-
Posts
89,277 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
15
Everything posted by Disney4me
-
So you’re planning to take your toddler to Disney World! Congratulations! It’s so fun to watch little ones enjoy the magic. Hi, Minnie! Now that you’ve decided to take your toddler to Disney World, we’re sure you have lots of questions. We’re here to answer a big one for you today: What hotel should you choose when taking a toddler to Disney World? There are more than 30 hotels and resorts on Disney World property, and it can be hard to decide which one is best for your vacation. While there are some activities we would say are for adults only, the vast majority of things at Disney World are geared toward families. So, there’s no real wrong answer here — you’re not going to book a hotel and get there to find it has an adults-only vibe. That said, though, there ARE hotels that may be more enjoyable if you have a toddler with you. Let’s look at some key features of a couple of the most popular resorts to help you decide: Atmostphere/Guest Rooms Transportation Options Dining Options Pools If you’re headed to Disney World with a toddler, a stroller will probably be a big part of your trip! Atmosphere/Guest Rooms Disney World’s hotels all have very different vibes — you can feel like you are in a quietly sophisticated New England yacht club, on a lush, colorful island vacation, or at a fun ’70s roadside motel. So, a lot of choosing your hotel is personal preference. But if we’re deciding on which theming appeals most to toddlers, here are some good Disney World resort options. Art of Animation Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has four areas themed to four different Disney/Pixar films: Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. And when we say “themed,” we mean over-the-top, in-your-face decor. While the theming at some Disney World resorts can be subtle, that is not the case here! Ths is the Little Mermaid section, in case you couldn’t tell. Many toddlers will delight in being this close to huge characters they recognize from Disney films. Another advantage to staying at Art of Animation resort is the availability of family suites. These rooms can sleep up to six adults and they have a dining table and two bathrooms. So, if you are traveling with a larger group or just need more space to stretch out, Art of Animation Resort could be a good choice for you. The table in a Lion King family suite Now, this resort is in Disney World’s “value” category, and that means you won’t necessarily get a luxury hotel experience … there aren’t going to be lots of dining choices on the property, and you won’t be greeted with a grand lobby. But if fun for your toddler is what you’re looking for, this could be the place! Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is themed like an island getaway, with colorful buildings, tropical landscaping, a lake, and a small beach. You’ll also find a playground here! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are set up nicely to accomodate families with toddlers — you can reserve a room with two queen-sized beds and a child-size pull-down bed, which could work out nicely! This resort has some Pirates of the Caribbean-themed rooms, which are currently undergoing renovations and a change-over to a more family-friendly theme: The Little Mermaid! ©Disney The Little Mermaid-themed rooms are coming to Caribbean Beach Resort. The newly themed rooms have a queen-sized bed, sleeper sofa, and pull-down bed, so they sleep 5 people. Caribbean Beach Resort is in Disney’s “moderate” category — you’ll find larger rooms and more amenities here. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The final toddler-friendly Disney World hotel we’re looking at today is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Polynesian celebrates tiki culture, and offers a nostalgic image of Pacific island vacations. It’s filled with dark woods, symbols, and tropical flowers. The Polynesian is such a beautiful resort The guest rooms here have recently been made over in a Moana theme. This resort is in Disney World’s “deluxe” category, which means the rooms are going to be more pricey than the other resorts we are looking at today, but your room is also going to be more spacious, and that can matter when you have a toddler who is on the move! A Moana-themed room at the Polynesian Village Resort As we noted above, the theming here will be more subtle than what you will see at Art of Animation Resort. Because the Polynesian Village is a deluxe resort, you’ll have more dining options, as well. But we’ll get to that in our next section. Check out the best Disney World rides for Toddlers Transportation Options Getting around at Disney World is no small feat — especially with a toddler, and a toddler’s stroller, and all your toddler gear, in tow. Disney World is a big place — about the size of Manhattan, and while Disney offers free transportation, some options are easier than others. Let’s compare the transportation options at our top 3 resorts for toddlers at Disney World. Art of Animation Resort Art of Animation Resort is one of the resorts on Disney’s Skyliner transportation route. These gondolas in the sky are plenty big enough to fit the whole family, and they are a fun way to see “the World!” Disney’s Skyliner can take you EPCOT’s International Gateway Entrance, and to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Disney Skyliner can take you to the EPCOT International Gateway Entrance from certain resorts. One thing to note about the Skyliner: It will shut down temporarily for bad weather. In those cases, you can take Disney Bus Transportation, or you can use the Lyft app to book a Minnie Van for your family — at an additional cost. Minnie Vans can be booked through the Lyft app. How will you get to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs? Disney World has an extensive bus system you can use to get to the areas the Skyliner doesn’t serve. Caribbean Beach Resort You also have Disney Skyliner transportation available at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It can take you to the same places — EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance (that’s the one closest to World Showcase), and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort We should also note here that taking the Skyliner to EPCOT’s International Gateway Entrance also makes it an easy walk to eat or get ice cream at Beaches & Cream — one of our favorite spots for an afternoon treat. To get to Disney World’s other parks or resort areas, you will have Disney World’s extensive bus transportation available. Disney Bus That said, there can be a wait for Disney buses at busier times of the day, and you will need to fold your stroller up and navigate what can be narrow aisles with your toddler in tow. That works for us, usually, but it’s nice to have another option, which is one of our factors in choosing these resorts to recommend! Polynesian Village Resort The Polynesian Village Resort is very close to Magic Kingdom — which we consider the best Disney World Park for toddlers! And getting to the Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian is super simple … because you can take the monorail directly from your resort. Monorail You can also use the monorail system to go to EPCOT. As for the other resort areas — you will be back on those Disney World buses! Disney bus stop And we do not mean to disparage the buses at all! They are a great option for getting around — especially since they are FREE! Here are our BEST tips for going to Disney World with toddlers! Dining Options There are SO MANY choices for dining at Disney World! And we’re all about Disney FOOD here at DFB. We even wrote the book on it! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining in an ebook format you can easily download to your tablet or smartphone. Use code WDW2023 to save 25% on the cover price! Let’s dive into the dining choices at our best Disney World hotels for toddlers! Art of Animation Resort At Disney World’s “value” category resorts, you generally have just one dining option — a food court. But, it’s usually an extensive one! Landscape of Flavors Landscape of Flavors serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is stocked with grab-and-go items you might need, as well. Chicken noodle soup, pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and more kid-friendly items are available. And you’ll find milk, yogurt, fruit cups, and Baby-Bel cheese in the grab-and-go section. Refrigerated section at Landscape of Flavors There’s also plenty here for adults to enjoy — cheeseburgers, pasta, and stir-fries are usually on the menu. A bacon-cheddar cheeseburger at Landscape of Flavors. Be sure to check out the seasonal treats here, as well. You’ll often find special cupcakes and other themed desserts! Caribbean Beach Resort You’ll find more dining choices at Caribbean Beach Resort. There is counter-service (fast food) available at Centertown Market — breakfast sandwiches and Mickey waffles at breakfast, and choices like burgers, roasted chicken, and fish tacos for lunch and dinner — along with your standard chicken strips and mac and cheese for less adventurous eaters. Centertown Market There is also more traditional “sit-down” dining available at Caribbean Beach Resort. Sebastian’s Bistro has island-inspired cuisine