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Disney World’s 50th Anniversary may be over, but Disney’s 100th Anniversary is quickly taking its place! Mickey’s of Hollywood 100th Anniversary merchandise While we were walking around Hollywood Studios today, we noticed some new balloons. When we looked even closer, we noticed that they were new 100th Anniversary balloons! Cast members around the park had bunches of these new 100th Anniversary balloons available for purchase. These are white and clear balloons with the 100th Anniversary logo on them. Mickey and Minnie are peeking out the two zeroes in their beautiful 100th Anniversary outfits! The inner balloon may not be Mickey-shaped but it’s still a balloon with Mickey on it! 100th Anniversary Balloons We’ve already started to spot other 100th Anniversary merchandise around the parks as well, and we know some special offerings are coming to EPCOT soon too. 100th Anniversary Loungefly Backpack in Magic Kingdom If you’re planning on grabbing one of these balloons, we suggest grabbing one at the end of your park day instead of at the beginning or middle, because you’ll have to carry it around all day, and they can’t be taken on many rides! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news. We dare you to resist this 100th Anniversary LEGO set that’s coming soon! 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 Are you looking forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary? Tell us in the comments below! The post We Spotted NEW Mickey Balloons in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is making some changes, y’all. Gaston’s Tavern The 50th anniversary JUST ended, but EVERYTHING seems different now. Park maps have changed, a store got a huge update, and Magician Mickey has made a big comeback. Something else has ALSO made a comeback and we’re checking it out! For a while, Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom was host to some fun character-inspired treats for the 50th anniversary. But one older snack was missing from the menu. Well, we’ve got some good news, because that snack, Master’s Cupcake, has returned. The Master’s Cupcake is a Chocolate Cupcake topped with “The Grey Stuff” and crispy Pearls. This is what it used to look like. The OLD Masters Cupcake Well, the updated version looks different — now it’s got a pretty fondant rose (for Belle!) and golden crispy pearls on it. We haven’t seen this cupcake since before the 50th anniversary began in 2021, so we decided to try it out. The updated version The chocolate cake in the cupcake is very moist. The Grey Stuff is more or less a cookies and cream flavor and really is delicious! We also like the crispiness that the pearls give the overall snack. It also seems like some of them are popping rocks, so that was a nice surprise! Try the Grey Stuff. It’s delicious! Not only is there TONS of Grey Stuff on top of the cupcake, but it’s INSIDE the cupcake, too, and WE LOVE THAT. More, please! We’re just going to say that this is a solidly good Disney World cupcake — and the Grey Stuff is a CLASSIC. So much of that yummy Grey Stuff Grab it for yourself now for $5.79. We’ll also keep an eye out to see if other older snacks return to Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever tried this cupcake? Let us know what you think about it in the comments! The post This Is NOT A DRILL. The Grey Stuff Is FINALLY Back in Disney World 😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s spring break season and so much is happening in Disney World! Magic Kingdom The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, the 50th anniversary has officially ended bringing many changes to the parks, and TRON Lightcycle / Run’s opening is just days away! So with all of this excitement and the spring break crowds heading to the parks, what do the wait times look like right now? Wait times have decreased over the past couple of weeks, however, there are some times when you can definitely benefit from purchasing Genie+. Lightning Lane Genie+ is Disney’s skip-the-line system that allows you to book a time to use the Lightning Lane for an expedited wait time. This can be a huge time-saver in parks like Hollywood Studios where most rides have long wait times throughout the day. The price of Genie+ depends on the day since Disney introduced flexible pricing earlier this year, however, we’ve seen the price fluctuate between $15 and $29 per person per day. Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane Use this wait time information below to help you decide if you should buy Genie+ and what rides to prioritize with the service. Magic Kingdom Starting in Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had the longest average wait time with 82 minutes. Last week the average wait time was 88 minutes, so the time has decreased just a bit. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Next, Peter Pan’s Flight averaged 69 minutes, Space Mountain averaged 54 minutes, and Jungle Cruise averaged 52 minutes. After that, average wait times had Haunted Mansion at 44 minutes, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 37 minutes, Pirates of the Caribbean at 36 minutes, Astro Orbiter at 34 minutes, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at 31 minutes. Haunted Mansion After that, Enchanted Tales with Belle averaged 27 minutes, “it’s a small world” averaged 26 minutes, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid averaged 24 minutes, Magic Carpets of Aladdin averaged 23 minutes, The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini averaged 22 minutes, Dumbo the Flying Elephant averaged 20 minutes, and Tomorrowland Speedway averaged 19 minutes. Magic Carpets of Aladdin Next,Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Mad Tea Party, and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel averaged 14 minutes while Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover averaged 13 minutes. The Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and the Liberty Square Riverboat all averaged 5 minutes. Mickey’s PhilharMagic The Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Jamboree, and Tom Sawyer Island averaged no wait. Why You WON’T Be Able To Visit Magic Kingdom Next Week EPCOT Heading over to EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure took the top spot with the longest average wait time in the park with 77 minutes — this is a pretty big decrease compared to last week’s average of 79 minutes. However, Frozen Ever After’s wait time increased this week by a few minutes with 70 minutes this week. Frozen Ever After Next up is Test Track at 61 minutes, Soarin’ at 40 minutes, Mission: SPACE at 20 minutes, Turtle Talk with Crush at 17 minutes, and Spaceship Earth at 16 minutes. Mission Space Then, there is The Seas with Nemo and Friends at 13 minutes, Gran Fiesta Tour and Living with the Land at 11 minutes, and Journey into Imagination at 10 minutes. Journey Into Imagination with Figment Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. EPCOT Debuts a NEW Park Map — See ALL of the Updates Here! Hollywood Studios Now it’s time to talk about Hollywood Studios where Rise of the Resistance took the top spot for the highest wait time in the park with 105 minutes. Just last week, the average wait time was 106 minutes, so the wait time has decreased just a little bit! Slinky Dog Dash is the second-highest average wait time with 95 minutes this week (compared to last week’s 104-minute average). Slinky Dog Dash Other wait times in the park include Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at 61 minutes, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at 57 minutes, Toy Story Mania at 56 minutes, and Tower of Terror at 54 minutes. Checking In After that, Alien Swirling Saucers averaged 32 minutes, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue averaged 20 minutes, Walt Disney Presents averaged 15 minutes, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy averaged 10 minutes, and Muppet*Vision 3D averaged 10 minutes. Best Snacks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for 2023 Animal Kingdom And last but not least, let’s talk about Animal Kingdom! Avatar Flight of Passage still had the longest average wait time this park this week with 88 minutes. This means the time also went down a bit from last week’s 91-minute average. Flight of Passage Following that, Na’vi River Journey at 72 minutes, Kilimanjaro Safaris at 40 minutes, Kali River Rapids at 34 minutes, Expedition Everest at 27 minutes, and DINOSAUR at 20 minutes. Lightning Lane at Kali River Rapids It’s Tough to Be a Bug averaged 10 minutes and Triceratop Spin averaged 8 minutes. Both The Boneyard and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail averaged no wait time. This Is NOT Something We Expected to See in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Genie+ could come in handy, especially around this time of year Disney World. Seriously, some of these wait times are no joke! It is important to note that this is another expense that can add up really fast depending on how many people are in your group. Reminder — Genie+ has sold out recently and it could sell out on your trip, too! If you don’t want to buy Genie+, we recommend rope dropping (arriving at the park before opening time) and/or staying until the park closes for shorter wait times. Crowds Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! The 35 Best Tips for Anyone Going to Disney World in 2023 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 is your favorite hack for waiting less in line at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Living PROOF that Genie+ Can Be WILDLY Helpful in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

