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Everything posted by Disney4me
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Wow! What a week it’s been in Disney World. For starters, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened after a YEAR of being closed with some pretty cool changes. Mickey waffles at Garden Grill On the food front, we’ve been able to enjoy some new DOLE Whip treats (ALWAYS our fave thing), and we found our new favorite summer drink in EPCOT. Of course, Disney World restaurants changed their menus this week, like they always do, so let’s take a look at those changes. EPCOT Chefs de France Appetizers REMOVED: Salade de chèvre chaud (Baked Goat Cheese) ADDED: Salade de betteraves et chévre frais for $15.95 Cocktails & House Specialties French Fashioned changed from $18.95 to $17.95 ADDED: Berry Rouge — Ninalys French Whisky, bitter syrup, orange foam for $18.95 Chefs de France Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Victoria Falls Lounge Lounge Fare Wood-roasted Peri Peri Shrimp changed from $16 to $25 Victoria Falls Disney’s Beach Club Resort Cape May Cafe Breakfast Buffet Offerings REMOVED: Waffles and French Toast ADDED: Waffles and Crêpes Cape May Cafe Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Crew’s Cup Lounge Lounge Favorites REMOVED: Charcuterie and Cheese Board Crew’s Cup Lounge Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Gasparilla Island Grill Breakfast Plant-Based REMOVED: Plant-based Frittata ADDED: Breakfast Wrap — Tofu, Tomato, Spinach, Onion, and Tomato “Butter” in a Spinach Wrap served with Potato Barrels for $12.99 Plant-Based ADDED: Coconut-Raspberry Cake — Coconut Cake, Raspberry Buttercream for $6.49 Bakery Signature Cookie description changed from “Chocolate Chip Cookie with Candied Hazelnuts” to “Triple-Chocolate and Sea Salt” and price changed from $4.99 to $4.79 Desserts REMOVED: Coconut-Chocolate Cake, Cookie Assortment ADDED: Chocolate Chip Cookie for $4.79 ADDED: Sugar Cookie for $4.79 Gasparilla Island Grill Beaches Pool Bar and Grill Entrées ADDED: Hot Dog — with Poppy-Celery Seed Pico Relish, Honey Mustard Aioli, and Crispy Onions for $12.29 Desserts ADDED: Chocolate Chip Cookie for $4.79 ADDED: Sugar Cookie for $4.79 Alcoholic Beverage REMOVED: Pineapple Dream Beaches Pool Bar Courtyard Pool Bar Desserts ADDED: Chocolate Chip Cookie for $4.79 ADDED: Sugar Cookie for $4.79 Alcoholic Beverage REMOVED: Pineapple Dream Courtyard Pool Bar Citricos Entrées REMOVED: Togarashi-spiced Cobia ADDED: Togarashi-spiced Red Snapper — Seaweed Rice Cake, Cashew Puree, Mushroom Dashi for $50 Citricos Disney’s Contemporary Resort California Grill California Grill 3 Course Selection Menu Pricing $99 per adult, plus tax and gratuity | Deluxe Wine Pairing +$78 (as of June 6th) Market Inspirations REMOVED: Duck Thai Curry, Farmer’s Market Salad Surf & Turf Roll description changed from “Jumbo Soft-shell Crab, Ebi Shrimp, Wagyu Strip Loin, House-made Hot Sauce, Yuzu-Avocado Purée” to “Wagyu Beef, Soft-shell Crab, Yuzu-Avocado Purée, Soy Gel” ADDED: Dungeness Crab Salad — Gem Lettuce, Seasonal Fruit, Rye Crisp, Shaved Fennel, Tarragon, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Mustard Aioli ADDED: Spicy Kazan Roll — Blue Crab, Ebi Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Fireball Sauce ADDED: Hearth-steamed Saffron Mussels — Charred Leeks, Chorizo, Potato Confit, Persillade Chef’s Journey Oak-grilled Filet of Beef description changed from “Roasted Garlic Potato Purée, Charred Broccolini, Fig-Onion Marmalade, Truffle-Cognac Demi” to “Roasted Garlic Potato Purée, Grilled Asparagus, Pickled Ramps, Cabernet-Veal Demi” REMOVED: Tamale, Seafood Stew Wagyu Strip Loin description changed from “Chicken Ròu Tāng, Beef Dumplings, Poached Quail Egg, Garniture Vegetables (Available for additional surcharge of $47)” to “Corn, Beef Tallow-Herb Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Green Garlic, Salsa Macha (Available for additional surcharge of $47)” ADDED: Pan-roasted Carrot Gnocchi — Toasted Pistachios, Agave-Citrus glazed baby Carrots, Pesto Sauce, Carrot Hummus Sweet Creations REMOVED: Maple-Pecan Mille Feuille, Chai-Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée ADDED: Celebration of Citrus — Meyer Lemon, Olive Oil-Poppy Seed Cake, Blood Orange Gel, Yuzu Curd ADDED: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée — Seasonal Fruit California Grill Disney’s Pop Century Resort Everything Pop Breakfast Entrées ADDED: Biscuit and Gravy Bounty Platter — Scrambled Eggs, Potato Barrels, Bacon, Sausage, and Biscuit and Gravy for $13.29 ADDED: Biscuits and Gravy — Served with Bacon and Sausage for $11.29 Breakfast Plant-Based ADDED: Plant-Based Totcho Bowl for $11.29 Breakfast Sides ADDED: Biscuit for $1.69 Entrées ADDED: Buffalo Chicken Wings — Served with a Bread Stick for $10.99 ADDED: Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings — Served with Celery and French Fries for $10.99 ADDED: Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Wings — Served with Celery and French Fries for $10.99 Sandwiches ADDED: Pulled Pork Sandwich — Barbecue Sauce and Creamy Slaw on a Sweet Hawaiian Roll with French Fries for $11.49 Everything Pop Pizza and Pasta REMOVED: Grilled Chicken Parmesan with Pasta ADDED: Four-Meat Pizza — Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, and Sausage (Available on select evenings) for $22.99 ADDED: Chicken Parmesan Pasta — Served with a Bread Stick for $13.99 ADDED: Super Slice of Four-Meat Pizza — Served with choice of Potato Chips or Carrots and Celery with Ranch (Available on select evenings) for $12.29 Salads REMOVED: Mediterranean Curry-Chickpea Salad ADDED: Seasonal Berry Salad for $9.99 Bakery REMOVED: PB&J Croissant, Seasonal Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Pack, Banana Bread with Streusel ADDED: Cookie Butter Croissant for $6.49 ADDED: Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread for $5.99 ADDED: Strawberry Danish for $5.29 Coffee Cake changed from $4.29 to $4.99 Plant-Based ADDED: Mediterranean Meatball Bowl for $13.29 ADDED: Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich for $5.79 Desserts REMOVED: Mickey-shaped Brownie ADDED: Flower Power Tiramisù — Tiramisù Mousse on a Double Chocolate Brownie for $5.99 ADDED: Mickey-shaped Peanut Butter Brownie — with Chocolate Chips, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Chocolate Bar Pieces, and M&Ms Peanut Butter chocolate candies for $5.99 Snacks ADDED: Açai and Chia Parfait — Açai Yogurt, Chia Seed Pudding, Berries, and Granola for $6.49 Everything Pop Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Landscape of Flavors Breakfast Entrées ADDED: Biscuit and Gravy Bounty Platter — Scrambled Eggs, Potato Barrels, Bacon, Sausage, and Biscuit and Gravy for $13.29 ADDED: Biscuits and Gravy — Served with Bacon and Sausage for $11.29 Breakfast Sides ADDED: Biscuit for $1.69 Dinner Specialties ADDED: Braised Beef Stew — Slowly Simmered Beef with Vegetables in a Savory Sauce (Available on select nights only) for $14.99 Landscape of Flavors Entrées ADDED: Ramen Noodle Bowl with Beef and Chicken with Fresh Vegetables and Soft-boiled Egg in Miso Broth for $15.49 ADDED: Southwest Pork and Chicken Bowl — Rice, Roasted Corn, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onions, Cotija, and Avocado Crema for $14.79 ADDED: Chicken and Pork Adobo Nachos — Corn Tortilla Chips with Grilled Pork and Chicken Adobo, Avocado, Roasted Corn Pico, Zesty Cheese Sauce, and Cilantro-Lime Crema for $14.49 ADDED: Southwest Chicken Bowl — Rice, Roasted Corn, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onions, Cotija, and Avocado Crema for $13.29 ADDED: Southwest Pork Bowl — Rice, Roasted Corn, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onions, Cotija, and Avocado Crema for $13.29 ADDED: Pork Adobo Nachos — Corn Tortilla Chips with Grilled Pork and Chicken Adobo, Avocado, Roasted Corn Pico, Zesty Cheese Sauce, and Cilantro-Lime Crema for $12.99 ADDED: Buffalo Chicken Wings — Served with a Bread Stick for $10.99 ADDED: Lemon-Pepper Chicken Wings — Served with Celery and French Fries for $10.99 ADDED: Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Wings — Served with Celery and French Fries for $10.99 Pizza and Pasta REMOVED: Grilled Chicken Parmesan with Pasta ADDED: Four-Meat Pizza — Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, and Sausage (Available on select evenings) for $22.99 ADDED: Chicken Parmesan Pasta — Served with a Bread Stick for $13.99 ADDED: Super Slice of Four-Meat Pizza — Served with choice of Potato Chips or Carrots and Celery with Ranch (Available on select evenings) for $12.29 Sandwiches ADDED: Plant-based Greek Style Pita for $13.29 ADDED: Crispy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich — Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese on a Ciabatta Roll served with Chips for $13.29 ADDED: Pulled Pork Sandwich — Barbecue Sauce and Creamy Slaw on a Sweet Hawaiian Roll with French Fries for $11.49 Plant-Based REMOVED: Korean-style Impossible Burger ADDED: Plant-based Burger — Featuring Impossible Beef with Special Sauce, Pickles, Lettuce, Onions, and Tomato on a Brioche Bun (Plant-based) for $14.49 Side Item ADDED: Broccoli for $5.49 ADDED: Marinated Cucumbers for $4.49 Desserts Sketchbook Cake description changed from “Colorful Vanilla Sponge Cake, Vanilla Buttercream, Chocolate Ganache, and Edible Sketches” to “Colorful Vanilla Cake, Dulce de Leche Filling, and Chocolate Ganache” ADDED: Grubbin’ Time Sundae — Choice of Soft-serve, Chocolate Chip Cookie Pieces, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Sauce, and Gummy Candy for $7.59 ADDED: Mater Chocolate Pit Stop — Caramel-Chocolate Mousse, Brownie, and Whipped Cream for $6.79 Bakery REMOVED: Lemon Meringue Croissant, Seasonal Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Pack, Banana Bread with Streusel ADDED: Chocolate-Marshmallow-Hazelnut Croissant — Chocolate-Hazelnut Ganache, Toasted Marshmallow, and Graham Cracker Pieces for $6.49 ADDED: Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread for $5.99 ADDED: Mickey-shaped Peanut Butter Brownie — with Chocolate Chips, Crunchy Peanut Butter-Chocolate Bar Pieces, and M&Ms Peanut Butter chocolate candies for $5.99 ADDED: Strawberry Danish for $5.29 Snacks ADDED: Açai and Chia Parfait — Açai Yogurt, Chia Seed Pudding, Berries, and Granola for $6.49 Landscape of Flavors Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie Limited Time Offerings REMOVED: Roast Beef Croissant, Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse D-Luxe Burger Limited Time Offerings REMOVED: Pastrami Reuben Burger ADDED: Pepperoni Pizza Burger — Two Pressed Signature-blend Patties, Grilled Pepperoni, Fried Mozzarella, Marinara, and House-made Focaccia Bun for $14.79 D-Luxe Burger Disney World restaurant menus change often, but you can check menus on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also let you know when they change, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Only 5 of Disney World’s Top 20 Restaurants Are in EPCOT…So Where Are the Rest? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did Disney World change the menu at your favorite restaurant? Sound off in the comments! View the full article
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Technology in theme parks is a beautiful thing, and like Disney, Universal keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the incredible animatronics created for Monsters Unchained in Epic Universe’s Dark Universe to being able to literally pet Toothless IN PERSON in How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, great technological ideas have made these things happen. Mine-Cart Madness Well, Universal continues to come up with new ideas on how to use technology in theme parks. And we can get an idea of what kind of technology Universal might be working on just by looking at patents the company has filed. Well, a new patent hints at a type of ride that could include an animal crawling around on it. Universal has filed a new patent for “System and Method for an On-Board Animated Figure in a Ride Environment,” and it looks like Universal has figured out a way to have an animatronic move around a ride vehicle. In the example given in the patent, a frog is shown to move from underneath the ride vehicle to the front of it. ©United States Patent and Trademark Office The patent reads: “An amusement attraction includes a ride vehicle or show action equipment and an animated figure configured to move along a surface of the ride vehicle or the show action equipment.” The patent says that the animated figure has at least three points of contact that would engage with the vehicle, and those would be used to move it across the vehicle. ©United States Patent and Trademark Office So, let’s say you were riding an attraction with this technology. That could mean that while you’re riding along, a giant frog or other animal appears from under the vehicle and then crawls onto the car until it’s right in front of you. It doesn’t seem like a super complicated effect, but you’d be amazed at all the technical jargon the patent mentions including the use of magnets or vacuum pumps to make it all happen. Imagine a frog climbing onto Yoshi! Of course, as is the case with many patents, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Universal is working on such a ride, but it is a good indication of the kinds of ideas Universal’s engineering team is coming up with to make the theme parks even better. We’ll keep an eye out for more theme park news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. NEW Ray-Ban Meta Technology Reveals Disney Parks Might Get Even BETTER Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about the potential for this technology? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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Cars is a classic Pixar film for a reason – the trilogy has become iconic in both Disneyland and Disney World. If you’re looking for new bags to wear to Cars Land, we’ve got you covered. Mater! Cars fans, you can’t miss this new Loungefly collection! This Box Lunch exclusive collection features our favorite tow truck, Mater – and they even light up! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Mater Light-Up Mini Backpack is dadgum awesome! ©Box Lunch This Mater Light-Up Mini Backpack features applique details of Mater with light-up headlights on the front pocket! There are 3D side mirrors and the side pocket has his tires. The tow hook zipper pull adds some Route 66 charm! View on Box Lunch Don’t forget the matching wallet! ©Box Lunch This Mater Glow-in-the-Dark Accordion Wallet is the perfect pair to the Mini Backpack! It features a glow-in-the-dark Mater applique on the front with his tow hitch on the back and an A-113 license plate. The coordinating inner lining has a brown and cream all-over pattern of Mater, license plates, and tow hooks with 12 accordion-style slots. View on Box lunch We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article