including Jerk Chicken Wings, Crab Cakes, and Key Lime Pie. Sebastian’s is only open for dinner, but you can also get lunch at the Banana Cabana! Banana Cabana This fun spot has appetizers like Loaded Fries with chili and cheese, sandwiches and salads, and cheeseburgers and mac and cheese for kids. Polynesian Village As a “deluxe” resort at Disney World, you’re going to find more dining options here than at our other two toddler-friendly hotel choices. Polynesian Village does have a quick-service food location — Captain Cook’s. You can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner here — and this location serves some of our favorite foods on Disney World property — Tonga Toast for breakfast, and Pulled Pork Nachos at lunch and dinner! Tonga Toast! You can also get Dole Whips (another Disney World fan fave!) at Pineapple Lanai — a quick-service snack stand. And you’ll find sushi, Kona-Braised Short Ribs and more sophisticated fare at the table-service restaurant Kona Cafe. Kona Cafe And there’s one dining option here for toddlers you won’t find at our other recommended Disney World hotels for toddlers — character dining! You can meet Mickey, Stitch, Lilo, and Pluto during the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast. Hi, Mickey! While you can book other character meals at the parks and at other resorts, it is convenient to have one so close to your home base! Here’s a look at the best strollers to take to Disney World Pools Finally, let’s look at the pools at our best resorts for toddlers at Disney World. Disney World’s resorts all have FUN pool areas, and chances are, your kiddo will want to spend some time there! Art of Animation Art of Animation Resort has the LARGEST pool at Disney World, as well as two other options. The Big Blue Pool has a Finding Nemo theme and is a zero-entry pool. There’s also a splash pad — Schoolyard’s Sprayground here. The Big Blue Pool The Flippin’ Fins Pool is themed after — you guessed it — The Little Mermaid. And the third pool here is the most kid-friendly — the Cozy Cone pool for Cars fans! Cozy Cone Pool Caribbean Beach Resort At Caribbean Beach Resort, there are six pools — there will be a smaller pool area nearby the section of the resort you are staying in, and there is the main pool — the Fuentes del Morro Pool. It has two waterslides and water cannons. Fuentes del Morro pool Your toddler will probably enjoy playing in the nearby shipwreck play area that has mini slides and splash zones. And there’s also a small beach — it is the Caribbean BEACH resort, after all! Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Polynesian Village Resort The Lava Pool at Disney Polynesian Village is an iconic part of Disney World. It has a volcano, a waterfall, and a giant water slide. Lava Pool If you (or your toddler) want a quieter swimming experience, you can also check out the smaller and more secluded Oasis Pool at the Polynesian. Oasis Pool These are our best tips for packing to take your toddler to Disney World And that’s our look at the best resort for toddlers at Disney World. No matter our budget, there’s a hotel that will be great for your trip! Keep following DFB for the best Disney World planning tips and advice! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. The post Best Disney World Resort for Toddlers first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
NEW in 2023! Guests planning to visit this summer can get up to $750 on a Disney Dining Promo Card when booking a 5-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. Learn more!View the full article
-
Who’s ready to take a trip to Disney World in 2023?! Magic Kingdom With TRON opening, the updates getting completed at EPCOT, and so much more, there’s a lot of excitement awaiting us this year in the parks. And now, if you’re planning a trip, you might be able to score some big savings with new deals online! We already told you about Disney World’s new Dining Card Promo deal, but now we’ve got another special offer to share. You can save up to 25% on stays from April 10th-July 10th and up to 20% on stays throughout March! Pop Century Resort At the following resorts, you can save 25% most nights during the window of April 10th-July 10th and 20% most nights during the window of March 1st-31st: Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club Resort If you stay at this group of resorts, you can save up to 20% most nights from April 10th-July 10th and 15% most nights from March 1st-31st: The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort For 15% off during the same April-July dates and 10% off during March, choose one of the following: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Art of Animation And if you would like to stay at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, you can save 10% most nights from April 10th-July 10th and March 1st-31st. Keep in mind that this offer cannot be combined with any other offers and is only applicable to the dates stated in 2023. The amount of rooms available for the offer is limited. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground We’ll keep you updated with any more discounts that come available, so stay tuned to DFB! We’re here to help you save as much as possible on your upcoming Disney World trip. And if you’re looking to book a vacation, we recommend our friends over at Small World Vacations. They’re a group of travel agents trained in all things Disney, and they’ll be able to get you set up with an amazing trip! Click Here to Learn About Another Disney World Offer! 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 http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be using these discounts? Tell us in the comments! The post 🚨New Summer DISCOUNTS Announced for Disney World Hotel Rooms!🚨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Disney is offering a new(ish) promotion that might help you save on dining during your next trip! (Sorry, it’s not the Disney Dining Plan.) Connections Eatery food We’ve seen the Dining Promo Card before in various forms, and now it’s returning in a new way in 2023. This promotion is essentially a gift card that you can only use at select Disney World restaurants. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you might be eligible to receive one! What Is the Dining Promo Card? The Dining Promo Card is basically a gift card that you can use at select Disney World restaurants. The card is included with certain hotel reservations, and we’ll go into the details about how you can qualify for the promotion in the next section. Satu’li Canteen If you have a qualifying Disney hotel reservation, you’ll receive the promo card in your email once you check into your reservation. The card’s value depends on your vacation arrival date, how long you’re staying at the hotel, and which hotel you choose. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter The offer is good for up to a $750 Dining Promo Card. Here are the values based on travel dates and resorts: At value resorts — $35 per night if your arrival date is between June 25th and June 30th or July 11th and the 31st, and $50 per night if your arrival date is between July 1st and the 10th or August 1st and September 14th At moderate resorts — $75 per night if your arrival date falls between June 25th and June 30th or July 11th and the 31st, and $100 per night if your arrival date falls between July 1st and the 10th or August 1st and September 14th At deluxe resorts — $125 per night if your arrival date falls between June 25th and June 30th or July 11th and the 31st, and $150 per night if your arrival date falls between July 1st and the 10th or August 1st and September 14th Disney’s Grand Floridian You must book at least a 4-night stay, which means the gift cards start at $140 total for value resorts, $300 total for moderate resorts, and $500 total for deluxe resorts. Remember, you get one gift card per ROOM, not per person. Who Gets a Dining Promo Card? Disney has announced that the new Dining Promo Card offer will be available for guests who are visiting between June 25th and September 14th, 2023. Guests must book a minimum 4-night stay at a Disney World hotel with at least 4 days of park tickets in order to be eligible to receive the card. Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney has done something similar in the past for guests visiting from the UK, and we’ve also seen a Quick Service Dining Card offered to people who stay at Disney World good neighbor hotels. The new promotion is for people staying at Disney World hotels who also booked park tickets. EPCOT park entrance The offer became available to book on January 5th. There is only one card per reservation, so if you have a large group staying in multiple hotel rooms, it would be better to book separately. Current reservations that fit the dates can be modified with the new offer, but keep in mind that some hotel prices recently increased, so the modification may cost you more than it cost when you originally booked. How Do You Use the Dining Promo Card? The Dining Promo Card will be emailed to the address of the lead guest on the reservation after check-in. The email will include a barcode that can be scanned at restaurants, and the card may be added to Google or Apple Wallets on your phone. You can either show the email on your mobile device, via a printed copy, or by adding it to your mobile wallet! However, this card canNOT be attached to a MagicBand, MagicBand+, or MagicMobile. (So you won’t be able to use those devices to scan like you could with the Disney Dining Plan.) The card cannot be linked to MagicBands If you’re Mobile Ordering, you may enter the number of the gift card into the My Disney Experience app to pay for your order. Whatever balance is remaining on your dining card will expire on September 30th, 2023. It works dollar-for-dollar like cash instead of a points system, so you can easily keep track of how much you’re spending. You’ll be able to check your balance the following ways: Visit Disney Gift Card to check online Call (877) 650-4327 Ask a participating food-and-beverage location to check for you Mobile order is a lot more common in Disney World now! There are some locations where you CAN’T use the Dining Promo Card, and those are listed below: Merchandise locations and candy kitchens Dining locations at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel Dining locations at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Dining locations at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Dining locations at Walt Disney World Official Hotels at Bonnet Creek Dining locations at Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels Swan and Dolphin Resort, Owned by Marriott Bonvoy If you want more tips on how to choose the best restaurants for your upcoming Disney World vacation, be sure to check out our DFB guidebooks! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2023! We’ve got details on EVERY restaurant at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. Use our discount code for DFB readers – WDW2023 – for 25% off! It’s time to pre-order your DFB Guide! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news. Click here to see the 17 BEST Disney World restaurants in 2023. Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What questions do you still have about the Dining Promo Card? Let us know in the comments. The post What Is a Dining Promo Card and How Do You Use It in Disney World? We Have the Answers first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
The Disney Dining Plan has still not returned, despite what Disney previously announced. Breakfast at ‘Ohana While we (not-so-patiently) wait for it to come back, there is a small sliver of good news — Disney has announced a DIFFERENT dining offer will be available soon! We heard this offer was on the way, and now it’s officially here — we’re sharing all the details and info you need to know about the new Dining Promo Card deal for Disney World. There’s a NEW dining offer available in Disney World! ©Disney If you book a minimum 5-night stay at a Disney World Resort with at least 4-days of tickets, you could be eligible to get a Dining Promo Card. Sometimes you can still get the offer with fewer nights, so we’d call Disney and ask. Disney did something similar to this for select guests last year, and we’ve also seen Quick Service Dining Cards in the past as well. Brunch at Old Key West This expanded offer is available to book beginning today, January 5th, and only applies to trips booked for arrival dates between July 1st-July 10th and August 1st- September 14th, 2023. A lower dining package may be available when you book a summer package on other dates (so be sure to ask!). Each reservation will receive one promo card via email upon checking in. The promo card can then be used like cash at select restaurants around Disney World! The card value will be based on your vacation arrival date, number of nights you’re staying, and which hotel you choose. It’ll work similarly to a gift card, but it’ll be available digitally and will only work at restaurants. Lunch and dinner options The offer is good for up to a $750 Dining Promo Card. Here are the values based on travel dates and resorts: At value resorts — $35 per night if your arrival date falls from June 25th-June 30th or July 11th-31st, and $50 per night if your arrival date falls from July 1st-10th or August 1st-September 14th At moderate resorts — $75 per night if your arrival date falls from June 25th-June 30th or July 11th-31st, and $100 per night if your arrival date falls from July 1st-10th or August 1st-September 14th At deluxe resorts — $125 per night if your arrival date falls from June 25th-June 30th or July 11th-31st, and $150 per night if your arrival date falls from July 1st-10th or August 1st-September 14th Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Wondering how and where you should spend that $750?! Make sure that you check out our DFB Guide to Dining. We have over a decade of Disney dining experience and have details and reviews on how to get the most of your money when dining in the parks! It’s time to pre-order your DFB Guide! Only one card will be issued per reservation, so if you’ve got a big group it might make more sense to book your rooms separately to get more Dining Promo Cards. Current reservations that fit the dates can be modified with the new offer, but keep in mind that some prices recently increased, so the modification may cost you more than it cost when you originally booked. Use it at Tambu Lounge! The Dining Promo Card will be emailed to the address of the lead guest on the reservation after check-in and will include a barcode that can be scanned at restaurants. The card can be added to Google or Apple Wallets on your phone; however, it cannot be attached to a MagicBand, MagicBand+, or MagicMobile. Disney’s Grand Floridian It can be used for Mobile Orders, and you’ll just need to enter the gift card number to the My Disney Experience app to pay. The remaining balance on all cards will expire on September 30th, 2023. Pop Century Resort The offer is available to book NOW — so if you’ve been waiting for the Disney Dining Plan to return to book a Disney World trip, this might be your best chance for a while! Stressed about making sure you book the right room to get the $750? Worried about making reservations? There’s no need to stress! Our friends at Small World Vacations can help you book everything and their services are 100% FREE. They truly take the stress out of planning a Disney World trip, especially in situations like these! 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 http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg On top of this, they are also offering a HUGE deal for those booking a package with the dining card. Small World Vacations is offering a Free In-Room Gift. This gift is a Mickey Cooler filled with yummy snacks and water valued at $75.99. ©Small World Vacations It is good on NEW bookings with the Dine Card or any NEW WDW package reservation valued at $3600 or more with a check-in Feb 15 – September 30, 2023. Code SWVNew23. Offer good for bookings made January 5 – 31, 2023. Interested in connecting with Small World Vacations to book your trip?! Click here! If you’re looking for recommendations on where you can get the most bang for your buck with the Dining Promo Card, check out the posts below: Best Value Fast Food Restaurants at Disney World for 2023 The 17 Best Disney World Restaurants in 2023 The Best Disney World Restaurants for Dinner in 2023 23 Disney World Restaurants to Try in 2023 Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! Will the Dining Plan Return in 2023? Here’s What We Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think about the Dining Promo Card? Let us know in the comments! The post BREAKING: The NEW Disney World Dining Package Is Now Available For Booking first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Live Entertainment have been hard at work on their incredible new Disney Winter Magic Cavalcade! “The team has been working on this cavalcade for quite some time,” said Steve Brown, Vice President of Entertainment at Shanghai Disney Resort. “It was designed […]View the full article
-
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatic offer free admission for all of 2023 to preschoolers who live in Florida. View the full article
-
