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May 1st officially kicks off Disney World’s V.I.P. Passholder days for 2026, and that means LOTS of new perks are coming for Passholders around the parks. The Passholder lounge is back open! A new magnet has just been released that only Passholders can grab, a ton of dining discounts are available right now, there’s special merch to grab, and so much more. One of the perks we’ve really been looking forward to is the return of the Annual Passholder Lounge in World Showcase, and now, it’s officially back open! This Annual Passholder lounge is located inside the former home of Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion. The former restaurant has been turned into a great hangout spot for Passholders looking to cool off, experience some peace and quiet, and take full advantage of being a Passholder. Passholder Lounge inside Restaurant Marrakesh Inside, you’ll find great AC, tons of seating, and complimentary snacks. We grabbed ourselves a bag of pretzels… Bag of pretzels …as well as a Fruit Bowl mix for a pick-me-up, which will appeal to many, as it’s nut-free. There’s also complimentary water and tea available. More options You can also take part in a special photo op here, which is none other than with Aladdin’s lamp! This is a prop for a special Magic Shot — AKA a photo with fun effects added to it. Photo op! The lounge was decently packed when we arrived, and you may notice it takes a few minutes to get inside. This is because they are requiring guests to tap their pass and are matching names to IDs, so be sure to have your ID ready before you head in. Be sure to have your ID ready Finally, we also got a complimentary NEW version of the Annual Passholder button, which has Mickey in sunglasses! Cute new button! More Recent Annual Passholder News! Well, We Certainly Did NOT Expect to See THIS in EPCOT Today!This MASSIVE Annual Passholder Perk Just Returned to EPCOTThe NEW Popcorn Bucket Disney Adults Are Buying in Disney WorldAn EXCLUSIVE New Disney World Freebie Just Dropped!4 NEW Passholder Perks Start in 13 Days We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Annual Passholder news during V.I.P. Passholder days and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB! 3 Annual Passholder Perks are ENDING Soon in Disney World 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 planning to check out this new Passholder lounge? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disneyland is the CAPITAL of tasty snacks, and even better, Disneyland adds new snacks ALL the time. Seriously, you could just skip all meals and snack your way around the parks and Downtown Disney and stay full (and, well, we’ve done it!). New snacks alert! We always get excited when new snacks drop, and now that eight NEW items are available on Disneyland menus, we raced to the parks to try them out. So let’s see what we thought! First, we have to start with one of our favorite things: Mickey waffles! Now there’s a NEW Mickey- Shaped Celebration Waffles at Schmoozies for $10.99. These are 70th Anniversary Celebration waffles with Strawberry Filling and topped with Sprinkles and Powdered Sugar. Okay, the strawberry filling is tart, light, and refreshing, plus you get a nice light strawberry flavor from the whipped cream. Mickey-shaped Celebration Waffles We also love that the strawberry flavors don’t taste artificial. The waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just like we like them! We’ll be grabbing this treat AGAIN AND AGAIN. The perfect Mickey waffle Then we made our way over to Avengers Campus to try a new snack at Pym Test Kitchen. Okay, so you know we love a grilled cheese, so we were excited about the Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese, made with Pepper & Onion Grilled Cheesesteak, topped with Cheese Sauce and Crunchy Manipulated Particles, served with Potato Bites for $16.79. Now, a word of warning: the bread tends to get hard fast, so eat it quickly. But the cheese is gooey, and the overall flavor is cheesy (our favorite thing). Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese The meat is well seasoned, while the Hot Cheeto puffs and onion ring chips add some unique crunch and pops of flavor. We love just how different this grilled cheese is. It’s a great example of Disney thinking outside the box. It’s so unique! Then we were on our way to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta to try the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for $6.99. It’s a Cinnamon Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting. So if you love cinnamon rolls, this tastes like a cinnamon roll, but in cheesecake form. It has the perfect amount of cinnamon flavor, and combined with the creamy cheesecake, it’s HEAVENLY. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake We also loved that it wasn’t overly sweet, even with the cream cheese frosting, which we could’ve eaten by itself with a spoon. Look at that fluffy cheesecake Okay, that left us with one more stop, Lamplight Lounge. We ordered a new drink, The Lamplight Old Fashioned, made with Bourbon, Citrus, Spice, and Floral Spanish Liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Bitters, Luxardo Juice, and a Luxardo Cherry for $19.50. This is one of the best cocktails we’ve had here. The Maraschino liqueur adds such a nice cherry flavor, and combined with the Luxardo juice, there’s a lovely sweetness. It’s still a classic old fashioned, but with a nice twist. The Lamplight Old Fashioned We also grabbed the new Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts for $11. These donuts are dipped in Cream Cheese Frosting and topped with Lemon-Blueberry Compote and Streusel. You get five mini donuts, which makes this snack great for sharing. Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts These taste so fresh with a nice blueberry compote. The streusel gives it that cobbler kind of crunch. Our only complaint is that the lemon flavor is very subtle, but you do get a little tang from it. SO good Then it was time to park hop over to Disneyland to visit Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, where we picked up the Apple-Berry Hand Tart for $7.99. It’s Apple-Berry Filling in a Buttery Pastry, topped with Frosting. This is like a plussed-up Pop-Tart, and we mean that in the best way possible. It tastes homemade, though, with some nice apple and berry flavors that come from the filling. Apple-Berry Hand Tart This baby also has a lovely, flaky crust, although it was a teensy bit dry, but still, very Pop-Tart-like. We also liked that this wasn’t super tart. In fact, the flavor leans more towards sweet. Like a homemade Pop-Tart We also grabbed the Key Lime-Blueberry Tart for $7.99, which is Key Lime and Blueberry Filling in a Graham Cracker Crust, topped with Chantilly Cream. Now this tart was, well, TART. SO tart. The key lime flavor is the strongest here, but when you get a bite combined with the blueberry, it’s the most refreshing combination EVER. The flavor of the Chantilly Cream is subtle, so it just adds a nice creaminess. Key Lime Blueberry Tart However, this is a great snack for a hot day, but you’re really going to have to love key lime flavors. The crust is nice and flaky, and maybe, just maybe, we’d order it again. Wonderful flavor combo Finally, we ordered the Orange Cream Cheesecake for $7.99, which is an Orange Cheesecake topped with Vanilla Chantilly and Orange Crunch. Remember those orange push pops you used to love as a kid? Well, if those were a cheesecake, they would be this because that’s EXACTLY what it tastes like. It’s so refreshing, with a great tangy and orange flavor. Orange Cream Cheesecake The cheesecake is so light and airy, as is the cream on top. The orange crunch adds a nice texture. The crust is light and thin, which just complements the snack as a whole. PERFECTION So, basically, Disneyland just dropped five stellar snacks that we can highly recommend if you’re visiting Disney California Adventure soon. We’ll keep looking out for new Disney snacks, too, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold Up. You Can Get ALL This Disney Food for Under $20?! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What’s your favorite Disneyland snack? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

The time that Disney World Annual Passholders have been waiting has finally arrived! V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days has officially begun, and we’ve already gotten started with the perks. New Annual Passholder popcorn bucket! The summer is bringing tons of exclusive perks to Disney World for Annual Passholders, including new hotel discounts, dining discounts, and more. Any Annual Passholders out there a fan of Disney popcorn? Well, there’s a new popcorn bucket available at the park right now, exclusively for YOU! We love exclusive merchandise, and we love Disney World popcorn, so you can imagine we LOVE this exclusive new piece of merch. We’re sure you’re just as excited as we are, so you’ve got to make sure you come to the parks to get the brand-new Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket! Disney World Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket We went to EPCOT to get the bucket and got it at the popcorn stand in World Celebration, right outside the Creations Shop. However, you can find it in all four of Disney World’s parks. We love this thing! At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find it at the City Hall Popcorn Cart, right as you enter the park. In Hollywood Studios, go to the cart between the Brown Derby and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”. At Animal Kingdom, you can grab it at the Chakranadi Popcorn Cart. The bucket is even at Disney Springs, at the Mainstage Popcorn Cart in the Marketplace area near World of Disney. City Hall Popcorn Cart The bucket has a cute design to it, displaying iconic attractions at Disney World, unique artwork, and a beautiful mix of colors. Our favorite part is that the bucket features Disney characters who have been on the Passholder magnets. You can see Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps (the magnet that dropped earlier this year), Crush, Ray, Stitch, Hei Hei, Oswald, Orange Bird, and of course, Mickey and Minnie. Did you also notice the iconic toy duo near the top? It’s Buzz and Woody! Look at all the characters! Wait…they were a magnet? They are now! Another exclusive perk Passholders can take advantage of is picking up the brand-new magnet that just dropped at EPCOT. You can pick up the magnet featuring Buzz Lightyear and Woody at the Creations Shop. New Annual Passholder Magnet V.I.PASSHOLDER Days have begun and will run through July 31st. There is a lot more that Passholders can take advantage of this summer, so make sure to plan out your Disney days. To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. BREAKING: Expansion Revealed for Magic Kingdom Transportation 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 going to grab the popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Have you ever walked by somewhere in Disney World and thought, “Huh, I wonder if that place is good,” but kept walking? We’re here to tell you to stop and check out the menu because you might find a solid snack waiting for you. Let’s go to Laguna Bar We’re heading to Laguna Bar at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to see if you should stop here during your busy Disney World trip. Laguna Bar is a quick, walk-up bar right by the water at Coronado Springs. There’s limited seating around the bar, so it’s a great place to grab before heading somewhere else, but there are also a few tables around the area. It’s usually open from 5 PM to 11 PM. Laguna Bar On the menu, they have some appetizers, including wings and mozzarella sticks. We found that the menu listed online wasn’t quite accurate versus what we could actually order, so you might want to check with the server to see what’s available. On the physical menu, it showed: Wings Downtown Mozz Loaded Nachos Come on up! They also offer entrees that sound amazing to eat by the