and How To Get In first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re planning some travel this summer, it’s time to start booking those flights! Terminal C at the Orlando International Airport Here at DFB, we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to save on air travel, keeping up with the sales at different airlines, and scouring websites for the best deals. And if you’re wanting to get the cheapest flight possible for your next trip, there’s a NEW tool you need to know about! Washington Post recently spilled the details on a new program introduced by Google Flights — The Google Price Guarantee. This feature launched a pilot program recently, and it will show travelers when Google Flights predicts a flight won’t get any cheaper before takeoff by adding a badge (that looks like a colorful shield) next to the flight’s price. Orlando International Airport Terminal C And even if Google gets the prediction wrong, the traveler still wins. If the flight drops more than $5 after you book, Google will pay you the difference. Prices are tracked from the time of booking until your flight departs. Airport Signs However, there are a few rules. You’ll need to book the flight through the “Book on Google” function to get paid, instead of booking through the airline’s website. According to the Washington Post, “It doesn’t cost anything to participate in the program, but you’ll need to be logged into a Google account to book the flight, and your flight must be departing from the United States. You must also have your country and region set to the U.S. with USD selected as your currency. When you book your flight, you must have a U.S. billing address and phone number.” ©Delta If your flight price drops, Google will pay you the difference within 48 hours through Google Pay. The company will pay each customer a maximum of $500 per year, and you’re eligible for payments on up to three open price guarantee bookings at a time. If the flight price drops, Google Flights will send you an email and let you know if you’re owed any money. ©Spirit Airlines Google announced a while back that they’re planning to phase out the Book on Google program after March 31st (which has already passed). But, the company is looking for ways to extend the Google Price Guarantee feature past without the Book on Google program, so it’s likely that this price guarantee is here to stay. We’ll keep you updated with any more news about flight deals and airline tips, so stay tuned to DFB! Click Here to See Which Airline Had the Most On-Time Flights in 2022! Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2022 You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S. This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe How do you save on flights? Tell us in the comments! The post How to Book the CHEAPEST Travel Possible Through Google Flights first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a Disney World vacation can be daunting. Crowds before Happily Ever After There are Advanced Dining Reservations to get, Genie+ rides to research, and tons of Disney hotels to choose between. On top of all that, things are changing regularly in the parks — it’s a lot to stay on top of! But don’t worry, we’re here to remind you about some of the biggest changes you need to keep in mind to have a smooth trip. From transportation headaches to Virtual Queue mistakes, these are the three things you need to be aware of before you head to Disney World. Magic Kingdom Walkway The first one on our list might seem like a small inconvenience, but it might affect your trip more than you realize. If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian (or just want to check out one of its seasonal extras on the way to the park), you may have considered taking advantage of the relaxing walkway between the resort and Magic Kingdom. Grand Floridian pedestrian walkway to Magic Kingdom It’s typically a pleasant stroll, away from the Monorail crowds — and sometimes you’ll be able to spot a Disney bunny or ducking. Some even enjoy using this walkway to go for a morning run before their park day. But, unfortunately, it’s currently closed due to the construction at the resort. Grand Floridian Walkway This could be more of an inconvenience than you realize, even if you’re not a fan of walking more than you have to (you will be walking around Disney after all). Occasionally, the Monorail will experience some closures that leave you needing to find another way to the park. When this happens, you will be able to take the boat service to Magic Kingdom, but you might regret not being able to use the peaceful walk when the redirected crowds all flock to the dock at the same time. Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom The walkway closure is set to last until late spring, but we’ll keep you posted with any updates. Linking Your Family in My Disney Experience Another change that you might not know to take advantage of is in the My Disney Experience app. Are you hoping to snag a Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? You’ll have to be fast! EPCOT These reservations fill up QUICKLY, sometimes within seconds. It’s a good idea to look over the steps to getting these reservations before the morning of your trip, or you might miss out! TRON Lightcycle / Run Virtual Queue ©Disney One important step you can take to give yourself a better chance at getting one is to link your family in the My Disney Experience app. Virtual Queues open up at 7AM and 1PM, but starting at 6AM, you can tap into the Virtual Queue and set your party so that you have fewer steps when it’s time to try for your Boarding