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In November, Disney Theatrical Production’s “The Lion King” celebrated 25 years of Broadway performances, an accolade only two other Broadway productions have previously achieved. On screen, stage, at Disney theme parks and beyond, the story of “The Lion King” has delighted audiences since 1994, and Dionne Randolph has been a part of the pride ever […]View the full article

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

Take a look back through 70 years of Walt Disney Imagineering history as we celebrate the contributions of its incredible Imagineers that continue Walt’s dream of creating immersive experiences that bring people together every day.View the full article

There are some seriously EXPENSIVE restaurants in Disney World — but which ones are worth it? Japan Pavilion We brought you along with us for the pricey $195 experience at Monsieur Paul in EPCOT and the extravagant experience at Victoria & Albert’s (which starts at $295 per person). Today, our journey brings us to one of the most expensive restaurants in all of EPCOT — but it’s a secret spot tucked away in the Japan pavilion. We’re talking about Takumi-Tei! Takumi-Tei is a signature restaurant in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion, located in a hidden spot over by the Mitsukoshi Department Store. It had been closed for quite some time following the 2020 COVID-19 closures but reopened later in 2022 serving up only a prix fixe omakase menu. So we stopped by to see if it’s worth your cash. Atmosphere Make no mistake about it, this is an absolutely GORGEOUS restaurant (once you find it, that is!). Look for a banner/sign and the door over to the right of Mitsukoshi. Look for the Door Over Here! From the second you step in the door, you’re greeted with a level of hospitality and attention to aesthetics that is practically unseen at most other establishments in Disney World. This place is gorgeous You’ll see all kinds of incredible decorations around. Simple Yet Beautiful The restaurant is inspired by five different elements — stone… Stone …water… Water …paper… Paper …earth… Earth …and wood. Wood The restaurant as a whole is inspired by Japan’s natural beauty — which is where those natural elements come in. More Decorations When we entered the restaurant, the Cast Members actually went over the theme of it with us, which was a great touch. Take a Look Around You Then we were greeted by much of the staff, who all bowed to welcome us. Really, it’s unlike most other things you’ll experience in Disney World and a far cry away from picking up your burger at a Counter Service spot. So Beautiful We were seated in the stone room, which is a small room there are only four tables in it. There is a sand Zen Garden on the wall surrounded by stone. There’s also a stone bar in this room where the alcoholic drinks are made. The ceiling has paper light fixtures and there are beautiful wall dividers in the space as well. One of our reporters described it as “absolutely gorgeous.” It’s really one of those places where even just sitting down and admiring the decor is a treat. The stone room! There are also rooms themed to earth… Earth Room …water… Water Room …paper… Paper Room …and wood. Each one is simple yet beautifully decorated to match its specific theme. Wood Room Even down to the chopsticks, the design and beauty shine. The chopsticks are pentagonal, sitting on the stone chopstick holder, and the placemats are very thin paper with gold specks in them that are beautiful. Chopsticks The napkins add another pop of color with their orange design. Reservations Before we dive into the menu, let’s talk about reservations quickly. As of the time this review is published, Takumi-Tei is only offering seating for a limited number of walk-up guests from Thursday through Monday from 5PM to 7:30PM. If you want to eat here, head to the desk outside the restaurant and let them know you’d want a table. They will then give you options for times during the evening. We walked up to the counter a little before 5 and the Cast Member appeared just a few minutes before that opening time. We were able to quickly grab a table for 5:15PM, but obviously, that can vary on crowds and demand. Inside Takumi Tei When you request your seating time, you’ll provide your phone number and give them the usual check-in details (like information about your dietary needs or a special occasion you might be celebrating). Then a text was sent when our table was ready. Keep in mind that this is subject to change and Takumi-Tei could shift to accepting reservations in the future. Be on the lookout for updates from us and see what the situation is like during your trip. Another Peek at the Water Room Alright, now let’s get to the menu! Menu Previously, Takumi-Tei offered omakase multi-course menu options as well as a la carte items. As of its reopening, however, the restaurant only offers 2 omakase multi-course menus. Menu There is an omnivorous option for $250 per person and a plant-based version for $150 per person. So, yes, it’s expensive! Takumi-Tei As the menu explains, omakase means “I leave it up to the chef.” It’s meant to be an experience where the chef creates a multi-course meal. That means the menu can change, so keep in mind that the items we got today might not necessarily be the items available during your trip. The “Kiku” or omnivorous omakase includes the chef’s selection of seasonal appetizers; nigiri and sushi roll; sashimi; your choice of a wagyu steak, roasted duck, or seabass; shirumono (essentially like a soup); and green tea accompanied by your pick of dessert. Menu The “Hasu” (plant-based) experience is cheaper and comes with slightly less — there is an appetizer set; nigiri and sushi roll with vegetables; deep-fried tofu; a Yuba roll; vegetable tempura; and green tea with your pick of dessert. Menu There is also a beverage menu. Menu You can add a cocktail, whiskey, sake flight, or other drink to your meal. Menu There are non-alcoholic options too. Menu Note that these are separately priced (not included in the omakase prices). Menu Now, let’s get to those eats! Eats We had two of our team members eat here — one did the omnivorous menu and the other tried the plant-based menu. Keep in mind that the items below are what we were served, but menu items can change! Omnivorous Omakase Course 1 — Zensai Moriawase (Appetizer Platter) This course was made of the Chef’s selection of seasonal appetizers. Our Spread Our appetizers included a crab salad which our team member said was everything they could have hoped for. Look at THAT The greens were wonderfully crunchy with the lightest soy dressing on them, while the crab was easy to eat, tasted buttery, and was well seasoned. We will say that it did have an extra touch of fishiness that could be a turn-off to some, so just keep that in mind. WOWZA The uni (sea urchin) was probably the most challenging thing on the plate. Texturally, the sea urchin was super soft and it had a nice umami flavor to it. The accompanying items had a nice acidity that helped tone down the big flavors of the urchin. But this definitely had some of that fishy flavor so beware. The Sea Urchin The seaweed was very briny and the roe on top was big enough to cause a visceral popping sensation. When they burst, they tasted like sea water. While our reporter enjoyed it, even they shared that they didn’t think they’d have been able to eat a portion any bigger than what was served. Tastes Like…Sea Water? We also got a tofu dumpling that had a surprising texture. It tasted almost as if it was vegetable broth in a more solid form with a pudding-like texture. It did melt in your mouth though, which was nice. Tofu Dumpling The edamame was well-cooked and worked as a nice, fresh, and perhaps more “safe” addition to the plate. Edamame Then it was time for course 2. Course 2 — Sushi The sushi was surprising in the best way possible. Our reporter shared that this was quite possibly one of the BEST plates of sushi they have ever had. This Sushi Was Epic Our reporter shared that they often go to Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs (a big favorite of ours here at DFB) to get their big sushi platters. But the pieces of nigiri here were on another level. The sushi (circular item in the back left), on the other hand, we would say is about equivalent to Morimoto Asia. Note that these pieces were preseasoned with the soy sauce and we think that made a big difference as it eliminated the risk of us “overseasoning” the sushi with too much soy sauce. So Good! The yellowfin tuna (bottom left) was one delicious piece of fish. It was the one that tasted the most like what you’d expect sushi to taste like, with a piece of fish that carried strong fishy flavors. And it had an almost buttery texture that was phenomenal. So Delicious Then we had the scallop sushi, which was surprising! The scallop had an almost citrusy flavor to it that balanced out the wasabi very well. Another Great One Our favorite, however, was the last piece (top) which was the eel. The eel was incredibly tender and so flavorful. Even if you haven’t had eel sushi before, we’d highly recommend getting it here. Eel The sushi roll on the plate had a lot going on with some egg souffle and other elements. It almost felt like we were eating that three-course dinner chewing gum from Willy Wonka! Our reporter put the whole thing in their mouth and was hit with so many flavors. Sushi This was extremely tasty, but the most “mundane” in terms of the overall flavor profile. It tasted more similar to something we’ve had at other sushi restaurants. But, don’t get us wrong, it was still VERY good. Course 3 — Agemono (Deep Fried Dish) Course 3 was a lobster tempura served with creamy ponzu sauce and salt (it is described as matcha salt in the menu but what we tasted was a yuzu salt). This was, as our reporter put it, the “fanciest fish stick in all existence.” YUM The lobster was cooked wonderfully and just fell apart (as you’d expect it to do). It managed to capture that lovely richness and butteriness of lobster, while still being fried in the lightest tempura batter. Even if you don’t love fried foods, we think this is a winner. The frying really just adds the perfect amount of crunchiness. We’ll Take More! The ponzu sauce was our favorite out of the accompaniments but we liked the salt as well. Combining them, though, is the way to go. Our reporter shared that they never want to eat lobster any other way ever again — so, yeah, we’d call this a WIN. Course 4 — Sashimi Course 4 was sashimi with seasonal fish. It was just that — a plate of raw fish — but our reporter said it was probably one of the BEST things they’ve ever eaten in their entire life. Incredible! This plate featured snapper, fatty tuna, and yellowfin tuna, and EVERY SINGLE PIECE was delightful. The snapper had a buttery texture and flavor to it that was not fishy at all. Snapper The fatty tuna was probably our favorite — it had the richness almost of a dessert but was fantastically savory. Fatty Tuna The yellowfin tuna had a great tuna flavor but was just a little bit more substantial/tougher when compared to the fatty tuna. Yellowfin Tuna Overall, though, it was an AMAZING plate of fish and something our reporter said they’d easily come back for. Just keep in mind that they season the fish for you with soy sauce, but there is wasabi on the plate. Course 5 — Yakimono (Grilled or Pan-Fried Dishes) With this course, you get to pick the wagyu steak, roasted duck, or seabass. We went with the Wagyu, which is a 3oz Japanese A5 wagyu steak, curry-roasted potatoes, and roasted seasonal mushrooms. And…surprise, surprise — we had ANOTHER winner. Considering how fish-heavy the rest of the menu is, this was a welcome difference. Another Win? You Don’t Say! The meat was fatty with a lovely marbling. You could tell the beef was of extremely high quality. It had a lovely buttery texture once you chewed into it, and it does start to melt in your mouth because of the fattiness. The fat here doesn’t taste like the fat you might be used to seeing on a steak, like a ribeye. Instead, it really just transforms into a buttery, fatty, flavor explosion. The mushrooms were wonderful and added another great savory flavor to the dish. The potatoes were also very good and the seasoning on them almost gave them a maple syrup flavor, without the sweetness. Our Dish There was a puree on top as well which was wonderful. It essentially was a sort of mashed potato option but VERY creamy. The sauces served with this were black sesame sauce and green leek sauce. The black sesame sauce almost tasted like everything bagel seasoning, but it did have a good amount of sweetness to it that complemented the meat really well. Our preference, however, was the green leek sauce because it had a bit more sweetness to it and it had a sharpness that helped cut through some of the fattiness of the meat. Course 6 — Shirumono (Soup) Course 6 was made of a seasonal broth. Ours was a miso soup with tofu, mushrooms, and scallions. This was a very good and warm miso soup, which came in a serving size that was perfect — not too big and not too small. Soup In terms of flavor, it was interesting. It tasted almost like it had the spiciness of ginger incorporated into it, which was a nice complement to the miso and it really elevated the miso soup. Given how much we had already eaten at this point, we were starting to feel full but not to the point of being uncomfortably full, which was nice. Sometimes multi-course desserts like this can leave you feeling like you’ll need to be rolled out of the restaurant, but this was different — in the best way possible! Course 7 — Ocha to Kanmi (Tea and Sweets) Finally, we get to the tea and dessert course! For this, you get green tea and your choice of a chestnut creme brulee, strawberry yuzu sorbet, or monaka daifuku. We opted for the Monaka daifuku with ice cream and kinako crumble, per the server’s recommendation. The server explained that it is a more traditional Japanese dessert. (Bokksu describes daifuku as a popular type of Japanese candy — it’s a type of mochi that usually has a red bean paste filling. Monaka is another type of Japanese sweet.) Our Dessert The mochi was soft and gooey with the perfect ratio of red bean paste to rice dough. The server told us to put the mochi between the rice crackers and eat it like a little sandwich, which was a fun tip. The rice crackers were basically ultra-thin rice cakes, so they weren’t tremendously flavorful, but they did add a great crunch to the soft mochi. The kinako (roasted soybean flour) crumble had an interesting flavor to it — almost like a fine sugar cookie had been mixed with a graham cracker. The crumble was very fine and it went really well with the ice cream, serving almost as a sort of pie crust. Another Good Pick The fruit included was strawberries and sliced grapes. Our advice would be to eat this all together. Take a bite of your mochi sandwich, then eat a spoonful of the ice cream, and get some of the crumble and fruit. For us, it was like the scene in Ratatouille where Remy eats the cheese and strawberry together. The blending of flavors was fantastic and wonderfully light — serving as the perfect ending to the meal. Note that there is some matcha on the plate, but don’t let that scare you away if you hate matcha. Our reporter was able to eat around it for the most part. And that brings us to the end of the