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When planning your visit to EPCOT, you have seemingly endless dining options! Nine Dragons Restaurant You could check out spots like Garden Grill or Space 220 in the front of the park, not to mention the dozens of restaurants all around the World Showcase. So how do you decide where to eat? Well, it’ll probably depend on what you like to eat, your budget, and a bunch of other factors. And if Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion has made it on your shortlist, you’ll definitely want to keep reading! We recently made a reservation at Nine Dragons in EPCOT to check it out and share our thoughts. This restaurant serves (you guessed it!) Chinese food, and it’s a fairly popular option for those looking in the mid-priced table service range. Nine Dragons Restaurant menu So what did we think of our experience? Let’s talk about it! Atmosphere When you check in at the restaurant, you’ll head inside and speak to a Cast Member at the counter. There’s a small waiting area if you need it, but we were seated immediately. Check-in area There’s one large dining area that’s separated by a few decorative walls. In the middle, there are a bunch of basic tables, but there are also sections in the back of the restaurant and over by the window. Main dining room The window section is probably where you’ll get the best view, and it wasn’t too crowded when we arrived. You might be able to request to sit in this area if the restaurant isn’t busy. The window seats near the back of this photo offer a great view. Our table was set with an appetizer plate, napkin, silverware, and a menu. Table Setting We were also given a small tray with sweetener and soy sauce. Sweetener and Soy Sauce So now that we’re settled, let’s take a look at that menu! Menu When it comes to the menu for Nine Dragons, you’ve got quite a few options in terms of appetizers and entrees. The six appetizers include options like Vegetable Spring Rolls, Crispy Duck Bao Buns, and Chicken Pot Stickers. For entrees, there are nine different choices, including Crispy Duck Fried Rice, Honey Sesame Chicken, the Kung Pao Duo, Kowloon Spare Ribs, and more. Nine Dragons Menu The backside of the menu has all the beverage options, including wine, beer, hard cider, soft drinks, and mocktails. There are lots of choices here as well. The drink menu And on the day that we were visiting, there was a placard on our table announcing the Chef’s Special — an appetizer of House-Made Cheesy Crab Wontons for $10.50. We’ll definitely have to try that! Well that sounds delicious! Now that we’ve seen the choices, it’s time to order and eat. Eats To start, we’re kicking this off with not one, but TWO appetizers! We’re ready for some apps! First we ordered that Chef’s Selection of House-Made Cheesy Crab Wontons. They’re served hot and fresh with a duck sauce on the side. They’re very cream cheese-forward with a light crab flavor that’s not overwhelming. Cheesy Crab Wontons The wontons themselves were SO crispy, cooked just a little past golden brown. It was actually pretty perfect because sometimes wontons can be hard to eat when they’re chewy. They were also absolutely STUFFED with filling, which was a great deal. Crab Wonton The dipping sauce was sweet and spicy, and the kick comes a little toward the end. They’re definitely best eaten with the sauce because it adds some depth of flavor. YUMMMM Moving on to our second appetizer, we had the Crispy Duck Bao Buns, which were $13.95. The buns themselves were simply amazing — light and fluffy and not too much. The duck inside is a rather generous portion, served in one big chunk. The first piece we tasted wasn’t too fatty, but the second one was much more so. Crispy Duck Bao Buns The duck wasn’t really dry, but not overly juicy either. It was best with the barbecue-like sauce because it added some smoky and sweet flavors. The crispy onions on the top help mix the textures and add a tangy onion flavor. We were genuinely surprised by how well the various textures and flavors worked together here. You get two decent-sized buns with your order, but we did think it was a bit pricey for the portion (likely because it’s duck). The outside of the duck is just a smidge crispy, but not so much that we would call them “crispy duck bao buns.” An up-close look at the bun Now it’s time for the entrees! First was the Kung Pao Duo, which you can order for $25. It’s made with chicken and shrimp and topped with peanuts. We found this to be pretty spicy, and the spice lingers on the front of your tongue and might even make your lips tingle. The sauce is a smidge smokey at first, but it’s a chili pepper-esque lingering spice. Kung Pao Duo The peanuts are pretty hard to get on your fork but add a good crunch and mix of flavor when you do. We liked the shrimp more than the chicken, although it was on the chewy side (by shrimp standards). The chicken comes in decent-sized pieces but has a fair amount of gristle. Some pieces were really hard to eat. If you get a piece with a lot of meat, it’s good — but it’s kind of a toss-up. There aren’t any veggies that come with this dish, but there is a scoop of rice on the side. It was pretty basic, sticky, and soft. The best thing about this particular meal is probably the portion because you get a LOT of food. An up-close of the Kung Pao Duo Moving on to our second entree, we got the Kowloon Spare Ribs. These are $30 and come served with some broccoli, rice, and a fair amount of garnish on top. These ribs were SO tender and easy to pull off the bone. Sticky and sweet, but with an underlying smokiness. (Lots of smoky flavors at this restaurant!) The meat itself was incredibly juicy and would be delicious even without the sauce. Pair it with the garnish on top that was light and fresh, and it’s the perfect combination. Kowloon Spare Ribs We got four ribs with our order, along with a scoop of rice and some HUGE pieces of broccoli, so the portions are great. The broccoli was pretty basic — not necessarily bland but not a standout either. The same went for the rice. Those ribs were really the star of the dish, as they should be. We would come back and order them again and again. They might’ve been our favorite part of the meal! Look at those ribs! And we can’t leave without trying the dessert! As a beverage to go along with our sweet treat, we got the Shangri-La Slushy, which is made with strawberry and mango and can be purchased for $6.25. It was mostly mango-forward, and it was definitely an artificial candy-like mango, but it was tasty. The strawberry portion of the slush was sickly sweet and had little strawberry flavor. Overall, this was a straight sugar rush and it made us feel like we were drinking Dum-Dum sucker flavors. Shangri-La Slushy But the real winner for dessert was the Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream for $4.25. It comes served in a small bowl with a spoon, and you get a fairly large scoop. We found that it had a texture somewhere between ice cream and sorbet. Because of that texture, it feels like it’s not as dairy-heavy as other ice creams…but that’s just based on our tasting. We mostly get the strawberry flavor from this, and we honestly didn’t even notice the bean. There are no fruit chunks throughout, so it’s all smooth. For the portion size, you could probably eat this on your own if you have room left after your meal, but you might want to split it if you’re getting full. Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream So what did we think overall? Overall First, we have to say that Nine Dragons was some of the FASTEST service at a sit-down restaurant in Disney World that we’ve ever had. Everything we ordered was out within 5 minutes of placing the order, which is great if you’re trying to cram a meal into a busy park day. On the other hand, it might be a little jarring and you may feel rushed if you’re trying to be leisurely. (Or, if you’re like us and you take 3673 pictures and videos of your food.) Nine Dragons In general, we had some things we really enjoyed and some that we didn’t. The wontons, spare ribs, and ice cream were all highlights of the meal for us, but the Kung Pao Duo was a tad underwhelming. The Crispy Duck Bao Buns were something we would order again if we had the room in the budget. Side dining room So where does Nine Dragons stand with us? It was a good meal and it was relatively fast! We don’t know if it would be our top pick in EPCOT since there are SO many good restaurants there, but if you’re craving some Chinese food, it’s the best choice. Nosh or Not Make a pit stop in China if… You’re craving some Chinese food. Chinese food tends to be a bit of a crowd-pleaser for large groups, and this restaurant is no exception. We definitely think it’s higher caliber than Lotus Blossom next door, and there’s something o the menu for everyone. You LOVE ribs. Seriously, these were some of the best ribs we’ve eaten in Disney World, and we would go back just to try those! If you’re a ribs aficionado, this is for you. There isn’t an EPCOT festival happening. If there’s a festival going on in EPCOT (which is most of the year nowadays), we recommend getting some eats from the food booths. But if you’re traveling during the in-between season, this restaurant would be a good spot to try. Keep on walking around the “World” if… You want something you can’t get anywhere else. If your hometown has a pretty decent Chinese restaurant, this is a step above that, but maybe not too far. There are lots of unique cuisine types in the World Showcase that you might not be able to get back home. You want a meal with a fun experience. As far as sit-down restaurants go, this was a pretty basic experience. There are no characters like at Garden Grill or Akershus, and there’s not a spectacular view like at Coral Reef. If you want something that’s true “Disney” we recommend visiting one of those other spots. You’re in the mood for a leisurely meal. As we mentioned above, this meal moved along FAST. If you’re trying to go slow, you might feel rushed. Nine Dragons table That’s a wrap on our review of Nine Dragons Restaurant! We can’t wait to share more dining reviews and thoughts with you, so keep following Disney Food Blog. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! Click Here to Read Our Review of One of EPCOT’s Fanciest Restaurants! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever been to Nine Dragons? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Found the FASTEST Sit-Down Restaurant in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just a few short weeks away from a VERY big day in Disney World! Opening soon! We’ve been waiting on the reopening of TRON Lightcycle / Run for years now, and on April 4th, it finally opens to the public! We’ve already gotten the chance to ride thanks to Cast Member previews and we’re still awaiting the registration for Annual Passholder previews, but we’re one step closer to the big day. So what does the ride look like NOW? Is the construction complete? Leading up to the opening of the attraction, the entrances and exits are completely blocked with rolling hedges. The only guests let through and up near the ride at this time are those with scheduled ride previews. One entrance is located near Tomorrowland Light & Power Company, while the other is over by The Barnstormer. That one is currently being used as an exit only. In front of the ride You get a pretty great birds-eye view of the ride from the PeopleMover, and from this angle, we can see that not all the construction is complete yet. There are still rolling hedges in front of a small section near the entrance of the ride. It looks like more landscaping is being installed there. In front of TRON But once you get up to the ride building, everything is complete! The coaster is, of course, all ready to go, and at nighttime, the dome lights up in shades of blue. Cast Member previews We can’t wait to see everything complete and officially open in the next few weeks! We’ll be there on opening day to bring you all the news, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest. Click Here to See Our Full Guide to Using the TRON Lightcycle / Run Lockers! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. When are you planning on riding TRON? Tell us in the comments! The post Amid TRON Lightcycle / Run Previews, Some Work STILL Isn’t Done at Disney World’s New Ride first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

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Walt Disney World is truly a multi-generational destination. From grandparents to parents of toddlers, you’ll find attractions for everyone in the family. We’ve been on these rides with our own children and now we want to share our park-tested tips with you. In between rides, your toddlers will be fascinated with the shows, parades, characters, snacks, and play areas. Magic Kingdom is a full 1 or more days of family fun! Walt and Mickey We realize that kids, especially toddlers, may like something one day and very much dislike it the next. If your toddler is currently fearful of the dark, things that spin or go up and down, or even loud noises, we’re going to clue you in as to which rides, they may enjoy on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Since many families begin their Disney World vacations in the Magic Kingdom, let’s look at the best rides for toddlers when visiting this iconic park. Astro Orbiter The Astro Orbiter rockets fly high above Tomorrowland requiring an elevator up to the ride’s platform. If your toddler isn’t afraid of heights (try Dumbo first), they may enjoy the great views of the Magic Kingdom. Astro Orbiter There is no height requirement for this ride, and many toddlers seem to love this ride that moves in circles. It does go around much faster than Dumbo, so try this one after your visit to Storybook Circus. The Barnstormer If you are looking for an introduction to roller coasters for your toddler, The Barnstormer is a great choice. It’s a peppy ride that lasts less than a minute! Barnstormer! While a fairly tame ride, there is a height requirement of 35 inches. This one takes some time to load and unload so the line can get long. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin After a ride on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, your toddler will be saying “to infinity and beyond” for the rest of the day. Guests of all ages love this interactive ride — toddlers can turn the ride vehicle with an easy to control joystick and/or concentrate on shooting targets with their laser cannon to defeat Zurg. Each time that you press the trigger, your cannon shoots out a red laser beam. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Want to impress the family? Check out our tips for getting a high score here! Dumbo The Flying Elephant A classic Disney attraction, Dumbo, is much loved by many toddlers! Located in Storybook Circus, fly with the adorable Dumbo elephants as you watch your child’s joy as they control how high or low their Dumbo soars throughout the ride. Dumbo the Flying Elephant Kids also love the area where they can play while waiting for their turn with Dumbo. Since there is no height requirement and it’s on the milder side, parents, grandparents, and toddlers can take a spin together! “it’s a small world” With a very catchy theme song, “it’s a small world” is a very gentle boat ride (with no height requirement) that all ages can enjoy in Fantasyland. “it’s a small world” Many parents and grandparents appreciate that they can sit back and relax in the air conditioning while the kids are entertained with dancing and singing dolls from around the world. The vibrant colors will hold your toddler’s attention, too! Jungle Cruise Another crowd-favorite, the Jungle Cruise slowly winds its way through an outdoor, tropical waterway in Adventureland. Best known for hilarious skippers telling jokes that delight guests of all ages, your toddlers will love the silliness, even when the jokes go over the head. During the holiday season, this attraction becomes the “Jingle Cruise” adding a festive, holiday overlay. Jungle Cruise Scene Toddlers will enjoy seeing animatronic animals as well as the famous backside of water! No height requirement is enforced at the Jungle Cruise. We suggest taking your first voyage during daylight as young sailors may find it more intimidating at night. Liberty Square Riverboat A slow-moving ride with no height requirement, the Liberty Square Riverboat gently sails around the Rivers of America. You’ll see beautiful areas of the park, including Tom Sawyer Island, while riding on this gorgeous paddle-wheel riverboat. The Liberty Belle Riverboat in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom When the Florida heat is intense, stick to a shaded area on one of the lower decks. All aboard, the Liberty Belle! Mad Tea Party Another ride with no height requirement, the Mad Tea Party can be a lot of fun if you don’t mind SPINNING. Themed to Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter, this Fantasyland attraction is visually appealing. However, don’t let the prettiness fool you, this ride can induce motion sickness. Mad Tea Party And since your kiddo can control how fast it spins by turning the wheel in the middle of the teacup, we suggest riding this one at your own risk and prior to your next meal or Disney snack. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Here’s another colorful ride that goes round and round! Toddlers love the interactive controls. Yes, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, has a switch that moves the carpet up and down (controls are in the front seat) and a switch that rocks the carpet back and forth (controls are in the back seat). Tip: work out with your toddler which controls they prefer before climbing aboard. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Watch out for the camel that spits water on unsuspecting carpet riders! If you ride with your kids, they will quickly figure out how to steer the carpet so that their grown-up gets wet. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Your toddler will be delighted when they spot the interactive play area in the queue — it’ll keep your kiddo busy while waiting! If they adore Winnie the Pooh, they will love riding in a hunny pot. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh takes you on an adventure with Pooh. On this blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood, you’ll encounter many beloved characters. Bouncing with Tigger will elicit precious giggles! Ride in a hunny pot! While there is no height requirement, note that some areas are darkly lit with loud noises that some kids may find frightening. Watch out for those Heffalumps and Woozles from Pooh’s nightmares! Peter Pan’s Flight One of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, you’ll see guests of all ages waiting in the inevitably long line at Peter Pan’s Flight. This fan-favorite attraction in Fantasyland is a wonderful ride for toddlers and has no height requirement. The updated queue that takes guests through the Darlings’ home, adds to the magic of this experience. Peter Pan’s Flight Flying above London and on to Never Land, kids will love spotting Tinker Bell throughout the flight. Your vehicle is a pirate ship which captivates guests of all ages. This is a dark ride, so take note if your toddler isn’t fond of dimly lit areas. A small glow in the dark bracelet, may be all they need to keep up their courage! Pirates of the Caribbean A classic Disney attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean is an action-packed ride with one small hill that ends in a splash! We’re throwing in this suggestion because it’s an iconic ride at the Magic Kingdom that is loved by the young and young-at-heart. With elaborate scenes and a catchy theme song, your child might be willing to brave this one. Pirates of the Caribbean The dark queue area can intimidate little ones before they even get on the ride. While Pirates of the Caribbean has no height requirement, it may be too intense for some younger kids because of the dark, loud noises, and action scenes. That being said, some toddlers absolutely love this ride. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Merry-Go-Rounds are a rite of passage for kids, and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is absolutely stunning! This classic carrousel plays instrumental Disney songs as it spins near the back of Cinderella Castle. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel While riding, have fun pointing out fun, character details to your toddler. There is no height requirement. This is a very slow loading and unloading attraction so plan accordingly. Tomorrowland Speedway Not quite ready to hand over the wheel to your toddler? Well, buckle up — Tomorrowland Speedway puts your kid in the driver’s seat for a simulated race along a scenic motorway. Toddlers must be 32 inches or taller may drive as long as they are with someone 54 inches or taller. The taller rider may need to reach over and press the foot pedal, while the toddler excitedly steers the racecar! Tomorrowland Speedway No worries as the cars don’t go fast (7MPH, tops) and there is a guide rail so your toddler can’t run you both off the road. We will caution that these gas-powered cars can be quite loud. Ready, set, go! Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Adults love the time spent on this ride as they travel throughout Tomorrowland. Yes, it’s a great break off your feet! But toddlers enjoy this gentle ride as well. Board the “highway in the sky” While there is no height requirement, note that there are some dark tunnels, and it does pass through Space Mountain. Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid Does your toddler want to be part of Ariel’s world? Then step into a moving seashell on Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid. It’s family-friendly with no height requirement. The queue has some interactive games to keep the little ones entertained. Journey of the Little Mermaid The one spot that might frighten your toddler is near the giant Ursula animatronic — she can be quite intimidating! Walt Disney World Railroad While some Magic Kingdom guests see the Walt Disney World Railroad as just a mode of transportation, train fans and toddlers will start eyeing up a ride on this beautiful locomotive (with an all-new route) as soon as it pulls into the Main Street Station. RIDE THE RAILS!! Avoid riding at parade times or you might get stuck waiting for longer than anticipated. If you use this as a way to get from one area of the park to another, keep in mind that only foldable strollers are allowed. The busiest station to board is usually in Frontierland. If you’re planning to bring a toddler to Magic Kingdom, we hope this guide will help you to decide what rides to experience! Ultimately, you know your child best and if you aren’t sure, try the ride out yourself first. We’ll continue to provide you with our best planning tips for Magic Kingdom, so keep following DFB! Best Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddlers Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you taken your toddler to Magic Kingdom? What is their favorite thing to do in the park? Let us know in the comments! The post Best Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Traveling to theme parks and throughout the greater Orlando area might be a whole lot easier — a whole lot sooner. Brightline Terminal C Train Construction We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Brightline train being built to connect Orlando and South Florida, which at one point was slated to have a stop at Disney Springs. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case, but a station is still coming to the Orlando Airport. We hadn’t heard much about when this line will open for passenger service, but now we know more! Brightline has expressed a goal for when the Orlando train station will begin passenger service to South Florida, according to Orlando Weekly. The high-speed rail service stated in a January report that it plans to start service from Orlando to West Palm Beach in the second quarter of 2023. The report also says that the 170-mile expansion is 90% complete. ©Brightline Brightline also indicated that its 37,350-square foot station at the Orlando Airport will be complete in March, though clarified that the completion of the station and the start of passenger service “are on separate timelines.” ©Brightline via The Orlando Sentinel Plans are moving forward with the Sunshine Corridor expansion as well, which will connect even more stations around greater Orlando, including a possible stop near Disney World and even an expansion to Tampa. A major factor for the Sunshine Corridor project is the shared use of Florida’s existing SunRail train line, which recently received a critical deadline extension regarding grant applications. © Orlando Business Journal There are several different hurdles the Brightline Orlando project has had to face, the latest of which includes a crash in Delray Beach on February 8th that left two dead, when a southbound train struck an SUV. This has caused Congressman Brian Mast to request a pause on Brightline’s northward expansion through St. Lucie County. Would You Take a Train to Disney World?©Brightline We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates on the Orlando train. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest travel news that could impact your Disney World trip! Check Out a Video of the Brightline Orlando Airport Station Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be taking the Brightline train when it opens? Tell us in the comments. The post OPENING TIMELINE Revealed for Orlando Airport Train first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

TRON Lightcycle / Run may not be opening until April 4th, 2023, but if you’re part of select lucky groups you might be able to get on this new ride SOONER. Opening soon! TRON previews are being offered for Cast Members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and D23 Gold Members (through a ticketed event). We’ve already shared some details about the Annual Passholder preview, but let this serve as your official reminder of the key information you need to know BEFORE the registration date hits. First, registration for the Annual Passholder previews will open up on February 16th. Passholders should be on the lookout for a registration email to be sent to them on February 16th, so make sure you’ve marked the Disney email address as “safe” so those emails don’t end up in your spam folder! Joining Team Blue! In the past, we’ve noticed that some emails can be sent out in “waves” to Passholders. That means that certain Passholders may receive an email from Disney before others do. That could happen with this registration email, so if you don’t receive the email and your other Passholder friend does, try not to panic, but continue to check your inbox. Getting digitized Another thing to keep in mind — there are a number of ways Disney could handle this registration process. They could send out a registration email with a link and instruct guests to click that link when registration opens at a designated time. Once that time arrives, you would hit the registration link provided to you, potentially join a virtual queue (if required/used), and register once your turn arrives. Alternatively, Disney could simply send out a registration email with a link that becomes active as soon as you receive it — meaning, as soon as you get the email you could click the link and potentially enter a virtual queue (if required/used) and register right away. Disney hasn’t shared exactly what process will be used for this preview. They have only said, “Be on the lookout for an email when registration opens on February 16.” So, you will want to read the registration email carefully as soon as you receive it! Here we are! Another thing to keep in mind — once registration opens, you will be able to register yourself and up to 5 other Annual Passholders, but there are important things to know about this process: All of the other people you are registering for must be Annual Passholders They must also be linked in your Friends & Family list within the My Disney Experience app Those people must have opted to share “All My Plans” with you Each person you’re registering for must have a VALID and ACTIVATED Annual Pass Applicable pass blockout dates WILL apply So, before registration opens tomorrow take a few minutes to make sure (1) you and all of your friends have properly set up your My Disney Experience accounts, (2) your tickets are valid and activated, (3) you have linked those tickets to your accounts, (4) you have linked to each others’ accounts via the Friends and Family function on the app, and (5) you’ve opted to share “All My Plans” with each other. The video It’s important that you do all of this TODAY, well in advance of that registration opening up tomorrow. Generally, once you go into the system to register for a preview like this, Disney will automatically pull a list of eligible guests you can register for based on your My Disney Experience account. You’ll want to make sure everything is set up properly so that when the