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Disney dropped some serious news bombs during its Q1 2023 earnings call. Cinderella Castle We learned the number of current Disney+ subscribers, how much Disney Parks have made, what three movies are getting sequels, and more. But we also learned about how the company wants to cut spending by $5.5 billion, as well as how it plans to do that. To start, Disney plans on cutting a whopping $3 billion in non-sports content. Iger said, “We will take a very hard look at the cost of everything we make across television and film.” That could mean cutting content on Disney+, but it could also mean that the company could be considering selling its share of Hulu. According to Iger, “everything is on the table” right now, concerning the streaming service, which Disney owns two-thirds of. ©Hulu The other $2.5 billion will be cut by general operating costs. CFO Christine McCarthy later said that the non-content cost-cutting will happen like this: 50% marketing and 20% in technology, procurement, and other expenses. However, 30% of those cut costs will happen in labor — the company also announced layoffs for 7,000 Disney employees. Partners Statue in Disney World The company has also immediately been restructured “aimed at returning greater authority to our creative leaders.” The company will be organized into three divisions: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experience, and Products. ©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images Iger stated that the reorganization will provide “a more cost effective, coordinated and streamlined approach” to how the company operates, as well as “re-establish a direct link between content decisions and financial performance.” We’ll continue to follow ALL the news coming out of The Walt Disney Company, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Massive CHANGE From Disney CEO Bob Iger Seeks to Fix a Chapek “Mistake” 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 Disney’s plans for cost-cutting? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney To Cut Spending By .5 Billion -- Here's How first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Managing capacity — it’s something that has been discussed since the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be important to the Disney parks today. Fantasyland Oftentimes, things like the Park Pass system are heavily discussed when it comes to managing capacity, but things like Genie+ can also help balance where people are in the park. During Disney’s earnings call for their first quarter of fiscal year 2023, we got a number of updates related to things in the parks. But one key thing CEO Bob Iger discussed was managing capacity. During the earnings call, Iger announced a new Avatar experience coming to Disneyland, theme park pricing, and more. But his comments on capacity were particularly interesting. Iger noted that he felt some of Disney’s pricing strategies were alienating people. He then shared that Disney is taking some steps to change things with its pricing, citing Disneyland as an example where the resort’s cheapest park ticket will now be available for more days out of the year. After discussing that change, Iger said they’d be “going to manage capacity very, very carefully.” (Quotes obtained thanks to the transcript from The Motley Fool) Crowds 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.” Iger said that standard ticket guests (not annual passholders), “tend to be good customers of ours because of their per-cap spending when they’re there.” That’s something we’ve heard discussed before. In a 2020 earnings call, Bob Chapek stated that “someone who travels and stays for five to seven days is marginally more valuable to the business than someone who comes in on an annual pass” because those with an annual pass may “stay[] a day or two and consume[] less merchandise and food and beverage.” Crowds Switching back to the February call, Iger shared that some of the changes they’ve made in shifting the mix from Annual Passholders to other guests have helped Disney “manage capacity without…doing too much damage to the bottom line.” Interestingly, Disney does seem to be focused on this idea of balancing things more between Passholders and ticketed guests. Chapek once said that Annual Passholders sometimes use the parks “as their personal playground,” which Disney loves. But he said that they also have to make sure that there’s “room in the park for the family from Denver that comes once every five years.” The idea of restricting capacity more strictly when it comes to Passholders has been a point of contention for some though. The Park Pass reservation system’s limit on Passholder reservations spurred a lawsuit as it relates to Disneyland’s Magic Key passes, and a related lawsuit related to Disney World’s Passholders. Dumbo Magnet But restricting capacity further may not be Disney’s only option. During the February 2023 earnings call, Iger also pointed out that Disney has seen good results when they “invest in increasing capacity” in the parks, like through the building of new lands. Iger noted that they have other opportunities for increasing capacity and that he has spoken to Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products) to see “where we can invest in them in the parks to increase capacity while — by preserving guest satisfaction.” Pandora Iger also discussed how they reduced capacity during the holiday season to improve the guest experience while still maintaining profitability. Iger shared that they’d “continue to look at opportunities like that, which is essentially to simply get more creative in terms of managing the capacity that we have.” From the sound of things, the Park Pass system could be sticking around for quite a while, but Disney may also be looking to manage capacity (and potentially increase it) by making other changes too. And the Park Pass system itself could be changing, based on recent adjustments we’ve seen announced at Disney World for Annual Passholders and D’Amaro’s comments on them. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for updates on this situation and let you know. Click here to see what Iger had to say about Disney’s theme park pricing 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 about Iger’s comments? Tell us in the comments. The post Disney Will Continue to Manage Capacity to Shift the Mix Away From Annual Passholders first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Toy Story movies are going on for infinity… and beyond! Toy Story Land On February 8th, 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke on behalf of the Walt Disney Company during the first quarter earnings call of the fiscal year. One of the most exciting things Iger said was that sequels were in the works for Zootopia, Frozen, and Toy Story! Stars Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story) and Josh Gad (Olaf from Frozen) posted on social media about the return of our fan-favorite characters and films. Allen tweeted about returning to Toy Story, and even included a photo of his beloved character, Buzz. Now THAT’S a crossover we’d pay to see! We’re so excited about the return of three of our favorite Disney movies — are you?! Believe us, when we find out more about these films, we’ll post all of that information here for you guys to stay in the loop as well! Disney has so many amazing movies coming out this year, and you can click the link below to see the trailer one we’re super excited about. Click here to see the teaser trailer for Disney’s The Little Mermaid 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 movies are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! The post Celebrities Comment on NEW Disney Sequels for ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Frozen’ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are thrilled to share that ABC’s “American Idol” is returning to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa! View the full article

If you’ve been hit by a Disney World vacation bill that nearly made you cry or ever priced out a dream trip and thought “I can’t afford that!”, you’re probably not alone. Magic Kingdom Disney World vacations can be incredibly expensive. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great Disney trip on a budget — we’ve shared a number of resources and posts that can help you plan a magical vacation for MUCH less. But, given recent ticket price increases, the surge pricing associated with Genie+, and ever-increasing snack costs, you may still feel a bit of Disney sticker shock. So how does Disney’s current CEO, Bob Iger, feel about the increasing prices in the parks? We just got an answer. Disney’s earnings call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 was held on February 8th, 2023. During that call we got some HUGE updates about the financial standing of the Walt Disney Company, just how well the parks are doing, news about a slight DROP in Disney+ subscriber numbers (and high streaming losses), and more. But we also got some more insight into Iger’s view on pricing in the parks. Now, to be clear, we had seen some comments from Iger on this in the past. Some reports had indicated that Iger felt Chapek had “given priority” to Disney’s streaming business “at the expense of other parts of Disney, like cable television and the theme parks.” And Iger was reportedly “alarmed by increases in prices at Disney theme parks,” which Chapek felt would “boost revenue and limit overcrowding.” Tower of Terror So what did Iger himself say during the earnings call on February 8th? Well, he addressed the issue had on by saying, “It’s clear that some of our pricing initiatives were alienating to consumers.” (Quotes obtained thanks to the transcript from The Motley Fool) Iger shared, “I’ve always believed…that accessibility is a core value of the Disney brand.” But he shared that Disney was “not perceived to be as accessible or as affordable to many segments as we probably should have been. So, after basically paying heed to what we were hearing, we started to address it.” Slinky Dog Dash Iger noted that they’ve taken some steps to correct the issue already and the steps have been “very, very positive.” He noted that one thing they’re working to do is provide “more flexibility for the consumer in terms of how much it cost them to go.” He specifically used Disneyland as an example, noting that how their core ticket price has not increased that much, “maybe slightly ahead of inflation over the last few years.” But he said that he examined pricing and noticed that the lowest pricing was only available for a very limited number of days each year. So, he said, Disney’s new pricing strategy makes those cheaper tickets available during substantially more days in the year. He said, “we greatly increased accessibility to our lowest price, and it is really well received. So, we’re going to manage capacity very, very carefully.” We actually saw this change regarding Disneyland tickets and making their cheapest ticket available on more days announced back in January of 2023. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland While Iger’s comments may come as a positive note to those who are worried about price increases, it does contrast some other things done in the past few months. Ticket price increases and changes hit Disney World in December 2022, at which point Iger had already returned to the CEO position. Iger had only just returned to the role, however, so it’s possible these were planned during Chapek’s term and simply could not be reversed. Genie+ has also continued to utilize surge pricing and hit its peak $29 price since Iger’s return. So it’s not as though he has stopped that from taking place. In fact, the earnings report for Q1 of FY 2023 pointed out that the operating income growth at the parks was partly due to increased guest spending, which was “due to an increase in average per capita ticket revenue driven by Genie+ and Lightning Lane.” In other words, Genie+ is making Disney lots of money, so that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Pandora And it’s not as though price increases didn’t take place under Iger’s “reign” during his first time as CEO. Still, his comments about pricing and making things more accessible could point to more steady/subtle increases as opposed to sudden spikes. Only time will tell. We’ll continue to watch for more Disney news and let you know what we find. Click here to learn more about when Disney could raise prices in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think about Iger’s statements? Tell us in the comments. The post Bob Iger Admits Disney’s Theme Park “Pricing Initiatives Were Alienating” first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Florida House voted 82-31 to reorganize the Reedy Creek Special Improvement District, removing the Walt Disney Co.’s control. View the full article

