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Disney World is known as the most magical place on earth, so it’s no wonder even celebrities will face the crowds to experience it. Cinderella Castle Stars from Ariana Grande to Chris Evans and tons of stars in between have been known to head to Disney World from time to time — and today we saw a MAJOR celebrity walking around Magic Kingdom! This afternoon, Michael Jordan was enjoying some time in the parks. Our reporter saw him walking around Liberty Square. Micahel Jordan is a former professional athlete known by many as “the greatest basketball player of all time.” He’s hard to miss since he’s so tall! Michael Jordan in Magic Kingdom While it is exciting to see our idols in the parks, keep in mind that if you do see him, he is probably on vacation — so make sure you’re respectful and mind his privacy. You’ll still get to say you were in the parks with him! Michael Jordan in Magic Kingdom We’ll keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! Click here to see the celebrities that MIGHT be more obsessed with Disney than you are! 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 seen a celebrity in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! The post Our Jaws DROPPED at This Celebrity Sighting in Disney World 😮 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The battle over the fate of Disney’s Reedy Creek District is officially coming to a close. ©Spectrum News 13 Currently, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) gives Disney a substantial amount of control over the operations of the land it sits on — it has worked that way for 50+ years. As of last night, however, the Florida state legislature has made a decision that will likely drastically affect the way the district operates. In the aftermath of some friction between Disney and Florida Governor Ron Desantis over Disney’s reaction to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, the Florida legislature and DeSantis signed a bill into law that will dissolve RCID in June of 2023. But now, Florida has taken further steps to strip Disney’s power. This past week, House Bill 9B was filed as a means to make further changes to the plans for the District. In doing so, it would reverse the previous law that would have dissolved RCID in June. Instead, this new bill would keep the district intact, but give it a new name– The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, as well as redistribute power to governor-appointed members of the board. The bill had already been passed by the Florida House of Representatives earlier this week, but as of Friday, February 10th, the Florida Senate has passed the bill with a vote of 26 yeas and 9 nays. Let’s take a look at what this means for the future of Disney and the district. ©Florida Senate First, this bill will take effect upon becoming law. While it has yet to be signed by DeSantis, he will likely sign it into law soon. However, the district will still be allowed to continue doing business as the RCID for two years after the bill goes into effect so that they have time to make necessary changes to legal and financial documents, physical assets, and other locations where the district’s name is used. ©WFTV 9 Next, the Governor will be able to appoint all five members of the Board of Supervisors for the District, but his selection must be confirmed by the Senate. While the effective date of the bill would end the term of all current members of the board, they are permitted to continue serving until a successor is appointed and qualified. While these new board members aren’t required to live in the Orlando area, they must be Florida residents, and they are not permitted to serve more than three consecutive terms. Reedy Creek Fire Department Sign From the effective date of the bill, current board members and employees of the district are not permitted to sell, dispose of, transfer, or expend any assets of the district — except in the case of the ordinary course of business, until new board members are appointed and confirmed. Reedy Creek Trash Cans The bill also strips the District of some powers, like the power it has to potentially create a nuclear power plant (which has not been seriously considered, according to the Orlando Sentinel), and imposes new requirements on the district mostly relating to reporting. While is a pretty big change, an important thing to note is that the District is not getting dissolved as previously decided. The restructured district will retain many of the powers it previously held. Reedy Creek Fire Department ©Reedy Creek The President of Walt Disney World Resort previously commented that “Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.” While these changes will likely happen soon, assuming DeSantis signs the bill into law, the evolution of this district has gone through a few changes — we’ll continue to keep an eye out for any new updates. Disney Responds to Looming Reedy Creek District Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney World's Reedy Creek Has DIED -- Here's What Happens Next first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World rides will sometimes close temporarily due to technical difficulties or bad weather. Other times, the rides close for scheduled maintenance. Kali River Rapids Disney usually announces those scheduled closures so that you can be prepared for your next vacation. To help you get ready, check out this list of everything that’ll be CLOSED in Disney World next week! Before we get to the closures…do you already have your bags packed for your trip? If you’re going to visit Disney World soon, you’ll need the perfect outfit to wear into the parks! We’ve got a lot of great tees and sweatshirts at our online DFB store — Click here to check out our whole merch line. Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch! Now that you’re ready with the perfect Disney ‘fits, check out our full list of what’s going to be CLOSED in Disney World next week. Magic Kingdom Splash Mountain Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme! What’s going on up there? The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. Click here to learn all about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. The Tomorrowland Light & Power gift shop is still closed for refurbishments, and Disney hasn’t announced when it’ll reopen. For now, it’s scheduled to be closed for all of next week. Tomorrowland Light & Power In the meantime, guests who visit Space Mountain are being directed to exit the ride a different way. Enchanted Tales with Belle Enchanted Tales with Belle is where guests could previously help Belle tell the story of Beauty and the Beast. Enchanted Tales with Belle Disney announced recently that this attraction will reopen early the week after next on February 19th, 2023! Check out a major CHANGE at Magic Kingdom stores. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids Kali River Rapids is still closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Kali River Rapids This water ride closed on January 9th. It’s currently showing operating times on Disney’s website starting on March 17th, so the attraction may reopen on that day — we’ll continue to watch for more updates. Check out some recent updates from Animal Kingdom. Disney’s Hollywood Studios The popular Rock ‘n Roller Coaster will be open for all of this week, but it’s closing on February 20th (early next week) for a long refurbishment. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster So far Disney hasn’t announced specifically when it will reopen, but we know it’ll be sometime in the summer of 2023. Voyage of the Little Mermaid This Little Mermaid-themed stage show has been closed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a long time now. Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney hasn’t announced when or if the Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen. Check out the After Hours event in Hollywood Studios. EPCOT Cool Wash Cool Wash temporarily had a new sign that re-named the spot “Refreshment Kiosk,” but that sign has been removed. The snack kiosk is still closed and blocked off by several plants. Cool Wash Disney hasn’t announced when Cool Wash will reopen, but we’ll watch for any changes. Find out how to get a souvenir signed by a celebrity in EPCOT. Disney World Hotels Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Narcoossee’s is an upscale seafood restaurant at the Grand Floridian, and it’s been closed for several months now. Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort This restaurant will reopen sometime in 2023 with an “enhanced dining experience.” We’ll be watching for Disney to announce a more specific reopening date. Tour a NEW hotel near Disney World with us. Disney World Water Parks Typhoon Lagoon Typhoon Lagoon is closed in Disney World, and Disney hasn’t announced when it’ll reopen. Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Disney World’s other water park, Blizzard Beach, is open most days, although it closes sometimes if the weather is cool. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updates! Check out our full guide to Typhoon Lagoon here. Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. Check out the best backpacks for Disney World in 2023. Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments! The post DON'T FORGET that a Popular Ride Is Closing SOON in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World’s newest ride is finally here! ©Disney TRON Lighcycle / Run is already bringing riders into the Grid and on an adventure to a new world. But, the TRON world isn’t the only new thing guests will experience on this ride. Disney announced that guests will be able to stow their belongings in lockers before they ride TRON — and we’re sharing a look at just how that works! TRON Lightcycle / Run is officially the first Disney World attraction to require the use of lockers — but don’t worry, we’re sharing everything you need to know about them! ©Disney Guests can unlock a locker with their MagicBand or ticket for easier access. There is a small compartment on the ride vehicle that can store items like phones, glasses, and wallets, but anything larger than that must be stored in the lockers. Once you’ve had the time of your life riding this epic new coaster, you’ll be directed back to the locker area to retrieve your items. Simply scan the MagicBand or ticket you used to open the locker the first time, and it should pop right open. However, it’s important to note that a virtual ticket on your phone CANNOT be used for lockers — you must have a physical ticket or your MagicBand. If you don’t have either, a Cast Member will give you a locker card when initially storing your items. ©Disney If you have any issues, there should be Cast Members standing by to help you out! We noticed that some of the lockers wouldn’t open, so if that happens to you, just move on to a different one that does open. If you forget your locker number, you can scan your ticket or MagicBand on a separate screen and it’ll tell you which locker is yours! TRON Testing We’re SO excited for TRON Lightcycle / Run to open to everyone in Disney World in April, so stay tuned to DFB for more updates and the latest news! The BEST Way To Guarantee a Ride on TRON’s Opening Day Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of the new TRON locker system? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL Guide to Using TRON Lightcycle / Run Lockers in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you travel to Disney World, do you fly? We would guess that a lot of our readers do. Southwest Plane That’s why it’s important to stay on top of what airlines are doing to make sure you’re getting the best deals, know about discounts, and have details about new service to and from Orlando International Airport. Now, we’ve got a NEW flight to tell you about that can take you to Disney World! Southwest Airlines will soon offer non-stop flights to and from El Paso, Texas. Orlando International Airport tweeted about the new service, which will be weekly. You’ll have to wait until fall, September 9th, to take advantage of the new flights, but if you’re heading to Disney World anytime after that, you now have another option (and more options are good!). That is, of course, if you’re still willing to fly on Southwest after its holiday meltdown (the good news is that operations have returned to normal and the airline has said it’s committed to preventing that from happening again). ©Southwest In the meantime, Southwest continues to offer new flights to and from Orlando International Airport, including this new flight, and we expect other new routes could be announced soon! So stay tuned to DFB for more! Check Out Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be taking advantage of Southwest’s new flights later this year? Let us know in the comments! The post Southwest Airlines Adds NEW Nonstop Route to Orlando first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Amazon and Disney… two of our favorite things! The best sight to see! Your vacation begins NOW! We can’t help from having a daily scroll through Amazon, and we always seem to find great stuff for even greater deals. We have eight Amazon Disney finds for you to use in the parks, at home, and everywhere in between! These Amazon Disney finds can be useful almost anywhere, and we think you’ll love them as much as we do. To start off, we have this travel fanny pack that looks like Minnie Mouse! ©Amazon This fanny pack is $13.98. Click here to buy the Minnie fanny pack We also found this moleskin! This can be a total life saver in the parks! ©Amazon You can get this for $7.14. Click here to by the Moleskin These stainless steel mickey stud earrings are adorable! ©Amazon And, they’re only $8.99. Click here to buy the Mickey earrings You can get two sets of five surprise Disney Mini Brands capsules! ©Disney You can get two sets for $14.70. Click here to buy the Mini Brands You can cook just like Tiana with this Disney cookbook! ©Amazon Tiana’s Cookbook is only $12.99! Click here to buy Tiana’s Cookbook These Crocs sandals feature a Vera Bradley x The Little Mermaid print! ©Amazon You can get these for $20. Click here to buy the Vera Bradley Crocs We love this Minnie Mouse Corkcicle! ©Amazon This bottle is $37.95. Click here to buy the Minnie Corkcicle Last but not least, we have a Hercules Loungefly! ©Amazon This mini backpack is on sale for $47.99! Click here to buy the Hercules Loungfly Mini Backpack Well, that concludes today’s Amazon Disney deals roundup! If you’re looking for more, make sure to stick around because we are always on the lookout for more Disney merchandise! Click the link below to see some more of our Amazon Disney favorites. Plus, you can get a free trial of Amazon Prime on us! Happy shopping! Click here for more Amazon Disney deals! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which of these Amazon deals is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post Permission To Add These Amazon Disney Deals To Your Cart This Weekend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Valentine’s Day is THIS week! Valentine’s Day Cone We’ve been on the hunt for all the Valentine’s Day treats around the parks and we are trying a bunch of them so you know what to expect. Some of the Valentine’s Day treats don’t get released until the week of, which is why we’re THRILLED Gideon’s has just announced their holiday snack debuting this week! Gideon’s Bakehouse has just announced that starting today, you can grab their box of Gideon’s Cookie Truffles while supplies last! These truffles are Gideon’s cookies mixed with buttercream with a special layer of filling at the bottom. Each box contains one of each of the following flavors: Cookie Butter Butterscotch Cookie with Butterscotch Filling Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookie with Banana Curd ⁣ Triple Chocolate Cookie with Chocolate Ganache Key Lime Pie Cookie with Lemon Curd Peanut Butter Cookie with Grape Jelly Filling Eternal Flame Cookie with Chocolate Ganache⁣ Gideon’s Bakehouse These boxes are limited to two per guest and are available at both Orlando locations. If truffles aren’t your thing, you can also grab a cheesecake treat, a beautiful cupcake, and more holiday snacks around the Disney World property this month. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! See ALL our photos and review of this year’s Valentine’s Day snacks! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you planning to grab a box of these for yourself? Tell us in the comments! The post HURRY! A Unique Treat Is Now at Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got an important heads-up for anyone heading to the Disney World parks this weekend! Clouds over Cinderella Castle As veteran Disney World travelers may know, there are tons of reasons why you may need to adjust your park day plans on the fly. Whether it’s an unexpected ride closure, a last-minute dining reservation, or a desperate need to return to the room for a nap, flexibility is key in making sure you and your family stay happy — and safe — during your vacation. And, since it is Florida, one of the most common wild cards that can throw a wrench into your original plans is the weather. Rainy Day at EPCOT Pop-up thunderstorms are common, especially during the summer months. But other times, we get a bit more advanced notice when stormy weather is headed our way. And if you’ll be in Disney World this weekend, this one is for you! Bring your rain gear this weekend! Click Orlando has reported that severe weather is possible in Central Florida on Saturday afternoon and early evening before colder air and wind move into the area on Sunday. Storm in Disney World According to the news outlet, isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin between 1PM and 2PM today, some of which may be strong. Storm chances will then increase further as an expected line of storms moves in from the Gulf of Mexico late Saturday afternoon and early evening. Future Radar ©Click Orlando The most severe threats are expected between 2PM and 8PM today, so be sure to keep a close eye on the radar in the Disney World area and be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Guests in Hollywood Studios We’ll continue to be on the lookout for more updates that could impact your Disney World trip, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news! 8 Things You’ll Regret Not Having With You When It Rains In Disney World 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 are your best tips for a rainy day in Disney World? Share them in the comments! The post Your Disney World Plans May Need to Be Extra Flexible This Weekend! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re excited about the new restaurants coming to Disney World. Summer House on the Lake Sign at Disney Springs We’ve been watching the construction of the upcoming The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers over at the BoardWalk, but we’ve also been keeping an eye on the construction of the upcoming Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs. Well, Summer House just opened its first location in Florida — at Orlando International Airport. Summer House announced the opening of its Orlando International Airport location on its Instagram. You’ll find it in Terminal C, where you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The lower level features a grab-and-go section for travelers, while the upper level hosts the Summer House restaurant. The restaurant is open from 4AM to the time of the last flight out of the terminal. You’ll also be able to grab some sweet treats to take with you on your travels. Summer House Chocolate Chip Cookie The menu features pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, wood-grilled dishes, and more. Spicy Salumi and Burrata Pizza at Summer House in Chicago Meanwhile, we’re keeping an eye on the Disney Springs location and waiting for an official opening date. So be sure to stay tuned to DFB to learn more! 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! 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 flying into Terminal C at Orlando International Airport soon? Let us know in the comments! The post Try a New Disney Springs Restaurant BEFORE It Opens first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Will you be heading to Disney World next week? Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Do you have a packing list? Do you have all your advance dining reservations? Did you charge your MagicBand+? Do you know what park hours look like, as well as park pass availability? If not, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Magic Kingdom Park Hours Magic Kingdom is open from 9AM-11PM on February 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th. On February 13th and 16th, the park is open from 8AM-10PM. ©Disney Extended Evening Hours are on February 15th from 11PM-1AM. There’s also a Disney After Hours event on February 16th from 10PM-1AM. EPCOT Park Hours The park hours for EPCOT are from 9AM-9PM February 12th-18th. ©Disney Extended Evening Hours are pm February 13th from 9-11PM. Hollywood Studios Park Hours Hours for Hollywood Studios are from 8:30AM-9PM on February 12th-18th. ©Disney There’s an After Hours Party on February 15th from 9:30PM-12:30AM. Animal Kingdom Park Hours Park hours for Animal Kingdom are from 8AM-7PM on February 12th, 16th, 17th, and 18th. On February 13th-15th, hours are from 9AM-7PM. ©Disney Note that if you’re a Disney World hotel guest, you can enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time with Early Theme Park Entry. Park Pass Reservation Availability Park pass reservation availability is dependent on if you have theme park tickets, are a Disney World hotel guest, or if you’re an Annual Passholder. For visitors with Theme Park Tickets, all four parks are available from February 12th-18th. ©Disney All four parks are also available for those staying in Select Resort Hotels from February 12th-18th. ©Disney Disney World uses a different calendar to keep track of park pass availability for Annual Passholders. For the IncrediPass, park passes are available for all four parks from February 12th-18th. ©Disney Those with a Sorcerer Pass also have availability for all four parks from February 12th-18th. ©Disney The Pirate Pass has availability for all four parks from February 12th-17th. However, February 18th is blocked out. ©Disney Guests with the Pixie Dust Pass have availability for all four parks on February 13th-17th, but February 12th and 18th are blockout dates. That’s everything you need to know about next week’s park hours and park pass availability in Disney World. If you ARE visiting Disney World next week, though, make sure you make those park pass reservations as soon as you can! We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2022 to get 25% off! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be in Disney World next week? Let us know in the comments! The post Why February Is Still A Good Time To Go To Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Cinderella Castle Missing the parks and want to know what’s going on in Disney World? All the latest Disney parks news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out all the big Disney news of the week in our latest DFB Guide Video! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: When do you plan to visit the Disney parks next? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: The Latest Disney Earnings Call, More Sequels are in the Works, and More Layoffs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get your wallets ready, Marvel fans! ©Marvel If you’re a Spider-Man or Doctor Strange fan, we’ve just spotted some new merchandise that you REALLY don’t want to miss. Prepare yourself, because we found TWO new Loungefly bags online! Both of these new items are Amazon exclusives, meaning you can’t grab them anywhere else. First up is the Spider-Man Portal Mini Loungefly Backback that you can pre-order for $90! ©Amazon This red bag features Spider-Man and Doctor Strange in the multiverse on the front pocket. Grab it today and it’ll be released on March 27th. Pre-order the Spider-Man Portal Mini Loungefly Backback here! Or you can pre-order the 3 Spider-Men Loungefly Wallet for $40! ©Amazon This wallet will remind you constantly of what some people call one of the best film crossovers ever. Or, if you love all three spider-men equally, this is the wallet for you! It will also be released on March 27th. Grab the 3 Spider-Men Loungefly Wallet here! If you’re on the hunt for even more Marvel merchandise, check out these irresistible Disney mugs! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Marvel and merchandise news. Here are 11 things Disney sells online that you WON’T find in the theme parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Who’s your favorite Marvel character? Tell us in the comments! The post 2 NEW Amazon-Exclusive Loungeflys Are a MUST for Spider-Man Fans! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Treat your loved ones to a Valentine’s Day celebration at Walt Disney World Resort that includes the perfect blend of delicious Hispanic and Latin-inspired cuisine in an atmosphere sure to leave you with fond memories.View the full article

Plenty of guests are flocking to Disneyland for the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary celebrations! Disneyland Despite having plenty to offer at the moment (special treats, Disney100 merch, a brand-new ride), there’s one day next week when you might NOT want to be in Disneyland. We recommend thinking twice before heading into the park on Monday, February 13th, especially if you can’t handle crowds. You may have heard of a little event going on this weekend called the Super Bowl! The biggest football event in the United States is being played Sunday evening in Arizona, and could impact those on vacation in Disneyland. Disneyland gets pretty busy during this time The park gets really crowded following Super Bowl Sunday. Not only will you see tons of supporters of the winning team swarming the park, but the players will be hitting the parks as well! This will make the second year in a row that the Super Bowl winners will be headed to the West Coast for their celebration. © Disney There will be a huge parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to celebrate. Because Disneyland is officially hosting whichever team comes out on top, certain areas of the park will be roped off so they can film interviews with the players. They may even end up closing off entire sections of the park as they prepare for the parade, leading to even MORE crowding. This means you could have to wait longer to ride your favorite attractions. New England Patriots Tom Brady and Julian Edelman Celebrating their Super Bowl Victory in 2019 Crowds are often a fact of spending time in a Disney park. But for those who prefer to plan their trips for the off-season to avoid them, Monday is definitely a time to stay away. For more tips to help you on your future Disney vacations, stay tuned to our site! See how Disney and ESPN Went All Out For Super Bowl LVI 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 Have you ever seen a Super Bowl parade in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post A Word of Warning If You're Going to Disneyland Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re flying in or out of Orlando International Airport soon, there’s something you’ve gotta know. ©Getty Images Frontier Airlines announced a merge with Spirit about a year ago, but JetBlue didn’t give up on buying Spirit to create an even larger airline. Not only would this make the budget airline larger, but it means that certain airports like MCO would see a HUGE influx of flights. According to the Orlando Sentinel, JetBlue’s chief executive officer Robin Hayes said that “combining the two airlines will give travelers a more credible alternative to American, Delta, Southwest, and United” on Friday. ©Spirit Airlines This acquisition will create the fifth-largest airline in the U.S., and some travel experts have expressed concern that it will “reduce competition and push fares higher in Florida’s key destination markets.” Spirit Airlines This month, Spirit has scheduled an average of 92 daily departures from MCO Airport while JetBlue has scheduled around 53. Combining these two airlines together, if approved, means that it would outperform Southwest, Delta, and United, and also offer MCO passengers more low-cost options. Sometimes taking a budget airline is worth the savings! ©Spirit Airlines A successful merger will need to be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration and could begin as early as 2025. If you’re planning a Disney World trip in the next few years, this is important to keep in mind as you look at flight options. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest MCO Airport news! Here are 50 simple tricks that make traveling so much easier! 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 do you think of this potential merger? Tell us in the comments! The post How Future Flights Could CHANGE at Orlando Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Shanghai Disney Resort’s newest restaurant, Donald’s Dine ‘n Delights, recently opened its doors and cast members received a delicious surprise! Shanghai’s makers of magic were invited to a series of cast-exclusive food tasting events to celebrate Disneytown’s first Disney-themed restaurant before the restaurant officially opened to the public in January. Here’s a fun sneak peek […]View the full article

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is officially open in Disneyland, but we’re still waiting for the rest of the reimagined Toontown to reopen to guests! Toontown The updated land was supposed to reopen on March 8th, but Disney just announced that that date is being pushed back. The Orange County Register reported that a Disneyland official made the announcement: “Due to heavy winter storms that impacted our construction momentum, we are adjusting the reopening date of Mickey’s Toontown to March 19. We can’t wait for our Guests to visit and experience the reimagined land.” Roger Rabbit’s CarToon Spin The new reopening date is pushed back a couple of weeks from the expected date of March 8th, so make sure you adjust your plans if you had previously arranged to be there for the reopening. Toontown In 2021, Disney announced the “ambitious reimagining of Mickey’s Toontown” in Disneyland park. Mickey’s Toontown closed on March 9, 2022, to begin the land’s transformation. Toontown You can check out a first look at the reimagined Toontown right here! We’ll keep watching for more updates from Disney, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news. Click here to learn more about Mickey’s Toontown. Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! See Our DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Get All the Info About Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Should You Go to Disneyland in 2022? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think of this land’s updates? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Mickey's Toontown Reopening DELAYED at Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

