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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some people collect pins. Some people collect popcorn buckets. Some people collect Loungefly bags with the focus and intensity of Ariel hoarding forks in an underwater cave. And honestly? We respect the hustle. Disney Loungefly Bags Yes, this is another Loungefly post. Yes, we have written many Loungefly posts. Yes, somewhere deep in our souls, a tiny Sebastian is yelling, “CONTROL YOURSELF.” But then Loungefly releases a new Little Mermaid collection full of shimmer, florals, pearls, Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, and general under-the-sea wallet danger, and suddenly we’re all just poor unfortunate souls with browser tabs open. So, Little Mermaid fans, prepare your thingamabobs shelf. This collection might be joining it. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Loungefly The Little Mermaid Iridescent Pearl Mini Backpack The Loungefly The Little Mermaid Iridescent Pearl Mini Backpack is the showpiece of the collection, and yes, we are using the word “showpiece” about a mini backpack because this is the life we chose. This bag leans into that dreamy, shimmering, ocean-treasure aesthetic without feeling like you’re wearing an entire cartoon episode on your back. It has that pearly, iridescent finish that makes it feel a little more elevated, a little more magical, and a little more dangerous for anyone who thought they were “just looking.” ©Amazon It’s perfect for the Disney fan who wants Ariel vibes without going full seashell bra in aisle seven of Target. Think subtle mermaid-core, but still unmistakably Disney. The kind of bag that says, “Yes, I know the lyrics to ‘Part of Your World,’ and yes, I will be making that everyone’s problem.” ©Amazon This is the park bag for the person who wants something cute enough for Magic Kingdom photos, practical enough for sunscreen and snacks, and sparkly enough to make your inner child sit up like she just heard the first three notes of the soundtrack. view ON AMAZON Loungefly The Little Mermaid Ariel, Flounder, & Sebastian Tote Bag with Coin Bag Next up, we’ve got the Loungefly The Little Mermaid Ariel, Flounder, & Sebastian Tote Bag with Coin Bag, and this one is for the people who need more room because they are not traveling light. They are traveling with emotional support lip gloss, sunglasses, backup sunglasses, a snack, a second snack, a portable charger, and possibly the hopes and dreams of their entire vacation party. A tote is always a solid choice if you love the Loungefly aesthetic but need more space than a mini backpack can offer. And this one gives us Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian, which means it has the full “I’m off on an adventure and at least two creatures are worried about me” energy. ©Amazon The included coin bag is also a nice little bonus. Is it necessary? Technically, no. Is it adorable? Obviously. Is it exactly the kind of tiny add-on that makes Disney collectors whisper, “Well, now I have to get it”? Unfortunately for our budgets, yes. This is especially great for Little Mermaid fans who want a more everyday option. It can work for the parks, errands, travel days, or the kind of Target run where you go in for toothpaste and emerge with seasonal mugs, hair clips, and a new understanding of your own lack of restraint. view ON AMAZON Loungefly x Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Soft Floral Wallet Then there’s the Loungefly x Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Soft Floral Wallet, which is the collection’s quieter little treasure. And we mean “quieter” in the sense that Ariel quietly made a deal with a sea witch and altered the course of several lives, so, you know, Disney quiet. The floral design gives this wallet a softer, more romantic feel. It’s very “Ariel in her dreamy land-girl era,” which is perfect if you like your Disney accessories with a little less neon nostalgia and a little more pretty, polished, still-definitely-obsessed energy. ©Amazon This wallet is a great pick if you don’t necessarily need another bag, but you do need a small dose of Disney serotonin every time you buy coffee, park snacks, or yet another accessory that Sebastian would deeply disapprove of. It also pairs beautifully with the backpack or tote, because Loungefly knows exactly what it’s doing. They don’t just release one cute item. They release a tiny ecosystem of temptation. A coordinated collection. A retail siren song. We hear it, and frankly, we are swimming toward the rocks. View on Amazon Is Your Collection Complete? Let’s be real. No Disney collection is ever complete. That is the great lie we tell ourselves right before Loungefly drops another mini backpack with embossed details and a matching wallet. Ariel had twenty thingamabobs and still wanted more, so who are we to pretend we’re above that behavior? At least our treasures come with zippers. Ariel! This collection is especially fun because it gives Little Mermaid fans a few different ways to play. The iridescent pearl mini backpack is the statement piece. The tote is the practical, roomy option. The wallet is the sweet little add-on that makes the whole thing feel coordinated without requiring you to carry your entire life on your shoulders. Or, you know, you could get all three and call it “curating.” That sounds more responsible. We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

