Disney4me

It is certainly no secret that prices have gone up, up, up at Disney Parks in the past few years. Hello, Main Street, U.S.A.! Now, a so-called “activist investor” who is campaigning for a seat on the board of directors at The Walt Disney Company, says you’re being overcharged! Nelson Peltz and his Trian Partners are critical of some aspects of how Disney has been run for the past few years. A presentation posted to the website restorethemagic.com states Peltz’s position that Disney is “a company in crisis,” and that many of the company’s current problems are “self-inflicted” and “need to be addressed.” Is Disney in Crisis? While The Walt Disney Company is profitable, the company has been posting major losses — largely in its streaming businesses. The value of Disney stock has plummeted over the past few years. As the graph below shows, at midday on Thursday, Jan. 19th, Disney stock had lost more than 11% of its value over the past five years. ©Google Finance Disney shareholders have seen a 50% decline in adjusted earnings per share since 2018. While not everyone agrees, at least for Peltz, this indicates that the Disney company is “in crisis.” Click here for more information on Nelson Peltz Disney Parks Changes Peltz is Asking For As Disney stock has declined, and the company has racked up streaming losses, Disney Parks have been posting record earnings. Many of those earnings have been due to price increases. In fact, Disney said in October that spending per person at Disney World and Disneyland has gone up a whopping 40% since 2019. Peltz said he advises two big changes to the parks. Stop “Nickel and Diming” Park Guests Price hikes — and the end of “perks” — at Disney World have been contributing to that per capita increase in guest spending mentioned above. For example, Disney replaced its free FastPass skip-the-line program with the paid Disney Genie+ program. Disney has said that more than 50 percent of parks guests buy the service each day. At the time they made that statement, Disney Genie+ cost $15 per day, per guest. In December 2022, Disney started using surge pricing for Genie+, and we have seen prices as high as $29 per day in Disney World and $30 per day in Disneyland. ©Disney Peltz’s presentation says that while these kinds of price increases are good for the bottom line, they “put the brand value” at risk. Pay Disney Parks Cast Members More Another area that Peltz addresses is that of Cast Member wages. Disney has been negotiating with the unions that represent its Cast Members, and have been at an impasse on wages. Unions are pushing for Disney to raise its minimum wage to $18 per hour, and raise the pay of those who already make close to that amount by $3 per hour to keep up with inflation and higher costs of living. According to a recent report from the Orlando Business Journal, the city of Orlando ranks among the worst in the nation for affordability. ©Orlando Sentinel Disney has stated that it presented a “meaningful offer” that provided a path to $20 per hour wages for many full-time Cast Members, but the unions have said that their members need the pay increases to come more quickly than Disney is proposing. Peltz states in his presentation that employees are “a crucial component” of positive guest experiences at Disney Parks. Click here for the latest news on the Disney/Cast Member negotiations The bottom line of Peltz’s claim is that the company is increasing prices and keeping Cast Member wages down to maximize profits at its parks for short-term gains. And that continuing to do these things will harm the company’s long-term health. Earlier this month, Disney brought back some perks for Disney guests — including free parking for Disney World resort guests, and free ride photos as an additional value with the purchase of Disney Genie+. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division, said in introducing the changes that they were prompted by guest feedback — “specifically ones that our guests have asked for and you’ve shared with me.” So it does appear that Disney is aware that the guest experience is being affected by what Peltz describes as “nickel and diming.” Disney’s current board of directors is defending its management and opposing Peltz’s candidacy for the board. We won’t know whether Peltz will be successful in his quest until the annual Walt Disney Company shareholders meeting, which is typically held in March. We’ll be watching this story as it unfolds, so keep following Disney Food Blog for more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you agree with the changes Nelson Peltz wants to make in Disney Parks? Tell us in the comments! The post The Big Disney Parks Changes that Activist Investors Are Pushing first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