The time has FINALLY come — After Hours events are BACK in Disney World! After Hours Event When Disney World reopened after the park closures, not all entertainment offerings came back at once. Disney announced that After Hours Events would be returning to the parks in January 2023, and that day is officially here! It has all kicked off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so come with us as we see what crowds and wait times are like at the very FIRST returning After Hours Event! We’re SO excited that After Hours Events are back at Disney World! These are separately ticketed parties where you can stay in the Disney theme parks for 3 hours after the park closes. There are special treats and drinks included in your ticket — and because the number of tickets sold for the parties is limited, you can often find lower wait times than usual on the rides and attractions. After Hours Check-In Before Official Event Kick-Off Since this is the first After Hours Event in YEARS, we figured it would be pretty busy — especially considering the event was sold out. We arrived as early as our ticket allowed — 7PM — and began to survey the scene. When we arrived, quite the crowd had already formed. After Hour Crowds at 7PM This is a look at the crowds at 7PM. After Hours 7PM Crowds The park officially closes to the guests not attending the event at 9PM. If you check in and enter the parks before 9:30, you may have the opportunity to watch a showing of Fantasmic! Here is a look at the crowds lining up for the 9:30 show. This is also around the time the 8PM show was exiting. So crowds were a bit hefty. Fant Crowds Once the Event Began Once the event officially kicked off, wait times and crowds dropped significantly. These were the wait times around 9:30PM. 9:30PM Wait Times Rise of the Resistance was set at a 30 minute wait. We ended up reaching the pre-show in 16 minutes! This is almost unheard of in Disney World. Wait times can still reach 4 hours during regular park hours. Rise of the Resistance Other attractions had even shorter waits. 9:30PM Wait Times The longest wait time was Tower of Terror at 80 minutes. 9:30PM After Hours Wait Times Around 10:30PM, the park had really emptied out. Empty Hollywood Studios And wait times had dropped even more. 10:30PM Wait Times Rise of the Resistance was only a 5 minute (!!) wait at this time! That’s unheard of! 10:30PM Wait Times Really, at times there were just a handful of people in sight! After Hours Crowds These were the crowds around Tower of Terror (which had some of the higher wait times throughout the night) looked like at 11PM. Crowds Near Tower of Terror That’s what you might run into if you’re heading to one of Disney World’s After Hours events this year. These parties can be a great way to take in everything the parks have to offer without the business of the daytime. Consider booking an event in the future if this sounds like something you don’t want to miss! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more information about After Hours Events and our coverage of the next event in Magic Kingdom on January 9th! Check out everything that’s open/complimentary during the After Hours Event in Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever been to an After Hours Event? Let us know in the comments! The post See How EMPTY Hollywood Studios Is During an After Hours Event first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
After Hours Events are officially back in Disney World. These are ticketed events that allow guests to have a few extra hours in the parks. After Hours Check-In We’ve been keeping a close eye on all the dates that sell out for these events, and have reported on what Disney has said will be available at these events. Now it’s time to see for ourselves what you can experience after hours! Tickets cost anywhere from $139 per person to $149 depending on when you attend. So we wanted to explore what all is included in the cost of that ticket! It’s a 3-hour event that typically takes place from 9:30PM-12:30AM but your ticket should get you access into the park at 7PM. This of course can change depending on park hours and when the event is taking place. After Hours Event The following attractions should be open during the event. Attractions While you enjoy this special ticketed event, you can ride: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Slinky Dog Dash Alien Swirling Saucers Toy Story Mania! Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Tower of Terror Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Entertainment As for entertainment, you can catch the Wonderful World of Animation show at 9PM and 11:45PM, as well as Disney Movie Magic at 8:40PM and 11:25PM. Disney Movie Magic You can also catch Fantasmic! during normal park hours if you enter early for the event. Be sure to check your My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date show information. After Hours Info Complimentary Snacks Complimentary snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select bottled beverages are included with your ticket as well. Free Popcorn in Studios You can grab these at snack carts around the parks. You can also purchase some different offerings at: Opening Dining Locations Milk Stand Woody’s Lunch Box Anaheim Produce Rosie’s All-American Cafe KRNR The Rock Station Walk-Up availability at Oga’s Cantina Select bars around the park Merchandise Locations Looking to shop during the event? The following locations are open: Mickey’s of Hollywood Tatooine Traders The Market Merchants in Galaxy’s Edge Dok Ondar’s Jessie’s Trading Post Rock Around the Shop Tower Hotel Gifts Savi’s Workshop (reservations first come first serve) Droid Depot (check for walk-up availability at the location) And that’s everything you can that’s open and available during Disney’s After-Hours Event in Hollywood Studios! We will share the same details for the Magic Kingdom event when it kicks off next week! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news! Take a look at the CROWDS during an After Hours Event here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite part of an after-hours event? Tell us in the comments! The post Everything Included With Your After Hours Event Ticket at Disney's Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Is one of your resolutions to travel more? If so, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re headed to Disney or another destination, we found some cheap flights to take you there. ©DisneyFoodBlog.com Booking flights can be stressful, but we’ve got you covered. We are always on the lookout for the best flights at the best rates. And now, another airline is offering a SALE on flights — but you’ll want to hurry! Alaska Airlines is offering discounted flights when you book before January 5, 2023 at 11:59PM (PT). This is a great deal if you’re looking to explore more cities in 2023! For several domestic flights, you can fly for as little as $39! ©AlaskaAirlines Other featured flights with popular destinations are from Portland to Albuquerque for $49 and from Seattle to Atlanta for $99! If you’re looking to travel in the new year, act NOW to secure this amazing deal! ©AlaskaAirlines Remember to book before January 5 at 11:59 p.m. and at least 14 days out from your desired departure. You can head to the Alaska Airlines website to book. Where will you fly? We’ve got plenty of tips for making your next trip a success. Check out our best tips for flying through the Orlando Airport, and you can read the air travel tips that will change your life here. Happy travels, and stay tuned to DFB for more flight deals and news! Check Out the Packing Must-Haves for Your Next Trip Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you have travel plans for the new year? Let us know your plans in the comments! The post Traveling Soon? Act FAST for These CHEAP Flights with Alaska Airlines! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Happy new year from Disney World! We love Disney Springs! A new year means new experiences, merchandise, and of course — snacks. We’re kicking 2023 off the only way we know how — by visiting the parks and resorts of course. There’s almost always something new to see at Disney Springs, so come with us as we check it all out! Disney Springs Food Updates Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie butter fans, you’re going to want to RUN to Gideon’s Bakehouse. There are THREE new treats available — a cookie, slice of cake, and cold brew. An array of buttery treats! Of course, you know we tried them all — and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. We did a full review and you can check it out at the link below! See Our FULL Review of these Treats Here Salt & Straw A new month means NEW treats at Salt & Straw, too. There are two new dairy-free flavors this time around — we tried the Bananas Foster flavor and the Toasted Oat Milk & Cookies flavor. New year, new menu items! Salt & Straw is known for coming up with chaotic and unique flavors, but we’re happy to say these were both a big hit! Each is $6.95. Check out our full review below. Check Out MORE From Our Review Here Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew If your New Year’s Resolution includes drinking more coffee, we’ve got great news for you! There’s a new Resolution Cold Brew available at Everglazed! This drink is a sweeter take on the classic cold brew — on-tap cold brew is tampered by the addition of white chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut flavoring in this new menu item for 2023. You can grab it for $8. Resolution Cold Brew We tried out this drink today and the combination of flavorings bring down the bitterness you sometimes taste in cold brew coffee. Despite this, we didn’t really taste any of the white chocolate or hazelnut. It pretty much was like drinking a vanilla cold brew! Check out our full review below. See Our FULL Review Here Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar There’s a new Winter Flurry Punch available at the Coca-Cola Rooftop bar! New special You can get it for $7. Disney Springs Construction Updates The newest restaurant coming to Disney Springs — Summer House on the Lake — will be opening in 2023! We’ve been keeping up with the progress, and it looks like a wall has been erected and more structural beams have gone up. Progress! We can also see a crane which can only mean more progress is on the way! Check Out Our Review of Summer House in Chicago Here Disney Springs Merchandise Updates World of Disney The Regency Ruffle Ears have been spotted in World of Disney! You can get them for $34.99. Spotted in Disney Springs too! There are some new Lunar New Year items available, like this Year of the Rabbit long sleeve shirt for $44.99… Lunar New Year merch! …Year of the Rabbit sweater for $59.99… Sweater …and this red jacket for $89.99. Red jacket We also spotted this Marie wall clock for $59.99. Hi Marie! That’s everything new from Disney Springs this time around! We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World, so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2023 to get 25% off! Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! 23 Tips That Will Make Your 2023 Disney World Trip Easier Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you been to Disney Springs lately? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New at Disney Springs: Treats at Gideon's Bakehouse, Salt & Straw, and More! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