It’s almost time for Cool KIDS Summer to kick off in Disney World, and that means SO much change and excitement! Fairy Bread Cake Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets is opening, Soarin’ Across America is taking flight, and the Walt Disney Studios will be welcoming guests for the first time! We can’t wait to run around trying all of the new attractions, but we know we’ll get pretty hungry along the way. Luckily, there are 8 new snacks for us to check out! Let’s talk NEW snacks in Disney World! From sweet to savory, there’s a little something new for everyone, especially the kiddos! Starting off strong, we have the Chip ‘n’ Dale animated at Snack Cart in Animation Courtyard! It’s made with Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and watermelon syrup served in a Chip ‘n’ Dale Sipper. ©Disney Next is the Mickey and Minnie Cookie Art with Edible Watercolor Paints at Amorette’s Patisserie! It’s a kit that includes a Mickey cookie, a Minnie cookie, a painter’s palette cookie, paint brushes, and water to activate the paints. This is insanely cute! ©Disney Previously announced was Bluey’s Berry Lemonade at Eight Spoon Café and Pizzafari. It’s a Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade blended with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry. ©Disney We’re also getting the Pretzel’s Pretzels at Isle of Java. They’re soft mini pretzels with homemade cheese and blueberry-mustard sauces! ©Disney The Fairy Bread Cake at Pizzafari is a vanilla birthday cake dipped in white chocolate and rainbow sprinkles with raspberry dipping sauce! We’ve already tried this one, and you can see our full review here. ©Disney The Wackadoo Fruit Freeze at Pizzafari can cool you off! It’s a frozen twist on Bluey’s beloved Fruit Salad made with Simply Fruit Punch and garnished with fruit salad. ©Disney Next, we have the Chicken Goof-ups at GRAB-N-GOOF! These are Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Bites with fried cheese curds and Goofy sauce. What is Goofy sauce, you might ask? We can’t wait to find out. ©Disney The thing we’re super excited about is the Goof Troop Mac Snack at GRAB-N-GOOF! They’re fried macaroni & cheese with marinara dipping sauce. Simple and sounds delicious. ©Disney What’s a summer without a few dirt worms? Disney is also giving us the Gawrsh! Worms Everywhere Cake at GRAB-N-GOOF. It’s a chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, cookies and cream pieces, and gummy candy. YUM! ©Disney We’ve got TWO fish bowl cups this summer thanks to Goofy’s Gone Fishing at GRAB-N-GOOF. It’s blue raspberry lemonade with strawberry fruit juice-filled pearls and a choice of fish or shark gummy candies. We love that there’s a choice. ©Disney In Magic Kingdom, you can grab the Zurg Overload Shake at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies! It’s a vanilla shake with cherry coating, marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate piece. We LOVE how bright the colors are! ©Disney Finally, we have the Space Ranger Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies. It’s DOLE Whip Lime and vanilla soft-serve swirl, Sprite, green apple pearls, sprinkles, and a chocolate piece. Yes, you can choose between good and evil! ©Disney We can’t WAIT to give these all a try when they all launch on May 26th. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more! 19 Disney World Restaurants CHANGED This Week Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which snack are you trying first? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Located inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tiffins Restaurant is celebrating 10 years of globally inspired cuisine and a dining experience shaped by real-world travel. I’ve heard from multiple friends that this location is their favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, so what better time to make a visit than for a 10-year celebration? And I’ll spoil the story for you now. Tiffins Restaurant is a must-try on your next visit to the park because the meal and immersive Walt Disney Imagineering details will leave you feeling as if you were on the park research trips with them. Where is Tiffins Restaurant located inside Animal Kingdom? Is Tiffins part of the storytelling of Animal Kingdom? What Imagineering details can you find at the restaurant? What kind of food and beverage does Tiffins Restaurant serve? New menu items to try at Nomad Lounge More to explore for your next food adventure at Animal Kingdom Pull Up a Chair in Discovery Island Nestled in the center of Animal Kingdom in Discovery Island, Tiffins Restaurant is just a short walk from the park entrance, located near the Tree of Life just before the bridge to Pandora – The World of Avatar. If you start traveling across an area with glowing walkways and vibrant bioluminescent flora, you’ve gone too far. In the same area, you’ll find Nomad Lounge, which is a great place for a light bite if you’d like to have an appetizer or a fun, specialty cocktail before your meal at Tiffins Restaurant. This location is also celebrating their 10th anniversary, so you’ll find some new flavors have debuted since your last visit. A Restaurant Inspired by Travel and Adventure For the travelers and wanderers at heart, this restaurant is the dining location for you. As soon as you step in, you’re welcomed by a large, intricately detailed map that sets the stage for an immersive dining experience celebrating world travel. Take a closer look when you visit; you may notice a few Disney Icons within it! As you look around the rest of the dining spaces, you can quickly pick up how the restaurant has a deep appreciation for the natural world through bold artwork inspired by the sketches, journals, and research collected by the Disney Imagineers who brought Animal Kingdom to life. Fun Fact: Shaped by the spirit of travel, Tiffins Restaurant reflects the idea that the most meaningful journeys stay with us. One meal here, and I felt a deeper connection to the world. From Sketchbook to Table: Imagineering Details Around Every Corner Tiffins Restaurant feels like a love letter from Imagineers to Africa, Asia, and South America. Inspired