omnivorous omakase. Now, let’s dive into the plant-based version. Plant-Based Omakase Course 1 — Zensai Moriawase (Appetizer Platter) This first course was made of the chef’s selection of a few appetizers. Our Selection The dumpling we got was almost like a pudding, but savory! Sesame was the flavor we tasted the most. Just note that picking this up can be a bit tricky. There was a little dot of wasabi on it that we would have liked to have spread a bit more evenly, but the consistency of the bun didn’t quite allow us to do that so keep in mind that one spot may have a stronger wasabi flavor than others. Dumpling The seaweed salad we got as part of the appetizers was VERY fresh, extremely light, and so refreshing and cool. It was absolutely delicious. One piece of it had a stronger fish flavor than the others, but it was nice to get a single bite of it. It didn’t overpower the dish, which was nice. The majority of the salad was cucumber, and the dressing was slightly vinegary and salty (but not overly so). Overall, this was a great appetizer. Seaweed Salad We also got edamame with this appetizer course and our reporter shared that it was some of the BEST edamame they’ve ever had! Edamame Course 2 — Sushi Course 2 brought us nigiri and rolls made with seasonal vegetables. The Sushi Platter There was a red pepper roll that, again (you’ll sense a trend here) had some of the most delicious red pepper our reporter has ever tasted in their entire life. The roll really allowed that red pepper flavor to shine, which was wonderful. This Was So Good We also got a shiitake mushroom roll. This one had a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce which was wonderful. It was almost like a barbecue sauce in a way because of its balance of sweet and savory flavor profiles. Mushrooms We also got an asparagus roll. This had a seaweed flavor that came through upon the first bite, but then something within the roll exploded and provided a suddenly fruity (yet still savory flavor). It turns out that the lovely fruit flavor was from the plum that was included in the dish! It was a fun surprise and wonderful addition to this roll. Asparagus The last roll we got was a soy wrap with avocado. It was considerably less flavorful than the other rolls but still served an important purpose as a light and refreshing palette cleanser. Soy Wrap Course 3 — Shusai The shusai course featured deep-fried tofu, black rice, carrots, seasonal mushrooms, and tsuyu dressing. (The Food Network has a recipe for a tsuyu sauce that includes dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.) The fried tofu almost had the effect of a french toast. There was a sweet-and-savory sauce on top and around it that almost tasted like cola — giving this dish a sort-of syrup and french toast vibe, but in the most elevated way possible and with a savory twist! Fried Tofu The black rice serves as a hearty base for the dish, and the seasonal mushrooms were delicious. We also got some micro greens that added a nice sense of freshness to the plate. Plus there was another element to the dish that appeared to be pickled in curry and was a very exciting surprise. The ingredients in this dish really worked together beautifully. Course 4 — Yuba Roll Course 4 was a yuba roll which had beancurd skin rolled with daikon, cucumber, and miso with yuzu kosho dressing. (Mashed explains that yuba is “the skin that forms on hot soy milk.”) (According to bon appetit, yuzu kosho is a “pasty Japanese condiment made from fresh chiles (most often green or red Thai or bird’s eye chiles) then fermented with salt along with zest and juice from yuzu, a tart and fragrant citrus fruit that grows in East Asia.”) Yuba Roll This was a very flavorful and herbaceous roll. It reminded us of the soy paper and avocado rolls from earlier in the meal, but this one was a LOT more interesting since it had a flowery taste. Much More Exciting The sauce (the yuzu kosho dressing) was very light and had a citrus flavor to it, though it wasn’t the most flavorful thing in the entire world. Course 5 — Yasai Tempura (Vegetable Tempura) Course 5 features seasonal vegetable tempura served with warm soba noodles. Tempura and Noodles The soba noodles were made with yuzu (we meet once again!) and were SO interesting and delicious. Yuzu is a tart citrus fruit — almost like a lemon — and the flavor of the yuzu was really the predominant flavor in the soba noodle dish. That makes it really unique and was unlike anything we’d ever had before. These Were So Unique! The vegetable tempura included in this course truly BLEW US AWAY. Our reporter who had the plant-based menu shared that it was the BEST thing they had out of the entire meal (up to this point in the meal, anyway) — to the point where they said they wished they could eat it every single day! Tempura The salt used in the dish was a citrus salt, but the flavor was unique — almost as if a lemon and tangerine had a lovely, citrusy baby. Course 6 — Ocha to Kanmi (Tea and Sweets) Finally, we get to the last course! This comes with green tea and your pick of a strawberry yuzu sorbet or monaka daifuku. Tea We opted for the sorbet — it was a strawberry yuzu sorbet served over a plant-based shiso (beefsteak plant) jelly. The yuzu sorbet was crumbled, almost like little pebbles, and then frozen — which made it a bit more interesting than your regular sorbet! On the side of the bowl, there was an orb and a disk made of shiso jelly. On its own, the shiso jelly tasted like freshly cut grass — which is certainly an interesting flavor. Dessert The yuzu sorbet was bright and cheery, but we barely tasted the strawberry. Instead, the yuzu was the predominant flavor. But things changed when we mixed the various elements together. We grabbed a piece of the shiso jello and ate it with the yuzu sorbet rubble (along with a dusting of the rose sugar that was garnishing the rim of the bowl) and the whole flavor profile changed. Mix The Pieces Together It was DELICIOUS! It gave us a white cherry vibe which we loved! Drinks Finally, from the drinks menu, we ordered the Kami, which is a signature cocktail that costs $15. This is made with KI NO BI Gin, Nigori “Sacred Mist” Sake, Lychee Calpico, and Lychee. Our reporter who tried this absolutely LOVES lychee cocktails, so they had to give this a try. In a word, it was…delicious! The cocktail was light and fruity. It was a touch on the sweet side, but not in an overly sugary way — more in a naturally sweet way. Our Drink It did have a bit of the burn from the gin, but we didn’t taste the more natural elements of the gin (like the pine tree taste). Instead, the lychee was the main flavor (it did have a lychee in the cocktail so that makes sense!). In terms of looks, we loved the tiny paper crane that was folded on the end of the chopstick — it added a really nice touch! Britannica explains that “kami” is defined as an object of worship in indigenous religions of Japan — it’s often translated to god but also includes other forces of nature. The Drink And with that, we end our EXTENSIVE meal at Takumi-Tei. Let’s go over some final thoughts. Nosh or Not Visit Takumi-Tei if: You love Japanese food or sushi — This really highlights sushi and Japanese flavors in a spectacular way You’re looking for a really spectacular and surprising meal in Disney World — Some of the dishes our reporters had here are ones they’ve described as the BEST they’ve ever had in their lives. It is a splurge for sure, but the quality is incredible You want to celebrate a very special occasion — The atmosphere here is lovely and it would be great to celebrate an engagement or other special news You’re an adventurous eater — If you love to try new foods and be surprised by flavors you may have never experienced before, this is the place to do it — especially for plant-based eaters. Plant-based eaters who love citrus and adventurous Japanese food (which can sometimes be difficult to find for those who eat a plant-based diet) should absolutely visit. Would You Go Here? Skip Takumi-Tei if: You are a picky eater or have picky eaters in your party — This is a menu created by the chef and some of the flavors/ingredients may be far out of your comfort zone. You’re not wanting to commit to a 3-4 hour dinner during your EPCOT day — Our meal took about 4 hours. Granted, we were snapping LOTS of photos. Still, you should expect to spend an extended amount of time here. You’re on a tight budget — This is definitely a SPLURGE! You hate citrus — This comment is mainly for the plant-based menu, which featured a lot of citrus-heavy flavors. If you are not a fan of citrus, steer clear. Several of the dishes on the plant-based menu featured yuzu as a predominant flavor. If you don’t like citrus, that’ll be very offputting for you. Overall Overall, our omnivorous eater shared that this was one of the BEST meals they’ve ever had (including meals outside of Disney). Granted, that member of our team loves Japanese food, so this was a great fit for them. The service was impeccable, the environment is incredibly serene and beautiful, and every course felt like it had been thoughtfully put together. The food was truly just as beautiful and intentional as the food at Victoria and Albert’s. Where Victoria & Albert’s beats Takumi-Tei is on the level of presentation when an item is brought out and some of the rarity of the items being served. But, Takumi-Tei really holds its own when it comes to extravagant meals. Is it worth $250? It depends. If you’re a huge fan of Japanese cuisine, then you might find this to be worth every penny (one of our reporters certainly felt this way). Plant-Based Sushi We especially loved that the meal left us satisfied without feeling overly full or stuffed to the point of being sick. If you’re a really picky eater though, beware since there really aren’t options for substitutions. As fancy EPCOT restaurants go, Monsieur Paul might be a safer recommendation since the dishes there can feel a bit “safer.” But if you’re an adventurous eater, Takumi-Tei is the way to go. What do you think? Would you spend the money on this meal? Tell us in the comments. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. Get the DFB Guide! We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off! 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! Would you eat at Takumi-Tei? Tell us in the comments! The post Come With Us to EPCOT’s Hidden (and Pricey!) Restaurant first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to planning your Disney World trip, it’s important to keep up with all the latest changes! Tree of Life From construction updates to new menu items or ride refurbishments, the parks and resorts are changing all the time. If you’re heading to Disney World in early 2023, there might be a few attractions unavailable — and we just found out about another one. Disney World attractions often temporarily close for routine maintenance to make sure they’re running in tip-top shape. We recently learned that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom would close in early January for refurbishments, and it looks like an Animal Kingdom ride will close soon as well. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is a raft-based water attraction where it’s pretty likely you’re going to get wet. But, if you were hoping to experience this attraction in January — you might be out of luck. Kali River Rapids Kali River Rapids will close for refurbishment on January 9th, 2023. No times are listed as available on the Disney World website. ©Disney This is a pretty timely closure, as even Central Florida can get chilly in January! We’re not sure how long this refurbishment will last, but we’ll let you know of any more updates. If you’re looking for more Disney World news, see the important warning added to the Disney World website here. You can also check out what’s new at Magic Kingdom here. Kali River Rapids Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! Hot New Food Trends That Could CHANGE Disney World Menus in 2023 Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you heading to Disney World in 2023? Let us know in the comments! The post Another Disney World Ride Will CLOSE for Refurbishment Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Pencil Magic With Stacia Martin | Celebrating Daisy Duck | Walt Disney World ResortView the full article

Maybe we’re a little biased, but when it comes to the holidays, our favorite gifts are usually delicious treats and snacks. Gideon’s Bakehouse We LOVE holiday snacks and drinks, and, more importantly, we absolutely adore Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. So why not give that yumminess to a friend…or even a frenemy? Gideon’s has cooked up the PERFECT gift for anyone who loves cookies. For a limited time, you can buy a stocking FULL OF COAL from Gideon’s Bakehouse! Okay, so technically, the coal is actually Gideon’s Chocolate Chip Bites covered in black sanding sugar, which makes it a much more delicious gift. ©Gideon’s Bakehouse The gift comes with a note from Krampus: ©Gideon’s Bakehouse So how can you get your hands on one of these stockings? From today through December 24th, you can pick one up at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs — but only 80 will be available per day, so you’ll need to get there early. Only two are allowed per person and each stocking (with coal bites included) is $32. You’ll want to get there early. If you just want the stocking by itself, without the coal bites, you can get it online through Gideon’s website (it still comes with the message from Krampus if you want to add your own coal). Each stocking is $25 (price includes shipping). These would be an awesome gift for Disney fans, and if you’re ordering online, you should still be able to get them in time for Christmas! Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs If you DO visit Gideon’s in Disney Springs, though, be prepared to wait in line. When things get really busy, there’s a virtual queue — you’ll give your phone number to an attendant waiting in front of the shop and you’ll get a text when it’s time for you to go inside (it’s small inside there, so they don’t have a lot of space for many people).⁣⁣ Keep following DFB for more updates from Disney World! Gideon’s Bakehouse Founder Talks Expansion Plans — Learn More Here! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2022 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2022 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What's New!! chapter for the 2022 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! ;-D Click HERE to order your 2022 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don't love it, you get your money back! Want Even MORE? The DFB Everything Bundle comes with ALL of our guides, including the Holiday Guide, for one low price! It includes: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2022 The 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Guide The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays 2022 Pre-Order 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Guide All Three DFB Snack Guides Click HERE to order your DFB Everything Bundle! MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Check Out Everything Announced for the 2022 Holiday Season in Disney World Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Is Coming BACK in 2022 – Get the Latest Details Get All of the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays We’ll Take This Little Golden Disney Book in Our Stocking, Santa! Learn Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events See How Much It Costs to Do Disney World at Christmas in 2022 Watch Our Video About What We Wish We’d Known Before Going to Disney World During the Holidays Check Out Our Photos & Reviews of the Holiday Treats in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be grabbing a stocking full of coal in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The Perfect Gift for Your FRENEMIES Is at Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Do you open your stockings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Mickey and Minnie stockings! It’s fun how families have different traditions for handling stockings, but most can agree that opening them is a highlight of their Christmas. The main issue with stockings is that filling them can get pricey! Get them items they’ll love AND stick to your budget with these Target finds under $5. This holiday chocolate ball has a hidden surprise! Inside you’ll discover some precious cargo — an adorable Grogu marshmallow that is almost too cute to eat. Star Wars Mandalorian Holiday Milk Chocolate with Marshmallow The Star Wars Mandalorian Holiday Milk Chocolate with Marshmallow is an original take on the standard chocolate many people add to stockings. Grab one of these sweet treats for $3.29! Click here to buy the Star Wars Mandalorian Holiday Milk Chocolate with Marshmallow! Another great pick for stockings are small collectibles, like Disney Doorables. This Disney Doorables Mini Peek includes minifigures from Series 8. Disney Doorables Mini Peek Which characters are inside? And how many will they receive? That’s part of the fun! Get a few of these packs for just $2.49 each! Click here to buy this Disney Doorables Mini Peek! Target has a variety of these Disney princess paddle brushes to make hair management more fun for little ones. This one features Anna of Arendelle in her Frozen 2 travel outfit! Disney Frozen 2 Anna Paddle Hair Brush The Disney Frozen 2 Anna Paddle Hair Brush is purple, with Anna featured on the rubbery backing. This paddle brush is just $4.99 at Target and will fit perfectly into their stocking! Click here to buy the Disney Frozen 2 Anna Paddle Hair Brush! Looking for something to suit a burgeoning reader? Treat them to this Disney Encanto Step Into Reading book! The story features their favorite characters from the recent Disney hit. Disney Encanto Step Into Reading Inside they’ll also be delighted to find over 30 stickers, too! This is a Step 2 book, perfect for kids who are are capable of reading with a little help. Get this book or other Disney titles from the Step Into Reading line for $3.59 each. Click here to buy Disney Encanto Step Into Reading! Surprise you resident rebel scum with this Star Wars Rebellion Lapel Pin! They can affix this to their outfits or add to their personal pin collection. Star Wars Rebellion Lapel Pin The “I Am The Rebellion” text is rendered on this pin in an etched font, with the symbol of the rebellion, the starbird, featured. This pin is marked down from $10 to just $4.99 right now! Click here to buy this Star Wars Rebellion Lapel Pin! This is another great choice for a stocking stuffer! Whether you’re gifting to a current Mini Brands collector or helping someone start their own, these 5 Surprise Mini Brands Disney Store Capsules are sure to be a hit. 5 Surprise Mini Brands Disney Store Series 1 Each capsule includes 5 mystery items, each a tiny replica of a Disney merchandise item. These capsules are currently on sale for $4.25, marked down from their original price of $8.49. Click here to buy the 5 Surprise Mini Brands Disney Store Series 1! There are plenty other stocking stuffers available on Target, so check out all they have to offer so you can pick the perfect gifts! For more gift ideas, check out our master list of gift guides for the holiday season! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2022 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2022 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What's New!! chapter for the 2022 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! ;-D Click HERE to order your 2022 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don't love it, you get your money back! Want Even MORE? The DFB Everything Bundle comes with ALL of our guides, including the Holiday Guide, for one low price! It includes: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2022 The 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Guide The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays 2022 Pre-Order 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Guide All Three DFB Snack Guides Click HERE to order your DFB Everything Bundle! MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Check Out Everything Announced for the 2022 Holiday Season in Disney World Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Is Coming BACK in 2022 – Get the Latest Details Get All of the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays We’ll Take This Little Golden Disney Book in Our Stocking, Santa! Learn Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events See How Much It Costs to Do Disney World at Christmas in 2022 Watch Our Video About What We Wish We’d Known Before Going to Disney World During the Holidays Check Out Our Photos & Reviews of the Holiday Treats in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What are you hoping to find in your stocking? Let us know in the comments! The post Stocking Stuffers You Can Get At Target For Or Less! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Disney World website has a TON of helpful information for when you’re planning your trip. Cinderella Castle Of course, we bring you those tips that you won’t get anywhere else — but you can find a lot of what you’re looking for on Disney’s website, too. Park hours, show times, reservation availability, you name it. Disney also shares important updates there, and a new message for guests is now on the website. You’ll find several important updates on the Disney World website, including the latest health and safety information, theme park reservations, help with the mobile app, and more. Disney recently added a new section on the Preparing for Your Visit page labeled “Courtesy” with a message that reads, “Be the magic you want to see in the world.” ©Disney The message continues when you click on “Read More,” and says, “You must always remember to treat others with respect, kindness and compassion. Those who can’t live up to this simple wish may be asked to leave Walt Disney World Resort.” There’s also a link to view the Disney World property rules. ©Disney It seems as though Disney wants to remind guests that being kind and respectful of others is basic human decency, and if guests are unable to do so and it causes a disturbance, they can be asked to leave Disney World. So, the next time you’re in Disney World and are exhausted, frustrated, or whatever the case may be — remember to “Be the magic you want to see in the world” and treat others kindly. Chances are you’re at Disney World to have a good time, and so is everyone else! Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet in Animal Kingdom! Looking for more Disney World news? See the updates coming to the Grand Floridian Resort here, and you can check out the latest with the Annual Passholder lawsuit here. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and more! The Planning Tips to Know Before Your Next Disney World Trip Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you planning a Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments! The post Important WARNING Added to Disney World Website first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve seen a LOT of upcoming ride and attraction closures for Disneyland Resort recently. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland We’ve got refurbishments going on over at Tarzan’s Treehouse, Indiana Jones Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers, and more at various times in the early part of 2023. But now, you can add another attraction to that list! According to the Disneyland website, Mickey’s PhilharMagic will also be closing for refurbishment, starting on January 24th, 2023. (In other words, your last day to experience the attraction for a while will be on the 23rd.) Mickey’s PhilharMagic At the moment, the calendar only goes through most of January, so there’s no set end date for the refurbishment yet. We’ll keep you updated if we get any more information about what might happen. The show was recently updated to include a new Coco scene, so it’s likely that this is just regular maintenance. Mickey’s PhilharMagic Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates on all the closures happening in the parks. We’ll share any more refurbishments that you need to know about so that you can plan ahead for your trip. If you’re traveling soon, make sure to check each day of the park hours calendar online to view those scheduled closures. And for more tips and tricks on how to navigate the parks, stay tuned! We’ve got you covered with the latest updates and all the details that you need to know to plan a successful vacation. Click Here to See Which Rides Will Be Closing in January at Disneyland! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! See Our DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Get All the Info About Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Should You Go to Disneyland in 2022? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Resort soon? Tell us in the comments! The post Mickey’s PhilharMagic Is Temporarily CLOSING at Disneyland Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If there’s one thing we love about Disney World, it’s the food! Disney is continuously introducing brand-new foods, and we often see the introduction of new food trends at Disney — especially during EPCOT festivals! The spread of new foods we recently tried at The Mara Since we know that Disney World follows what’s trending in the food world, we’re making some predictions today about the food trends we might see popping up on Disney World menus in 2023! Less Plant-Based “Meat” You have probably noticed a huge trend toward plant-based “meat” being offered in restaurants far and wide. Disney announced a partnership with Impossible Foods back in 2020, and serves Impossible Burgers, Sausage, Meatballs and other items at Disney World, Disneyland, and on Disney Cruise Line ships. Impossible Burger Slider at the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival However, plant-based meat substitutes are losing market share. It’s all part of a return to simplicity by consumers, according to Suzy Badaracco, a food trends analyst who is CEO of Culinary Tides, Inc. Plant-based meat substitutes use a long list of ingredients — as many as 40 — to mimic the taste and texture of meat. “Vegetarians and vegans want to eat clean, simple food,” Badaracco said in an interview with DFB. “People want to eat plants as plants.” That means we could see less meat substitutes and more plant-based whole foods — like beans and mushrooms — on Disney World menus. You’d Have NO Idea This New Disney World Snack Is Plant-Based Cheaper Ingredients It is absolutely no secret that food costs have been on the rise for most of 2022. And just as that might affect what you buy to cook with at home, it is affecting restaurant menus, as well. Oak-Grilled Chicken Bowl at The Mara Badaracco said as a result of this inflation, we will see restaurants “trading down” to cheaper cuts of meat — offering, say, a petite sirloin instead of a ribeye on menus. In addition, we will see restaurants introduce dishes that can look and feel fancy, but use less meat. We just saw The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge introduce three new bowls, which Badaracco said are a cost-cutting strategy. They allow a restaurant to offer more rice and vegetables and less meat, but in a beautiful presentation. Look for more of these, as well as skewered meat being offered on a bed of rice. “It’s not to trick consumers,” Badaracco said. “It’s to keep pricing even.” Click Here to Check Our Our Review of the New Bowls at The Mara Low-/No-Alcohol Beverages Searches for “Mocktails” are up 59% on Yelp this year, and that trend should continue into 2022. The restaurant review app says to look for the introduction of Michelaguas — a non-alcoholic take on the popular beer-and-tomato juice cocktail — on more menus, as well as an increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic slushie drinks. The Agave Garden mocktail at Bellevue Lounge Sober celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, and Natalie Portman are fueling this trend. We have seen Disney up its non-alcoholic beverage game, especially with the introduction of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival offerings like the Frozen Apple Pie and Mango Lassi. Another trend we’re keeping our eyes peeled for at Disney Parks: “Dirty” Sodas. These soft drink “cocktails” originated in Utah, blew up on Tik Tok, and usually contain soda, a splash of drink, and a flavored syrup. Check Out Our Recipe for Disney’s Maleficent Mocktails More Ube Disney food fans know about Ube because of the Purple Glazed Ube donut at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs. Ube is a bright purple yam native to the Philippines. It has a mild flavor that is at home in sweet or savory dishes. The Purple Glazed Ube Donut at Everglazed in Disney Springs The 2023 predictions by PR agencies AF&Co. and Carbonate say that Ube will be “ubiquitous” in 2023, both because of a larger trend of Filipino cuisine, and because the bright purple color of Ube makes dishes Instagrammable. Click Here to Read Our Review of the Purple Glazed Ube Donut “Regenerative” Ingredients While there has been a trend toward food that is farmed sustainably for many years now, there’s a new buzz word you will see popping up on food labels and menus in 2023: “Regenerative.” The word designates crops that have been farmed in a way that improves soil health and the ecosystem. ©The Land Institute | Kernza Grain One up-and-coming regenerative crop we could start seeing on menus is Kernza — a wheatgrass developed by The Land Institute. It is currently ground into flour to be used in quick breads like muffins and pancakes, cooked and served like rice pilaf, and used in brewing beer. Seafood Controversy: Will Disney Stop Serving Lobster? “New” Sweeteners The trend toward whole foods we mentioned above will extend into sweeteners in a big way in 2023, with people wanting naturally sweetened items rather than artificial sweeteners. Disney World has no-sugar-added desserts available in several restaurants. ©Whole Foods Whole Foods says dates are the next hot, natural sweetener, so we look for them to be included in Disney World no-sugar-added desserts in 2023. Click Here for Our Guide to Sugar Free Dining in Disney World That’s our round-up of 2023 Food Trends you might see at Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney food news! 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 new food trends would you like to see at Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post Hot New Food Trends That Could CHANGE Disney World Menus in 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