You know what the best part of a new month is? Gideon’s Bakehouse This month has obviously brought a lot of NEW things. The 50th anniversary has ended in Disney World and we’ve seen a LOT of change EVERYWHERE in the parks. But at Disney Springs, we look forward to a new month because it means a new limited edition cookie flavor at Gideon’s Bakehouse, and this month is bringing back a favorite of ours! This month, the Coffee Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie has returned to Gideon’s Bakehouse. This cookie weighs almost a half pound and is made with a vanilla-based cookie filled and topped with freshly ground espresso beans and toffee, dark chocolates, and a sprinkling of sea salt. We’ve had this cookie before, and we were BIG fans of it! Coffee Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse You can also get a slice of Coffee Toffee Vanilla Bean Cake every Wednesday and Saturday here! This is three layers of Vanilla Coffee Bean Cake smothered in Coffee Buttercream and filled with Toffee pieces. Vanilla Coffee Bean Cake Also returning is the Salted Caramel Nitro Cold Brew, which is gluten-free and can be made vegan depending on your choice of milk. Salted Caramel Nitro Cold Brew Coffee All of these are available through the month of April, so don’t forget to head to Disney Springs to check them out. We’ll also let you know about any other new snacks and drinks coming to Disney World, including the Easter treats that Gideon’s has yet to release details about, so stay tuned to DFB for more! In the meantime, we asked DFB readers to vote on their favorite Gideon’s cookie — see which cookie flavor came out on top. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you have a favorite Gideon’s cookie? Tell us what it is in the comments! The post Everything Coming to Gideon's Bakehouse This Month at Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re counting down the opening of new attractions in Magic Kingdom and this one is definitely on our watch list! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure model at the D23 Expo While we’re getting ready to enter the grid with the official opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run just days away and well into a soft opening for the roller coaster, construction is still in full swing at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Here’s a look at what’s different! In case you hadn’t heard, Splash Mountain is being re-themed to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World! It’s been a while since we’ve seen huge changes in the exterior of the ride, but Disney has promised the installation of a tiara-topped water tower by late summer 2023 and we’re starting to see the hustle toward that goal. It’s coming together There’s less blue scrim around the scaffolding, and there appears to even be a bit more scaffolding up in its absence. Just to the right side of the big plunge is where Tiana’s tiara-topped water tower will be. ©Disney Isn’t it just lovely? We’re excited to see it come to life! Here’s a reminder of what the building looked like in February 2023. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late February 2023 When construction started, the waterways seemed to be the main focus. Then, the work moved on to the center exterior of the ride building. Splash Mountain Construction Early in March 2023 is when we started to see more of the blue scrim around more of the scaffolding that went up towards the big splash down the mountain. That’s not the only change we’ve noticed! While out on visits to the park we’ve seen (and heard) construction workers working tire not only inside the building but outside in the queues, as well. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue The outside queue area has had the most visible changes. It started with the removal of the birdhouses, tagging, and collection of the previous Splash Mountain interior queue items, and even some painting. It also has served as storage for various equipment. The queue line The walls to see into the queue area from the ground are still up, but the changes to the queue are able to be seen with a quick ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad. We’ve seen work happening to the ride’s rails at the front moat area that plunges under the walkway, but changes to the ride itself here aren’t as apparent. We’re eager to see if there’s anything added here for the theming once the water tower is put into place. Goin’ down the bayou… How do you think the construction timeline is moving? Is it a bit slower than you hoped to see or are you confident the major changes are taking place inside? It looks like we might be waiting a few more weeks to see the biggest change to the new ride theming yet! If you’re a Tiana fan, you should check out our NEW t-shirt design! NEW Tiana shirts! Order a Tiana shirt here! As always, keep following us at DFB for the latest Disney World updates! What’s New at Magic Kingdom: The 50th Anniversary Is Disappearing! 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 impressed with how fast construction is moving along with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. The post PHOTOS: See the Progress On the Tiana Water Tower Coming to Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, the 50th anniversary celebration in Disney World is over — and you know what that means. It means some of our favorite 50th anniversary snacks are now gone forever! Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom Or are they? We’ve already seen a few snacks get revamped and renamed on menus. There’s been one snack, though, that y’all have been asking us about, and we’ve got some GREAT news for you! So it seems the Tropical Serenade at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom was one of the most popular 50th snacks. It’s made with the famous POG juice (passion fruit, orange, and guava juice) and coconut soft serve. The treat is topped with a pineapple upside-down cake pop. The Tropical Serenade is one of our favorite 50th Anniversary DOLE Whip treats! Well, we went by Aloha Isle today to see if the Tropical Serenade was still on the menu. Here’s the good news: it is! AND we spoke to a Cast Member who told us it’s here to stay. So you’ll still be able to order it when you visit Magic Kingdom. It’s still there! Other snacks that are sticking around include the Glimmer and Shimmer Blondie, which is now called the Toffee and Coconut Blondie. Also, the 50th Celebration Cookie is hanging around as the Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwich. The Glimmer and Shimmer Earl Grey Cupcake will stay on the menu as the Earl Grey Cupcake. These can all be found in Hollywood Studios. Glimmer and Shimmer Blondie We’re keeping an eye out for any other 50th snacks that might be sticking around, so we’ll let you know what’s gone for good and what gets to stay. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney food news! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which 50th snack do you hope sticks around? Let us know in the comments! The post You Can Breathe Now -- One of the BEST 50th Anniversary Treats in Disney World Is Here to Stay first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!). Disney’s Grand Floridian But how do you choose between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you! Choosing between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridian, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for. Animal Kingdom Lodge There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories: Common Ground Theme/Rooms Pools Food Transportation We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip. Common Ground Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks. They both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations. Welcome to Kidani Village For the Animal Kingdom Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $469 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,792 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates) For the Grand Floridian, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $780 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,502 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Wow. Animal Kingdom Lodge is about 40% cheaper than the Grand Floridian, whether you’re looking for the cheap room/cheap season option, or the lap of luxury. Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests Theme/Rooms Just like our ol’ Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Flo are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same! Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo! And welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge! This is more than your typical hotel, and honestly, it’s beyond the standard of a typical Disney hotel. This resort offers a few things that none of the resorts do. First, live animals right out your window! Definitely, the only Disney resort where you can wake up and view some giraffes out your window, and drink coffee or snack on some Zebra Domes on your balcony while watching real-live zebras. Disney also brings in Cultural Representatives from countries around Africa to share the unique stories, culture, art, and history of their countries. Off of the lobby, there is an observation room where guests can appreciate artifacts from African exploration or just sit and enjoy the animals on the safari. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays). Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby The Animal Kingdom Lodge standard rooms received a little facelift, like the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, when you stay here, you’ll get to experience a bit more streamlined and updated decor that is both modern and rustic. Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge also has Disney Vacation Club accommodations over at Kidani Village, with villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room villas overlooking their own animal savanna. Kidani Village rooms look out onto the Sunset Savanna, and Jambo House rooms look out onto the Uzima and Arusha Savannas. All the savannas have giraffes and zebras, and a plethora of other beautiful animals. Grand Floridian Cross the threshold of Disney World’s flagship resort into the Victorian age of high tea, dressing for dinner, and gloved-hands with pinkies-out. The lobby and restaurants are grandiose and luxurious, almost to the point of making guests reflect on imposter syndrome rather than a welcoming presence. The meticulous grounds and pristine white buildings with their brilliant red-tiled roofs definitely provide that grand allure you’d expect from a flagship resort. The Grand Floridian Lobby And the lobby delivers on that jaw-dropping “oh wow” moment (especially around the holidays), but it seems like Disney blew the budget on the common areas, and then tightened the purse strings on the room sitch. There are some very nice, and perfectly adequate furnishings, but the rooms themselves just don’t scream lavish. Grand Floridian Resort Room The Grand Floridian standard rooms haven’t seen the TLC that the Contemporary and Polynesian rooms have. So, there’s hope out there that the Grand Floridian rooms will be up soon for the next room renovation, but in the meantime, the Grand Floridian rooms don’t quite deliver for the price tag assigned to them. Results This could boil down to your preference. Are you looking to explore the adventure of the African savannas? Or do you want something a bit more glamorous, luxurious, and sophisticated? Both resorts deliver beautifully on their themes, but when it comes down to rooms, the Animal Kingdom Lodge has the edge rooms overlooking the savanna and breathtaking views of the exotic wild animals of Africa. NEW Minnie Ears Are Themed After a Bougie Disney World Hotel Pools Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out… Animal Kingdom Lodge AKL (as we like to call it) is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools as well: the Samawati Springs Pool and the Uzima Springs Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Uzima Springs pool is smashing. This oasis is 11,000 square feet. It includes a large free-form, zero-entry swimming pool (gradual like a beach, you can take one centimeter at a time getting in). Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool Samawati Springs Pool has a 67-foot water slide, a children’s wading pool, and kids’ life jackets in several sizes. There are two private hot tubs, tons of seating in comfy loungers, tables and umbrellas, and unlimited towels. Samawati Springs Pool You can build a herd of towel animals if you want. Oh, and of course, the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is for hydration purposes. Grand Floridian The Grand Floridian is not to be outdone in the pool category; it hosts two pools as well: the Beach Pool and the Courtyard Pool. And though both pools are pretty, the most memorable experience might be at the Mad Hatter splash pad. Alice’s Splash Zone And because it’s the Grand Floridian and sophisticated luxury is this resorts brand, there are plenty of poolside lounge chairs and cabanas available to rent for the day as you relax by the pool and nosh on some peeled-grapes and sip on some sweet tea, like we’re sure Victorian-age vacationers did back in the day. Relaxation — Grand Flo style! Results Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Again, it might boil down to just what your style is. Do you want something a bit on the classier, sophisticated side? Do you want to soak in a zero-entry oasis surrounded in the middle of an African savanna? These two really make the choice difficult! The Grand Floridian has pretty amazing views of the Magic Kingdom; Animal Kingdom Lodge has a nearby flamingo pond. Grand Flo has easy access to the Gasparilla Island Grill’s epic Mac and Cheese; Animal Kingdom Lodge is just steps away from Zebra Domes! Uzima Springs Pool Bar There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Animal Kingdom Lodge! 10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools Food Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category. Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge has nine(ish) dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness. Maji Pool Bar is located near the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village, and Uzima Springs Pool Bar is over at the Jambo House pool. — and both are a pretty standard pool bars, but with some unique African beers and some tasty nibbles, but nothing truly destination-worthy. Maji Pool Bar The Mara is named after the Masai Mara National Reserve in Africa, this quick service restaurant located in Jambo House is sure to please all appetites with a taste of Africa, as well as American favorites. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is located next to the Resort’s Uzima Springs pool area. Guests can dine indoors or take their meals poolside, or to a small area offering shaded tables outside. The Mara Unique items, including Bobotie and Breakfast Quinoa are served alongside classic Disney dishes like Mickey Waffles and more for Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner feature the truly tasty African Potjie (a flavorful stew) among the options, which also include counter service favorites like Chicken Nuggets, Burgers, and Flatbreads. The “Grab & Go” market area features snacks, desserts (including the spot’s famous Zebra Domes!), bottled drinks, breakfast pastries, specialty coffees, and fruit. The Mara also offers a selection of African and international wines, beers, cocktails, and even choose-your-own-flavor smoothies. Oak-Grilled Chicken Bowl at The Mara Victoria Falls and Cape Town Lounge are cozy lounges in Jambo House near Boma and Jiko. Enjoy a glass of South African wine, or indulge in your favorite martini, beer, or mixed drink. It’s a great place to hang while waiting for a table at Boma or Jiko. Or just stop in before you head to (or after you return from) the parks to grab a quick bite from the unique appetizer menu, including crisp breads and African dips, marinated olives, and more. Victoria Falls Lounge Cape Town Lounge serves appetizers and pairings of African wines along with hand-crafted cocktails, dessert wines, and more. Guests may also order from the full Jiko menu and dine at the bar. Lounge seating Tucked into the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, Sanaa, which means “Work of Art” in Swahili, is a beautiful restaurant serving a fusion of African and Indian cuisine made with authentic cooking methods like slow-roasting and tandoori oven cooking. While Sanaa is a table service restaurant serving lunch and dinner, the spot offers the Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast in the mornings — a quick-service experience for which reservations are not required. Sanaa The best part: the view from the restaurant is of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunset Savanna — enjoy the ever-changing scenery of some of the most beautiful African plains animals you’ve ever seen. Bread Service at Sanaa P.S. Don’t miss Sanaa’s Indian-style Bread Service, served with NINE different dipping accompaniments! The other Table Service option at the Jambo House is Boma. Boma continually emerges on the “favorite restaurants” lists of many Disney guests! The popular buffet at Boma gives visitors the opportunity to sample flavorful African dishes while also dining on some American favorites during breakfast or dinner. Boma We always give two thumbs up to this restaurant, and we always find something new to try here! And the pièce de résistance: Jiko. Jiko — The Cooking Place is a Signature Dining Experience (which is Disney-speakfor fancy, schmancy), hands-down, one of the most romantic and delicious restaurants on Disney World property. We can highly recommend this one if you enjoy excellent, gourmet food and a lovely and tranquil atmosphere. Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko Sharing tastes of Africa with a special Jiko flourish, this restaurant doesn’t offer a great view or any characters, but it does offer truly beautiful food — and the Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna is right outside… Boma vs. Jiko vs. Sanaa: Comparing Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants Grand Floridian Beaches Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar provide fixes for your hunger without ever leaving either of the Grand Floridian’s pools. Grand Floridian is home to two Signature dining restaurants, Citricos and Narcoossee’s. Citricos is an upscale restaurant serving American dishes with Mediterranean influences. Reserve the Chef’s Domain for a private table and specially prepared menu. Narcoossee’s, another Signature Dining restaurant, specializes in seafood. This beautiful, Victorian-inspired building sits ashore on the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering dramatic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Citricos dining room Enchanted Rose Bar and Lounge is inspired by the live-action Beauty and the Beast film. Guests can indulge in gourmet bites and crafted cocktails while enjoying any one of the four themed rooms. Enchanted Rose lounge Garden View Tea Room hasn’t yet reopened, but when it does, it offers Afternoon Tea with delicious finger sandwiches, pastries, cheese, and fruit. The beautiful view, elegant atmosphere, and fine china make this an exquisite experience. Gasparilla Island Grill is a counter service restaurant with a standard food court menu, and it is open for guests 24-hours a day. Dine outdoors overlooking the Marina (with a view of Cinderella Castle) when the weather permits. That creamy Gasparilla mac and cheese The more casual Table Service options at the Grand Floridian are 1900 Park Fare and Grand Floridian Cafe. 1900 Park Fare, when it reopens, provides popular character dining experiences! At breakfast, guests are entertained by Mary Poppins and friends while the young and young-at-heart feast on Mickey waffles. Dinner is a more stately affair hosted by Cinderella and Prince Charming. Grand Floridian Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an airy, casual setting. You’ll find American fare being served at your table overlooking the hotel’s elegant courtyard. The Grand Floridian Cafe is so pretty Victoria and Albert’s is a AAA Five Diamond Award winner offering an exclusive dining experience. This Signature Dining restaurant pampers guests with personalized menus, dedicated servers, and long-stemmed roses. The Victoria & Albert’s Dining Room A Chef’s Table is also available to those who’d like to experience the most exclusive dining experience in Disney World. Also, the Queen Victoria Room is available for a bit more privacy. Join Us For a Meal at Disney World’s Most EXTRAVAGANT Restaurant — Victoria & Albert’s Results It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Animal Kingdom Lodge might be your jam! Menus are influenced by approachable African flavors and spices, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites. The Grand Floridian really dances that line nicely with Gasparilla Island Grill and Grand Floridian Cafe, offering some comfort food like fried chicken, burgers, and that creamy mac and cheese, and on the OPPOSITE end of that spectrum, Victoria & Albert’s that provides one of the most unique and sophisticated dining experiences in all of Florida! New DFB Video: Join Us For the Monorail Crawl! Transportation Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!! Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Kingdom Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. Or the Skyliner Route. Or even boat access. If you want to visit any of the Disney Parks (even the nearby Animal Kingdom), your only option for free Disney transportation is a bus. Animal Kingdom Loge Bus Stop Now, Animal Kingdom Lodge is already the furthest resort from the Disney Parks (except Animal Kingdom), and having to rely solely on bus transportation sure makes it feel every inch of that distance. And no one really looks forward to having to wrestle to get their stroller on and off the bus, or standing in those lines at the end of a park day to be packed in like sardines with your fellow Animal Kingdom Lodgers once that bus does arrive. Waiting for the bus Guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can also use ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry. Grand Floridian The Grand Floridian is also on the Monorail loop. It’s the second stop after the Polynesian on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. You can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom. Though this resort is closer to the Magic Kingdom than the Polynesian, that walk is still about 15-20 minutes. Grand Floridian and Monorail If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom! If EPCOT is your park for the day, the easiest option is to board a Disney bus and head over. If you want to take the Monorail, you can but you’d have to walk through the Polynesian resort, over to the Transportation & Ticketing Center to catch that Monorail, resulting in a 15-20 minute walk, and that doesn’t include waiting for the monorail. Or you can hop on the Monorail at the Grand Floridian and ride it past Magic Kingdom, past the Contemporary, and then transfer to the EPCOT Loop Monorail once you get to the Transportation and Ticketing Center, but that does add more time and complication to your already busy morning. Results When looking at the transportation battle between the Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Grand Floridian definitely comes out on top. The Grand Floridian is closer to the Magic Kingdom if you want to use the walking trail (but there’s also a monorail and a boat to get you there, too). And, if you’re up for a little walk to monorail tour, Grand Floridian guests are also close enough to the Transportation & Ticket Center, which gives it closer access to the EPCOT Monorail loop. EPCOT Though Animal Kingdom Lodge is the closest resort to the Animal Kingdom park, guests still have to take a bus to get there. And buses are the only free Disney transportation from Animal Kingdom Lodge to any of your Disney destinations. If you brought your own car or are renting a vehicle, this may not be a concern to you, but if you’re relying on Disney transportation, that’s a factor you’ll have to consider! Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip The Winner! So, who is the ultimate winner in the Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Grand Floridian battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The two resorts both hold their own when it comes to food. When it comes to Theming/Rooms and Pools, Animal Kingdom Ldoge may seem like a clear choice with its immersive lobby and amazing savanna complete with animals! Animal Kingdom Lodge If the Grand Floridian seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, that wins the Transportation battle handily, but it doesn’t have the same energy, food, or pools that the Animal Kingdom Lodge does. And the price difference between the two definitely gives the advantage to Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above. Keep following DFB for more articles like this, and sign up for our newsletter below to get them straight into your inbox! Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think? Is Animal Kindgom Lodge or Grand Floridian Resort better? Let us know in the comments! The post Grand Floridian vs Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re a donut and/or coffee fan, you’ll want to listen up! Disney Springs Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew is a popular donut and coffee shop located in Disney Springs. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and jelly, you’ll want to head over to Everglazed tomorrow to celebrate this obscure holiday with them! Tomorrow ONLY (Sunday, April 2nd), Everglazed will be celebrating National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day with new limited-time offerings! You’ll be able to grab the PB&J Donut and PB&J Cold Brew. The donut is Everglazed’s signature glazed donut dipped in crunchy peanut butter and then topped with strawberry jelly and crushed peanuts. Everglazed Donuts The PB&J Cold Brew is the store’s original blend along with strawberry syrup and Reese’s flavored milk. Needless to say, if you’re allergic to peanuts, stay far away tomorrow, but if you’re a peanut butter and jelly fan, head on over! Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew We’ve headed over to Everglazed a couple times in the past few weeks to try some of their new offerings, and we also recently found out that a new treat was joining the permanent menu! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news! Are you brave enough to try this new ice cream in Disney Springs? 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 planning on grabbing these treats? Tell us in the comments below! The post Why Peanut Butter and Jelly Fans Should Go to Disney Springs TOMORROW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the day AFTER Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration ended, and SO MUCH has already changed in the parks. Town Square Theater We’ve seen new park maps at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. There’s a new Annual Passholder card available. There’s been a costume change at a Magic Kingdom show. Now, Mickey Mouse HIMSELF has changed. We popped over to Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom today to say hello to Mickey, and he looked different. Gone is his EARidescent 50th anniversary outfit. Mickey in his 50th clothes Now, he’s brought back his magician’s outfit, complete with a fabulous cape. Magician Mickey is back We knew the 50th outfits would be going away, although we’ll miss them — Mickey looked so dapper! But Magician Mickey has returned and is available to meet people in Magic Kingdom. Hey, Mickey! Note that the lines to meet Mickey here can get a little long, so if you purchase Genie+, you can access the meet and greet’s Lightning Lane. Not familiar with how Genie+ works? We’ve got the ultimate Genie+ guide for you right here. Of course, you can also meet Mickey in Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom (and he’s got a different outfit for each location). If all else fails, Mickey is available at some character dining experiences, too. Mickey is just one of the MANY characters you can meet in Disney World. Want to know more about character meet and greets in Disney World? We’ve got them ALL listed right here. You could spend an entire Disney World vacation just meeting characters because there are just so many (and new ones are constantly in the works). Mickey at Red Carpet Dreams in Hollywood Studios We’ll let you know about other changes we spot in the parks, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! If you’re headed to Disney World soon, don’t forget to pack some of our fun t-shirts! Click here to see them all! Check Out The New Outfits Mickey and Minnie Will Have For Disney Cruise Line Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which version of Mickey is your favorite to meet in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post We Haven't Seen Mickey Like This at Disney World in YEARS first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Change is inevitable in Disney World, and that was always part of Walt’s original vision. World of Disney Rides come… and rides go. Hotels get updated. New buildings get constructed. Big celebrations end — just like the 50th Anniversary Celebration JUST ended. Now, because of that ending, a big change has happened at one store in Disney World. If you’ve been to Disney Springs, we can imagine you’re familiar with World of Disney, the MASSIVE Disney store in the shopping area. In fact, it’s so massive, it’s actually the BIGGEST Disney store in the world! This is where you can find almost ANY kind of Disney souvenir you might imagine. Ears wall at World of Disney Well, as of today, there is a completely Pixar-themed area! The 50th display is gone The displays here are FULL of Pixar merchandise. Pixar gear The display includes some Pixar shirts, tumblers, blankets, plates, and more. Plus you’ll see the iconic Pixar lamp on top of the display. We also noticed that the 50th projection on the floor was gone — it’s now a Pixar projection. New projection This projection changes, too! So if you walk into World of Disney, don’t forget to look down. It changes! However, if you’re still looking for 50th anniversary merchandise, we’re still seeing it available in stores and it seems like Disney plans on continuing to sell it for a while. You can also still find some 50th gear available online. You might think that this merchandise would be on sale, but only a few items have been marked down. But, hey, it IS still available, so grab it if you missed out on anything. 