So when it comes to spicy food, there’s Disney spicy (which is usually pretty mild) and SPICY spicy. Earl of Sandwich Believe it or not, though, you CAN find some SPICY spicey food in Disney World — if you know where to look. We just recently found a seriously wonderful spicy dish at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts. And EPCOT’s Nine Dragons has set our mouths on fire more than once. Well, now we’re trying a spicy sandwich, so let’s see where it lands on the spicy food scale. The limited-time Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich is made with Thin Brisket, Cole Slaw, Jalapeños, and Pickled Jalapeños. Yes, there are DOUBLE jalapeños on this thing, and that’s really what gives this sandwich a fiery kick. So we’re going to say that it falls on the spicier side — if you don’t love jalapeños, this is NOT for you. Is it REALLY spicy? However, our reporter LOVES spicy, and this is honestly one of the best BBQ sandwiches they’ve had in Disney World. The brisket is tender and practically melts in your mouth. We also like the crispy cole slaw that didn’t make the sandwich super messy or soggy, especially combined with the BBQ sauce. LOADS of We will say it again, though — if you don’t like spicy, you’re not going to like the heat from all those jalapeños. It can even be a bit overwhelming. It’s got a kick! If you’d like to test the spicy level of this sandwich for yourself, it’s available now at Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs for $8.99. We are ALWAYS looking for new food in Disney World, so we’ll be back soon with even more reviews — stay tuned to DFB for more! We’re all about Disney FOOD here at DFB. We even wrote the book on it! Get Our Guide! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining in an ebook format you can easily download to your tablet or smartphone. Use code WDW2023 to save 25% on the cover price! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s the spiciest thing you’ve ever eaten in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Did We Just Find One of the BEST Sandwiches in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! It’s time to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Lunar New Year Loungefly We’re getting ready to celebrate at the Lunar New Year Festival in Disneyland. Plus, we’ve already seen LOADS of fun merchandise in the parks featuring Disney rabbit characters like Judy Hopps, the White Rabbit, and Thumper. But we just spotted a new pair of ears on shopDisney that celebrates by giving YOU rabbit ears Okay, so Disney’s 2023 Lunar New Year Ears are actually TWO pairs of ears in one. You’ve got your standard mouse ears, but they’ve also added fuzzy rabbit ears! They’re red with gold details and a bright gold bow. ©Disney But we can’t get over the addition of the rabbit ears — EARS for days. ©Disney If you want to wear rabbit ears with your Minnie Ears (okay, that’s a little confusing, huh?), you can grab these RIGHT NOW online for $29.99. We’re also keeping an eye out for these in the parks, and we’ll let you know when we find them! Get The 2023 Lunar New Year Ears Now! Looking for even more Lunar New Year fun! Be sure to follow along with us as we check out all the food booths at Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year Festival! We’ll be eating ALL the things and checking out everything the festival has to offer, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Need a new graphic tee (uh, when don’t you need a new graphic tee!)? We’re dropping new Disney-themed designs! Click here to see ‘em! Here Are The FULL MENUS Released for Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be grabbing these ears? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Wants To Give You Rabbit Ears In All Your Photos first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, a 100-year-old historic mansion near the beach, is offering tours of the upstairs bedrooms of its wealthy former owners and their maids and butlers on Wednesdays through April. These rooms are not typically part of tours of the house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can even spend the night in the upstairs maid's room for a $5,000 donation. View the full article