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Things are ALWAYS changing in Disney World! Lately, it feels like the parks are entirely new places thanks to updates like Villains Land, Piston Peak, Monsters Inc. Land, and even more. Big Thunder Mountain Each week, it feels like Disney is constantly dropping new information, details, and more! That’s why we like to do a weekly wrap-up of the biggest news so you don’t miss a single thing. This week, we heard directly from Disney executives, and there was a major reopening! This week fulfilled our dreams in many ways! There were lots of exciting things, but nothing takes the cake more than a beloved ride FINALLY reopening. Big Thunder Mountain Reopened! You read that right, folks, Big Thunder Mountain FINALLY reopened in Magic Kingdom. After being closed for more than a year, the wildest ride in the wilderness once again opened to guests. The ride features a new track that’s smoother than before, a lower height requirement, and a new scene that left us dazzled. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Not only did Disney add in the gorgeous rainbow caverns, but they also changed the big scene in the mine because you found GOLD! Not just a little gold either. You found a massive golden nugget! This scene also featured new lights along the path that led up to the big scene. Golden Nugget The wait times for the attraction hit 145 minutes during the opening day! Crowds were clearly excited for this. The ride is still very popular even after all of these years. If you want to see what the crowds looked like on opening day, you can click the link below. You Won’t Believe The Crowds For This Magic Kingdom Ride Reopening Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets If you’re a Disney resort guest, you can now book your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween tickets! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights from August 7th to October 31st, and this party is a hugely popular event that will sell out. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is around the corner! Opening night and Halloween (as well as dates close to Halloween) are easily the most popular dates, so if you know when you want to go, don’t hesitate to grab them! Prices range from $119 to $229, with that $229 peak price being for the dates leading up to the holiday. Not So Scary Snacks! This after-hours event gets you into the parks at 4 PM, but the party doesn’t start till 7 PM, and it runs till midnight. At the party, you can see rare characters, see exclusive shows and entertainment, try special snacks, and more! Tickets for all guests go on sale on May 12th. Don’t Book Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2026 Before You Read This Level99 Opening Timeline Revealed Finally, over in Disney Springs, a new restaurant and entertainment venue is opening soon. After waiting for over a year, Disney finally revealed that Level99 will be opening in Summer 2026! Disney hasn’t confirmed the official date just yet, but we are so excited that we have a general idea of when we can experience the fun. ©Level99 At Level 99, guests will enjoy 63 life-sized mini-games and challenges where they can play and dine. They’re calling it a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. Future location of LEVEL99 It’s essentially a giant, futuristic arcade and entertainment center! Level99 will also house a central two-story bar with craft food offerings. The two-story bar will be encircled by glowing neon lights visible throughout the venue. They even showed off the new concept art, which made us even more excited! LEVEL99 Level99’s menu features award-winning Detroit-style pizza, wagyu burgers, craveable snacks, handcrafted cocktails, and rotating beers on tap. Their ingredients are even made from scratch daily! We went to their Massachusetts location and tried out tons of their bites. Full spread at LEVEL99 at Natick, Massachusetts The Disney Springs venue will be the fourth and largest Level99 location! We will be sure to drop the official opening date as soon as we know it. What Is LEVEL99 and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location? Not only did we get this big piece of news, but Disney also hosted their quarterly earnings call. While there wasn’t a ton of major news in the call, it was pretty clear that Disney has big plans for the future. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, details, and more. Disney’s Latest Announcements Made One Thing Abundantly Clear Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which news are you the most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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If you’re getting ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line, you need to know these things first! Disney Adventure There are a lot of changes coming to the Disney Cruise Line. New ships are being added to the fleet (what feels like monthly)! That’s why I’m sharing the six things I wish you knew before heading on board the Disney Cruise Line! Know the Navigator App When it comes to going on a Disney Cruise, there are SO many things you might not know, whether this is your first trip or your 100th. That’s why I’m sharing the things I think you absolutely need to know before hopping on board, starting off with the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App! ©Apple Store The main thing to know is you need that the Navigator app needs to be downloaded before you ever set foot on the boat! Once you are at the port, when you are close enough to the ship, you should be able to connect to the ship’s WiFi. When you are connected, that is when you will be able to see some very important information about your cruise. ©Disney Cruise Line This app is home to everything you’ll need on your cruise. You can check in with it, book reservations and excursions, you’ll find show times and character sightings, and so much more. It also shows you your rotational dining schedule, what your table number is, guest relations chat, and even a way to communicate with members of your party. Having the app ready to go before you set sail sets you up for success when it comes to booking extras on board and being prepared so you can fully enjoy the vacation without being lost. On the Disney Adventure There’s A Lot You Won’t Know in Advance If you’re a planner like me, this might drive you crazy. When you’re going to a Disney Park, you’re able to plan ahead your dining reservations, Lightning Lanes, see show times, etc — but on a Disney Cruise, there is very little information you’ll be able to know in advance. Castaway Cay On every Disney Cruise, you’ll experience rotational dining. It means each night you’ll have dinner at a different restaurant on board. On longer cruises, you might dine at a restaurant twice, but the menu will be different. There are two different dinner times when it comes to rotational dining — the early seating and the late seating. You won’t know what your schedule is before hopping on board, which can impact the plans you make. Worlds of Marvel In addition to rotational dining, there are adult-only dining options on board that you can book for an additional fee. We love this for an upgrade on our cruises, but it does often mean missing out on some of the rotational dining options during dinner. In the past, we’ve missed out on rotational dining options we were looking forward to because we mistakenly booked our adult-only dining options on those nights, because we didn’t have the rotational dining schedule. If the schedule really impacts you, you can always talk with guest relations once you’re on board to switch times. Disney Destiny Oceanview with Verandah Stateroom You also won’t know what time the shows are, what characters will be available for meeting, or when you can meet them. It is a very different feeling from preparing for a Disney World trip, but think of this as a positive thing! A Disney Cruise gives you a chance to relax on the planning. Cheers! There are Adult-Only Areas As mentioned above, there are adult-only dining options that you can book in advance. These are an additional cost to guests, but they can be a great way to celebrate something special. These are also hard to get a reservation for, but we’ll cover that in a minute. Palo There is an adult-only pool area for adults who are looking to get away from the noise. You can also visit the spa on board the ship for some relaxation. Some lounges also turn into adult-only spaces after a certain time. Adult-only pool The Entire Check-In Process Another thing to know before you even hop on board is that the check-in process can either make your life easier or harder! The check-in process begins 30 days before your cruise, and once you’ve paid for your trip in full. During this process, you’ll provide citizenship documents, register your kids for the youth clubs, and select your port of arrival time. During the process, you’ll have to fill out 6 different pages of information. (Don’t worry, it’s really not that long!) Guest Information Onboard Account Traveling with Children Travel Plans Port Arrival Time Cruise Contract Boarding the Disney Treasure Being thorough during this process can make your life so much easier. Grabbing the earliest port time is also a great way to kick your vacation off as early as possible! It can make life lovely and easy before you hop on board. Our team has also had experiences where the check-in process made life a bit more difficult. We can’t wait to board! During part of your check-in process, you will need to submit a photo for Disney to approve that will be used by Cast Members throughout your trip (specifically when getting on and off the ship). This is where things can get tedious because Disney has rejected our submitted photos on a few occasions. Checking in one more time There are a few stipulations for your photo, and Disney is strict about approval, so I highly recommend doing your check-in process as early as possible so you don’t have to stress about approval close to your cruise or even when you’re trying to hop on board. Boarding the Disney Wish It’s Impossible to do EVERYTHING Another thing you need to know is that the boats are not designed for you to be able to do everything! There are tons of characters, entertainment, activities, and more when you’re on board a Disney cruise. We’ve been on our fair share of them, and it truly takes a team to do everything on the ships during one vacation. Disney Adventure For example, lots of characters will have meet and greet times that overlap, so it’s not always possible to say hi to them all. That might sound crazy, but Disney does this on purpose! It’s a great way to help crowd flow and to ensure that one section of the ship doesn’t get too crowded at once. Minnie Mouse aboard the Disney Treasure This is also why there are two dining shows and two main entertainment options per night. The boats couldn’t hold every single person on board in the restaurants or Walt Disney Theater at once, so it makes sense to have multiple options at once. If you feel like it’s impossible to do it all, it’s because it might be, depending on how long your cruise is. Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruises Aren’t JUST For Kids Finally, I want you to know that Disney Cruise Lines trips aren’t just for kids, but there are a lot of them on board! There are several adult-only spots like Palo, Enchante, Cove Pool, Cove Cafe, and more. Adult-only beach at Castaway Cay I’m a major fan of these spots, but if you think you’re going to entirely avoid kids during your cruise, that’s unrealistic. While many people love vacationing with their families and friends, some peeps are looking for adult-only vacations, and I completely understand that. Enchanté on the Disney Treasure Kids are so much fun and bring so much joy to many people, but I won’t pretend they’re always relaxed or quiet (which is sometimes needed). Although Disney does provide adult-only spaces, during many of the dining options, entertainment offerings, and more, you’re going to run into kiddos! If you’re looking for a totally kid-free environment, the Disney Cruise Line isn’t going to be for you. Disney Adventure So whether it’s your first Disney Cruise or you’re a Pro, we hope these tips help you have smoother seas on your next cruise. For more Disney reviews, news, and information, be sure to follow us at DisneyFoodBlog. Why You Need To Book Your Cruise EARLIER Than Planned Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is something you wish you knew about a Disney Cruise before you went? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article