registration link becomes active all you have to do is click it, select who you want to register for, and move on. Also, Disney hasn’t released the dates on which the actual previews will be held, but they have said that blockout dates will apply, so consider having a list of everyone’s block-out dates so you can quickly figure out what preview date will work best. It’s a short ride! Disney has not revealed when these Passholder emails will be sent, but you’ll want to start checking early in the morning on February 16th. We expect registration spots could fill up FAST as soon as they become available, so you’ll want to be ready. Have everything linked and ready to go, turn on all the alerts for your email messages, and be prepared to tap away QUICKLY. To learn more about TRON, check out our posts below (we’ve been on the ride and have shared EVERYTHING you need to know): The “traditional” seats on TRON are bike/motorcycle-style vehicles. While the design is fun, some parts (especially the metal bar that locks around your legs) could be pretty restrictive. See our full post on the vehicles, whether you might fit, and other vehicle-related problems you may encounter. There is adaptive seating available if you won’t feel comfortable in the bike-style seats. The ride is VERY short. There are lockers in the queue of their ride and you will need to put loose objects and larger items in there. Watch our FULL ride through of TRON here to see what it’s like. And check back for more Disney news! We rode TRON in Disney World — here’s EVERYTHING you need to know.  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be registering for this Passholder preview? Tell us in the comments. The post A Word of WARNING About Annual Passholder Preview Registration for the TRON Coaster in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s time for some Disneyland news! Trader Sam’s in Disneyland Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel is a very popular spot for guests to enjoy unique drinks in an exciting atmosphere at Disneyland. If you’re a big fan of collecting their tiki mugs and bowls, we’ve got good news for you! Trader Sam’s has released a new bowl — the 2nd Edition Uh-Oa! Drummer bowl! This is technically the 5th release of Anaheim’s Uh-Oa! bowl, according to the Enchanted Tiki Bar. ©Disney As of right now, the bar in Disneyland is the only place you can get this new bowl, but we’ll let you know if we see it in Disney World or elsewhere! In the past, we’ve seen high demand for these collectibles! Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar The number of bowls available will vary by the day, so please be patient with the Cast Members, and understand that you may have to go back more than once to grab it. Since it’s at the Disneyland Hotel, you don’t need to have a park ticket to get in! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Check out our ultimate guide to Disneyland in 2023 here! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! See Our DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Get All the Info About Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Should You Go to Disneyland in 2022? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Do you collect these mugs and bowls? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Just Released a NEW Trader Sam's Tiki Bowl! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Theme Park Rangers Radar listens to a tree at Universal Mardi Gras, looks at future Magic Kingdom rides for Tiana, Tron View the full article

One of our favorite Disney World parks in terms of food and atmosphere is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park might be underrated, as many favor the nostalgia of Magic Kingdom or the thrill rides of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but trust us when we say that you should NOT sleep on Animal Kingdom. Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom You can find some amazing eats in this park, there are a few can’t-miss attractions, and it’s quite possibly the most relaxing of Disney World’s four theme parks. If you haven’t been in a while, you might need a quick update about what’s changed at Animal Kingdom, so come along with us to check out everything that’s NEW in this park. Animal Kingdom Construction Updates Over in the Pandora section of Animal Kingdom (the land that’s themed after the Avatar movies), we spotted some refurbishment going on. The Cast Members were painting the bioluminescent ground, which glows under black lights once the sun sets. Construction This land looks really cool after dark, so make sure you stop by to take a look during your next visit! Over in DinoLand U.S.A., Cast Members were working on the roof of the Restaurantosaurus Lounge. Closed! The main entrance was blocked by the construction, so you’ll have to go in via a side entrance for now. Restaurantosaurus Lounge Also, some of the Discovery Island Trails are still closed off because of refurbishment happening on the Tree of Life. Trails are closed for now Disney hasn’t announced when this project will be finished, but we’re hoping those trails reopen soon. They’re a great place to explore and see some animal exhibits as well as get an up-close view of all the animal carvings on the Tree of Life. Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates Discovery Trading Company At the Discovery Trading Company, we spotted a new Woody (from Toy Story) plush for $29.99… Woody plush …a black Nike Mickey jacket for $90… Mickey jacket …and a few new bags. There was a light-up Tinker Bell Loungefly backpack for $98… It lights up! …a Disney animals Loungefly backpack for $78… All the critters! …and a “Critters Chaos” Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag for $328. New Dooney & Bourke tote Those Loungefly bags are super popular in Disney World. You’ll likely see them all over the parks during your next vacation! Dino Institute Shop We found some new merchandise in the Dino Institute Shop, which is located at the exit of the DINOSAUR ride. There was a new The Lion King phone case for $34.99… New phone case …a Tree of Life phone case for $34.99… DAK Phone Case …and a “Wild About Nature” phone case for $34.99. “Wild about nature” phone case We also spotted a couple of new Mickey-shaped magnets, including a cheetah-print one… Cheetah print magnet …and a zebra-print one. Both magnets were $14.99. Zebra print magnet Finally, we found a new dinosaur t-shirt that said, “Never apologize about being powerful.” Dino t-shirt The new tee costs $29.99. Windtraders The gift shop at the end of Avatar: Flight of Passage has some unique Avatar-themed merchandise. We found some new items on our last visit! There was a wood sprites diffuser for $59.99… Woodsprite diffuser …some Avatar shorts for $29.99… Avatar shorts …an Avatar kids’ shirt for $31.99… T-shirt …an Avatar kids’ dress for $39.99… Avatar dress …and Avatar hair ties for $16.99. Hair ties Those were all the updates we found on our last trip to Animal Kingdom, but we’re always on the lookout for new food, construction updates, and merchandise! Asia in Animal Kingdom If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom soon, be sure to download our FREE checklist so that you don’t miss any of the best eats, rides, and attractions. Click the image below, enter your email, and we’ll send the checklist straight to your inbox. Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news from the Disney World parks. Click here to see what’s new at the Disney World hotels! Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What’s your favorite thing about Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments. The post What's New at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Two Loungefly Backpacks! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

