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One of our favorite places to shop might surprise you because it isn’t Disney Springs. France Pavilion Instead, one of our favorite places to shop is EPCOT’s World Showcase, where you can find unique items from every country represented in the park. You can get fun troll dolls in Norway, beautiful ornaments in Germany, Venetian masquerade masks in Italy, Japanese snacks in Japan, and more. However, if you plan on shopping in the France Pavilion, you might notice that one store there is now closed. We previously reported that La Signature in the France Pavilion would close soon. Well, now that store is officially closed. We recently visited the store’s location and saw that the windows were completely blacked out, and the store is officially closed for the time being. The Disney World website states that it will reopen later this year. It’s closed La Signature’s specialized in French cosmetics and fragrances from Guerlain. If you’re looking to buy some Guerlain products in the French Pavilion, though, they will be temporarily available at the nearby Plume Et Palette during La Signature’s closure. Guerlain La Signature La Signature is home to over 70 different Guerlain products and even has a makeup consultation service. We’re not sure if the makeup consultation service will be made available at Plume Et Palette. Plume et Palette In the meantime, everything else in the France Pavilion remains open, so be sure to hop on a ride on the recently updated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and enjoy a crepe at La Creperie de Paris, ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces, and pastries at Les Halles. Like the REAL France, EPCOT’s France is a GREAT place to eat your way through (and we would know!). L’Artisan des Glaces We’ll keep an eye out for more closures in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: This Restaurant in EPCOT’s France Pavilion Has the Best Bang for Your Buck 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 ever stop in La Signature when you visit the France Pavilion? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re used to seeing Disney World look like THIS. But right now? Where are the crowds? It looks like THIS. Our DFB Reporters have noticed something… STRANGE happening in the Disney World parks this summer…but why? Check out our new video: Disney World is Empty This Summer — Here’s Why Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! 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 video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? We’ll let our special guests decide how much rock ‘n’ rolling there is 🎸🎢View the full article

Over the years, the Christmas Season has supplanted the summer to become the most popular – – and most crowded – – period on the Disney World calendar. Magic Kingdom However, the question becomes, “is visiting during the Holiday Season worth braving these massive crowds?” For those who are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list holiday trip, the answer is probably yes (though there are some pitfalls we’ll get to). But, for those like us coming from the perspective of frequent visitors who have experienced the Christmas season at the resort multiple times, it can be tempting to bypass the jolly time of year right now. Crowds on Crowds First off, as stated above, the time around Christmas has become one of the busiest times at the resort, with massive crowds descending on the theme parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs. In turn, the lines are long, dining reservations are hard to come by, and the Disney resort transportation system is operating at maximum capacity. Magic Kingdom The BEST Hotels for Christmas at Disney World in 2026 Paywalls The holiday season is home to two of Disney’s most popular after-hours events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at the Magic Kingdom… Mickey and Minnie …. and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Powerline Max at Jollywood Nights! Now, we’re big fans of both of these parties, which offer exclusive holiday treats, performances, decorations, and characters in Christmas garb. However, both are upcharge events, meaning that even guests who book Disney World vacation packages including theme park tickets still need to pay extra for special event tickets (and get them quickly enough to ensure that their desired date isn’t sold out). Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Then there’s the question of weather. As we’ve established many, many times, weather plays a major factor in any Disney vacation, but this can be especially true during a party night. For example, last year, a pair of my relatives visited in December and purchased tickets to an MVMCP night. A major storm rolled through, washing out many of the party’s activities, leaving their “bucket list” holiday trip feeling like a missed opportunity. To Disney’s credit, they were each offered a Disney gift card equal to the price of a party ticket at guest services. Prices CONFIRMED for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World Discontinued Traditions In the spring of 2026, Disney confirmed that the massive gingerbread house that was housed in the Grand Floridian’s lobby since 1999 won’t be returning going forward. Even though the hotel will feature a few small ones throughout the resort, made by Disney’s culinary team, the loss of the 25+ year old tradition has hit a lot of Disney fans hard. 2024 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Y’all. We Have Some BAD NEWS About Disney World’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Hotel Prices Disney’s hotels – – from Value all the way up through Deluxe Tiers – – feature some of their highest rates of the year in December. That said, if you are planning to take a trip this holiday season and have a flexible travel schedule, shoot for weekdays early in December, as they’re slightly cheaper than weekends and days closer to Christmas and New Year’s. It’s that time of the year! While you’re planning your hotel, you’ll also need to look into dining options. Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! CONFIRMED: 3 Menu Items Returning To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party There’s Always EPCOT! Now, all of that being said, there are still many, MANY fun things to do at Disney World during the holiday season. In particular, for those who’ve visited in the past, EPCOT is arguably the best place to visit! The park’s seasonal offering, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, is included in park admission. The event offers a more varied array of treats and foods at the park’s booths… Red Velvet Cookie Funnel Cake …as well as the beloved and iconic Candlelight Processional, which features a celebrity narrator reciting the Christmas story backed by a choir. Josh Gad narrating the 2024 Candlelight Processional If you’re planning a visit to Disney World during the Christmas season and you don’t know where to start, be sure to reach out to our friends over at Small World Vacations! Their agents have helped guests plan over 250,000 Disney vacations since 1996! Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, they’ll help plan a vacation that’s perfect for your party! Click HERE to get a quote for your next Disney World vacation, and someone from their team will reach out within 24 hours! And we’ve always got you covered with the latest tips, tricks, and news, so you can have a calm and smooth Disney vacation! Stay tuned to DFB, so you don’t miss anything! Disney CONFIRMS This Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Perk Is Coming BACK 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 are your thoughts on traveling to Disney at Christmastime? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Many of us are used to things working how they should 100% of the time; especially when it comes to the instant gratification of the internet, it can be hard to pivot when something goes down and doesn’t work how it should. Disney Magic Cruise Ship A lot of the time, these outages or problems are unplanned, making them even more jarring, but other times, companies try to get ahead of issues and let us know ahead of time that something is going to be down for maintenance. That’s just what happened with the Disney Cruise Line website — Disney gave us the heads-up that for 24 hours in July, the website will be down for maintenance, which means no cruise bookings. When you hop onto the Disney Cruise Line website right now, you’ll see a pop-up message at the top that lets you know about the upcoming maintenance on the website. The shutdown of the website will begin on July 9th at 4 AM ET, and will conclude at 4 AM ET on July 10th. ©Disney This means that guests won’t be able to make a reservation for a cruise or be able to check on their existing reservations. Disney Cruise Line’s contact center will also be down, as well as online check-in and booking for cruise activities and port adventures. If you have a final deposit or payment due during this 24-hour period, you’ll have until Saturday, July 11th at 10 PM ET to make the payment. Deluxe Garden View Stateroom To prepare in advance, we recommend either hopping on a few days early to book a cruise, or waiting until after the work has been completed. Similarly, if you’ve already got a cruise booked and you’re planning on making some reservations on board or at the ports, we suggest booking those as early as possible (and that goes for any cruise, even when there’s not planned maintenance!). Disney Destiny Stateroom Worried about making the reservation on your own and want some help? We recommend reaching out to our friends at Small World Vacations! They’ve got years of experience booking Disney vacations of all kinds, and will make sure you get the best price on your dream vacation. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news, both on land, at sea, and beyond! The Cruise Habits That Need to Die in 2026, According to Nearly 1,000 Very Frustrated Travelers 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 Are you planning to go on a Disney Cruise soon? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We are getting closer and closer to the ULTIMATE Disney fan event! ©Disney In case you missed it, we are just over two months away from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in California! This event happens every other year, and it is where Disney reveals some of their biggest news, special behind-the-scenes moments, and more for fans of the brand. As we eagerly await exactly what surprises Disney will have in store, the company is giving us MORE details on what you will be able to see (and buy!) at the convention. On August 14th, 15th, and 16th, Anaheim, CA, will be the spot to be if you’re a fan of Mickey Mouse! The popular event has all kinds of fun from Pixar, Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars. If you’re heading to the event or you just like to see what it offers, D23 is finally giving us NEW details on what fans can expect, starting with The Disney Experiences Auction. ©D23 This event will let fans bid on verified items straight from the Disney theme parks and resorts. The event will be hosted by Bret Iwan, Disney Fine Artist and the Official Voice of Mickey Mouse! Guests can bid live and online for the exciting items so you can bring a bit of the magic home with you. This event will take place on August 16th. ©Bret Iwan The next big reveal from D23 is that the Disney Rewind Concert is back! This concert will showcase the Disney Hits from the 80s and 90s. It’s intended for fans to “relive the magic of VHS,” and it will include songs from Powerline, Disney Afternoon, and Muses brought to life by Disney Broadway and Animation performers. The cast includes Jared Dixon (Broadway’s “Simba”), Alyssa Fox (Broadway’s “Elsa”), Arielle Jacobs (Broadway’s “Jasmine”), Josh Strickland (Broadway’s “Tarzan”), and Raena White (Broadway’s “Sarabi”). The special will also have appearances from Disney Legends Bill Farmer, Jodi Benson, and 2026 Legend recipient Susan Egan. The concert will be at 7:00 PM on Friday, August 14th, with an encore performance at 6:30 PM on Saturday, August 15th. ©D23 D23 also revealed a second afternoon schedule item called A Whole New World of Alan Menken! Disney Legend Alan Menken will share his songs and stories behind them during a one-man concert event. It will include some of his most famous hits, like “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “Go the Distance.” Even if you don’t know the name Alan Menken, you definitely know his work! This show will take place at 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 16th. ©D23 Not only did they reveal some NEW program events, but they also gave us a sneak peek at a new exclusive collection. Mickey’s of Glendale is returning to D23 (which just so happens to be our favorite shop), and they are bringing a NEW collection with them. Mickey’s of Glendale from Destination D23 This new collection is called The Walt Disney Imagineering Color Block Collection, and it’s safe to say that we are going to spend a LOT of money on this. The collection includes new canvas tote bags… ©D23 … the return of the Sorcerer Mickey Mini Face Tote… ©D23 … a new Walt Disney Imagineering sweatshirt… ©D23 …exclusive pins… ©D23 … plush character key chains… ©D23 … exclusive shirts… ©D23 ..and more! ©D23 Disney has already revealed tons of different events and a rough schedule of the weekend, including: Friday, August 14th Walt Disney: 125 Years of Inspiration: Join D23 as we salute Walt Disney’s 125th birthday! Hear from those who knew him, legends who were inspired by Walt and continue his legacy, plus enjoy some special performances—all inspired by and in fun celebration of Walt Disney! Ink & Paint at Disney Animation Watch the magic behind the Ink & Paint Department at Disney Animation come together before your eyes—from an animator’s drawing to an inker transferring the image onto a cel, and then a painter bringing it to life with vibrant color, there is magic with every stroke of a pencil and brush. 20 Years of Enchanted: A Love Letter to Disney Join co-hosts Nina West and Kevin Lima (director, A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, Enchanted) as we celebrate 20 years of Enchanted with a fast-paced, Easter egg-filled tribute featuring special guests and surprises from the Walt Disney Archives collection. The Quests Ahead for Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game The Disney Lorcana TCG team at Ravensburger can’t wait to tell fans about all-new events coming to Disney locations, upcoming set releases in 2027, and more stories to play into from the realm of Lorcana. Join the team as they cover all the highlights of bringing this amazing card game to life and wow the audience with exciting announcements! Houses Walt Built: The Walt Disney Family Museum See rare photos and hear intimate stories about Walt and Lillian Disney’s Woking Way, Carolwood, and Smoke Tree Ranch homes with museum executive director Kirsten Komoroske and Carolwood miniature model-maker Mark Hurt. Disney Lorcana Speed Puzzling Team Events Piece together a perfect pastime and participate in Ravensburger’s first-ever speed puzzling events at D23! Guests will race to put together one of three brand-new Disney Lorcana 300-piece puzzles, with each competitor also taking a puzzle home at the end. These one-hour-long speed puzzling events will take place on Friday, August 14, at the Ravensburger Gaming Area at three different times—9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Tickets will be available through Ravensburger and will be communicated to D23 Event ticketholders at a later date. D23 Expo from 2024 Saturday, August 15 Worlds of Tinker Bell: Never Land to Pixie Hollow Join host Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as we explore the magical evolution of Tinker Bell from Peter Pan (1953) to her own enchanting universe in this lively celebration of a favorite Disney fairy. Disney | Marvel: A Legacy of Stories presented by M&M’S Discover the rich legacy of Disney and Marvel storytelling through classic comics, unexpected crossovers, and production insights from Marvel creatives and Disney archivists. Disney Style Around the World Enjoy a showcase of iconic Disney fashion and some fan-favorite collaborations from around the globe, plus hear from panelist Bobby Kim, Vice President, Global Creative Director for Disney Consumer Products. Great Moments with Walt Disney Disney historian Tim O’Day and editor of Disney Files magazine Ryan March share humorous stories and rare video footage of Walt Disney, showing the comedic side of the man behind the magic! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Sunday, August 16 The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds Through live and online bidding, discover select, verified pieces from Disney’s theme parks and resorts that are ready for their next chapter with the fans who treasure them most. Hosted by Bret Iwan, Disney Fine Artist and the Official Voice of Mickey Mouse! One Hundred and One Dalmatians 65th Anniversary Celebrate Disney Animation’s pioneering feature film with a look back at rarely seen art from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. Searching for the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House Join Disney artist Kevin Kidney as he shares about his journey to the tropical island to visit the original filming locations from Swiss Family Robinson (1960)—including the legendary tree house that inspired the Disneyland Park attraction! ©Disney We can’t WAIT to explore the convention and get all of the latest and greatest Disney news. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more. 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience 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 been to a D23 event? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Many hotel rooms come with a mini fridge — but the effectiveness of these in-room amenities is debatable. Mini Fridge After a long day of vacation, it’s safe to assume maybe you didn’t finish every meal — but you don’t necessarily want that food to go to waste. Maybe you got a box to go, hoping to keep it safe in your hotel room’s mini fridge. However, (as we previously discovered with the Disney Cruise Line mini fridges), you might be taking a risk trusting your mini fridge to keep food at safe temperatures for a long period of time. In our investigation of cruise ship mini fridges, we found that their primary function is that of a beverage cooler. These beverage coolers are not suitable for maintaining the safe temperatures needed for storing refrigerated medication or liquids like breast milk and formula — nor can they be totally relied on to keep food (importantly: protein) cold. Mini Fridge These mini fridges typically hold 40°F to 45°F or higher temperatures, rather than a consistent and safe refrigeration temperature. While some hotels have true mini refrigerators, a bunch actually use beverage coolers. Since both are nearly identical, you may want to clarify with the front desk before you insist on sticking leftover steak or other protein in there. Fortunately, some beverage coolers also contain warnings, so you can read ahead before making what might be a BIG mistake. Beverage Cooler A glass-front unit is often a beverage cooler, while real refrigerators are more likely to have a temperature adjustment dial, a compressor “hump” inside the back, and colder internal temperatures throughout. A real refrigerator uses a compressor to keep food at 40°F or colder — the temperature recommended to slow bacterial growth. Beverage coolers, on the other hand, often use thermoelectric cooling systems that simply lower the temperature to around 20 degrees below the surrounding room temperature. That simply won’t cut it for preserving leftovers. Beverage Cooler If your hotel room is sitting at 72°F, that means the cooler might only reach the low 50s — far too warm for safely storing perishable foods. Food safety experts call temperatures between 40°F and 140°F the “danger zone.” That’s where bacteria multiply the fastest, and if you eat this food, you’re seriously putting your health AT RISK! If you tuck away last night’s cheeseburger, fried chicken, sushi, or creamy pasta in a beverage cooler that’s hovering around 50°F, you’re not really refrigerating it — you’re just slowing down the warming process a little, while the bacteria grows. Mini fridge Overnight, bacteria can continue multiplying, making those leftovers something that can end your vacation early… or worse. The familiar two-hour rule still applies: perishable foods shouldn’t remain above 40°F for more than two hours before being properly refrigerated. And if you can’t properly refrigerate it, TOSS IT. New York Strip Steak from Le Cellier The easiest solution? Bring a small refrigerator thermometer if you know you’ll be storing food or medication. They’re inexpensive, take up almost no room in your luggage, and immediately tell you whether the appliance is actually keeping food below 40°F. If you need to store essentials and the beverage coolers aren’t cold enough, call the hotel before you arrive. Many properties can provide an actual refrigerator upon request, particularly for medical needs. Some hotels also offer rooms with kitchenettes that include full-size refrigerators. Front Desk at Art of Animation If you’re unsure whether you have a real refrigerator, experts recommend sticking with foods that are naturally more stable, including crackers, dry cereal, beef jerky, peanut butter, pickles, and acidic condiments. Avoid cooked leftovers, meat, dairy products, seafood, eggs, and freshly prepared meals. That tiny hotel “fridge” might seem like the perfect place to stash tomorrow’s lunch — but appearances can be deceiving. Take the necessary precautions and avoid the risk. ©Tampa Bay General Hospital We’re always on the lookout for travel tips that will help you stay safe and have fun while you’re on vacation, so be sure to keep it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates! A Word of Warning About Your Disney Cruise Line Room 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 What are some travel tips everyone should know before they check into their hotel room? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