Group. Confirm Your Party ©Disney Once you’re in the app, under “Join Virtual Queue,” you’ll see a button that says “Confirm Your Party.” Select the people in your group that will want a Virtual Queue, and that’s one less step you’ll have to worry about when it’s time to book! 3. Modifying Lightning Lanes Lastly, don’t forget this change that Disney made to its Genie+ system! Are you aware of the complicated 120-minute rule? We know, it’s confusing. After making a Lightning Lane selection, there are a few ways that you can make one again: If you use that Lightning Lane If your Lightning Lane return window has ended (or you miss it) 120 minutes have passed since you booked your last Lightning Lane (starting at park open) Lightning Lane at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train With the 120-minute rule, making your Lightning selections can be tricky. You want to get a good ride, which might not be available until later in the day — but that means you’re stuck waiting for the 120 minutes to be up before you can make another. And what happens when you change your mind, or an unexpected challenge comes up and you need to change your Lightning Lane? Before, that would mean starting the 120-minute countdown over. But now, changing your selections is a lot easier! Lightning Lane at Tower of Terror Once you make a Lightning Lane reservation, there is now an option to modify it. Simply click on the reservation and a box pops up with the option to modify. You can choose between alternate times for the same ride, or a new attraction Lightning Lane altogether. The best part? This doesn’t start the 120-minute clock over! Click here to learn all about modifying your Lightning Lane selections There you have it! Three changes you should keep in mind if you’re planning a Disney World trip. We’ll keep you up to date on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to see how Mobile Ordering has CHANGED in the My Disney Experience app! 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 change did you run into unexpectedly in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post Three Disney World Changes That You'll Forget About Until It's Too Late first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis looks like it could be reaching a new point. Reedy Creek Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) already has a NEW Board of Supervisors appointed by DeSantis, is subject to new rules on reporting and other regulations, and has had certain powers removed from it. But things got really interesting when an agreement between Disney and the old Board came to light which new Board members claim strips them of their power. Now, it seems DeSantis’ Board could be attempting to strike back. What’s Going On? Disney made some agreements with the old Board of Supervisors for the District before the new Board took over. One of those things is the Developer Agreement that (according to some) “set in stone” Disney’s rights over the next 30 years, regardless of what the new Board says or does. According to The Orlando Sentinel, the agreement in question was quickly and unanimously approved by the previous board on February 8th, the day before the Florida House voted on the bill regarding Reedy Creek’s future. Reedy Creek That agreement: Gives Disney wide authority for building new projects Bars the District from “using the Disney name without the corporation’s approval or ‘fanciful characters such as Mickey Mouse” “Bars the board from regulating the height of buildings, which would be solely under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration” It is set to be valid until “21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, king of England.” Reedy Creek A “Declaration of Restrictive Covenants” was also signed between the old Board and Disney which gives Disney a lot of authority over its buildings. According to that agreement, “Disney must review any exterior changes to the district’s buildings to ensure consistent ‘theming’ with Disney World.” The legal counsel to the new Board has called these agreements “unusual” and “suspect.” And various Board members have indicated that they would want to challenge these agreements, even potentially by taking legal action against Disney and going all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website DeSantis himself has threatened future action against Disney in relation to these agreements. He has even indicated that he may look into things like increased tolls or taxes for Disney World visitors. Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that DeSantis’ actions in seeking retribution against Reedy Creek, in general, are “anti-business” and “anti-Florida.” And Disney has defended its agreements entered into with the old Board by saying, “All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.” Reedy Creek So what’s happening now? The New Development The District has issued a notice (which you can see on the Orlando Sentinel website) that the next Board meeting will take place on April 19th at 9:30AM. According to the notice, during that meeting, the Board will be considering 2 main resolutions. The first is Resolution No. 638 which is meant to be a resolution creating rules and procedures for the Board, governing procedures, and providing for conflicts. ©WFTV 9 But the resolution that could be particularly impactful is Resolution No. 639. This resolution seeks to amend parts of the Land Development Regulations. According to the Orlando Business Journal, the Resolution “appears to be designed to give[] the district ‘superior authority’ over comprehensive planning, zoning, land