When it comes to food, South Florida is a great place to be. So many new places open up every day. Here’s what’s coming soon to a city near you. View the full article

Bob Iger returned as Disney’s CEO in November 2022 with a 2-year term and a clear mandate — reorganize the Company for success and find someone else to succeed you as CEO. ©Reuters | Disney CEO Bob Iger Since that time, we’ve already seen Iger make some big moves. Certain executives have left the company, a massive restructuring was recently announced, Iger has expressed that he is really focused on making streaming profitable, and layoffs and other cost-cutting measures are on the way. But if you, like many others, have wondered just whether 2 years will be enough for Iger to do what he wants and if he’ll stay longer, there’s an update you need to know about. In a recent interview with CNBC‘s Squawk on the Street, David Faber pointed out that Iger’s current tenure is set to last just 2 years. Faber shared that he’s spoken to executives who think 2 years simply isn’t enough time. It seems some believe that Iger has returned and could easily stay at Disney (once again) for more than 2 years, perhaps even up to 5 years or more. But Iger is sticking to the 2-year plan, at least for now. 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.” ©Disney When asked why Iger noted that he’ll be 72 years old and has put in almost 50 years working. He said there are simply other things in life that he’d like to do, and he’s “confident” that the Board will be able to identify a suitable successor for the CEO role. He also shared that he’d like to help that person be successful. 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. ©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images Will 2 years be enough time for Iger to do it all though? To start with, Iger shared that things can get done quickly at Disney, you just have to know what to do. He pointed out that various changes have been made in just the 2 months he’s been back, serving as proof that you can make big changes quickly. But he also noted that he’s not looking at the 2 years as a timeline to do it all. He said it’s not about accomplishing everything, but rather about setting up the company for long-term success. If done right, some of these changes will set the company on the right course for many years to come, including many years after Iger is gone. See Iger’s full interview below. So what should we take from all of this? Well, first, though Iger did seem to emphasize his intent to stay for only 2 years, he did use some less definite language. He didn’t come out and say “absolutely, definitively, 2 years is IT.” Instead, he used language like, it’s his “preference” to stay for just 2 years or it’s “premature to speculate” or there are no plans right NOW to extend his time there. Basically, he’s sort of left the door open for an extension of his time at Disney in the future. And that is unsurprising. During his first time as CEO, Iger was set to step down multiple times. He repeatedly agreed to extend his term at Disney in the past, so that could point to the possibility of more extensions in the future. Bob Iger ©Bloomberg Back in early 2022 various rumors had already been swirling that Iger would return as CEO at some point in the future. Iger called the rumors “ridiculous” and said, “you can’t go home again. I’m gone.” Ultimately, it seems the ridiculous came true, so it just goes to show that anything is possible. Will Iger stay beyond the 2 years? It’s unclear. The Board at Disney certainly appears to be determined to find a successor. Mark Parker, who will become the new chairman of the Board after the next shareholder meeting, is also the head of “a newly created Succession Planning Committee of the Board, which will advise the Board on the CEO succession planning, including review of internal and external candidates.” And the succession planning has already begun. In an SEC filing, Disney shared, “Bob is simultaneously prioritizing assisting the Board in identifying, developing and mentoring a successor CEO, a process which has already begun.” ©DIA DIPASUPIL/GETTY via The Hollywood Reporter | Disney CEO Bob Iger We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more updates about Bob Iger and let you know what we find. For now, it seems he could just be staying for 2 years, but we have a feeling that even the most powerful of crystal balls couldn’t exactly predict his future. Stay tuned for more news. Click here to see what massive change Iger made to fix a Chapek “mistake” Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! How long do you think Iger will stick around as CEO? Tell us in the comments. The post CEO Bob Iger Answers a Key Question About His Future With Disney 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. Okay, where are our Loungefly fans at? Those mini backpacks are incredibly popular because they can hold your essentials AND let you rep some of our favorite Disney characters, movies, and more. Loungefly bags We’ve seen some gorgeous bags recently, including a bag dedicated to Disney fireworks, a bag with one of our favorite Marvel couples, and a bag dedicated to the animated feature Peter Pan. Now, we’ve spotted two MORE Loungefly bags that you might need to add to your must-have list. The first we spotted was a new Tinker Bell Loungefly Mini Backpack with Tinker Bell looking VERY sassy on the front with her trinkets. But this bag also has a secret — it lights up! According to Disney, the front panel has an LED light and a night light. So you can have a little pixie dust with you everywhere you go. While we’ve seen light-up Loungefly bags in the past, they are a bit more unique and different than your “standard” bag without any special effects. It lights up! The trinkets wrap around the side of the bag, too. All her trinkets The back has Tinker Bell peeking out of a keyhole embroidered on it. Cute! The Loungefly is $98. Can’t make it to Disney World to get this bag? No worries, it is also available online! Buy the Tinker Bell Loungefly by clicking here! We also found the Disney Critters Loungefly Mini Backpack in Disney World, which is covered with some of our favorite Disney animals! We spot the Aristocats, Pluto, Meeko, Little Brother, Hei Hei, and more! All the critters! Here’s what the back of the bag looks like. Can you name all these animals? You can grab it in Disney World now for $78 — this one is also online! Get the Critters Loungefly here! We found both of these bags at Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but they are both still available online so grab them while you can! While you’re in the shopping mood…have you checked our DFB exclusive graphic tees and merch? Check out our new Tiana-inspired 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! Check Out These Loungefly Bags — And More — On Sale On Amazon! 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 Loungeflys? Let us know in the comments! The post One Thing Makes Disney’s Loungefly Bag DIFFERENT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Heading to Disney World soon? You’ll need to decide where to stay during your vacation! Drury Plaza Hotel Lots of guests opt to stay at one of the Disney-owned hotels, which have perks like free transportation to and from the parks and fun Disney theming. However, those hotels are generally more expensive than the non-Disney hotels you can find nearby. Come with us to explore the Drury Plaza Hotel — a non-Disney-owned hotel that’s still close to the parks and offers many of the same perks found at those Disney resorts! Let’s start with the basics: where exactly IS the Drury Plaza Hotel? Location The Drury Plaza Hotel is a Disney Springs-area resort, and it’s located about a half mile away from Disney Springs. ©Google Maps That puts it about 5 miles away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, 6 miles from EPCOT, and 8 miles from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. ©Drury So wherever you’re headed in Disney World, you can likely get there in under 10 minutes (depending on traffic, of course). Price The price is one of the main reasons that you might choose to stay at this resort. Unlike the Disney-owned hotels in this area, you can often find rooms for less than $200 per night at Drury Plaza Hotel. The Room When we looked at rooms a month out, we only saw a few options. One room with a King-sized bed was about $250 per night, and a suite with two Queen-sized beds was $300 per night. However, when we looked a few months ahead (which was June in this case), there were several options for rooms with double or Queen-sized beds for less than $200 per night. ©Drury Looking even further ahead, we saw the same rooms available at about $150 per night, with several options for rooms with King-sized beds at $215 per night and suites available in the price range of $230 to $280. Note that the Disney-owned Value Resorts are similar to this in price (and frequently cheaper), but they don’t have the location advantage that Drury Plaza Hotel has. Being a half-mile from Disney Springs is a pretty good place to be if you plan to take advantage of all the shopping and dining opportunities there. Disney Springs Still, if you’re not as concerned with being close to Disney Springs, make sure to check out those Value Resorts! Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort have the advantage of a Disney Skyliner station, which could help you get to certain parks faster than the buses usually can. Disney Perks The biggest difference between this hotel and Disney-owned hotels is the free perks offered at those Disney hotels. However, you might be surprised to realize that many of the Disney perks are offered at the Drury Plaza Hotel as well. For example, there is a free shuttle service between this hotel and all four of the Disney World theme parks. Parks Shuttle Also, guests at the Drury Plaza Hotel can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry, meaning they can get into the Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before they open every day. Extended Evening Hours are NOT available to guests at Drury Plaza — that perk is reserved for guests at Disney’s Deluxe hotels only, as well as the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green Resort. (Extended Evening Hours aren’t offered to guests at Disney’s Value and Moderate hotels, either.) Early Entry Sign There are some perks and discounts offered to Disney World Annual Passholders and Florida residents, too. Annual Passholder Perks Drury Plaza Hotel offers Disney World Annual Passholders up to a 15% discount off their “Best Flexible Rate.” You must book through the Drury website to take advantage of this deal. ©Drury Annual Passholders staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel can make Park Pass Reservations for the length of their visit, which means they don’t have to use their allotted passes during that trip. Florida Resident Deals There’s currently a Florida resident discount offered at this hotel. Here are the details you need to know: 10% discount for Florida residents at the Drury Plaza Hotel For reservations, call 1-800-DRURYINN and ask for the Florida Resident Discount or book online and use promo code 321565. Valid Florida ID must be presented at check-in Some blackout dates may apply Amenities Here’s a list of amenities at the Drury Plaza Hotel: Free hot breakfast 5:30 Kickback with evening snacks and drinks Several on-site dining options Baked Potato Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel Resort-style saltwater pool ©Drury Arcade Outdoor terrace access Patio Ten meeting rooms Two ballrooms Restaurants Breakfast There’s a hot breakfast buffet that’s free to all the guests at Drury Plaza Hotel. Breakfast It includes a variety of cold and hot options. Buffet There’s sausage… Sausage …oatmeal with various toppings… Oatmeal …biscuits… Biscuits …gravy to go with the biscuits… Gravy …fresh-made pancakes… Pancakes …scrambled eggs… Eggs …scrambled eggs with bacon and cheese… Bacon and Eggs …breakfast potatoes… Potatoes …as well as cereal and fruit options. Cereal You can also choose from a variety of drinks, like fruit juices and coffee. Yum! Breakfast is served daily from 6AM to 10AM. Kickback Each evening, guests can visit the Kickback for hot food and cold drinks. Kickback There’s a different menu every night of the week, with options like pretzels and cheese, burgers, and more. Drink Card We were given a drink card that was good for a few drinks each evening. Drink The eats are offered from 5:30PM to 7:30PM nightly. The Kitchen + Bar The Kitchen + Bar is located in the hotel lobby and is open each day. Kitchen + Bar It has casual meals, quick snacks, and cocktails on the menu. Eats at Kitchen + Bar Guests are invited to dine in or take their food outside to sit by the pool. Lakeside Bar & Grill The poolside restaurant here is called Lakeside Bar & Grill. Lakeside Bar & Grill It has a full-service bar as well as appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and a kids’ menu. Pizza Hut Express If you just want a quick, familiar meal, you can order from Pizza Hut Express. ©Pizza Hut You can order ahead and have it brought to your room or pick it up to take outside to the terrace. Market Place Quick snacks and drinks can be found at the Market Place. Market This stop has Starbucks coffee, pizza from Pizza Hut Express, grab-and-go snacks and drinks, frozen treats, and more. Room Tour Not that you know about the rest of the hotel, let’s go inside one of the rooms! Hallway Note that our room was a non-smoking room, and any smoking or vaping in the room would result in a $250 cleaning fee. Smoke-free room Ready to see it all? Do Not Disturb Sign Here’s a look at the entryway from the inside, with the sliding bathroom door on the left and a closet on the right. Door Turning around, you’ll see the bathroom on the right and a vanity area on the left. Let’s go inside! This is a multi-purpose area with several features. Entryway This closet has space to hang some clothes… Closet space …with several wooden hangers. Hangers Next to it, you’ll find an ironing board and iron. Ironing board The area beside the closet has a few amenities. Safe, Microwave, and Fridge There’s some Orlando-themed art… Artwork …a coffee maker… Coffee maker …an ice bucket with some individually wrapped plastic cups… Ice bucket …a safe… Safe …a microwave… Microwave …and a mini fridge. Mini fridge Emphasis on the MINI — this fridge has room for a few items and drinks, but not much more. Pretty small There’s a small seat fitted in the space below the safe. Seat To the right, there’s a vanity area that someone can use even if someone else is in the bathroom. That makes coordinating bathroom time to get ready in the morning much easier! Vanity There’s a simple sink… Handy! …with some facial soap… Soap …a hand towel… Hand towel …and a mirror that has a bright light above it. Mirror Turning around, the bathroom has a large sliding door. Bathroom door Let’s check it out! The bathroom The vanity has a single sink. Vanity The mirror has a lighted frame, and there’s a main overhead light in this bathroom as well. Lighted mirror Here’s a closer look at the vanity… Sink …with the sink… Sink …some soap and lotion… Soap …tissues… Tissue box …and hand towels. Hand towels Underneath, there’s some storage space for your toiletries… Storage …a hair dryer… Hair dryer …and of course the toilet paper. Toilet paper The toilet is…well…it’s just a toilet. Toilet There’s some artwork here as well, with four bath towels. Towels There’s a walk-in shower as well with sliding glass doors. Shower Here’s a look at the showerhead… Showerhead …and the body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Shampoo, soap, and conditioner There’s a small shelf in the corner of the shower… Small shelf …and a slanted handrail as well. Handrail Back inside the main room, there’s a desk and storage space. Into the room! You’ll find a suitcase stand beside the desk. Luggage stand The desk is fairly large, so you could comfortably work here if you needed to. Desk There’s a lamp… Lamp …a phone… Phone …and a couple of outlets, including a USB outlet. Some outlets Plenty of room! Plenty of space Here’s a look at the desk chair. Chair The television is situated above the desk, right across the room from the bed. TV There’s some more Florida-inspired art beside the desk. Artwork There are several drawers beside the desk for storage. Chest of drawers Here’s a look inside one! Inside the drawer To the right, there’s a small seating area with a lamp and table. Seating area There are two chairs… Chair …and a round table. Table Our table had an advertisement for the Kitchen + Bar restaurant… Menus …complete with the menu on the back. Menu The window had two layers of curtains. Window Here’s an overview of the room! dBed It’s a decent-sized space, with plenty of room between the bed, desk, and seating area. The Room Here’s the bed… Bed …which has a headboard made with a leather-typer material. Headboard There’s a barrier all around the bottom of the bed so you don’t lose stray socks down there. Under the bed The nightstand has a lamp… Nightstand …some more outlets right beside the bed… Outlets …and a drawer. Nightstand drawer There are two nightstands, one on each side. Other Nightstand One had an alarm clock, which has more outlets on top of it. Alarm Clock You can adjust the thermostat in your room as well. Thermostat Our room came with a welcome pamphlet, which had lots of information about the nearby Disney Springs. Welcome pamphlet There were advertisements from some of the restaurants and other spots at the Springs… Disney Springs details …as well as a map… Map …and directory. Directory And that concludes our tour! Want to check out more Disney World hotels? Take a look at these posts! The Best Disney World Hotels for 2023 The 4 BEST Disney World Hotels for First-Time Visitors A NEW Hotel Could Be Built Near Disney World Disney World Hotels with the BEST Restaurants Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Click here for a definitive ranking of EVERY Disney World hotel. Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels 9 Ways Your Disney World Hotel Stay Will Be Different in 2023 Our Picks for the Best Disney World Hotels in 2022 These Are the WORST Disney World Hotels for 2022 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel You Couldn’t Get the Disney World Hotel Reservation You Wanted – Now What? The 6 Disney World Hotel Problems No One is Talking About See Why You Might BAIL on Your Disney World Hotel A Full List of Changes Announced for Disney World’s Hotels 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What Items from Amazon Can You Have Delivered to Your Resort Hotel? We’ve Got the Details Are Disney World Hotel Perks Worth the Hefty Price Tag? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Where do you like to stay when you visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post Tour the NEW Drury Plaza Hotel Near Disney World With Us! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re looking to SAVE on your food at Disney World, we’ve got a deal you need to know about! Terralina Crafted Italian Let’s be real, Disney food can be very expensive. We’ve shared a post before about the BEST snacks for every budget and a whole post dedicated to the SNEAKY ways you can save money in the Most Magical Place on Earth. But if you’re looking to save on your meal right now there’s an important thing you need to know about and it serves as a good reminder of a potential way you could save some cash or get unique snacks on future trips! You’ll want to act fast on this deal because it is a one-day-only offering. Today (February 9th) Terralina Crafted Italian at Disney Springs is giving you a way to eat some yummy food AND save money. Terralina Crafted Italian Eats Today only, they’re offering guests a cheese pizza for $10, but there’s a catch. This isn’t an offer that you’ll be able to see on the menu. According to their Instagram post, guests will need to mention the social media post to their server in order to receive the deal. Considering the fact that their pizzas (though typically with more toppings) are usually between $17-$18, this is a decent deal. Terralina Crafted Italian is offering their guests this deal in honor of today being “National Pizza Day,” so stop by soon if you want to snatch it up. Even if you won’t be stopping by Terralina to get this deal today, allow this to serve as an important reminder for your upcoming trips. Be sure to check out the Instagram and other social media accounts for the Disney parks and the popular restaurants you want to try. Sometimes they’ll highlight unique deals, limited-time items, or even secret dishes that you can pick up. Coffee Toffee Chocolate Cake Gideon’s Bakehouse has done this in the past, where they’ve shared secret codes to unlock unique treats in their store. If you don’t check those accounts, you could miss out on some terrific eats. So be sure to check those social media accounts throughout your trip and (of course) check with us for updates! Click here to see the ultimate list of Disney Instagram accounts to follow For more about the restaurants at Disney Springs, click here to see our ULTIMATE guide. Disney Springs Stay tuned to DFB for the latest in Disney food news! Run, Don’t Walk for THIS Disney Springs snack! 