Disney has been going through some serious changes lately. Walt and Mickey After CEO Bob Chapek was replaced by Bob Iger, more executives left the company. Disney also recently named a new Chairman of the Board, Mark Parker, and now it looks like more personnel changes are taking place at The Walt Disney Company. According to The Hollywood Reporter, senior vice president of corporate communications for Disney General Entertainment (DGE), Charissa Gilmore, is leaving the company after more than 30 years. ©Disney She is being replaced by Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, who will take up the newly created position of executive vice president of publicity and head of communications for DGE. Candice Ashton will also be signing on to Disney Television Studios. Ashton is currently the senior vice president of publicity, events, and talent relations at Hulu. ©The Hollywood Reporter The changes were announced by DGE chairman Dana Walden, who shared, “Naomi is a respected communications leader and sharp strategist who has built strong relationships with press, talent and executives.” She added, speaking of Ashton, “Her expertise and creativity are valued by her team and will be a perfect fit for Disney Television Studios.” Walt Disney Studios Bulochnikov-Paul will head up internal and external communications for DGE while maintaining her role for ABC’s entertainment and news divisions, Freeform, and Onyx Collective. Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times Charissa Gilmore leaves Disney after more than 30 years with the company, her most recent role being senior vice president of corporate communications beginning in May 2022. You can read Walden’s full memo with the announcement below: “Team, I wanted to share some news. After more than 30 years of service across multiple brands, and in support of numerous grateful executives like myself, Charissa Gilmore will be leaving the company. We are so thankful to Charissa for her dedication, her many contributions, as well as her steady hand that helped navigate our teams over the years. Effective immediately, Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, who has worked closely with so many of you, will be expanding her purview in the newly created role of Executive Vice President, Publicity, and Head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment. In this position, Naomi will oversee all external and internal communications for DGE and serve as its main spokesperson. She will also continue to lead publicity for ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Freeform and Onyx Collective. She will be joining my leadership team and reporting to Shannon Ryan for publicity and Kristina Schake for communications. Naomi is a respected communications leader and sharp strategist who has built strong relationships with press, talent and executives. She has an incredible track record and her commitment to excellence will serve us well during this exciting and pivotal moment in our Company, and in the years ahead. In light of this news, Candice Ashton, currently SVP, Publicity, Events and Talent Relations for Hulu Originals, will now assume oversight of the Disney Television Studios publicity team. Candice has established herself as a thought leader at Hulu Originals, where she has overseen publicity campaigns for some of our most successful shows and helped position Hulu as a top streaming platform. Her expertise and creativity are valued by her team and will be a perfect fit for Disney Television Studios. Please join me in wishing Charissa the very best as she embarks on her next chapter and in congratulating Naomi and Candice. Warmest regards, Dana” Cinderella Castle Change is in the air at Disney, and you can be sure we’ll be keeping up with it all — so stay tuned to DFB for the latest news! Want to learn more about Bob Iger’s return as Disney’s CEO? Check out these posts: Is Disney CEO Bob Iger on a Collision Course with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis? CEO Bob Iger Reportedly Believed Chapek Was “Killing the Soul” of The Walt Disney Company 7 Big Challenges Bob Iger Will Face as Disney’s New CEO Why Disney Replaced Bob Chapek With Bob Iger Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Every Major Change Since Bob Iger Returned as Disney CEO Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of the latest Disney changes? Let us know in the comments! The post Major Changes Hit Disney Executive Leadership first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the most exciting parts of the upcoming 100th anniversary celebrations in Disneyland is the promise of a new ride! Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle On January 27th, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland! Now that we are officially one week away from the ride’s West Coast debut, Disney gave us another sneak peek on what guests can expect when the attraction opens. One of the integral parts of a Disney attraction is often forgotten, and that’s costuming. The Costume Design and Development team created some pretty unique ‘fits for the Cast Members who will be working on Runaway Railway, and Disney gave us a preview of their new looks. These brightly-colored ensembles fit right in with the art style of the ride. But there’s more to these clothes than meets the eye! © Disney These are what the costuming team calls “trainsformable” outfits, and they allow the Cast Members to switch up their look and adapt to the different ride scenes quickly and easily. Multiple parts of their outfits are reversible, but each piece has the same textured and cartoonish look that is perfect for the Runaway Railway. © Disney We are one step closer to the big premiere! Both the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the official start to the Disney100 celebrations will begin a week from today, on January 27th. Stay tuned to our site for all of the latest! Disney Announces NEW 100th Anniversary Experience Learn More About Disney 100 Years of Wonder – The 100th Anniversary Celebration! When Disney’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration Actually Starts Is the 100th Anniversary Coming to Disney World? A NEW 100th Anniversary Disney Credit Card Design Is Coming! PHOTOS: Sparkly NEW 100th Anniversary Minnie Ears Are Now Available in Disney World ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Get Online Right NOW! Check Out the NEW 100th Anniversary Starbucks Tumbler Inside Look at NEW 100th Anniversary Disneyland Fireworks Show Sleeping Beauty Castle Will Get a NEW Look For Disney’s 100th Anniversary Get ALL of the Latest Updates on the 100th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe What other Disney World rides would you want to see added to Disneyland? Share your thoughts in the comment section! The post There's More to These Disney Cast Member Costumes Than Meets the Eye! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Planning a Disney World vacation means facing some difficult decisions. All-Star Sports Resort When should you go? Where should you stay? And most importantly — where should you eat? We’ve been bringing you our complete guides to eating at the Disney World resorts, and now it’s time to take a look at everything that Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort has to offer! Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is one of three “All-Star” hotels on Disney World property — and it’s a value resort as well! These resorts typically don’t feature all the bells and whistles of a moderate or deluxe resort, but can still be a great choice for families and large groups looking to ball on a budget. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort As you might have guessed, All-Star Sports is well, sports-themed. You’ll often find it home to sports teams and groups for various events taking place. Since this is a value resort, there are only two dining locations — a food court and a pool bar (just like the other value resorts!). All-Star Sports But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find some tasty eats — so let’s check them out! End Zone Food Court The main spot you’ll find some grub at All-Star Sports is at the End Zone Food Court. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are served at various pick-up counters throughout the day, and you can also find quite a few Grab & Go items here as well. Plus, the occasional sweet treat has been known to pop up from time to time! End Zone Food Court Some breakfast options you can find here include iconic Mickey Waffles, plus a variety of house-made pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and more. There are also plenty of plant-based breakfast options here like a frittata! There’s nothing like grabbing a delicious (and quick!) breakfast before your Disney park day, and this spot fits that bill perfectly. It’s always time for Mickey waffles For lunch and dinner, you’ll find counter-service classics like burgers, pasta, pizza, and salads. From time to time, you’ll find a dinner special on the menu here as well — so keep an eye out during your trip to see what’s being served! In the past, we’ve had a pretty killer plant-based tuna salad sandwich here too! Plant-based tuna sandwich from End Zone Food Court But, it’s not just quick service eats on this menu, as we’ve also seen items like a Seared Salmon Dinner, Braised Beef, and Chicken Stir Fry at End Zone as well. Oh, and did we mention those DESSERTS?! The All-Star Resorts often feature some pretty stellar specialty desserts like the Gobble Wobble Bundt Cake and other cupcakes too! They have adorable desserts here! We also want to mention something true of all the Disney World value resorts — you can order a large pepperoni or cheese pizza for around $20. This is a GREAT value considering that one pizza can usually feed multiple people. End Zone Pizza Even if you get two pies — for around $40 you can get enough food to feed a crowd. And while Disney World hotel pizza may not be the BEST pizza on property, it’ll certainly get the job done in a pinch! Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar Grandstand Spirits is the pool bar at All-Star Sports, and you’ll find it over by Surfboard Bay Pool. While it may be lacking in the overall atmosphere department, it’s still a great place to grab a drink while you’re lounging by the pool or hanging at the resort! Grandstand Spirits This spot didn’t use to offer any sort of food items, but there are some snacks on the menu like a Mickey Pretzel with cheese, chips, salads, and a ham and cheese sandwich. As far as those sporty spirits go, you’ll find some tropical drinks like margaritas and mojitos, along with frosé, a frozen Banana Cabana, and more. Frozen specials While there may not be a TON of dining options at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, both End Zone Food Court and Grandstand Spirits offer some tasty options that will keep you fed on your Disney World vacation — and that’s what matters! All-Star Resorts With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! You can take our DFB Guide with you! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney dining news and more! Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you stayed at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort? Let us know in the comments! The post The Complete Guide to Eating at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Starting today, new character-themed parking lots will introduce you to some of the heroes and sidekicks who represent the concepts that live in EPCOT.View the full article