by their travel to these locations, you’ll see paintings, photo collages, sculptures, and other pieces inspired by field notes and sketches Imagineers created during their research trips. Don’t forget to look up! One of my favorite details hangs above a dining area and includes the image of Disney Imagineer Joan Hartwig, who has helped define and build the legacy of Animal Kingdom. Currently, she is preparing to bring the new Tropical Americas land to life, but we also had the opportunity to speak with her about the history behind Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge. She shared how traveling to places like Nepal and East Africa inspired the craftsmanship behind each detail, big or small. Take a look at the details on the walls and in the center of the room, you’ll find portraits and sculptures of different animal species that the Disney Conservation Fund works to protect every day. Did you know? Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs along with the expertise of dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. What to Eat and Drink at Tiffins Restaurant Now we can’t forget about the food, and this table-service experience features a menu that leaves me wanting to go back again and again. Tiffins Restaurant is especially ideal for guests celebrating a special occasion, food-focused travelers, or anyone simply enjoying a relaxed meal in the heart of Animal Kingdom. Plus, if you’re dining with a group of foodies who want to explore every flavor, you’re in for a true treat. With great portion sizes, you can sample from every plate on the table, which I highly recommend so you can discover all the incredible flavors here. Standout Appetizers Korean Barbecue Pork Belly Bao Buns I knew dinner would be exceptional after my first bite into this bao bun. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork with pickled cucumber and green papaya slaw, the flavors are immediate and a great start to your feast. Gobi Manchurian For a vegetarian option, I’d recommend the Gobi Manchurian, which includes crispy-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce. Show-Stopping Main Courses Regional Curry Tasting This dish is a showstopper not only in taste, but also in presentation. Brought to you in a tiffin, the restaurant’s namesake, it’s slowly unveiled by the servers at Tiffins Restaurant to reveal the three portions of this meal in the shape of a hidden Mickey. For this tasting of South Asian curries, we received Thai Green Curry and Indian Red Curry with a side of Jasmine Rice. What is a Tiffin? A light, midday meal, snack or luncheon. The word also frequently refers to the packed lunch itself and the metal, tiered container used to carry it, which is what the Regional Curry Tasting dish was served in. Shrimp & Grits For a comforting dish, I’d recommend the Shrimp & Grits for a savory meal packed with flavor. The Peri Peri shrimp was served with a South African mealie pap with roasted corn, goat cheese, and green apple chutney. As someone who always asks for more goat cheese, this was perfect! Every bite had bold flavors, and it felt unique from other Shrimp & Grits dishes I’ve tried. If you’d like a wine to accompany this plate, I’d recommend the Raats Original Unoaked Chenin Blanc, which is a crisp white wine that nicely complements different elements of this meal. Fun Fact: The wine selections pay tribute to the regions Imagineers visited during the development of the park. Oaxacan Pork Duo This was another easy choice in our lineup because it was recommended by our server who has worked at Tiffins Restaurant since opening day. He did not lead us astray! The entire table loved this dish, and it is a great option if you’re looking for a protein-heavy dish since it featured grilled pork chop and smoked pork shoulder. Butter Chicken The colorful plating was a feast for the eyes, and the creamy, tomato-based sauce added a nice richness to the chicken. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it also came with a samosa, which rounded out the meal perfectly. A Sweet Treat to End the Meal Caramel Flan A flan for the ages. This velvety, rich caramel custard is paired with a vanilla Chantilly and goes great with a cup of Joffrey’s coffee. African Pot De Crème A decadent, rich dessert for all the chocolate lovers. This chocolate pot de crème is infused with Ethiopian coffee, Ras el Hanout pineapple, pistachio, and topped with a chocolate cookie. Quick Tip: Reservations for Tiffins Restaurant are highly recommended and can be made 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app. Consider scheduling your meal mid-day for a relaxing break from park exploration or as a perfect finale before heading out for the evening. New Flavors Take Center Stage at Nomad Lounge Celebrating a milestone this year too, Nomad Lounge neighbors Tiffins Restaurant and is also hitting the 10-year milestone. Plus, they have new menu items to ring in the festivities! This refreshing oasis may be my favorite destination on a visit to the park because it feels like an escape surrounded by nature and quiet, offering peace and comfort to all who enter. The refreshed Nomad Lounge menu features small plates designed for sharing, pairing perfectly with a relaxing break along Discovery River: Charcuterie and Cheese Board: Chef’s selection of assorted meats, cheeses, and accompaniments Crispy Chicken Wings Traveller’s Provisions: A collection of flavors gathered from distant bazaars and remote outposts; warm onion naan bread paired with a trio of globally-inspired dips: roasted garlic hummus, roasted eggplant and beetroot spread, roasted red pepper and walnut muhammara Wild Mushroom Dumplings Churros Grilled Beef Kefta Sticky Pork Ribs In addition to these delicious small plates, you can also find a lovely beverage to pair with