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If you’ve been to Disney World, then odds are you’ve been on a Disney bus before. This free bus system connects all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and every Disney hotel! Disney bus We were riding a Disney bus on Friday morning when we had the most magical experience! This bus driver made our ride so much better. Traffic was pretty rough, and this fun song made our day! If you ever have a Disney Cast Member leave a positive impact on your day, did you know you can send them a good word in the My Disney Experience app? My Disney Experience app ©Disney You can give special, personalized recognition to Cast Members by entering their first name, hometown (or college), and date of interaction. Don’t worry, though; if you didn’t see the Cast Member’s name, you can still leave a compliment by describing the location! To leave a mobile Cast Compliment, visit the My Disney Experience app and search “Cast Compliment.” From there, you can enter the reason for your compliment, the location, name, hometown, and date of your interaction! Mobile Cast Compliment Feature ©Disney We had so much fun on this Disney World bus. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World updates! Forget The Rides — THIS Is What I’m Rope Dropping In EPCOT Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s been your favorite magical moment with a Cast Member? Comment below! View the full article
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A theme park is coming to Mexico this fall, and it promises to be something BRAND NEW on the theme park landscape. ©BON BON Luxury Theme Park at VidantaWorld Nuevo Nayarit in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is promising to be the world’s first luxury-focused theme park, featuring attractions, fine-dining options, and entertainment offerings. Let’s begin with the BON(Beauty of Nature)’s rides, the core element of any theme park. According to the park, there are scheduled to be just over 20 of them, with some of the confirmed rides including: Floresta Drop: A family-friendly thrill ride that will plunge from above on petal-topped drop towers. Vista Wheel: A take on the traditional Ferris Wheel featuring two types of cars: one that provides “a calm, scenic experience” or others that provide a thrilling experience with moving cabins. Carousel of Colors: A carousel of Alebrijes (brightly-colored Mexican folk art statues) arranged in a vibrant color wheel where guests can “choose the magical creature that speaks most to them and let their heart guide the ride.” Tempest Towers: A dual drop tower that plunges riders into “a swashbuckling adventure where the sea meets the sky!” Izari’s Flight: A magical family-friendly coaster where guests soar through a crystal cave from a “magical iguana’s point of view.” Delia’s Adventure: A whimsical ride that will tell the story of a spirited girl on a mission to save the Firefly Festival. Toca Tambo Falls: A water flume where guests will drum in harmony with their team to race ahead in this competitive aquatic adventure. Speed of Light: A suspended coaster that will bring guests on a jungle adventure illuminated by beaming lights. Ashara: Goddess of Fire: A roller coaster where riders will experience twists, turns, and the power of a Jungle Goddess. Toca Tambo Falls concept art ©BON In addition to the rides, the park will also be home to a new Cirque du Soleil show called LUDÕ. This water-themed dinner show will combine Cirque du Soleil’s artistry alongside a culinary experience, all inside a custom-built theater featuring a wrap-around aquarium. ©BON The park’s site will also be home to several restaurants (Azami featuring fresh sushi and poke bowls, Tacoco, offering authentic Mexican favorites, and Golden Grill offering upscale American fare), as well as two hotels. ©BON BON Luxury Theme Park at VidantaWorld Nuevo Nayarit is scheduled to open sometime in the Fall of 2026, though no official opening date has been confirmed. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of the ever-evolving theme park world. 7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Leaving Epic Universe Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for this new theme park? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
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With so much construction happening around Disney World and Disneyland Resort, not to mention what’s all happening outside of the parks like D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event later this year, it feels like there’s at least once a month we’re saying there’s something BIG to look out for. Why? Well, because it’s the truth! Disney California Adventure If you’re planning a trip out to California this summer to visit Disneyland, you need to know that there are lots of exciting events on the way! However, August 27th in particular will be one to look out for — here’s why! In late April, there was a State of the City Address to the City of Anaheim, and the President of Disneyland, Jill Estorino, spoke on what’s coming to Disneyland this summer season. When she was asked about her main focus in Disneyland, she mentioned it’s the leadership team, Cast Members, and the community, which helped her segue into the opportunities and experiences coming to potential guests and community members this summer. State of the City Address screenshot She then went on to mention that while they’re wrapping up the 70th Anniversary celebration, there are multiple new additions to look forward to this summer, such as the new “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” show, the changes coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22nd, and the Soarin’ Across America overlay coming on May 26th. State of the City Address screenshot That’s not all, though! Jill Estorino went on to mention how they’re “excited to bring more pixie dust back” with the Happiest Day in Anaheim event on August 27th! While we’re waiting to hear more details, we do know that the plan is to bring community activation across the entire city. State of the City Address screenshot Jill described this as special news for the 71st Anniversary of Disneyland Resort, but there’s one more surprise she announced. Anaheim residents will be able to enjoy specially priced tickets with the Anaheim Resident Ticket offer returning, with tickets starting at just $71! State of the City Address screenshot Looking for more recent Disneyland Resort news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Disneyland Resort News! Why August 27th Will Be A HUGE Day For Disney FansUh Disney? Why Did You Change This Iconic Toontown Ride?Disneyland’s Bat Day Dates Announced for 2027NEWS: Timeline Revealed for Changes to Opening Day Disney RideGUYS. You Won’t Believe Who We Just Met in Disneyland! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all these offerings, as well as all other Disney announcements, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney Fans Have THOUGHTS About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this new event? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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Would you like to take a Disney vacation that isn’t in the theme parks or on Disney Cruise Line? Well, if you would like to see other parts of the world, Adventures by Disney might just be what you’re looking for. ©Disney Adventures by Disney is the company’s premium travel service that offers curated vacations around the world that include expert guides and immersive experiences. If you’re planning on traveling with Adventures by Disney in 2027, you also now have two NEW experiences to choose from. The first new trip you can take in 2027 through Adventures by Disney is Thailand. This 10-day trip begins in Bangkok and includes a cruise on a private klong boat to explore the city’s historic canals. You’ll then visit Chiang Mai and get some hands-on cooking experiences as well as time at a local tea garden. The highlight of the trip, though, might be a visit to an Asian elephant sanctuary. ©Disney The next new adventure you can take in 2027 is to Croatia & Slovenia. This is a new eight-day adventure that starts in the picturesque city of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where you’ll get a guided tour of Ljubljana Castle. Then you’ll travel to Lake Bled and board a traditional pletna boat to an island sanctuary. The trip will then head into the mountains for a light hike to Velika Planina, a centuries-old herdsmen settlement. After, it’s off to Croatia, where you’ll explore Dubrovnik and visit the Elaphiti Islands. ©Disney Adventures by Disney has also updated its Italy: Sicily & Amalfi Coast trip. The reimagined eight-day adventure starts in Sicily, where you’ll get a guided tour on Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. You’ll also visit the ancient Greek Theater of Teatro Greco in Taormina and attend a private Sicilian puppet show. You’ll travel along the Amalfi Coast and learn pasta-making from locals in Gragnano and ceramics in Vietri sul Mare. ©Disney These itineraries are available now on the Adventures by Disney website or by calling 1-833-223-0103. So if you’re looking to do something a little different, but still with a Disney touch, check it out! We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney announcements, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Don’t do it alone? If you want to skip the headache of planning a Disney trip, contact our friends at Small World Vacations. They’ll make sure you get the best deal for your vacation and handle all the details so you can just relax! 5 Bizarre Disney Cruise Line Rules I Wish I’d Known Sooner DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you ever taken an Adventures by Disney trip? What was it like? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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If you’ve ever had a long layover with kids at the Orlando International Airport, then what the airport just opened is your new favorite thing. ©Orlando International Airport Three family zones throughout the airport will open this year, and the first zone just opened last week! The Orlando International Airport just opened its Flybrary, a reading nook for children in Terminal C. The Flybrary offers a dedicated space for storytime and fun, designed to enhance the comfort and passenger experience at the busy travel hub. It’s a unique environment for traveling children and families to engage with reading and local Orlando culture while waiting for their flights. ©Orlando International Airport Design features include tree-shaped bookshelves, tree stump-shaped stools, and carpet with water and plant patterns that reference Central Florida’s landscape. The main feature of the Flybrary is a restored vintage Lake Eola swan boat. The boat is named after the iconic Billy the Swan, one of the first swans imported to Orlando at Lake Eola. Billy the Swan was famous for his aggressive, territorial behavior towards people, cars, and other swans, yet he became an early icon of Lake Eola Park and Orlando’s natural beauty. ©Orlando International Airport “As young readers travel through our airport, the Flybrary invites them to take flight with new adventures,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Orlando International Airport has made Community a foundational pillar, and we believe a good community partner honors stakeholders by providing new and exciting spaces to explore and learn.” ©Orlando International Airport We’re so excited to check out the Flybrary on our next flight out of MCO. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World travel news! Spirit Airlines Is GONE. So, What’s the Best Budget Airline for Disney World Flights?! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite thing to do at the Orlando International Airport? Comment below! View the full article