"On this day in 1983, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” premiered. To celebrate the film’s anniversary, Stacia Martin brought her Pencil Magic back to Walt Disney World to draw one of the stars, Daisy Duck!View the full article

There are just over 2 weeks left in 2022, so now is the perfect time to start planning your 2023 travel. Southwest Airlines If you’re looking for a last-minute big Christmas surprise, a pair of plane tickets to a new location (or back to Disney!) might just be the gift you’ve been searching for. And Southwest Airlines has a couple of major announcements that might affect your upcoming travel plans! As of now, Southwest Airlines has opened bookings for flights through August 14, 2023. This means you can get a head start on your summer travel plans, or even get a summer break trip to Disney World on the calendar. July and August are popular months when it comes to travel, so if you were envisioning a trip during this time, you might want to look at booking sooner rather than later just in case all the good seats are taken. ©Southwest Airlines We also learned that Southwest is adding a new cross-country route! On July 15, 2023, they will begin booking flights between Long Beach, California, and Orlando, Florida. It isn’t a permanent route: the flights will be Saturdays only, and Southwest has stated that, at this time, it will be seasonal. But at the very least, California guests now have another option for getting to Disney World this summer. Southwest Airlines Keep in mind that Southwest sometimes holds special deals, with some flights priced under $100 for a limited time. Stay tuned to DFB for updates on the best flight deals from Southwest and other popular airlines. Unsure what airline to pick for your next trip? Click here to see which airline was ranked BEST in the world! 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 Where are you hoping to fly on your next trip? What are your big 2023 travel plans? Share them with us below! The post NEW Nonstop Route to Orlando Coming for Southwest Airlines first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

An Intimate Look At The Life & Legacy Of Walt Disney | Disney Files On DemandView the full article

Sanford painter Kieran Castano continues tradition of drawing Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” comic strip, which debuted a century ago View the full article

Brightline’s newest train stations in Boca Raton and Aventura are opening less than a week from now, the company says. View the full article

2023 is shaping up to be a momentous year for the Disney company. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser The 50th celebrations at Walt Disney World will be wrapping up, and just as those come to a close the entire company will be celebrating its 100th anniversary! 2023 might be an important year for many guests as well. For example, you might be taking your first trip on the Galactic Starcruiser, Disney’s immersive Star Wars experience. Also known as the Star Wars hotel, the Starcruiser combines Disney’s resort amenities, dining, entertainment, and activities in a 3-day experience. When it first opened in March of 2022, some scrambled to get a spot while others were more hesitant due to the price tag. Now that the experience has had time to settle in, you might be ready to book! Let’s take a look at which dates have already sold out for this experience in 2023. Before scheduling your trip, booking airfare, or doing anything else concrete, first you need to ensure the dates you would like to visit are open. You can book as far out as September of 2023 at the moment! Some dates are already unavailable, so we’re making sure you know what is still available so you won’t miss out. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Atrium Because a stay (or “voyage”) is a 2-night experience, not every day on the calendar is available as a “start” day. Every 2 days a new boarding group comes in when the old one leaves, so on the calendar the beginning dates of each voyage are marked with an orange line. © Disney For the first three months of the year, the only dates that are completely unavailable are February 18th-19th. If you are planning on booking a trip in the very near future, you are still in luck! So far none of the dates in January are sold out. © Disney There’s a similar situation from April to June. Only two days in the middle of May are unavailable, the 17th-18th, but there is plenty of availability throughout the rest of the spring season. This is one of our favorite times to visit Disney because of the mild weather! © Disney Heading towards September, right now we’re seeing no fully booked dates as we approach the end of the year. This is great if you’re needing some extra time to plan and budget! We will be sure to keep updating this page, so keep checking in as you plan for your trip. ©Disney Of course, availability is subject to change. On their site, Disney notes that this availability is for informational purposes and is subject to change when you call to make your reservation. When you are ready to book, you can go ahead and call 407-939-1800 to reserve your stay! We have tons of posts about the Star Wars hotel, including reviews of all the dining on board, details about activities, room tours, and more. Check out our complete guide to see all the information you’ll need. Click here to learn more about the Galactic Starcruiser! Star Wars Hotel -- Galactic Starcruiser News and Information Check Out Our COMPLETE GUIDE to the Star Wars Hotel We’re Breaking the MYTHS from Inside the Star Wars Hotel Rooms What to Get (or AVOID) for Breakfast at the Star Wars Hotel We Ate EVERYTHING for Lunch at the Star Wars Hotel See Our FULL Review of the Entire Dinner on Night 1 of the Star Wars Hotel Yes, Dinner on Night 2 at the Star Wars Hotel is Different. See Our Full Review Is the Captain’s Table Worth the Extra Cost? See How the Fireworks at the Star Wars Hotel Will (and Won’t) Surprise You Get Our Full Thoughts on the BLUE SHRIMP See What Snacks Look Like in Space Some of the Best Food in the Star Wars Hotel is Hiding! Get a Look at the Exclusive Star Wars Hotel Merchandise Learn About What’s Included When You Leave the Star Wars Hotel for Hollywood Studios Take a Look at the Pricing for the Star Wars Hotel Watch Our DFB Video About Our Experience at the Star Wars Hotel Click HERE to See More About Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Those who have been to the Starcruiser before, what was it like? Let us know in the comments (no spoilers)! The post ALL of the 2023 Dates That Have Already SOLD OUT for the Star Wars Hotel in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, somehow, the year flew by and it’s the holidays in Disney World. A new year will be here soon, but until then, we’ll keep enjoying this festive season. It’s the holidays in Disney World! We don’t mind having extra time to check out the holiday decorations in Magic Kingdom or see all the fun holiday souvenirs in the shops. Mickey’s still throwing his Christmas Party on many nights and it’s the season to be jolly and joyous (yes, we’re quoting The Muppets). But what else is going on in Magic Kingdom? Let’s see what’s new! Magic Kingdom Food Updates Tomorrowland Terrace You can get the new Rainbow Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket at several snack kiosks throughout Magic Kingdom. It was available on Mobile Order when it first came out, but now it’s just out for regular purchase. It’s so colorful! The popcorn bucket is $20. See more photos of this popcorn bucket here. Magic Kingdom Merchandise Updates Curtain Call Denim is IN this season, at least Disney denim. You can get Mickey Denim Shorts for $59.99… Shorts …Mickey and Minnie Jeans for $59.99… Mickey AND Minnie …and Mickey and Pluto Jeans. Mickey and his best pal The Mickey and Pluto jeans are $79.99. Getting Critical Information Just Got EASIER for Your Trip to Disney World — Here’s How Emporium We’ve already told you about the 100th anniversary collection we spotted at the Emporium, but you can look over ALL of it here. We especially love the Platinum Minnie Ears for $39.99. Disney platinum ears We also found a Holiday DIY Card Kit for $24.99… Make your own holiday cards! …a restock on the Tinker Bell Shoulder Plush for $22.99… Carry Tink on your shoulder …a 2023 Baseball for $12.99… 2023! …a Fuzzy Mickey Bucket Hat for $34.99… SO fuzzy …an Adult Holiday Onesie for $69.99… This is just fun! …a Holiday Onesie for Kids for $39.99… Matching onesie for kids …an Aristocats Shirt for $29.99… Everybody wants to be a cat …and a Castle Hat. The castle The hat is $29.99. Here’s The Magic Kingdom Gluten Free Ultimate Guide for 2023 Uptown Jewelers Here, we found Pixar Holiday Earrings for $24.99… Pixar nutcrackers as earrings …a Dooney & Bourke Aristocats Tote for $328… The whole Aristocats gang …a Dooney & Bourke Aristocats Purse for $288… Such a cute print …and a Dooney & Bourke Aristocats Satchel. A MUST for Aristocats fans The satchel is $298. Here’s The Important Secret About Your MagicBand+ Star Traders A new Stitch Plush has arrived. Stitch! This version of Experiment 626 is $22.99. Here’s When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Will Temporarily CLOSE in Disney World in January Big Top Souvenirs We found ANOTHER Fuzzy Bucket Hat — this one is by Spirit Jersey. It’s $44.99. Fuzzy bucket hats are in We also found a Holiday Apple Watch Band for $36.99… Spruce up your Apple Watch …and a Mickey Holiday Apple Watch Band. Make your Apple watch more festive The Mickey Watch Band is also $36.99. Here’s What Disney World Crowds Are Like in February Hundred Acre Goods New Light-Up Fans are here! There’s Mickey… Mickey fan …and Minnie. Minnie fan The fans are $20 each. See The New ECVs That Are Now in Disney World! Frontier Trading Post TONS of new pins have arrived, including an Avatar Pin for $11.99… Avatar is HUGE again …a Rapunzel Pin Set for $24.99… Let your light shine …a Tiana Pin Set for $24.99… Live your passion …a Jasmine Pin Set for $24.99… Follow your heart …a Cinderella Pin Set for $24.99… I love to sparkle …a Disney Reflections Mystery Pin Set for $17.99… It’s a MYSTERY …and a Disney Princess Mystery Pin Set for $17.99. It’s also a mystery We also found a 3rd Edition 50th Anniversary Fab 50 Figures Set. Mini statue replicas This set is $12.99. Here Are The NEW Problems You Will Face in Disney World in 2023 Sir Mickey’s The new Aladdin 30th Anniversary Jasmine Doll has arrived. Jasmine The doll is $149.99. Do YOU Qualify for This Exclusive Special Event in Disney World? Bonjour Village Gifts You can bring home a classic Disney World sign with you. Check out this mini replica of the Sunshine Tree Terrace Sign. We want this! This sign is $150. See more photos of this sign here. Memento Mori Some new artwork by Fenway Fan is available. It’s called “Purple, Black and the Invisibles.” You can get it as a Print for $44.99… Print …or as a Canvas Piece. Canvas The canvas piece is $229. Here’s The BEST Disney World Tip You’ve Never Heard Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe How about a new ornament? You can get a Mighty Ducks 30th Anniversary Ornament for $22.99… The Mighty Ducks is 30!!! …or a Snow White Ornament for $22.99. Sweet Snow White There’s also ANOTHER Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Ornament with Snow on one side… Snow on one side …and the dwarfs on the other! The seven dwarfs on the other This ornament is $26.99. Here’s Where You Can Meet a RARE Princess in Magic Kingdom Will you be headed to Disney World for the holidays? Here’s everything you need to know before you step foot in the parks! You’ll also want to be sure to download our FREE printable for the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Booth! Have you checked out the latest Disney-themed t-shirts in our store? Click here – you’ll want to pick some up before your next Disney trip! Jingle Vibes Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news! 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 visiting Disney World for the holidays? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most in the comments! The post What's New at Magic Kingdom: A Popcorn Bucket You Can't Resist first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Wait, how is it the end of the year already? ©Disney Sure, we’ve done all our holiday shopping (okay, MOST of our holiday shopping), and we’ve seen all the pretty decorations at Disney World, and we’ve watched a ton of holiday movies on Disney+, but January is literally RIGHT around the corner, so we’ll need more stuff to watch. That’s why we’re happy to share the list of everything coming to Disney+ in January 2023! Wednesday, January 4th The Boonies (S1) Locked Up Abroad (S12) Lost Treasures of Egypt (S4) Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (S2) Primal Survivor: Over the Andes (S1) Underworld, Inc. (S1, S2) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (S2 Premiere, Ep. 1 and 2) National Treasure: Edge of History (Ep. 5) Willow (Ep. 7) ©Lucasfilm Friday, January 6th Strangest Bird Alive Wednesday, January 11th Airport Security (S4, S5, S6, S7, S8) Best in Bridal (S1) Bride & Prejudice (S1) Celebrity Ghost Stories (S5, S6) Evil Genius (S1) My Ghost Story (S1) SuperKitties (S1, 11 episodes) Chasing Waves (All episodes streaming) National Treasure: Edge of History (Ep. 6) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (S2, Ep.3) Willow (Ep. 8) ©Disney Wednesday, January 13th Chibi Tiny Tales (Shorts) (S3, 14 episodes) Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Funhouse (S2, 5 episodes) Me & Mickey (Shorts) (S1, 20 episodes) Night Stalkers (S1) Secret Life of Predators (S1) King Shakir Recycle (Premiere) National Treasure: Edge of History (Ep. 7) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (S2, Ep. 4) National Treasure: The Edge of History ©Disney Friday, January 20th Ocean’s Breath Sharkatraz Wednesday, January 25th Bloody Tales of Europe (S1) Dino Ranch (S2, 6 episodes) Hacking the System (S1) Riding Britain’s Railways (S1) Mila in the Multiverse (Premiere) National Treasure: Edge of History (Ep. 8) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (S2, Ep. 5) ©Disney Friday, January 27th American Blackout Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes T. Rex Autopsy This is everything that is coming to Disney+ in January. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! The ULTIMATE Guide to 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 are you most excited to watch on Disney+ in January? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL LINEUP of Shows and Movies Coming to Disney+ in January 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you been keeping up with the new Disney+ series The Santa Clauses? ©Disney A spin-off of the classic Santa Clause movie series, this new show just finished airing its first season. And apparently, it was a success! Disney just announced the festive series is being renewed for a second season! Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell reprise their roles from the movies as Mr. and Mrs. Claus respectively, and they’ll need to keep their sled polished for when shooting begins on the next season. The Santa Clauses TV Show ©Disney The show follows Scott Calvin (Allen), current Santa Claus, who has now been performing his Christmas duties for almost 30 years. Unfortunately, he is losing his Santa magic because people don’t care about Christmas as much as they used to. In season 1 we saw him struggle with balancing work and family life, as many working parents do (although not all of their jobs come with a factory of elves or reindeer!) ©Disney The first season left off with Scott trying to figure out whether he should leave his post to focus on his family, and if he did, who would be a worthy successor? Now, fans don’t have to worry about these questions remaining unanswered. Season 1 premiered on November 16th, and while we don’t know the timeline for season 2, we hope it’s announced soon so we can find out what’s in store next for Scott, his family, and Christmas! Stay tuned to our site for all updates. Click here to check out all the other remakes, reboots, and sequels Disney is working on right now! 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 did you think of this series? What would you like to see from a second season? Comment below! The post Season 2 Confirmed for ‘The Santa Clauses’ on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Thinking of planning a Disney Cruise? ©Disney There are SO many things to consider and learn. Where do you want to cruise? Which ship should you choose? What about excursions or on-ship entertainment? It can all be a bit (OK, a LOT) overwhelming. Don’t worry, you do NOT have to figure this all out on your own. We’re here to help!! Today we’re breaking down everything you need to know about planning your Disney Cruise vacation with lots of info, links, and videos that will make the process so much easier for you. Disney Cruise Line Ships The Disney Cruise Line fleet is comprised of five world-class ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, and the newest ship in the fleet: the Disney Wish. The fleet will be joined by the Disney Treasure in 2024! ©Disney | Disney Fantasy Disney Cruise Line has also recently purchased the Global Dream cruise ship. Each ship has a classic cruise line theme from the glory days of those turn of the (20th) century transatlantic luxury cruiseliner days, but with modern twists and amenities. Disney Magic The Disney Magic is the original Disney Cruise Line ship. She first set sail in 1998. Fifteen years later, she launched again after a lengthy stay in dry-dock where she spent her time being “re-imagined.” Disney Magic The Disney Magic carries guests in 875 Staterooms (with a capacity of 2,713 passengers) on 11 decks. It is 984 feet long and 171.5 feet high, with the ship icon Helmsman Mickey, whom you can see a statue of in the lobby atrium. Helmsman Mickey The bronze statue of Helmsman Mickey is one of the focal points of the Art Deco lobby by the steps in front of Lumiere’s, one of this ship’s restaurants (don’t worry, we’ll get into that a bit later). Disney Wonder The Disney Wonder is the sister ship to the Disney Magic, first setting sail in 1999, and also underwent a dry-dock refurbishment in 2016 with some updated designs and technology. Disney Wonder Also carrying guests in 875 Staterooms (with a capacity of 2,713 passengers) with 11 decks, it is 984 feet long and 171.5 feet high, The ship icon is Ariel, the little mermaid herself, whom you can see a statue of in the lobby atrium, in front of the ship’s restaurant, Triton’s (how appropriate!). Disney Wonder Atrium You’ll find little mermaid Easter eggs all throughout the lobby and other parts of the ship. Disney Dream The Disney Dream marked the debut of the Dream Class of Disney Cruise Line ships when it took its Maiden Voyage in 2011. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream The Disney Dream can carry up to 4,000 passengers (with 1,250 staterooms) on 14 decks. It is 1,115 feet long and 216 feet high. Like the Disney Magic, it boasts an Art Deco atrium, but the centerpiece is Admiral Donald Duck. Disney Fantasy The Disney Fantasy is the sister ship to the Disney Dream, first setting sail in 2012. Disney Cruise Line — The Disney Fantasy The Disney Fantasy can also carry up to 4,000 passengers (in 1,250 staterooms) with 14 decks. It is 1,115 feet long and 216 feet high. It has an Art Nouveau-inspired lobby atrium with colorful carpets and a chandelier that mimic the plumage of a peacock, and the centerpiece of it all is the bronze statue of Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse, dressed in vintage clothing accompanied by her steamer luggage, reminiscent of the Golden Age of ocean travel. Disney Cruise Line Disney Wish The Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, set sail on July 14, 2022! The Disney Wish The Wish welcomes passengers to its 1,254 staterooms (4,000 passengers) on 14 decks. It is 1,119 feet long and 221 feet high. This is a voyage like no other on Disney’s “Castle on the Seas!” You can find out MUCH more about the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet here! Click HERE to learn about EVERYTHING to enjoy aboard the Disney Wish! Disney Treasure — Coming in 2024 The Disney Treasure, which is set for delivery in 2024, will be the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Treasure will celebrate “Walt Disney’s lifelong love of adventure,” as announced in September 2022 by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro. Disney Treasure Grand Hall Concept Art ©Disney D’Amaro also shared that the design of the Disney Treasure is “inspired by the grandeur and mystery of a gilded palace,” and draws influences from Asia, Africa, and even Aladdin’s Agrabah. We will keep you posted on ALL the news about the Disney Treasure RIGHT HERE! Disney Cruise Line Itineraries Each ship has a different area of the world they cruise to and different itineraries and stops. Their sailing assignments are subject to change, but below are the current itineraries as of publication. Castaway Cay Disney Magic The Disney Magic is based in the Atlantic Ocean and sails to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Disney Wonder The Disney Wonder is based in the Pacific Ocean and sails along the American West Coast as well as to Hawai’i and Alaska! Additionally, the Disney Wonder will carry Disney Cruise Line passengers on new Disney Magic at Sea sailings to Australia and New Zealand for the first time! These sailings – now open for booking – will be available for a limited time in 2023 and 2024. ©Disney Aboard the Disney Wonder, you can book your cruise for two to six-night cruises from Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Cruise prices vary depending on the location, type of stateroom, and the number of nights. You can view sail dates by clicking here. Disney also shared that repositioning cruises for the Disney Wonder will present the first South Pacific voyages for Disney Cruise Line, and will visit destinations such as Fiji and Samoa. Disney Dream The Disney Dream has signature three-, four- and five-night Bahamian itineraries (including stops at Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay). The Disney Dream was previously based in Port Canaveral, Florida; however, in June 2022, the Disney Dream began sailing from Miami, Florida. In 2023, the Disney Dream will be sailing in Europe for part of the summer, with one itinerary showing a 9-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruise. This cruise will stop in Marseilles, France Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy Kefalonia, Greece Piraeus (Athens), Greece Santorini, Greece Naples (Pompeii), and Italy Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. The Disney Dream also offers unique European itineraries to the British and Greek Isles, Norwegian cruises, and Transatlantic crossings. The atrium! Disney Fantasy The Disney Fantasy primarily offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. An exciting announcement has been made for select Disney Fantasy itineraries: Pixar Day at Sea sailings will debut next year! ©Disney Cruise Line Beginning in January of 2023, “select seven-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy will include a day-long celebration dedicated to the beloved tales of Pixar.” Guests will be able to dine, sing, play, dance, and even swim with their favorite Pixar pals! Click HERE to find out more about Pixar Day at Sea! Disney Wish The Disney Wish sails from Port Canaveral, FL, offering 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay. The stage in the Wish Atrium These itineraries may change when the Disney Treasure sets sail, but for now, these are the ports and destinations of the current Disney cruise ships. Disney Cruise Line Seasonal and Special-themed Sailings Along with incredibly varied itineraries, Disney Cruise Line also offers seasonal sailings, such as Halloween on the High Seas, and even THEMED sailings, such as Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea! Halloween on the High Seas And, as the summer of 2023 will mark the 25th anniversary of the cruise line, Disney will be celebrating the milestone with a Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration on all five cruise ships! ©Disney While these unique sailings feature several things in common such as exclusive Deck Parties, rare characters and/or Disney pals in special costumes, limited-time food and beverage offerings, fun-filled activities, and MUCH MORE, each season or theme has its own different experiences. Therefore, we’ve dedicated this page to these special sailings so you can learn more about each one. DETAILS Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Trips in 2024 Disney Cruise Line Cabins All of the Disney Cruise Line ships have the same standard cabin (or stateroom) options: Inside Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, and Concierge Staterooms. Disney Magic Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom Most staterooms feature Disney Cruise Line’s split-bathroom concept. This layout offers a sink and shower in one room and a sink and toilet in a separate room. And all staterooms feature a bathtub. Shower with tub and Sink Enhanced storage options include roomy closets and elevated bed frames for additional under-bed storage. Some ships offer a pull-down bed for children that features a secret starfield above. Lots of room under the bed to store suitcases! Staterooms have a 43-inch TV, USB and USB-C ports, large vanity, mini drawer refrigerator, full-length mirror, mini-safe, hairdryer, privacy divider, queen and pull-out sofa beds, deluxe toiletries, plush robes, and lavish bed linens and duvets. Stateroom Shelves for extra storage Many staterooms have adjoining doors, so families have the option to spread out a bit more in an adjoining room. You can see more of these details and amenities in our full stateroom tour! Concierge Staterooms can accommodate up to five guests with large living areas, king beds, luxurious finish, and previous amenities. Most concierge rooms feature a private verandah and/or have been themed with design elements of Tangled in mind. ©Disney One-bedroom concierge suites have a separate set of amenities, featuring a separate living room, walk-in closets, two 43-inch TVs, and two bathrooms (including a master bathroom with rain shower, bathtub, and double vanity). Disney Wish Stateroom All concierge-level rooms and suites have access to an exclusive lounge with a private sun deck so that guests can enjoy a premium level of dedicated service. The Disney Wish hosts these staterooms plus the addition of four Royal Suites, two of which feature a second level connected with a spiral staircase and stained glass windows. Royal Suite All inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, this sounds like a room built for some sweet dreams! Take a FULL PHOTO TOUR of a Royal Suite aboard the Wish HERE! The Disney Wish also has its own penthouse called The Wish Tower Suite, a two-story Moana-themed suite that’s located WITHIN one of the ship’s funnels. It is a 1,966-square-foot penthouse. The impressive features include 2 main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts into a bedroom, and 4.5 bathrooms. There’s an open dining area, a spacious pantry, and a bar. And you can’t forget about those views! Take a COMPLETE PHOTO TOUR of the STUNNING Wish Tower Suite HERE! Now you want the lightning-round, down-and-dirty facts, we gotchu! Disney Magic: 875 total staterooms 262 Inside Staterooms 613 Outside Staterooms 229 Oceanview 384 Verandahs (including 22 suites) Disney Wonder: 875 total staterooms 262 Inside Staterooms 613 Outside Staterooms 229 Oceanview 384 Verandahs (including 22 suites) Disney Dream: 1,250 total staterooms 150 Inside Staterooms 1,100 Outside Staterooms 199 Oceanview 901 Verandahs (including 21 suites) Disney Fantasy: 1,250 total staterooms 150 Inside Staterooms 1,100 Outside Staterooms 199 Oceanview 901 Verandahs (including 21 suites) Disney Wish: 1,254 total staterooms 121 Inside Staterooms 1,133 Outside Staterooms 185 Oceanview 948 Verandahs (including 21 suites) Disney Cruise Line Restaurants It’s a cruise, so you know there’s gonna be food, and lots of it! Each ship has a buffet option, quick service (or fast-food) type options, snack bars, table service dining, and luxury signature dining. Daisy’s Pizza Pies Disney Cruise Line’s signature Rotational Dining lets you dine at every restaurant while the wonderful crew servers rotate with you, so they get to know your group and dining preferences! Each ship has a variety of dining options, so let’s dive in! Disney Magic: Rapunzel’s Royal Table (part of the rotational table service dining) – Celebrate the return of the lost princess with European-inspired cuisine. Find it on Deck 3. Animator’s Palate (part of the rotational table service dining) Enjoy an interactive dinner show featuring the magic of Disney animation while dining on some California-inspired cuisine. Located on Deck 4. Lumiere’s (part of the rotational table service dining) Be Lumiere’s guest in the Beauty and the Beast-inspired dining room, serving contemporary French cuisine. It is right off the Atrium on Deck 3. Royal Court Royal Tea special dining experience for children 3 to 12, royal tea service with special Princess appearances. Extra fees and reservation required. Palo adult-exclusive specialty dining inspired by Italy (the birthplace of the Disney Magic), additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 10. Cabanas is where you go for that quintessential cruise buffet experience. Find it on Deck 9. Duck-In Diner, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, and Daisy’s De-Lites quick service offer a variety of casual nosh near the pools on Deck 9. Eye Scream Self-service soft serve ice cream near the pools on Deck 9. Frozone Treats this poolside spot mixes up refreshing, frozen-fruit smoothies on Deck 9. Preludes offers a quick stop for drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before show. Located next to Walt Disney Theatre. Additional fees apply. Palo Disney Wonder: Tiana’s Place (part of the rotational table service dining) – Step into a festive, jazzy celebration with Louisiana-inspired Creole and Cajun cuisine. Find it on Deck 3. Animator’s Palate (part of the rotational table service dining) Enjoy an interactive dinner show featuring the magic of Disney animation while dining on some California-inspired cuisine. Located on Deck 4. Triton’s (part of the rotational table service dining) Dive under the sea in this Little Mermaid-inspired dining room serving contemporary French cuisine. It is right off the Atrium on Deck 3. Palo adult-exclusive specialty dining inspired by Italy (the birthplace of the Disney Wonder), additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 10. Royal Court Royal Tea special dining experience for children 3 to 12, royal tea service with special Princess appearances. Extra fees and reservation required. Cabanas is where you go for that quintessential cruise buffet experience. Find it on Deck 9. Pete’s Boiler Bites, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Daisy De-Lites quick service offer a variety of casual nosh near the pools on Deck 9. Eye Scream Self-service soft serve ice cream near the pools on Deck 9. Frozone Treats this poolside spot mixes up refreshing, frozen-fruit smoothies on Deck 9. Preludes offers a quick stop for drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before show. Located next to Walt Disney Theatre. Additional fees apply. Disney Dream: Enchanted Garden (part of the rotational table service dining) Step into the elegant floral setting where the cuisine is fresh and seasonal. Offers a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and plated meals for dinner. Find it on Deck 2. Animator’s Palate (part of the rotational table service dining) Enjoy an interactive dinner show featuring the magic of Disney animation while dining on some California-inspired cuisine. Located on Deck 3. Royal Palace (part of the rotational table service dining) Dining like, well, royalty in the aptly name Royal Palace, with European-inspired dishes. Located on Deck 3. Remy adult-exclusive fine dining transports guests to Paris and offers French cuisine. Additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Palo adult-exclusive specialty dining inspired by Italy, additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Royal Court Royal Tea special dining experience for children 3 to 12, royal tea service with special Princess appearances. Extra fees and reservations are required. Cabanas is where you go for that quintessential cruise buffet experience. Find it on Deck 11. Flo’s Café: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, Fillmore’s Favorites quick service offer a variety of casual nosh near the pools on Deck 11. Eye Scream Self-service soft serve ice cream near the pools on Deck 11. Frozone Treats this poolside spot mixes up refreshing, frozen-fruit smoothies on Deck 11. Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats, for an extra cost, you can grab hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy on Deck 11. Senses Juice Bar provides a vitamin-infused, protein-filled boost after a vigorous workout or massage right outside Senses Spa. Preludes offers a quick stop for drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before show. Located next to Walt Disney Theatre. Additional fees apply. Remy Disney Fantasy: Enchanted Garden (part of the rotational table service dining) Step into the elegant floral setting where the cuisine is fresh and seasonal. Offers a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and plated meals for dinner. Find it on Deck 2. Animator’s Palate (part of the rotational table service dining) Enjoy an interactive dinner show featuring the magic of Disney animation while dining on some California-inspired cuisine. Located on Deck 3. Royal Court (part of the rotational table service dining) Dining like, well, royalty in the aptly name Royal Palace, with European-inspired dishes. Located on Deck 3. Remy adult-exclusive fine dining transports guests to Paris and offers French cuisine. Additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Palo adult-exclusive specialty dining inspired by Italy, additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Royal Court Royal Tea special dining experience for children 3 to 12, royal tea service with special Princess appearances. Extra fees and reservations are required. Cabanas is where you go for that quintessential cruise buffet experience. Find it on Deck 11. Flo’s Café: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, Fillmore’s Favorites quick service offer a variety of casual nosh near the pools on Deck 11. Eye Scream Self-service soft serve ice cream near the pools on Deck 11. Frozone Treats this poolside spot mixes up refreshing, frozen-fruit smoothies on Deck 11. Sweet on You, for an extra cost, you can grab hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy on Deck 11. Senses Juice Bar provides a vitamin-infused, protein-filled boost after a vigorous workout or massage right outside Senses Spa. Preludes offers a quick stop for drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before the show. Located next to Walt Disney Theatre. Additional fees apply. Cabana’s Buffet Disney Wish: Worlds of Marvel (part of the rotational table service dining) Get ready for a dining adventure with some of Marvel’s incredible super heroes. Find it on Deck 4. 1923 (part of the rotational table service dining) Step back in time to California in the 1920s and dine on cuisine inspired by the era. Located on Deck 3. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (part of the rotational table service dining) Celebrate Queen Anna & Kristoff’s engagement in this lively dinner show. Located on Deck 5. Enchanté adult-exclusive fine dining transporting guests to Paris and offering French cuisine. Additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Palo adult-exclusive specialty dining inspired by Italy, additional fees do apply, and reservations are required. Located on Deck 12. Marceline Market is where you go for that quintessential cruise buffet experience. Find it on Deck 11. Mickey & Friends Festival of Food: quick service offers a variety of casual nosh near the pools on Deck 11. Wheezy’s Freezies, this poolside spot mixes up refreshing, frozen-fruit smoothies on Deck 12. Inside Out: Joyful Sweets, for an extra cost, you can grab hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy on Deck 11. Wishing Star Cafe is a specialty coffee bar, and specialty cocktails are served as well on Deck 4. Preludes offers a quick stop for drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before the show. Located next to Walt Disney Theatre. Additional fees apply. Worlds of Marvel But wait, there’s more! The ships also have some lounges, coffee shops, or bars that offer upgraded drinks and snacks (for a little extra cost). Disney Magic: After Hours is divided into three differently themed pubs. Find them all on Deck 3 O’Gills Pub — is a classic Irish tavern with dark wood, darker beers, and guests can play darts or grab an armchair and watch the football match. Fathoms — themed to the depths of the sea, it hosts family games by day, and turns into a night club at night Keys — an adults-only piano bar with retro 50’s glamour vibes Cove Bar & Café – step away from the pool and into this casual café for specialty coffee or a cocktail. Located on Deck 9 D Lounge have a cocktail or glass of wine while playing some fun family trivia games Signals – a simple but reliable pool bar adjoining the adults pool on Deck 9 Promenade Lounge – hosts games and entertainment during the day and also provides and snack or beverage option while you wait for your show or dinner seating. Located on Deck 3 Disney Wonder: After Hours is divided into three differently themed pubs. Find them all on Deck 3 Azure is themed to the depths of the sea, this night club is the spot to get your groove on. Crown & Fin Pub — is a quintessential British pub with dark wood, darker beers, and guests can play darts or grab an armchair and watch the football match. Cadillac Lounge— an adults-only piano bar with retro 50’s glamour vibes French Quarter Lounge— stroll into this Bourbon Street themed lounge and sip on some classics from the Big Easy Cove Bar & Café – step away from the pool and into this casual cafe for specialty coffee or a cocktail. Located on Deck 9 Signals – a simple but reliable pool bar adjoining the adults’ pool on Deck 9 D Lounge have a cocktail or glass of wine while playing some fun family trivia games After Hours Disney Dream: The District is divided into differently themed pubs. Find them all on Deck 4. Pub 687 is the spot for you, if you’re looking for a cold beer, lots of sports, and dark woody vibes Pink: Wine & Champagne Bar is inspired by everything bubbly, so pinkies out at this chic bar. District Lounge has live music, cozy chairs, and elegance that screams for a martini. Evolution is themed after the colors and transformation of the butterfly. It offers dancing, games, karaoke, comedy, and cabaret. Skyline raise your glass as this lounge takes you on a tour of the most glamorous cities around the world. Bon Voyage — stroll into this Bourbon Street themed lounge and sip on some classics from the Big Easy. Pop in on Deck 3. Cove Bar & Café – step away from the pool and into this casual cafe for specialty coffee or a cocktail. Located on Deck 11 Vista Cafe, this Art-Deco-inspired café. Enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning or a pre- or post-dinner cocktail at night. Meridian is a lounge situated in between Remy & Palo and offers a spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails and an amazing view Waves– a simple but reliable pool bar adjoining the adults pool on Deck 12 Currents sip on specialty cocktails on the top deck complete with ocean breezes and amazing views. D Lounge enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine while playing some fun family trivia games. Find it on Deck 4 Disney Princess icons Disney Fantasy: Europa is divided into differently themed pubs. Find them all on Deck 4. Skyline raise your glass as this lounge takes you on a tour of the most glamorous cities around the world. Ooh La La is inspired by everything bubbly, so pinkies out at this chic bar. The Tube is themed after the London underground railway, so you can get jiggy wit’ it UK style at this night club, just mind the gap. La Piazza is charming lounge, with its colorful bar modeled after a vintage carousel O’Gills Pub — is a classic Irish tavern with dark wood, darker beers, and guests can play darts or grab an armchair and watch the football match. Cove Bar & Café – step away from the pool and into this casual cafe for specialty coffee or a cocktail. Located on Deck 9 Bon Voyage — stroll into this Bourbon Street themed lounge and sip on some classics from the Big Easy (Deck 3) Meridian is a lounge situated in between Remy & Palo and offers a spot for pre- or post-dinner cocktails and an amazing view Waves– a simple but reliable pool bar adjoining the adults pool on Deck 12 Currents sip on specialty cocktails on the top deck, complete with ocean breezes and amazing views. La Piazza Disney Wish: Cove Bar & Café – step away from the pool and into this casual cafe for specialty coffee or a cocktail. Currents sip on specialty cocktails on the top deck complete with ocean breezes and amazing views. Keg & Compass Disney Wish’s signature pub and is inspired by the architectural style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room and the rich folklore of Norse seafaring. Luna offers family fun during the day (such as interactive games), then transitions into an elegant venue just for adults to enjoy at night Nightingale’s is a piano bar inspired by the rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” as sung in the classic Disney-animated film, Cinderella. The Bayou is an informal — yet stunning — lounge themed to The Princess and the Frog! A menu of creative cocktails and specialty coffees are on offer, as well as Tiana’s signature beignets. Triton Lounge another casual spot for drinks and game nights and live entertainment. The Rose is a lounge adjacent to Enchanté that offers cocktails and small plates. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge offers “otherworldly concoctions” (served by way of camtonos for an out-of-this-galaxy presentation) and interactive tasting experiences in a space designed with sleek, metallic detailing inspired by Dryden Vos’ ship in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Nightingale’s Are you hungry now? Well, the good news is the Disney Cruise Line ships offer anything you can imagine! And don’t forget about room service, which is also available on all of the ships! Bon voyage and bon appetit! An Overview of EVERY Disney Cruise Line Restaurant Disney Cruise Line Entertainment If there’s one thing Disney has a LOT of on its ships, it’s entertainment. And nearly ALL of it is included. Onboard a Disney ship, you’ll find Disney characters roaming around and meeting with guests. Generally, these character meet-and-greets or photo-ops are included, though you may need to register in advance for some of the more unique character experiences, so just be aware of that. Captain Minnie Disney Cruise Line also offers free movies in multiple spots – out on the funnel vision screen near the pools, as well as in the movie theater on the ship. The movie theater even offers runs of new movies that are currently out in theaters. There are also Broadway-style shows in the theater onboard the ship. Typically these large productions are offered more than once night. Each ship has its own unique performances. On the Disney Magic, guests can see Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, and Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story. On the Disney Wonder, guests can see The Golden Mickeys, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular. On the Disney Dream, guests can see Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s Believe, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular. On the Disney Fantasy, guests can see Disney’s Believe, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular. On the Disney Wish, guests can see Disney Seas the Adventure, The Little Mermaid, and Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular. ©Disney Disney Cruises also feature all kinds of special events and entertainment that are entirely free, like karaoke nights, nighttime shows (typically featuring the main stage performers) for the adults in the adults clubs, kid events like game shows and trivia, free tours of the ship, free drawing lessons, and MORE. Nowadays, you can see the navigator (or the daily list of events for the cruise) through the Disney Cruise Line app, and you may not receive or have access to a physical navigator onboard. Each cruise also includes deck parties, select special events during Disney’s themed and holiday cruises (like special character meetings or book readings during the Very Merrytime Cruises or Marvel Day at Sea). Marvel Day at Sea ©Disney Access to the fitness room onboard is also included, and there are typically select exercise classes offered for free (though some exercise classes are an additional cost). Spa services are an additional cost on the cruise ship, but you can typically tour the spa on select days for free, just to get a sense of the space and see what options are available. Fireworks are offered aboard most Disney Cruises. Fireworks viewing spots all around the ship are included. Some of Disney’s cruise ships offer interactive games for guests to play around the ship. Select cruise ships have the Muppets-themed Midship Detective Agency and the Disney Wish will feature a brand NEW game for guests to enjoy. While you may need to sign up or otherwise register to play these, they are available for all guests to enjoy. Luna Of course, there are entertainment options that are an additional cost, such as paid bingo opportunities with prize packages, spa services, wine tastings, etc. But for the most