50th anniversary Loungeflys However, we are also seeing a lot of 100th anniversary merchandise at Disney World — this is the next BIG anniversary Disney will celebrate at Disney World. Click here for a quick, Disney-themed escape! We’ve got a whole collection of graphic tees you’ll love! The 7 Disney Amazon Deals You CAN’T Miss This Weekend Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you still buy some 50th merchandise now that the anniversary is over? Let us know in the comments! The post MAJOR Change Hits Disney World Store first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World’s 50th Anniversary has officially ended. 50th Anniversary last day crowds Many mentions of the 50th Anniversary in the Disney World app are already gone, attractions in the parks are getting ready to shed their 50th Anniversary aspects, and certain 50th Anniversary additions are gone for good. However, we just found out that one of the 50th Anniversary additions we know and love will be sticking around for a little bit longer! If you’re a fan of the fifty 50th Anniversary statues that popped up all over the parks during the 18-month celebration, we have good news! Edna 50th Anniversary Statue Disney has now confirmed that these statues will be sticking around for a little bit longer! It doesn’t sound like these will stay forever, but they will not be removed immediately as many of the other 50th Anniversary decorations will be. MagicBand+ can interact with the Golden 50th Anniversary Statues in the parks While it does seem these will go away at some point, we’ve still got a little bit of time to use MagicBand+ to interact with these statues and hear what they’ve got to say! Chip & Dale We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, including when these may be going away, but for now, interact with them as much as you can and stay tuned to DFB! A Popular Magic Kingdom Attraction Has CHANGED 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 50th Anniversary statue is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post This Disney World 50th Anniversary Experience WON'T Be Going Away...for Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is a WHIRLWIND of activity right now. Crowds from the last day of the 50th anniversary We’re in the middle of Spring Break travel season. The big 50th anniversary celebration JUST ended. TRON Lightcycle / Run is officially opening soon (although it’s already had a soft opening). That means that scoring park pass reservations could be a little tricky right now, but let’s look at what’s available for next week, as well as take a look at park hours. Magic Kingdom Park Hours Magic Kingdom is open from 9AM-11PM on April 2nd-6th… ©Disney …and on April 7th-8th. ©Disney Extended Evening Hours are on April 5th from 11AM-1PM. EPCOT Park Hours EPCOT park hours are from 9AM-9PM on April 2nd-6th… ©Disney …and on April 7th-8th. ©Disney Extended Evening Hours are on April 3rd from 9PM-11PM. Hollywood Studios Park Hours Hours for Hollywood Studios are from 8:30AM-9:30PM on April 2nd and April 5th, 8:30AM-10PM on April 3rd, 4th, and 6th… ©Disney and from 8:30AM-10PM on April 7th and 8th. ©Disney There are Disney After Hours events on April 2nd and April 5th from 9:30PM-12:30AM. Animal Kingdom Park Hours Park hours for Animal Kingdom are from 8AM-8PM on April 2nd-6th… ©Disney …and on April 7th-8th. ©Disney If you’re a Disney World hotel guest, you can enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time with Early Theme Park Entry. Park Pass Reservation Availability Park pass reservation availability is dependent on whether you’re a guest with theme park tickets, a Disney World hotel guest, or if you’re an Annual Passholder. For visitors with Theme Park Tickets, Magic Kingdom is sold out the entire week, Hollywood Studios is sold out for April 2nd-7th, and Animal Kingdom is sold out for April 3rd-4th. EPCOT is the ONLY park available every day of next week. ©Disney For those staying in select resort hotels, Magic Kingdom is sold out the entire week, Hollywood Studios is sold out April 3rd-7th, and Animal Kingdom is sold out April 3-4th. Again, EPCOT is the only park available all week. ©Disney Disney World uses a different calendar to track park pass availability for Annual Passholders. For those with an IncrediPass, Magic Kingdom is sold out for April 2nd-6th and Hollywood Studios is sold out for April 3rd. Animal Kingdom and EPCOT are still available throughout the week. ©Disney The those with a Sorcerer Pass, Magic Kingdom is sold out for the entire week, but all other parks are still available. ©Disney Those who have a Pirate Pass have the entire week blocked out. ©Disney The same is true for those with a Pixie Dust Pass, too. ©Disney That’s everything you need to know about park hours and park pass availability in Disney World next week. If you haven’t made those park pass reservations yet, we suggest doing that as soon as possible! Note that availability can and does change often, so be sure to check that if you’re visiting the parks next week! We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2022 to get 25% off! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be in Disney World next week? Let us know in the comments! The post Why You WON'T Be Able To Visit Magic Kingdom Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Something a little sad is happening in Disney World. Spaceship Earth in EPCOT The 50th Anniversary Celebration is finally coming to an end. We’ve already seen a lot of the 50th decor disappearing from the parks, and we’re wondering what’s going to happen to Cinderella Castle once it’s over. We’re also mourning the loss of some of the best 50th anniversary snacks. But change is what Disney World is all about, and a NEW change has signaled that this party is officially over. We’ve already seen the 50th-anniversary stuff taken off the park map for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, now the EPCOT park map has changed, too! Here’s what the previous map looked like: Park Map The new map isn’t so sparkly and just has an image of Spaceship Earth on it. All the 50th-anniversary stuff has been removed, too! The New EPCOT map Take a better look at the map here. These are little changes that really signify that the 50th celebration has ended and Disney World is moving on. Bye, bye barges! You’ll also notice that there’s a new walkway between Spaceship Earth and where Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana will be. Also, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Treasures of Xandar are no longer marked as “new.” Full inside view of map So be sure to pick up a NEW EPCOT map if you’re visiting Disney World soon. Speaking of which, when are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! A NEW Map Has Arrived in Magic Kingdom With BIG Changes! 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 happy or sad to see the end of the 50th anniversary in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post EPCOT Debuts a NEW Park Map -- See ALL of the Updates Here! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the day after Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration has ended, and A LOT has already changed in the parks. Everything is changing in Disney World Granted, some of the 50th decorations are still up (and we’re not complaining), but some of the snacks are gone forever, AND we’ve already seen changes on the My Disney Experience app. Something else new has also arrived, though: Disney World now has NEW Annual Passholder cards. The old Annual Passholder cards had a picture of the Fab 50 Mickey Mouse Statue and the Walt Disney World 50 logo on them. Previous Annual Passholder Card Well, that’s all gone and the new Annual Passholder cards are back to their yellow color scheme (like what we saw BEFORE the 50th anniversary celebration began). Here’s what those cards looked like: Annual Passholder Card in early 2021 Here’s what the new card looks like. It’s yellow with Mickey’s smiling face in the middle of the “D” for Disney. Similar, but not QUITE the same. NEW AP card We were able to pick up our new Annual Passholder card today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so if you’re looking to grab one, they are available at Guest Relations. At Hollywood Studios The new passholder card does NOT have dates on the back, though, and we were told by a Cast Member that we would need to show our Annual Pass in the app AND an ID if we want to use our discount. If you ARE an Annual Passholder, don’t forget that you’ll be able to visit the parks AFTER 2 PM without a park pass reservation beginning on April 18th. Also, you might want to check out the Annual Passholder discount that’s been released for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Annual Passholder entrance at EPCOT We’ll be tracking all the changes happening in Disney World’s post-50th anniversary celebration, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! In the meantime, have you SEEN what’s new in our merch store?! Click here to shop our fun graphic tees! 2 New Annual Passholder Perks Have Started in Disney World — Learn More 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 a Disney World Annual Passholder? Let us know in the comments! The post The NEW Annual Passholder Freebie You Can Get in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Today is April Fool’s Day, and we ran into a well-timed trick in EPCOT this weekend! EPCOT On April Fool’s Day, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate our favorite jokesters in Disney World. From Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor in Magic Kingdom to Muppet Vision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s all kinds of silly fun to be had! But this April Fool’s Day weekend, Disney turned the tables on us with a situation involving one of our favorite Disney World rites of passage. In EPCOT, Club Cool is a Coca-Cola merchandise location that also allows guests to sample different flavors of Coca-Cola products from around the world for FREE! Club Cool Some of the flavors can swap out from time to time, but one staple that has become a rite of passage for Disney enthusiasts is the notorious Beverly. Club Cool Flavors The infamous Beverly beverage hails from Italy, and while it is an acquired taste, most people find the drink to be incredibly bitter. In