them, like the Lychee-Ginger Lemonade and The Pachyderm and The Pollinator. On first sip of the Lychee-Ginger Lemonade, I was hooked and recommending it to friends. The combination of flavors had a crisp, refreshing taste that instantly cooled me after an adventurous park day. Interested in a cocktail instead? Another delightful option to sip on is The Pachyderm and The Pollinator, which features Bayab African Rose Gin, honey, lemon, lavender bitters and soda water. Looking Ahead: Your Next Food Expedition at Animal Kingdom The options are endless for foodie lovers, and we recently got the scoop on which items to try for our next food expedition. Whether you need a strong coffee to fuel your morning or a Pulled Pork Cheese Arepa to keep you sustained on your day of discovery, this guide has it all. Now, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it, so I think it’s time for another tasty adventure. See you there! Everything You Need to Know about Bluey at Animal Kingdom READ MORE Plan Your Own Food Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Meet the Newest Baby Animals at Walt Disney World READ MORE The post New Flavors Debut as Tiffins Restaurant Marks 10 Years at Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

There are few airport experiences more spiritually humbling than standing at baggage claim while every suitcase except yours comes tumbling down the conveyor belt. Black suitcase. Black suitcase. Suspiciously damp duffel. Neon hard-shell bag that could be seen from space. Another black suitcase. And then…nothing. Baggage claim Suddenly, your vacation brain goes from “Do we mobile order lunch first or unpack first?” to “My bag has joined the witness protection program, and now my stress level has reached a new altitude.” DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. That, dear traveler, is exactly why this Anti-Loss Smart Luggage Tag caught our attention. It’s a luggage tag with a built-in tracker that connects to Apple’s Find My app, so you can keep tabs on your suitcase without stuffing a separate tracker into a random pocket and hoping it doesn’t make a break for freedom somewhere between your house and Orlando. Anti-Loss Smart Luggage Tag The full product name is a mouthful: Luggage Tags Builtin AntiLoss Tracker Luxury Leather Luggage Tags for Suitcase Travel Bags Backpacks Travel Organizer for Lost Baggage Prevention Pink 2 Pack. Which is a mouthful. But the idea is simple: this is a leather-style luggage tag with a built-in location tracker. It connects to the Find My iPhone app, meaning iPhone users can track their bag through an app they probably already know how to use. Luggage Tag Tracker No separate tracking app. No additional tiny puck to shove into your suitcase. No “Wait, which pocket did I hide the AirTag in?” spiral at 5:43 AM while your airport shuttle driver idles outside. It’s all tucked into the tag itself. view ON AMAZON Why This Actually Makes Sense A lot of travelers already use AirTags or similar trackers in their luggage, and that is a solid strategy. We are not here to start a tiny Bluetooth tracker turf war. We have enough problems. But the tricky thing about a separate AirTag is that it can fall out, get buried too deeply, or end up in one of those “very safe places” that immediately ceases to exist the moment you need it. Anti Loss Luggage Tag This luggage tag solves that by building the tracker directly into the tag. It’s attached to the outside of your bag, which means you do not have to worry about a loose tracker disappearing into the sock abyss. The strap is adjustable and easy to remove, but it still feels secure. It doesn’t get in the way in the overhead bin or feel like it’s going to fall off, which is important because a luggage tag that becomes a nuisance is just a tiny handbag goblin with better branding. view ON AMAZON The Big Pro: It Uses Find My iPhone The best part of this product is how familiar it feels for iPhone users. It connects to the Find My app, which is already built into iPhones. That means you are not downloading a suspicious app named something like “Bag Tracky Pro Plus 360” and praying it doesn’t ask for access to your contacts, soul, and grocery list. Anti Loss Luggage Tag Find My is familiar. It’s easy. It’s already part of the Apple ecosystem. For travelers who are not looking to add another app, password, account, or technological headache to their vacation, that is a big win. And once it’s connected, you can check your bag’s location and even trigger a beep from your phone. That beep may not solve every travel problem, but it does give you one more tool before your anxiety skyrockets. view ON AMAZON The Catch: You Need a Wireless Charger Now, because this is travel gear and not a fairy godmother, there is a catch. This luggage tag charges wirelessly, and the wireless charger is not included. There is no plug-in charging option, so if you do not already own a wireless charger, that is an extra expense to factor in. And yes, that is a little annoying. We like our travel gadgets useful, not needy. The listed battery life is long, around four months on one charge, so you should not have to charge it constantly. But you do need the right setup when the time comes. ©Amazon So before you click “add to cart” with the confidence of someone who has never forgotten a phone charger in a hotel room, check your house. If you do not have a wireless charger, add that to the math. Another thing to know: the power button can be tricky. It can be hard to press and a little difficult to click the correct number of times, especially when powering it off. Is this a dealbreaker? Probably not. Is it the kind of tiny tech annoyance that makes you mutter at an inanimate object before coffee? Absolutely. Once it’s set up, the tag is useful. But the button situation is worth