water, like California Chicken Sandwich, Aloha Island Poke, cheeseburgers, and more. There’s also Signature Cocktails and Beer! For the entree menu, you can grab: Wedge Salad Aloha Island Poke California Chicken Sandwich All-American Bacon Cheeseburger The Bar For our drink, we grabbed the Everything Hurts for $15.25, which has Barbancourt 8-yr Rum, Orange & Pineapple Juice, Blackstrap Bitters, Coconut Cream, and Nutmeg. Everything Hurts The main flavor you’re going to taste with this is the alcohol, followed by the coconut cream. The fruit juices were on the subtle side, but the nutmeg added a nice subtle spice on the top of each sip. This is definitely a drink for those who like the taste of rum since it really stands out! Very strong We also grabbed the Loaded Nachos, which cost $15 and are made with freshly made corn tortilla chips topped with shredded montery jack cheese, drizzled with queso sauce, queso fresco, pico de gallo, scallions, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, and Mexican crema. Loaded Nachos Sometimes it’s hard to find good nachos, even though it’s as simple a concept, and the toppings really shone here. The chips did not taste freshly made to us and just reminded us of Tostitos (but hey, we like Tostitos!), but the cheese was gooey and melted. All of the other toppings were fresh, cold, and refreshing, which was great, but the chips struggled to hold up all the options. The scallions were a different choice, but they worked really well with the other flavors. Lots of toppings Overall, we think this is a fun little spot. It’s fun to walk up, grab a drink, and sit around and enjoy each other’s company with some appetizers. It’s so pretty next to the water, especially as the sun sets. While the food isn’t the most unique items ever and is a bit more on the expensive side, we did enjoy it. We’ve had better food in other locations in Coronado Springs, like Three Bridges and the Dahlia Lounge, but this is still a great option for something fast. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite food reviews, so you know what’s worth the time and money during your Disney vacation. THE BEST (AND WORST) DISNEY WORLD HOTEL RESTAURANTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever eaten at Laguna Bar? Tell us about your experience in the comments. View the full article

Everyone is planning their summer vacations right now, and we’re telling you why yours should be at Universal Studios Orlando! Universal Orlando Universal Orlando just announced the Mega Movie Summer event that will be coming to the theme park, and we’re super excited. Universal fans and movie lovers alike aren’t going to want to miss out on this! From May 23rd through August 10th, Universal Orlando will premiere a blockbuster lineup of limited-time experiences to celebrate some of the most iconic films of all time. This event will bring a variety of cinematic-inspired experiences, including character meet-and-greets, interactive activations, photo ops, a whole lot of new menu items across the park, and, of course, exclusive new merchandise collections! Universal Studios Florida Also, Universal Studios Florida will be bringing a Disclosure Day exhibit for a limited time, hyping up the upcoming Steven Spielberg film! The exhibit will feature a collection of props and behind-the-scenes looks not just from the upcoming film, but also from some of Spielberg’s most iconic movies as well. Check out the exhibit before Disclosure Day releases in theatres on June 12th. ©Universal Fans of Jaws will want to check out the exhibit and the rest of Universal, as the iconic film will have interactive experiences at the park. This will include unique photo ops featuring iconic elements and settings from the film. Bring your shark-like appetite, because there will be brand-new specialty eats and drinks. Oh, and a new merchandise collection exclusive to the park that includes limited-release apparel, accessories, and more. ©Universal Another Universal movie is releasing this year, and it’s the third Minions movie, Minions & Monsters. Yes, the park will be featuring that film this summer as well, with interactive photo ops featuring two new Minions that will be introduced in the film, Henry and James. ©Universal The park will also bring special menu items at the Minion Cafe inspired by the new film. Be on the lookout for Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Fold Over and Monster Marshmallow Lemonade. There will also be park-exclusive merchandise such as Minions & Monsters blind box collectible figures, a shoulder pal of Goomi (a new character from the film), and more. ©Universal Another thing you’ll want to catch this summer is the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which is returning to Universal Studios Florida. The parade features iconic movies like E.T., Back to the Future, JAWS, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Minions, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda with TONS of floats, nearly 100 performers, and special effects. It’s an awesome parade that you CAN’T miss, and one movie lovers will adore! Back to the Future at the Universal Mega Movie Parade CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will also be returning! The nighttime spectacular goes through iconic film scores and memorable moments, with water effects, lightning, and projections. CineSational Heading out of the park and onto Universal CityWalk, Cinemark will be hosting a Summer Movie Series! On select dates from June 20th through August 26th, classic Universal films will be having screenings, including Back to the Future, Jaws, E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial, and more! Universal CityWalk Mega Movie Summer is coming to Universal, and it’s going to be a blast! Start booking those Universal days now, because you won’t want to miss it. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more theme park news and updates! Get 2 FREE Days at Universal Orlando With This NEW Ticket Deal! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning on coming to Universal this summer? Comment down below! View the full article