fact, some Disney World veterans will even trick their unsuspecting friends into tasting Beverly for the first time at Club Cool. Beverly! Well, this April Fool’s Day weekend, we had the tables turned on us when we visited Club Cool in EPCOT and noticed that Beverly is currently the only flavor available! Only Beverly Here! We spoke with a Cast Member about the missing flavors and they told us that despite the appropriate timing, this actually isn’t an intentional joke they’re pulling on us — Club Cool occasionally has issues with keeping flavors in stock, and that’s the reason for the current absence of all of the flavors except Beverly. It looks like all those Spring Break crowds must have been thirsty! EPCOT If you have plans to visit EPCOT soon, keep in mind that Club Cool might have limited flavors available. But don’t worry, you’re just a short walk away from the World Showcase, where there are plenty of unique drinks to try, including the seasonal offerings from the Flower & Garden Festival! Flower & Garden Festival We’ll continue to report back with any other updates from the Disney World parks this April Fool’s Day weekend, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news! 51 Free Things To Do in Disney World in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite Club Cool flavor? Share with us in the comments! The post The Cruel April Fool's Joke Disney World Played on Us first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning a trip to Disney World? It’s an expensive vacation, and it requires a lot of planning, so you’re probably looking for some tips and tricks to make your trip go smoothly! Welcome to Disney World! We asked our followers what some of their favorite Disney World hacks are, and their responses could help you on your next trip! Be prepared for ANYTHING It comes as no surprise that the weather in Florida is unpredictable. It can be hard to plan for every situation but you can sure try! One of our readers said “Be prepared for ANYTHING…rain, heat, crowds, etc. Pack sunscreen, rain gear, a water bottle, and any other essentials in a bag or backpack.” In the summer, it can feel like it rains every single day. We recommend bringing clothes for cooler mornings and evenings, rain jackets and ponchos, and comfortable shoes. Click Here for Our 2023 Packing List Bring those ponchos! Watch fireworks OUTSIDE of the park Being prepared can also mean planning to avoid crowds and this next hack does just that! One reader wrote “Watch the MK fireworks from the beach of the Polynesian with a Dole whip” while another said, “Watch the fireworks on top of California Grill.” The crowds during the fireworks can be overwhelming. Crowds at Magic Kingdom A great alternative if big crowds aren’t your thing is to watch the fireworks from outside of the park. California Grill is a restaurant that sits on top of the Contemporary Resort, and it does provide a great viewing area for the fireworks. Although you can’t see the castle projections as well, California Grill does pipe in the music to their two outside balconies. You do need a dining reservation to go up to the restaurant, but if you dine earlier in the evening and keep your receipt, you can go back to the balcony at fireworks time. Firework view from California Grill Watching from the beach at the Polynesian Resort is also a great option. If you get there early enough, you might just get a seat! So hop on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom, grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai, and relax, knowing that you won’t have to fight the crowds when everyone is trying to leave Magic Kingdom after the show ends. The Beach at the Polynesian Check Out These Restaurants With A Fireworks View Buy Disney Gift Cards The cost of a Disney trip can add up quickly. This next hack is to help you pay for your trip! One follower wrote, “Buy a bunch of Disney gift cards in the months leading up to your vacation.” Another reader adds, “It’s definitely not new but I love saving 5% by purchasing our Disney Gift Cards at Target using my Red Card, the savings really add up.” Gift Cards Target, Costco, and Best Buy have offered deals or discounts on Disney Gift Cards before. Be sure to keep an eye out at your local stores for any savings! Every little bit can add up. Target! Rent DVC Points Speaking of saving money, this next hack could save you hundreds! One follower wrote, “To save money on Deluxe resorts…rent DVC points.” It’s true. You can save hundreds by renting DVC points from an owner. You could rent points and get a room for 30-50% LESS than it would cost you to book the room directly through Disney, especially when it comes to studios. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Click Here to Learn More About Renting DVC Points Book Dining Reservations During Hot Parts of the Day It can get HOT in the summer at Disney World. One follower said, “during hot months, book an ADR for late lunch.” Try to grab a later lunch for 1-3 PM to avoid the hottest part of the day. This will give you a break from the heat but also a break from the peak crowds. Coral Reef at EPCOT The parks have plenty of indoor restaurants to choose from. So keep this in mind if you are traveling to the parks during those hot summer months! Crystal Palace Bring Items With You This hack can save you money! One follower wrote, “Instead of buying light-up toys for nighttime fireworks or shows, bring glow stick bracelets and necklaces.” You can easily grab a pack of glow sticks from Amazon for the whole family to share. Those Disney light-up toys aren’t cheap and they can break as well. Bubble wands! And you’re going to love our graphic tees for your next Disney World trip! Click here to see the whole collection! Use This Virtual Queue Hack Many guests can stress about getting a spot on the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or the newly added, TRON Lightcycle/Run. Well, this next hack could save your nerves! One follower wrote “Use Time.Is for the correct time for virtual queues. We have Time.Is open on one phone while the other has the virtual queue open in the MDE app.” Time.is is a website that shows you the exact time based on your location. TRON A few seconds can make a difference when trying to get a boarding group for these popular rides. Cosmic Rewind The faster you are at getting a boarding group, typically the lower your boarding group number. This means you could get to ride earlier in the day! We think this is a hack we’ll be using very soon for TRON Lightcycle/Run. Click Here For Our Virtual Queue Tips for TRON EPCOT There are so many tips out there to help you have a magical vacation. We want to thank our readers for sharing their Disney tips. For more Disney tips and tricks, be sure to follow Disney Food Blog! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What is your favorite Disney World hack? Let us know below! The post 7 Secrets Only Disney Adults Know ... Do You? first appeared on the disney food blog. 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The 50th Anniversary Celebration is over so many things in Disney World are changing. Crowds from the last day of the 50th anniversary We have seen 50th-anniversary snacks become normal Disney snacks without the 50th decorations on them. We’ve seen maps get updated to remove 50th theming. Now, as we had reported, some of our favorite pals got new outfits. When Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire began in February 2022, it had some 50th Anniversary changes, including new costumes for Mickey and his friends in their earidescent theming for the 50th Anniversary! Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Now Mickey and his friends (Donald, Daisy, Minnie, and Goofy) have new costumes. Take a look! First, let’s take a closer look at Mickey and Minnie. Mickey is wearing purple pants and a teal-blue jacket. Minnie has a teal and cream dress with her signature polka dots on the skirt. Mickey and Minnie are in new costumes! We think these new colors play with the earidescent color palate while being different enough. They match the royal flags around the castle. They look great! You can see Goofy here looking dapper in his straw hat, teal pants, and purple jacket. Goofy! He is also wearing a green sash and gold shoes. Doesn’t he look great? Donald and Daisy both sported new costumes as well. Daisy has a purple, blue, and gold dress with a matching bow. Donald was wearing his Viking jacket and hat during one part of the show with a blue and purple button vest as his main outfit. Check them out. Donald and Daisy! We love their new looks. They match each other and the existing decor around them. They look cute! The rest of the show remains the same and a Cast Member told us that the backup dancers will remain in the same anniversary outfits that they’ve had for the last year or so. This could be a reason why they chose the stick with a similar color scheme for the new costumes as the previous ones. The whole gang! This is just the beginning of the changes we expect to see from the anniversary’s end. As we see more news from the parks, we’ll be sure to report it. Make sure you’re following us at DFB for more! Important Details in the Disney World App Are Now GONE 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 their new outfits? Let us know in the comments! The post A Popular Magic Kingdom Attraction Has CHANGED first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, it finally happened — Disney World’s big 50th anniversary celebration has ended. The 50th is over Now, we’re not saying it’s COMPLETELY gone from the parks (we’re still seeing 50th banners), but we have seen the disappearance of some 50th snacks (although we are grateful some of our favorites just got revamped and renamed). But there is something NEW in Magic Kingdom — a new MAP — the first one in 18 months that doesn’t have any 50th stuff on it. Let’s take a look! First here’s what the front of the previous map looked like. As you can see, the focus was all on the 50th anniversary. Magic Kingdom Park The NEW map has removed all mentions of the 50th. Instead, there’s a photo of Cinderella Castle on the front without the big “50” medallion. New map