We are just over a week away from the Festival of the Arts, the EPCOT festival where art is celebrated in a variety of forms. Festival of the Arts 2023 is almost here! Along with Broadway performances, cultural displays, and some pretty mind-blowing chalk art, there is, of course, plenty of food. It looks like Disney is preparing for the festivities, because the first festival food booths have started to pop up in EPCOT! While we can’t sample all the delicious eats quite yet, we know it’s getting close because we just spotted some booths being set up! In the very back of World Showcase, food booths have started to appear. Just in this picture, you can see four booths in the front and one more in the far-off distance. Hurray for booths! The booths are cropping up all around World Showcase. Some are still covered at the moment, but we anticipate seeing more revealed in the coming days. Wonder what’s inside? Others have already premiered their signs, like Deco Delights, which is still sporting a festive wreath. Deco Delights We also saw the sign for the Deconstructed Dish, where you’ll find unconventional takes on favorite dishes like Key Lime Pie and French Onion Soup. Deconstructed Dish Goshiki has also made an appearance. This booth is home to the favorite Sushi Donut! Goshiki We are looking forward to trying out the dishes and bringing reviews straight to you so you know what to eat (and what to avoid!). You can prepare by checking out these confirmed menu items, and stay tuned to our site for more Festival updates! Eager to preview some of the other art on display? Here are some brand-new prints coming to the 2023 Festival! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which EPCOT festival is your favorite? Comment below! The post PHOTOS: See the FIRST 2023 Festival of the Arts Booths in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Recently while strolling through Magic Kingdom, we paid a visit to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Sleepy Hollow While other guests were treating themselves to a Nutella Waffle Sandwich or their controversial turkey legs, we spotted a new item to try! Following previous incarnations, this new Chilling Chamber Pop features one of the iconic images from the Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion. With this version we see the Mayor, who’s run out of luck and is atop a fully lit barrel of dynamite. Just like the portraits in the attraction, push this cake pop up to create your own stretching effect. Chilling Chamber Pop featuring The Mayor The Haunted Mansion theming continues with the instantly-recognizable purple wallpaper design around this pop. Okay, we’re sure you’ve heard enough about how it looks — you want to know how it tastes! This treat is filled with chocolate crumbs, white buttercream, and chocolate popping candies (we assume to symbolize the dynamite!) for $5.49. An eerie treat! When you push the bottom, the different layers of the dessert become visible. Enjoy layer by layer, or go for an all-in-one bite. We found that the chocolate “crumbs” tasted more like a chocolate cake, albeit, well, crumbly! The popping candy topping added a nice crunchy texture to the otherwise soft snack. Look at those layers! The buttercream tasted more like a whipped topping and less like that traditional, thick buttercream frosting you might imagine. If you’re a chocolate-lover or can’t resist popping candy, give this a shot! You can get your own at Sleepy Hollow for $5.49. Magic Kingdom might not be known for their cuisine, but this could be a good mid-afternoon pick-me-up during a long park day. If you’re looking for other quick spots to grab a tasty snack or two in Magic Kingdom, stop by Pecos Bill’s for some nachos or the Adventureland Spring Roll Cart! Cheeseburger Spring Rolls Stay tuned for more reviews and food updates! Speaking of Magic Kingdom eats … check out this review on one of our favorite spots! Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022 Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15 Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which Magic Kingdom snack is your favorite? Comment below! The post REVIEW: Is It Just Us or Is This Snack Actually Stretching in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!). Beach Club Resort But how do you choose between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you! Choosing between the Polynesian Village and the Beach Club, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories: Common Ground Theme/Rooms Pools Food Transportation We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip. Aloha! Common Ground Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks. They both have close proximity to the Disney Parks, and even within walking distance! And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations. The Beach at the Polynesian For the Polynesian Village, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $662 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,492 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. For the Beach Club, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $534 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,763 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests Theme/Rooms Just like our ol’ Friend, Chandler Bing, would say, “Could these resorts BE any more different?” Both the Poly and the Beach Club are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same! The Polynesian The Polynesian celebrates tiki culture, and offers a nostalgic image of Pacific island vacations, but isn’t necessarily a literal representation of those environments. It’s filled with dark woods, tribal symbols, and tropical flowers. The Polynesian is one of Walt Disney World’s opening day hotels, it has a rich history, and a large following among Disney fans. It really does embrace its name of “village” as its layout is comprised of 11 longhouses plus the over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows, which branch out from the Great Ceremonial House. Polynesian Village Resort All of the rooms have recently been renovated and updated with a Moana-inspired theme, and Kona Cafe, a table service restaurant in the Great Ceremonial House, has also recently reopened with a new look and refreshed menu. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort But with renovations and updates comes construction, like over at the old Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show location, which is currently an active construction zone as it will be the site for a new DVC tower. Though it shares the same white sand beaches as the Grand Floridian, the island vibe here just makes them pop. Sunsets on the Poly beach are just superior to the other Disney World “beaches”. Beach at Polynesian Village Resort Beach Club Not to be confused with its up-tight and snooty sister resort, the Yacht Club, the Beach Club is where you can relax, let your hair down, and wander through the lobby in bare feet with your bucket of collected seashells. Disney’s Beach Club Resort Lobby The Beach Club steers clear of those bold nautical colors and embraces pastels and the soft tones of the beach at sunset. Beach Club Standard Room Though, we wouldn’t mind some more Disney touches, these rooms are soft, cozy, and embrace the beach cottage vibe of New England. Bathroom The Beach Club renovated and updated the rooms in 2016, for a more sophisticated appearance with simple features and softer coloring. These rooms don’t have the personality that you can find at the Contemporary and Polynesian. So, if you’re looking for a room with some “character,” the Beach Club may not be your jam. Results This is a difficult decision because both of these resorts really channel in those beachy vibes. Do you want your beachy-themed vacation to feel more like Hawaii or Bora Bora? Or are you looking for more of the coast of Maine feel? Do you want to feel like you just stepped in from a New England clambake or from a tropical luau? Your preference may give you a particular leaning, but if you’re looking for rooms with a bit more “character”, then the Polynesian might be your choice. Why You Should Add Disney’s Yacht Club to Your Resort Hopping List Right NOW Pools Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out… The Polynesian The Polynesian’s whole vibe is stepping into a tropical oasis, so the pool game is strong with this one! There are two pools at the Polynesian: the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool. However, the Lava Pool is the showstopper here — because it’s a volcano! Ok, not a for-real volcano, obvi, but it