LEVEL99 has officially opened in Disney Springs, and we’re making our second visit to the experience after checking it out during a media preview. LEVEL99 is open! First of all, we’ve already told you SO MUCH about this new attraction in Disney World that is a social interactive real world gaming experience that you’ll want to bring your family and friends to. But now that we’ve been back again, we actually have some NEW things we’ve learned about LEVEL99, so we’re sharing that knowledge with you. So what exactly IS LEVEL99? Well, we’re glad you asked. LEVEL99 is an interactive space where you can enjoy “real-world, challenge-based social entertainment” for adults by participating in a variety of physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. The Disney Springs location isn’t the first LEVEL99 (it’s actually the fourth location), but it’s certainly the biggest. One of the games inside LEVEL99 The Disney Springs location has 63 games with three specific game types, including challenge rooms, which are cooperative games for two to six players in either the physical, mental, or skill categories. Then you’ve got duels, where you can go head-to-head with other players. Finally, there’s an Art Hunt, which is a scavenger hunt involving the art found throughout the space. So, basically, there’s a little something for everyone. Brain Cells challenge LEVEL99 tickets start at $29.99 per player for intervals of 1.5 to 2.5 hours of play. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the LEVEL99 website. LEVEL99 So what were the things that we learned by visiting the location on opening day? Well, let’s talk about it. Check-in Time You’ll have a specific reservation time for LEVEL99, but if you want to check in a little early, you will be allowed to do so. Now, if you’re SUPER early, this might not be the case, but if it’s just a matter of minutes, go ahead and check in and get ready to play. Arrive a little early? No problem! So if you happen to arrive at LEVEL99 a little earlier than your reservation, don’t sweat it! You can save the sweating for later…inside…when you’re avoiding getting hit by axes and swinging from ropes. Check-in is fast and easy Checking in for the games is quick and SO easy. The kiosks where you check in are right next to the entrance, so all you have to do is enter the confirmation code to assign it to your wristband. Check-in So, you’ll be playing games in no time flat after you arrive. Look for the Premium Pass line You can get a Premium Pass for LEVEL99, which gets you an even faster check-in, exclusive souvenirs, merchandise discounts, and enhanced access to experiences. If you’ve purchased a Premium Pass, look for the Premium Pass line as it’s separate from the regular line. Premium Pass has its own line You can add on a Premium Pass to your regular ticket for $19.99 per person. FREE Lockers Because many of the activities at LEVEL99 are, well, ACTIVE, you’ll probably need a place to store your things. The space features free lockers that you can use to keep your items safe while you’re playing. Lockers The whole point of the space is to get off your phone and digital devices and play in a real-world setting, so you might as well put those things away (although we get why people would want their phones to take photos!) It’s COLD Elsa must be running around inside LEVEL99 because the temperature inside the building is FREEZING. If you’re not playing games, bring a jacket, even in the summer. It’s cold inside this building! Of course, if you are playing games, this is going to feel SO NICE, and you’ll appreciate the frigid air conditioning. Free Water You’re going to be moving a LOT through LEVEL99, which means you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated. But you don’t need to bring your water bottle because water stations with free water are available in both the upstairs and downstairs areas. Water station Cups are also provided, so you have everything you need to tame the thirst you’re going to work up while playing the games. Of course, there’s also a bar on-site if you need something a little stronger. Capacity We also asked about LEVEL99’s capacity in Disney Springs, and let’s just say that a LOT of people could be playing here at any given time. The space’s capacity is about 1,200 to 1,400 people! It can hold over 1,000 people! That is a lot of people, but it is a massive building with plenty of activities to keep all those people busy. Hate crowds? Go in the morning If you don’t want to deal with thousands of people at LEVEL99, your best bet is to visit in the morning. Get there right when it opens, which is 11 A.M. Monday through Friday and 10 A.M. on Saturdays and Sundays. Mornings are chill We went on opening day as soon as LEVEL99 opened, and there were about 500 people in the building at the time. We had no waits for any games or anything else. Fewer crowds = more stars and play You earn stars when you play games based on how you did (with a possibility of getting a total of three stars if you excel at the game). Once you earn a certain number of stars, you can customize your avatar. Stars will also put you on the overall leaderboard that combines all LEVEL99 locations. The Retro Pinball Game So here’s the thing, if you visit LEVEL99 when it’s not so busy, you get a chance to repeat games so that you can try to get as many stars for that game as possible. So you can get more stars when there are fewer people playing. Magician’s Sideshow So, if you find yourself with some free time in Disney World and want something fun and unique to do with your family and friends, we suggest stopping by LEVEL99 for some good old-fashioned PLAY. In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated on all Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The 11 Best Games At LEVEL99 In Disney Springs According To Our Very Competitive Team 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 Will you be visiting LEVEL99 during your next Disney World visit? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We have a list of Disney World restaurants that might not be the most popular, but every time we go, we are completely happy and satisfied with them. They’re our hidden gems of Disney World, you could say. Yachtsman Steakhouse One of those hidden gems is Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This resort is currently closed for refurbishment, and all we knew was that the reopening would be coming in August. Good news, everyone: we just found the official date! You can now make reservations for Yachtsman Steakhouse starting on August 28th! While the website header, where it talks about the closure, hasn’t been updated, being able ot make reservations is a very positive sign that it’s going to be back soon. Yachtsman Steakhouse This was only one of the refurbishments happening in this restaurant group. While this one closed on May 11th, Crew’s Cup Lounge, which offers some of Yachtsman Steakhouse’s menu, was under refurbishment from February to June. While there were no major changes, the restaurant had a great refresh and is currently back to serving guests, The Crew’s Cup Lounge Looking for another coastal option? You can check out Ale & Compass, which is also located at Disney’s Yacht Club. One of our favorite dishes here is the Parker House Rolls with spreads, and we could order a hundred of them and still want more. Parker House Rolls While all of these restaurants are great if you’re staying at Disney’s Yacht Club, if you’re staying at a nearby resort like Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Disney’s Beach Club, you can walk right on over. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Even better, these resorts are around the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT. In between the France and the U.K. Pavilions, you can walk on over and enjoy dinner before popping back into the parks to finish your day. Walking path from Beach Club to EPCOT You can also use the Skyliner from other resorts, which has a stop at the International Gateway. It’s a fun way to see other resorts and get a great dinner at the same time. Skyliner Keep an eye out for reservations and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney World vacation. We have everything you need to plan the best trip ever! RESTAURANTS AT DISNEY’S YACHT AND BEACH CLUB RESORT RESTAURANTS 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 View the full article

Amazon is full of different deals each and every day, and we make it our mission to keep an eye out for the best Disney deals on the market. We’re suckers for Disney merchandise! Right now, we’re at the end of Amazon Prime Days, which is a great way to save money on Disney essentials, as well as fun gifts that you have people in your life that you know would love them. However, when it comes to finding the BEST deal out there right now, we’ve gotta give it to this, which is 50% off and gives you TWELVE books for basically the price of a few. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Best Little Golden Book Deal! ©Amazon Right now, you can grab the Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books for an incredibly fantastic price of just $29, which is 52% off its retail price! Normally, this set costs just under $60, so yes, this is a major steal. ©Amazon This set consists of stories centered around Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mulan, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave, Frozen, and Moana, so it’s a great mix of newer stories and the classics. You’ll have bedtime stories for days, and they all come in the most adorable box set, so it’ll be easy to keep them all in one place. We have a feeling it’ll go fast, so grab this deal while it’s still around. Grab on Amazon! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Disney and adidas have paired up with Brain Dead to release a NEW vintage-inspired soccer collection, and we got to check it out ahead of its official release! adidas x Brain Dead x Disney The collection centers on a street-ready version of the first-ever adidas Predator boot from 1994. Okay, totally ignoring the fact that 1994 is considered vintage now, we couldn’t wait to check out the collection, which also features full kits (jerseys and shorts), socks, accessories, and more. It’s available online now, so let’s get to shopping! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Predator Brain Dead Shoes Shoes The Predator Brain Dead Shoes are a bold collaboration between adidas and Brain Dead, fusing street culture with iconic sport heritage. The regular fit provides a comfortable feel for everyday wear, while the lace closure delivers a snug, customizable fit that lets you feel confident on the move. The leather sockliner provides a smooth touch for a sleek and comfortable feel on busy or relaxed days, too. view ONLINE This Brain Dead x Disney Soccer Jersey is perfect for watching the World Cup Jersey The jacquard weave construction delivers a premium feel, while the regular fit offers comfort and a timeless silhouette — whether layering or wearing solo, on the field or in the Disney parks! We love the Mickey heads in the background, combined with the red, white, and blue colorway. It’s perfect for the World Cup or the Fourth of July! view ONLINE We love the Brain Dead x Disney x adidas socks Socks Crafted for all-day comfort, these crew-length socks offer classic coverage while keeping your feet supported. The design channels adidas Originals flair with a twist from Brain Dead. Bring character to your everyday with socks that celebrate individuality and style. This collaboration delivers a distinctive, fashion-facing standout energy and would be perfect in the parks! view ONLINE Or, you can grab the adidas x Brain Dead x Disney tracktop Jacket A regular fit and sleek pique fabric provide a soft, flexible feel, while subtle design details add a polished, distinctive edge and standout character to this expressive track top. We love the patchwork look on the front that features Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Mickey hitting the pitch and playing some soccer! view ONLINE 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! 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 Disney to attend their media preview of the Brain Dead x Adidas collection. 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