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 this deal? Let us know in the comments! The post Love Disney Snacks? Don’t Forget to Do THIS Before Your Next Trip! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Did you know that many celebrities love Disney as much as we do? In fact, we’ve spotted a few at Disney World over the years! La Cava del Tequila Celebrities often make appearances at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional during the holidays, and occasionally, celebrities may design special merchandise or even DRINKS for the resort. However, one popular Disney-loving celebrity has signed some SPECIAL souvenirs at EPCOT and YOU might be able to get one. Did you know there is a special table that Neil Patrick Harris has at EPCOT’s La Cava del Tequila?! Neil Patrick Harris has a longtime relationship with La Cava del Tequila — he even has his own drink there, the Black Magic Margarita. Turns out Neil Patrick Harris hangs out at La Cava del Tequila enough when he’s at Disney World that he was honored with his very own table there while he was visiting EPCOT as a celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Processional. ©La Cava del Tequila The table even has a plaque on it honoring him. But it’s not just for Neil Patrick Harris to enjoy — YOU can sit at this table too! It may look like a regular table at first glance… Just a regular table, right? …but look closely and you’ll find a small engraved plaque on one edge! Neil Patrick Harris table at La Cava del Tequila While sitting at a celebrity table may be fun enough, La Cava del Tequila has taken things a step further and added a HUGE perk for people who sit here! For a limited time, guests who sit at the NPH table could get a wooden La Cava del Tequila coaster signed by Neil Patrick Harris himself! The coasters will be given out randomly to guests who choose to sit at that table though, so you will need a bit of luck here! If you want to get your hand on a coaster, be sure to seek out that table next time you order a margarita! ©La Cava del Tequila We’ll let you know about any other Disney World news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more! Want more food news? Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Get the Guide! It’s 3 guide books in one and is in an ebook format you can easily download to your tablet or smartphone. Use code WDW2023 to save 25% on the cover price! Here’s What Celebrities Pack When They Go To 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’s your favorite drink at La Cava del Tequila? Let us know in the comments! The post YOU Could Get a Unique Souvenir Signed By a Celebrity in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This February with Celebrate Soulfully, we are commemorating Black History Month with experiences that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more. Meet Kima and Twon, two Disney Springs culinary cast members who are sharing a piece of their heritage with dishes they have created for this celebration. Growing up in Colorado Springs, […]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. Need a new bag to use while in the parks or just want to bring some Disney fun to your bag collection at home? Bags can be a great gift to get someone (or yourself!) because they offer a fun design but are also useful. Behold: the wall of purses! From Loungefly backpacks to Stoney Clover Lane fanny packs and Dooney and Bourke bags, there are a LOT of options out there. But if you’re a particular fan of COACH as a brand or really want to celebrate Disney’s 100th Anniversary in a unique way, there’s one collection you cannot miss. COACH just released its Disney100 collection! These bags feature COACH’s signature print alongside elements of Disney magic. Each of these bags is available online at shopDisney, so you can have them delivered right to your door. One of the bags you can get right now is the Mickey Mouse and Friends Belt Bag. ©Disney This bag could be great for the person in your life that LOVES gardening and flowers. Mickey is pictured in his best gardening look while Donald takes a second to smell the flowers. There’s even a patch for Mickey’s flower patch. Grab the bag now for $250. Click here to buy the Mickey and Friends Belt Bag You can also bring home this Mickey Mouse Shoulder Bag that is great for spring! ©Disney The flower theme continues, but it seems Mickey may be getting a visit from some insect friends this time as he lays atop his pink flower. This one is priced at $550 and is expected to become available on February 27th (it’s available for pre-order now). Click here to purchase the Mickey Mouse Shoulder Bag The next bag is the Mickey Mouse and Friends Kitt Messenger Cross Body for $295. ©Disney This continues the garden theme with a Garden Gang patch with Mickey and Donald, another patch with Minnie and some flowers, and Mickey watering his flower patch in another design. Click here to purchase the Mickey and Friends Messenger Crossbody Need a backpack to carry all of your things? The Mickey and Friends Backpack can be all yours for $595. ©Disney It’s covered in more of those garden-themed patches, has an outside zip pocket and adjustable shoulder straps, and even comes in a dust bag to keep it looking nice! Click here to purchase the Mickey and Friends Backpack Last but not least, you can also pick up the Mickey Mouse Rogue Bag for $795. ©Disney It seems Mickey’s gardening has brought him face-to-face with a giant worm! It’s inspired by the 1935 Disney short Mickey’s Garden and has carry handles as well as a detachable strap. Click here to buy the Mickey Mouse Rogue Bag What do you think of these bags? They’re certainly not on the cheap side, but if you love Mickey, love gardening, love the 100th Anniversary, and love COACH, they could be just the thing to pick up. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more Disney deals and let you know what we find! Click here to learn about a limited-time sale that could help you save BIG on Disney favorites! 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 COACH bags? Let us know in the comments! The post WARNING: Disney's Latest Collection Comes With a HUGE Price Tag first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Now that Bob Iger is back as CEO of the Walt Disney Company — he has a long road ahead of him to “set the strategic direction” as he was tasked with. ©Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images That strategic redirection includes a massive overhaul of the company’s structure, which many expected, but what that new structure would look like remained unclear — until recently. Disney held its first company earnings call since Iger’s return, and he declared out with the old and in with the new — effective immediately. When Bob Chapek was named CEO of Disney after being hand-picked by Bob Iger, few could have predicted the chaos that would ensue. Now that Iger is back at the helm, we’ve begun to learn more about what exactly he hopes to accomplish during the short, two-year contract he signed on for. Bob Chapek and Bob Iger©CNBC One reason Iger was brought back was so he could “set the strategic direction for renewed growth” at the company. In a filing with the U.S. SEC, Disney noted that “Mr. Iger will initiate organizational and operating changes within the Company to address the Board’s goals.” ©Reuters | Disney CEO Bob Iger Iger announced the immediate restructuring of the company, and more specifically, the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) division. told investors that a restructuring at the company — effective immediately — is “aimed at returning greater authority to our creative leaders.” Iger later said in an interview with CNBC that Chapek’s DMED “was a mistake.” Bob Iger ©Bloomberg Chapek created DMED when he took over as CEO in 2020, and it would be one of the decisions that led to his downfall. He was focused on cost-cutting measures to bring profits back up following the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate losses brought on by streaming. According to the original DMED announcement from Disney, the new structure was “designed to further accelerate the company’s Direct to Consumer (DTC) strategy, in light of the rapid success of Disney+.” ©Bloomberg Essentially, Chapek created a “newly centralized distribution group” (DMED) to oversee marketing and distribution for all content across the globe. The company’s creatives who are responsible for making content, were to focus on doing that and only that. ©Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images | Kareem Daniel, former head of DMED at Disney Disney utilized consulting firm McKinsey & Co. to help in the efforts to “review Disney’s operations and identify redundancies and cost-saving opportunities. What McKinsey recommended, though, was that Disney take “decisions about spending on marketing and publicity for films and television programs out of the hands of studio executives and instead centralizing them in another part of the company.” At the time, DMED was making all these decisions instead of the creatives responsible for making the content. ©Disney But now, under Iger’s new company structure, Disney will be organized under three divisions: Disney Entertainment This division will be led by Alan Bergman, who was previously the chairman of Disney Studios, and Dana Walden, who was previously the chairwoman of Disney General Entertainment Content. ESPN Jimmy Pitaro will continue to lead ESPN as its own division. Disney Parks, Experience, and Products Josh D’Amaro will continue to lead Disney’s division that manages the parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products. ©Josh D’Amaro 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. Essentially, Iger has just undone everything that Chapek did when he created DMED. Iger also announced cost-cutting measures to the tune of $5.5 billion during the recent earnings call. The savings will come from the layoff of 7,000 employees, as well as cuts in Disney’s marketing budgets. ©Disney || Bob Chapek And, now that he’s taken care of restructuring the company in an effort for renewed growth, Iger can focus on his “number one priority” — improving streaming. In November 2022, we got an updated look at the Disney+ subscriber numbers but we also learned that Disney’s streaming business as a whole had a loss of nearly $1.5 BILLION. This loss ultimately contributed to the ousting of Bob Chapek as CEO. ©Disney That most likely led to Iger’s choice to focus on growth and profitability for streaming. Iger reiterated Disney’s previous comments that they expect Disney+ to be profitable by the end of the fiscal year 2024. The new organizational structure announced by Iger during the call will hopefully help by relinking the creative process with the financial results. As Iger put it, Disney is putting content back into the hands of the creatives. ©Disney There’s still a long road ahead of Bob Iger, but we’ve seen what he is able to accomplish in a short amount of time. We’ll continue to watch for updates to see if that pattern continues. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Iger and Disney news. Bob Iger Announces Immediate Restructuring of Walt Disney Company Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think Iger’s next move will be? Let us know in the comments! The post Massive CHANGE From Disney CEO Bob Iger Seeks to Fix a Chapek “Mistake” first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

