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I’ve stayed at EVERY Disney World hotel on property. Are they great? Yes. Are they perfect? NO. Wilderness Lodge in Disney World But today, I’m gonna highlight the BEST and WORST parts about staying at these resorts (to give YOU a heads up on what to expect). Check out our video below: The BEST & WORST of Disney World Hotels  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

A BIG Lightning Lane change has hit the Magic Kingdom, and it’s switching up the most effective Lightning Lane strategy for the park. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad After a refurbishment that lasted well over a year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened on May 3rd! The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” reopened with updated tracks and trains that “preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy” while improving the ride experience with new show scenes, including a take on the classic Rainbow Caverns sequence from The Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, as well as a reworked finale. These changes — and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” —have even allowed Disney to lower the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches. The new ride vehicles! All of that added together is going to add to some massive crowds coming to Frontierland. On top of that, Big Thunder Mountain is NOT currently offered as part of Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom, as that hotel guest perk will remain available only in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland for now. While the coaster won’t be part of Early Entry, it WILL be offered as part of the Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 1 offerings (along with Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight, and The Jungle Cruise). Crowds at the Lightning Lane for Big Thunder Mountain before it closed in 2025. Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows guests to plan ahead of their visit and choose up to 3 Multi Pass experiences – One Tier 1 and two Tier 2 options at Magic Kingdom – and arrival windows in a theme park each day. Disney hotel guests can begin booking Lightning Lanes 7 days before their arrival, 4 days earlier than day guests, giving them an advantage in trying for a Big Thunder Mountain Lightning Lane. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad So, if a hotel guest can snag a Big Thunder Lightning Lane, we’d advise trying for slightly later in the day, then they can head to Tomorrowland or Fantasyland to knock out those rides during Early Entry, then head to Frontierland closer to their Lightning Lane window opening. On the other hand, day guests should arguably shoot for an earlier Lightning Lane to try and knock the ride off as early as possible. Hotel guests or day guests who didn’t score a Lightning Lane should instead line up as close to Frontierland as possible and (safely) rush to the ride as quickly as possible once the rope drops. ©Disney With Big Thunder Mountain finally back in the Magic Kingdom’s stable of attractions, the best way to approach the park’s Lightning Lane strategy is changing. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Magic Kingdom. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ridden Big Thunder Mountain since its return? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

It’s no secret that multiple areas of Magic Kingdom are under construction right now. Yikes! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad JUST reopened after a 16-month-long refurbishment, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened earlier this year, but construction walls are still up around the soon-to-be Villains Land and Piston Peak. As if that wasn’t enough, a few weeks ago, a massive scrim went up around Haunted Mansion, most likely to work on an exterior refurbishment for the ride, and while it’s not the prettiest, it didn’t affect the inner workings of the ride. That was…until two days ago. On May 2nd, something interesting happened in Magic Kingdom, and we honestly thought it was a fluke…until it kept going on ALL day. Haunted Mansion was down ALL day, and yes, we mean it didn’t open once in the entire 13 hours the park was open. Now, we’ll be honest — we’ve seen this happen before with some rides, and it truly was just a bad day for the ride, but when we remember that there’s all that construction happening outside the ride? Yeah, we couldn’t help but wonder if there was a minor indoor refurbishment going on, or if part of the exterior refurbishment accidentally messed something up inside. ©bioreconstruct That idea really gained traction in our heads when it was ALSO closed for the entirety of the day on May 3rd. Once again, we really do mean the WHOLE day. There was an apology inside the My Disney Experience App from the Vice President of Magic Kingdom, but otherwise, Disney hasn’t mentioned a word about the closures. Haunted Mansion Fortunately, today, May 4th, the ride was open at a 13-minute wait (which means a walk on!) right at 9 AM for the park’s opening, and we’re really hoping that means that whatever issue the ride has been having has been resolved. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on it for the day, though, because it is possible the issue could arise again, at least for a few hours. More Recent Magic Kingdom News! Haunted Mansion Is FINALLY Open in Magic Kingdom After Sudden ClosureBig Thunder Mountain Railroad EVACUATED For A Fire On Opening DayIt’s Honesty Hour — Here’s What We REALLY Think About The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ChangesWine Bar George, Morimoto Asia, and 14 More Disney World Restaurants CHANGED This Week7 Hidden Details On The New Big Thunder Mountain Railroad We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news each and every day, so stay tuned to DFB! 16 Disney World Secrets Even Locals Don’t Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think they’re doing over at Haunted Mansion? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

No matter what time of year you go to Disney World, you can probably expect to wait in some sort of line. From buying your favorite snack to riding the most popular attractions in the parks, lines are part of the fun. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run Disney has a few different ways of managing lines, like Lightning Lanes, standby lines, and virtual queues. Well, Hollywood Studios has brought back virtual queues — but only for today. Happy Star Wars Day! May 4th is a major day at Hollywood Studios, where guests come to celebrate one of the most popular franchises ever. With a special event, there will be special merchandise, too. Galaxy’s Edge To manage shopping lines, Disney added a “May the 4th Merchandise Event” to the My Disney Experience app. The queue opened at 7 AM, and once you joined, you received a group number for when you can return. ©Disney For today’s event, guests are returning to Vacation Fun in Hollywood Studios, but there’s also an option to visit Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs for guests who don’t have park reservations or tickets. ©Disney Virtual queues used to be a big deal at Disney World, since you needed them to get on some of the most popular rides! Some rides only had it for an opening, and others had it for over a year or so after it first opened. Rise of the Resistance The virtual queue tells a group when to return to the attraction, but more likely than not, you’ll still be waiting in a fairly significant line, which is frustrating since you technically already waited in line. If you’re using the system today, be aware that there will likely still be a line. Rise of the Resistance Ever since, we’re always on the lookout for new rides that open to see if they’ll temporarily bring back the virtual queue. When Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened in Magic Kingdom, neither ride used the virtual queue system. Lines for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks for your upcoming Disney World vacation! A HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS RIDE IS CHANGING IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW You tell us: are you a fan of the virtual queue or would you rather wait in a physical line? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Soundscape | Disney Parks Music & AmbienceView the full article

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom after being closed for more than a year, and while guests have been able to ride it today, it seems to be experiencing some issues. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Videos have surfaced online showing smoke beneath the track at one of the loading stations. According to Ashley Carter on X, a small fire reportedly broke out on the ride, and Cast Members acted quickly to extinguish the fire. The queue was evacuated, and the ride has been closed for the rest of the day. Guests were waiting up to two hours to ride the attraction on the reopening date, but due to the fire, they had to clear the queue and were not able to ride the rest of the day. Big Thunder Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! View the full article

If you’re at Disney World for Mother’s Day but still don’t have a reservation, we’ve got you covered. What a meal! There are still dozens of restaurants in and around Disney World that are available for Mother’s Day! Here’s our full list of spots with tons of availability. Biergarten Restaurant Biergarten is a German buffet in EPCOT‘s Germany Pavilion. It’s a theater-style restaurant filled with long, family-style tables. Up on stage, German performers showcase authentic Oktoberfest numbers throughout the day — lederhosen and all! It’s so lively and fun! The buffet serves filling German dishes, including bratwurst, spaetzle, potato salad, and more. Don’t forget to wash it down with your favorite German beer! Hollywood & Vine Hollywood & Vine is a popular character dining spot in Hollywood Studios. Minnie Mouse is the hostess for the Springtime Dine, joined by Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto. Minnie at Hollywood & Vine The restaurant offers a full buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an extra helping of FUN thanks to Disney characters! Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas highlights cuisine from the Americas and offers a lively, towering tequila bar. We love their delicious tapas for sharing and margaritas to pass around. Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas This Disney Springs spot has so many drink options. Among our favorites is the P37 Swirl — a frozen blend of the Paradise Margarita with the House Sangria. Rosa Mexicano Rosa Mexicano at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort offers an elevated fiesta dining experience, which includes signature menu items and award-winning margaritas. Fresh Ahi Tuna Tacos The menu at Rosa Mexicano offers a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine, which includes beloved classics and innovative dishes that pay tribute to Mexico’s richly varied culinary regions. Over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits are featured. Garden Grove Garden Grove at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort will serve a breakfast buffet from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The setting is inspired by New York City’s Central Park, with a 25-foot oak tree providing a stunning focal point! Garden Grove Highlights include an omelet bar, Plant City strawberry salad, miso-glazed gulf snapper, French toast casserole, classic chicken parmesan, and more. As a token of appreciation for everything they do, the restaurant will offer a mimosa for the moms! Four Flamingos Four Flamingos, a Florida-inspired surf and turf restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, will serve an à la carte Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Peach mint julep New menu items include the Flamingo Rockefeller Oysters, Ancho Rub Tuna Tataki, Avocado Toast with Smoked Avocado Mash, and Chocolate Coconut Lime Cake. Twin View Twin View at Evermore Orlando Resort is serving a special Mother’s Day a la carte breakfast and lunch menu on Sunday, May 10th, from 10AM to 3PM. Menu highlights include deviled eggs, crab cake, egg white frittata, Twin View skillet, and more. ©Evermore Resort These are the restaurants with the most availability for Mother’s Day, so you can easily grab a reservation for a nice meal with your mom. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! Review: We Revisited Raglan Road at Disney Springs Just For The Bread Pudding Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at these spots before? Comment below! View the full article

The day has finally arrived: we just had a chance to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom. It’s been OVER a year since we last took a ride on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, and we’re so glad that it’s officially open to the public again. Big Thunder is back in business! So why the long closure? Well, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad got a series of MAJOR updates, the kind that take a while to put in place. Well, we’re going to show you how we reacted when we finally saw those changes for ourselves, so let’s go! So first, we noticed that some changes have been made to the exterior. Disney wanted this part of the ride to blend seamlessly with the new Cars expansion, Piston Peak, which is currently being built in Frontierland. While Piston Peak hasn’t been built yet, so we can’t tell how it’s going to blend in with the rest of the land, we can say that we do really love the brightness that’s been added, especially since it doesn’t take away from the dilapidated feel. New paint, but same feel! We’re also big fans of how there’s even more story that’s been added into the ride, and how new aspects added enhance that story further than before. In case you’re not familiar, the story goes like this: Barnabus T. Buillion struck gold in the area during the big Gold Rush. So he started the Big Thunder Mountain Company with hopes and dreams to become even wealthier. But nature around the mountain had other ideas…and a lot of things went awry while Buillion’s company was searching for gold, and while you’re on the ride, you’ll get the same warning they did — this is NOT the place to be right now! These caverns are trying to tell us something! Part of the refurbishment is that the track has been replaced, and there are new ride vehicles. While we totally understood why the ride used to be as rough as it was, seeing that guests are traveling through a rough mine that may or may not be about to fall apart, it did mean that sometimes we HURT when getting off of it. With this new track, it’s much smoother than before, so much so that it reminds us of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in a way. We’re a little split on our team about this — some of us wish it were still a little rougher to match the storyline, but the other half of us are grateful that we don’t hobble off of it wanting a chiropractor. New ride vehicles! Most of our team are fans of the new additions to the ride, such as the Rainbow Caverns and (spoiler alert) the big golden nugget you see at the end. One of our team members specifically brought up that they love the gold nugget part because it pays homage to the Disneyland version of the ride while not being an exact copy! However, we can see why some people are already saying it feels cheesy, or that they’re not a big fan of it because it doesn’t feel like a big finale moment like Disneyland’s is, but most of our team feels it’s a nice payoff moment to help tie the story together. Golden Nugget However, we do want to pass on a warning that not one, but TWO of our team members said — the ride is LOUD. It was loud before, but we especially feel that while they appreciate the plussed up sounds, we do feel it’s disproportionately loud, especially in the first cave sequence. So, if you or someone in your party is sensitive to noise, we recommend keeping that in mind and perhaps wearing earplugs on the ride! It’s loud in here! We do really appreciate that the lighting in the cave is better, though, because it means we can see more details! Much easier to see it all! We certainly had a blast riding the new version of the ride, and while reviews are mixed right now, we think there were some pretty great changes made, and we are thrilled that it’s finally back open for guests to experience. We’ll be covering even more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The 5 New Procedures You Have To Follow At Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the changes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

As if we didn’t already love Hong Kong Disneyland enough, four changes are coming to the park that we are thrilled about! Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland Soon, Hong Kong Disneyland will be adding a new land, new attractions, and even a new beloved character to the park. We’ve been telling people that they need to visit Hong Kong Disneyland in the past, but if you weren’t convinced then, you’ll definitely be convinced now! Olaf Animatronic Let’s start by talking about what’s going to the park the soonest, and that’s the popular Olaf animatronic. Starting in May, you’ll be able to meet Olaf at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland! We’ve already gotten to meet the snowman who loves warm hugs at Disney Adventure World in Paris, so it’ll be cool seeing him make his way to this park this month. ©Disney Pixar Summer Fest Shortly after Olaf arrives, Pixar Summer Fest will begin at the park on June 12th! This celebration will have exclusive opportunities to meet and play with your favorite Pixar friends at the park. The party will feature the Pixar Water Play Street Party, as well as the all-new Pixar show, Momentous: Party in the Night Sky. That show will take place before the nighttime spectacular. Woody and Buzz in Hong Kong Disneyland Pixar Show That’s not all the Pixar fun that’s coming to Hong Kong Disneyland. Work has already started on the park’s new Pixar-themed show. We still have to wait for this piece of entertainment since it doesn’t debut till next year. That gives us time to book a trip and check out the immersive theatrical experience. The show will have guests join beloved Pixar characters on a fun journey that blends real and digital worlds. We know Monsters Inc. will be a part of it! ©Disney Marvel Land Lastly, a new Marvel land is coming to the park. Get ready to assemble your team of heroes, because the land will feature an all-new attraction, immersive entertainment, and exclusive merchandise. Tony Stark is bringing his team of Avengers and more heroes to Hong Kong, and we couldn’t be more excited! ©Disney The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to Hong Kong Disneyland. We want to go back, but now we have even more reason to go back….multiple times! We’ll be keeping an eye out as work progresses, and changes are made, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog for more! Disney Is Opening New Rides in 2027. Here’s the Full List. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you want to go to Hong Kong Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

WHEW! It’s been a BIG week in Disney World when it comes to news, that’s for sure! Not So Scary Snacks! Fortunately, this week’s announcements help us plan for our future trips, instead of having announcements that affect us in the next week (those are much harder to plan for, but they DO happen!). No, we didn’t get any major, massive updates on the new additions coming to the parks, like Villains Land, Piston Peak, or Monsters, Inc. (though we did hear about some new permits for that last one), but if you’re planning a trip for the later part of this year, trust us when we say that these announcements will be a BIG help when it comes to planning! Specifically, if you’re planning to spend time in Disney World during the Halloween season (which, for Disney World, is August-October), these announcements are for YOU! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Disney dropped TONS of news about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, to give us a really good idea of what to expect for this season. This year, the event will take place on select nights from August 7th through October 31st, 2026, and tickets range in price from $119 to $229. Cheers to fireworks at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The party will still take place from 7 PM to midnight, and ticketed guests can still enter at 4 PM to make the most of their ticket. Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase tickets starting May 5th, 2026, while all other guests can make their purchases beginning on May 12th. It’s also been confirmed that entertainment such as the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular, and Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will be returning, and a new event, called A Masquerade with Stitch, will also be available. Hey, Stitch! We’re so looking forward to hearing more about what the event this year will offer, such as the new snacks on the way. We’ll be sure to keep you updated every step of the way! Everything We Know About Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party This Year! EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Disney also announced dates for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which is many guests’ favorite! This year, the festival will take place every day from August 27th through November 21st, 2026, and we know that Remy’s Ratatouille Hide ‘n’ Squeak Scavenger Hunt and Emile’s Fromage Montage will be returning this year. EPCOT Food and Wine Festival (2025) We also already know about three returning menu items that will be available! Street Corn-style Dumplings: Chicken Dumplings with Tomatillo Salsa Verde, Street Corn Salad, Cotija, Lime Crema, and Cilantro (Gyozas of the Galaxy) Street Corn-style Dumplings Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer with Sweet-and-Sour Vegetables and Coconut-Chili Sauce (Australia) Grilled Bushberry Spiced Shrimp Skewer Kirschwasser Torte with Cherry-Brandy Buttercream, Fondant, Sugared Almonds, and Cherry Compote (The Alps) Kirschwasser Torte We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we hear more and more about this festival, so stay tuned! Everything CONFIRMED for the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival An Interesting New Patent Finally, Disney released a new patent that could, and we’re not being dramatic here, change Disney World rides forever. There’s no saying it’ll be used, and if it is, when it’ll take effect, but this new patent, which was filed on April 23, 2026, is officially known as US Patent Application US 2026/0109316 A1 and details a new AI system that could help verify passengers’ restraints are properly in place. New Disney Patent Currently, Cast Members check each and every seat belt/restraint personally, which takes time during loading. If this new system were to be used, it could drastically cut down on the amount of time it takes to load a ride and get it moving. The technology would work by capturing continuous video of each passenger seat during the loading process, and then a restraint verification platform would analyze that footage using multiple machine learning models trained to detect the rider’s body position and size, if the restraint is being used, and if it’s properly locked. Disney Files NEW Permit That Could Change Park Rides Forever We told you it was a big week! We’re so excited for what’s ahead, and we’ll continue to keep you updated with all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB! REVIEW: There’s Just ONE Reason We’re Obsessed With This Disney Restaurant (Hint: It’s NOT the Food) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which news are you the most excited about? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’ve ever been to EPCOT, you know that the rope drop rush can be exhilarating. Whether you’re racing to Guardians of the Galaxy or Test Track, things can get hectic – fast! Which is why our new EPCOT rope drop spot isn’t what you’re thinking… So pretty! During EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, the butterfly room is a hidden gem where you can step away from the hustle and bustle of the park. But did you know that the best time to visit is in the morning? When we were walking around EPCOT recently, a Cast Member working outside Butterfly Landing stopped us and asked if we’d want to see a ton of butterflies, so obviously we said yes and followed her in! Butterfly Landing She told us that the butterflies are most active in the morning, especially around 9 and 10 AM, when most people are rushing to rides. It’s cool enough that they can fly with ease despite the Florida heat, and they’ll have an easier time foraging among flowers and leaves. Plus, this is the time of day when they’ll often cluster together in groups, making them way easier to spot! Butterfly cluster Because of the hustle and bustle of rope drop, it was just us and the Cast Members inside the butterfly room at 9:30! It was so peaceful and serene that we almost forgot we were in a theme park. We got so many awesome pictures of the gorgeous butterflies! Butterflies! If you want to check out Butterfly Landing on your next EPCOT morning, this year’s butterfly room is located between The Land pavilion and Journey Into Imagination With Figment. It closes daily at dusk so the butterflies can rest at night. It’s only available during the Flower & Garden Festival, which ends on June 1st, 2026, so hurry to EPCOT before it’s gone until next year! Monarch butterflies We had so much fun in Butterfly Landing today. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World hacks! One of EPCOT’s Most Unique Experiences Is Finally BACK Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to Butterfly Landing before? Comment below! View the full article

Looking for something to do on Star Wars Day? May the 4th is tomorrow, and Disney just collaborated with a popular video game for fans to enjoy! Darth Vader in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge If you’re a gamer, you’re going to want to check out three new game modes that were added to Fortnite this week. Star Wars fans and Fortnite fans are going to be locked to their screens all week long Star Wars and Fortnite have collaborated to bring new game modes to the popular video game. Get ready to celebrate Star Wars Day in a new, fun, and exciting way. From PvP to survival, there’s going to be lots to do on the iconic game. ©Epic Games Check out Star Wars: Galactic Siege, a large-scale PvP fight where the Rebels will take on the Empire. The battles consist of 10 vs 10 combat across iconic planets from the Star Wars galaxy. Team up and find capture points. The longer you hold the area, the more points you get, and the closer you are to winning! You can access the Star Destroyer level right now, and stay tuned for a new Mandalorian & Grogu-themed map that will release with the movie on the 22nd! ©Epic Games There’s also Star Wars: Droid Tycoon, where you can build and customize droids using authentic Star Wars blueprints. You’ll also be able to manage your workshop and factory systems, and unlock rare components and special missions. Create over 40 different droids in this game right now, with even more to come in the future! ©Epic Games Lastly, check out this whole new Star Wars x Fortnite horror game. The game mode is a 4-player co-op game called Star Wars: Escape Vader. The rule is simple…survive! You and your group play as rebels who infiltrate a Star Destroyer to recover intelligence and resources. Unfortunately, Darth Vader is waiting for you, and you will come face-to-face with him. You’ll need to hide and run to survive from the Sith Lord. Work with your team to escape while being hunted. ©Epic Games Outside of new game modes, the collab is bringing the game new skins. The Fortnite item shop now has Anakin and Ahsoka in their Clone Wars design. That’s not all, the shop also has The Mandalorian in a Pen and Ink style skin, and a BDX Droid sidekick! Also, the Captain Phasma skin will be coming back for a limited time. ©Epic Games “Star Wars continues to be one of the most powerful and enduring franchises in entertainment, and this year represents an extraordinary moment for fans around the world,” Sean Shoptaw, executive VP of Disney Games and Digital Entertainment, said. “With new stories, new characters, and new ways to experience the galaxy, we’re expanding the universe in ways that feel both fresh and deeply connected to what audiences love. The momentum across games, streaming, and immersive experiences is incredibly exciting, and we’re just beginning to tap into what’s possible for the future of Star Wars.” ©Epic Games For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Disney Fans Have THOUGHTS About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new Star Wars mode in Fortnite? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re a Toy Story fan, then we’ve just found your new favorite Loungefly bag. Disney just released three new Loungefly bags to celebrate Toy Story 5! Hi from Woody and Jessie in Hollywood Studios! Whether you’re headed to Toy Story Land or to the movie theater for Toy Story 5, there’s a new bag that will have a friend in you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go to infinity and beyond with this Toy Story 5 Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Toy Story 5 Mini Backpack features Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Forky, Knifey, and the newest addition, Lilypad! The newest character, Lilypad, is center stage with PVC and embroidered detailing. Along the sides, this bag features more of your favorites, including Hamm, Rex, and some new pals, Smarty Pants, Snappy, and Atlas. With a sturdy top handle and adjustable shoulder straps, this mini backpack is meant to go to infinity and beyond. Carry these iconic characters around and get into some fun shenanigans! view ON AMAZON This Toy Story 5 Triple Pocket Backpack is so cute! ©Amazon Woody, Jessie, and Buzz are back together again with this Toy Story 5 Triple Pocket Backpack. It features three large compartments with distinctive designs that pay homage to some of our favorite characters from the series – Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear. This charming mid-size backpack is perfect for any adventure. With this bag, you’re definitely ready to go to infinity and beyond! view ON AMAZON Get ready to race with this Slinky Dog Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Toy Story Slinky Dog Mini Backpack features a smiling Slinky Dog with 3D ears. The sides of the bag feature slinky details, and the straps match Andy’s cloudy sky wallpaper to bring the whole look together! It’s a must for any Toy Story fan! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We are always on the lookout for all new Disney merch so that you never miss out on anything! And we just found the cutest new bag, and it glows in the dark. Peter and Wendy! All you need is faith, trust, pixie dust, a nd this brand-new Peter Pan Loungefly! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There is no shortage of cute merch for our favorite Lost boy, but this new bag might just be one of our favorite items we’ve ever seen! Let’s dive in. New Peter Pan Exclusive London Light-Up Loungefly! ©Loungefly This Loungefly is the cutest thing ever! We love the city of London in the background, with Peter and his shadow flying out of the Darlings’ window. And if you look closely, you can see Tinker Bell pouting on the side of the bag. ©Loungefly And if you look at the other side, you can see Wendy leaning out of her window, trying to get a glimpse of Peter. And the best part of this bag is that it glows in the dark! ©Loungefly When this bag is in the dark, you can see the Second Star to the Right glowing in the distance! This is such a fun detail and adds another layer to this already amazing bag. VIEW HERE Will you be adding this bag to your Loungefly collection? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow Disney Food Blog so you never miss any new merch! View the full article