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Construction is progressing for a highly anticipated attraction at Universal Studios Orlando! Universal Studios Not too long ago, Universal Orlando Resort made an announcement that Universal Studios would be getting a new Fast and Furious roller coaster! Construction has been underway for a few months now, and the team has made huge progress so far. We recently went to the park to check it out, and we have to show you where they’re at in the process! The rollercoaster coming to Universal Studios Orlando is called Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift, the same one that was first announced to be coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in August last year. ©Universal The new ride isn’t set to debut until next year in 2027. Universal is hard at work to match their timeline, and you can see it in the construction progress. Outside of the park, you can already see that the first supports have been installed for the rollercoaster! The first supports are down! We could see the small blue supports in the ground from outside the park, but we wanted to get another angle from inside the park. Fast and Furious construction! It was crazy seeing the base supports already installed! Construction is moving fast! The NEW Fast and Furious ride coming to Universal Studios is completely different than the one Florida currently has, which is Fast and Furious Supercharged. This ride will be a high-speed coaster featuring 360-degree drifting vehicles and a 170-foot vertical spike. Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift Like we mentioned before, this same roller coaster is actually coming to Universal Hollywood. However, their rollercoaster is opening this year! We were hoping we’d get the same experience in Orlando when we heard about it, and sure enough, it happened. ©NBC Universal With this new Fast & Furious ride coming to Orlando, Fast & Furious Supercharged will be permanently closing in 2027. We’re thinking it’s very likely that a new attraction will replace Fast & Furious Supercharged, but nothing has been announced or confirmed yet. The ride really wasn’t that popular, so we’re looking forward to seeing if something else will come in its place. Fast & Furious Supercharged Some big stuff is happening at Universal Studios, and we’re always checking in so we can cover it all. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more of the latest news and updates! You May Want to Avoid Universal Orlando on These 3 Dates in 2026 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you excited for the new rollercoaster? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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EPCOT has a reputation. And no, we are not just talking about the giant golf ball, the festival merch, or the way this park can convince fully grown adults to spend $18 on a cocktail and call it “cultural enrichment.” EPCOT We’re talking about the food. EPCOT is where Disney World food dreams go to become line items on your credit card statement. This is the park of croissants, tacos, fish and chips, pretzels, noodles, festival booths, fancy margaritas, champagne carts, and the sudden, dangerous thought: “What if we just eat our way around the world?” Beautiful idea. Dangerous execution. Very expensive little hobby. But here’s the good news: you can eat around EPCOT for under $30. The trick is not walking into one restaurant and ordering a big meal. The trick is building your own little snacky-tapas-pick-a-mix meal situation across the park. Is it elegant? Sometimes. Is it financially responsible? Comparatively, yes. Will it include three cocktails? Absolutely not. We’re budgeting, not manifesting. The $30 EPCOT Food Strategy Here’s the basic idea: instead of spending your entire budget on one entrée, you’re going to choose a few smaller items from different spots. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure meal, but instead of fighting a dragon, you’re fighting Disney pricing and your own urge to get a frozen margarita in Mexico. Tacos de Langosta For under $30, you can usually pull together something like: A heartier anchor item, like fish and chips, soup in a bread bowl, a crepe, or a slice of pizza. One salty snack, like pretzel nuggets, egg rolls, mac and cheese, or chips and guac. One sweet treat, like a pastry from Les Halles or that precious little Pretzel Bread Pudding from Germany. So many options! And yes, if that $30 budget is set in cement, lovingly guarded by a dragon, and not open to negotiation, you are probably skipping cocktails in this park. EPCOT drinks are many things. Budget-friendly is not usually one of them. Wait Until You See These Utterly Ridiculous Disney World Snacks Start With an Anchor Item If you’re trying to make this feel like an actual meal and not just “I ate cheese in six countries and called it dinner,” start with one bigger item. Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop The Beer-battered Fish and Chips at Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the U.K. Pavilion is currently listed at $14.49, which means it takes up nearly half your $30 budget. But it’s also one of the more substantial grab-and-go meals in World Showcase, so we’re allowing it into the budget committee meeting. Fish and Chips This is a classic EPCOT move for a reason. It’s crispy, salty, filling, easy to carry, and dramatically improved if you can snag a waterfront spot and pretend you’re not eating fried fish while sweating through your sunscreen. Pair this with a smaller dessert or snack later, and you’re still in good shape. Fish and Chips Budget idea: Fish and Chips plus a pastry from Les Halles plus Pretzel Bread Pudding from Sommerfest. That’s a pretty solid EPCOT food crawl without requiring a small personal loan. Soup of the Day from Les Halles Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in the France Pavilion remains one of the best budget weapons in EPCOT. The Soupe du Jour, served in a bread bowl, is currently listed at $7.95, which is frankly suspiciously reasonable for Disney World. Pumpkin Soup in a Bread Bowl Soup in a bread bowl is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. It’s cozy, filling, and gives you the satisfaction of eating both the meal and the container, which feels extremely efficient. We respect efficiency when it comes with carbs. This is especially great if you want something more meal-like without blowing half the budget in one bite. A Crepe from Crêpes À Emporter Over in the France expansion, Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris is another smart stop for under-$10 options. The Butter & Sugar Crêpe is currently listed at $6.95, while other sweet crepes like the Housemade Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crêpe and Red Berries Crêpe are under $9. Housemade Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crêpe Is a sweet crepe lunch? Emotionally, yes. Nutritionally, that is between you, your vacation mindset, and whatever walking mileage you have logged between Guardians of the Galaxy and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The crepes are especially useful if you want something that feels like a treat but still leaves room in the budget for another savory stop. Pizza by the Slice from Pizza al Taglio Pizza al Taglio in the Italy Pavilion is a great “I need real food and I need it now” stop. Slices like Pizza Margherita are around $8.50, and pepperoni around $9, making this one of the easier World Showcase meal anchors to work into a $30 crawl. The Pepperoni! This is not your fanciest EPCOT food moment. This is not a “tell me about the terroir” situation. This is pizza by the slice, and sometimes that is the exact correct answer. Especially if you are traveling with kids, picky eaters, or someone who has reached the “I no longer wish to discuss cuisine, I wish to consume bread and cheese” portion of the day. Add Something Salty Once you’ve picked your anchor item, layer in a salty snack. This is where EPCOT starts getting fun, because the small bites are often where the park shines. Pork Egg Rolls from Joy of Tea Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion has Pork Egg Rolls listed at $5.95 for two pieces, which makes this one of the best little budget bites in World Showcase. Eggs Rolls Are these going to replace a full dinner? No. Are they hot, crispy, portable, and under $6? Yes, and in EPCOT, that deserves a polite round of applause and possibly a commemorative plaque. These are a great add-on if you’re trying to snack through the park without fully committing to one huge entrée. Macaroni & Cheese from Regal Eagle Regal Eagle Smokehouse in The American Adventure Pavilion has Macaroni & Cheese listed as a side for $5.49. It is not fancy. It is not pretending to be fancy. It is mac and cheese, and frankly, sometimes mac and cheese is the emotional support casserole we all deserve. So cheesy! This is a smart move if you want something filling without spending entrée money. It’s also helpful if you’re traveling with kids, picky eaters, or adults who have had a long day and no longer wish to be challenged by cumin. Pretzel Nuggets from Block & Hans Block & Hans in The American Adventure Pavilion is serving Pretzel Nuggets with house-made beer-cheese sauce for $8.79. Pretzel Nuggets with Beer Cheese This is exactly the kind of snack that makes EPCOT dangerous. It sounds simple. It sounds innocent. Then suddenly you’re standing in America, eating pretzel nuggets with cheese sauce, wondering if this counts as dinner. It can. We are not here to judge. We are here to create a budget strategy and possibly enable you. Chips and Guac from La Cantina de San Angel La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion currently lists Guacamole with Totopos at $12.50. Now, this one is slightly pricier than some of the other snacks on this list, but it can be a good shareable option if your group is doing the “everyone grabs a thing, and we all pick at it like civilized vultures” strategy. Guacamole with Totopos If you’re solo and sticking to $30, this may be more of an anchor item than a casual add-on. If you’re sharing, it becomes much easier to justify. Also, it’s chips and guac in Mexico. We’re not made of stone. Save Room for Something Sweet If you leave EPCOT without eating something sweet, did you even truly visit EPCOT? Spiritually questionable. A Pastry from Les Halles Les Halles is one of the best places in EPCOT to get a sweet treat without immediately demolishing your budget. Current menu listings include a plain croissant at $3.25, Pain au Chocolat at $4.25, a chocolate chip cookie at $5.25, and several pastries around $5.95. This is why we keep wandering back into Les Halles like carb-seeking moths. Citron at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie You can grab a pastry as breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon “I need sugar before I start crying in the France Pavilion” emergency ration. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with pretending you are a sophisticated international traveler and not someone who just got very excited about a theme park restroom with nice tile. Pretzel Bread Pudding from Sommerfest The Pretzel Bread Pudding at Sommerfest in the Germany Pavilion is currently listed at $4.79, which makes it one of the most charming little budget desserts in EPCOT. This one has been a DFB Favorite since we discovered it because it is exactly what we want from a Disney snack: sweet, salty, shareable if you must, and cheap enough that you don’t have to whisper an apology to your bank account. Looks SO good If you are building a $30 crawl, this is a near-perfect dessert pick. It leaves room in the budget and still gives you that “I found something good” feeling. Don’t Sleep on Kids’ Meals Kids’ meals at quick-service restaurants can also be a sneaky way to keep costs down, especially if you’re feeding an actual kid or someone with a smaller appetite. Many EPCOT quick-service kids’ meals land well under adult entrée prices and often include a drink and sides. Regal Eagle, for example, lists kids’ options like Kids’ Macaroni & Cheese and Kids’ PB&J Uncrustable in the $7-ish range, depending on the item. Kids’ Meal at Regal Eagle in EPCOT Now, official menus often frame kids’ meals as intended for children ages 9 and younger, especially in dining plan contexts, so don’t build your entire adult vacation personality around hacking the kids’ menu. But for families, lighter eaters, or those moments when you just need something small and practical, kids’ meals can absolutely help stretch the budget. Translation: sometimes the tiny mac and cheese knows what it’s doing. Adults Are Secretly Ordering THESE Kids’ Meals at Disney World This Summer Festival Booths Can Help, Too If you’re visiting EPCOT during a festival, outdoor kitchen and marketplace booths can be a huge part of this strategy. EPCOT’s festivals are basically snack crawls in official Disney costume. Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, Festival of the Holidays, Festival of the Arts — they all tend to bring small plates, shareable bites, and “I’ll just try one thing” energy that quickly becomes “why did I buy six things and a commemorative tray?” energy. Full Spread at Opening Bites Festival booths can be especially useful if you want variety. Instead of one full entrée, you can grab two or three small plates and build your own meal. Just watch the pricing carefully, because some festival items are budget heroes, and others are tiny luxury confetti served in a paper boat. ALL of the DFB Outdoor Kitchen Food Booth REVIEWS for the 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Sample $30 EPCOT Crawls Here’s how this can actually work in the parks. The Classic World Showcase Crawl Start with Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop for $14.49. Add Pretzel Bread Pudding from Sommerfest for $4.79. Finish with Pork Egg Rolls from Joy of Tea for $5.95. Estimated total before tax: $25.23. That gives you a hearty savory meal, a sweet German dessert, and a crispy China Pavilion snack. You even have a little wiggle room left for water, coffee, or the emotional cost of walking past a cocktail stand and choosing restraint. The France-Heavy Carb Crawl Start with Soupe du Jour from Les Halles for $7.95. Add a Pain au Chocolat for $4.25. Grab a Butter & Sugar Crêpe from Crêpes À Emporter for $6.95. Estimated total before tax: $19.15. This is not just eating around EPCOT. This is eating around France with a brief moment of soup-based dignity. You still have room left in the budget to add another snack elsewhere, like mac and cheese from Regal Eagle or egg rolls from Joy of Tea. The Snacky Chaos Crawl Grab Pretzel Nuggets from Block & Hans for $8.79. Add Macaroni & Cheese from Regal Eagle for $5.49. Get a pastry from Les Halles for around $5 to $7. Finish with Pretzel Bread Pudding from Sommerfest for $4.79. Estimated total before tax: roughly $24 to $26. Mac and Cheese This is not a traditional meal. This is a snack board spread across half the park. But honestly? EPCOT was built for this nonsense. The Share-and-Snack Duo Plan Split Guacamole with Totopos from La Cantina