For a limited time beginning Feb. 15 at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, you can encounter and interact with Moon Girl from the newest Disney series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur"!View the full article

Disney World — it can be full of joy, happiness, and fun. But it can also be full of stress and anxiety. The Grey Stuff on a Chocolate Tart If you are a naturally anxious person or find certain things (like crowded areas or loud spaces) to be particularly anxiety-inducing, there are some extra steps you’ll want to take in Disney World, like potentially avoiding certain rides, shows, or dining locations. We’ve shared a look at Disney World changes that cause you anxiety and places to escape in Magic Kingdom when your anxiety is through the roof, but now we’re taking a deep dive into the restaurants you’ll want to AVOID if you have anxiety. We reached out to our wonderful readers via Facebook and asked, “Which restaurants cause you the most anxiety in Disney World?” And they had some THOUGHTS. Here are just some of the top picks from their comments. Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) (And a Shout-Out to Character Meals/Buffets in General) Several of our readers had the same immediate response to our question — Chef Mickey’s. This character meal at Disney’s Contemporary Resort can be anxiety-inducing. This is primarily the case because the restaurant can often be EXTREMELY loud. Couple the many loud/screaming kiddos that often frequent this spot with the positioning of this restaurant right in the middle of a major part of the hotel with the monorail whizzing by, and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster. Chef Mickey’s Character meals often attract families with young kiddos so it wouldn’t be surprising to hear kids talking loudly, screaming, or crying here. Plus, you may see a few kids running around as they let out some of that endless energy. One of our readers put it simply — Chef’s Mickey’s is “so loud and intense.” Another echoed that by saying “way too much energy/chaos in the morning.” Chef Mickey’s But Chef Mickey’s isn’t necessarily the only character meal you may want to avoid. Some readers pointed out that any character buffet can be an anxiety trigger if you’re going with kiddos. (Note that Chef Mickey’s will switch back to its buffet service on March 1, 2023.) As one reader pointed out, it can be difficult enough to do a regular buffet with kids, but add characters on top and the fear that you’ll MISS critical character meet-and-greet time when you step away to get food, and your anxiety can skyrocket. Character Meals Can Be STRESSFUL Another specifically called this out in the context of The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. For them, the anxiety wasn’t just related to missing the characters but was also tied to concerns that can come with meeting a character at a restaurant in general. Do you hug them? Will your mouth be full of food just as they arrive? Will you have food on your fingers when they stop by your table, making the whole situation awkward? It can be a LOT to handle. If you’re looking for a more “relaxed” character meal, or at least a character meal where you don’t have the added stress of a buffet, consider Garden Grill (EPCOT, Lunch/Dinner). Dale at Garden Grill It isn’t a buffet meal, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your seat. And Garden Grill often gets overlooked, but is FULL of delicious eats and a lovely rotating setting that takes you through scenes of Living with the Land. See our ranking of character meals by noise level here 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) If having someone scold you (even in jest) sounds like an absolute nightmare, steer CLEAR of 50’s Prime Time Cafe. The whole theme behind this spot is that you’ve stepped into Mom’s kitchen back in the 50’s, and your “cousins, uncles, and family members” (a.k.a. servers) are NOT afraid to chastise you the way true family members do. 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney World You might get yelled at for putting your elbows on the table, continuously reminded to eat ALL of those veggies if you want dessert, and they may even try to set you up with someone across the room — you never know! We may or may not have witnessed a kiddo asked to stand up and sing “I’m a little teapot.” It’s a WILD place! Now, to be clear, none of the Cast Members are doing anything with bad intentions or in a way that feels overly harsh or mean. It is Disney World after all! But you DO need to be prepared to get heckled if you come here. If you love improvisation, nostalgia, and poking fun at yourself, then this is THE place to go. But if the sound of that is extremely stressful, then avoid this spot at all costs. Dining room One reader shared, that they avoid 50’s Prime Time because they want to “sit back and enjoy a meal in the middle of a chaotic park day,” not be scolded. Another fully admitted that they’re bad at eating their vegetables (especially on vacation) so they avoid 50’s Prime Time so they aren’t reminded of this. If you’re looking for a more peaceful table service meal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, consider hopping over to The Hollywood Brown Derby. While pricey, it captures more of the elegance of Hollywood, no scolding involved! Brown Derby Plus, that iconic Cobb Salad is a must-get! Click here for our complete Disney World restaurants guide LOUD (& Crowded) Restaurants If you find that your anxiety goes up when eating in loud or crowded spots, these are some of the places you’ll want to avoid based on our readers’ responses. One reader shared that they found Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom) to be crowded (“literally bumping elbows crowded”) and loud. This is a complaint we’ve heard before. In the past, several of our readers have mentioned the noise level, especially in the Grand Ballroom (which is indeed quite cavernous). Some shared, “It’s VERY noisy. I could barely hear the waiter,” and “It’s really loud in the main room, that’s my only complaint.” The Beast on a stroll A few mentioned Coral Reef Restaurant (EPCOT). One shared, “The way the sound bounces around in there, it’s just a cacophony.” Plus, if you find yourself seated right next to the aquarium and there are lots of little kiddos around, “expect to have company” as they race near you to look at the fish. Coral Reef Restaurant Some mentioned Rainforest Cafe, as well (Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs), and this is really an obvious choice. Every few minutes, the animatronic animals in Rainforest Cafe come to “life” in a way that is not particularly quiet. We’re talking animal sounds, thunder sounds, and more. We may or may not know some kiddos who used to cry every time a “thunderstorm” began. Suffice it to say Rainforest Cafe is LOUD. So if loud sounds do not settle well with you, avoid this spot T-Rex (Disney Springs), which is owned by the same company as Rainforest Cafe, was another one mentioned by our readers for essentially the same reason. Rainforest Cafe Some also mentioned Le Cellier Steakhouse (EPCOT, Canada Pavilion). One said that the restaurant was very loud when they last visited, which made them pretty anxious. It’s important to note that this is meant to make you feel like you’ve entered a wine cellar, so it’s rather small and dark. If a lack of windows and views to the outside makes you nervous, this may be a place to skip. Le Cellier And another reader shared that they ate at Space 220 recently (EPCOT) and “found it incredibly over the top loud.” They felt that because of the noise level, they were yelling at their friends across the table and were not particularly pleased with that. The environment here is also based on “leaving Earth” and traveling to a space station. You’ll board a “Space Elevator” to get there and all of the windows in the restaurant look out into the abyss of space and Earth looming below. If not being able to see out to the “real” world, going on an elevator, or an overly themed environment like this is also nerve-racking, consider eating elsewhere. Space 220 Other spots that might not be great for those with anxiety include Sci-Fi Dine-In (dark, heavily themed, no outside windows, and loud), and interactive shows like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. If you can only go to ONE Disney World restaurant in 2023, go HERE Cosmic Ray’s and Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom) (And Other Quick Service) Several Quick Service spots got mentioned by our readers, but we want to take a second to highlight two that got mentioned a LOT. First up is Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Magic Kingdom). This is a popular Quick Service spot in Tomorrowland that features indoor and outdoor seating, the highlight being the central indoor seating where you can hear the space alien Sonny Eclipse (an animatronic!) perform. Barbecue Chicken Sandwich Meal from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom But, for some, the environment here is NOT ideal. One reader described it as “loud and chaotic.” And that can be true at times. Since this is a larger dining space in Tomorrowland, it can get very packed. Combine the loudness of the crowds with Sonny’s performance and it might be a touch too much. Our advice? If you want to get food from Cosmic Ray’s and avoid the stress, consider getting there as SOON as they open and snatching a seat on the outside patio overlooking the Castle. That can provide a quieter, more relaxed experience. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Quite a few readers also identified Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom) as a problem for those with anxiety. One said Casey’s is “always packed” and they can “never get a seat.” Another shared, “I LOVE Casey’s corner but the anxiety of trying to find a place to sit .” Casey’s Corner Now, there’s no denying that Casey’s Corner’s mini corn dogs are ICONIC. And sometimes a good foot-long hot dog, fries, and a drink are just what you need. But the seating can be a stress point here. There is very (and we mean VERY) limited indoor seating. And while there are a few tables outside, it’s not a whole lot. Tables in Magic Kingdom DFB Tip: If you grab a treat from Casey’s Corner, don’t bother looking for a table. Grab your tray and take it out to the Magic Kingdom hub grass. Find yourself a nice little spot and sit down to enjoy your meal picnic-style. And take a second to BREATHE and enjoy the space around you. Ah Yes, a Casey’s Corner Picnic Another reader mentioned Woody’s Lunchbox (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) for a very similar reason. They shared, “it only has outside seating and we couldn’t even find a table! Who wants to eat tomato soup and a grilled cheese in the extreme summer heat?!?!” Finding seating at Woody’s Lunchbox can be an issue, so if you are having a tough time there, consider grabbing your food and heading OUT of the land to eat. Seating But, for some, it’s not just these Quick Service spots that cause anxiety…it’s MOST or ALL of them. One reader said, “most quick service locations come with some level of anxiety.” And they felt like the current version of Mobile Order was, unfortunately, not the solution to that. Another said that Quick Service locations can be tough because “trying to get your food and then find a seat is super stressful!” Another shared, that they find Quick Service locations to be anxiety-inducting “during the busiest meal times. If I’m hungry at lunch I know I have to wait a couple hours if I actually want to be able to sit down somewhere to eat my food.” Pinocchio Village Haus While this may not solve all of the problems mentioned above, one way to make Quick Service locations less stressful is by ordering your food via Mobile Order WELL in advance so you can secure a pick-up time that works best for you. And if you really want to remove stress from your situation, consider a pick-up time that is either very early (perhaps before most folks have gotten hungry) or at an odd time (when fewer folks will be looking to eat). Click here for details about the harsh reality behind mobile ordering in Disney World Beware the BIRDS Another thing mentioned by a few different readers has nothing to do with the food, mobile ordering, or even crowds. Instead, it has to do with…wild ANIMALS. A few people mentioned Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom) as being anxiety-inducing because of the outdoor seating and the BIRDS that come up to your table! One said you “cannot turn your back for one second because the birds will eat off your plate The ribs are worth it though.” (They also shared that Flame Tree Barbecue can be stressful because there are long and sometimes uneven paths standing between you and your table.) No bird…this is OUR meatloaf! Another shared that Yorkshire County Fish Shop (EPCOT, UK Pavilion) is a stressful place for them because they were “attacked by birds trying to get [their] food.” Walk-up line for Yorkshire County Fish Shop One reader generalized this concern to “any restaurant where the seating is outdoors and the birds come up to your table!” There can be some especially brave birds out there that feel NO remorse coming up to your plate or swooping down to steal a little nibble. So watch your food carefully! No Fries for You Duck Friend! If you are concerned about a bird thief, consider placing a clean plate or napkin on top of your food while transporting it to your seat, and (most importantly) be aware of your surroundings. You can also opt for restaurants with indoor seating if the idea of being anywhere near a bird while eating is unpleasant. Click here to read about some of the genuinely frightening things that can happen in Disney World Expensive Spots Because Of the…BILL A few mentioned that while restaurants themselves may not cause them anxiety, the BILL at the end of a meal can. One reader specifically mentioned Tiffins (Animal Kingdom) as an example. And while it’s easy to look ahead and know what to expect in terms of pricing, if you change your mind and order things beyond what you budgeted for, that bill can come as quite a shock. Tamarind-braised short rib Our tip is to budget carefully, stick to the budget as much as possible, and (to account for situations like this which can occur) leave wiggle room in the budget so an extra delicious and expensive meal doesn’t feel like such a hard hit to your wallet. See how much you’ll pay PER DAY on food in Disney World It’s the Reservation! Others said that no particular restaurant gives them anxiety, but trying to get a reservation can put them on the edge. Getting dining reservations for your trip can be stressful, particularly if you’re hoping to eat at one or more REALLY popular spots. Dining room at Topolino’s Terrace But we’ve got tips for that too! Especially now that the dining cancelation policy has changed to just 2 hours before your reservation (for most spots) finding a last-minute dining option might be a bit more achievable. Be sure to check around2-hour2 hour mark to see what places pop up! Plus, you can check mobile waitlist and get a table faster than you think (at least at some locations)! Click here to see what dining reservations will be the HARDEST to get in 2023 And that’s a look at just some of the restaurants and other dining-related things that caused our readers anxiety. Want to take the anxiety out of your Disney dining planning process? Grab our DFB Guide! Three Guides in One! It has an entire 101 book dedicated to giving you the core information you need about dining at Disney World. Then, there’s an entire reference guide that’ll take you through EVERY restaurant in Disney World so you know which ones might interest you the most. And there’s a printables book, too, with worksheets that’ll help you get organized for your trip! Check out the DFB guide here! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What restaurants make you anxious in Disney World? Tell us in the comments. The post Avoid THESE Disney Restaurants If You Have Anxiety 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. When you’re a Disney fan, sometimes it can feel like you’re part of one big family or part of a massive group of friends. And friends make sure to tell other friends when they can save BIG on their favorite items, right?! Of course they do! Disney Merchandise And since you’re our friend we always try to share the latest information with you about discounts and deals that’ll help you save in Disney World or online. And right now we’ve got some key savings info you need to know about! Right now, shopDisney is holding a Friends & Family Savings Event that lets you take 25% off your purchase of select items if you use the code “DISNEYPAL” at checkout! © Disney Tons of items are included, from apparel to toys. So let’s go through some of our favorite picks! Get ready to jot down all of your creative ideas just like Walt with the Disney100 Walt Disney’s Disneyland Journal Set! Inspired by classic Disneyland designs, this set includes 3 vintage-style journals with elastic closures. Disney100 Walt Disney’s Disneyland Journal Set You can let your creativity loose on the lined pages and mark your place with the attached satin ribbon bookmark. Each notebook includes 250 pages between softbound covers. This set is normally priced at $29.99, but you can get 25% off right now! Click here to buy the Disney100 Walt Disney’s Disneyland Journal Set! This Mickey Mouse Hip Pack could be an excellent bag to bring with you to the parks! Not only is it functional, but the fun colors and vintage Mickey design make it a fun choice for a Disney trip. Mickey Mouse Hip Pack There are three zippered pockets to hold all of your necessities, each with a bright blue zipper to contrast against the dark teal fabric. It even has a pouch for your water bottle! Normally, this bag would cost $29.99, but you can get 25% off during the sale! Click here to buy the Mickey Mouse Hip Pack! In the market for some new ears? Check out this new pair that features an array of unique textures. The Denim and Corduroy Minnie Ears are a blend of casual and sweet, combining tough denim with soft pink. Denim and Corduroy Minnie Ears These ears have a non-slip velour interior to ensure they won’t go flying off! They’re usually $34.99, but use code DISNEYPAL and you’ll get 25% OFF! Click here to buy the Denim and Corduroy Minnie Ears! Classic Mickey fans, these Crocs are calling your name! The Mickey Mouse Clogs are covered with the beloved mouse in an early retro design. Mickey is featured on the shoe as well as on the attached charms! Mickey Mouse Clogs for Adults by Crocs Another charm bears the Mickey & Co. logo which also runs along the velcro strap across the heel. We love the variety of colors included in this pair. It would normally cost you $64.99 to get these, but you can save 25% right now! Click here to buy these Mickey Mouse Clogs for Adults by Crocs! Spring is right around the corner and warmer weather will be here before you know it! Get ready for sunnier skies with this Fantasyland Crest Semi-Cropped Top, great for those hot days. Fantasyland Crest Semi-Cropped Top for Women This gray shirt features a collegiate-style Fantasyland crest. The oversized sleeves and boxy fit give the top a sporty feel. Just throw this on with your favorite pair of jeans for a casual look. This shirt is priced at $32.99, but get 25% off now while the sale lasts! Click here to buy this Fantasyland Crest Semi-Cropped Top for Women! Now that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is out on Disney+, it’s time to represent! Grab this Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Spirit Jersey for Adults for your next visit to Avengers Campus in Disneyland. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Spirit Jersey for Adults This Spirit Jersey is covered in the Black Panther suit pattern and has the necklace design on the front along with a crest. On the back, you’ll find the words “Wakanda Forever” in shiny silver foiling. Save 25% when you buy this during the sale (normally the spirit jersey is $79.99). Click here to buy the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Spirit Jersey for Adults! There are plenty more items included in the sale, so be sure to check out shopDisney to browse them all. Check for a little designation near the item that indicates that it qualifies for the sale. ©Disney But act fast! This sale will end on Monday, February 13th, so don’t miss out! Click here to shop the Friends & Family Savings Event! Stay tuned for more news about Disney discounts and 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. Would you rather get a new Spirit Jersey or a new pair of ears? Comment your pick below! The post ALERT! You Can Save Big on Disney Favorites Right NOW first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