MORE Valentine’s Day snacks are coming out today! Connections Café We’ve tried lots of the snacks that came out before the holiday, but we aren’t done tasting new treats just yet. We headed over to Connections Café (a newer quick service restaurant in EPCOT) to try the Valentine’s Day version of a popular waffle treat. Come along with us to find out if we fell in love with the Chocolate Liege Waffle. The Liege Waffle can be found in Connections Café (a Starbucks location in EPCOT) during most of the year, but sometimes we see special editions replace it for holidays. For today only, you can grab the Chocolate Liege Waffle for $4.19. This is a chocolate waffle that’s decorated with chocolate heart details and pink and red sprinkles. We stopped by the open kitchens to watch them being made before we purchased one! Behind the Scenes We’re fans of the Liege Waffle just on its own (even though it’s a fairly simple treat), but we thought this was a fun twist on the classic version. It’s just the right amount of sweet in our opinion — pretty sweet but not overly sugary. Pretty! However, if you like really sweet, rich desserts, this might not do it for you. It had a hint of bitterness that might not be your cup of tea. (Here’s a fun behind-the-scenes tidbit for ya — see that pretty red chevron background in the next photo that beautifully matches the waffle and Valentine’s Day theme? Yeah, that’s a wall just outside of some bathrooms in EPCOT. But hey, it works great for this photoshoot, don’t you think?) Chocolate Liege Waffle The waffle itself was nice and soft in the middle, which paired well with the crunchy sprinkles and sugar crystals on the outside. That little bit of bitterness in the waffle paired well with the sprinkles to balance the flavors. A little bitter, a little sweet We don’t always love the white chocolate decals on top of Disney’s seasonal treats (they’re usually more for decoration than taste), but we actually really liked the little chocolate hearts on top of this treat! They tasted like a higher quality chocolate than most of the other decals we’ve eaten. We got stopped several times by people asking where we got our treat, so it’s definitely a cutie that will look great on your social media feed. Yep, we’re fans As much as we liked this waffle, we have to admit that the room-temperature waffles at Connections Café really can’t beat the warm waffles served at Connections Eatery (the attached quick service restaurant), which are served with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. And with strawberries and chocolate, this treat is also perfect for Valentine’s Day! Plus it’s served year-round, whereas the chocolate version is only available today. Liege Waffle But if you want a quick, on-the-go treat and you happen to be in EPCOT today, this chocolate waffle is definitely not a bad option. A look inside Head to Connections Café TODAY if you want to try this limited-time treat. Yum There are so many other treats in Disney World today for this special occasion, and we’re definitely not the only people enjoying them — it’s been BUSY today in the parks. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB all day for all the latest Valentine’s Day news. See ALL the Valentine’s Day snacks you can get this month here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What version of this waffle has been your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing This NEW Disney Treat first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bringing kids to Disney World is awesome and magical and fun and sweet. It’s also super HARD. Magic Kingdom If you’ve ever traveled to The Most Magical Place on Earth with a little one (or a few) in tow, you know how difficult it can be to keep everyone happy and accomplish everything on your to-do list. Long hours in a busy theme park are tough on the littles, no matter how magical that theme park is. Here are 9 fool-proof hacks to make it much EASIER to travel with kids to Disney World! We reached out to our readers on Facebook to ask for your best tips and what you’ve learned from bringing your own kids to the park. Here’s what you said! Bring Backup If at all possible, bring some extra adults to help out with the littles! Randi said, “Bringing extra big people is the most underrated hack. Grandparents, cousins, friends, aunts, uncles, etc. It makes a humongous difference.” Bring backup! Having some extra hands to keep track of the kids can make the trip less stressful for everyone, and if you have enough people then you can even switch off watching the kids and taking breaks. Just make sure you all coordinate so that everyone knows when they’re supposed to be watching the kids (to avoid any “I thought YOU were watching them” situations). Fantasyland A couple of spare bigs can also help with rider swap. If some kids don’t want to go on a certain Disney World ride, someone can stay behind to wait with them while the rest of the group waits in line and rides. Then, the group can come back and take over watching the kids while the person who waited behind (and a buddy) get to skip the line and ride. Discover the BEST age to take kids to Disney World. Bring Bribes We’ll be the first to tell you that we are NOT above bribery here. If we can pay our way out of a meltdown on Main Street with candy and toys, there’s a good chance we’ll try it. Several readers agreed, like Amy, who said you would always bring “lollipops! Always have them in your park bag. We have averted a meltdown (by child or adult) while waiting in line by handing the person a lollipop. A little kick of sugar can make everything better.” Lollipops Another reader said, “When my kids were little we dreaded the road trip. I went to dollar tree and bought little $1 gifts and wrapped them up. Every hour that they were good they got one! (10 hr trip) […] Worked really well!” Buy some toys ahead of time! Whatever little prizes and bribes will work for your littles (or other adults in the group — no judgement), be sure to have them on hand just in case you need a last-minute fix. Check out the best snacks to carry in your Disney World park bag (and what to avoid). Buy Souvenirs Ahead of Time Souvenirs in the Disney World parks are NOT cheap, and you won’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on things that your kids will only use for a little while. Some people recommended giving your kids a souvenir budget ahead of time, so the kids can choose when to spend their allotted amount and what to spend it on, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. Give them their own budget Others recommended buying souvenirs before your trip and packing them in your suitcase to reveal at the right time. Tori said, “Buy souvenirs beforehand someplace cheaper.” Amelia agreed: “Shop ahead of time for souvenirs and put them