WOW. It has been a huge week for Disney news. Pandora We got massive updates about Disney’s financial status (and what CEO Bob Iger thinks about a multitude of things), a massive update on Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, and SO much more. So take a second now and join us as we wrap up the biggest news stories from this week. FOOD News First, we’ll hit you with some Disney food news. In Disney World, you’ll currently find a whole bunch of Valentine’s Day treats in the parks and resorts. Be My Valentine Sweet Treat Bag From giant donuts to a DOLE Whip creation with a problem, there’s a lot to pick from. To see ALL of our photos and reviews of Disney World’s Valentine’s Day treats CLICK HERE! Remember that February is also Black History month, which means you’ll also find quite a few new snacks in Disney World and Disneyland as part of the Celebrate Soulfully campaign. We’ve tried a drink that you might need to be careful about, a twist on a classic dessert, a jambalaya hot dog, a specialty cupcake, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for these treats throughout the month! Soul Cupcake But wait, there’s MORE food news. Price INCREASES are set to soon hit Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom as the characters make their return to the restaurant. Over at EPCOT, Dining Packages are now available for the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival’s Garden Rocks concert series. Be sure to book yours if you want to guarantee a great seat for a particular concert. Garden Rocks Concert in 2022 And finally, PRICE INCREASES have hit an iconic Disney World snack — the beloved DOLE Whip! So be sure to adjust your DOLE whip budgets accordingly. Major Housekeeping Update Next, we move to Disney World’s hotels where we have a MAJOR update. If you have missed having “regular” housekeeping services, you’ll be thrilled to know that daily housekeeping is coming back to ALL Disney World hotels. © Disney Disney brought back daily housekeeping services for Deluxe Resorts previously. But now, by the end of February, “full housekeeping room cleanings will once again be available at all [Disney World] Resort hotel rooms.” This will include replenishing amenities, changing and restocking linens, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, making the beds — the WORKS. Click Here for our Full Post on This MAJOR Housekeeping Change Huge Movie Sequels And now we shift to HUGE Disney movie news. Disney has announced that sequels are officially in the works for Toy Story, Zootopia, and Frozen! ©Disney A few of the stars of these films have even chimed in about the news. Tim Allen himself tweeted “See ya soon Woody, you are a sad strange little man and you have my pity.” Not much has been shared about these sequels so far, but we’ll be looking for more details! What We Know About Disney’s NEW ‘Frozen’ Sequel So Far Bob Iger Comments on Theme Park Pricing, Disney+ Updates, and MORE And now we get to the really big stuff. On February 8th, 2023, the Disney Company released its earnings report and held its earnings call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023, and it brought us some SERIOUS updates. ©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images Between the report, the call, and an interview Bob Iger did following the call, we have a lot to share so let’s go rapid-fire through it all. Be sure to click the links below if you want to learn more about any one of these areas! Disney+ First up, Disney+. Is the streaming service LOSING subscribers? Seems like it. This quarterly earnings report showed that Disney+ actually lost subscribers between October 1st, 2022, and December 31st, 2022, though the loss appears to have mostly been with Disney+ Hotstar. ©Disney In terms of other streaming information, Disney’s direct-to-consumer business did report another big loss this past quarter, to the tune of $1.053 BILLION. But Bob Iger has made it clear that his “Number One Priority” is streaming and working on making streaming profitable at Disney. ©Disney We’ll be interested to see just what steps Iger can take toward this goal in his short 2-year-planned tenure. Will Bob Iger Stay MORE than 2 Years? Speaking of his limited 2-year tenure, some have wondered whether Iger would stay beyond that but it seems Iger does not necessarily want to. In an interview, Iger shared that his “plan” is to stay at Disney for 2 years. He said, “that’s what my contract says…that would be my preference as well.” Overall, Iger shared that it’s “premature to speculate” on the issue, but there are “no plans right now” for him to stay any longer. ©Reuters | Disney CEO Bob Iger Of course, things are always subject to change! See our full post here about Iger’s comments when it comes to staying a long time with Disney Disney Parks On the parks side, Disney reported some big revenue numbers so things seem to be going well. Part of that has to do with how much guests are spending in the parks. ©Disney Disney shared that some of that increase in income at the parks is due to “higher volumes and increased guest spending.” The report noted that Genie+ and Lightning Lane contributed to the increase in guest spending. Basically, you’re spending MORE in the Disney parks and Disney is well aware of how beneficial that is to their bottom line. Walt Disney World But, will some pricing in the parks change? During the earnings call, Bob Iger admitted that Disney’s theme park “pricing initiatives were alienating.” He noted that Disney was “not perceived to be as accessible or as affordable to many segments as we probably should have been,” and said that the team has been taking steps to change that. Click here to read more about Iger’s comments on theme park pricing Layoffs This week, Disney also announced that it would be reducing its workforce by 7,000 jobs. TRON Cast Member in NEW Costume While details about the layoffs haven’t really been shared, one executive has noted that Disney does NOT anticipate the layoffs to impact hourly frontline roles in operations. Click Here to See How Layoffs Will Impact Disney (And Who Won’t Be Affected) Massive Reorganization Along with the other news, Iger also shared that Disney would be MASSIVELY restructuring the company to essentially undo the structure put in place by Bob Chapek with the DMED (Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution) division. Under the new organizational structure, Disney will have 3 core segments — Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. ©Disney Iger stressed that the reorganization will provide “a more cost effective, coordinated and streamlined approach” to the company’s operations. The new structure will “re-establish a direct link between content decisions and financial performance,” he said. Click Here to Learn More About This Massive CHANGE From Disney CEO Bob Iger That Seeks to Fix a Chapek “Mistake” Managing Capacity and Park Passes Back to the parks, Iger also made some comments about capacity and how that’ll continue