20 new and exclusive Disney Loungeflys have just been released on Amazon! ©Amazon Whether you’re looking for a mini backpack, tote bag, crossbody bag, or wallet, there’s a new Loungefly for you. Trust me, we’ve found your new favorite bag! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. SEE THE FULL LIST OF NEW LOUNGEFLYS ON AMAZON HERE Game on with the Mickey Mouse Tennis Tote Bag! ©Amazon This Mickey Mouse Tennis Tote Bag combines Disney style with tennis fashion. You’ll find a pink argyle pattern on this tote bag with a 3D molded metal charm with a Mickey Mouse silhouette in the center. The straps feature a repeating pattern of Mickey Mouse silhouettes, and the coin bag looks like a tennis ball that’s Mickey-shaped. You’ll ace any game with this bag! view ON AMAZON Or, get the crossbody bag version! ©Amazon This Mickey Mouse Tennis Sling Crossbody Bag features a pink argyle pattern on the front of the bag with a 3D molded metal charm featuring Mickey Mouse’s silhouette! Turn the bag around to find a pink applique against a green background that says “1928.” Attached to the sling is a tennis racket-shaped coin bag! view ON AMAZON Get ready to dash with this Slinky Dog Mini Backpack! ©Amazon The Slinky Dog Mini Backpack features Slinky smiling out from the front with 3D ears. The sides of the bag feature slinky details. 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 Go under the sea with this The Little Mermaid Iridescent Pearl Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This The Little Mermaid Iridescent Pearl Mini Backpack features a purple-to-green iridescent material with fish scale details. Faux pearls appear on the front and side pockets. A 3D bow is at the top of the bag, featuring an enamel charm of a seashell with tulle and faux pearls. Check out the straps to find an applique of a purple seashell! This is a must for any Ariel fan! view ON AMAZON Be part of that world with The Little Mermaid Ariel Tote Bag! ©Amazon This The Little Mermaid Ariel Tote Bag features Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian on the front of the bag. Behind them, you’ll find stitched outlines of various under-the-sea life, like coral, shells, and more. The stitching continues on the back of the bag. Attached to the crossbody strap is a purple seashell coin bag. It’s a must for any adventure: on land or in the sea. view ON AMAZON This The Little Mermaid Ariel Soft Floral Wallet will match your new bag! ©Amazon The Little Mermaid Ariel Soft Floral Wallet features Loungefly-exclusive Ariel and underwater-themed artwork. It has a shimmering pastel finish, gold-tone hardware, and printed and embroidered details for an eye-catching, luxurious look. view ON AMAZON Want to see all 20 new Loungeflys in one place? Check out our storefront at the link below! SEE THE FULL LIST RIGHT HERE 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

The fun begins here as we prepare to kick-off another Star Wars day! With only a few days until May the 4th, I’ve gathered the comprehensive list of new Star Wars-themed toys, action figures, apparel, accessories, books, and more from fan-favorite licensees and retailers arriving just in time for the fan holiday. Ready your galactic credits and be sure to take notes on your holo-pad – these are items Star Wars fans of all ages won’t want to miss out on! For Star Wars Brick Builders Celebrate this Star Wars day with new LEGO Star Wars sets, available now! The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter set, part of the LEGO Ultimate Collector Series and arriving on May 4, is complete with 1,809 pieces, a display stand, and an information plaque; perfect for a long-day of brick-building fun. Make sure to turn on The Mandalorian or The Book of Boba Fett in the background for additional inspiration. Looking for a fun build for kids and adults alike? The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains Brickheadz set is perfect for those looking to join in on the LEGO Star Wars fun this May the 4th on a smaller scale. And gear up for the premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu with even more film-inspired sets all available now, including: LEGO Star Wars AT-RT Attack building set LEGO Star Wars Razor Crest building set LEGO Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) building set LEGO Star Wars New Republic X-Wing Starfighter building set LEGO Star Wars Anzellan Starship building set Can’t Get Enough Grogu? As Grogu prepares to make his debut on the big screen with Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, fans won’t want to miss on the latest innovation from Hasbro – Ultimate Grogu, a 1:1 scale animatronic that blurs the line between toy, collectible, and consumer technology. Designed for collectors, fans, and cosplayers alike, this meticulously crafted premium animatronic features built-in motors, sensors, and microphones to deliver over 250 animations and sounds along with three different modes of play. Packed full of endearing movements like waving and giggles, Ultimate Grogu even “toddles” forward when prompted, which, when combined with premium materials and life-like detailing, make it feel as though Grogu as stepped out of the galaxy and into fans’ homes. Coming soon to Disney Parks stores and available for pre-order now on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and Fan Channel retailers, with two pre-order options launching simultaneously*, this premium offering from Hasbro is sure to bring delight into all fans big and small! New merchandise inspired by Grogu has landed back at Build-A-Bear Workshop as the galaxy’s most iconic foundling prepares for his upcoming debut on the big screen. Build-A-Bear ’s exclusive make-your-own Star Wars Grogu Plush and Lightsaber wristies are all available now at your local Build-A-Bear Workshop location and online at buildabear.com. Or try the new Grogu Deluxe Plush from Mattel, inspired by Grogu’s upcoming appearance in The Mandalorian and Grogu. You can’t go wrong with