knowing about before you’re sitting on the floor next to your half-packed suitcase, trying to count button presses while your packing cubes stare at you with disappointment. view ON AMAZON Is It Worth the Money? This tag is a bit pricey for what it is if you think of it as “just a luggage tag.” But that’s not really what it is. It’s more like a luggage tag and a tracker got together and decided to become useful. If you were already planning to buy both a luggage tag and a separate AirTag-style tracker, this bundled version could actually save you money. It combines both functions into one item and gives you a cleaner, more secure setup. ©Amazon If you already own trackers and luggage tags you like, this probably isn’t an urgent must-buy. But if you travel often, check bags regularly, or spend the entire baggage claim experience composing a mental strongly worded email to the universe, this could be a very nice upgrade. view ON AMAZON Who Should Buy It? This is especially useful for iPhone users who want a simple luggage tracking option without juggling multiple accessories. It’s also a great pick for anxious travelers. And we say that with love, because some of us do not relax until we can personally verify that our bag has arrived, our hotel room is ready, and our backup snacks have survived the journey. If you are flying to Disney World and checking a bag, this could be especially helpful. Between airport transfers, rideshares, resort arrivals, and the general “vacation brain has replaced normal brain” effect, it’s nice to have one less thing to wonder about. ©Amazon You probably do not need this if you only take carry-ons, rarely fly, or already have a tracker system that works perfectly for you. But if checked bags make you twitchy, this is the kind of product that can take the edge off. Compared to a basic jelly-style luggage tag, this one feels much more durable. The leather-style design looks more polished, and because the tracking feature is built in, it feels more substantial than the usual floppy tag that looks like it might surrender after one aggressive trip through baggage handling. It also gives you more functionality. view ON AMAZON The Final Boarding Call Checked bags are always going to involve a tiny leap of faith. You hand your suitcase to an airline employee, watch it vanish behind a rubber curtain, and hope it reappears in the same state, city, and general timeline as you. This Anti-Loss Smart Luggage Tag cannot make air travel flawless. Nothing can. Not even coffee, and coffee has been carrying society on its tiny roasted back for generations. ©Amazon But it can give you more visibility, more control, and a little more calm when your suitcase is off doing suitcase things without adult supervision. And honestly? For frequent travelers, anxious travelers, Disney travelers, and anyone who has ever stood at baggage claim whispering “please be mine” at every navy suitcase, that peace of mind might be worth the upgrade. We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

If you’re a theme park fan, I would bet money you’ve heard of Dollywood! CINNAMON BREAD! This Tennessee theme park is one of my favorite theme parks in the world, thanks to its great thrill rides, beautiful atmosphere, and amazing food. If you’re going to the theme park, I have one snack recommendation that blows the rest of them away. I’m here to scream from the rooftops about how much we love Cinnamon Bread! When I told my friends and family that I was going to Dollywood, the first thing everyone asked me was, “Are you getting the cinnamon bread?” THAT’s how famous this snack is. Inside the theme park, if you head over to Craftsman’s Valley and to the Grist Mill, you can find the world-famous Cinnamon Bread. (Okay, even if it isn’t world-famous, I think it should be). Cinnamon Bread The Grist Mill bakes thousands of loaves of fresh Cinnamon Bread every day, and they can still run out on busy days! When I stopped by the walk-up stand, I only waited for 15 minutes to grab our snack. Compared to later in the day, this was a relatively short wait! The Grist Mill For $12.99, you can get a loaf of Cinnamon Bread and a side of icing. For $1.59, you can get extra icing or a side of Apple Butter. During our stop by, I grabbed extra icing and apple butter because why not? There were 4 people in my group, and we got two loaves. You might be thinking that’s too much, I’m here to say it might not have been enough. This is heavenly This bread is baked so you can easily pull it apart, and it’s covered in cinnamon, butter, and a sweet glaze that melts into the fluffy bread. The bread is light and fluffy, but not underbaked. The cinnamon and butter on top are baked long enough, so it has a nice crunch which balances beautifully with the fluffy bread. Look at that crust! Once you pull out the bread, you’ll notice a sweet glaze of butter and sugar in the bottom of the pan. I am begging you to dip this bread into that glaze! It makes it the perfect bite every time. The icing is just thick enough to pour or dip your bite in. It almost reminds us of a fluffier, more complex cinnamon roll once you add the icing. Our icing and apple butter! If you’ve never had apple butter, it’s a slightly thicker, more caramelized version of apple sauce. It has a cinnamon-forward flavor that’s warm and melts in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with the bread because it’s still sweet but not in a sugary way like the icing is. I am obsessed with this! You can get this snack all around the park, but Grist Mill is its most famous location. If you’re staying in the Dollywood Resorts, you can actually order it directly to your room. They have a door card you can fill out the night before, and then the next morning, you can get breakfast and coffee delivered directly to your room. Cinnamon Bread in our hotel room! This snack is easily the park’s most famous bite, but it isn’t for everyone! If you don’t love super-sweet treats or heavily spiced desserts, this might not be the meal for you. If you love cinnamon rolls, elevated breakfast bites, and a shareable dessert, this is a great option for you. I personally love to get one for the park and another to take home with me at the end of the day. The Cinnamon Bread in our hotel room! This is just one aspect of the Dollywood theme park, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more. Keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more theme park reviews, news, updates, and more. Dollywood Announces NEW First-of-Its-Kind Ride Coming in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try this snack? Tell me in the comments! View the full article