in with the clothes for that day. Every day they get to have clothes and a great item. I know they can be expensive but this way maybe you hear fewer ‘I want’s.” Olaf Bubble Wand You can find lots of Disney toys at local stores like Walmart, Target, and TJ Maxx. When your kid begs for the $30 bubble wand at Disney World, whip out the $15 one you bought at Amazon before the vacation. Other popular souvenirs like Princess costumes, giant lollipops, toy cars, and more are available for much cheaper at other stores. Learn why you should STOP buying Disney souvenirs. Prep for Long Lines Long lines are pretty much unavoidable at Disney World, so it’s best to come prepared. Warn your kids ahead of time so that they’re not surprised by the waiting. Vicki suggested, “Have a family toilet break before any hour-long lines. Bring age-appropriate Mad Libs and/or charades cards.” Slinky Dog Line You can pack a few small games in your park bag to use in long lines, or download a couple of group games on your phone and bring a portable charger along just in case you run out of battery. Be prepared for long lines! And speaking of family toilet breaks, make sure you pack Post-it notes or painter’s tape to block the sensor on the automatic toilets if that could be a problem for the little ones. Check out the Disney World rides you can typically get on WITHOUT a wait. Be Flexible One of the most important tips is to be flexible. If you created a minute-by-minute itinerary with constant activities and no time for rest, go ahead and crumple that up and throw it in the trash. You and your kids will be MUCH happier if you plan just a little and go with the flow. Entrance to Magic Kingdom Amanda said, “After my daughter’s first trip (4 years old) I quickly realized strict plans made me even more crazy. She tells me her number 1 thing for each park then we just go with the flow and see what else happens. I love not having to stick to a schedule and be rushed to get to the next thing.” Peter Pan’s Flight Ana agreed: “Listen to their needs. They’re going to be tired and overstimulated, don’t push it. Let them have a nap or rest in a nice quiet area if they won’t nap.” Pushing kids to go, go, go will only make them and you more stressed and cranky. Prioritize your must-dos and then just enjoy being in the theme park with your family. It’s not a bad idea to lower everyone’s expectations before you head out the door. Explain that they won’t get to see or do everything, but you’ll do your best to get to the most important things. And then it’s more likely that your group will be happy and energized as you’re not rushing between rides and pushing everyone to move faster. Go with the flow! As one reader said, kids have “little bodies with big excitement in a very busy place.” They’re not used to the pace of Disney World, so take it easy and just let them soak it all in. Find the best places to RELAX in the Disney World parks here. Practice and Prepare Disney World can be very tiring and overstimulating, but you can do a little bit to prepare your kids before the trip. Kyle said, “Have them do a lot of walking months ahead of time — helps so so much.” Another reader said their family does a “Disney World training program,” where they all go walking together to practice building up endurance. Make sure everyone has good walking shoes, too! Do some research ahead of time to find out how much walking your group wants to do in the parks. On an average day, it’s not hard to rack up eight to ten miles in a single park. If that won’t be possible for your littles, bring a stroller! Stroller parking Also research Baby Care Centers in each park. These centers provide a private nursing room with rocking chairs, a changing room with tables, restrooms, feeding areas, a kitchen with a microwave and sink, and a main room with a television, table, and seating. There’s even an on-site shop with formula, baby food, juice, diapers, over-the-counter medicine, and more. These spots can be a life-saver in a pinch! Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center You can locate the Baby Care Centers on the My Disney Experience app — just hit the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen and search “Baby Care Center.” You can see the locations and even get walking directions to the nearest one. Take a look inside a Disney World Baby Care Center here. Nap Time Even if nap time isn’t mandatory at home, you might want to consider it at Disney World. And it’s even more important if your kids are used to the downtime in the middle of the day! Naptime is essential Kristen recommended, “Always go [to the parks] first thing in the morning and then go back to your hotel for nap time and or pool time and then go back in later in the day.” Missing out on a few hours of park time might be totally worth it if it means everyone is happy and well-rested during the time you’re in the parks. Contemporary Resort rooms Some readers even prioritize this time as adults without kids, saying that it makes their visit less stressful and more enjoyable. If you’ll be at Disney World for several days, you could consider a full rest day when you don’t have any park reservations and instead spend the day at the pool and exploring the hotels or Disney Springs. Check out the best Disney World hotels for toddlers. Order Groceries to Your Hotel Room Disney World snacks and treats are super fun, but it’s a good idea to bring a few of your own snacks as well. Sometimes kids will want a familiar treat, and you’ll save money if you don’t have to pay for theme park food every time someone gets hungry. Groceries Gina recommended ordering groceries to your Disney World hotel room “because eating out with kids 3 meals a day is brutal.” Lauren agreed, saying it’s essential to “get a grocery delivery that includes water, snacks, etc.” Stock Up on Snacks But there’s an exception to this tip: you should bring any “must-have” essentials with you. If there’s a specific snack or brand of diapers or breakfast granola bar flavor that your kid HAS to have, it’s much safer to just pack those instead of hoping that the grocery store will be able to deliver them. Accidents could happen, your delivery could be late, or the store could be out of the item you need — don’t take chances if these items are irreplaceable! Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know about getting groceries delivered to your Disney hotel room. Leave Them at Home OK, so this tip isn’t super serious, but it might be something to consider! Several readers noted that it’s a good idea to wait until your kids are a little bit older before you bring them to Disney World. It’s an expensive vacation, and if they’re too young to enjoy it, they might be happier at home with a sitter. Crowds Tori said, “There are no hacks. This is your life now. Godspeed.” While there are lots of ways you can prepare and adjust your trip to make it easier on the youngin’s, it’s definitely harder to travel with kids than without them. No shame at all if you wait a little longer before you bring your kids along. But that moment when they see Mickey for the first time? Or they dance to the parade as it comes down Main Street? Or they ride Dumbo and get to actually fly with an elephant? The experience can be so worth it if you plan right and come prepared. Thanks, pal… We hope these hacks help you and your littles out as you get ready for your next Disney adventure! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and tricks along with all the latest updates from the parks. Click here to see the BEST Disney World restaurants for KIDS. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What are your best tips for bringing kids to Disney World? Share them in the comments! The post 9 Fool-Proof HACKS for Traveling With Kids to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