part, a LOT of entertainment is available on Disney Cruise Line at no additional cost beyond what you’ve paid for your stay. Everything That’s Included With Your Disney Cruise Disney Cruise Line Kid’s Clubs All of the cruise ships provide youth and teen clubs to keep the kids entertained during the cruise. There’s even a nursery for those wee ones (for an extra fee). Each youth club is tailored to a different age range and includes different entertainment elements. And each ship has its own unique take on each space. Oceaneer Club “it’s a small world” Nursery (Ages 6 months to 3 years) Yes, there’s even a spot for your baby! So, if you’re looking to book a massage or enjoy a nice dinner with your partner, or even take a nap (because we know you’d love an undisturbed 3-hour nap), you can take your tyke to the nursery. Space is limited, so you’ll need to book your child’s stay as soon as possible (between 75-120 days out, depending on your stateroom and Castaway Club status). “it’s a small world” Nursery But once you get that spot secured, you can rest assured that your little one will have a fun, safe, and Disney-riffic time. Disney’s Oceaneer Club (Ages 3 to 12): Kids are able to visit Disney’s Oceaneer Club. It’s broken up into different themed rooms and based on your child’s interest, they can play in Andy’s Room (Wonder, Magic, Fantasy, Dream), Star Wars: Command Post (Fantasy), Marvel Superhero Academy (Wish, Wonder, Magic, Fantasy ), Pixie Hollow (Magic, Fantasy, Dream), Disney Infinity Game Room (Dream), Star Wars: Millennium Falcon (Dream), Disney Junior (Wonder, Magic), Frozen Adventures (Wonder), Fairytale Hall (Wish), Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (Wish), Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck (Wish), or Star Wars: Cargo Bay (Wish). Mickey & Minnie’s Captain Deck Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3 to 12): Another unique spot for kids to hang out and be creative. Your junior Imagineers can create in Animator’s Studio (Dream, Fantasy, Magic), Craft Studio (Dream, Fantasy, Magic), Media Room (Dream, Fantasy, Wonder), Playmation (Dream), The Wheelhouse (Dream, Fantasy), Sound Studio (Fantasy), Captain’s Workshop (Magic), Navigation Game Station (Magic), Marvel Avenger Academy (Wonder), Andy’s Room (Wonder), Frozen Adventures (Wonder) Edge (Ages 11-14) Tweens have their own space aboard Disney ships. Located in different nooks and secret spots around the ships, these tween clubs provide kids with a chance to hang out with others their age, play games, have a dance or karaoke parties, and engage in counselor-led activities, or just hang out and play video games. Their own little mini vacation within a vacation. Edge Vibe (Ages 14-17) While designated as a teens-only hangout, Vibe is chaperoned by some of the coolest counselors at sea, in a laid-back way that allows teens to feel as unrestricted and comfortable as they can possibly be. Vibe Adults who want to stop by these locations just to get a peek at what the fun is all about can stop by during open house days/hours. The kids clubs on Disney Cruise Line are pretty amazing, so you’ll want to stop by those open houses, even if you’re just a big kid at heart. Disney Cruise Line Policies Just because it’s a vacation and you’re cruisin’ through international waters doesn’t mean there aren’t any rules. We’ve put together a handy list of important info to know before you set sail. Disney Cruise Line Required Documents Depending on your citizenship and your cruise destination, your required travel documents may vary. For U.S. citizens, plan to bring: an Original, valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card. If you don’t have a passport or passport card, you can also bring: Original or copy of a state-issued birth certificate AND Government-issued photo ID, Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State AND Government-issued photo ID, or Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services AND Government-issued photo ID. For Canadian citizens: Original valid Canadian Passport Original valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST) Canadian Permanent Residents must travel with a valid passport and a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a “PRC,” to travel outside of Canada Canadian Citizens who are 15 years of age or younger may sail with either an original valid Canadian Passport or a Canadian Birth Certificate. For all other citizens: Original valid Passport You should also bring any vacation confirmation documents, medical or prescription documents, and emergency contact information. These documents will need to be handy, so don’t pack them in your suitcases that you’ll check in at the terminal, keep them in your carry-on back for easy access when you check in. Before your cruise date, check with the Disney Cruise Line website for any other documentation or health and safety notifications. Setting Sail With Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Access Connect@Sea offers Internet packages based on your online needs. Instead of paying by the minute, you pay for the data you use. So, for instance, streaming movies will consume a lot more megabytes (data) than reading email. Using the onboard WiFi, connect anywhere on the ship and chat, post pictures on social media or simply stay connected while at sea. ©Disney Cruise Line You can share a single Connect@Sea package. Simply login to your account on any device that you want to use to access the Internet. Multiple devices can use the same package simultaneously. The combined usage is tracked on one meter, which can be monitored via the browser window. Bringing Alcohol on Board Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Some of the Bottles Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $26.00 per bottle. Drinking Age on the Ship The drinking age on the ship is 21 years of age, even on international cruises. Gratuities Process Tipping or gratuities are customary on cruises, and there are several Cast Members that will need to be included in your tipping consideration. A traditional gratuity amount starting at $14.50 per night, per stateroom guest, including infants and children. So, for a family of four in one stateroom on a 7-night cruise will accumulate $406 of gratuities will be distributed across four Cast Members (Dining room server, Dining room assistant server, Dining room head server, and Stateroom host). If any one Cast Member or maybe even one not listed above truly went above and beyond, you can always tip them extra! Awesome Cast Members! Guests can pre-pay gratuities online by visiting My Reservations in your Disney account and following the prompts for Pre-Paid Gratuities. If you booked your Disney cruise with a travel agent, please contact them to apply this payment for you. If you did not get a chance to pre-pay before boarding the ship, the cruise line will automatically charge your onboard account the suggested gratuity amount. Once on the ship, you can adjust the amount of your Pre-Paid Gratuities by visiting Guest Services prior to the end of your cruise. Smoking Policy The cruise ships do not allow smoking indoors, in the stateroom, or on verandahs. Each ship has designated smoking areas and smoking hours. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Deck 4, outdoors, starboard side from 6PM to 6AM Deck 9, forward, portside, any time Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Deck 4, port side, aft, on the outside Promenade Deck from 6PM to 6AM Deck 12, port side, aft, the outdoor area accessible through the Meridian Lounge at any time Deck 13, port side, forward, near Currents Bar, at any time ©Disney Cruise Line Laundry Self-Service Laundry is available at the 24-hour self-service laundry facilities on board. Your Key to the World card to operate washers and dryers—available for a nominal fee, as well as to purchase detergent and dryer sheets. Complimentary ironing equipment is also provided. For safety reasons, irons may only be used in the laundry rooms. Laundry rooms are located on various decks, depending on your ship. Disney Wonder and Disney Magic – Decks 2, 6, and 7. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – Decks 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Treasures Untold Full-Service laundry and dry cleaning, available with pickup directly from your stateroom, where you’ll find laundry bags and forms. Just notify your Stateroom Host or Hostess or Guest Services by 9AM for pickup and next-day return. Express Laundry Service is available at an extra charge. Dress Code In general, most onboard dining locations are “cruise casual,” so casual attire, such as shorts and T-shirts, is permitted, with the exception of swimwear and tank tops. Most cruises have special theme nights that provide opportunities to dress up for a one-of-a-kind family photo. Guests can usually expect a pirate night or other themed deck party, where dressing for the occasion is fun, but not required. There are also some formal or semi-formal dining events you can opt into which is coupled with a photo opportunity for that change of a nice family photo. Mickey and Minnie at Pirate Night on the Disney Wish! Adult-exclusive restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line ships (Remy, Palo, and Enchanté) are elegant dining experiences. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s atmosphere. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses, and appropriate shoes). Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire is not permitted. Disney Cruise Loyalty Program The Castaway Club is a way that Disney Cruise Line recognizes returning cruisers. Members receive exclusive onboard gifts, early access to new sailing itineraries, and early access to book on-shore excursions or exclusive ship experiences, like spa services or specialty dining experiences. The Disney Dream Atrium Guests who’ve sailed 1-4 times are Silver members, 5-9 sailings promotes guests to Gold membership, and 10-24 sailings are the elite Platinum membership, and a new tier is the 25+ sailings in the Pearl membership. Each tier comes with new perks and benefits. Disney Cruise Cost Being on a Disney Cruise might sound like a true dream come true, but (like most things in life) it comes at a COST. Prices can vary (a LOT) based on different factors, including things like travel dates, room type, destination, and more. Changing up these factors can make a HUGE difference in the price of your vacation! Disney Dream First, let’s discuss room type. When booking a Disney Cruise, you’ll notice that there’s a stark contrast in price between the various stateroom types. Inside staterooms are the cheapest, followed by Oceanview. Oceanview rooms will have a porthole but not a balcony. If you want something a bit fancier than that, then you can go for an Oceanview Room with a Verandah — these rooms have their own balconies. The most expensive room category is Concierge, which offers the highest quality rooms with the best amenities, including access to the Concierge Lounge. ©Disney Prices also vary based on the ship. Disney Cruise Line has 4 ships currently sailing — the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic are the oldest ships. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are newer. And the brand NEW Disney Wish will soon be joined by the Disney Treasure. You may find that some 4-night cruises on the Disney Wonder are cheaper than 4-night cruises on the much newer Disney Dream. Both of these ships also tend to be cheaper than sailing on the brand new Disney Wish. Disney Wish Atrium It’s also important to note that certain ports of call and destinations are typically more expensive than others. Traveling to ports like Alaska or Europe will generally cost you a pretty penny compared to a visit to the Caribbean or the Bahamas. The Alaskan and European trips are also typically much longer, which adds to the total price. Alaska cruise Your travel dates can also make a big impact on the price. Taking a cruise in December right at the peak of the holiday season could cost you thousands more than the same voyage in September. Cruise rates will typically go up during holiday seasons and long weekends when students are out of school, while they’ll be cheaper during hurricane season or during “slower” periods when children are in school. Specialty sailings like the Very Merrytime Cruises, Halloween on the High Seas, or Pixar Day at Sea, can also make your sailing more expensive. ©Disney There are several other factors that you shouldn’t forget about when pricing your vacation. Disney Cruises offer an inclusive feel and they do in fact include a LOT of things, but there are some things you’ll have to budget extra pocket money for, like airline fares, travel expenses, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, upgraded dining experiences (like Palo and Remy), tips and gratuities, and port adventures. Make sure to keep those in mind while budgeting! Outdoor Oasis © Disney So, what is included in the cruise cost? For your baseline cruise expense, you can expect: your stateroom (of course) tons of dining options and room service (get that soft serve and stock up on chicken tenders), Broadway-caliber shows, a fireworks spectacular on select sailings, access to youth/teen clubs and child services (though note that some things like the nursery are an additional cost), night clubs and lounges, pools, and recreation areas, a movie theatre, games and oodles of family activities, and (when the cruise includes a stop there) access to Disney private island, Castaway Cay. We Do a Whole Cruise Cost Analysis HERE Booking a Disney Cruise There are several important factors to consider: Where do you want to go? Do you want to have an adventurous or a relaxing vacation? How do you want to get there? Perhaps a cruise has piqued your interest, but you’re wondering just when is the best time to go. We’ve been on our fair share of sailings, and now we’re bringing you our best tips on when to book a Disney cruise! Disney Wonder The Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of different cruises for all sorts of vacations. You can sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, Alaska, and more! Deciding when to book your cruise can mean the difference between getting a great deal or paying a pretty penny, and choosing when to sail can be an even tougher decision. Disney Wish Let’s find out everything you need to know about when to book and set sail on your Disney cruise! When to Book Your Disney Cruise You might think that it doesn’t matter when you actually book your cruise — but it does! Generally speaking, the further away from your selected sail date you book your cruise the better. Not a bad view The Disney Cruise Line has tiered pricing, meaning you’ll find lower rates the earlier you book. Not only will you potentially save money, but booking early also increases the choice of staterooms you’ll have. Cruises tend to fill up closer to the sail date, and if you wait to make a reservation you might be left with slim pickings when it comes to your accommodations. Briar Rose Concierge Suite on the Disney Wish Passengers are required to put down a deposit when booking, but if you book early you’ll be able to pay down the remainder of your balance over time if that floats your boat. And, if you book your next Disney cruise while still onboard your current one, you can save even MORE money too! Daisy Pool on the Disney Wish So, early is the name of the game when it comes to actually booking your Disney cruise — but does it actually matter when you set sail? The best time of year to set sail on a Disney cruise entirely depends on your cruise destination! Each region has its own “high season” — the busiest times of the year — and a “shoulder” or “low season.” Booking a cruise during the shoulder or lower seasons can often mean cheaper rates and less crowded destinations. Castaway Cay For the Bahamas and Caribbean, September is usually the best time as school has just started back up in the U.S. and families are less likely to travel. March, April, and November are the low season for Mediterranean cruises, and the remainder of Europe is best sailed during May and October. If you’re thinking about an Alaskan cruise, May through September are the best months for that. ©Disney Cruise Line Sailing to Alaska Typically, you’ll want to avoid any major holidays or times when kids are out of school. Cruises that take place over weekends are also often busier, so if it fits into your schedule consider booking a trip that primarily takes place over weekdays. Mickey and Minnie on the Wish! Another fairly obvious but extremely important factor to consider is the weather during your planned sailing dates — this is especially true for the Bahamas and Caribbean, which often see tropical weather systems year after year. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep that in mind when deciding what time of year is best for your cruise. What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Disney cruises can be some of the most exciting and relaxing vacations all at once, so keep these tips in mind before you book yours! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney Cruise Line news and more. Disney Wish Want to learn more about Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Wish? We’ve checked out all the best restaurants on board, taken in some seriously incredible stage shows, and even explored the kids clubs on the ship! We explored the entire Disney Wish cruise ship — click here to see it all. Our friends over at Small World Vacations can also help you book your Disney Cruise. Their services are FREE and they will do their best to stay in your budget. Want to learn some AMAZING Disney Cruise Line SECRETS? Click HERE! 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 What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Follow Along As We Explore Disney’s NEW Mega Cruise Ship – The Wish Learn ALL the Secrets of the Disney Wish We Ate EVERYTHING on Disney's Newest Cruise Ship -- The Disney Wish Learn About Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies Disney Wish COVID-19 Testing Mishaps to Avoid A Full List of What You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise These Are the BEST Times to Book Your Disney Cruise The Best Ways to SAVE SPACE in Your Tiny Cruise Cabin 10 Things You NEED on Your Next Cruise (That You Won’t Think to Pack!) A Look at the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies For EVERY Major Cruise Line What It’s Like to Live on a Cruise Ship for 6 Months Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe The post Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Line 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Mickey Mouse may be the face of Disney, but he wasn’t Walt’s first character creation! ©Disney Many Disney history fans are aware that before the existence of Mickey, Walt created an equally adorable character: a rabbit named Oswald. Now, ahead of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, Disney is partnering with designer brand Givenchy to highlight this oft-forgotten character. Disney debuted a brand-new short featuring Oswald for the company’s 100th, and they are continuing the celebration with this Givenchy clothing line. This collab is also celebrating the Lunar New Year, which falls on January 22nd in 2023. It just so happens that next year is the Year of the Rabbit. It feels like the stars have aligned to make this perfect collaboration possible! Oswald must really be a lucky rabbit. ©Givenchy This new capsule collection will be paired with the mixed reality short produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios in collaboration with Julian Klincewicz, famed art director and photographer. The cast for the short includes Madelaine Petsch of Riverdale fame as well as Amber Liu and Alton Mason. Disney revealed the short will take place at locales across the world, including Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Paris. Oswald sure is coming back with a bang! ©Givenchy The clothing line is being advertised as “essential pieces,” including oversized shirts, varsity jackets, and other sporty items that take inspiration from the various stops from Oswald’s world tour from the short film. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be featured in the designs alongside the classic Givenchy logo, while one piece will even feature his lady love, Ortensia! You can also get matching accessories, like tennis shoes, totes, phone cases, and more. As you might expect from a designer collection, these pieces don’t come cheap — prices in the collection range from $255 to $5,690. ©Givenchy If you want to join in on the fun but don’t quite have a Givenchy budget, check out their Oswald Sky Painter AR lens on Snapchat! This cool lens will let you paint the sky and add stencils and passport stamps across 5 cities from Oswald’s journey. This lens premiers on December 15th, 2022. ©Givenchy The capsule collection will be available starting December 26th across various pop-up shops around the world, including Singapore, Tokyo, and Miami. Starting on December 30th, you can shop the collection online as well. Check out more 100th anniversary merchandise 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 collabs do you hope Disney does this upcoming year? Which brands do you think they should partner with? Let us know in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK at Disney’s 100th Anniversary Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Collection first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s no secret that Disney World is going through some serious changes. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort EPCOT is being transformed, Magic Kingdom is getting a new attraction, and several Disney Resort hotels are undergoing renovations — including the Grand Floridian. We’ve already seen some updates to the DVC villas and other areas, but now we know about even more updates coming to the Grand Flo! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is celebrating its 30th anniversary on July 1st, 2023! And, it’s getting a bit of a sprucing up for its birthday, too. We’ve seen Citricos open with a gorgeous new theme, and several of the rooms have been renovated including the DVC villas in the Big Pine Key Building. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa But, Disney just announced that as part of these ongoing renovations, the Grand Floridian lobby will be undergoing a refurbishment! Grand Floridian Main Lobby Disney said that the new look “will maintain the classic theming [guests] know and love with some fresh new enhancements.” Will we see a similar Mary Poppins Returns theme as the popular Citricos? Or even more Poppins theming like the new DVC rooms? It could happen, especially since Disney shared that this update is part of the ongoing renovations — but we’ll have to wait and see! Enhanced 2-Bedroom Villa So far, we don’t have a start or end date for when these refurbishments might begin, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for more information from Disney. If you’re interested in seeing some of the Grand Floridian renovations, you can check out our room tours here and here. And, see our review of Citricos right here. Citricos Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on the Grand Floridian and more Disney news! The BEST Disney World Hotels for 2023 Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip How Many Days Do You Really Need in Disney World? How to Have the CHEAPEST Trip to Disney World 5 Simple Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip The CHEAPEST Days to Visit Disney World in 2023 EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Booking a 2023 Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Genie+ Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian Resort? Let us know in the comments! The post CHANGES Coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel Lobby first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Last week, the Disney Programs team hosted the inaugural Endless Possibilities Showcase, an expo-style event designed for participants on the program to learn about their cast member resources and network with teams from across the company. “When you’re just starting out on your program, it can be overwhelming to learn how to navigate how to […]View the full article

Disney has been the subject of several lawsuits lately, and we’ve got a big update on one of them. Magic Kingdom Disney has been sued over its response to the “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida (the Parental Rights in Education law), its Genie/Genie+ system, and Park Passes. In terms of Park Passes, lawsuits have come from both Disney World Annual Passholders and Magic Key pass holders. The Lawsuit In 2022, some Disney World Annual Passholders sued Walt Disney Parks and Resorts claiming that by keeping the Park Pass system in place, Disney breached its contract with Passholders. The Passholders claimed that the Park Pass system effectively blocked out the highest tier of annual passholders from visiting the parks on certain days, even though Disney had advertised these passes as having “unlimited access.” Passholder Magnet The Passholders claimed that Disney has also been “unfairly favoring” guests who have single-day or multi-day tickets over Annual Passholders so that they can “make a larger profit.” In a recent court order, obtained via Justia US Law, the Judge also notes that the Plaintiffs claim that Disney has “altered the Platinum Pass and Platinum Plus Pass terms so dramatically that they do not even resemble the original agreement bargained for by Plaintiffs.” Annual Passholder popcorn bucket A Disney spokesperson had previously said, “This lawsuit mischaracterizes the program and its history, and we will respond further in court.” Click here for full details about the lawsuit What’s Happening Now? In a recent court order, obtained via Justia US Law, the Judge handling the matter denied the Plaintiff’s motion to reconsider. So what happened here? Let’s break it down. Well, it turns out that the Plaintiffs previously filed a motion to “seal the case” and redact certain information. Specifically, they wanted the Plaintiff’s initials to be used instead of their full names. Currently, only the Plaintiff’s initials appear in the case. Annual Passholder Card In a November 2022 order, the Court denied that motion “in the interest of public access.” The Court explains that the matter didn’t involve “intimacy, criminal conduct, or risk of violence,” the Plaintiffs didn’t reveal that they were minors, and the Plaintiffs didn’t offer any evidence to “demonstrate that their concern regarding reputation for filing the suit was well-founded.” So the court directed the Plaintiffs to file an amended complaint on or before November 17th, 2022. On November 17th, the Plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration, which the Court denied. Thereafter, a second motion for reconsideration was filed. Annual Pass Magnet The Plaintiffs claimed that since the lawsuit was filed they’ve “received a slew of hateful comments online, making them concerned physical confrontation might be next.” They also alleged that some social media commentary has referred to them as “idiots” and “entitled.” And they claim that some have called for the Plaintiffs to be banned from the parks and stripped of their passholder privileges. The Plaintiffs claim that this will only get worse once their full names are exposed and they allege that their families will be exposed to the same level of “harassment.” One Plaintiff alleged that they have a minor stepson who they don’t want to become the subject of ridicule. The other Plaintiff has a rental house with tenants and claims to be fearful that the tenants will be “heckled by disgruntled Disney supporters.” Annual Passholder necklace Disney, the Defendant, filed a response in opposition arguing that the Court has rejected arguments made in similar situations and that there was no “compelling reason” to allow for this request. The Court then discussed the legal standard it must follow in looking at motions for reconsideration — calling this an “extraordinary” remedy. The Court outlined how this is really only granted if there is the discovery of new evidence, the need to correct a clear error, or a change in the law. It then made the determination that the remedy of reconsideration is not warranted in this case. 50th Anniversary Annual Passholder Magnet The Court claimed that Plaintiffs’ argument about the public attention associated with the lawsuit is nothing new. The Plaintiffs already had presented a motion to seal because of their fear of public harassment since Disney is “one of the most recognizable companies in the world.” The Court explained that they rejected that argument and their analysis still stands. They also shared that (to the extent the Plaintiffs’ arguments are “new evidence”), there is still not enough concern about their reputation or risk of harm to outweigh the “interest in public access to this lawsuit.” According to the Court’s documents, the Plaintiffs submitted screenshots of comments on social media and what the Plaintiffs described as “news articles” that are purportedly negative. The Court shared that while some of the comments can be “construed as negative,” it doesn’t “tip[] the balance in Plaintiffs’ favor.” Annual Passholder Entrance The court clarified, however, that they’re not suggesting platinffs have to “wait for an act of physical violence to occur” before obtaining relief, but they noted that these specific circumstances “neither support Plaintiff’s speculation concerning risks of physical harm and harassment nor warrant the extraordinary remedy of reconsideration.” Instead, they insisted that what the Plaintiffs are alleging is closer to “the fear of personal embarrassment.” So, the court denied their motion for reconsideration and issued a warning. They cautioned the Plaintiffs that they are in violation of the Court’s earlier order asking them to submit an amended complaint and that the case is “subject to being dismissed without further notice.” New turnstyles The court’s order was signed on December 12th, 2022, so we’ll be on the lookout for more updates. In the meantime, you can click here to learn all about Disney’s Annual Passholder program, or click here to see how Passholder prices have INCREASED. Stay tuned for the latest updates. Click here to see how the merchandise discount for Annual Passholders has changed for a limited time 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 an Annual Passholder? Tell us in the comments. The post UPDATE on the Park Pass Lawsuit Filed by Annual Passholders Against Disney first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article