has a waterslide from the top of the volcano’s peak, which is pretty epic. Lava Pool! Even if you’re not looking to swoosh down a volcano waterslide, the lounge area at these pools and the pool bars (which definitely enhance the atmosphere), the Barefoot Pool Bar, and the Oasis Bar & Grill. And Capt. Cook’s and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace are also so close they could be considered pool area enhancements, too. There are lots of drink options and plenty of food options for your day by the pool. You can even try a DFB Dole Whip drink hack that became a permanent menu item on the Barefoot Pool Bar menu! And now we’re officially on island time! Beach Club The Beach Club may be understated when it comes to its lobby and resort rooms, but it is not to be outdone in the pool category. Disney’s Beach Club shares a pool complex with its neighboring resort, the Yacht Club, Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Stormalong Bay is a destination on all its own. This pool complex is almost like its own mini-water park, with sand at the bottom and even a lazy river! So, your kiddos can take advantage of the ‘shipwrecked’ themed water slide, while you leisurely float around the lazy river, so just relax on of the many lounge chairs. Stormalong Bay Shipwreck Stormalong Bay is also nestled in close to Beaches and Cream, an iconic ice cream shop, providing over-the-top milkshakes, sundaes, and comfort junk food essentials like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Results Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, lounge chairs, and splash areas. Are you looking for adventure on a shipwrecked water slide or a cruise down a lazy river? Or something a bit more casual and with that island vibe? Seeking the pure wow factor with the Volcano and the proximity to Dole Whips? Or are you craving getting your toes in the sand and a deluxe ice cream sundae? There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Beach Club, because that pool is just epic! 10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools Food Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category. Polynesian Village Polynesian Village has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)! Barefoot Pool Bar is the perfect place to grab a specialty cocktail to enjoy while lounging by the Lava Pool. Oasis Pool Bar & Grill serves up Polynesian-themed food and specialty cocktails to guests enjoying the Oasis Pool. Captain Cook’s is a quick-service location, popular for being the place you can grab Tonga Toast for breakfast in the morning, and Island-inspired dishes like the Pulled Pork Nachos and Thai Coconut Meatballs for lunch and dinner. The recently renovated and reopened Kona Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual setting. The sweet Tonga Toast makes breakfast at Kona is a guest favorite. Kona Island conveniently sits right off the second-floor monorail entrance. In the morning, this location serves Kona coffee and pastries, while at night, it becomes a sushi bar with cocktails. Kona Cafe is right next to Kona Island ‘Ohana has an oak wood fire pit that flavors the grilled meats served at an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal each evening. In the morning, Lilo and Stitch entertain guests during an Island-style character breakfast. Hawaiian side dishes complement each meal. Tambu Lounge is a relaxing bar where you can enjoy a drink prior to your dinner at ‘Ohana or Kona Cafe. The Lapu Lapu (a rum concoction served in a pineapple) is its claim to fame. Our favorite noodles Pineapple Lanai is where you can find the famous Dole Whip! This is a Polynesian Village Resort claim to fame, as it was the first Disney World Resort where Dole Whip was served outside of the parks. The Polynesian remains the only Resort with its own spot dedicated to the treat. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a unique tiki bar located in the Great Ceremonial House, complete with an interactive room (elements react based on the ordering of certain drinks) and wacky hijinks from your servers, the Skippers! Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is the more relaxed (but still entertaining) outdoor counterpart to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Learn more about the Polynesian Village Resorts Restaurants here! Beach Club Hurricane Hanna’s is a pool bar, tucked under the Stormalong Bay waterslide that provides fixes for your hunger without having to wander too far from the pool. The Beach Club is home to one lounge, one quick-service market, a table service option, and a Character dining restaurant. Not to mention its close proximity to Yacht Club and all of those dining options. Beaches and Cream The Beach Club Marketplace is the quick service location and gift shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Once you make your way through the gift shop you’ll find yourself in the quick service dining area, complete with a sandwich counter. Guests will find basic staples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to a dry goods section (think boxes of cereal, peanut butter, and other essentials you might need). This is also the location for filling your Refillable Resort Mugs. Hot breakfast choices include a breakfast platter, pastries, and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, salads, and some truly tasty baked mac and cheese dishes. Oodles of tempting sweet treats are often found in the refrigerated cases, so keep an eye out for specialty cupcakes and more! Beach Club Marketplace Ah, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop… THIS is the place to go for classic diner eats and GIGANTIC ice cream sundaes in Walt Disney World! Tucked between the Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts, this authentic soda counter restaurant is decked out in pastels and is complete with a jukebox! Though the sundaes and shakes here are sizable no matter which sweet treat you order, Beaches & Cream is especially well known as being home to the famous Kitchen Sink: an eight-scoop ice cream sundae (made for sharing with the whole group) served up with EVERY TOPPING in the house! Beaches and Cream underwent a renovation to expand the dining space and reopened in late 2019, so this formerly small spot can accommodate many more guests these days. And you can always grab some ice cream (or hard shakes & floats for adults) at the Beaches & Cream To Go Window, too! No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream Cape May Cafe is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, just inside the lobby! Cape May Cafe currently features an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet with Disney pals! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is one of the best places to see some of the most beloved Disney characters outside of the parks. Though characters may vary, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy can often be found at Cape May Cafe, all dressed up for a day at the beach! Though Disney characters are not present during Dinner, the evening meal serves up something unique, as all-you-can-eat surf-and-turf gets the spotlight, with plenty for landlubbers and seafood fans to enjoy! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast Located directly next to Cape May Cafe near the lobby of the Beach Club Resort, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge is a relaxing spot to get a bite and a drink in the evening hours. Specialty cocktails, craft drafts, wines, and a full bar menu are available. And, like Cape May Cafe, the cuisine (a small selection of appetizers) is inspired by a Northeastern clambake, with comforting seafood favorites like clam chowder served alongside a few pub classics like chicken wings. Martha’s Vineyard Sometimes, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge will also host drawing or painting activities, so be on the look out for those. Has Disney World Gone TOO Far With Their Creative Drinks?! You Tell Us! Results It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you and your family love some more “unique” food, and options that vary away from the traditional comfort food of fried chicken, steak, seafood, burgers, and chicken nuggets, then the Polynesian might be your jam! All of its menus are influenced by island flavors, and though not bizarre or untraditional, you’ll definitely find some creative takes on your familiar favorites. Kids’ Sushi The Beach Club really embraces the casual vibe of its setting with over the top sundaes and milkshakes at Beaches & Cream, and the casual fun of a clambake with your favorite Disney pals over at Cape May Cafe. Nothing hoity-toity here, just good ol’ fashioned family-beachy fun! EVERYTHING to Eat at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Transportation Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!! Polynesian Village Polynesian Village is on the Monorail loop. It’s the first stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is also a boat option to sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. You can also get your steps in by strolling the walkway over to Magic Kingdom, but it’s not for the faint of heart as it is about a 20-25 minute walk. Boat launch from Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks. Polynesian Bus Service But if EPCOT is your park for the day, here is where