One of the best FREE souvenirs you can still get in Disney World is a park map. Sure, you can access each park’s map on My Disney Experience on your phone, but there’s nothing like holding a physical map in your hands that can also become a great free souvenir. New Magic Kingdom map! Well, we’ve been collecting park maps for a while (and it’s always nice to go through old maps and reminisce), and today, we’ve collected a brand-new map for Magic Kingdom. Yep, that’s right! Magic Kingdom just got a new park map, so let’s take a look at it! Here’s a look at the front of the new map, which celebrates the recent reopening of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin on the cover. The front The map also now says REFRESHED! under Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which reopened on May 3rd with some new updates. The ride was closed for over a year while it got refreshed, during which time Disney even completely replaced the ride’s track. New legend The back highlights Magic Kingdom’s two newly reopened attractions, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad listed as REFRESHED! and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin mentioned as RECHARGED! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin was also closed for a while to get new ride vehicles, a new scene, and other big enhancements. This part of the map also highlights shopping at The Emporium, dining at Liberty Tree Tavern, and Magic Kingdom’s nighttime entertainment. Highlighting newly reopened rides The back also has the usual information about guest services, transportation, park rules, and more. Important information So if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom anytime soon, be sure to pick up a park map and check out the updates! In the meantime, we’ll keep covering everything happening in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Even Though You LOVE Them, I Avoid These 4 Snacks in Magic Kingdom 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 of the new park map? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

If you’re already thinking about your shopping strategy for this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and wondering what you can soon find on the shelves at the fan-favorite Mickey’s of Glendale booth, you’ve come to the right place! Mickey’s of Glendale will once again be returning to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2026, bringing with it new Imagineering-inspired merchandise created especially for dedicated Disney fans who love the artistry behind our parks, attractions, and stories. Named after its original home in Glendale, California, Mickey’s of Glendale is the Walt Disney Imagineering campus store, with exclusive merchandise assortments, pins, and more products made for Imagineers, by Imagineers. At D23 2026, these pieces are made available to attendees that consider themselves to be the biggest collectors, park history buffs, and anyone who enjoys celebrating the teams who bring the magic to life. This year, Mickey’s of Glendale is debuting multiple new collections at the epic event for the ultimate Disney fans, each inspired by different facets of Walt Disney Imagineering. Here on Disney Parks Blog, we’ll be exclusively highlighting the collections you can expect to find on the show floor as we count down to the event this summer. Keep checking back for more reveals, first look photos, and insights from the design teams behind these exciting new items. June 29, 2026: The Walt Disney Imagineering Color Block Collection Kicking off this year’s Mickey’s of Glendale releases is the Walt Disney Imagineering Color Block Collection, featuring an assortment of clothing, pins, and accessories inspired by the creativity of Imagineers using current trends and iconic brand colors. The collection is perfect for fans who appreciate even the smallest of things throughout our parks, products, and experiences. “I look to design for people who notice every detail,” shared Product Designer Brenner. “Quality and fit are extremely important as I work through the development process, always thinking about what Imagineers would like best.” Knowing that shopping is an essential part of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event experience for fans that want the most creative souvenirs, Product Designer Isabella added, “While designing, it’s important to focus on creating unique pieces. It’s exciting to offer our guests a piece of the WDI magic they can take home with them. My favorite product is the Mini Canvas Tote Bag with the embroidered WDI logo. It’s a great everyday bag!” And back by popular demand, the Sorcerer Mickey Big Face Canvas Bag will also be returning! The Color Block Collection is the first in a series of Mickey’s of Glendale reveals, with additional collections and details to be shared in the coming weeks, so get your shopping lists ready. Disney Consumer Products A Festive First Look at 2026 Disney Holiday Merchandise Disney Experiences Stream Episodes of ‘Behind the Attraction’ on Disney+ Walt Disney World Resort Discovering Monstropolis at Walt Disney World The post Mickey’s of Glendale Returns to D23 2026 with New Walt Disney Imagineering Collection appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’ve all been there – you rope drop Disney World, so excited for the day, just to have to leave before fireworks because your feet are so sore. And if you’re on vacation, imagine that four or five days in a row! Your park shoes really can make or break your Disney trip. We LOVE these! Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re Disney experts who are at the parks all day, every day. We’ve tested every sneaker under the sun to see what holds up and stays comfortable all day long at Disney World. We love HOKAs for their durability and comfort, but a viral HOKA dupe is said to be just as good as the real thing. We put them to the test to see how they compare! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. These NORTIV 8s are a great budget shoe! Nortiv 8s These NORTIV 8s are super comfortable, but don’t have as much cushioning as HOKAs. We weren’t able to walk all day for multiple days in a row without foot fatigue. With HOKAs, we can easily get multiple ten-hour-long park days without soreness, but these shoes aren’t a good choice if you’ll be walking for long periods multiple days in a row. Nortiv 8s Like HOKAs, these NORTIV 8s have great arch support. They have a comfortable heel support and conform to the grooves of your feet. They felt very stable and aligned after a long park day! Plus, this pink color and all seven color options are just as stylish, if not more than, our HOKAs. view ON AMAZON Sorry Nortiv, these Hoka Women’s Clifton 10s still win gold! Hoka Clifton 10 The Hoka Women’s Clifton 10s are one of our favorite shoes ever. They’re ultra comfortable with so much support from a bouncy heel. They’re springy to the heels and soles of your feet when you step, but not in a way that makes you feel like you’re going to leap into the air with each step. It’s a gentle give that greets your foot as you walk. One of our favorite shoes! These HOKA Clifton 10s look chunky, but they’re so lightweight that we could barely even feel them. These babies are built for long-term wear – we’ve had them for years, and they’re still going strong! view ON AMAZON The shoes you wear in Disney World are so important, which is why you can count on us to give you our honest reviews so you know what shoes to buy for your next Disney World vacation. 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

If you’re a Disney entertainment fan, we have some seriously exciting updates for you! ©Disney Disney is almost always working on a new movie, short film, TV show, and more to entertain millions across the globe. The company has been sharing news and info on upcoming projects that have us pretty excited. Recently, Disney went to the Annecy Festival, and they shared some pretty cool updates that we think you will want to know! The Walt Disney Company recently returned to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival! This festival is the world’s largest event dedicated to animation, which celebrates “the artists, storytellers, and creative innovation” that are driving animation forward. During their time at the festival, Disney shared new details, exclusive footage, and more from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, 20th Television Animation, and Disney Kids & Family. ©Annecy Festival Starting off with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney shared a presentation about their upcoming movie, Hexed. Directors Fawn Veerasunthorn, Jason Hand, and Malcon Pierce led the panel, where they showed the first-ever public debut of scenes from the film! The movie, which releases on November 25th, 2026, follows a teenage girl named Billie who discovers she has secret magical powers. Once those powers are unleashed, she finds herself on a journey into a “vast witch realm” where she teams up with her mother, Alice, as they uncover family mysteries. This will be the studio’s 65th animated feature! It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Tangled as the company’s 50th animated feature in 2010. ©Disney In the same panel, Veerasunthorn and Pierce also announced a new animated short called Lilo & Scratch. The new short will debut in theaters with Hexed, and it’s the first project starring Stitch within Disney Animation since the 2002 original animated feature Lilo & Stitch. How cool is that?! The two directors have a sneak peek at the new short during the festival. The project stars Chris Sanders (the original voice of Stitch) and