November 2022 brought sudden DRASTIC changes to the Disney Company. Bob Chapek and Bob Iger©CNBC Bob Chapek was swiftly removed as CEO and Bob Iger returned to the position. Since that time we’ve seen a lot about what led to Chapek’s removal and what Iger felt about certain decisions Chapek had made. But now we’ve heard even more from Iger himself about the decision to pick Chapek as his successor. Back in July of 2022, we shared that Iger reportedly regretted picking Chapek as his CEO successor. At that time, according to Business Insider, sources familiar with Iger’s thinking said Iger regretted “what he has called one of his worst business decisions: the selection of Bob Chapek as his successor.” Reportedly Iger said that he didn’t realize Chapek was “such a ‘novice’ when it came to handling complex issues like talent management and political battles, and that Chapek was arrogant and uninterested in other people’s opinions.” ©Disney So what does Iger have to say about the situation now? After all, upon Iger’s return, the Board specifically noted that he was back “with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term.” Mark Parker, who will become the new Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Walt Disney Company after the next meeting of shareholders, has also become the head of a “newly created Succession Planning Committee of the Board, which will advise the Board on the CEO succession planning, including review of internal and external candidates.” Bob Iger ©New York Post According to CNBC, Iger has acknowledged that he has a lot to do at Disney, “in addition to helping the board ‘succeed at succession.'” In discussing Chapek, Iger said “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 declined to “comment further on what led to the abrupt departure.” According to Scott Gustin, Iger concluded by saying, “With any big decision, you should learn from what went wrong.” Bob Chapek and Bob Iger at Cinderella Castle When asked to go into detail about what went wrong or what Iger may not have seen properly when it comes to Chapek, however, Iger declined to answer. Fixing that was one of the first things Iger was tasked with doing and massive changes were announced in terms of the organization of the Disney Company’s entertainment and distribution channels during the earnings call on February 8th. You can read more about those changes here. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news about Iger’s time at Disney and the changes he will be making in the coming months. Stay tuned for the latest updates. Click here to see what BIG thing was missing from CEO Bob Iger’s announcements today Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about the Iger and Chapek battle? Tell us in the comments. The post "We Thought We Made the Right Decision" -- Disney CEO Bob Iger Comments on Bob Chapek Selection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are both going through some MAJOR changes this year. EPCOT But if you have to choose ONE to visit in 2023…which one should it be? Find out TODAY, on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Magic Kingdom vs. EPCOT in 2023. Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! You'll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis; and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you planning to visit Disney World in 2023? Let us know in the comments below. The post DFB Video: Magic Kingdom vs. EPCOT in 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has been in the middle of a huge battle lately, but it has finally ended. ©Disney | Walt Disney Company Headquarters Activist investor Nelson Peltz and his company (Trian Partners) had initiated a proxy battle at the Walt Disney Company. Peltz’s goal was to get a seat on the Board of Directors at Disney to champion some of the changes he thought needed to be made within the Company. Disney had refused to add Peltz to the board despite Peltz having various meetings with them, and Disney made it clear that they did NOT support Peltz’s move to encourage shareholders to vote for him to grab a seat from another director. One reporter even called this proxy situation Bob Iger’s “fight for the future of Disney.” But it seems the fight is now over. While many expected that the Nelson Peltz drama would not end until the shareholders voted and the results were released at the shareholder meeting on April 3rd, 2023, it seems the situation has changed. CEO Bob Iger spoke with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street earlier discussing Trian Partners and Peltz’s attempt to get on the Board. But the situation has swiftly changed. This news comes after Disney made some big announcements in its earnings report and earnings call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2023. Included in those announcements was, importantly, news that Iger would be restructuring part of the Walt Disney Company into 3 new segments. Iger also announced that there would be 7,000 jobs cut at the Company, the Company would be looking to cut around $5.5 billion in costs, and Iger would be really focusing on streaming and making it profitable. According to CNBC, “Iger [also] said he aimed to ask the board to approve the reinstatement of its dividend–which had been suspended since early 2020 due to the pandemic–by the end of the calendar year.” ©Reuters | Disney CEO Bob Iger It seems many of these changes addressed key concerns from Peltz’s group. But Peltz did note that they would be watching as the Company moves forward. Peltz’s group continues to be a shareholder in the Company as far as we know so we will continue to watch for what comments they may share about Disney in the future and what other changes Iger makes during his tenure. Stay tuned for the latest news. Click here to learn more about the earnings report from Disney’s first quarter of fiscal year 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this major change? Tell us in the comments. The post Bob Iger's "Fight for the Future of Disney" Is OVER first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ever go to book your flight, think you’re getting a great deal, and then suddenly see the price SHOOT up thanks to all kinds of extra fees? Flying away There are fees to make sure your family sits together and all kinds of other things. We’ve shared a LOT of airline tips to help you out, like a list of the airlines to AVOID if you don’t want to get bumped from your flight, and resources to help you know what you’re owed if your flight is canceled or delayed. But is there a way for some of those pesky airline fees to go away? There might be. In early 2023, President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union speech, and The New York Times provided a full transcript. During the speech, Biden discussed various things, but dedicated a bit of time to something he called “junk fees.” Just what are “junk fees,” you ask? Well, they’re “hidden surcharges too many companies use to make you pay more,” according to Biden. ©AP We already shared some details with you about how some of the changes Biden talked about could impact “junk fees” at hotels (and how Disney could be impacted). But what about airlines? Well, Biden said his team is tackling “junk fees” when it comes to airfare too. For example, he shared, they’re “making airlines show you the full ticket price upfront.” He also noted that they’re working to make airlines “refund your money if your flight is canceled or delayed.” Biden said that they’ve written a bill to target junk fees called the “Junk Fee Prevention Act.” ©CNN Illustrations | Getty Images Biden shared that through this Act they would work to “prohibit airlines from charging $50 round trip for a family just to be able to sit together.” This seems to be in reference to fees airlines charge for seat selections that some families may end up paying to ensure that they can all sit together. Biden emphasized the point of these changes by saying, “Baggage fees are bad enough. Airlines can’t treat your child like a piece of baggage. Americans are tired of being — we’re tired of being played for suckers.” He noted that while “junk fees may not matter to the very wealthy…they matter to most other folks in homes like the one I grew up in, like many of you did. They add up to hundreds of dollars a month. They make it harder for you to pay your bills or afford that family trip. I know how unfair it feels when a company overcharges you and gets away with it. Not anymore.” ©Tiffany Blanchette/The Daily Journal via AP (Obtained via Deadline) According to a release from The White House, The Department of Transportation “has already proposed a rule to require airlines and online booking services to show the full price of a plane ticket up front, including baggage and other fees.” Also, back in July 2022, the Department of Transportation issued a notice “stating that it is the Department’s policy that U.S. airlines ensure that children who are age 13 or younger are seated next to an accompanying adult with no extra charge, but still no airline guarantees fee-free family seating.” The Department of Transportation is set to soon “publish a family seating fee dashboard and launch a rulemaking to ban the practice.” President Biden, however, has called upon “Congress to fast-track the ban on family seating fees so that the DOT can crack down on these practices more quickly than through a rulemaking.” American Airlines Information Packet Earlier in February, we actually shared a bit about some bills that had been reintroduced in Congress to address some of these issues. These bills had been reintroduced by 2 U.S. Senators to strengthen protections for airline passengers. The bills would expedite refunds for passengers who have experienced disruptions in travel and “tamp down” airline fees for seating assignments and checked luggage. One piece of legislation — The Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights — would also seek up to $1,350 for travelers bumped from oversold flights. Those bills had been met with some opposition though, particularly by Airlines for America (a trade organization), arguing that the policies would “drastically decrease competition, leading to a subsequent increase in airfare prices.” Flying isn’t really getting cheaper. So will these policies change? And, if so, how quickly will they change? That all remains to be seen. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news that could impact your flights and share that all with you. In the meantime, see more travel tips and tricks below! Click here to see what NEW airline is now flying to the Orlando Airport Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2022 You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S. This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What do you think of these proposed changes? Tell us in the comments. The post Annoyed by Airline Fees? President Biden Says They Could Be CHANGING Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

2023 Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Fashion Show | Disneyland ResortView the full article

EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival will be here before you know it! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs during the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival (2022) The Festival takes place from March 1st through July 5th this year and includes beautiful topiaries, tons of food booths, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series (among other things)! If you want to see a specific Garden Rocks concert and want to make sure you get a great seat, there’s a dining package you need to book ASAP. Dining Packages for the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Garden Rocks concert series are now AVAILABLE to book and you’ll want to grab them ASAP! During this concert series, popular bands from throughout the decades perform at the American Gardens Theater in The American Adventure Pavilion. Internationally known bands will perform Friday through Monday, while local bands play Tuesday through Thursday. Garden Rocks concert series (2022) Show times are at 5:30PM, 6:45PM & 8PM throughout the festival, and you can see a full list of all the bands performing right here. While seeing the concerts is FREE with your EPCOT admission, popular concerts can fill up. If you want to guarantee a great spot for your favorite band, then a Garden Rocks Dining Package may be the way to go! Garden Rocks Dining Package (2022) The dining packages combine a meal at select EPCOT restaurants with guaranteed seating for a concert on that day. With the exception of Spice Road Table, each dining package includes a meal with an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, or one full buffet or family-style meal (depending on the restaurant), and a non-alcoholic beverage. The dining package also guarantees you a seat (one seat per person) at a Garden Rocks Concert on the same day. 