If you’re a Disney fan, we bet you have a Disney+ account, or you’ve seen a lot of behind-the-scenes content of the theme parks. ©Disney When Disney’s streaming service first launched, one of the most popular shows on the platform was the Imagineering Story. While they still haven’t made a season 2 of that, they have given us 2 shows that fill the void! Now, Disney has confirmed that one of our favorite shows on Disney+ is finally back for season 3. Get excited for some behind-the-scenes looks at the Walt Disney Company! Behind the Attraction is back for season 3, and we couldn’t be more excited. This show does deep dives into Disney attractions, snacks, shows, and more. On June 24th, the third season will be focused on the Disney Cruise Line! ©Disney This season will have firsthand accounts from those who helped to create the fleet in 1998. It will be a 2-episode special that will focus on the evolution of the Disney Cruise Line, and it will even talk specifically about the making of the Disney Destiny. This show offers such a unique perspective on the brand that we love, so we are seriously excited for this! Disney Destiny Oceanview with Verandah Stateroom If you want to learn even more about some behind-the-scenes secrets, we have even MORE exciting news. Imagineer That! is now streaming on Disney+. This popular series was on Disney Channel originally between 1999 and 2001, and it started Tom Morrow 2.0. ©Disney This show followed Tom as he sought out Imagineers to answer questions about the theme parks. The series really focused on the science, storytelling, and engineering behind rides, fireworks, and Audio-Animatronics. In 2025, Disney brought the series back on YouTube to bring even more of this behind-the-scenes content. ©Disney New episodes of the show will still debut on YouTube first before it lands on Disney+. The next installment of the series will be released next week! We love these shows because they give us an insight into how Disney creates such magical memories. If you’ve ever dreamed of being an Imagineer, you need to check these out when they drop on Disney+! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more. Your Disney+ Subscription Just Got Better — Check Out This Limited-Time Perk Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you seen these shows? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Tom Kane, a beloved voice actor, has died at age 64. ©Getty Images Kane passed away from stroke complications, and a statement said, “From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries, and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humor, and heart to every role he touched. His voice became part of our lives, our memories, and the stories we carry with them.” Kane was the iconic voice on the Disney World monorail… Monorail …and narrates Happily Ever After, the fireworks show in Magic Kingdom. Happily Ever After One of his most popular roles was as Yoda for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. ©Disney Kane was also the voice of Lord Monkey Fist on Kim Possible. He also portrayed Magneto and Ultron for some Marvel projects. We also voiced Professor Utonium on The Powerpuff Girls and Mr. Herriman on Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. ©Disney He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1984and began doing small voice parts in video games for Lucasfilm in 1996. He took on the voice of Yoda for the first time in a game released in 1999. Kane continued to voice Yoda on the TV series Star Wars: Clone Wars and the Clone Wars film, where we also voiced Admiral Yularen. ©Disney Kane said, “I didn’t work on being Yoda. I saw the movie 53 times, so the voice is very much in my head. Everybody tried to do Yoda, not just voice-overs, but everybody. I was doing stuff for LucasArts, and I was goofing around and reading Yoda lines, and what I didn’t know was that Frank Oz [the original voice of Yoda] was directing a movie. They recorded it and played it for George [Lucas], and I’ve been Yoda ever since.” Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! View the full article