Maia Kealoha (Lilo from the 2025 live-action version of the film). In the new short, Stitch “may have finally met his match in Scratch,” a new cat who Lilo says is the “newest member of their ‘ohana.” Lilo leaves Stitch in charge of the cat, which leads to classic chaos. The short is in the original animation style like the 2002 film, and it “combines techniques from both hand-drawn and CG animation, along with rich watercolor backgrounds, in an innovative new way.” ©Disney Over at Pixar Animation Studios, director Enrico Casarosa revealed new details about the upcoming movie Gatto! Casarosa shared new plot details with the audience and some never before scene art work. He also showed three sequences from the film, which is about an adorable black cat, Nero, as he begins to question if he’s lived the right lives after years of living in Venice. Nero is indebted to a mob boss cat, Rocco, and he is forced to “forge a truly unexpected friendship that may finally lead him to his purpose — unless Venice gets the better of him first.” This film is coming to theaters on March 5th, 2027. ©Disney Pixar also announced the title of a new short called Loving Dory. This new short takes us into the world of Finding Nemo again, and it follows Dory as she confuses a plastic bag for a gentle jellyfish. She falls in love with it and its “curious nature,” but things become “toxic” pretty quickly. We can’t wait to see what this one will be like! Disney and Pixar also revealed concept art for the short. ©Disney For 20th Television Animation, Mike Judge, co-creator of the Hulu original series King of the Hill, was given the Honorary Cristal award in recognition of his decades-long career. To commemorate the award, Judge shared an exclusive episode from the upcoming new season of King of the Hill, which begins its 15th season on Disney+ and Hulu on July 20th. ©Hulu Finally, Disney Kids & Family showcased several of its upcoming projects, including a live drawing session for the new show Dragon Striker, an exclusive first look for the upcoming Cars: Lightning Racers series, and multiple screenings for the upcoming Disney+ series The Doomies. ©Disney They also announced several new things, like Journey (working title), Warrior Cats, which is based on a popular children’s book series, and a Christmas special called Mickey’s Home Alone. (Personally, the Warrior Cats books were very impactful on my childhood friend group, so this is very exciting). ©Disney Disney also confirmed the fourth and final season of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, plus a new stop-motion holiday special called A Proud Family Wizmas. ©Disney We are eager to see all of Disney’s new projects as they slowly debut in 2026 and into 2027. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more. FULL LIST of Disney Movies Releasing Soon 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 new show or movie are you most excited to see? View the full article

If you’ve visited Universal Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, you’ve probably experienced the thrilling — and WET — ride known as Jurassic Park River Adventure, a water-based flume ride that takes you through Jurassic Park where you come face to face with dinosaurs…and an 85-foot plunge into the water. Jurassic Park River Adventure Well, that ride closed in January for a massive refurbishment, and we’ve been keeping up with construction progress ever since. Now, we’ve got some new progress to share with you, thanks to some new aerial photographs. Construction on Jurassic Park River Adventure is expected to be completed by November 19th. The project is about halfway through now, and it does look like things are coming along well, though. Still, November seems so far away, and well, we know these opening dates can change. Jurassic Park River Adventure In the meantime, if you’re wanting to get a similar log flume ride experience, you can also visit Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. You can also still ride other rides in Jurassic Park, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Pteranodon Flyers. Dudley Do-Right’s RipSaw Falls We’ll keep an eye out for more updates about this ride closure and more, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Islands of Adventure Restaurant May be the BEST at Universal 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 What’s your favorite ride in Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2027, there are a few key dates you’ll want to circle on your calendar before you book anything. Skyliner closed Between resort refurbishments and a temporary Skyliner shutdown, some of the most popular hotels on property are about to look a little different for stretches of the coming year. Knowing about these closures ahead of time could save you from a frustrating surprise mid-vacation. Here’s what’s coming and why it matters for your trip planning. Disney Skyliner Closure: January 24th–30th, 2027 The Disney Skyliner will be down for its annual routine maintenance from January 24th through January 30th, 2027. If you’re not familiar, the Skyliner is the gondola transportation system that connects Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Riviera Resort to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It’s a serious perk for guests at those four hotels. Disney Skyliner The good news is that Disney will provide complimentary bus transportation between those resorts and the two parks during the closure. So you won’t be stranded. But if the Skyliner was a major reason you chose one of those resorts, a week of bus rides instead of gondola gliding is worth knowing about in advance. Bus lines move slower and can get crowded, especially during peak morning and evening park hours. If your travel window overlaps with that last week of January, it might be worth adjusting your dates if the Skyliner matters to your experience. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Luna Park Pool Closure: January 11th Through April 2027 Guests heading to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or BoardWalk Villas between January 11th and sometime in April 2027 will find the Luna Park Pool closed for routine maintenance. That closure also includes the Luna Park Crazy Play Area and Leaping Horse Libations, the poolside bar that’s a fan favorite for a reason. BoardWalk’s Luna Park Pool The upside is that the Villas Pool and the Inn Pool will both remain open throughout the refurbishment, so you won’t be without a place to splash around. But if the Luna Park Pool and its surrounding area are part of what makes a BoardWalk stay special for your family, especially if you’re traveling with kids who love that carnival-themed atmosphere, it’s something to factor into your booking decision. Construction noise and activity during daytime hours is also something to expect. Art of Animation Resort Room Refurbishment: Spring Into Summer 2027 This one is the biggest news of the bunch. Art of Animation is getting a phased room refurbishment starting in spring 2027, covering both standard guest rooms and the beloved family suites. Disney Imagineering is involved in the project, which means the goal is to modernize the rooms while keeping that immersive, step-into-the-movies feel that makes this resort so special. Current Little Mermaid Standard Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort We actually got a peek at concept art for the refreshed Little Mermaid rooms, and they sound stunning. Think seashell beds, Ariel and “Under the Sea” wall prints, Murphy beds, and bubble lamps on the nightstands. It’s going to be gorgeous. That said, the resort will remain open throughout construction and work will happen in phases, but noise, limited room availability, and general construction disruptions are real considerations for guests planning a stay during this window. If you have flexibility, it might be worth waiting until the refurbishment wraps before booking here. Current Finding Nemo Family Suite No exact end date has been given for the Art of Animation project, which makes monitoring updates especially important as 2027 approaches. These kinds of closures and refurbishments can shift, and staying informed is the best way to protect your vacation investment. We’ll be keeping our eyes out for more details on these changes, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for the latest updates, along with all the tips and tricks you need to plan the best Disney World vacation yet. A DEFINITE RANKING OF EVERY DISNEY WORLD HOTEL More Disney World Hotel News Three 2027 Disney World Deadlines We Need To Warn You About25 Things You May Not Know Your Disney World Hotel Can Do For You!We Spent a Week in Disney World Hotel Rooms Testing Amazon Gadgets — 4 Are Worth PackingThe 7 Biggest Mistakes To AVOID When Checking In and Out of Your Disney World HotelNew Rooms Are Coming to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What's New at the Disney World Hotels All About Disney World's Resort Hotel Refillable Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you planning a 2027 Disney World trip that overlaps with any of these closures, and has this changed how you’re thinking about your resort choice? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Disney isn’t just a vacation destination; it’s really become a way of living! ©Disney Store We watch the movies on the weekends, we travel to the theme parks for our vacations, and we even try to recreate Mickey Waffles for breakfast for a little extra sparkle in life. We also like to add touches of magic to our everyday wardrobe and decor. Luckily for us, new items just dropped on the Disney Store that are just what we’re looking for. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you don’t know, we check the Disney Store every single day so we can show you the newest, cutest, and latest merchandise for every Disney fan. From new toys to new clothes, there’s almost something for everyone on Disney’s online storefront. This week, we found 3 new ways to really treat-yo-self this summer. Walt Disney World Pullover Sweatshirt ©Disney Store Sure, it’s summer, but who doesn’t need a new sweatshirt? (Actually, don’t answer that because my husband would say I don’t need a new one, but he’s wrong). As we head into July, the heat might be rising during the day, but it can still get pretty chilly in the evenings, so you will find our entire team in cozy sweatshirts at the end of the night. This new Walt Disney World pullover is a great way to add some bright, cozy vibes to your day thanks to the berry color and the fleece fabric interior. Shop on the Disney Store Disneyland Pullover Sweatshirt ©Disney Store If you’re more of a Disneyland fan, the Disney Store also dropped a new pullover for you! This sweatshirt is like the one above, but it’s for the Anaheim fans. The chocolate pullover also features a fleece interior with two side panels to create a more flattering shape. It also has a ribbed crew neck and cuffs for a more fitted look that we find particularly comfortable. Shop on the Disney Store Fantasyland Castle Quilt Mug ©Disney Store Finally, the star of the show is the new Fantasyland-inspired mug! The design is created to look like a quilt, so all of our cozy core peeps are going to love this one. The quilted design features the Fantasyland Castle in the center of the mug with purple and pink hues. This is a ceramic mug intended for hot drinks, and the inside reads “home is where the castle is” which we deem our life motto. Little items like this are a seriously fun way to make mornings magical or give someone in your life a little “I’m thinking about you” gift. Shop on the Disney Store We love that all three of these items are giving cozy and magical vibes! We can’t wait to snuggle up with them soon. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more online Disney finds. View the full article