In case you missed it, EPCOT is going through a HUGE transformation. EPCOT construction From new neighborhoods to attractions to restaurants and more, this park is getting quite the makeover — even down to the parking lots! Disney unveiled NEW parking lot signs, and you know we had to go check them out! Walt Disney Imagineering shared NEW parking lot signs had been installed in the new “Space” and “Earth” lots! Construction had been going on here for a while as crews refurbished the lots and put the new signs up. We spotted the empty signs on our way out of EPCOT recently… Empty signs …and just so happened to see some of the new character signs installed this morning! Say hello to Moana… Moana! …and Hei Hei! Hey Hei Hei! Disney shared that there will be eight new character signs in total — four in the new Space lot and four in the Earth lot. Not only that, but a redesigned auto plaza marquee will be installed soon, too. Make sure you check these out on your next EPCOT trip, and pay attention to what lot you’re in — Disney also has a car locator feature on the My Disney Experience app! New paint as well We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more changes that take place with the EPCOT Transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! Everything You Need to Know About the EPCOT Transformation Want MORE Details About EPCOT’s MASSIVE Transformation? EPCOT’s Three New Neighborhoods Have Debuted – Learn More Here See Our Full Review of One of EPCOT’s Newest Restaurants – Connections Eatery Get a Full Tour Inside EPCOT’s New Starbucks Location – Connections Cafe See All the Details You Need to Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster, Now Open in World Discovery NEW Festival Areas, Gardens, a Meet-and-Greet Area, and More Are Coming to EPCOT Go Inside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure With Us Check Out All of the Tasty Details About La Crêperie de Paris See Our Full Reviews of Space 220, Which Has Officially OPENED in EPCOT Check Out Spaceship Earth’s Permanent New Nighttime Look Learn More About EPCOT’s New Nighttime Spectacular -- Harmonious See Full Details About the New PLAY! Pavilion Coming to EPCOT Learn All About Journey of Water -- Inspired by Moana, Coming to World Nature The Mary Poppins Attraction is on Hold – Learn More Here What’s Been CUT From the EPCOT Transformation? Click HERE for All the News and Details about EPCOT’s Transformation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest EPCOT transformation news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you been to EPCOT recently? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Unveils NEW Parking Lot Updates at EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While SpaceX launches and recovers its rocket boosters on a regular basis, it has taken nearly 60 years for NASA’s first-ever rocket stage to be recovered to make its way back to Florida. View the full article