We know it can be overwhelming when you’re looking for Disney merch online. That’s why we are always searching for the best deals so you can get fun items at an amazing price! Magic Kingdom And we just found some incredible deals on Amazon that you need to shop for as soon as possible, because they won’t be around long. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. ALL THE GREAT AMAZON SALES HAPPENING RIGHT NOW All of these deals are amazing, but they are all only available for a limited time, so let’s get into it quick so you can see what you need to add to your cart! Check out this Haunted Mansion Ornament Set for over 55% off ©Amazon This ornament set is so fun. And it’s currently over 55% off, which means that you can get two ornaments featuring some of your favorite iconic Haunted Mansion characters for only $11. This deal is perfect if you’re looking for some Haunted Mansion fun to include on your Christmas Tree this year! VIEW ON AMAZON Check out this Mickey and Friends Halloween Cup for over 50% off ©Amazon Let’s keep the spooky fun coming with this adorable cup. It features Mickey and the gang in some fun Halloween costumes. Plus, the orange background with the Halloween details of spiders, cobwebs, skulls, and candy really helps bring this whole cup together. This cup is currently over 50% off, so take advantage of this great deal if you want to start celebrating Halloween a little early! VIEW ON AMAZON Grab this Disney Doorables Stitch Collection for over 45% off ©Amazon This adorable unboxing toy is perfect for any Stitch fans in your life. This collection is so cute, and right now it’s over 45% off, so if this toy looks like fun, you should grab it quick before the sale ends! VIEW ON AMAZON Last up check out this Halloween Stitch Mug for over 50% off ©Amazon We’ve got some more Stitch fun with this amazing Halloween Mug. This sale is really getting us in the Halloween spirit, and it’s never too early to start putting your Halloween decor together. Plus, with the sale, this mug is only $7! VIEW ON AMAZON Remember, these deals will only be around for a limited time, so take advantage of them soon. And stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything. Check out a list of all the best deals currently available on Amazon here! AMAZON SALES View the full article

Who’s ready for a new Loungefly? ©BoxLunch Well, even if you think you might NOT be ready to get a new Loungefly, we bet there is something in BoxLunch’s new Loungefly collection that will change your mind. Some of your favorite things are represented with these new bags after all, including Haunted Mansion, Phineas and Ferb, Tangled, Stitch, and more! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Haunted Mansion Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch Okay, Foolish Mortals, your new favorite Haunted Mansion backpack is here! This cool backpack is shaped like the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland and includes the hitchhiking ghosts on the front pocket. However, the two flaps on the front pocket open to reveal the stretching room portraits BoxLunch This backpack is available for pre-order now and will ship in August…just in time for spooky season! BUY AT bOXLUNCH Buy the Mickey and Minnie Fruit Floaties Beach Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch The perfect summer Loungefly doesn’t exis…oh, wait, yes it does! This Mickey and Minnie bag is perfect for the sunnier months. It has Mickey and Minnie lounging on some fruit floaties surrounded by other floaties and the beach. The back has Pluto in a floatie! BUY AT bOXLUNCH Get the Phineas and Ferb Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch Okay, this could be the BEST thing we’ve seen on the Internet today. This Phineas and Ferb backpack features your favorite Phineas and Ferb characters on a vibrant backpack that even lights up. What’s better than that? BUY AT bOXLUNCH Buy the Pascal Floral Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch Finally! Tangled‘s Pascal is the star of his very own Loungefly, and he’s front and center on the front pocket, surrounded by a pretty floral design. However, you’ll find a silhouette of his BFF, Rapunzel, on one side. BUY AT bOXLUNCH Get the Stitch Beach Towel Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch Stitch is having some fun in the sun on this backpack, complete with a pineapple drink and sunglasses. There’s also a cute starfish just above his head. The back of the bag says “Aloha” and “Stitch.” BUY AT bOXLUNCH Buy the Monsters University Oozma Kappa House Figural Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch This backpack takes things back to when Mike and Sulley were still in college and recreates their Oozma Kappa House building. It’s even got a large front pocket to hold things like your keys and phone for easy access. BUY AT bOXLUNCH Buy the Winnie the Pooh Honey Pot Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch This Loungefly features Pooh stuffed into a honey pot, which is probably his favorite place to be. He’s joined by his Hundred Acre Woods friends, Eeyore, Piglet, Roo, and Tigger! TOO adorable. BUY AT bOXLUNCH Get the Perry the Platypus Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch But, wait, there’s ANOTHER new Phineas and Ferb Loungefly, and this one is all about Perry the Platypus, who is front and center. This fun backpack is a must for Phineas and Ferb fans, and we’re loving seeing Loungefly embrace the Phineas and Ferb love! BUY AT bOXLUNCH Get the Atlantis: The Lost Empire Embroidered Patches Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch Talk about movies that don’t get a lot of attention, but should…Atlantis is here in ALL its glory on this new mini backpack. This bag has embroidered patches that are themed to the movie. BUY AT bOXLUNCH Buy the Ariel Floral Kisslock Mini Backpack ©BoxLunch This unique backpack has a kisslock design and features Ariel swimming under the sea with King Triton’s castle in the background. Oh, wait…Flounder is there, too! The kisslock is made with two shells! BUY AT bOXLUNCH We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Whether you’re getting ready to start Disney pin trading OR you’ve already got some collections going and you’re looking to add some pro tips to your trading roster, TODAY’s DFB video is all about the ART of PIN TRADING. Pin Board We’re also talking about how YOU can make the most out of this CLASSIC Disney activity! Check out our video below: What Is Pin Trading In Disney World And Why Is EVERYONE Talking About It? Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Christmas might still be over six months away, but this new announcement is going to make everyone start preparing early. For the first time ever, Elf on the Shelf is collaborating with Disney! Christmas at Disney This brand has been around since 2005 and has never done a major collaboration like this until now. So let’s get into the reason behind the partnership and all the fun Disney x Elf on the Shelf fun fans can expect from this collaboration. This collab, first reported by Parade, is going to include specialty costumes, props, accessories, kits, and carriers. And they have even released the four Disney franchises set to be included: Mickey Mouse & Friends, Olaf from Frozen, Disney Princesses, and Spider-Man. The prices for these new items will range from $12.95 and $25.95. This collaboration came about because co-CEO and co-founder Chanda Bell saw that many families were making their own Disney customizations to their elves at home. Parade According to co-CEO and co-founder Christa Pitts, “Our goal was to collaborate with iconic, beloved brands and marry our fandoms in an authentic way.” Since many families were already incorporating Disney into their Elf on the Shelf tradition, they thought it was time to make an official collaboration that would allow families to expand their Elf and customize it to their kids’ favorite movies and characters. Parade While they are starting out with these first four categories, they hope to be able to incorporate even more movies and characters in the future. So if you’re excited about this collaboration, pre-sale opens on Amazon in mid-July before officially launching on September 15th on The Santa Store. Then later they will be available at Target, Walmart, CVS, and Michaels. Parade We are so excited about this fun collab! We will continue to update you on all the Disney news, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! This NEW Disney Character Meet-and-Greet is Going to be POPULAR! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new collab? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Making your hotel room a home away from home can often feel like a challenge… but we’ve discovered a hotel essential on Amazon that makes this task much easier! HOMDIS Mini Humidifier Lugging around a humidifier while you’re on vacation isn’t very practical. HOWEVER, we found a travel item that lets you do just that — all without taking up a ton of space! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This humidifier is perfect for when you’re on the go! HOMDIS Mini Humidifier The HOMDIS Travel Humidifier is available on Amazon in a few different colors and is a small humidifier that attaches to a water bottle. There it is Ideal for anyone who is used to a humidifier at home or could use one after travel, this humidifier (which also features rotating light colors that can double as a night light) is easy to assemble and comes with a carrying bag. There are three attachments allowing you to fit the device to the size of the water bottle you have, and it features several settings — so you can have it timed or let it run continuously. HOMDIS Mini Humidifier Compact and able to work wired and/or wirelessly, we’ve found this mini humidifier to be convenient, easy to use, and effective. The light show was a bonus, too! BUY ON AMAZON What is your favorite travel essential? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more packing tips and hotel essential finds! View the full article

Soarin’ Across America is Disney’s latest version of the beloved Soarin’ attraction, and it’s officially opening to the public on May 26th. You’ll hop on the iconic seats, click your seatbelt in, and pull on that yellow tab before taking off on a journey across the United States, all in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country. Soarin’ Across America Now, we’ve gotten a chance to ride the attraction, and there’s something you need to know before you climb in. Your favorite spot in America might not have made the list! Ah! It’s actually possible that you haven’t been to any of the locations besides Florida if you’re riding in EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America Now, we’re going to be talking about specific locations here, so if you don’t want any spoilers for when you ride, you might want to keep scrolling by. Queue updates! Official spoilers ahead! We were happy to see major cities like New York and, of course, beautiful areas like Hawaii and Alaska. Soarin’ Across America We also saw Mount Rushmore and the bayous in Louisiana. Mount Rushmore in Soarin’ Across America I have a question, though: why are there two scenes for Los Angeles? You can see the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign (which, by the way, is not very far away from each other). A nice nighttime view! While there are two for Los Angeles, why did other major cities like Chicago and Las Vegas get left out? We are in love! In the comments on some of our Instagram posts, we also saw requests for Philadelphia. Some also brought up the Great Lakes region, the Redwoods in California, and Niagara Falls. Soarin’ Across America So, what we’re saying, we would not expect to climb up onto the seats and see your hometown, unless you’re from a major city, and even then, you might not have made the cut (and trust me, as someone from Las Vegas, Nevada, I was devastated). Since the United States is such a different state to state, it can be hard to fit it into a five-minute ride. The Soarin’ Challenge Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney World trip. We’re in the parks every day, discovering new strategies and hacks so you can have the best vacation ever. 3 HUGE PROBLEMS EXPOSED BY SOARIN’ ACROSS AMERICA PREVIEWS IN EPCOT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What location do you wish made the list? Tell us in the comments! View the full article