We’re about to take you back to your Disney Channel days, when you’d spend those afternoons and evenings watching your favorite TV shows and movies, including classics like Camp Rock. ©Disney Well, as you may know, a new Camp Rock is on the way, Camp Rock 3, and it’s even bringing back the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato! Say what? Yep, Camp Rock 3 lands on Disney+ on August 13th, and if you’re already a Disney+ subscriber, you might be the one lucky fan to see the movie on a bigger screen at its big premiere! That’s right! Disney+ is giving YOU a chance to win a trip to attend the Camp Rock 3 premiere, including travel and lodging. Yes, premiere…as in the stars of the movie will be there, along with a ton of other celebrities. And you could walk that red carpet, too! Fun, right? ©Disney The winner will get a three-day/2-night trip to either Los Angeles, CA, or New York, NY, to attend the premiere of Camp Rock 3 in early to mid-August. This includes admission to the premiere, two nights’ hotel accommodations, round-trip airfare, ground transportation from the airport to the hotel, and $100 cash or cash equivalent that can be used for transportation to and from the hotel and premiere. You could walk the red carpet! To enter, be sure to log in to your Disney+ account and visit the Disney+ Perks page. Scroll down until you see the contest and enter. The sweepstakes ends at 8:50 A.M. PT on July 17th, so you only have a short time to enter! Best of luck to EVERYONE! ©Disney You’ll also want to be sure to check out some other perks, too, including a holiday discount at Disney World, a movie offer for the live-action Moana, a chance to attend D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, merchandise discounts, and more. We’ll keep an eye out for new perks, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything NEW Coming to Disney+ in July 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 would you do if you won a trip to the Camp Rock 3 premiere? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We talk all the time about how much we love Disney Springs and all of its various restaurants, because it’s true! Frontera Cocina, how we love you! One of our favorite spots, Frontera Cocina, just celebrated a very special anniversary — 10 years! That’s a big deal and absolutely should be celebrated. We were thrilled to have been invited to celebrate the special occasion with them, and it reminded us why everyone should be making this restaurant a priority on their next visit. We started off incredibly strong with our drink, The Lucy, which is made with soto, carrot, lime, and ginger. It wasn’t nearly as strong as we thought it was gonna be, and instead it goes down really light and it’s super smooth. The drink is definitely pretty tangy and has a tad bit of salt flavor to it due to the salt rim, but also thanks to the flavors of ginger and lime. If you’re a fan of Soto, you’ll definitely like this drink, because while it’s sweet, it’s not overly so, which we appreciated. The Lucy When it came to the eats, the Beef Short Rib Ancho BBQ absolutely blew our minds! It’s made with Creekstone boneless short rib slow-cooked with toasted ancho chilies, tangy fire-roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic red bean refritos, and herb salad. Beef Short Rib Ancho BBQ The short rib is so easy to cut into; it surprised us in the best way. You put your fork in, and it just falls apart perfectly. The rib also has such a smoothness to it that was incredible, especially when paired with how flavorful it is without being overly sauced or too dry. The beans are such a nice complement to the beef, as they’re soft and don’t have a crazy amount of flavor to them, but you can tell they’re there just to balance the dish out. The veggies are also a great add, and we recommend eating them with the rib. But wait…it gets better! We got our short rib with a side of tortillas, and WOW. Just as we didn’t think this dish could get any better, throw the rib and the veggies and the beans in a tortilla, and our entire month was made. We cannot recommend this dish enough! This blew our minds! We also got to try the Gazpacho de Sandia, which is chilled watermelon soup, thickened with bread and garnished with lump crab meat, cucumber, cilantro, and mint. While our reporter isn’t the biggest cold soup person, even so, this was incredibly solid. The soup is very chilled, and it balances nicely with the hotter dishes. The crab in this is delicious, and it’s complemented perfectly with the watermelon soup, the tomatoes, the cilantro, and the cucumbers. We expected it to be sweeter, but it wasn’t over the top at all. Our only complaint is that we would have loved a bit more crab! Gazpacho de Sandia We also tried the Shrimp “Dorados Style,” which are fried tacos stuffed with shrimp and Chihuahua cheese, topped with salads diabla, crema, tangy cabbage, cilantro, and onion. Shrimp “Dorados Style” There’s not one thing we would change about this dish! The deep-fried taco shell is so crisp and crunchy, and it’s the perfect piece to go alongside this soft shrimp on the inside. The shrimp is very tasty and flavorful, and all the toppings balance out the flavors beautifully. The shrimp tacos have a little bit of a heat to them, but it’s countered perfectly with the vegetables and the cream to give it a little bit more of a light, cooler taste. We’re big fans! Yes, please! For dessert, we had the Fresh Citrus Tart, which is tangy lemon-lime-thai basil custard in a nutty macadamia nut graham cracker crust, whipped cream, and fresh citrus segments. This is overall a good dessert, but we do feel it’s a bit of an acquired taste as it’s very unique! Fresh Citrus Tart Our favorite part of it was the graham cracker crust, as it was soft and smooth, almost like biting into a soft cookie. There’s a LOT of the lime custard, and the flavor really does come through pretty strong. If you’re a big fan of the flavor, or of sour/tart flavors in general, you’ll love this. The nuts on top added a really great, and honestly needed, crunch to the dessert, and then the whipped cream balanced out some of the tartness. It may not be for everyone, but it’s a very well-done dessert! It’s also a great size! We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for this restaurant, and you can bet we’re already thinking about when we can go back. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news and reviews! REVIEW: Why We Keep Coming Back to This Underrated Animal Kingdom Restaurant 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 get at this restaurant? Tell us in the comments! 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 Frontera Cocina to attend their 10 year celebration event. 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

Florida can get HOT. You probably already know this if you’ve been planning a trip to Disney World during the summer. You’ll want to be as prepared as possible by knowing where to cool down and bringing water, fans, and anything else you might need. Disney World If you’re coming to Disney World right now, you need to know that it’s about to be even hotter because a heat advisory is in effect. According to News 6, on June 29th from 12 PM till 9 PM, a heat advisory will be in effect for Marion, Flagler, Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and northern Brevard counties. Disney World is in Orange County, so it will be part of the advisory. It’s about to get HOT! The heat index is expected to reach between 108 and 110 degrees. The air temperature is expected to be within the mid- to upper 90s. While the whole week will be hot, a majority of it will be on June 29th. Animal Kingdom In the afternoon, there’s a 50 to 60% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms along with the heat. These storms could arrive strong, producing lightning and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour. There’s an even higher chance of rain on June 30th, which is expected to be between 70 and 80%. This type of weather will continue throughout the week. Storm season in Magic Kingdom There are a lot of ways to beat the heat in Disney World, but one of the biggest ones is to not push yourself too hard. On a normal visit, you might be able to get in 20 rides from opening to close without even stopping for a full meal, but this is a week when you’ll want to take breaks, listen to your body, and make sure you’re staying hydrated. Grab some ice cream, too It’s also great to have backup plans for when everything is too much. You might want to plan a day to chill at your hotel and check out the pool, so you’re prepared for the rest of your trip. We also like to make dining reservations at indoor locations so we know we’ll have a table with air conditioning waiting for us. Reservations tend to get busier as the weather gets a little more wild, so being prepared is a way to get ahead of the crowds. You’re going to want some pool time! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks to have the best Disney World vacation yet. We’re in the parks every day, developing new strategies so you can plan the perfect trip. 7 ESSENTIALS TO HELP YOU AVOID HEAT EXHAUSTION ON A SUMMER DAY IN DISNEY WORLD 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 What are your main tips for beating the heat in Disney World? Tell us your tips in the comments. View the full article