Well, it has certainly been an exciting week in Disney World, especially now that May is here! Caramel Flight from Karamell-Küche First, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opens on May 3rd after being closed for OVER a year (and it’s got some HUGE changes). Then, V.I.Passholder Days have kicked off, which means Disney World Annual Passholders can get a new freebie magnet, relax in a new lounge, get some increased discounts, and so much more. May the 4th will even bring some special snacks. But, before all that, Disney World restaurants had some changes this week we need to tell you about. Magic Kingdom Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Toppings ADDED: M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis for $.99 ADDED: Peanut Butter Candy Pieces for $.99 ADDED: Toffee Candy Bar Pieces for $.99 ADDED: Cookies and Cream Crumbles for $.99 Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Cinderella’s Royal Table Breakfast Entrées Royale Grilled Steak and Egg description changed from “Potatoes with Cheese Frittata, Seasonal Vegetable, and Boursin Cheese Sauce” to “Pork Belly Potato Hash, Fried Egg, and Chimichurri” Entrées Royale Roasted Lamb Chops description changed from “Potato Pavé, Asparagus, and Honey-Balsamic Glaze” to “Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, and Minted Jus” Grilled Filet Mignon description changed from “Olive Oil-whipped Potatoes, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and Garlic Butter” to “Roasted Yukon Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Garlic Butter, and Jus” REMOVED: Chicken Roulad ADDED: Chicken Cottage Pie — Root Vegetables, Truffles, Whipped Potatoes, and Asparagus Salad Beverages of the Court ADDED: Enchanted Grove Lime Splash — Minute Maid Limeade paired with the revitalizing flavors of Cucumber and Mint for $6.29 Specialty Cocktails REMOVED: Pink Spritzer Cinderella’s Royal Table Plaza Restaurant Artisanal Shakes Cookies ‘n Cream Milk Shake changed from $9 to $9.50 The Plaza Restaurant EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant Appetizers REMOVED: Pineapple-Coconut Bread and Plantain Chips Entrées REMOVED: Seafood Boil ADDED: Seafood Mac and Cheese — Lobster, Shrimp, Bisque Cheese Sauce, Bread Gremolata for $38 Desserts Chocolate Mousse Bar description changed from “Chocolate Ganache, Almonds, Orange Coral” to “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Chocolate Ganache, Almonds, Orange Coral (plant-based)” Non-Alcoholic Specialty Beverages REMOVED: Pomegranate Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade Coral Reef Restaurant Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Princess Storybook Dining REMOVED: Gulrøtter og Grønne Bønner: Carrots with Green Beans, Kål: Green Cabbage Allergy-Friendly Offerings REMOVED: Apple Cake Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Chefs de France Appetizers REMOVED: Salade aux lardons et croûtons; Rillettes au deux Saumon, Brioche, sauce à l’aneth Salade de chèvre chaud (Baked Goat Cheese) description changed from “Baked goat cheese with walnuts, grapes, tomatoes, endives, mixed greens” to “Beets, arugula, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, lemon zest, croutons” and price changed from $16.95 to $15.95 ADDED: Salade de Saison — Mixed Greens, house vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons for $12.95 ADDED: Blinis de Saumon fumé, sauce à l’aneth — Smoked salmon, house made blini, mixed greens, dill cream for $18.95 Cocktails & House Specialties French Fashioned changed from $17.95 to $18.95 REMOVED: Pernod-Ricard Chefs de France Teppan Edo Sushi Volcano Roll changed from $24 to $24.50 Spicy Roll changed from “18 to $18.50 California Roll changed from $17 to $17.50 Sushi Sampler changed from $18 to $18.50 Teppan Edo Disney’s Hollywood Studios ABC Commissary Gluten/Wheat Allergy-Friendly REMOVED: French Fries (Side) ABC Commissary Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe Breakfast Sides & Small Plates Grilled Country Ham changed from $5.99 to $6.29 Applewood Smoked Bacon changed from $3.99 to $4.29 Sausage Links changed from $3.99 to $4.29 Grit Cakes changed from $4.99 to $5.29 Breakfast Potatoes changed from $3.99 to $4.29 Toast changed from $3.99 to $4.29 Sandwiches & Burgers All items served with Kettle Chips Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom Disney’s Beach Club Resort Cape May Cafe Breakfast Buffet Offerings REMOVED: Cheddar Biscuits and Gravy Cape May Cafe Disney’s Contemporary Resort Cove Bar Frozen Alcoholic Beverages REMOVED: Frosé ADDED: Cold Fashioned — Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Citrus and Tea Slushy, and Angostura Bitters for $18 Alcoholic Beverages on the Rocks ADDED: Cucumber-Mint Limeade — Tito’s Handmade Vodka with Minute Maid Limeade, Cucumber, and Mint for $16.50 Entrées REMOVED: Turkey Bacon Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Turkey BLT Wrap, Mediterranean Salad ADDED: Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado Sandwich — served with Chips for $11.49 ADDED: Cold Cut Trio Sandwich — Ham, Turkey, Salami, Lettuce, Tomato, and Provolone served with Chips for $12.99 Cove Bar Disney Springs Morimoto Asia Small Plates & Dim Sum REMOVED: Ghost Dumpling Blistered Shishito Peppers changed from $13 to $14 Berkshire Lettuce Wraps changed from $16 to $17 Spicy Vegetable Wontons – 4 pieces changed from $13 to $15 Shumai – 4 pieces changed from $16 to $17 Sushi and Sashimi Jyo Sushi Combo changed from $60 to $62 Jyo Sashimi Combo changed from $70 to $72 California changed from $16 to $17 Spicy Yellowtail changed from $17 to $18 Noodles & Rice Morimoto “Buri-Bop” changed from $36 to $37 REMOVED: Oishii Shrimp Lo Mein Tonkotsu Ramen changed from $20 to $21 ADDED: Lobster Singapore Noodles — grilled half lobster, rice noodle, soy marinated egg, lettuce, scallion, fried wonton, crispy shallot, coconut curry broth. choice of wheat noodle or rice noodle for $34 Meat & Poultry REMOVED: Grilled Japanese Curry Chicken Morimoto Spare Ribs, Appetizer, 3-rib changed from $18 to $19 Morimoto Peking Duck changed from $79 to $85 Vegetables Wok Sautéed Chinese Vegetables changed from $15 to $17 Stir-fried Tofu Medley changed from $20 to $21 Cocktails REMOVED: Spirit of the Yokai, Sleepless in Seattle Kokuto Old Fashioned changed from $20 to $21 Yuzu Margarita changed from $15 to $17 Mango Sticky Rice changed from $16 to $17 ADDED: Sleepless in Sapporo — Absolute Vanilla, Kahula Coffee liqueur, Ichiko saiten sochu, cold brew for $19 ADDED: 10×10 — Knob creek 10 year anniversary barrel, Aperol, Montenegro, yuzu, peach puree, fee foam for $20 Morimoto Asia Wine Bar George Wine Country Brunch Small Plates Seasonal Puff Tart changed from $10 to $11 Wine Bar George Terralina Crafted Antipasti REMOVED: Butternut Squash Soup ADDED: Seasonal Soup for $10 From the Garden Caesar changed from $15 to $16 Terralina Crafted Italian Salad description changed from “Romaine, Bocconcini, Shaved Parmesan, Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Salami, Pepperoncini, Red Wine Vinaigrette” to “Romaine, Fresh Mozzarella, Shaved Parmesan, Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Salami, Pepperoncini, Red Wine Vinaigrette” Wood-fired Pizza REMOVED: Pizza alla Vodka, Artisan Pepperoni, Spicy Capicola ADDED: Hot Honey Pepperoni — Cupping Pepperoni, Sweet Peppers, Hot Honey, Basil, Parmesan for $23. With Traditional Pepperoni for $21 Prosciutto — Roasted Garlic, Mozzarella, Arugula for $22 Pasta REMOVED: Terralina Penne Alfredo, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Pork Gnocchi, Spaghetti Bolognese ADDED: Rigatoni Bolognese — Beef and Pork Ragu, Tomato Cream for $30 ADDED: Potato Gnocchi — Nonna’s Pork Ragu for $30 ADDED: Terralina Fettuccine Alfredo — Chicken, Sun-dried Tomato, Peas for $30 | Substitute Shrimp $34 Classics REMOVED: Catch of the Day, 16oz Ribeye, Mahi Peperonatta ADDED: Flat Iron Steak — Served Sliced, Crispy Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini, Garlic and Lemon Gremolata for $45 ADDED: Artichoke Chicken — Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Lemon Artichoke Cream Sauce for $32 Sides REMOVED: Yukon Mashed Potatoes, Fried Potato Planks ADDED: Sauteed Broccoli for $10 Crispy Mashed Potatoes for $10 Terralina Crafted Italian The BOATHOUSE Dockside Classics Dockside Shrimp Boil changed from $27.50 to $29.50 ADDED: Dockside Seafood Boil — Jumbo Peel & Eat Shrimp, Corn on the Cob, Red Potatoes, Andouille Sausage, Boathouse Seasoning for $67.50 Market Fresh Fish Pan-Seared Gulf Grouper description changed from “Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Red Onions, Arugula, Charred Leek Butter” to “Charred Corn, Baby Butter Beans, Sweet Peppers, Sunflower Chili Butter” The BOATHOUSE Vivoli il Gelato Today’s Flavors – Gelato REMOVED: Banana ADDED: Guinness Gelato ADDED: Orange Blossom Honey Today’s Flavors – Sorbetto REMOVED: Orange ADDED: White Peach Affogato REMOVED: Black Forest Affogato ADDED: Orange Blossom Honey Affogato — Orange Blossom Honey Gelato, espresso, and honeycomb for $11 Milkshakes and Floats REMOVED: Sorbetto Smoothie ADDED: Peanut Butter Caramel Shake — Peanut butter and salted caramel gelato, milk, caramel sauce, peanuts, and cherry for $13 Vivoli 21+ REMOVED: Frosé (21+), Guinness Gelato (21+) Pastries Bomboloni description changed from “an Italian donut plain, Nutella, or vanilla” to “an Italian donut plain, Nutella, or Lemon” Cafè REMOVED: Hot Chocolate Guinness Gelato Disney World menus change a lot, so if you have your heart set on ordering something, you’ll want to check restaurant menus before your trip. You can do that on the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. We’ll also let you know when things change, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney dining changes are a lot to keep up with! We’ve done all the research for you in writing our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! We’ve got details on EVERY dining location at Walt Disney World inside our eBook – and it’s easy to download to your tablet or smartphone to take with you on your next trip. REVIEW: Disney Springs Has SO Many Restaurants — Do These NEW Dishes Make This One a Go-To? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did Disney World change the menu at your favorite restaurant this week? Sound off in the comments! View the full article