Hasbro’s Action Buddy Grogu, an interactive Grogu toy for kids and fans alike, featuring 50+ sound and movement combos. Or play a game of chance and try your hand at getting your favorite figurine with POP MART’s Tiny But Mighty series figures. Which character version will you unbox? Elevate your everyday style in true galactic fashion with Vera Bradley’s new Grogu Medallion collection, featuring tote bags, wallets, cosmetic bags, backpacks, and more, all in unique new designs inspired by Grogu himself! For Star Wars Collectors Ready to be added to Star Wars collections everywhere are the new Star Wars-inspired action figures from Hasbro. Featuring new additions to the fan-favorite Black Series and The Vintage Collection figure lines, inspired by Attack of the Clones, Rogue One, Return of the Jedi, and more! These new additions include: The Vintage Collection Luke Figure The Vintage Collection Plo Koon Figure The Vintage Collection Bodhi Rook Figure The Vintage Collection Clone Trooper Commander Figure The Vintage Collection Anakin Skywalker Figure The Black Series Clone Commander Doom Figure The Black Series Clone Commander Thorn Figure The Black Series Mission Vao & Carth Onasi Figure The Vintage Collection Geonosian Warriors Figures The Black Series Darth Vader Mini Helmet The Black Series Clone Captain Rex Mini Helmet Be sure to not to miss adding these figures to your collection, available for pre-order on May 4 at 1 p.m. ET. Get your shelves ready for the premiere of the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu with the new Anzellan Droidsmith Life-Size Collectible Figure from Sideshow and Hot Toys. Small in size but large in personality, this highly detailed collectible stands at approximately 27cm tall and comes with a newly developed head sculpt perfectly capturing the droidsmiths’ authentic likeness. This figure is available now for preorder. Continue the collectible fun with new Star Wars-inspired Funko Bitty Pops!. Featuring fan-favorite characters and locations in an adorable mini scale, these new collectibles from Funko are perfect for showcasing your Star Wars fandom in a smaller scale. Coming soon, the newest Funko Bitty Pop! additions include: Bitty Pop! Bitty Box Death Star Bitty Pop! Towns Greedo and Cantina Bitty Pop! Star Wars Starter Pack Bitty Pop! Rides The Mandalorian in N1 Starfighter (with Grogu) Looking for something more substantial? Try the new regular-sized Star Wars-inspired Funko Pops!, inspired by the fan-favorite Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, available for pre-order now. Pop! Commander Wolffe Pop! ARC Trooper Fives Pop! Plo Koon (Glow) Pop! Shaak Ti (Glow) Get an unrivaled look inside the inner workings of The Mandalorian Disney+ series with Star Wars: The Mandalorian Visual Guide by Pablo Hidalgo. Featuring a foreword by Pedro Pascal, this visual guide provides fans an inside look into the beloved series. Galactic Accessories Show off your love for Star Wars in true galactic style with new jewelry pieces from Girl’s Crew. Featuring delicate designs inspired by the cutest foundling in the galaxy, these accessory pieces come in gold, rose gold, and silver, and are available now. Give your outfits a galactic upgrade with Stoney Clover Lane’s Grogu Cutest in the Galaxy Collection. Featuring adorably cute fanny packs, pouches, micro backpacks, and more, you’ll find the perfect blend of style and function with these statement pieces. Complete your outfit with the new Star Wars ATTESA The Mandalorian Beskar watch from Citizen. Limited to only 1,400 pieces worldwide, this stunning timepiece features Beskar-inspired stripes, a laser-engraved Mythosaur skull on the crown and a case back featuring the Mandalorian’s helmet complete the design, paying tribute to the saga’s iconic symbols. The watch is also sustainably powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology and never needs a battery. Showcase Your Fandom On the Go As you prepare for journeys in this galaxy and beyond, do so in style with Crowned Athletics new athletic wear inspired by the iconic fashion style of Padme Amidala. Featuring designs inspired by her various dresses from The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, these various tops, leggings, and athletic dresses are perfect for workouts, park days, or moments that call for fashionable presence. Accessorize your Padme-inspired wear with the Padmé Amidala Lake Bag by Her Universe, a galactically fashionable statement piece available on May 4 at 8 a.m. PT on DisneyStore.com. Pair with the Padmé Amidala Earrings by BaubleBar, or the Padmé Amidala Minnie Mouse Ear Headband also available on May 4 at 8 a.m. PT on DisneyStore.com, and you’ve got a fit made for a queen. Represent the cutest apprentice with Crowned Athletics new Grogu-inspired sportwear for girls, featuring matching tops, leggings, skorts, and a cute bow accessory, all available now. For any trips you take around this galaxy, be sure to store your items in Heroes & Villain’s new travel accessories inspired by The Mandalorian. Featuring a Trekker Backpack, a Tech Organizer, a Cadet Dopp Kit, the Wanderer Garment Duffle Bag, and more, you’ll be the envy of every traveler you cross. For Younglings and Furbabies Of course, we can’t forget about gifts for the smallest fans! For younglings looking to decorate their sleeping quarters, Pottery Barn Kid’s newest Star Wars-inspired bed sheets and blankets feature designs inspired by fan-favorite characters such as C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, and more. Some styles even glow in the dark for extra nighttime fun. When it’s time to wind down after a day of fun, lull your youngling to sleep with Star Wars: You’re My Little Grogu – the adorable, rhyming board book written by Grace Baranowski and illustrated by Kaley McCabe. Featuring chunky pages and die-cut shapes inspired by the Mandalorian, Grogu, and more fan-favorite characters, this board book is the perfect way to end the day after a full day of adventuring. For parents whose younglings are of the four-legged persuasion, treat