de San Angel for $12.50. Split Pretzel Nuggets from Block & Hans for $8.79. Each person grabs a small pastry from Les Halles, depending on what looks good. Estimated total before tax for two people: about $31 to $35 total, depending on pastry picks. Guacamole from La Cantina de San Angel That means each person is landing closer to the $16 to $18 range before tax. This is how you make EPCOT feel abundant without letting your wallet burst into flames. The Drinks Are the Budget Goblin We need to talk about the gorgeous, expensive elephant in the room. EPCOT cocktails are fun. They are photogenic. They are often delicious. They are also very good at turning your under-$30 food day into an under-$30 food fantasy. La Cava National Margarita Drink Many specialty cocktails around EPCOT cost well into the teens, including options like the Tennessee Lemonade at Regal Eagle for $17.50 and the English Garden festival offering at Yorkshire County Fish Shop for $17.50. Tennessee Lemonade That means one cocktail can cost more than fish and chips. One cocktail can cost more than soup, a croissant, and pretzel bread pudding combined. So if your goal is truly eating around EPCOT for under $30, this is the moment where we gently place a hand on your shoulder and whisper: choose food. Frozen French Martini Or, you know, blow the budget and get the drink. We are Disney Food Blog, not your accountant. The Real Trick: Don’t Order Like You’re at Dinner The biggest budget mistake at EPCOT is assuming every food stop needs to be a full meal. It doesn’t. EPCOT works best when you treat it like a grazing park. A little here, a little there, something crispy, something sweet, something cheesy, something you absolutely did not plan on buying but now suddenly need because it smelled good from 30 feet away. Le Bete de Crepe or The Beast Crepe If you go in trying to order a full entrée, drink, and dessert at one location, under $30 gets tricky fast. If you go in with a mix-and-match mindset, EPCOT becomes much more manageable. The formula is simple: one anchor item, one salty snack, one sweet treat. Skip the booze if the budget is firm. Share when you can. Watch the festival booth prices. And always, always check menus before you commit, because Disney prices like to do little surprise gymnastics. Final Bite So yes, you can eat around EPCOT for under $30. You just need to order strategically. Grab the fish and chips. Pick up the pretzel bread pudding. Split the guac. Find your way to Les Halles because pastry is a basic EPCOT survival tool. Use festival booths when they’re available. And remember that eating around the world does not require a giant meal in every country, unless your vacation budget is sponsored by Scrooge McDuck. Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop EPCOT can absolutely be expensive. But with the right plan, a little restraint, and maybe a heroic ability to walk past a $17 cocktail without blacking out and handing over your credit card, you can build a seriously fun food crawl without going bankrupt. Will you still be tempted by the margaritas? Of course. We said budget-friendly. We did not say emotionally easy. More Disney Dining Tips! REVIEW: This EPCOT Breakfast Is One Of Our Favorites — Is It As Good As We Remember?“Tastes Like Childhood” — There’s a Reason We Refuse to Shut Up About This EPCOT World Showcase SnackREVIEW: This Special Disney Springs Brunch is NOT to Be Missed!REVIEW: Does This Disney World Hotel Restaurant Have the BEST EPCOT Fireworks View?!REVIEW: One of Disney World’s Most Refreshing Drinks Is NOT Where You’d Think Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news, tips, tricks, planning hacks, and secrets! The Best Places to Escape in Disney World When Your Anxiety is Through the Roof What are your go-to EPCOT cheap snacks or meals? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
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The answer depends on which kind of military Disney ticket you mean. This is one of the most confusing parts of Disney military ticket planning, because people often lump all military Disney tickets together as if they work the same way. They do not! There are really two different categories of military Disney tickets at […] The post How Many Military Disney Tickets Can You Buy (And Who Can Use Them)? appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article
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Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Big Thunder Mountain Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. Sure, we can look at past data to get an estimate of the crowd levels in Disney World, but you never know what may happen from year to year. Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World this past week! Big Thunder Mountain returned after a refurbishment that lasted over a year, and the iconic coaster had a wait time close to one hour. However, it wasn’t the busiest ride at the Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom Wait Times Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 71 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 52 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 49 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 41 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 39 minutes Space Mountain — 37 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 35 minutes Jungle Cruise — 35 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 33 minutes Haunted Mansion — 24 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 19 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 18 minutes Jungle Cruise Astro Orbiter — 16 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 15 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 13 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 12 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 11 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 11 minutes “it’s a small world” — 11 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Mickey’s Philharmagic Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Mad Tea Party — 9 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 8 minutes Carousel of Progress Enchanted Tiki Room — 8 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress — 4 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 83 minutes Test Track — 73 minutes Frozen Ever After — 52 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 49 minutes Soarin’ — 31 minutes EPCOT Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Spaceship Earth — 13 minutes Living with the Land — 13 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 12 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 7 minutes Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Frozen Ever After, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times River Journey Avatar Flight of Passage — 64 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 45 minutes Expedition Everest — 31 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 29 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 13 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 63 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 54 minutes Tower of Terror — 46 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 41 minutes Toy Story Mania — 39 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 32 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers Alien Swirling Saucers — 24 minutes Star Tours — 7 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
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Do you have a trip to Disney World planned for the summer? We’re begging you…PLEASE, do not leave without bringing these items with you! ©Disney We may sound like a broken record, but you seriously need to check out these Disney World essentials on Amazon. They’ve made our Disney vacations so much easier, and we know for a fact it will help you as well. From chargers to storage, check out this list of must-grabs! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Charging Station for MagicBand’s Doohoeek Charging Station for MagicBand+ Take a look at this Doohoeek Charging Station for MagicBand+! The charging station fits four MagicBands, making it perfect for parties and families who love to rock the interactive Disney bracelet. No need to worry about sharing ports or single chargers, when you can charge a bunch of bands at the same time. View on Amazon This 3-in-1 Charger is also excellent! Charging Station The 3-in-1 Charging Station for Multiple Apple Devices has also done us wonders at our Disney World hotel! The charger is wireless for the devices and plugs into the wall. It’s perfect for travel as it takes up one outlet spot, while covering all the devices you need. It’s compatible with iPhone 17/16/15/14/13, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The charger is also foldable — making it even easier for travel than it already is. You can get the charger for 18% off! View on Amazon There’s also the Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip We showed you two charging stations already, and this Flat Plug Power Strip is another great option. It’s portable and effective, allowing you to charge multiple devices while not taking up too much space. It has three outlets and 4 USB ports (two USB-C). We find it’s great for hotels, resorts, or wherever you’re staying. We can charge our phone, laptop, and whatever else we brought, while only taking up one outlet in the wall. Oh, and it’s 41% off right now! View on Amazon Don’t forget about this Hanging Travel Bag BAGSMART Hanging Travel Bag The BAGSMART Hanging Travel Bag has been great for us! It’s perfect for any vacation, and 100% worth it for your Disney vacation. It’s easy to pack, and it holds all of your Disney outfits once you unpack at the resort. It also provides extra room for clothes for big parties. It has spots for shoes, towels, and accessories. You won’t regret this buy, especially since it’s 54% off! View on Amazon And finally, the Dreamegg White Noise Machine Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Sleeping away from home can be tough, even if it’s at Disney World. That’s why we love this Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine! The machine is egg-sized, weighing just 1.6 ounces, and fits easily into your pocket, carry-on, wallet, or briefcase. It offers 16 soothing nature sounds, including ocean waves, rain, birds, fan sounds, and white noise. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article
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It’s been quite the week in Disney World, with the reopening of a major ride over in Magic Kingdom (that’s had some rough days following — we hope it sorts itself out soon), but Disney Springs has also seen lots of changes this week. Disney Springs If you’re heading to Disney World soon and plan to do lots of shopping around Disney Springs, you may notice that some of your favorite stores have closed their doors, some of them a bit unexpectedly. In addition to all the other changes going on around the resort, we feel it’s important to keep up-to-date with it all! This past week, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad finally reopened in Magic Kingdom following a 16-month closure. While we’re big fans of the changes made to the ride, it’s been dealing with loads of issues since reopening. There’s no way to tell if or when these will sort themselves out, as Test Track still has issues frequently, even after having reopened about a year ago, but we’ll keep an eye out. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Disney Springs also saw the closure of TWO stores this past week alone, so things are changing pretty quickly over there, too. Shore, located in Town Center, has permanently closed its doors, as has Johnston & Murphy, which closed on May 7th. Many other closures are continuing in Disney World this week, so if you’re traveling, let’s take a look at the other closures taking place from May 8th through May 14th. Magic Kingdom Storybook Circus Pete’s Silly Sideshow is temporarily unavailable as of January 4th, 2026. This is the Storybook Circus meet and greet area, where you can meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Minnie Mouse as they join the circus. Good news, though! While Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closed, you can still meet all of the characters! You will find Goofy and Minnie at the entrance to Storybook Circus, and you can find Donald and Daisy in the back of Storybook Circus by the restrooms. Pete’s Silly Sideshow However, now there’s ANOTHER closure in the land as well. Big Top Souvenirs closed on February 20th, and Disney has said it’ll “reopen for guests to enjoy later this year,” but there’s no date in sight. When we stopped by recently, we noticed that the entire top of the store is GONE right now! Talk about a jumpscare! The tent disappeared! We’re really curious to see how this all turns out, so we’ll keep you updated! Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square River Boat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw some updates to the concrete on the land, as well as leveling taking place for the new attractions — how exciting! Piston Peak construction Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. Disney CONFIRMS Rare Fireworks Show Is Returning This Summer Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vacation Fun Disney just recently announced that Vacation Fun, the short film that plays throughout the day in the Mickey Shorts Theater, would close for refurbishment beginning on April 29th. Vacation Fun The theater opened to host a special May 4th Star Wars merchandise event this past week. However, it’s unclear when regular showings of this popular film will resume. Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area will open on May 26th, 2026, and will be a special nod to the Walt Disney Studios lot. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters, complete with the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat! Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat is back! However, most recently, we’ve seen a lot of progress on this upcoming land — new pavement is almost all set, and it’s really starting to come together. This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area and the current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will be getting a makeover. It’ll turn into Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, and we just recently got confirmed showtimes for the new experience, which will open on May 26th. Some of the walls have also recently been taken down, revealing more of the courtyard area! Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, we saw FOUR permits filed for different buildings inside this area, which is quite exciting. We also recently got some more aerial photos of the upcoming suspended roller coaster, which looks fantastic so far. ©Bioreconstruct Don’t worry, the Muppets won’t be missing from Disney’s Hollywood Studios forever. The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster this summer! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open on May 26th, 2026! This new ride will feature iconic Muppets like Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo, plus a brand-new soundtrack featuring Def Leppard, Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Hudson! Most recently, we’ve seen a lot of work being done on the guitar, which is now rainbow… Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster …and the front entrance is now painted gray/silver and has a new G-Force Records sign! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Disney has already made tons of progress on the new version of this iconic attraction! The previous name of the ride has already been removed from multiple locations, including on the guitar, which is now behind the scrim and scaffolding. Disney is also already putting new paint on the car at the entrance to this area to transform it into the Electric Mayhem’s iconic van! Most recently, we also got a look at the queue area for the new ride, which has us very excited. ©Disney Disney also recently announced Cast Member previews for this ride, which will begin on May 6th! Disney World Set To Replace 6 Long-Abandoned Buildings with New Experiences in Hollywood Studios EPCOT Refreshment Port Refreshment Port located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase closed for refurbishment on January 12th. We’ve heard nothing on it for months, but now, we know that when it reopens, it’ll become La Poutinerie! La Poutinerie Concept Art ©Disney The spot will be sponsored by Air Canada, and promises to deliver “a Canadian classic with a twist.” Disney hasn’t announced an opening date or a menu, but we’re hoping our favorite poutine will come back any day now! Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impressions De France For weeks now, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impressions De France have been closed in the France Pavilion, but now we’ve got a reopening date! Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impressions de France Theater Both shows will return to the park beginning on May 10th. A MAJOR Change Is Hitting EPCOT This Month Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rafiki’s Planet Watch On February 23rd, Disney temporarily closed Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express, which takes guests over to this part of the park, to make way for the new Bluey attraction coming to the park for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26th. For the time being, you can still visit the Wilderness Explorer badge offerings, as well as a few character meet and greets, at the train station. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is officially closed Bluey’s Wild World will become a permanent addition to the park, where you can meet Bluey and Bingo, play games with them, and even pet animals from Australia in the petting zoo, Jumping Junction! DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, a new permit was filed for the new Encanto ride to install set elements, and nine new permits were filed today for electrical work. ©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom This new land is shaping up nicely! It will have three new rides – a carousel featuring classic Disney animals, an Indiana Jones ride where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and an Encanto ride that invites you into the Madrigal’s home! Most recently, we saw two new permits filed for the upcoming Indiana Jones ride! 4 Disney World Traditions Canceled for 2026 Typhoon Lagoon On February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach reopened in Disney World, and Typhoon Lagoon closed for refurbishment. Typhoon Lagoon will reopen again on May 12th, 2026! Typhoon Lagoon For the majority of the summer, we’ll have both water parks open again. Typhoon Lagoon is Disney’s oldest water park with fun for both kids and kids-at-heart, plus one of the largest wave pools in the world. It’s themed to be a tropical paradise that just survived a typhoon. NEWS: Level99 Opens at Disney Springs THIS SUMMER! Disney World Hotels Kiddie Pool Deck — Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney recently announced that the Kiddie Pool Deck at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will close for refurbishment beginning April 13th. Kiddie Pool Deck The previous timeline for reopening was the end of April, but now the Disney World website lists that the closure will begin on May 4th and continue through mid-May. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Additionally, exterior elevator landing repairs will be taking place through late May 2026. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort For those looking to dine at this hotel, you need to know that the Turf Club Bar & Grill and Turf Club Lounge will both be under refurbishment from mid-March through mid-September 2026. Turf Club Bar & Grill In early April, the Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment and will reopen in early August. In the meantime, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu. Then, from early to mid-August, the Turf Club patio will close for refurbishment, and finally, from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment, but the Turf Club Lounge will be open. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. Tidal Pool At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure be will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Crew’s Cup Lounge — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort On February 23rd, Crew’s Cup Lounge closed for refurbishment and will reopen on June 1st, 2026. Yachtsman Steakhouse Additionally, Yachtsman Steakhouse will close for refurbishment on May 11th, meaning these closures will overlap for a few weeks. It’s expected to reopen sometime in early August. Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more! Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th. 2025 and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls Now, we know that Jellyrolls will be moving to a new location about 10 minutes away, and a grand opening is planned for late summer or fall 2026. We also know that the new location will have free parking, be closer to the space that the original Disney location was in, and allow people to be dropped off and picked up by rideshare services right at the front door. A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney’s Latest Announcements Made One Thing Abundantly Clear Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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Okay, so what’s NOT to love about the France Pavilion? It literally has everything…great shops with French souvenirs, amazing restaurants, WINE, ice cream martinis, a creperie, and one of our favorite quick service restaurants in all of Disney World (yep, we’re talking about Les Halles). France Pavilion France is also home to three attractions, including the recently updated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Well, for a while, two of the three attractions in France have been closed, but we’re happy to report that these two attractions have reopened EARLY. Both the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Impressions de France have been closed for a routine refurbishment. Both were scheduled to reopen on May 10th, but we popped by the France Pavilion today, on May 9th, and both were already open…a FULL day early! The two attractions share a theater, so both were closed while refurbishment was being done inside the theater. The theater is open! Of course, we stopped for a moment to pay homage to two GREAT musicals, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables by checking out the display case showcasing those works. I dreamed a dream… Of course, there are many other wonderful displays you can check out here, too. Oddly enough, not a lot of people know these are here! You’ll find a total of six gallery cases with costumes, music, and artwork that have brought French literature to life through movies, theater, ballet, and opera. Be sure to check out the displays! Inside the theater, we noticed some brand new seats! Yep, the theater got new seats for both shows. We were also told that the curtain was now fixed for when Impressions de France is showing. New seats! We stuck around for the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, which is a 15-minute retelling of the classic animated Beauty and the Beast, complete with subtitles so everyone can sing along! It plays from 10 AM to 6:30 PM (although you’ll want to double-check the Disney World calendar in case that changes). Singing along with Belle Meanwhile, Impressions de France, an 18-minute film showing the beauty and charm of France, shows from 9 AM to 9:30 AM and 7 PM to 8:30 PM. We’ll keep an eye out for more openings and closures in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Three Days in 2026 When I’m Skipping Magic Kingdom and Going to EPCOT Instead Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you make time for these attractions when you visit EPCOT? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
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If you’re looking for your new favorite Loungefly bag, we’ve got you covered. Loungefly just released eight brand-new mini backpacks that will make your next outing 10x more magical! ©Loungefly Whether you’re hitting the parks or staying at home this June, a brand-new Loungefly is waiting for you! Get them now before they fly off the shelves. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go once upon a dream with this Aurora Stained Glass Portrait Mini Backpack! ©Box Lunch This Aurora Stained Glass Portrait Mini Backpack features appliques of Aurora, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather surrounded by the prettiest pink, green, and blue stained glass design! The side pockets feature Prince Phillip and Owl. Get the Box Lunch exclusive on preorder for $84.90. view ON Box Lunch This Minnie Mouse Key Lime Pie Lime Scented Mini Backpack is perfect for summer! ©Box Lunch This Minnie Mouse Key Lime Pie Lime Scented Mini Backpack features a die-cut Key Lime Pie-shaped front pocket accented with embroidered lime slices and whipped cream. The star of the show is the 3D lime ears and bow! Order the Box Lunch exclusive on preorder for $84.90. view ON Box Lunch This Enchanted Rose Shimmer Mini Backpack is so glittery! ©Box Lunch This Enchanted Rose Shimmer Mini Backpack features an applique enchanted rose on the front pocket surrounded by silver shimmer! The side pockets feature a golden silhouette of Belle surrounded by embroidered red and yellow roses. Get the enchanted rose delivered straight to your door for $84.90. view ON Box Lunch Rep your favorite Pixar movies with the Pixar Characters Mini Backpack! ©Box Lunch This Pixar Characters Mini Backpack features designs of your favorite Pixar characters on the front – there’s Remy, Boo, Mei Mei, a Green Alien, Russel, and Heimlich! The body of the bag is dark blue with embossed designs of the Pixar ball, Boo’s flowers, Remy’s cheese, and Heimlich’s leaves. Preorder the Box Lunch exclusive bag now for $84.90. view ON Box Lunch The Belle Quilted Mini Backpack is enchanted! ©Box Lunch This Belle Quilted Mini Backpack features an embossed design of Belle with Mrs. Potts and Chip surrounded by embroidered flowers! The body of the bag is a gorgeous cream color with a quilted design. For only $84.90, this bag is a steal! view ON Box Lunch This Winnie the Pooh Floral Gingham Mini Backpack is sweet as honey! ©Box Lunch This Winnie the Pooh Floral Gingham Mini Backpack features Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore with honeypots! The bag is an all-over yellow gingham pattern with red accents. Bring home a part of the Hundred Acre Woods for only $84.90. view ON Box Lunch Light the lights with The Muppets Character Patches Mini Backpack! ©Box Lunch The Muppets Character Patches Mini Backpack features applique and embroidered details of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo with Fozzie on the side pocket. The body of the bag is an adorable cream corduroy with orange accents. The inner lining is just as fun with colorful text of your favorite Muppets. For only $84.90, you can’t miss this steal! view ON Box Lunch The Cats Portrait Mini Backpack is purr-fect! ©Hot Topic The Cats Portrait Mini Backpack features an all-over print of cat portraits from The Aristocats, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and Pinocchio. The straps and inner lining are a sleek cream color that makes the pattern pop! Treat the cat lover in your life for only $52.90. view ON Hot Topic We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article