Disney World revamps Epcot parking lot to add movie characters as row designators, new design set for parking plaza too View the full article

Disney On Broadway Stars Perform "We're All In This Together" | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

SeaWorld Orlando celebrates Sesame Street Kids' Weekend with story times, parade, photo ops, fire responders View the full article

Disneyland Resort cast members are on track to welcome guests aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, coming to Mickey’s Toontown beginning Jan. 27. The next stop on the journey to opening day? Costuming! The Costume Design and Development team engineered a “trainsformable” costume with fully reversible features, allowing cast members to switch their costume to […]View the full article

Okay, so it’s hard not to love Dole Whip in ANY form. Swirls on the Water We’ve tried SO many flavors, from classic pineapple to watermelon, and we’ve had a TON of Dole Whip floats, and yes, we’ve even tried the Dole Whip Nachos (which got a festive upgrade during the holidays). Well, now we’re trying those Dole Whip Nachos again, and they’ve changed a bit…come along with us to see what’s different! Let’s head on over to Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs to try out the new version of this snack. The previous nachos were made with Waffle Cone Chips topped with DOLE Whip, Mango Boba Pearls, Raspberry Sauce, Whipped Cream, and Sprinkles. The NEW Dole Whip Nachos are made with Dole whip, cherry pistachio ice cream, cherry popcorn, roasted pistachios, whipped cream, morello cherries, and waffle chips. Dole Whip Nachos So what do we think? Well, we think the Dole Whip nachos just got a serious upgrade! The pairing of the cherry and pistachio flavors is unique, but the flavor of both really comes through and makes a great combo. However, we will warn you that this is a very TART snack, so pucker up! They’re different! However, if you like light snacks and don’t mind a little tartness, you can grab these for $8.99. ALL that flavor We’re always trying new snacks in Disney World, so be sure to check back with us often for more reviews! WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite Dole Whip flavor? Let us know in the comments! The post The Dole Whip Nachos Have CHANGED in Disney World! 😲 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The life-sized gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World Resort are a hallmark of the holidays, providing the perfect backdrop for cherished memories each year. As the season ends and festive décor begins to come down, cast members who had a hand in these confectionery creations bid a bittersweet farewell to these treats for now until […]View the full article

In celebration of Pixar Day at Sea debuting on the Disney Fantasy this month, shoreside cast members had the opportunity to spend some time playing in Andy’s room during an exclusive event! See how the Disney Signature Experiences team enjoyed the one-of-a-kind Disney Cast Life experience that is typically reserved for guests. Cast members from […]View the full article