MVP Patrick Mahomes Celebrates Super Bowl Win With First Family Visit To Disneyland ResortView the full article

Disney is going above and beyond with celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2023. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland We’ve already seen new nighttime shows at Disneyland Resort, park decorations, merchandise collections, and a new ride…and there’s so much more to come! One of the highlights for Disney fans will be the Disney100 traveling exhibits — dedicated to the 100 years of company history. And today, we learned about a very important detail that may tempt you to visit! There will be two Disney100 exhibits that travel to different cities around the world. The first one starts in Philadelphia, then moves to Chicago, Kansas City, and other spots across the U.S. The second exhibit will kick off its run in Munich, Germany before going to London and then other locations internationally. ©Disney According to the New York Times, “Each of the 15,000-square-foot exhibitions will have 250 items on display, with classic Disney as a focus.” But perhaps the thing that may gather the most interest is not a prop…but a hologram of Walt Disney himself. ©Disney “As part of its 100th anniversary marketing-palooza, the Walt Disney Company used archival video and artificial intelligence tools to create a lifelike hologram of its founder — a full-size digital avatar that speaks in Walt’s voice and appears as part of interactive exhibitions of Disney artwork, props and costumes that will tour the globe until at least 2028,” said the Times. Becky Cline, director of the Disney Archives was quoted as saying, “I get goosebumps every time I see it.” ©Disney Hundreds of thousands of guests are expected to buy tickets to the exhibit during its tour. It’s likely that Disney is hoping to create a renewed sense of nostalgia with this exhibit, encouraging visitors to remember the joys of Disney films from their childhood. It’s coming at a time when the company needs it most — a possible saving grace amid box office failures for animated films and battles with political figures. Disney history in the making! @Disney Stay tuned to DFB for more updates throughout the 100th Anniversary celebration, as we share the merchandise, entertainment, and more! Click Here to Learn More About the Disney100 Exhibit! Learn More About Disney 100 Years of Wonder – The 100th Anniversary Celebration! When Disney’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Actually Starts Is the 100th Anniversary Coming to Disney World? A NEW 100th Anniversary Disney Credit Card Design Is Coming! PHOTOS: Sparkly NEW 100th Anniversary Minnie Ears Are Now Available in Disney World ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW! Check Out the NEW 100th Anniversary Starbucks Tumbler Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you planning on going to see the exhibit? Tell us in the comments! The post Where You Can See a Life-Sized Walt Disney HOLOGRAM first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bride Experiences Life In Color For The First Time | Disney’s Fairy Tale WeddingsView the full article

Universal Orlando is raising its minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour starting June 4. View the full article

Adventures by Disney leads guests to exciting destinations around the world, and today we’re highlighting experiences which include chocolate making and tasting. View the full article

One of the best parts of visiting Epcot is drinking around the world. EPCOT is more than just Drinking Around the World Guests flock to EPCOT for a chance to try specialty cocktails from each of the countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Numerous options are available at each of the 11 countries, ranging from shots of tequila to sweet and refreshing cocktails. While there are tons of drinks to choose from, many of them don’t suit every palate. We’re constantly trying these drinks and letting you know what you should try and what you should skip — based on flavors you like or dislike. Out of all the amazing drinks you can grab during your trip around the world, we have a few favorites. The drink we’ll be reviewing today is a fan-favorite and takes us into Germany. The Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen is a fan-favorite for a reason, and after this post, you’ll see why! This is a beer that even those who don’t like beer will come back for again and again. After reading, the only thing left to do will be to try it for yourself! Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen Where You Can Find Grapefruit Beer in EPCOT Like we said, you can find the Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. You can find Germany nestled between Italy and China. Once you’ve made your way to Germany, there are two locations where you can grab the beer. We encourage you to bring your appetite, though, because there are plenty of great food options at both of these locations. Sommerfest If you’re looking for beer, brats, and sauerkraut, this traditional German restaurant is for you. You can choose from an array of great German dishes to accompany your grapefruit beer. This restaurant makes for a faster experience, especially if you’re there with the goal to truly “drink around the world” and try a drink from each country. Biergarten Sit down for this one! This theatre-style restaurant features German dishes that are accompanied by performers that make you feel like you’re part of Oktoberfest! You can enjoy your beer alongside a buffet-style meal perfect for the whole family. This restaurant is a better option if you’re looking to take your time and truly experience German culture (and food!) while drinking your beer. What Does Grapefruit Beer Taste Like? This is a beer for the people who don’t like beer! This drink is very light and crisp, and has refreshing hints of grapefruit. The grapefruit taste is powerful enough that you can taste it and feel refreshed, without it being too overpowering. Some grapefruit drinks have a tendency to be slightly bitter, but this one doesn’t have so much of that bitterness. We definitely recommend this beer to anyone, even those who don’t necessarily like the flavor of a traditional beer or grapefruit. This drink is so refreshing and the perfect way to relax and cool off during a hot day at Disney! We’re constantly trying new drinks and snacks (and reviewing them!) so make sure you follow along so you don’t miss any Disney-related news. We love this drink and hope you will as well! Click here for more drink reviews Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be trying this grapefruit beer? Let us know in the comments! The post EPCOT's Grapefruit Beer -- The Must-Try Drink in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article