to be managed. Though he didn’t really give an update about the future of Park Passes specifically, Iger did note that Disney is “going to manage capacity very, very carefully.” Hollywood Studios Iger continued by saying that some of the changes they’re making at Disney (which seemed to be a reference to the increased amount of cheaper Disneyland tickets), have enabled Disney to “shift [the] mix…from annual pass holders to people who may come just once in a lifetime or once.” So it seems there is still an interest in seeking what Chapek called a “balance” between passholders who may go more frequently but spend less and ticketed guests who go less frequently but on average pay more. Disney Will Continue to Manage Capacity to Shift the Mix Away From Annual Passholders On Selecting Bob Chapek as the Next CEO Wonder what Iger thinks about Chapek’s selection as CEO now that Chapek has gone and Iger is back? Well, in an interview, Iger noted, “We thought we made the right decision when we chose Bob [Chapek] in 2020. The board decided in November he wasn’t the right person for the job and made a change.” Iger reportedly concluded by saying, “With any big decision, you should learn from what went wrong.” Bob Chapek and Bob Iger©CNBC Though Iger didn’t really go into details about what may have gone “wrong” with Chapek, he did comment on something done during Chapek’s time that he felt was a big mistake. Click here to see more about Iger’s comments Spending Cuts Amid big streaming losses, Disney announced some spending cuts. Iger noted that the Company will be looking to cut spending by around $5.5 BILLION. ©Disney Around $3 billion will be cut from non-sports content. Iger shared “We will take a very hard look at the cost of everything we make across television and film.” Another $2.5 billion is expected to be cut from general operating costs. And the Company’s reorganization is set to help the Company be more cost effective as a whole. See more about how Disney plans to CUT costs here A NEW Avatar Experience And finally, the earnings call also brought a BIG update for Avatar fans. During the call, Iger announced that Disney is working on a NEW Avatar experience for Disneyland. Avatar Flight of Passage Exact details haven’t been shared, but we’re on the lookout for more updates! You Missed These 10 HUGE Disney News Bombs Reedy Creek District Update Now we move to Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. This is the District Disney World has operated under for over 50 years. The District essentially acts as its own county government and its structure has let Disney have a large amount of control over the land on which it operates in Orlando. Following Disney’s debacle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, a law was passed that will dissolve the RCID in June of 2023, and now we have some massive updates. Reedy Creek The issue of the RCID’s future came before the Florida legislature during a Special Session that began on February 6th. A bill was then introduced in the Florida House of Representatives that would (if passed) give the RCID a NEW name and essentially allow the district to continue (rather than be dissolved), but it would also make critical changes to the way the district operates. Instead of a Board of Supervisors selected by the landowner of the District (Disney), the District would be managed by a Board of members selected entirely by the Florida Governor (and confirmed by the Senate). It would also strip the RCID of some powers, but leave it with certain key ones (like powers regarding the issuance of bonds). ©WFTV 9 The President of Disney World noted that they were watching the progress of this bill closely. Despite some lawmakers’ criticisms of the bill, and one lawmaker’s attempt to rename the District “Florida’s Attempt to Silence Critical and Independent Speech and Thought,” the bill passed the Florida House of Representatives. The bill now moves to the Florida Senate and is expected to be passed there as well. Stay tuned for updates. The LOOPHOLE Disney Could Use to Resolve Reedy Creek District Problems A Big Disney Battle Is OVER And finally, for weeks we’ve been tracking what one reporter called Bob Iger’s “fight for the future of Disney” — a.k.a. the proxy battle that had been ongoing regarding Disney’s Board of Directors. Basically, activist investor Nelson Peltz and Trian Partners had been pushing to get Peltz a seat on Disney’s Board of Directors, against the wishes of Disney’s existing Board. But, following Disney’s earnings call and the changes announced, Peltz swiftly announced that the battle was over. According to Peltz, “this was a great win for all the shareholders.” He said that the management at Disney now plans to do everything Peltz’s group wanted them to do. ©New York Times Nelson Peltz of Trian Partners He also said they “wish the very best to Bob” and the Board, and noted that they will be watching and rooting for them. Click here to see more about that announcement And that’s it for this week’s news! To see more Disney stories, check out our posts below: BREAKING: Cast Members Reject New Disney World Contract You Can Buy NEW McDonald’s Loungefly Bags Online NOW Get Ready To DROOL Over EPCOT’s New Loaded Fries The FREE Thing You Can Get in Disneyland EVERY DAY Major CHANGE Will Make Your Disneyland Trip Easier Traveling to Magic Kingdom Is About to Get HARDER FIRST LOOK at the New Rooms Inside Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Major CHANGE Comes to Magic Kingdom Stores Why a Random Date in April Will be CRITICAL to the Walt Disney Company And stay tuned for the latest updates. 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 news from this week surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments. The post Frozen 3, A Hotel CHANGE, Major Updates on Disney Battles, and More News You Need to Know first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A bill to CHANGE Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) has nearly been passed by the Florida legislature. Reedy Creek The current RCID essentially allowed Disney World to function as its own government for over 50 years. But following Disney’s disagreement with Ron DeSantis over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill (commonly called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), the District was set to be dissolved in June of 2023. A new bill was introduced recently that would keep RCID in place but rename the district and significantly change Disney’s level of control. Now, the president of Walt Disney World has something to say about it. The bill addressing RCID changes already passed in the Florida House of Representatives but as of February 10th, it has passed within the Florida Senate as well. It passed with a vote of 26 yeas and 9 nays. The next step will be for the bill to go to Governor DeSantis’s desk, and most expect the governor to sign it quickly. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ©Deadline Scott Gustin posted on Twitter that Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle issued a statement following the bill’s passage in the Senate. Vahle’s statement reads: “For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state. We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework, and we will continue to innovate, inspire, and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year.” Jeff Vahle Disney has not revealed whether they intend to challenge the bill, although Vahle indicated previously that Disney was watching the progress of the bill very carefully. He stated before that “Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.” Disney World If the bill is signed by the governor, it will take effect immediately. There are parts of the bill that allow for a transition period. A Senate analysis of the Bill notes “The bill provides that the terms of all current members of the district’s board end as of the effective date of the bill, but allows those members to continue to serve until a successor in office is appointed and qualified.” So the Board members could stick around for a bit but likely would be replaced soon. ©WFTV 9 Here are some of the changes that the Bill would enact: rename the district to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District change the Board of Supervisors selection process — instead of being selected by the landowners (Disney is the majority landowner in the District), the board members will be selected by the Governor and confirmed by the senate strip the District of some powers (like the power it had to potentially create a nuclear power plant) place certain requirements on the district (mainly reporting requirements) We’ll continue to watch for more updates on this situation, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news. Click here to find out what other Florida lawmakers think of this bill. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Disney Responds to Looming Reedy Creek District Changes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has been in the middle of a heated WAR. ©Disney No, we’re not talking about the battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the situation with Disney’s Reedy Creek District. And no we’re not talking about those Park Pass lawsuits or the replacement of Bob Chapek with Bob Iger. And we’re not even talking about the battle to acquire Hulu. So what’s going on here? And just what war did Iger win before it truly began? Let’s dive in! One Name: Nelson Peltz This war has entirely to do with Nelson Peltz. Who is that and why do people care about what he says? Well, we’ve got a FULL post that does a deep dive into the topic, but here’s a quick breakdown. Activist investor Nelson Peltz and Trian Partners (Peltz is CEO of Trian Partners) began pushing for Peltz to have a seat on Disney’s Board of Directors quite some time ago (before Peltz was even an investor in Disney). Peltz shared quite a few criticisms of the Walt Disney Company. ©New York Times Nelson Peltz of Trian Partners Some of the main problems he identified were: CEO succession, poor financial strategy (especially when it comes to streaming), and not enough accountability with capital allocation. Peltz emphasized in a presentation that he felt Disney was over-earning at the theme parks to make up for losses in streaming, and he felt this was an irresponsible strategy. ©Trian Partners Disney, however, pushed back, insisting that Peltz wasn’t qualified for a seat on the Board and really hadn’t made constructive suggestions for changes. Thus began the proxy battle where Peltz and Trian Partners reached out to Disney shareholders, encouraging them to basically fire an existing Board member and vote for Peltz to get a seat instead (against Disney’s recommendation). ©Restore the Magic | Trian Partners The war had only just begun. Things were really going to heat up at the shareholder meeting, or really just before the shareholder meeting (since shareholder votes would be due just before the meeting on April 3rd, 2023). All signs pointed to a monumental war. It was a situation that one reporter called Bob Iger’s “fight for the future of Disney.” But what happened next was…surprising. The Earnings Call On February 8th, 2023, Disney released its earnings report for the first quarter of the 2023 fiscal year and held an earnings call right after the report was released. We expected that this report and call would become key to the Peltz/Disney battle, either fueling Peltz’s battle or perhaps weakening his position. There was some good news and some bad news from Disney’s first quarterly earnings report for fiscal year 2023. On the good side, the parks reported some great revenue figures (again) thanks to increased guest spending. Disney also revealed that a new Avatar experience will be coming to Disneyland, sequels are in the works for 3 hit Disney films, and Iger is truly focused on making streaming profitable. ©Disney On the bad side, Disney+ reported a small drop in subscribers and direct-to-consumer reported more operating losses. In other big news, Iger announced a massive restructuring of the Company that will change the DMED structure put in place with Chapek (that created a divide between the creative side of things and decisions made about the distribution of creative works). Iger also announced steps that will be taken to cut BILLIONS of dollars in spending at the Company, part of which will include 7,000 job cuts. And he shared that there is an intent to seek Board approval to reinstate the dividend. It was quite the call with some HUGE announcements throughout. Click here to see a detailed overview of the biggest news from the report and call Iger’s Comments on Peltz The earnings call ended and the Disney Company continued on its way, with the Peltz battle looming in the background. Iger later appeared on an interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street where he discussed a variety of topics (like how he plans to stay for just 2 years), including Peltz. David Faber asked Iger why Iger wouldn’t just put Peltz on the Board, and Iger said that it wasn’t a question of “why not” but “why.” He went on to discuss Disney’s existing Board, their qualifications, and why they’re best suited to help Disney’s shareholders; and noted why there’s no need to add Peltz. As The New York Times puts it, this shift, though sudden, can be seen as a victory for both sides. Disney avoids an unwanted Board battle and Peltz “was able to say he succeeded in pushing Disney to cut costs, revamp its streaming business, refocus on profit growth and reinstate its dividend.” In a statement, Disney’s Board shared their positive view of this outcome. “We are pleased that our board and management can remain focused without the distraction of a proxy contest, and we have tremendous faith in Bob Iger’s leadership and the transformative vision for Disney’s future,” they said. The War is OVER ©Disney Perhaps key to this all was Iger’s way of handling the earnings report and call. As the New York Times shares, Iger “came across as tough, cleareyed and decisive,” but also threw some “candy” to Disney fans with news of the movie sequels. The results have been a far cry from the last earnings call, which led to Chapek’s ouster. Oh, and let’s not forget that a proxy battle is expensive. According to one securities filing, the battle would cost Trian about $25 MILLION. That’s a lot to pay when it seems like many of Peltz’s points have already been addressed. Patrick Gadson (co-chair of shareholder activism at Vinson & Elkins) pointed out, “Part of activism is always realizing that the aim of an activist is not to get board seats…They don’t get paid to get board seats. They make money by, when it all boils down to it, stock price appreciation.” What Now? Well, Peltz said that they would be watching and we expect that will be true. Trian Partners did acquire a substantial amount of shares in the Walt Disney Company, and we expect they could have much more to say in the future if things at Disney don’t go quite as they’d like. Plus, Disney has a LOT of work to do to meet the goals it has set for itself when it comes to profitability with streaming, cutting billions in spending, and ensuring that the reorganization plays out as they hope it will. Magic Kingdom And there are more challenges on the way. How will Disney handle the Hulu situation and the date (that is quickly approaching) on which they may acquire Comcast’s remaining interest (or perhaps choose to sell their own interest)? How will Disney deal with dropping profits from more linear television sources? How will Disney handle Ike Perlmutter (chairman of Marvel Entertainment), who championed Peltz’s bid for a seat on the Board from within Disney? With massive changes on the way for the Reedy Creek District, how could that impact the Company? Despite the challenges that might await Disney in the coming months and years, some analysts have looked favorably at the Company and raised their outlook on Disney’s shares. The road ahead may be long and full of twists and turns, but it seems like one major battle may be over for Disney…at least, for now. Click here to see Iger’s thoughts on Disney’s theme park pricing Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this situation and how it ended? Tell us in the comments. The post How a Critical Disney War Ended Before It Really Began first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Feb. 