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Keep in mind that dining packages are NOT offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. If you want to get booking, head to the Walt Disney World Garden Rocks Dinner Package website or search for Garden Rocks Dining Packages in the My Disney Experience app. Then you’ll be able to hit “check availability”… ©Disney …and search for a reservation that fits your plans. ©Disney Note that on the My Disney Experience app you can also clearly see what concert time each reservation would apply to. ©Disney So if you want an earlier or later showtime, you can select whatever meal works best. ©Disney Again, pay CLOSE attention to those showtimes so you can pick the right one for you. ©Disney Here’s a look at all of the participating restaurants and their pricing. ©Disney While the Garden Rocks dining package is available at most of the participating restaurants via reservation you can get a same-day dining package at Regal Eagle Smokehouse (in the American Adventure pavilion). Just note that these are subject to availability and may not be available on peak days. So if you’re hoping to score one of those last-minute, day-of options, be sure to check as SOON as the restaurant opens for the day! Regal Eagle Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the upcoming Flower and Garden Festival news, menus, and more! Get all the Garden Rocks Concert Series information right here! Click HERE to See All the Updated Details for EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival! Ready to Plan for Your 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 220+ page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well -- including a full schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2023 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code SPRING at check-out to get $2 off the cover price! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Are you planning on booking a dining reservation? Tell us in the comments below! The post Dining Packages Are Now Available for the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 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. Have you ever been in the middle of a long park day, only to realize you’re in need of a basic you don’t have? Even the lack of something small, like pain reliever or a poncho, can put a damper on your trip. Magic Kingdom Instead of paying park prices for these basics just bring your own in a park bag! Even those who usually prefer to pack light should bring some sort of bag with them to carry a few necessities with them. While you may be tempted to just pack whatever old bag you can find, just like everything else you plan to bring you should put thought into how it will perform during your trip. You want to make sure you’re choosing the best bag for you or else it will just be another thing to carry! These are our tips for picking the best backpack to bring with you on your next Disney World vacation. Best Backpack Features for Disney World When picking a backpack, you want to follow the Goldilocks rule: not too big, not too little, but just right! Consider what you’ll be bringing into the parks: if you like to be prepared for any possibility and are planning on carrying around a lot of items, go bigger. For those who want to stick to the bare bones, there’s no sense in bringing a giant bag you won’t use. While the weight of the bag is important, you can find lightweight backpacks in a variety of sizes. Just be sure to check out what the weight is ahead of time. The average empty backpack weighs between 1 and 6 pounds, and after adding your belongings the final weight needs to be something you’ll be comfortable carrying around for 10+ hours. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so you’ll want a backpack that won’t weigh you down Other features to keep an eye out for are comfortable straps, hidden pockets (for storing valuables), and charging ports for plugging in your phone on the go. You can also find water resistant bags, which are especially useful when visiting from July to September, Florida’s rainy season. There are a ton of features you can find across different backpack brands and styles — consider which aspects will be most useful to you and let that guide your choice! Best Overall Backpack for Disney World Our pick for the best overall is the Mickey Mouse Travel Backpack from shopDisney. This bag combines utilitarianism with Disney flair effortlessly. There are tons of pockets with space to organize all of your items, and some of the pockets even have pockets INSIDE them. Pocket-ception. Mickey Mouse Travel Backpack Each of the zipper pulls are durable and bright red so they’re easy to spot when you’re looking for something in a rush. Besides being practical, this bag is also a fun bright blue and has a sweet Mickey Mouse on the front! You can find this bag both in the parks and online for $59.99. Click here to buy the Mickey Mouse Travel Backpack! Best Budget Backpack for Disney World On a budget? We’ve got the bag for you! You won’t have to give up functionality with the Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack. Not only is there plenty of space, it’s made of water resistant fabric to protect your belongings even if you happen to get spit on by the camel in Magic Kingdom. Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack The mesh pockets on both sides are the perfect spots for holding water bottles, making it easy to access at any time. You can pick from a wide rainbow of colors, and you can easily personalize it with pins and patches! At just $29.99, this backpack is a great price for what you’re getting. Click here to buy the Abshoo Classical Travel Backpack! Best Disney-Themed Backpack for Disney World When it comes to Disney-themed bags, Loungefly is the brand you want to shop. They have tons of designs based on different characters, movies, parks, rides, and almost anything Disney you can think of! There are plenty of designs available right now on shopDisney, with one of the most popular being this Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Backpack. Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Grand Finale Loungefly Mini Backpack Part of the Farewell Collection, this is a limited edition bag featuring Cinderella Castle and the 50th logo in shimmering foil. This bag is on shopDisney for $88. Click here to buy the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Grand Finale Loungefly Mini Backpack! They also have cute character designs, like this Minnie Mouse Sequined Loungefly Mini Backpack. Most of the Loungefly mini backpacks follow this shape, with a large zippered main compartment and a smaller zippered pocket on the front. There is also a slip pocket on either side for easy access to small items like your cell phone or lip balm. Minnie Mouse Sequined Loungefly Mini Backpack Their mini backpacks are also a great size if you prefer smaller bags. You also can’t deny this Minnie Mouse design is ridiculously cute, from the sequin ears to the polka dot bow! This backpack is also available for $88. Click here to buy the Minnie Mouse Sequined Loungefly Mini Backpack! Best Kids Backpack for Disney World As your child gets older they may want their own special bag to bring with them to the parks. The Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack is the perfect size for them, and they’re sure to love the classic Mickey Mouse print! Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack Parents will be happy to know this backpack is made of easy to clean polyester. The straps are padded for comfort and adjustable so it can grow with them. You can get one for your next trip for $39.99. Click here to buy the Simple Modern Disney Kids Backpack! Best Sling Backpack for Disney World Sling backpacks are a favorite amongst our staff due to their size and convenience. They can be worn across your chest comfortably which gives you more control and makes it easier to access your bag’s contents without having to stop, take it off, and rifle through. Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack The Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack is a great choice not only for its size and shape but its amount of pockets. Even small bags can be tricky to organize, but these are made with enough compartments you won’t lose anything. This backpack is currently on sale for $56.36. Click here to buy the Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up Reactive Sling Backpack! Best Diaper Bag Backpack for Disney World Parents of young children: you deserve a nice diaper bag. When it comes to Disney, Petunia Pickle Bottom is by far our favorite brand! Their designs, like this Axis Backpack, are made to look like a fancy bag while providing you with the functionality that you need. Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack The top compartment can actually separate from the insulated bottom section, and this bag comes with snazzy features like a top grab handle, a D-ring to attach to strollers, 7 different pockets, AND a removable changing pad. What CAN’T this bag do? Snag this cute bag while it’s on sale for $164 on Amazon. Click here to buy the Petunia Pickle Bottom Axis Backpack! Best Designer Backpack for Disney World Looking for something that will pair well with the outfits you have picked? Kate Spade has partnered with Disney to create bags in the past, and this leather Minnie Dome Backpack is probably the most stylish way to carry sunscreen ever. Kate Spade Minnie Dome Backpack We love the unique shape to this bag, which has both a top zipper as well as a lower one that opens to a bottom compartment. The gold hardware pairs perfectly with Minnie’s classic red, white, and black color scheme! This bag is on Amazon for $159.99. Click here to buy the Kate Spade Minnie Dome Backpack! Best Backpack with Charging Port for Disney World This bag blends modern tech with vintage charm. Between taking pictures, using the My Disney Experience App, and Genie+, you’re sure to run through your phone battery quickly. Charge your phone on the go with the MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port! MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port Add your portable charger to the inside and plug it in, then you can plug your phone in to the port on its exterior. Either carry your phone while it charges or let it sit in the side slip pocket; either way, you won’t have choose between carrying your charger in your hands or leaving your phone in your bag. Bring this with you on your next trip, on sale now for $26.99 and marked down from its usual price of $41.99. Click here to buy the MANCIO Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port! When it comes to picking a backpack, just make sure you do your research and prioritize what you will need most when you’re walking around the parks. For more helpful tips, stay tuned to our site! What’s In Our Bag?! DFB Reporters Share Their Secrets 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! 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What are your top must-haves when you’re packing your park bag? Share your picks in the comment section below! The post The Best Backpacks for Disney World In 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article