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It was just reported that there was a collision with Frontier Airlines. ©Frontier Airlines According to the New York Times, a Frontier Airlines jet struck and killed a person who was walking on the runway at Denver International Airport at night on May 8th during takeoff. “Frontier Flight 4345 reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff at DEN at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. There was a brief engine fire that was promptly extinguished by the Denver Fire Dept.,” the airport wrote in a post via X. “Emergency crews responded to the scene and bused passengers to the terminal. 231 souls were on board. Emergency response and investigation are ongoing. The NTSB has been notified. Runway 17L will remain closed while the investigation is conducted.” Frontier Plane at the Orlando Airport Reportedly, the person who was struck had breached airport security Friday night to scale a perimeter fence and dash out onto the runway. This was stated by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The post Sean Duffy wrote on X read, “The trespasser on the runway was then struck by Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 during takeoff at high speed. The pilot stopped takeoff procedures immediately.” Flying Frontier “The Frontier plane was then quickly evacuated while law enforcement and firefighters responded. Preliminary reports are 12 people were hurt, with 5 taken to the hospital. Local law enforcement handles airport security and is investigating with support from the FAA and TSA. No one should EVER trespass on an airport,” Duffy concluded. ©Frontier Airlines A Denver Airport spokesperson told Fox News Digital that their security teams and Denver Police regularly patrol the perimeter of the airport. They added that the person scaled the barbed-wire fence and was hit within two minutes of going out onto the runway. The Denver International Airport posted on X saying it “has examined the fenceline and found it to be intact.” They added, “We are extremely saddened by this incident and express our sympathies to those involved.” Frontier Airlines According to ABC News, the person killed was struck and “at least partially consumed” by one of the plane’s engines. Jose Cervantes told CBS News that the plane was already going pretty fast, and then they felt as if “the plane started to tilt up when out of nowhere, it just — we felt like a thud and heard, like, an explosion.” ©Frontier Airlines “I was right on the wing, so I looked to my right and I just see, like, the right wing just on fire and it, like — it’s exploding, and it sounds, like, horrible, you know — and right away they shut the aircraft off,” Cervantes said. “Well, when that happened, the aircraft lands back down and starts to swivel from side to side, then they shut it down right away. And then the cabin starts to fill with smoke, and that’s when they started evacuating everyone.” Frontier This is a tragic and terrifying story that has just unfolded. Our thoughts are with everyone who was impacted by this incident. View the full article
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We LOVE our Owala water bottles, and these accessories take them to the next level! Rapunzel Owala Owala water bottles are fine on their own, but there are several upgrades you can grab on Amazon that can really enhance these bottles. Quite a few of these are super cost-effective, and we’re sharing with you some of our favorites! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Make gripping your Owala easier with this souvenir ©Amazon Costing under $10, the Owala Silicone Boot is available in many different sizes and colors on Amazon. This accessory is dishwasher-safe and improves grip and stability, while also quiting the noise made if you drop the bottle. If you have an issue with butterfingers, this silicone boot goes a long way! BUY ON AMAZON These straws cost even less! ©Amazon If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your Owala straws, check out this Metal Straw Replacement Pack! Intended for 24 and 32-ounce bottles, this set comes with four reusable stainless steel straws and two straw cleaners. BUY ON AMAZON Make carrying around your Owala bottle easier with this essential ©Amazon This Water Bottle Holder features an insulated interior that keeps your drinks at an ideal temperature, and it can accommodate bottles ranging from 32oz to 40oz in size. This holder also comes with detachable handles and an adjustable shoulder strap — giving you two ways to carry it. It also includes a main pocket with a drawstring closure, two front zippered pockets with a key leash, and ample space to store both your bottle and everyday essentials. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! Which Owala accessories do you use? Let us know and continue to follow us here at DFB for more fantastic everyday/theme park essential finds! View the full article
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Loungefly doesn’t always make stained glass Disney souvenirs, but when it does, it absolutely delivers! ©Disney Whether you’re looking for unique Loungefly ears, backpacks, or more, Amazon has you covered. There are some really fun stained glass designs themed after some of our favorite Disney characters, and we’re sharing some picks with ya that are definitely worth checking out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. These Amazon-exclusive Ears Honor A Beloved Disney Princess ©Amazon These Loungefly Moana Ears are part of the Disney Princess Stained Glass Collection and feature a Moana-themed stained glass motif! The stained glass comes to life with a floral design, and the headband is brought together by the bow sitting front and center. BUY ON AMAZON Fans Of Quasimodo And His Pals Should Check Out This Next Souvenir ©Amazon The Loungefly Hunchback of Notre Dame Stained Glass Window Mini Backpack lets fans showcase their love of this underrated classic. Brought to us by BoxLunch and Loungefly, this bag features beloved characters from the animated film amid a design that looks like a tower with stained glass windows. BUY ON AMAZON Relive A Tale As Old As Time With This Final Souvenir ©Amazon Also from BoxLunch and now available on Amazon, the Loungefly Beauty and the Beast Belle Stained Glass Portrait Mini Backpack features Belle front and center, as well as an all-over rose red and blue stained glass design. You’ll even be able to spot imagery from the classic Disney animated film! BUY ON AMAZON We’re always keeping an eye out for great Disney souvenirs that you can grab on Amazon, so be sure to keep it posted right here at DFB for the latest updates! View the full article
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Spirit Airlines was a popular budget airline for getting to and from Orlando, but it abruptly closed on May 2nd, leaving nearly 1,000 flights from Orlando Airport canceled. ©Spirit Airlines Hundreds of thousands of budget flyers relied on Spirit for their Disney World vacations and general travel. A campaign has even been created to revive Spirit Airlines! But just in case the beloved yellow Airbus is gone for good, here are four great alternatives for your next Orlando trip. Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines is an ultra-low-cost airline that offers 50 direct routes from the Orlando International Airport. The airline already offers multiple flights at Orlando that Spirit previously flew, including major cities such as New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Chicago. ©Frontier Airlines Following Spirit’s closure, Frontier Airlines announced that it will add nine routes and 15 daily flights this year out of the Orlando International Airport. Frontier Airlines is the best airline for Spirit flyers since they offer most of the same direct routes at a similar, if not lower, price. Southwest, Who? Your Bags Could Fly FREE on Frontier Airlines Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines is the largest airline at the Orlando Airport, connecting Orlando with over 50 destinations and making up 22% of the airport’s flights. If you live near a more remote or smaller airport, odds are that Southwest will still offer a route to Orlando. Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport Southwest just announced it’s expanding 17 current routes out of Orlando between June and November. These routes will mean more frequent flights to Disney World for travelers across the country. The South will see more flights in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, with New England having the largest expansion in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. 3 Important Rules You Should Know Before Choosing Your Seat on Southwest Airlines Breeze Airways Breeze Airways is a popular budget airline with 40 direct routes from Orlando. Their most popular routes from Orlando are to Providence, Rhode Island (PVD), Hartford, Connecticut (BDL), New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY), Norfolk, Virginia (ORF), and Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU). ©Tad Denson | Breeze Airways Breeze Airways announced it would begin a new nonstop flight route between Orlando and Atlantic City, New Jersey, beginning on July 3rd. The new route will run each day, with a one-way ticket starting at just $89. Breeze Airways Adds A New Nonstop Flight at Orlando Airport Delta Airlines While not a budget airline, Delta has a strong presence in the Orlando International Airport. They offer 20-plus nonstop flights to major cities across the country. Their hubs include Atlanta, Georgia (ATL), Boston, Massachusetts (BOS), New York, New York (LGA/JFK), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Los Angeles, California (LAX), Minneapolis, Minnesota (MSP), and Detroit, Michigan (DTW). ©Getty Images Delta just announced plans to add seven more nonstop flights out of Orlando. These new flights will make it even easier for travelers in the Midwest and New England to get to the most magical place on earth! Delta Airlines Adds 7 NEW Nonstop Flights at Orlando Airport We’ll be sure to keep you updated on everything you need to know for your next Disney vacation. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more travel news! The Airline Rule You DON’T Want To Break Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What airline is your favorite? Comment below! View the full article
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Magic Kingdom has entered a very interesting food era. For years, this park had a reputation for being the place where you survived on corn dog nuggets, popcorn, Dole Whip, and the emotional strength of your next EPCOT reservation. But lately? Magic Kingdom has been quietly getting its act together. There are better quick-service picks, some genuinely useful snack strategies, and a few sit-down spots we actually do recommend. Dole Whip from Aloha Isle But that does NOT mean every Magic Kingdom restaurant deserves your precious dining reservation. Our 2025 list called out Crystal Palace, The Plaza Restaurant, and Be Our Guest. For 2026, we’re making one swap: The Plaza gets paroled, and Cinderella’s Royal Table is officially on the list. Want to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table? Make a reservation as early as you can. So, let’s talk about the three Magic Kingdom restaurants we think experts are most likely to skip this year, what’s actually good about them, and why we’re still side-eyeing that “Reserve Dining” button like it owes us money. The Crystal Palace Let’s start with a classic. The Crystal Palace is one of the most recognizable restaurants in Magic Kingdom, and honestly, it has a lot going for it. Buffet It’s gorgeous. It’s bright. It’s greenhouse-y. It has that Victorian Main Street charm that makes you feel like you should be wearing a straw hat and dramatically discussing your inheritance over tea. Plus, this is where you can dine with Winnie the Pooh and friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. You should plan to stay about 90 minutes here to engage with the available characters, so this is definitely not a “grab a quick bite and sprint to Space Mountain” meal. All the Signatures Are Right There And to be clear, we are NOT saying to avoid Crystal Palace entirely. We still think breakfast is the strongest play here. Breakfast is currently priced lower than lunch and dinner, and the menu includes things like fruit, yogurt, bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, cereal, biscuits and gravy, and assorted pastries. Our Breakfast Eats But lunch and dinner? That’s where our expert alarm bells start jingling like Tigger after three espressos. Lunch and dinner are currently priced at $64 per adult and $44 per child, plus tax and gratuity, with buffet offerings like seasonal salads, pasta, country fried chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted carved beef, shrimp creole, vegetables, and assorted desserts. So what’s the problem? Is that bad? Not necessarily. But for that kind of money, we want consistency, quality, character time, and a meal that does not make us quietly wonder if we should have just eaten cheeseburger spring rolls and called it a personality trait. More Eats Crystal Palace can feel rushed. Buffet