alert! It does seem like the 50th EARidescdent colors are sticking around, though. The back of the new map has details about park rules, payment options, and the Disney Vacation Club. Back We also noticed that the new map no longer lists Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, which was the 50th anniversary cavalcade. It’s changed a bit on the inside, too TRON Lightcycle / Run is also listed on the new map in Tomorrowland. Tron is listed The ride is also listed under “New Magic” on another page of the map. This is also where you can find the announcement about Happily Ever After returning on April 3rd. New magic! The rest of the information on the map is basically the same, though. But it seems like the 50th map is now a collector’s item, so if you managed to grab one during your last visit, hang on to it (plus maps are nice free souvenirs). We’ll keep an eye out for other new maps throughout Disney World, too! We’re also checking to see what else has changed today since the end of the celebration yesterday. So be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! When are you headed to Disney World next? Have you checked out our line of fun graphic tees to wear on your trip? Grab our family matching shirts before your 2023 trip! We’ve designed some for the whole family – from infants to adults! Click here to check them out! The CHEAPEST Way to Get To Disney World From the Orlando Airport 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 sad to see the end of the 50th anniversary celebration? Let us know what your favorite parts of the celebration were in the comments! The post A NEW Map Has Arrived in Magic Kingdom With BIG Changes! 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. Whether you’re stocking up for your next Disney World trip or trying to find the perfect gift for a Disney fan in your life, Amazon has you covered! ©Amazon We’ve done a lot of Disney shopping through Amazon in the past, and the online retailer often does special sales throughout the year to make things more affordable (and WAY more tempting). So today, we’re sharing the best Disney deals you can score on Amazon this weekend! Disney World’s 50th Anniversary has come to a close, but the next big celebration is the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. This anniversary has already kicked off at Disneyland Resort, and if you’re planning on visiting sometime soon, then you’ll want to snag this Disney100 Anniversary Mickey Mouse T-Shirt. ©Amazon You can buy the shirt in a variety of sizes, and it comes in 10 different colors online. Your whole family can coordinate outfits! Buy the Mickey Shirt Online Here! One of the hot topics in the Disney sphere right now is the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey. The movie will come to theaters in May, and if you’re hyped about it, you can go ahead and pre-order this Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll. ©Amazon The doll officially releases on April 23rd, and it’s made to match Halley Bailey’s look from the upcoming film, complete with braids and a shiny, iridescent tail. How cool! Click Here to Get the Doll! It’s time to start planning for those Easter baskets if you haven’t already, and we have just the thing — the Disney Doorables Stitch Collection. The box comes with 8 exclusive tiny figurines that would be great basket stuffers! ©Amazon Each of the figures stands about an inch and a half tall, and there are Lilo and Angel figurines along with the six different Stitch designs. Right now, they’re on sale for 41% off! Shop the Doorables Here! Ready to start packing for a trip to the parks? If so, you might need a new pouch for all your cosmetics or toiletries. This 2-Pack of Cosmetic Mouse Ears Bags is the perfect accessory. ©Amazon The bags come in both classic red and black and muted pink and gray color schemes. Right now, the set is available for 21% off! Click Here to Check Out the Bags! It’s incredibly important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting Disney World in the middle of the sweltering summer season! That’s why we’re sharing these Simple Modern Disney Water Bottles for Kids. They come with insulated stainless steel cups and straw lids. ©Amazon This smaller 14-oz size is perfect for little hands and will fit well into your park bag for those long days. Plus, you can choose from a variety of patterns! Get the Simple Modern Water Bottles Here! And speaking of park supplies, we love this Disney Mickey Mouse Backpack! The pattern is covered in a classic Mickey, and the bag has multiple zipper pockets for storing all your essentials. ©Amazon It’s a 16-inch backpack and right now it’s on sale for 17% off the usual price. Hurry and snag it while you can! Check Out the Backpack Here! And finally, there’s a 5% discount on this Mickey Mouse Luggage from American Tourister! This small suitcase is the perfect size for your little ones. ©Amazon The discount is available for the carry-on 16-inch bag, and you can check out a few other patterns on sale as well. The bag also has a hidden zipper pocket inside for extra storage! Click Here to Shop the Luggage! Those are some of the best Disney deals we found on Amazon this week. Stay tuned to DFB for more merchandise updates on all the must-have items! 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 to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Click Here for the Ultimate 2023 Disney World Packing List! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which Amazon deal are you going to snag? Tell us in the comments! The post 7 Disney Amazon Deals You CAN'T Miss This Weekend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Magic Kingdom The Disney World 50th anniversary celebration is officially over, Disney Cruise Line is headed to a BRAND NEW destination, Cast Member Unions have finally reached an agreement, and much much more! A lot of wild things happened in the Disney parks this week so let’s talk Disney news! Check out all the big Disney news of the week in our latest DFB Guide Video! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: The 50th is OVER, Unions Have Made an Agreement, New Cruise Destination & MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are lots of delicious meals to find around Disney World. Disney’s Contemporary Resort You may have to grab Advance Dining Reservations for some of these meals, but some of them are worth that extra step. A favorite of many is California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and we have exciting news — their new menu is here! Earlier this year it was announced that California Grill would be getting a huge menu overhaul, and now it’s here! We previously saw the prices for the new dinner menu — dinner will cost adults $89 (with signature wine pairings available as add-ons for an additional cost) and $39 per child. Pricing We’ve learned about a few of the new menu items, but now we have a look at the FULL menu. To start your meal, you’ll select one of 7 different Market Inspiration options. You can choose between pizza, seafood, short rib, and more! Market Inspirations For your main course, aka Chef’s Journey, you’ll also select one of the 8 different options. Once again, there’s a good selection of choices, so hopefully, everyone in your group will find something they like. Chef’s Journey And now it’s time for dessert! There are 5 different Sweet Creations to choose from, including tortes, crème brûlée, cake, and cheeses! You can choose one of them for your meal. Sweet Creations Let’s take a look at the kids’ menu! Kids get to choose an appetizer, one entrée, two selections (sides), and a dessert. Kids Menu There’s also an allergy menu for adults as well! You’ll need to talk to a Cast Member if you or someone in your party has allergies in order to see this menu. There are 7 different Market Inspirations to choose from. Allergy-Friendly Market Inspirations For your main course, there are also 8 different options to choose from. Allergy-Friendly Chef’s Journey And for dessert, there are 5 different sweets to choose from, but they’re very similar to the normal Sweet Creations options. Allergy-Friendly Sweet Creations And there are allergy-friendly options for the kids as well! There are 2 appetizers and 4 create-your-own-meals available. Allergy-Friendly Kids Menu There are 4 sides to choose from, and the 3 dessert selections are the same as the main menu. More Allergy-Friendly Kids Menu Options And that’s the new menu over at California Grill! There are plenty of alcoholic options as well such as wine, rosé, sparkling drinks, and more, but those offerings are the same as they were before. Firework view from California Grill As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Here are the best dinners in Disney World for 2023! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What would you order off this new menu? Tell us in the comments! The post NEW Menu Revealed for California Grill at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World’s 18-month 50th Anniversary celebration came to an end on March 31st, 2023. Gotta’ get that last photo of the 50th castle We were checking out the crowds in the parks, seeing the decorations for the last time, and overall just taking the final day in. But even if you weren’t in the parks in person over the past 18 months, you could still get the feeling that the 50th was being celebrated by taking a look at Disney World’s app. Now though? All 50th Anniversary theming is GONE from the app. When we clicked on the My Disney Experience app this morning, we noticed that the icon still has the 50th Anniversary logo (we expect that to be changing very soon), and when the app opens, you may still see the welcome message with the 50th Anniversary castle on it, but it likely won’t be around for long. The opening screen When you’re checking wait times around Magic Kingdom, you used to be able to see the big 50th Anniversary plaque on the front of the castle. There it is! But not anymore! Disney has now taken away any mention of the 50th Anniversary celebration from the park maps in the app. 50th anniversary is missing from the castle! Now that the 50th Anniversary is over, many people were asking about the color of Cinderella Castle and if it would stay, or resort back to its original paint color. However, there has been no announcement or patent filed to indicate these colors will be changing anytime soon. The 50th Anniversary embellishments will be removed, but for now, the paint color will be staying the same. 50th Anniversary last day crowds The Harmonious barges have also been removed from World Showcase Lagoon on the map! Harmonious plays its final performance on April 2nd and Disney previously announced that the barges will be removed when EPCOT Forever comes back. They’re gone! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! See what Disney World show will be changing SOON now that the 50th Anniversary is over! 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 did you think of the 50th Anniversary celebration? Tell us in the comments below! The post Important Details in the Disney World App Are Now GONE first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When planning a trip to Disney World, the biggest thing people focus on is the flight to Orlando. But… what comes after? With the removal of Magical Express, a Disney shuttle that took you from the Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World for free — if you were staying at a Disney hotel, visitors can sometimes be iffy on the best way to get to Disney World once they’ve arrived in Orlando. Orlando International Airport There are several options you can use to get to Disney World from the airport, but not all of them are the most cost-efficient. This post will cover all the transportation options you have, as well as our recommendations if you’re traveling on a budget. Each of these travel options have proven to be pretty reliable, but the difference is definitely in price and how soon in advance you can book them. Each of the prices listed below are accurate as of March 30th, 2023, with the destination set to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn — a central location on Disney World property. Let’s get to planning! Uber The first option is probably the most popular — a standard Uber. This is a great option if you’re looking to travel privately and have 1-4 people in your travel party. UberXL example At the time we checked, a standard Uber cost $36.93 to travel from MCO to Disney World — a fairly average cost compared to the alternatives. You can book this in advance or when you arrive at the airport. Keep in mind that Uber uses surge pricing, meaning the cost can vary some depending on demand — during busier times of day, Uber charges more. Lyft Similar to Uber, a standard Lyft is a great option if you’re wanting to travel privately and your party is between 1-4 people. Lyft sign When we checked, a standard Lyft was $40, slightly more expensive than the Uber option. You can book this in advance or upon arrival to the airport. It’s always a good idea to check both the Uber and Lyft apps because the prices can vary. Mears Connect Standard Service Mears is a private shuttle service that requires prior booking based on your flight information and time of arrival. While it is possible to book this service last-minute if there is availability, it’s recommended that you book at least a few days in advance. Mears Connect bus The one-way fare is $19.50 for adults and $13.50 for children (ages 3-9). Keep in mind that this is a shared transportation service, so there will be more than just you and your party on the bus, and it will probably stop at multiple resorts on Disney property. Mears Connect also offers an Express Service that takes you directly from the airport to your hotel. It starts at $250 for up to 4 people. Rental Car While there are numerous options for rentals, a popular option is to rent directly at the airport. This can be done in advance or when you get to the airport, but know that there could be limited availability if you wait. Rental cars For a standard sedan, the average cost was $481 for a week when we checked. Again, rental cars do not have a set price, and will vary with demand. If you plan on driving yourself around Disney with a rental, be sure to budget for parking fees. While parking at theme parks is free if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you will be charged $25 per day to if you are staying “off-property.” Taxi Of course, there’s always the taxi option! A taxi to Disney from the airport typically costs anywhere from $35 to $45, plus a tip. Taxi Sign You can head to the taxi stand when you are ready to leave the airport. There are usually plenty of drivers available. Sunshine Flyer Sunshine Flyer is another private transportation company that takes visitors from MCO to Disney for a relatively low cost. You need to book your ride at least 4 days in advance. Sunshine Flyer bus Right now, Sunshine Flyer is having a spring sale and one-way fares are $12 per person. This deal must be redeemed before May 31st before the cost goes back up to regular fares of $19.50 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-12. Keep in mind that just like the Mears Connect Standard Service, the bus you take will likely stop at multiple hotels to drop off passengers. Well, what do you think? Which one will you be choosing? If you are truly looking for the cheapest option, it really depends on how many people are in your party. Disney World Rideshare sign Taxis and standard ride shares (like Uber and Lyft) can carry up to four people, and — unless you hit them at a busy time — would usually be the cheapest option per person if your party is more than 1 or 2. But if you have multiple pieces of luggage and four people, you may need to go with a larger Uber or Lyft, which will up the price. If you have 1 or 2 people, the two shuttle companies — Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer are usually the cheapest option — just keep in mind you are probably going to wait through multiple stops to get to your hotel (unless you get LUCKY and your hotel is the first stop!). These are all great and reliable options, it just truly depends on what you and your travel party prefer! Here at DFB, we’re always on the lookout for the most trusted and cost-efficient travel tips for our readers. Follow along for more Disney planning tips! Speaking of which, you can click the link below to check out a full guide to planning a Disney trip in 2023. Planning a Disney trip? 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. Have you used any of these options before? Let us know in the comments! The post The CHEAPEST Way to Get To Disney World From the Orlando Airport 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. Disney is releasing new merch and this time, you’ll be able to snag it from home! Welcome to Disney Springs Disney has been celebrating the 100th anniversary at Disneyland, in Disney World, and now you can bring home a piece of the celebration right to your home! Disney is known for their inventive ways to put a new spin on a classic item and what better way to bring that creativity to a few new Disney LEGO sets! To celebrate Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, Disney has teamed up with LEGO once again to create some inspiring sets for builders of all ages. Let’s take a look at what just released! Let’s start the celebration off with the Disney Celebration Train LEGO set! ©LEGO This set is created with preschoolers in mind and is an impressive 200-piece build that comes with 6 mini-figures and four different train floats. Mickey engineers the train, then comes Moana with a secret cave and slide, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell playing on a pirate ship, and Woody’s western-themed “Roundup” float complete with a rotating stage. ©LEGO There’s also a miniature stage where Minnie Mouse can be posed with her Disney balloon. Click here to shop the Disney Celebration Train LEGO set Let your imagination take flight with the new Up House LEGO set! ©LEGO This set features almost 600 pieces to complete and is recommended for ages 9 and up. ©LEGO The Up House is featured with this build surrounded by balloons with minifigs of Carl, Russell, and Dug where you can role-play movie scenes or think up your own next chapter to the story. This is a very popular set and is already on backorder. Click here to shop the “Up” House LEGO Set This next one you’ll need to wait a bit longer for, but it seems like your wait until April 4th, 2023 will be worth it! ©LEGO The 3in1 Magical Castle LEGO Duplo set is designed for ages 3 and older and hopes to spark creative and imaginative story-building through play. The completed castle can be built in different ways which allows you to switch up your story again and again. ©LEGO It also comes with 5 minifigs including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck, Daisy. We think you’ll have hours of fun with this one! Click here to shop the LEGO Duplo 3in1 Magical Castle set! Minifig fans will have to wait a few weeks longer on these! ©LEGO Disney 100th Minifig Blind Bags are coming! Although you’ll need to wait until May 1st, 2023 for their official release, Disney has dropped some details on who you can expect to find in these bags. ©LEGO There are truly characters for each generation in these blind bags with classic villains like Cruella de Vil and Dr. Facillier, to modern-day animated characters like Miguel from Coco and Baymax. With 18 characters to collect, this is the surprise we didn’t know we needed. Click here to see the LEGO Disney 100 Minifig BlindBag! We’re looking forward to the latest LEGO collections with Disney and are also interested in the release of the preorders. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest in Disney news. Disney’s 100th Anniversary LEGO Set Is Online Now! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which of these sets is on your “add to cart” list? Tell us in the comments! The post Everyone Else Can Go Home. Disney Just Dropped the Best LEGO Set EVER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

By 2027, massive cruise ships visiting Port Everglades will have the option of plugging in their ships to power sources on land. All eight terminals at the world's third busiest cruise port will offer the service assisted by FPL. View the full article