The Star Wars hotel at Disney World caused quite a stir when it opened in March 2022, but it’s dropped out of the public eye quite a bit since then. But if you were planning to book this unique experience in 2023, there’s a strange update that you should know about! Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Atrium The Galactic Starcruiser is an immersive experience where guests check in for a 3-day, 2-night stay aboard the Halcyon. Included in the price of a visit is your hotel room, some unique space-inspired food, Star Wars-themed experiences, an “excursion” to Batuu (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and more. We recently noticed a change on the Starcruiser’s website, and it might affect your upcoming plans to visit. Although the Starcruiser was a hot-ticket experience when it first debuted last year, dates haven’t been selling out nearly as frequently now as they previously did. In fact, when we checked a couple of months ago, there were only a couple of sold-out dates for the hotel. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser However, when we looked at the Starcruiser calendar today, there were quite a few more dates missing from the availability shown this summer! In July, the sold-out dates include the 4th & 5th, 12th & 13th, and 18th & 19th. In August, the sold-out dates include the 1st & 2nd, 7th & 8th, 15th & 16th, 19th & 20th, and 27th & 28th. And in September, the sold-out dates include the 4th & 5th and 12th & 13th. ©Disney When we checked a few months ago, the only sold-out date was July 1st. ©Disney It’s possible that these dates simply filled up very quickly (maybe there was a run on Galactic Starcruiser trips!), but it seems more likely that Disney has canceled some Starcruiser experiences because they weren’t filling up. Starcruiser cabin If you’re planning to visit this hotel in the summer of 2023, make sure you plan around those missing dates! We’ll keep watching for more updates, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news. Click here to learn all about the Star Wars hotel in Disney World. Star Wars Hotel -- Galactic Starcruiser News and Information Check Out Our COMPLETE GUIDE to the Star Wars Hotel We’re Breaking the MYTHS from Inside the Star Wars Hotel Rooms What to Get (or AVOID) for Breakfast at the Star Wars Hotel We Ate EVERYTHING for Lunch at the Star Wars Hotel See Our FULL Review of the Entire Dinner on Night 1 of the Star Wars Hotel Yes, Dinner on Night 2 at the Star Wars Hotel is Different. See Our Full Review Is the Captain’s Table Worth the Extra Cost? See How the Fireworks at the Star Wars Hotel Will (and Won’t) Surprise You Get Our Full Thoughts on the BLUE SHRIMP See What Snacks Look Like in Space Some of the Best Food in the Star Wars Hotel is Hiding! Get a Look at the Exclusive Star Wars Hotel Merchandise Learn About What’s Included When You Leave the Star Wars Hotel for Hollywood Studios Take a Look at the Pricing for the Star Wars Hotel Watch Our DFB Video About Our Experience at the Star Wars Hotel Click HERE to See More About Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Have you stayed at the Star Wars hotel in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post The Star Wars Hotel UPDATE That Might Change Your Disney World Plans first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The highly anticipated TRON Lightcycle / Run roller coaster will open in Magic Kingdom on April 4th, 2023, but that’s not the only TRON news from Disney! TRON Lightcycle Run Billboard The company is working on another installment of the TRON movies, and now we have an update on the sequel. According to Deadline, Disney is officially moving forward with Tron: Ares, the sequel to Tron: Legacy. Disney is apparently in “early negotiations” to have Joachim Rønning direct and Jared Leto star. ©Deadline The movie is expected to begin production in August in Vancouver. Rønning also worked with Disney on Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. ©Disney The Disney sci-fi franchise films began in 1982 with Jeff Bridges starring in the first installment. The next movie (Tron: Legacy) was finished in 2010, starring Bridges, Garret Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde. The script for the new film will be written by Jesse Wigutow. with Sean Bailey and Sam Dickerman as execs and Justin Springer, Leto, Jeffrey Silver, and Leto’s Paradox partner Emma Ludbrook as producers. We’ll keep watching for more updates from Disney, so stay tuned for all the latest news! Click here to learn more about the TRON coaster coming to Disney World. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited for the next TRON movie? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: The Next TRON Movie Is In the Works at Disney! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A new addition is coming to Disney World hotel rooms! Hey, Disney! ‘Hey, Disney!’ is a new Alexa virtual assistant that is coming to Disney World hotel rooms this year. It’s currently testing in limited rooms in Walt Disney World Resort, and the virtual assistant can do a number of different things, but what if you don’t want it in your room? What is ‘Hey, Disney?’ ‘Hey, Disney’ is a virtual assistant that can help you with your Disney vacation. It can answer questions, help you request extra amenities for your hotel room, get dining recommendations, and so much more. Hey, Disney! You can also interact with Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Muppets characters, among others! Hey, Disney! Characters It can also tell you jokes, play trivia, play ambient sounds from your favorite Disney universes, and there are also “Magic Moments” that let you “go on adventures” with beloved characters. Magic Moments You can also get information about Disney’s transportation, park hours, and weather forecasts, or set an alarm for yourself! If you’ve got a Magicband+, your band will also interact specially with ‘Hey, Disney.’ ©Disney How To Disable ‘Hey, Disney’ But there are many people who are NOT fans of this new service. Many guests feel that since this device is “always on” it could listen in to what you’re saying, even when you’re not interacting with it — a very similar concern that some people have about cell phones/social media. Hi, Mickey! We’ve got good news if you’re concerned about this — there’s a very easy way to turn off this virtual assistant when it’s in your hotel room — you can just unplug it! Amazon Echo devices in Disney World Resort hotel rooms! Yes, these devices will be plugged into your hotel room, so you can just simply unplug them to power them down. This way, you won’t have to worry about anything or anyone listening in to what you’re saying if that’s on your mind. ©Disney Your TVs in your hotel room can also give you lots of this same information! It’ll tell you park hours for the day, when Disney transportation begins, and much more. Disney World Hotel TV If you need to request any additional amenities, like towels, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, etc., want to order room service, or speak to the front desk, you can use your in-room phone and not have to worry about any additional technology. Resort Room Telephone If you are a fan of this service, you can actually get it at home too! If you have an Alexa device at home, you can purchase ‘Hey, Disney!’ through the Alexa skill store to bring it to life at home. While it hasn’t been announced yet when this service will be expanding to more resorts or to Disneyland, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates! Learn EVERYTHING about ‘Hey, Disney!’ here! If you’re headed to Disney World soon, don’t forget to pack some of our fun t-shirts! Click here to see them all! Check our t-shirts in sizes for the whole family! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you use this service? Tell us your thoughts below! The post How To Disable 'Hey, Disney!' in Your Disney World Hotel Room first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Now available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Capture Your Moment is an experience offering dedicated time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. View the full article