Some of the best Disney World perks aren’t reserved for VIPs. The true stars of Cool Kids Summer If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, there’s a good chance you already qualify for benefits that can save you time, improve your vacation, and even help you save money. Disney has continued expanding several Resort guest perks, and some of them can make a major difference when you’re planning your trip. Before you start making park plans, here are five exclusive Disney World perks you might already be eligible for. Get Into the Parks Before Everyone Else One of the most valuable perks available to Disney Resort hotel guests is Early Theme Park Entry. Early Entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests staying at eligible Disney Resort hotels can enter any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before official park opening every day of their stay. Better yet, the benefit applies on both your check-in and check-out days. Those extra 30 minutes can go a long way. Popular attractions often have significantly shorter wait times first thing in the morning, giving you a chance to knock out a few headliners before crowds build throughout the day. You’ll still need valid theme park admission, and some ticket types may require reservations. Not every attraction, restaurant, or shop will be open during Early Entry, but it’s still one of the easiest ways to maximize your vacation time. Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas can unlock an even bigger perk: Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. On select nights at select parks, eligible guests can stay after regular park closing and enjoy additional time on attractions, dining, and shopping. Disney has confirmed this benefit will continue through 2027. Book Dining Before Most Guests Can Anyone who’s tried to snag a reservation at a popular Disney restaurant knows how competitive it can get. Tiffins Disney Resort guests receive a major advantage thanks to Dining Reservation Priority. While all guests can book dining reservations 60 days in advance, Resort guests can reserve dining for their entire stay, up to 10 nights, starting at that 60-day mark. That means if you’re staying for a week, you may have access to reservations later in your vacation before off-site guests can even begin booking those dates. Window Seating! Families traveling in 2026 should also pay attention to Disney’s Free Dining Plan for Kids offer. Children ages 3 through 9 may receive a complimentary dining plan when booked as part of an eligible Walt Disney Travel Company package, adding even more value to a Disney Resort stay. Buy Lightning Lanes Earlier Popular Lightning Lane selections can disappear quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. Journey Into Imagination with Figment Lightning Lane Disney Resort hotel guests receive an earlier purchase window than most visitors. Eligible guests can purchase Lightning Lane products up to seven days before check-in for the length of their stay, up to 14 days. Most non-resort guests can only purchase beginning three days before their visit. That extra planning window can make a huge difference when you’re trying to secure return times for popular attractions during a busy vacation week. Visit a Disney Water Park for Free on Arrival Day Guests arriving between May 26th and September 8th, 2026, can receive complimentary admission to Disney’s operating water park on their check-in day. Depending on operations, that means access to either Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach The benefit is included with your stay and can be a great way to start your vacation before heading to the theme parks. There are a few restrictions to keep in mind. The offer is valid only on your arrival day, is non-transferable, has no cash value, and remains subject to availability. Water parks can also close due to weather, capacity limits, refurbishments, or operational needs. Typhoon Lagoon Still, free admission to a Disney water park is a perk many guests would happily take advantage of. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Is Packed With Family Perks Families staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside can enjoy Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offerings through September 8th, 2026. Minnie Mouse at Pop Century This seasonal program includes scheduled character appearances featuring favorites like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, plus special libraries filled with Disney stories from Disney Publishing. Families can also participate in pajama parties featuring interactive bedtime story activities, energetic pool parties with games and music, and campfire experiences complete with marshmallows and Disney-inspired entertainment. Decked out for Cool Kids Summer One particularly helpful perk for parents is the availability of complimentary convenience items like bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposal units, and night-lights. Packing lighter is always a win when you’re traveling with little ones. These offerings are subject to change, but they add a lot of extra value for families staying at participating resorts. The Bottom Line Many Disney World visitors focus on rides, restaurants, and hotel rooms, but some of the most valuable benefits come from simply staying at the right resort. From extra time in the parks to early booking advantages and even complimentary water park admission, these perks can help you get more out of your vacation without spending extra money. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney World news, updates, tips, and planning advice. The ONE Disney World Ride That’ll Be Closed for Refurbishment in July 2026 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 of these Disney Resort perks would make the biggest difference on your next Walt Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney World THOUGHT they could get away with THESE quiet changes without us noticing, but WE SEE EVERYTHING. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster And we’re about to pull back the curtain so you know how these little changes can make a big difference to your trip. Check out our new video: 50 Things Disney World Is Quietly Changing in 2026 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! 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 video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Over at Disneyland Resort, one of our favorite lands is none other than Cars Land, also known as Radiator Springs in Disney California Adventure. Cozy Cone Motel It’s immersive, it’s fun, it has (arguably) one of the best rides in the entire resort, and it’s got some pretty great eats over at the Cozy Cone Motel! Instead of cars sleeping inside each one, they’re fun small snack stands, and we find they’re often really underrated. However, we just got word that some of these spots may be closed at various times throughout the month of July — here’s what you need to know. Disney has quietly announced that the Cozy Cone Motel spots will be undergoing some refurbishment for a limited time this July, so if you’re visiting, it’s possible you may not be able to visit your favorite. Fortunately, they won’t all be closed at the same time, which we’re grateful for! Churros from the Cozy Cone Motel The schedule of closures this July is as follows: Cozy Cone Motel 2 (Ice Cream Cones) and Cozy Cone Motel 5 (Popcone) will close on July 6th and have an anticipated reopening date of July 8th Cozy Cone Motel 3 (Chili Cone Queso) will close on July 8th and has an anticipated reopening date of July 11th Cozy Cone Motel 1 (Churros) and Cozy Cone Motel 4 (Frozen Cone-coctions) will close on July 9th and have an anticipated reopening date of July 11th Ordering counter That does mean that the second week of July is looking particularly a bit rough, but hey, we’re thankful for small miracles, like the fact that each spot is only closed for a handful of days. DCA is also full of other great dining options, so you won’t be left hanging! More Recent Disneyland Resort News! It Just Got a LOT Harder to Eat at This Disney Restaurant Next MonthREVIEW: The Long Line Is WORTH IT at This NEW Downtown Disney Restaurant!“This Is Genuinely the Worst Idea You’ve Had” — Disney Fans Are NOT Happy About the Pirates of the Caribbean CHANGES3 Disneyland Traditions Canceled for 2027JUST ANNOUNCED: Haunted Mansion Holiday and MORE Coming to Disneyland for the Holidays We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disneyland news, so stay tuned to DFB! REVIEW: This Gelato Tastes Like DOLE Whip in Disney, and Life Could Not Be Better 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 Cozy Cone Motel spot is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney World’s dining scene is always changing, but something interesting has been happening lately beneath all the splashy new openings and headline-grabbing additions. Chef Mickey’s A handful of restaurants that you might have written off, or simply overlooked, are quietly becoming must-visits again. Whether it’s a new chef, a game-changing menu update, or one breakout dish that put them on the map, these spots are earning fresh attention, and honestly, they deserve it. Here are 10 Disney World restaurants currently having a low-key renaissance. Tony’s Town Square If there was ever a restaurant that deserved a comeback story, it’s Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Tony’s Town Square For years, this Magic Kingdom staple carried a reputation as one of the park’s most skippable table-service options. Recently, though, we’ve found ourselves having a very different conversation about Tony’s. The restaurant has quietly improved in several key areas, and guests are starting to notice. Tony’s Garlic Bread For The Table A big part of that turnaround comes down to the food. Fan-favorite appetizers like the garlic bread with rich Parmesan dipping sauce and the oversized fried mozzarella have developed loyal followings of their own. More importantly, the restaurant’s pasta dishes and desserts have become far more consistent than many longtime Disney visitors remember. The menu may not rival a neighborhood Italian restaurant, but it now delivers exactly what most guests are looking for: comforting, crowd-pleasing food in the middle of a busy park day. Fried Mozzarella The restaurant itself helps the experience, too. The themed dining rooms offer plenty of Lady and the Tramp touches, while the bright porch seating has become one of Magic Kingdom’s underrated dining locations, especially when a parade rolls by outside. Tony’s isn’t suddenly Disney World’s best Italian restaurant, but it doesn’t need to be. Its renaissance comes from exceeding expectations, and right now it’s doing exactly that. Click here for our most recent review! Chef Mickey’s Chef Mickey’s has always had one major advantage: the characters. We’re back at Chef Mickey’s! For years, many families booked this Contemporary Resort favorite to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto, while treating the buffet as more of a bonus than a highlight. Lately, though, the food has started becoming part of the conversation again. Grilled asparagus and shrimp scampi Recent menu updates have brought noticeable improvements across the buffet. While you’ll still find plenty of familiar crowd-pleasers for picky eaters, we’ve also encountered surprisingly solid options ranging from fresh salads and seafood offerings to flavorful entrées that feel more thoughtfully prepared than what many guests expect from a character buffet. The biggest standout may be the newer desserts, which feature creative character-inspired treats that are far more memorable than the standard buffet sweets we’ve seen in the past. Desserts The arrival of Chef TJ has also generated excitement among Disney dining fans. His reputation for elevating menus and accommodating a wide range of dietary needs has earned him a loyal following over the years. Chef Mickey’s is still busy, loud, and expensive. But for the first time in a while, guests are leaving impressed by more than just the character interactions, and that’s exactly why it feels like this restaurant is having a moment. Click here for our most recent review! Terra Treats Sometimes all it takes is one viral menu item to completely change a location’s fortunes. This is a looooong line For years, Terra Treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom was the kind of snack stand many guests walked right past without a second thought. It served its purpose, but it wasn’t exactly generating buzz. Then the Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich arrived. Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich Since debuting, the dessert has become one of the most talked-about snacks in Animal Kingdom, regularly drawing lines that rival some of the park’s most popular food locations. That’s a remarkable turnaround for a small stand that rarely found itself at the center of Disney food conversations. Line for the ice cream sandwich The treat combines layers of vanilla ice cream, brownie, cookie dough, and chocolate chips into a dessert that feels tailor-made for social media, but the impressive part is that it actually lives up to the hype. Guests aren’t lining up just because it’s trendy. They’re lining up because it’s genuinely good. Terra Treats may not be a full restaurant, but thanks to one breakout snack, it’s suddenly become a destination. Click here for our most recent review! Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea One of Disney World’s most elegant dining experiences has quietly made a comeback. Afternoon Tea Service The Afternoon Tea experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa returned with a refreshed concept, updated menu, and renewed attention from Disney food fans. What was already a beloved offering has reemerged feeling both familiar and new, which isn’t an easy balance to strike. Part of the appeal is simply how unique the experience feels compared to most Disney dining. Guests are treated to a carefully curated tea service featuring loose-leaf teas, beautifully presented savory bites, themed desserts, and the kind of attentive service that’s becoming increasingly rare. The refreshed menu adds whimsical touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland, giving the experience an extra layer of Disney magic without overwhelming the classic afternoon tea tradition. Tea Experience in the Garden View Tea Room Yes, the price point is higher than it used to be, but guests seem more than willing to embrace the updated experience. Between the elevated atmosphere, thoughtful menu, and exceptional service, Garden View Lounge has quickly reestablished itself as one of Disney World’s most distinctive dining reservations. Click here for our most recent review! Spyglass Grill Spyglass Grill has always been one of Disney World’s most underrated quick-service restaurants. The problem was that not many people seemed to know it existed. Spyglass Grill Tucked away at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the restaurant has spent years serving solid food without generating much fanfare. Recently, though, one menu addition has helped put this hidden gem on a lot more Disney dining wish lists: Mickey-shaped Churro Waffles. Churro Mickey waffles! Previously, guests looking for these fan-favorite waffles had very limited options. Their arrival at Spyglass Grill suddenly gave Disney visitors a much more accessible way to try one of Disney’s most beloved breakfast items without needing a pricey character meal reservation. The combination of cinnamon-sugar coating, fluffy waffle interior, and reasonable price point has made them an instant hit. SO GOOD More importantly, the waffles have introduced guests to a restaurant they may have otherwise overlooked. Once people arrive, they’re discovering what longtime fans already knew: Spyglass Grill consistently delivers quality food in a relaxed setting. That’s exactly how a dining renaissance begins. Click here for our most recent review! Narcoossee’s Narcoossee’s has always had one major selling point: the view. Narcoossee’s Outdoor Patio Perched along the waterfront at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the restaurant offers stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and some of the best fireworks viewing opportunities outside Magic Kingdom. For a long time, though, the scenery often overshadowed the food. Lately, that’s no longer the case. Mushroom & Potato Cannelloni Recent visits have left us genuinely impressed by the quality and execution coming out of the kitchen. The menu balances upscale coastal cuisine with approachable flavors, creating dishes that feel special without becoming overly complicated. We found several standouts that were beautifully prepared and thoughtfully composed, making the meal feel worthy of its signature dining status. Korean BBQ Glazed Salmon The atmosphere remains one of the restaurant’s greatest strengths, combining elegant dining rooms with unbeatable waterfront views. But what makes this feel like a true renaissance is that guests are increasingly talking about the food and not just the fireworks. Narcoossee’s has quietly become one of the most complete dining experiences at Disney World, and more people are finally giving it the attention it deserves. Click here for our most recent review! Sebastian’s Bistro Some Disney World restaurants improve dramatically. Others stay consistently excellent until the rest of the fanbase finally catches on. That’s the story of Sebastian’s Bistro. Sebastian’s Bistro Located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, this family-style restaurant has quietly become one of the best dining values at Disney World. While prices continue to rise across property, Sebastian’s still offers a substantial meal featuring Caribbean-inspired flavors at a price point that undercuts many comparable family-style experiences. Taste of the Caribbean Platter The menu has evolved over time, with updates that many guests feel strengthened an already solid lineup. Between the flavorful entrées, popular pull-apart rolls, and crowd-favorite coconut-pineapple bread pudding, it’s easy to see why the restaurant has developed such a loyal following. Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding What makes this feel like a renaissance isn’t that Sebastian’s suddenly became great. It’s that more Disney visitors are finally recognizing it as one of the smartest dining reservations on property. The combination of quality, value, and a unique menu has turned this once-overlooked resort restaurant into one of Disney World’s most recommended hidden gems. Click here for our most recent review! Citricos Citricos has always been one of those Disney World restaurants that feels like it should already be on everyone’s must-do list, but somehow still isn’t talked about enough. Cítricos Tucked away inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this Signature Dining location went through a major reimagining in recent years, and the refreshed concept continues to pay off in a big way. The restaurant now blends elevated Florida-inspired cuisine with Mediterranean influence, all wrapped in a dining room that feels airy, whimsical, and quietly luxurious. Malbec Guava-barbecued Short Ribs What’s interesting is how much the experience has matured since that redesign. The atmosphere alone sets a different tone from most Disney restaurants, but it’s the consistency of the food that really stands out. Guests who revisit are often surprised by how refined and balanced the dishes have become, with flavors that feel intentional rather than overworked. Cítricos Dining Room For a long time, Citricos felt like a hidden fine-dining option. Now, it feels like more guests are finally catching on to just how strong it is, and that shift in appreciation is exactly what makes it feel like a renaissance moment for the restaurant. Click here for our most recent review! The Smiling Crocodile Animal Kingdom has quietly built a reputation as one of the best parks for snacks, and The Smiling Crocodile is a perfect example of why it deserves more attention than it gets. The Smiling Crocodile This small kiosk has had a bit of a rotating identity over the years, but its latest menu update has brought in something that feels like a real standout: freshly made arepas. Available for a limited window each day, these handheld snacks have quickly become one of the most talked-about bites in the park. Pulled Pork Cheese Arepa Both the pulled pork and pulled chicken versions come generously stuffed and packed with flavor, paired with plantain chips that add a crunchy, salty contrast. What really makes these work is how balanced everything feels. The meat is tender and well-seasoned, the sauces add brightness and creaminess, and the cheese ties it all together without overwhelming the dish. Pulled Chicken Cheese Arepa It’s the kind of snack that feels bigger than its price tag suggests, both in portion and flavor. Even with its limited hours and slightly tucked-away location, The Smiling Crocodile is finally getting the attention it has long deserved, thanks to a menu item that genuinely delivers. Click here for our most recent review! Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Cosmic Ray’s has always been one of those Magic Kingdom staples you end up at at least once, whether you planned it or not. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe For years, it was known as a reliable quick-service stop with a massive menu and even bigger crowds, but recently, a few unexpected menu additions have started to shift how guests talk about it. Most notably, the upgraded chicken strip offerings have brought a new level of attention to a restaurant that often gets labeled as “just okay.” Buffalo Chicken Strips What’s changed is the creativity around a familiar favorite. Instead of plain tenders, guests are finding versions topped with bold sauces and flavor combinations that actually feel intentional rather than filler food. The buffalo-style option, in particular, has been getting consistent praise for balancing heat and flavor without overwhelming the dish. Buffalo Chicken Strips It’s still Cosmic Ray’s at its core, meaning fast-paced and busy, but the food conversation around it has noticeably improved. For a spot that many people once treated as a backup plan, it’s now starting to earn a little more respect as a dependable, upgraded quick-service option in the park. Click here for our most recent review! The Bottom Line Disney World’s dining scene rewards the guests who pay attention, and right now, some of the most exciting meals you can have aren’t at the newest, most talked-about openings. They’re at places you might have overlooked, dismissed, or just haven’t thought about in a while. In the meantime, keep checking back with DFB for the latest updates on dining at Disney World! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 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 of these spots are you most surprised to see on this list? Tell us in the comments! View the full article