If you’re looking for a new MagicBand+, then the Disney Store has your new favorite thing. Three new, limited-edition MagicBands just dropped online and we’re running to get them before they sell out! MagicBands! MagicBand+ lets you engage in Disney experiences like never before. It reacts to park attractions and shows with lighting effects and gesture recognition for an even more magical experience. If you want to get in on the fun, check out some of the latest MagicBand designs online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Grogu MagicBand+ is so adorable! ©Disney Store This Grogu MagicBand+ features The Child in various signature poses, including using the force, taking a nap, and indulging in one of his favorite blue cookies. The tappable icon features Grogu in his signature hovering pram! View on Disney Store Go to infinity and beyond with this Toy Story Aliens MagicBand+! ©Disney Store This Toy Story Aliens MagicBand+ features Aliens, Forky, Bullseye, and more. The tappable icon shows an Alien being chosen by The Claw! These Aliens will help you conquer the Disney Parks with ease. View on Disney Store May the force be with this May the 4th Be With You MagicBand+! ©Disney Store This May the 4th Be With You MagicBand+ has a tappable icon that features Din Djarin, The Mandalorian, and a “Star Wars Day: May The 4th Be With You 2026” text. The strap includes Din Djarin, Grogu, Boba Fett, and Ahsoka Tano. Get it before it’s gone for good! View on Disney Store We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’re still about a year away from the opening of Disney World’s newest hotel, Lakeshore Lodge, as it’s expected to open in summer 2027, but we recently got invited to a media event that gave us a NEW look at the hotel, thanks to concept art and a boat tour around the construction site. Lakeshore Lodge We’ve seen firsthand how much a project can change from what concept art originally shows, so don’t get us wrong, we’re not expecting EVERYTHING in here to make it to the final product, but it does give us an idea of what Disney’s setting its sights on. Based on what we’re seeing, this hotel may be the pinnacle of relaxation, but there are a few things we’re still left a little confused by. The new concept art shows the backside of Lakeshore Lodge, which is something we haven’t yet seen. It definitely shows us how large this hotel is expected to be, as well as where important things like the pool and boat dock will be. ©Disney The more we look at the concept art, though, there are things that we’re super excited for, and some aspects that have us scratching our heads. Now, we can’t wait to check out what looks to be a new restaurant on the hotel grounds, which looks like it’ll have incredible views of the water from the tables closest to the windows. Especially at night? We can’t wait! ©Disney We’re also really curious about this relaxing area between the main pool and the lake itself. From the concept art, it looks like there will be hammocks, circular bed-like options, as well as…is that a whole couch? Alright, we understand the idea behind this, and we’re looking forward to it, but Disney, please don’t put a normal couch out in the middle of tons of hammocks. ©Disney This concept art also gives us a glimpse at what looks to be the other pool at the hotel, which looks to be further over to the right of the hotel (if you’re facing AWAY from the entrance). It’s not uncommon at all for hotels to have more than one pool, and it’s actually best to manage crowds, but from what we can see, it looks like this other pool will be more chill. We don’t see any slides right now, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any further away that the concept art just doesn’t show. ©Disney Now, here’s what really has us scratching our heads. We can see the boat dock in this concept art, which looks pretty small, if we’re being honest. On the dock, there appears to be a fancier boat, one you may rent out for a special experience, instead of a normal transportation boat to take you to and from the resort and Magic Kingdom. So, will this be the boat dock for ALL boats, or is there another one hidden somewhere? ©Disney This gets even more confusing when we look at the other boat in the water of the concept art. Two things immediately come to mind — one, is that this boat looks COMPLETELY different than the other, and clearly is carrying passengers, so this appears to be the transportation boat. But that leads us to our other question — WHERE is it going? Its current trajectory in the concept art has it heading straight for trees, and there’s no other dock it could be heading to. ARE there going to be two different docks with different kinds of boats? We need answers, Disney! ©Disney We’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for all the latest Lakeshore Lodge news, as well as all the other announcements that come out of Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB! OPENING TIMELINE ANNOUNCED for Disney World’s Lakeshore Lodge Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this new hotel? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Most people spend months obsessing over every detail of their Disney World trip, from dining reservations booked at the 60-day mark to packing lists reviewed three times over. Magic Kingdom But there is one step that consistently gets skipped, and it tends to cause the most unnecessary stress once guests actually walk through the park gates. Before your trip, you need to spend real, dedicated time inside the My Disney Experience app, not just downloading it and assuming you’ll figure it out later. Getting comfortable with the app at home, on your couch, with no crowds and no pressure, is one of the smartest things you can do to set your vacation up for success. Why the App Feels Harder Than It Should My Disney Experience is genuinely powerful. It handles everything from mobile food ordering and virtual queue access to Lightning Lane reservations and live wait times across all four parks. ©Disney The problem is that the app has a lot going on, and trying to learn it in real time while surrounded by thousands of people on a busy park day is not the move. The navigation is not always intuitive, menus are layered, and if you have not touched it before your trip, you will absolutely be fumbling around when you should be enjoying yourself. Set aside 30 to 45 minutes before your trip to click around, explore the different menus, and get a feel for where things live. It is a low-effort step that pays off significantly once you’re in the parks. Get a Feel for Mobile Order Before You’re Starving Mobile Order is genuinely one of the best features at Disney World, but first-timers often don’t realize it requires a few more steps than just tapping a button. You select your restaurant and arrival window, build your order, and pay through the app. When you arrive, you tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order,” and you get a notification when it’s ready to pick up. ©Disney Knowing how the system works ahead of time means you won’t be standing in a doorway trying to read instructions while your group waits. Try browsing a few menus and walking through a practice order before your trip. You don’t have to complete a purchase, but getting familiar with the flow makes a real difference. Previewing the menus also means you can walk into the day with a loose game plan for meals, which makes lunchtime decisions a lot less stressful when you are tired and hungry. Confirm Your Tickets and Park Passes Are Linked Correctly This one might seem basic, but you would be surprised how often guests arrive at a park entry point and discover their tickets are not properly linked to their My Disney Experience account. Before your trip, open the app and confirm that every person in your party has their ticket associated with their profile. If you’re traveling with family members or friends who have their own accounts, make sure your group is connected so you can manage plans together. ©Disney The same goes for your MagicBand or MagicMobile setup. MagicMobile lets you use your phone as your ticket, hotel room key, and Lightning Lane scanner, which is especially handy if you prefer to travel light in the parks. You can set it up directly through My Disney Experience, and it works even if your phone’s battery dies. Getting this sorted at home means one less thing to troubleshoot at the park entrance. Learn How Lightning Lane Selections Work Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass are the current systems for skipping the standby queue at Disney World. If you’re planning to use either, it’s worth understanding how they work before your trip so you’re not scrambling to figure out the rules on the fly. Lightning Lane With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, guests staying at a Disney World resort hotel (along with select other hotels) can start making selections up to seven days before their check-in date for their entire stay, covering up to 14 days. All other guests get access three days in advance. You can hold up to three Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections at a time, and you can choose your arrival windows as you go. Lightning Lane Single Passes are purchased separately for individual high-demand attractions. ©Disney Understanding this structure ahead of time means you will know exactly when to open the app and what to do when your booking window opens. Missing that window because you were not sure how the system worked is a frustrating and very avoidable situation. Make Sure Your PhotoPass Is Ready Ahead of Time If you have a Disney PhotoPass plan included with your ticket package or as an add-on, make sure it is activated and connected in My Disney Experience before you go. A Cast Member in Magic Kingdom! PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the parks and at ride photo locations, and your images link automatically to your account. If it’s not set up properly, you may not see your photos populate, or worse, you may not realize it wasn’t working until after you’ve left the parks. A quick check at home takes two minutes and saves a lot of frustration later. Learn How to Navigate Your Day With the App The My Disney Experience map is more useful than most guests give it credit for, and it is worth exploring before you arrive. Once you are inside a park, the map shows you live wait times for every attraction, the locations of every dining spot, restrooms, first aid stations, and character meet-and-greet areas. You can filter by category so you’re not sifting through everything at once, which makes it a genuinely practical tool rather than just a pretty graphic. ©Disney Before your trip, open the map for each park you plan to visit and spend a few minutes getting your bearings. Knowing roughly where things are laid out, which lands connect to which, and where your must-do attractions sit relative to the park entrance, gives you a real advantage on the day. You’ll spend less time reorienting yourself and more time actually moving through the park efficiently. Check Your Notifications and Settings This is the step almost everyone skips, and it’s one of the easiest to fix before you leave home. My Disney Experience sends push notifications for things like Mobile Order pickup alerts, Lightning Lane return window reminders, and virtual queue boarding group calls. If your notification settings aren’t configured correctly, or if you have accidentally muted the app, you can miss these alerts entirely. ©Disney Before your trip, go into your phone settings and confirm that My Disney Experience is allowed to send notifications. Then open the app itself and check what notification preferences are available inside. Missing a Mobile Order ready alert might just mean slightly colder food, but missing a boarding group call for a virtual queue attraction is a much bigger deal. A two-minute settings check at home is worth every second. ©Disney Getting comfortable with My Disney Experience before your trip is one of the easiest ways to reduce day-of stress and spend more time actually enjoying your vacation. The app can genuinely make your visit smoother, but only if you know how to use it. Now, who’s ready to plan your next Disney World vacation? If you’re looking for some help booking all the details, reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog for the latest updates, tips, and planning advice to help you make the most of your Disney vacation. 