Things are CHANGING at an iconic Disney World restaurant! California Grill California Grill, located at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is known for its spectacular views and fantastic food. Previously, the restaurant served a regular, a la carte menu. That was swapped out for a special (and pricey!) prix fixe menu to celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. But the 50th Anniversary is ending soon, so what will the menu be like after? We have an answer! Disney has revealed that now through March 31st, 2023 (the end of the 50th Anniversary celebration) California Grill will continue to serve its special 50th Anniversary prix fixe menu. Starting on April 1st, 2023, things change…slightly. On that date, California Grill will start to serve a 3-course selection menu that they say will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” ©Disney So it sounds like the prix fixe style is sticking around though some changes may hit the menu. In an Instagram post, Disney shared that it will be a “new” three-course selection menu. Reservations can be booked starting January 31st, 2023. California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort In the Instagram post, Disney shared some of the dishes that will be on the menu. Specifically, they highlighted a Lemon Chiffon Cake… ©Disney …Fire-Roasted Venison… ©Disney …and Goat Cheese Raviolo. ©Disney Based on a Venison dish that has been added under the allergy-friendly section of the menu, it appears this dish will likely feature Fondant Sweet Potatoes, Parsnip Purée, Winter Vegetables, and Sour Cranberry. We’ll be on the lookout for more details about the menu, so stay tuned. For more Disney food tips, click here to see our list of 23 Disney World restaurants to try in 2023, and click here for the BEST Disney World restaurants for first-timers! And stay tuned for more Disney news! Click here to see some of the BEST Disney World restaurants for adults  Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think about this change? Tell us in the comments! The post Major Menu CHANGES Announced for California Grill in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

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

A new Disney Cruise Line-themed sticker pack is now available on Instagram which serves as the perfect way to bring a dash of pixie dust to your vacation photos! View the full article