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science — an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote women’s full and equal access and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Disney Imagineers are no strangers to encouraging the next generation of women scientists and technologists, in part […]View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Who’s ready to do some online shopping?! ©Disney Well, if you’re not, you better GET ready because we’re about to so you some simply irresistible Disney souvenirs. You can buy a lot of Disney merchandise online before your vacation, and this week some new items arrived that we think you’ll be very interested in. Let’s dive in! Minnie Ears Let’s start with a classic — Minnie ears! Three new pairs dropped online this week, including the Disney100 Disneyland ears… Ears …the very sunshiny Yellow Quilted Ears… Yellow Quilted Ears …and of course, the classy Denim and Corduroy Ears. These are $34.99. ©Disney With so many new pairs, it’ll make your decision pretty difficult when choosing what to wear on your next trip! Click Here to Get the Deets on All the New Ears! Loungefly Bags If you thought that was a lot of Minnie ears for one week, just wait until you see all the Loungefly bags! We got FIVE new bags online, some of which are inspired by classic Disney films. First up, we got backpack and wallet combos made to look like scenes from Peter Pan and The Little Mermaid. ©Disney Then, later in the week Disney released an animals-inspired backpack that’s really fun if you’re a fan of animal sidekicks in the movies! There are a BUNCH of underrated characters on this one. ©Disney You can buy the bag online right now for $75. Click Here to Shop the Critters Backpack! Disney Mugs And finally, we have to mention the NEW Disney mugs that were released by BoxLunch for Valentine’s Day! These sets each have heart-shaped handles and highlight famous Disney couples. ©BoxLunch We’ll take any excuse to add more Disney mugs to our collection! The costs vary pretty drastically for each set, so that might affect which ones you choose. Click Here to Shop the Mugs! That’s all the new Disney merch online this week, but we’ll continue to update you as we spot more must-have products, so stay tuned! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? It’s super fun stuff to wear to the parks, or to rep your happy place at the grocery store! Click here to visit the DFB Merch Store! Click Here for the Ultimate Guide to Disney Mugs! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which item are you most tempted to buy? Tell us in the comments! The post Minnie Ears, Loungefly Bags, and Disney Mugs Just Dropped Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is in full swing at Universal Studios. Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice discuss the celebration that runs nightly through April 16. View the full article

The Wheel at ICON Park has reopened, nearly six weeks after being shut down when it lost power. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This new collection from Hot Topic is sure to be a hit with Mickey Mouse fans of all ages. With so many cool items to choose from, everyone can join in the fun and be a part of the Mickey Mouse Club! ©Disney Get ready to feel like a kid again and brush up on your Mickey Mouse Club chant. Hot Topic’s newest collection is taking us way back with a blast from the past. Check out what Hot Topic released with the latest additions to their Disney Vintage Collection. If you were a fan of the original Mickey Mouse Club we’re guessing you probably will be adding these to your shopping list! Her Universe just dropped a full collection celebrating Mickey Mouse of old in their Disney100 Mickey Mouse Club Vintage line. ©Hot Topic This charming backpack is one to hit you right in the feels. The Disney100 Mickey Mouse Club Vintage Mini Backpack has Mickey Mouse all over it in various poses thumping away on a drum, pointing in the sky, and surrounded by musical notes and mouse ear hats. We thought it was a great callback using the original Mickey Mouse club logo as the center front pocket! ©Hot Topic The backside of the mini-backpack is a bit cleaner picturing a drumming Mickey Mouse against an off-white background. The stitched black straps add a nice touch to tying in the colors while the gold metal strap adjusters add just a bit of pop to the back side. Hot Topic has the mini-backpack priced at $49.90 (which is quite a bit cheaper than most of the Loungefly backpacks that it looks similar to!). Click here to grab your mini backpack from Hot Topic! Her Universe has even included a wallet in this Disney collection. The Disney100 Mickey Mouse Club Vintage Mini Flap Wallet complements the mini-backpack but could also be a separate purchase making it easier to show off your Disney side more subtly. ©Hot Topic The outside of this wallet mimics as much of the mini-backpack as it can in such a short space and we think they really nailed the transition! The top foldable clasp features the same Mickey Mouse club original logo and they’ve kept the various Mickey poses for the bottom side of the wallet. ©Hot Topic The inside is a sleek black with just a little pop of color viewable where the clear ID card holder is. It also features the Disney 100 logo in solid black colors against the Mickey Mouse short’s iconic red color. This wallet is priced at $14.90. Grab your wallet from Hot Topic here! The Mickey Mouse and Friends Reel Satchel Bag is a great addition to Her Universe’s collection! It’s a stylish and fun way to show off your love of Disney. The bag features a sleek design and an adjustable shoulder strap, so you can comfortably carry it. The bag also has a spacious interior and multiple inside pockets, making it a great choice for keeping your essentials organized and secure. ©Hot Topic This bag features classic animation reels printed on faux leather, with a black clasping top and gold metal hardware. The handle is adorned with a Disney 100 tag, and Mickey Mouse and his pals like Donald and Daisy appear in various animated poses. With its stylish design and affordable price of $44.90, this bag is sure to be a hit with Disney fans of all ages. Grab your satchel bag from Hot Topic here! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news! Check out a FREE way to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of these backpacks? Tell us in the comments! The post This Vintage-Inspired Disney Backpack Is CHEAPER than Loungefly Bags! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article