8 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in May DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you used My Disney Experience before a trip, and is there a feature you wish you had learned about earlier? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Everyone, the moment is finally here — Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially reopened in Magic Kingdom! The smokestacks are up and running! Lines were WILD this morning as hundreds of people rope dropped the new attraction, which has a new track, new details, effects that haven’t worked in years, and so much more. When you’re riding yourself, sure, you’ll want to take the experience in as a whole, but you’ll also want to check out these HIDDEN details that make the ride even BETTER! The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has been closed for over a year, and it’s coming out of refurbishment with a new track, brand new effects, and even a completely new scene. While there are some changes that are clear as day, such as the addition of a giant gold nugget that we’re obsessed with now, there are tons of small details that it may take you a few times through the ride to really see. Let’s go! One of these is a nod to Tom Sawyer Island, which is wonderful, now that it’s been completely demolished. This Blacksmith sign used to be located at Tom Sawyer Island’s Fort Langhorn, but now you can find it on the left at the very end of the ride. Blacksmith sign! Don’t worry, Tinker Bell is also still at the exit of the ride, and now she’s not covered in paint anymore! She’s located inside one of the rock formations, and it’s definitely a hidden Tink, because she’s hard to see. Hey, Tink! As you ride, you may notice a bobcat on top of a tall cactus — this is a tie back to a Disneyland ride! He was originally part of the “Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland” attraction in Disneyland, which has been gone for decades. Now, he’s back for guests to enjoy, and we couldn’t love it more. @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram You also may notice that Isobar’s wagon has gotten a beautiful paint and design refresh. Now, it’s easier to see the big cumulus cloud on the front of his wagon, which is perfect, considering those clouds are known for creating some pretty intense storms. @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram It looks like he did his job a little too well, though, as the whole area is still flooding! Yes, the guy in the bathtub is still part of this ride, which has us happier than we can put into words. He’s so iconic, it would have been a SHAME if he hadn’t made it through the refurb. @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram There’s also a beautiful new paint job on the Gold Dust Saloon. Now, it’s more blue than green, but it’s still absolutely not safe to be in, so we don’t think anyone will be checking in any time soon. @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram You’ll also find TONS of critters around the ride, which we feel also really bring it to life. You’ll see roosters, goats, hogs, and more all over the town of Tumbleweed, and you’ll want to watch closely, because some of them are where you’d least expect. @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram We had an absolute blast riding this new version of Big Thunder Mountain, and we’ll be keeping you updated all day about how the opening day of the new attraction continues to go. Make sure to follow Disney Food Blog so you never miss any Disney news! These Villains Land Rumors Have Us Giving Major Side Eye Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which hidden detail is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re going on vacation soon, then Amazon has a massive sale on items that will make your trip 10x easier! Our phone is vacation-ready! Whether you’re going to a theme park, the beach, the pool, or a cruise, Amazon has a sale on something that will make or break your trip! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Protect your skin with Sun Bum Sunscreen! Sun Bum Sunscreen We use Sun Bum sunscreen every day at Disney! We love it because it’s dermatologist- and Sonny-approved, non-comedogenic, and packed with Vitamin E. Plus, it’s water resistant (Hello Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!) and smells just like summer! View on Amazon This INIU Portable Charger is so handy! INIU Portable Charger The INIU Portable Charger is a powerful portable charger with 2 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port, so you can charge 3 devices at once. It’s 30% smaller and 15% lighter than similar portable chargers; it’s perfect for your next park day! After testing loads and loads of chargers, this one and a FuelRod always come out on top. It’s quick, reliable, and not massive! View on Amazon This 3-Piece Luggage Set is perfect for your next vacation! ©Amazon This 3-Piece Luggage Set includes a 20″ carry-on, a 24″ spinner bag, and a 28″ spinner suitcase. The lightweight, 100% polycarbonate, scratch-resistant case keeps your suitcases beautiful trip after trip. The 360° Spinner Wheels are oversized for effortless mobility. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Well, it finally happened! Today, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom has finally reopened after a 16-month-long closure, and we were FAR from the only people who decided to rope drop and experience the new version of this beloved attraction. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is BACK! We’ve been DYING to get another ride on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness since it closed, and now that it’s finally happened, we want to tell you ALL about it. So let’s talk about what’s changed on this iconic Magic Kingdom ride, and how it actually may be BETTER in a lot of ways. We can’t wait for everyone to experience this updated version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and we’ll be in the park all day to bring you all the latest news around the ride’s reopening day. As always, stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news! The 5 New Procedures You Have To Follow At Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the changes made to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When you’re planning a trip to Disney is always important to know what will be closed during your visit. So we make sure to always keep you informed of all the upcoming closures. Disneyland Hotel And if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, specifically the Disneyland Hotel, there are two upcoming closures you need to know about. When visiting Disneyland, one of the coolest experiences you can have is taking by taking a trip over to the Disneyland Hotel to check out Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. This is a tropical bar themed to The Tiki Room! It is an immersive experience that truly transports guests to a tropical oasis. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar However, starting on May 14th, it is closing for refurbishment. The nearby Tangaroa Terrace, another bar and restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel themed to the Tiki Room, is also set to close on May 14th. Tangaroa Terrace And according to the Disneyland calendar, both spots are set to reopen again on May 20th. However, it’s also important to note that while Trader Sam’s is currently still open, it is already experiencing a partial closure. so good! So if you visit between now and the 14th, your experience could be slightly different. Now this is an extremely brief closure; however, if you have your heart set on either of these spots, it’s important to note and plan around! Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Now Trader Sam’s is approaching it’s 15 year anniversary on May 25th, so it’s possible this closure is to put in a few final touches so they are ready for their big anniversary celebration! To celebrate, a special limited-time menu is planned featuring new cocktails, and there will also be some exclusive merch! Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar We are so excited to celebrate the anniversary of this iconic bar and see all the fun Disney has in store. Make sure to follow Disney Food Blog so you never miss any Disney closures or news! This Part Of Disneyland Just Got WAY More Crowded! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is your favorite restaurant in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney Visa Cards are well-known for their Disney perks. From travel deals and ticket discounts to merchandise savings, there are a lot of perks to taking a Disney trip as a Disney Visa Cardholder. Disney Visa The only issue: What happens if you don’t want to take a Disney trip? Let’s look at some of the most popular perks available to Disney Visa Cardholders: When booking their trip, Disney Visa Cardholders can finance their trip with 0% APR for 6 months on select Walt Disney World vacation packages. An exclusive Stitch Meet & Greet at Hollywood Studios. 10% off on select Disney World merchandise purchases. 10% off at select Disney World and Disney Springs restaurants. 15% off select guided tours. 10% off select Disney hotel recreation experiences. 20% Off Joffrey’s Coffee purchases (excluding alcohol) at Disney World and Disney Springs. Surf’s up! Now, all of those perks are hugely beneficial for anyone taking a Disney World vacation; there’s no doubt about that. However, sometimes even we want to do something different from time to time. Don’t get us wrong, we love Disney, but not for every single vacation, and when looked at from that vantage point, there aren’t many travel benefits to a Disney Visa Card. The Disney Visa Now, we will note that the aforementioned 0% APR for 6 months park can also be used for bookings on Disney Cruises, Adventures by Disney packages (which provide trips around the world to destinations including Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America), National Geographic Expeditions, and even trips to AULANI, Disney’s resort & spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, so there are savings to be had on trips to destinations outside of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts. However, those trips are once again Disney at their core. Aulani If you’re looking for some perks for non-Disney travel, other cards may offer more useful and robust perks packages. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers Cardholders the option to redeem points for Chase Travel bookings or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners for a $95 annual fee. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Card has a $395 annual fee, less than those of more expensive competitors in the luxury space, and offers a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary. ©Capital One While Disney Visa cardholders have access to a litany of travel perks to visit Walt Disney World and other Disney destinations, those looking to travel beyond the House of Mouse may be better off looking into other card options. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips. The Best Travel Credit Card To Use Before Your Disney Cruise Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you a Disney Visa Cardholder? Which perks do you take advantage of? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