If you love limited-time celebrations in the Disney parks, get READY. Singers of Soul! Disney celebrates all kinds of holidays and events throughout the year — from Lunar New Year to Halloween. And February will bring a special celebration to the parks and resorts. February is Black History Month! Throughout the month, there will be special experiences at Disneyland Resort in California for guests to enjoy. Here’s a full look: Food Within Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland, you’ll find Troubadour Tavern. It already has a year-round menu of snacks that are African-inspired, but during Black History Month you’ll also find a special honey-glazed fried chicken bowl and red velvet Bundt cake when the “Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to Fantasyland Theatre (the concerts will be offered on February 18th and 25th). ©Disney Also, restaurants within Disneyland Resort will celebrate Black History Month by adding some limited-time menu items. From February 9th through March 5th, stop by Downtown Disney to check out the Black-owned food truck Wings ‘N Waffles. It’ll offer sandwiches, plates, and more near the building that’s next to Star Wars Trading Post. Downtown Disney Disney has shared that a FULL Foodie Guide for Black History Month will be released soon, so stay tuned! A NEW Meet-and-Greet Get excited — a NEW character is coming to the Disney parks! According to Disney, for a limited time starting in mid-February you’ll want to visit Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. Why? Well, because that’s where you might just find Moon Girl from the Disney Branded Television and Disney+ series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur!” ©Disney The series debuts on February 10th on Disney Channel and February 15th on Disney+. In the show, you’ll get to learn all about 13-year-old “super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, whom she accidentally brings through a portal into present-day New York City.” This unlikely duo teams up to “protect Lunella’s Lower East Side neighborhood from danger.” A NEW Video Experience But wait…there’s MORE. Starting January 27th, you’ll be able to catch a NEW video in Disneyland Park. The video was produced in collaboration with National Geographic and will be shown in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, outside of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” ©Disney The video will be played between the busts and portraits of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln and it will bring the story of their relationship to life, “recognizing their work together in the fight against slavery.” The video is narrated by Robin Roberts. In it, you’ll see “expert testimonials and the family of Douglass, an American advocate for freedom, justice and democracy.” Entertainment Celebrate Gospel If you love gospel music, then you’ll be thrilled to know that ‘Celebrate Gospel’ will be returning to Disneyland Park on February 18th and February 25th. Here’s what you need to know: The concerts take place at Fantasyland Theatre They’ll be on February 18th and 25th from 2:30PM-7PM PT The concerts showcase “uplifting performances by award-winning Gospel music stars, recording artists and community choirs” Celebrate Gospel February 18th will feature recording artist Jekalyn Carr, singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell, III, and a cappella group Sacred Groove. February 25th will feature GRAMMY® Award-winning singer and radio host Erica Campbell, as well as DOE, and The Singers of Soul. Celebrate Gospel On both Saturdays, community choirs from Southern California will also perform. Merchandise There will also be unique merchandise to pick up during Black History Month. Specifically, Lovepop will have 2 cards “designed in collaboration with talented artist Anthony Conley for Black History Month.” ©Disney You’ll also find artists Ryan Riller and Larissa Marantz featured in some artist showcases and signings at Disneyana in Disneyland Park. That’ll take place on February 25th from 11AM-2PM PT. They’ll also be at the WonderGround Gallery pop-up location in Downtown Disney on February 26th. Live Music in Downtown Disney In Downtown Disney there will also be live music every night in February, with performances that highlight R&B, Reggae, Funk, Motown, and more. Head to The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage where live bands will perform nightly. Here are some of the scheduled acts: LALA Brass, Forward Motion Band, and The Rhythm & Blues Brothas. Look for Musical Performances If you’ll be visiting on the weekend, you may get some earlier entertainment. Disney has shared that on “select weekend days,” the musical performances will start in the afternoon with “performances by Sacred Groove and The Singers of Soul.” Live Music and More at Disneyland Resort Hotels Want MORE live music? Head to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa where you’ll find The Mood Indigo Group performing jazz every night in February. The Mood Indigo Group! If you’ll be staying at the Disneyland Hotel as an overnight guest, you’ll also get some extra fun. Those guests can “paint an animation cel” that’ll have artwork of Princess Tiana. Crafts Plus, there will be “crafts inspired by Black heritage” in Downtown Disney for families to check out. Downtown Disney Don’t forget you can also catch Tale of the Lion King at Disneyland Park (on select days at the Fantasyland Theatre) and you can stop by Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Sauces at Disneyland Park too. Over in Avengers Campus, you can see Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, and other heroes too. Eudora’s Stay tuned for more Black History Month news. Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! See Our DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Get All the Info About Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Should You Go to Disneyland in 2022? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think about these experiences? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Announces NEW Character Meet-and-Greet, Specialty Eats, and MORE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article