development regulations, environmental protection regulations, platting and subdivision regulations and more for the district, including in the cities of Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake.” Reedy Creek Fire Department What exact changes do they want to make? Well, it seems there are a few key ones. Change 1 — Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake First, it looks like the Board wants to make sure that it’s very clear that their regulations reign supreme over anything done in those two cities — Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake. In case you’re not aware, these are the 2 cities within the District. One individual (Chad Emerson the writer behind “Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World”) previously indicated that these two cities could be a sort of loophole for Disney, allowing them to keep some self-governing powers despite the changes that took place with Reedy Creek. That’s because the cities delegated government powers to the RCID. But they could “conceivably” take them back. Disney controls these cities. Their residents are made of workers or retirees from Disney or Reedy Creek (usually), and the residents elect a “city council and mayor, all of whom are friendly to Disney.” Magic Kingdom According to the Orlando Business Journal, Brian Aungst Jr. — one of the new Board Members — previously alluded to the possibility that the Board could ask the Florida legislature to dissolve those 2 Disney cities entirely. Aungst indicated that he wants the District to watch over those cities’ law enforcement contracts and wants the Board to ensure those cities can’t supersede the planning powers of the District or the District’s building codes. Now, it seems like the Board may be taking steps to make sure that is the case. Skyliner Part of the Resolution would specify that “the cities of Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake shall not adopt land development regulations that are less stringent than or in conflict with the district’s land development regulations.” (Quoting Orlando Business Journal) Additionally, the cities would not be allowed to “applications for, consider for approval or issue any development orders or development permits, or approve or execute any development agreement regarding any development projects.” (Quoting Orlando Business Journal) Space Mountain The cities could adopt more stringent comprehensive plan goals, but if they do, the District will consider and evaluate those matters. Change 2 — Planning Board Second, the new Board wants to amend the existing Land Development Regulations to provide that the Board (the Board of Supervisors) will essentially perform the duties of the Planning Board. If you look at the District website you’ll see that there is a separate Planning Board (with 5 members of its own) that meets as needed. It seems the new Board may be seeking to end that Planning Board. Disney World As the Orlando Business Journal describes, the Resolution would “do away with the district’s planning board and replaces it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board as the ‘final decision-making authority’ with “no further administrative appeal…available.” Wondering what the planning Board does? Check out the information below from the existing Development Regulations. ©Reedy Creek Basically, it looks like the Planning Board recommends amendments to the Comprehensive Plan (which governs future development), recommends policies that “promote orderly future development,” and more. It seems the Board of Supervisors for the District would become the new authority on that. Change 3 — Notices Finally, it seems the Board is seeking to change some things when it comes to notices about future changes. Under this Resolution (if passed), notices about amendments to the land development regulation would be required to be made at least 10 days before a public hearing. Tree of Life What about amendments to land development regulations within the City of Lake Buena Vista and the City of Bay Lake? According to the Orlando Business Journal, these amendments would require notice at least 60 days before the first reading and public hearing. The cities would also have to “inform the district of the time, date and place of readings and public hearings.” EPCOT It seems this could be the Board’s way of ensuring that these individual cities don’t try to quickly pass some kind of resolution that would impact the Board’s authority. What’s Next? The Board of Supervisors’ next meeting will take place on April 19th at 9:30AM. At that point, we’ll see whether this Resolution is passed. Reportedly, officials within the Reedy Creek District couldn’t be reached to verify the documents that the Orlando Business Journal reviewed, and one of the District’s Board Members (Brian Aungst Jr.) told the Orlando Business Journal that he hadn’t seen the document in question and wouldn’t comment until the next meeting. Magic Kingdom The overall goal of the Resolution seems to ensure that the District’s rules and regulations regarding developments get enforced over anything the 2 cities within the District may decide. The Resolution would also give the Board of Supervisors additional authority as it would serve as the planning board. We’ll continue to look for more updates on this and let you know what we find. Stay tuned. Click here to learn more about each of the DeSantis-appointed Board members Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post DeSantis-Appointed Reedy Creek Board Reveals Next Steps in Battle Against Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article