THE DAY IS HERE! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has finally reopened in Magic Kingdom, and that means everyone is here to celebrate. Big Thunder Mountain is finally open! The ride has been closed for over a year while they updated the entire track and added new Rainbow Caverns, making the ride feel new while retaining the same nostalgia you grew up with. Now that the ride is finally open to the public, let’s check out the crowds for opening day of The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. We headed straight to Froniterland, where there were already groups of people ready to ride. While this ride is not part of Early Entry, there were people already lined up, ready to enter the land. The ride is also part of Lightning Lane Multi Pass as a tier one attraction, so if you want to snag a pass during your trip, you’ll want to make sure to pick it as your first attraction. It’s likely going to sell out fast! Lightning Lane line Of course, we had to check out the wait times. Near the morning, wait times went as high as 145 minutes! 145 minute wait?! When we came, the line stretched far into the extended queue and wrapped completely around. It was going past the bridge you use when you’re crossing past Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Literally everyone was trying to get on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Look how far back the line goes! We’re so excited that the ride is open again, and clearly so is everyone else! The ride has a brand-new track and new elements that guests (and us) can’t wait to see for the first time. We can’t wait!! It’s been a long time coming for this attraction to come back up and ato add another ride back in Magic Kingdom. Now, we have a long way to go before all of the construction is finished around Frontierland. Piston Peak, the Cars-themed land, will be coming to the old Tom Sawyer Island, and Villains Land is going in behind Big Thunder Mountain. Disney hasn’t announced when either of these lands will open, but you can be sure we’ll be here reporting every step of the way. ©Disney Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! DISNEY ANNOUNCED RULE CHANGE FOR POPULAR MAGIC KINGDOM RIDE Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for Big Thunder Mountain to be back? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not a casual park. Tower of Terror Magic Kingdom lets you wander around, eating popcorn and pretending your vacation personality is “whimsical.” EPCOT lets you make “snacking” a full-body identity. Animal Kingdom lets you commune with nature and then immediately abandon your morals for cheeseburger pods. But Hollywood Studios? Hollywood Studios looks you dead in the eyes at 7AM and says, “Choose wisely.” This park has Star Wars, Toy Story, Tower of Terror, Runaway Railway, Fantasmic!, a bunch of shows, several very sweaty bottlenecks, and enough Lightning Lane strategy to make your group chat start using military terminology. And now, with Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opening on May 26th and a new Mandalorian and Grogu mission coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22nd, the demand order is about to get rearranged like a toddler’s snack plate after a nap strike. Also, the brand new area, The Walt Disney Studios, begins to open in phases starting May 26, 2026. Hollywood Studios So, yes, we are going to talk about how to “guarantee” a perfect day in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in under five minutes. Do we mean legally, spiritually, or cosmically guarantee? No. We are Disney experts, not sorcerers with liability insurance. But we do visit the parks constantly. We test the systems. We watch the wait times. We stare into My Disney Experience like it owes us money. And we can tell you this: if you make the right Lightning Lane choices in those first few minutes, your Hollywood Studios day can go from “why are we standing in the sun questioning every life choice?” to “look at us, competent and moisturized.” Let’s go put our foot up in this strategy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2026 Lightning Lane Strategy First, Know the Game You’re Playing Lightning Lane is Disney World’s paid skip-the-line system. There are three versions: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Multi Pass lets you choose up to three experiences and arrival windows in advance, Single Pass is used for select high-demand attractions not included in Multi Pass, and Premier Pass lets you use each available Lightning Lane entrance in one park once that day, without picking return times. The age old question – Lightning Lane or standby?? Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests and guests at select other hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days before the first day of their stay, for their length of stay up to 14 days. Everyone else can purchase up to 3 days before their park visit, and booking opens at 7 AM Eastern Time. Tower of Terror Lightning Lane Translation? If your booking window opens at 7 AM, you should not be waking up at 6:59 AM with one eye crusted shut, trying to remember your Disney password while your coffee maker screams in the background. That is how mistakes happen. That is how you accidentally book Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at 8:45 PM and call it “strategy. The Ultimate Guide to Eating in Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Lineup Before you start tapping like a caffeinated woodpecker, you need to know what is actually in play. At Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is currently the Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction. That means it is not part of Multi Pass. If Rise is a must-do and you do not want to gamble with standby, this is the one you purchase separately. For Multi Pass, Hollywood Studios uses tiers when you book in advance. Frozen Sing Along Lightning Lane You can choose one from this first group: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, opening May 26 Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane Then you choose your other two, or all three, from this second group: Alien Swirling Saucers Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Toy Story Mania! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Once you’re in the park and have used your first Multi Pass selection, those advance-booking tiers stop mattering for future selections. At that point, you can grab another available Multi Pass experience from either group, assuming the Disney app is feeling generous and not behaving like a haunted fax machine. The Full List of All 48 Disney World Attractions Included with Lightning Lane Right Now Your Five-Minute Mission The biggest mistake you can make is opening My Disney Experience at 7AM and then suddenly asking your family, “So what does everyone want to ride?” No. Absolutely not. That is how vacations develop side quests, resentment, and a man named Kevin yelling, “I thought we were doing Star Wars first!” in the hotel room. Star Tours Before your booking window opens, you need three things ready: Your must-do list Your “nice to have” list Your schedule conflicts, like dining reservations, nap breaks, and the hour when everyone becomes emotionally unavailable from heat and churro dust You are not trying to build a perfect day from scratch at 7AM. You are executing a plan. The New Procedures You Have to Follow in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Pre-May 26 Strategy: Slinky Is Still the Dog to Beat Before Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens, your top Tier 1 Multi Pass priority is probably still Slinky Dog Dash. Slinky Dog Dash has the lethal combination of being family-friendly, adorable, outdoors, and extremely popular. Slinky Dog Dash So, before May 26, here’s the cleanest move for most groups: Choose Slinky Dog Dash as your Tier 1 Multi Pass. Then choose Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania! from Tier 2. That gives you a high-demand family coaster, one of the park’s biggest thrill rides, and a very popular Toy Story Land attraction locked in before your day even starts. That is called “being powerful.” Not in a scary way. More in a “has spreadsheets and sunscreen” way. Hey Buzz! If your group does not do thrill rides, swap Tower of Terror for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Star Tours, or Frozen Sing-Along, depending on your crew. Tiny princess people? Mermaid or Frozen. Star Wars fans? Star Tours. People who want to sit in air-conditioning and be lightly roasted by animated Arendelle historians? Frozen. A classic. NEWS: Showtimes Announced for NEW Hollywood Studios Attraction The May 26 Earthquake May 26 is when Hollywood Studios gets extra spicy. ©Disney That day, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens. The reimagined ride will send guests into the middle of The Electric Mayhem’s big night, with a new Muppets storyline, updated queue details, and music from The Electric Mayhem and friends. Also on May 26, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! debuts in Animation Courtyard, and the courtyard around the future Magic of Disney Animation begins transforming into “The Walt Disney Studios,” an outdoor area inspired by the Burbank studio lot. The Magic of Disney Animation itself is slated to arrive later in summer 2026. So no, May 26 is not just “the Muppets take over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.” It is also the start of a phased Animation Courtyard glow-up, with more family-friendly energy moving into that part of the park. And that matters. CONFIRMED: Every Opening Date Announced for Disney World in 2026 Post-May 26: Your New Demand Order Once Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens, expect it to become one of the hardest Hollywood Studios Lightning Lanes to grab, at least in the early weeks and likely through the summer. It is a thrill ride. It is a returning coaster. It is Muppets. It is new. It has Animal. That is a demand cocktail with a novelty rim. The New Muppets Car So after May 26, here is the likely priority order for many guests: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Slinky Dog Dash Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Galaxy’s Edge But that is not the right order for everyone. Thrill seekers and Muppets fans should try for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster first. Families with kids under the coaster’s height requirement should stick with Slinky Dog Dash or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has historically had a 48-inch height requirement, so it is not going to be the pick for every family. Star Wars fans visiting after May 22 may still want Smugglers Run first, especially if the new mission is the reason they are visiting. Families with very young kids may want Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway as the safer, no-height-requirement pick. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway This is where Hollywood Studios gets annoying in the exact way only Hollywood Studios can. There may not be one “correct” Lightning Lane answer anymore. There will be a correct answer for YOUR group. We know. Rude of Disney to make us think before breakfast. Don’t Sleep on the Mando and Grogu Bump Even though Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is the big May 26 Lightning Lane drama, Smugglers Run gets its own demand bump just a few days earlier. Beginning May 22, the ride adds a new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. That matters. Mandalorian and Grogu Smugglers Run has been around long enough that some repeat visitors have moved it down their priority list. But add Grogu? Add new destinations? Add a reason for Star Wars fans to say, “Actually, we need to ride it again for research”? Boom. Demand bump. Will Smugglers Run suddenly beat Slinky Dog Dash every day? Probably not consistently. Slinky has massive family appeal, and that little spring dog has been tormenting rope drop plans for years. ©Disney But in late May and early summer, Smugglers Run becomes a much stronger Lightning Lane contender than it was before. It may be especially smart for Star Wars-heavy groups who are buying the Rise of the Resistance Single Pass and want to stack their Galaxy’s Edge time without giving their vacation schedule the structural integrity of wet cardboard. A Hollywood Studios Ride Is CHANGING in One Month The Tier 2 Power Move Hollywood Studios’ Tier 2 group is sneaky. Some of these are easygoing shows. Some are legitimate time-savers. And one of them is Tower of Terror, just sitting there in Tier 2 like it didn’t casually become one of the best Multi Pass values in the park. Tower of Terror For most guests, Tower of Terror should be your first Tier 2 pick. It is popular, it can post long waits, and it gives you a big thrill ride without using your Tier 1 selection. That is the sort of loophole energy we respect. Your second Tier 2 pick should usually be Toy Story Mania! It is fun, competitive, air-conditioned, and ideal for families who enjoy discovering that Grandpa has terrifying aim and no mercy. Toy Story Mania After that, your backup Tier 2 priorities depend on your group. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a strong choice for families, show fans, and anyone who wants a newer Hollywood Studios experience without standing in the sun contemplating existence. Star Tours is great for Star Wars fans and often useful as an additional same-day pick. Alien Swirling Saucers can be helpful for Toy Story Land-focused families, though it is not usually the first thing we’d grab unless your kid has made it their entire personality. Frozen Sing-Along, Beauty and the Beast, and Indiana Jones are solid, but they are usually easier to work into your day around showtimes unless crowds are wild or you have a very specific schedule. 5 Times You Should NEVER Buy Lightning Lanes in Disney World Rise of the Resistance Is Still Its Own Galactic Beast Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not part of Multi Pass. It is the Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction. So your decision is simple, but annoying: buy Single Pass for Rise, rope drop it, ride near park close, or accept that you may spend a chunk of your day in standby. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance If Rise is your must-do, and you have the budget, buying the Single Pass is the cleanest option. It removes a huge variable from your day, and Hollywood Studios already has enough variables. We do not need to add “intergalactic operational chaos” to the itinerary unless absolutely necessary. If you are not buying Single Pass, then make Rise your rope drop priority or aim for later in the evening. Just know that you are taking on more risk, and Rise is famous for being both incredible and occasionally dramatic. Very Hollywood of her. New Rules for Rise of the Resistance That Disney Adults Are Begging For The Best Booking Order for Under Five Minutes Here is your no-nonsense Hollywood Studios booking script. Slinky Dog Dash will temporarily close with bad weather Before May 26: Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Hollywood Studios. Book Slinky Dog Dash first. Book Tower of Terror second. Book Toy Story Mania! third. Buy Rise of the Resistance Single Pass if it is a must-do and in budget. Choose the earliest reasonable return time for at least one selection so you can unlock your next Multi Pass sooner once you tap in. We can’t wait to ride After May 26: Buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Hollywood Studios. Book Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets first if it is a must-do, you are visiting near opening, or your group loves thrill rides. Book Slinky Dog Dash first instead if your group is more family-ride focused or skipping intense coasters. Book Tower of Terror from Tier 2. Book Toy Story Mania! from Tier 2, or The Little Mermaid if your group prioritizes shows/newer offerings. Buy Rise of the Resistance Single Pass if you want Star Wars security instead of Star Wars roulette. Keep an eye on Smugglers Run, especially after May 22, because Grogu has entered the chat and people are not normal about that tiny green chaos dumpling. Use Your First Lightning Lane Early, But Don’t Get Weird About It One of the best ways to maximize Multi Pass is to use your first selection earlier in the day so you can start booking additional experiences. But do not throw away your best ride choice just to get a 9:15AM return time for something you barely care about. That is not strategy. That is panic wearing Mickey ears. Alien Swirling Saucers Ideally, you want one strong early return time and two high-value advance selections. If Slinky or Rock only has afternoon availability, take it anyway. Those are the rides that may disappear. Then try to make one of your Tier 2 picks earlier so you can tap in and start hunting for more. The goal is not perfection. The goal is controlled chaos with snacks. Don’t Forget Early Entry If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel or another eligible hotel, Early Theme Park Entry can help you knock out a major ride before the park fully opens. Hollywood Studios Early Entry options, including Alien Swirling Saucers, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania!, and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, once it opens. Runaway Railway A good Early Entry plan can reduce the pressure on your Lightning Lane picks. For example, if you can rope drop Slinky Dog Dash, maybe your first Tier 1 pick becomes Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster after May 26. If you buy Rise of the Resistance as a Single Pass, maybe your morning starts in Toy Story Land instead of Galaxy’s Edge. You see what we’re doing here? We’re not winging it. We’re winging it with structure. Fancy chaos. The “Oops, It’s Gone” Backup Plan Even Disney experts do not get everything every time. The app glitches. Return times move. Someone in your party suddenly can’t decide whether they want Tower of Terror because they “don’t like elevators,” which, respectfully, should have been disclosed during pre-trip screening. We love Buzz Lightyear! If your top pick is gone, here is the backup order: If Slinky is gone, grab Rock after May 26, Smugglers Run after May 22, or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. If Rock is gone after May 26, grab Slinky Dog Dash if available, then Smugglers Run, then Runaway Railway. If both Rock and Slinky are gone, do not spiral. Grab Smugglers Run or Runaway Railway, then adjust your rope drop plan. If Tower of Terror is gone, grab Toy Story Mania!, then Star Tours, Little Mermaid, or Alien Swirling Saucers depending on your group. If Toy Story Mania! is gone, grab Little Mermaid, Star Tours, or Alien Swirling Saucers. Then keep checking. People modify plans constantly. Lightning Lane availability can move around during the day, and refreshing the app is basically the new Disney fidget spinner. Lightning Lane Tips for the Most Crowded Days in Disney World and Disneyland A Sample “Perfect” Hollywood Studios Day Let’s say you are visiting after May 26 and want the shiny new stuff. You book Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets as your Tier 1 selection. You grab Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania! from Tier 2. You buy Rise of the Resistance Single Pass because you are not interested in gambling with the First Order before lunch. Rise of the Resistance Entrance At rope drop, you head to Slinky Dog Dash or Smugglers Run, depending on your priorities. Then you use your first Lightning Lane as early as possible, book another Multi Pass, and build from there. You work in shows like Little Mermaid, Frozen Sing-Along, Indiana Jones, or Beauty and the Beast when your body starts making dial-up noises from the heat. You mobile order food before everyone becomes a hanger demon. You save Fantasmic! for the end of the night, because nothing says “we survived Hollywood Studios” like water screens, fireworks, and Mickey Mouse conducting emotional warfare in a dream cape. Fantasmic! That is a good day. That is a very good day. That is a day where you might not even mutter “never again” while leaving through the gift shops. How to Guarantee a Perfect Day in EPCOT in Under Five Minutes The point is not to dominate Disney World like a tiny vacation warlord. The point is to make your day easier, smoother, and less likely to involve someone dramatically whispering, “This was supposed to be fun.” One Man’s Dream We watch the trends. We test the plans. We do the park math so you do not have to become a spreadsheet gremlin at sunrise. So before your Hollywood Studios booking window opens, know your priorities, know your group, know what changes after May 26, and know which rides are most likely to vanish first. Then tap fast, stay calm, and remember: this is Disney World, not an international treaty negotiation. Although, frankly, getting a good Slinky Dog Dash return time can feel more politically delicate. Slinky Dog Dash We hope these tips help you have a magical day at Magic Kingdom! It can be stressful to plan a Disney World vacation, but we’re here to make it easier. Hop over to the DFB Store to grab one of our guides, or check out our friends at Small World Vacations to help you plan your perfect vacation. In the meantime, keep following DFB for more Disney news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you like using Lightning Lane at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article