the difference sets in. Because the Poly is so close to the Transportation & Ticketing Center, if you don’t mind a brief 5-10 minute walk, you can waltz over to the TTC and board a Monorail to whiz you off to EPCOT. This may give the Poly the edge over the Grand Floridian as it does provide relatively easy access to that EPCOT Monorail loop. Beach Club The Beach Club is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, next to Yacht Club Resort, and across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. EPCOT Boat If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks. Disney buses can get you just about anywhere! And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, Beach Club guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky. Walt Disney World Skyliner Results These neighboring resorts are pretty much a tie when it comes to transportation. They both have pretty quick access to TWO Disney parks, and have the options of busses, boats, and even direct walkways to help you get around. EPCOT The Polynesian is right on the Monorail loop, and the Beach Club gives you access to the Skyliner, so they both have some unique offerings as well. It might just boil down to which parks do you plan to spend more time in, Hollywood Studios or Magic Kingdom? Why You Should Skip the Monorail on Your Next Magic Kingdom Trip The Winner! So, who is the ultimate winner in the Polynesian vs. Beach Club battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Polynesian may seem like a clear choice because of its theming and popularity with Disney fans. If the Beach Club seemed like the clear choice to you, it is a great hotel, it has an awesome pool and is just a quick walk from EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s up to you and your group to decide what makes the most sense for you using all that we talked about above. Keep following DFB for more articles like this, and sign up for our newsletter below to get them straight into your inbox! Polynesian Village vs. Contemporary Resort Guide for Disney World in 2023 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think? Is Polynesian Village or Beach Club Resort better? Let us know in the comments! The post Polynesian Village vs. Beach Club Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
This weekend is going to be exciting at Disney World — it’s the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend! ©Disney Runners from all over will be heading to Disney World to enjoy this year’s RETRO 1990s theme, buy some fun throwback merchandise, and earn some cool medals! They’ll also have a snack pack they can pick up at select Disney World hotel restaurants! The Runners Pack will be available for $9.99 at many quick-service locations throughout Disney World. It includes a Bagel, Banana, Peanut Butter, Granola Bar, and a Small DASANI Bottled Water. ©Disney Disney World guests can pick up the pack at the following locations: The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside Everything POP at Disney’s Pop Century Resort Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort The End Zone Food Court So if you’ll be in Disney World this weekend, you can grab the Runner’s Pack for a quick healthy snack! If you’re not a runner, we will warn you that there might be some extra crowds in the parks and throughout the resort over this weekend, too — it’s a very popular event! runDisney Finish Line If you’re a runner and participating in the marathon, good luck! You Only Need 3 Items to Make This runDisney DIY! Check It Out Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be in Disney World this weekend? Let us know in the comments! The post Where Runners Can Get Snack Packs During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Three years after the debut of Disney’s exclusive streaming service, Disney+, we’ve seen quite a few changes including the additions of films and original TV shows, price increases, and ads. ©Disney Now, thanks to a partnership with a massive name in the movie industry, Disney+ subscribers can have a movie theater experience right at home! Today Disney announced they are partnering with IMAX Corporation to bring a totally new movie viewing experience to at-home audiences. With new IMAX Enhanced technology, Disney+ subscribers can use select devices to watch films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and more. This will include both improved sound and visual quality! ©CinemaBlend | Marvel We already saw an expanded aspect ratio in November 2021, but this new launch will deliver up to 26% more picture across select films. Audiences can also enjoy IMAX-quality picture and sound with certified TVs from manufacturers like Sony and Hisense. IMAX Corporation Senior VP Vikram Arumilli stated they’re “thrilled to bring audiences an even greater cinematic experience in the home and beyond as we roll out the next phase of IMAX Enhanced on Disney+.” ©Disney Disney+ is the first streaming service to utilize IMAX Enhanced. Initially this technology will only be available on select films, including some Marvel titles, but we hope to see it expanded to the rest of their catalog. The IMAX Enhanced technology will come to Disney+ some time this year. Stay tuned to our site for updates! Check out the Disney films you’ll NEVER see on Disney+! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of this update? Will you be taking advantage of it, or do you find it to be unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comment section! The post How Disney+ Will CHANGE This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
This week, tens of thousands of athletes will lace up their shoes to celebrate 30 years of running as the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend kicks off. That’s three decades of support from our totally rad cast members! Even though I wasn’t here for the first marathon in 1994, it’s an incredible feeling to […]View the full article
-
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney World and Disneyland recently introduced MagicBand+ and we tend to find new designs quite often! It can be hard not to purchase a new MagicBand+ every time you visit, with fun designs featuring favorite parks, snacks, and Disney characters. Now, found a MagicBand+ that is perfect for fans of Disney World who are seeking some vintage flare! ©DisneyFoodBlog.com A NEW MagicBand+ has popped up on shopDisney! And get this — it’s a limited release 50th Anniversary MagicBand+! The Limited Release Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary MagicBand+ can be purchased for $44.99. ©Disney This beautiful MagicBand+ features a Disney World map! You can see elements of Fantasyland, Cinderella Castle, and more. Click here to purchase the 50th Anniversary MagicBand+ This isn’t the only new 5oth anniversary merchandise we have seen lately. With the major event coming to a close, Disney recently released the 50th anniversary finale collection. Take a look at the 50th anniversary finale collection here! Soon, the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company is kicking off in Disneyland. Read more about how Disney is celebrating their 100th anniversary here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of this new MagicBand+? Let us know in the comments! The post New Disney 50th Anniversary MagicBand+ Released Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
The Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t just movies anymore — the universe has expanded into some exciting TV shows, too. Agatha in Disneyland WandaVision was the first MCU series to arrive on Disney+ (followed by several others), and it’s getting a spin-off series, all based on the character Agatha Harkness. The show is called Agatha: Coven of Chaos and is bringing some HUGE talent to the screen, including one actress previously seen on WandaVision. In WandaVision, That 70s Show actress Debra Jo Rupp played Mrs. Hart, one of the residents of Westview, presumably under Wanda’s spell. According to Deadline, Rupp will return for the Agatha Harkness-focused spin-off series. ©Disney We don’t have any details yet about Rupp’s role in the series or if she’s reprising her role as Mrs. Hart (although if she WAS a resident of Westview, we all know that character might have been created by Wanda). Rupp is the third actress announced to be returning from WandaVision, along with Katherine Hahn as Agatha and Emma Caulfield Ford as Dottie. ©Marvel Other actors joining the cast include Joe Locke, Aubrey Plaza, Ali Ahn, Maria Dizzia, Sasheer Zamata, and Pattie LuPone. Needless to say, this cast is star-studded, and we’re looking forward to whatever fun twists and surprises it holds along the way. ©Disney There is also no word on whether WandaVision star Elizabeth Olsen will be returning as Scarlet Witch (who is presumed dead after the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — but not everyone stays dead in the MCU). ©Marvel You’ll be able to catch Agatha: Coven of Chaos on Disney+ in winter 2023. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney+ news! In the meantime, have you SEEN what’s new in our merch store?! Click here to shop our fun graphic tees! Get A FIRST LOOK at New Marvel Day at Sea Treats Coming to Disney Cruise Line Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you excited about the Agatha: Coven of Chaos series? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: 'Agatha: Coven of Chaos' Adds Debra Jo Rupp to Disney+ Cast first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Not all Disney fan clubs are created equally. Some fans are so devoted to vacationing at Disney, they consider it to be their Home Away From Home. DVC sign in Magic Kingdom Of course, we’re talking about the Disney Vacation Club! There are plenty of perks to buying into this program, like travel flexibility, exclusive events, discounts, and more. But recently, we’ve spoken to DVC members who are leaving the program and asked them why, but that made us wonder something else — what are the biggest reasons fans won’t buy into Disney Vacation Club? What Is the Disney Vacation Club? The Disney Vacation Club functions like a timeshare program, but there are a few key differences. Members aren’t “locked in” to any specific Disney destination, resort, season, or length of stay. Vacations are booked using a points system instead. Members receive a yearly allotment of points based on the size of their real estate interest or how much they’ve spent buying into their “home” DVC resort. Disney Vacation Club Members are able to “bank” or save vacation points that are unused for the next year, or “borrow” future years’ points for a sooner vacation as well. The program has changed over the years, including becoming more expensive while offering fewer benefits, causing some long-time members to end their DVC contracts. Why Fans Won’t Join We headed over to our Facebook page to see what our readers’ biggest reasons were for not wanting to buy into the Disney Vacation Club. Here’s what they said. Cost By far the most common answer we heard from readers was that DVC is just too cost-prohibitive. Of course, buying into any type of timeshare program is usually never cheap, but the Disney Vacation Club can come with some pretty steep prices. A few Disney fans mentioned that they were considering it, especially after the park closures, but after seeing the latest prices on the point charts, it didn’t seem worth it anymore. ©Disney | 2024 DVC Points Chart Not only is DVC expensive to begin with, but some readers just don’t see the value — at least not anymore. Ticket prices have increased in the parks, and there aren’t as many stellar DVC perks as there used to be. Moonlight Magic popcorn bucket One reader shared that when they looked at the price per month they’d spend on a DVC membership compared to putting that money into some sort of designated vacation savings account, the latter made more sense for their family. By having that money saved, they’d be able to book a Disney vacation when they wanted — or a vacation anywhere else since they weren’t locked into a Disney destination. Aulani Maintenance fees were also mentioned a few times by readers discussing the cost of a DVC membership. In addition to buying a certain number of points when you purchase a membership, you’ll also have to pay maintenance fees which can often be unpredictable. And ultimately, many of our readers just didn’t think spending all that money — what some equated to a second mortgage — on something you don’t actually own made financial sense for them. Popcorn buckets! But, it’s not just the cost our readers had a problem with… Contract Length One interesting thing about Disney Vacation Club memberships is that they last a lifetime…sometimes literally. Most DVC resorts were initially given an expiration date of 50 years from the date they were built, but occasionally extensions are offered (like in the case of Disney’s Old Key West Resort). So, as of now, the earliest any DVC contract might expire would be in 2042, with newer resorts like Riviera stretching all the way to 2070. Disney’s Old Key West Resort That’s a long time to commit to a payment, a vacation, a company, a destination — anything, really. Many of our readers said that the contract length — not the cost — was their biggest reason for not buying into DVC. One reader remarked that the future is uncertain, and signing a multi-year contract with monthly payments didn’t sit well with them. Disney’s Riviera Resort Those who buy into DVC and later decide it’s not right for them or may have had a change in circumstances do have a few options when it comes to opting out. First, members can rent out their points by using point rental services. Any guest is then able to “rent” points for a stay at DVC resorts. In other cases, members can sell their contracts entirely. This can be beneficial for those looking to get out of their DVC membership and those looking to purchase one at a discount or potentially for a shorter amount of time. You can read more about what to do if you want out of your membership here. Saratoga Springs Resort With many economic experts warning of a looming recession, it seems as though our readers aren’t too quick to jump into an expensive, multi-year financial commitment — no matter how many perks it might come with or how much they love Mickey Mouse. Not Enough Flexibility Even for some of the most die-hard Disney fans, the DVC just doesn’t make sense. Being locked into taking Disney vacations exclusively in most cases might sound appealing to some, but others want more flexibility. For most people, a DVC membership is their entire vacation budget and leaves them with little wiggle room when it comes to vacation destinations. Sure, there are DVC properties in Florida, California, Hilton Head Island, and even Hawai’i, but that isn’t enough for many of our readers. Grand Californian Tenaya Spa Being able to spend the money they might have used on a DVC membership towards any vacation they want is a big reason our readers don’t want to buy into the club. Pixar Pier Not only that, but several fans replied that visiting the Disney parks, in general, is just less spontaneous than it used to be, with the addition of Park Pass Reservations. Members might be able to book the resort of their choice last minute, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to secure passes to the parks they want on the dates of their choosing. Magic Kingdom With the overall lack of flexibility and more planning that goes into a Disney vacation these days, our readers don’t seem to think committing to a Disney Vacation Club membership makes sense for them. That, combined with those lengthy contracts and increasing costs are the big reasons why YOU won’t buy into the Disney Vacation Club. ©Disney Want to learn more about Disney Vacation Club? See the 2024 DVC Pints Charts here, and you can check out 2023 DVC Disney Cruise Line deals here. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! Everything You Need to Know About Disney Vacation Club Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Pre-Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you a Disney Vacation Club Member? Let us know in the comments! The post The BIG Reason You Won't Buy Disney Vacation Club first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
-
Only a Disney cast member could tell you about the magical moments that come from walking in Walt Disney’s footsteps at the Disneyland Resort, and Quinn Shurian is no exception. Quinn was given his first glimpse into a Disney career when he wrote a letter to Disney guest services for an eighth-grade report. As a […]View the full article
-
Looking to get away in 2023? Where are you off to? We know the feeling! Whether you’re heading to Disney World or somewhere else, flying might be the fastest way to get there — but it can also be expensive. Luckily, we’ve found a NEW deal on flights that could save you money if you act quickly! Breeze Airways has released a NEW deal for flights out of Charleston, South Carolina. According to ABC News 4, you can book a $49 one-way trip to Orlando — which essentially means you’re getting a round-trip flight for less than $100! ©️Orlando International Airport The discounted fares apply to 16 different cities, so even if you’re not flying to Orlando anytime soon you might still be able to take advantage of these savings. ©Breeze Airways You’ll want to hurry, though, as the sale is only available through January 5th and is valid for traveling January 11th through February 14th. Make sure you book your flights as soon as you can if you want to save on your flight! Orlando International Airport Breeze Airways offers direct flights to and from Orlando International Airport and often have pretty low fares, so consider checking those flights if you can. For more tips about the Orlando Airport, check out the big problem you might face here or the cheapest times to fly to Disney World in 2023 here. ©MCO Airport Looking for more travel tips? Check out the most and least reliable US airlines here, and you can see what to do if you’re renting a car in Orlando here. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest travel info and news! Air Travel Tips That Will Change Your Life Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2022 You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The BEST and WORST Airlines in the US, Ranked by Customer Complaints The MOST and LEAST Reliable Airlines in the U.S. This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you flown to Disney World recently? Let us know in the comments! The post You Can Fly to Disney World for CHEAP -- But You'll Want to Hurry! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article