quality can vary. And by lunch or dinner, you’re also giving up a big chunk of prime park time for a meal that may not feel dramatically better than some of your cheaper options elsewhere. Why Experts Skip It Experts are skipping lunch and dinner at Crystal Palace in 2026 because breakfast remains the better value and better experience. You still get Pooh and friends, you’re paying less, and the food tends to make more sense for the setup. Winnie the Pooh Our take? Book breakfast if you love Pooh, have kids who will melt into a puddle over Tigger, or want a sweet Main Street start. Skip lunch and dinner unless the characters are the whole point. Be Our Guest Restaurant This one hurts a little. Be Our Guest used to feel like THE Magic Kingdom dining reservation. You were eating inside Beast’s Castle! There was snow outside the windows! The West Wing was moody and dramatic! The napkins practically whispered, “Put our service to the test.” Be Our Guest And the theming is still genuinely impressive. Be Our Guest is a prix-fixe restaurant with three heavily themed rooms: the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery. The menu is also not nothing. Lunch and dinner currently include a three-course prix-fixe setup with appetizer choices like French Onion Soup, Blue Crab Bisque, and Escargot de Bourgogne, entrées like Short Rib Beef Bourguignon, Grilled Filet Mignon, Steak Frites, Swordfish au Poivre, and Poulet Rouge Chicken, plus desserts including the Blooming Rose filled with “The Grey Stuff.” Steak Frites So what’s the problem? The price. The expectations. The lack of a true character meal. The dining experience that often feels more “expensive Beauty and the Beast museum with dinner” than “this was absolutely worth rearranging my park day.” The Grand Ballroom in Be Our Guest Restaurant Be Our Guest is currently $72 per adult and $43 per child, plus tax and gratuity, for lunch or dinner. And while you may see the Beast, this is not the same thing as a full character meal where multiple characters visit your table. That distinction matters when you’re paying premium prices and trying to maximize both your budget and your Disney magic. Why Experts Skip It Experts skip Be Our Guest because the theming is better than the value. If you’ve never been and Beauty and the Beast is your favorite movie, sure, we understand wanting to go once. We are not monsters. We simply know how spreadsheets work. Blooming Rose But for repeat visitors, food-focused travelers, or anyone who wants the best use of a Magic Kingdom dining slot, Be Our Guest is a hard sell in 2026. It’s expensive, it takes time, and the food often does not rise high enough to justify the castle-sized bill. Our expert move? Visit once if it’s a bucket-list meal. Otherwise, spend that money at a resort restaurant on the monorail loop and let Lumière live rent-free in your memories instead. Cinderella’s Royal Table And now, the glass slipper drops. Cinderella’s Royal Table is replacing The Plaza Restaurant on our 2026 “experts refuse to book” list. Not because it’s bad. Not because it isn’t magical. Not because we are immune to stained glass, stone archways, and the emotional manipulation of eating inside Cinderella Castle. We are not made of dryer lint. Menu Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most iconic dining experiences in all of Disney World. You dine inside the castle, meet Cinderella in the Grand Hall, and enjoy visits with Disney Princesses during the meal. The restaurant has a storybook setting with stone archways, medieval flags, and stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland. There she is! The food also has more ambition than some people give it credit for. Dinner entrées currently include options like roasted lamb chops, grilled filet mignon, catch of the day, chicken cottage pie, and pan-roasted cauliflower, with desserts like The Clock Strikes Twelve and Jaq and Gus Cheesecake. So yes, there are good things here. So what’s the problem? But this is where the expert math gets spicy. Dinner is currently $89 per adult and $54 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Breakfast is also pricey at $76 per adult and $47 per child. And if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, Cinderella’s Royal Table requires 2 Table-Service meals per person. That is a LOT for a meal where the main selling point is the location and princess access. When Will My Life Begin Pasta And listen, for some families, that is absolutely worth it. If you have a kid who dreams of eating in the castle, meeting princesses, and living their full royal fantasy, this can be a core memory. A sparkly, expensive, possibly tiara-shaped core memory. But experts tend to ask a different question: “Would we book this again based on food, value, convenience, and overall experience?” For us? Usually no. Magic Carpet Ride Pork Tenderloin Why Experts Skip It Experts skip Cinderella’s Royal Table in 2026 because it’s a bucket-list experience, not a best-value meal. It’s not that you shouldn’t ever do it. It’s that you should only do it if the castle and princesses are the point. If you’re booking it because you want the best meal in Magic Kingdom, you may walk out feeling like your wallet was turned into a pumpkin. Cinderella Card Our expert move? Book it for a once-in-a-childhood or once-in-a-lifetime moment. Otherwise, meet princesses elsewhere and eat somewhere that gives you more flexibility for less money. What About The Plaza, Tony’s, and Skipper Canteen? Let’s rapid-fire the restaurants that almost made the list. The Plaza Restaurant is still not one of our top Magic Kingdom recommendations, but it’s a la carte, less expensive than the prix-fixe heavy hitters, and has practical comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes, and sundaes. Current entrées include things like a Bacon Cheeseburger, Triple Decker Turkey Club, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Pot Roast Stack, and Chipotle Barbecue Pork Sandwich. Is it thrilling? No. Is it sometimes useful when you need AC and a table? Absolutely. Full spread at Plaza Restaurant Tony’s Town Square is still divisive. The Lady and the Tramp theming is cute, and the current menu includes Italian-American staples like Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Shrimp Scampi. We still wouldn’t call it a must-book, but it didn’t beat out Cinderella’s Royal Table in the “price vs. payoff” department this year. Tony’s Garlic Bread Skipper Canteen? Absolutely not on the skip list. In fact, this is one of the Magic Kingdom table-service spots experts are more likely to recommend. It has actual personality, a more interesting menu, and dishes like “Tastes like Chicken” Because it is!, Curried Vegetable Crew Stew, Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl, Mess Hall Duck Fried Rice, and Falls Family Falafel. If your group can handle flavors beyond “theme park beige,” Skipper Canteen remains one of the better sit-down bets in Magic Kingdom. This was delicious! The Final Dish For 2026, our expert skip list is: Crystal Palace lunch and dinner Be Our Guest Restaurant Cinderella’s Royal Table That does NOT mean these restaurants are universally terrible. Disney dining is personal. Your dream meal might be our “please don’t make us do this again” meal, and that’s okay. We all contain multitudes and questionable reservation histories. Crystal Palace But if you’re trying to make the smartest use of your Magic Kingdom dining time and money, these are the three reservations we’d think very carefully about before booking. Our advice? Do Crystal Palace for breakfast if you want Pooh. Do Be Our Guest once if Beauty and the Beast owns your heart. Do Cinderella’s Royal Table if eating inside the castle is the dream. Castle entrance But if you’re asking where the experts are most likely to spend their own Magic Kingdom dining dollars in 2026? We’re probably heading to Skipper Canteen, grabbing quick-service favorites, or hopping on the monorail for a better resort meal. Pao de Quijo Because sometimes the most magical dining decision is knowing when NOT to book the famous restaurant. We’re always here to help you plan your upcoming vacation and make you feel as prepared as possible before you start your trip, so stay tuned to DFB! Our FAVORITE Meal at Every Magic Kingdom Restaurant 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 The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants 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 else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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Well, we’ve got some…not-so-great news out of Disneyland Resort, and honestly? It’s something we NEVER saw coming. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Over in Toontown, you’ll find lots of different attractions for guests of all ages to enjoy. You can tour Mickey and Minnie’s houses, take a ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Chip ‘N’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster, and dine at Café Daisy or Good Boy! Grocers. However, there’s one ride here that’s scared a bit for basically all of time, but it’s still lots of fun — that was, until this major issue took place. We had begun to hear rumors that Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Disneyland wasn’t exactly behaving as it should. Normally, part of the fun of the ride is that it spins you around and around in each scene, making it extra fun. It was starting to be reported, however, that the ride no longer spun and that there were scenes of the ride guests were actively missing because of the direction they were facing during the spins. Detective Jessica Rabbit Animatronic inside Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin We hopped on the ride ourselves, and sure enough, not only did our car not spin, but we were BACKWARDS 90% of the time, meaning we missed practically the whole ride! We were stuck facing the car behind us, and they were facing forwards, so we just stared at each other…the whole time. This ride recently reopened from a refurbishment, and our assumption is that, since the car still spins during major scenes, it’s only because they’re pre-programmed to focus on the plot details. Otherwise, there’s no more spinning. The wheel of the car still moves, though it’s for no reason! Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin If you’re heading to the park soon and want to ride, we recommend requesting the back car instead of the front, as the issue seems to only be affecting the front cars. We did speak to a Cast Member about the issue, and while they indicated they’re aware of it, there’s no telling when it’ll be fixed. More Recent Disneyland Resort News! Uh Disney? Why Did You Change This Iconic Toontown Ride?Disneyland’s Bat Day Dates Announced for 2027NEWS: Timeline Revealed for Changes to Opening Day Disney RideGUYS. You Won’t Believe Who We Just Met in Disneyland!4 Exclusive Disney Snacks Are Returning For A Limited Time We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disneyland news, including the status of this attraction, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney Fans Have THOUGHTS About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever ridden this ride before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
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Did you know there’s another place in Orlando besides Disney World where you can meet a mermaid? We just met a mermaid! SEA LIFE Orlando is a huge aquarium located in Orlando’s ICON Park, right in front of The Orlando Eye. They have tons of exhibits featuring marine life and experiences. Now, you can meet a mermaid at the popular aquarium, and that’s exactly what we did! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. You can meet a real-life mermaid at the Mermaid Meet & Greet at SEA LIFE Orlando! It’s a close-up interaction with mermaids in the enchanting grotto. Listen to their captivating tales from adventures at sea, and take a picture with them! It’s open Friday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Mermaid meet-and-greet That’s not all the mermaid fun there is to enjoy at SEA LIFE Orlando! You can go see a mermaid swimming during Mermaid Dives. Watch them swim around the Atlantic Ocean habitat surrounded by sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and sharks. You can catch these on Friday through Sunday, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 4 PM, and 5 PM to 6:30 PM. Mermaid Dives! There is also something called A Mermaid’s Quest, which will be a new virtual reality experience. You’ll join a young seafarer on a thrilling journey to uncover the secrets of the sea. The VR will also teach you about the conservation of the ocean. SEA LIFE Orlando SEA LIFE Orlando’s mermaid events are available every Friday through Sunday in May until the final day on Memorial Day! Every mermaid attraction is included with any aquarium ticket that you purchase, so you don’t need to worry about add-ons. You need to check the attractions out! Come see the mermaids! Orlando is home to some of the biggest theme parks in the world, but there are some other attractions, like SEA LIFE Orlando, that people need to check out. We really enjoyed our time there, and we know you would too. For more, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Three Days in 2026 When I’m Skipping Magic Kingdom and Going to EPCOT Instead DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you been to SEA LIFE Orlando before? Let us know in the comments below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Sea Life Orlando to attend their media preview Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article