your fur baby to new Mandalorian-inspired toys from BARK. From squeak toys inspired by the Darksaber, throw toys featuring designs inspired by Zeb Orrelios, and comfy Grogu-inspired pet sweater, treat your pet to a fun Star Warsday this year. Galactically Fun Drinkware Prepare for the upcoming summer season with Beeline Creative’s newest additions to their Star Wars Geeki Tiki mug line. Featuring mug designs inspired by the Mandalorian and Grogu, Skeleton Crew, stormtroopers, and more, all beautifully sculpted and intricately finished, you won’t find a better way to liven up your shelves or tiki bar. Stay hydrated while on the move, with Owala’s newest line of Star Wars-inspired water bottles, inspired by fan-favorite characters and ships like Grogu, Darth Vader, and the Millennium Falcon. With double-wall insulation, your drinks will stay as cold as Hoth while on the go this summer season. New Star Wars Merch for Gamers Upgrade your gaming setup with new headphones, phone cases, and more from CASETiFY, all inspired by the Mandalorian and Grogu, and available starting April 27. For gamers who prefer to play on a tabletop, don’t miss out on exciting accessories from Gamegenic inspired by the trading card game Star Wars: Unlimited by Fantasy Flight Games. Including deck pods, soft crates, premium art sleeves, game mats, and more, these are must-have accessories for every Star Wars fan or TCG player looking to upgrade their setup. And for fans looking for fun activities to kickoff their Star Wars Day celebrations, try your hand at Star Wars: Unlimited, the official Star Wars trading card game. Featuring A Lawless Time, the thrilling seventh set in this fast-paced trading card game, be prepared for daring heists, fearless outlaws, and criminal masterminds as new and returning players battle their way to victory (on the tabletop). As we near another May the 4th, be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your credits on hand for even more exciting Star Wars merchandise news and announcements leading up to the fan holiday. Happy Star Warsday! *The first pre-order option will include standard packaging and will begin shipping in early 2027. For fans looking to receive Ultimate Grogu sooner, a limited run of First Edition quantities featuring special edition packaging and a collector card will ship in late 2026.  Limited-Edition Disney Dolls: Inside the Details and Designs READ MORE New LEGO SMART Play: Star Wars-Inspired Creations READ MORE New Star Wars Day Merch Coming to Disney Store and Disney Parks<b READ MORE The post Celebrate May the 4th with New Star Wars Merch appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Most iconic spring floral. That wasn’t a question. 👠👠View the full article

I keep begging Disney to stop releasing Loungefly designs, but they just won’t listen! ©Disney My closet is already full from collecting over the past several years, but it looks like we Disney fans are going to need to clear some room. That’s because BoxLunch just released not one, not two, but THREE new stained glass Loungeflys themed to Disney movies! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Hunchback of Notre Dame Backpack! ©BoxLunch Ouuuuuut there, on the internet, you don’t find a lot of Hunchback of Notre Dame merchandise. That’s why our jaws were on the floor after seeing this backpack design! Quasimodo is up top with Phoebus and Esmeralda in their own windows below. As always, Loungefly nailed the details here — not only is the stained glass design stunning, but the bricks are a fun textural touch! You can only find this on BoxLunch, so order it while you can. I don’t know about you, but I can’t let this one sell out without snagging one! View on BOXLunch This Aurora Stained Glass Loungefly is EVERYTHING. ©BoxLunch Aurora is getting in on the stained glass trend, too! The Sleeping Beauty herself is front and center with Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather watching over her. The colors and floral details make this bag stand out from the rest! There’s plenty of room for all of your belongings with two large zipper pockets and two side pockets. This one is currently available to pre-order and is expected to ship between June 30th and July 10th. Pre-ordering is amazing because when it comes in the mail, it feels like a little gift to yourself since it’s already paid for! View on BOXLUNCH We love the Belle design, too! ©BoxLunch Finally, BoxLunch also just dropped a Belle-themed bag, and we already know everyone in the Disney Parks would be asking, “Hey, where did you get that?!” The reds, the blues, the roses — this bag has it ALL. This is also listed as a BoxLunch exclusive, so you won’t find it anywhere else! view ON BOXLUNCH 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

Disney and Taylor Swift seem to have a pretty good working relationship. Not only can you find TWO versions of the Eras Tour on Disney+, but she even released a tour documentary on the streaming subscription service. You could even see some of the Eras Tour outfits in Disney World for a short time! ©Disney However, is Taylor about to announce ANOTHER big Disney collaboration? Well, many fans seem to think so after a countdown briefly appeared on the performing artist’s website. But, seriously, what did it mean? But here’s where things take a mysterious turn. The countdown then disappeared from the website! Was this a glitch? Was it added too soon? Is this just Taylor’s way of making fans go down the rabbit hole of wondering what it all means? Taylor is NOTORIOUS for teasers and Easter eggs, after all. Well, it’s unclear right now. But the Toy Story background sure makes it seem like SOMETHING was about to happen. Now, I can’t help but think that maybe this was supposed to be an announcement that Taylor has a song on the upcoming Toy Story 5 soundtrack. Or maybe she’s just teasing that “My Boy Breaks His Favorite Toys” is really about Sid from the Toy Story movies. Sid in Disneyland Taylor and her team have been very quiet about the mysterious countdown, so all we have now to go on are our guesses. We’ll guess we’ll find out what it was all about eventually, but until then, the mystery continues. We’ll keep an eye out for more Toy Story-related news and keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Crocs Just Released a ‘Croot’ for ‘Toy Story 5’ and No, That Wasn’t a Typo 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? Would you like to hear a Taylor Swift song during Toy Story 5? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re heading to Disneyland next week, we’ve got a word of warning about one of the park’s classic rides. Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland Now, it’s no secret that fans say Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland is WAY better than Pirates of the Caribbean in Disney World, and if you were looking forward to riding this classic attraction, we’ve got some bad news: the ride will be closing for a lengthy refurbishment starting on May 4th. Ouch. That’s right, Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed in New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park on May the 4th (which is also a HUGE day in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). According to the Disneyland calendar, there are no hours for the ride on May 4th through June 11th (as far as the calendar currently goes). Pirates of the Caribbean That’s not all, though. This closure also seems to be impacting Blue Bayou, the restaurant you’ll find INSIDE the ride. So it looks like this might be quite a huge refurbishment happening inside Pirates. Blue Bayou’s hours show that it will also close on May 4th, but there is a tentative opening set for May 21st because hours are showing on the website (Disney has not confirmed an opening timeline for the ride). Blue Bayou These aren’t the only closures impacting Disneyland, though. In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters has been closed since April 13th, with no tentative reopening date announced yet. In Disney California Adventure, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is currently closed, but is expected to open on May 31st. Silly Symphony Swings closed recently on April 27th, with no reopening date announced yet. Silly Symphony Swings We’ll keep an eye out for more closures in Disneyland and Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Part of Disneyland Just Got WAY More Crowded  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 Will this impact your trip to Disneyland this summer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you are planning a Disney World vacation, there are a lot of things to consider! From hotel accommodations to park tickets and more, you may find yourself thinking through what your actual day at Disney World will look like. TRON Lightcycle / Run For some travel parties, you might be concerned about your ability to ride certain attractions at Disney World due to body size and weight. We’re here to walk you through the Disney World attractions that you might find uncomfortable and what to do if you do not fit in the ride vehicle. Is There a Weight Limit for Rides at Disney World? Short answer: No. According to planDisney, “there are no official age or weight restrictions on rides, only height requirements for certain attractions. You won’t find any charts that say that someone is too young or too heavy to ride. As long as you meet the height requirement and can be safely secured by the ride restraints, you’re good to go.” Slinky Dog Dash Disney designs ride vehicles to accommodate a very wide range of body sizes, and there are no posted weight limits for attractions. For most people, the only real factor is whether the safety restraint can close and lock properly. On some rides, body shape can matter more than the number on the scale when it comes to comfortably securing a lap bar or pull-down harness into place. Kilimanjaro Safaris Rides That Could Be Uncomfortable TRON: Lightcycle/Run While there is no weight limit, there are rides that can be comfortable or have a safety restraint that some guests could have an issue with. At Magic Kingdom, TRON: Lightcycle/Run has a tester seat out front of the attraction where you can test the safety restraint. The safety feature on this ride vehicle needs to go behind the calves of the guest in order to lock, and some guests may find that the restraint cannot lock in place. TRON Lightcycle / Run Test Seats Aside from the leg restraints, the rest of the bike seemed to be fine for most body shapes. There is a restraint that comes up against your back, but it’s much more accommodating than those little bars over your calves. (The back restraint just comes up to rest against your back, whereas the position of the bars over your calves is not adjustable, at least as far as we’ve seen.) TRON Seven Dwarfs Mine Train There is no tester seat for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but some guests have shared that the lap bar restraints and the seat can be tight on the hips and legs. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain Due to the lap bar restraint, some guests might find it uncomfortable to ride this attraction. The Space Mountain queue Flight of Passage At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Flight of Passage has a similar ride vehicle to TRON. There are tester seats at the front of the queue for Flight of Passage for guests to try out. Flight of Passage Ride Vehicle Expedition Everest Expedition Everest features test seats off to the side of the queue, near the single rider’s entrance. The ride vehicle utilizes a lap bar as the safety restraint, and some guests may find the seat uncomfortable around their hips and legs. Test Vehicle Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind At EPCOT, you’ll find that Cosmic Rewind does not have a testing seat, but guests can find it similar to the ride vehicle of Expedition Everest with a lap bar restraint. A former Cast Member for this attraction shared that there are guests who find the seat uncomfortable or are unable to get the security bar to lock in place. Inside the ride vehicle Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can find this coaster has test seats. Now these seats are more hidden, so you just need to ask a Cast Member to test them out. The safety restraint is overhead and comes down over your torso. Since Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will soon reopen, featuring the Muppets, we anticipate that there will still be tester seats, but nothing has been confirmed with those. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Ride Vehicle What Happens If I Don’t Fit? On TRON specifically, if you’re unable to board the lightcycles, you’ll likely still be able to ride. Some trains have adaptive seating cars that offer seating for guests who do not fit on the lightcycles or have a disability that prevents them from comfortably riding on the motorcycle-style seats. Adaptive seats at TRON: Lightcycle / Run If you find that you are unable to be uncomfortable on the attraction once loaded, or if you are unable to secure the safety harness, ask a Cast Member for help. They can talk you through the next steps and show you where to go. There are several other attractions that many guests can comfortably ride on. Na’vi River Journey boats We hope this helps you on your next Disney World vacation. For more Disney attraction news and tips, be sure to follow DFB! THIS is the Dining Plan You Need to Book for Your 2027 Disney World Vacation 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 there any rides at Disney World that you find the vehicle uncomfortable? Share with us your thoughts below! View the full article

You know, being a Disney World Annual Passholder can be really nice. Not only do we get to visit the theme parks on a regular basis, but we also get discounts on merchandise and food, plus access to lounges, exclusive merchandise, exclusive food and drinks, and more. New Annual Passholder Magnet However, one of the BEST perks is the free Annual Passholder Magnets that get released several times throughout the year. Well, the NEWEST Annual Passholder Magnet has arrived, and it’s taking us straight to infinity and beyond! With the release of Toy Story 5 coming up on June 19th (yep, that’s SO soon), we’re not surprised that the Annual Passholder Magnet is themed to Toy Story! Yep, if you love Toy Story, you have to get your hands on this Passholder freebie. The magnet features Toy Story stars Buzz Lightyear and Woody! BFFs FOREVER, right? Of course, the magnet also says “Walt Disney World Annual Passholder” on it, so you can get bragging rights for being an Annual Passholder. Woody and Buzz! We picked up our magnet on the first day it became available, and were pretty surprised that we didn’t see that many crowds in EPCOT doing the same. The magnet is available at Creations Shop (just follow the sign at the store), and you’ll have to show your valid Annual Pass and photo ID. You’re only allowed one magnet per person, so keep that in mind! Follow the sign! Also, don’t forget that V.I.Passholder Days is officially underway and will run through July 31st. This means you’ll get a few extras in Disney World during that time. That includes a limited time 20% off discount at The Disney Store, an exclusive Passholder lounge in EPCOT in the Morocco Pavilion, and exclusive character greetings. You’ll also get access to an exclusive snack, increased discounts at restaurants up to 40% off, and more! We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Disney World Annual Passholder goodies, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Program — What You Need 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 Will you be grabbing the Passholder Magnet soon? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We love a summer trip to Universal Orlando. From flying with Harry Potter to racing in Mario Kart, there’s so much to do! Universal Orlando If you’re heading to Universal Orlando this summer, you can’t miss this ticket deal! Now, you can get 2 days free with a 3-Day ticket! Buy a 3-Day Base or Park-to-Park Ticket and get 2 days free with access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and even Epic Universe! Super Nintendo World The 3-Day Base + 2 Days Free Promotional Ticket gets one guest admission to ONE Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, OR Universal Epic Universe. The ticket is valid for any five calendar days during a seven consecutive calendar day period which commences on and includes the date selected. The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on the ticket. Unused days will be forfeited. Not valid for the Hogwarts Express. Hogwarts But if you want even more Universal fun, you can upgrade your ticket to get a discounted day at their water park, Volcano Bay! Enjoy 5 days to move freely between Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. Volcano Bay The 3-Day Park-to-Park WITH Volcano Bay + 2 Days Free Promotional Ticket gets one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, AND Universal Volcano Bay on the same day. The ticket is valid for any five calendar days during a seven consecutive calendar day period which commences on and includes the date selected. The ticket will expire in full on the expiration date printed on the ticket. Unused days will be forfeited. Volcano Bay All of these Universal tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be used by the same person on all days. It excludes admission to separately ticketed events, like Halloween Horror Nights, and excludes parking or discounts on food or merchandise. A valid photo ID is required for tickets. Islands of Adventure We’re so excited to use this deal at Universal. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park news! An Exclusive Group Can Claim FREE Universal Orlando Tickets Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Universal park? Comment below! View the full article

Here at the Disney Food Blog, we’re always looking for ways that you can save money at Disney World! Castle on a sunny day! From tickets to travel to food, it’s no secret that Disney World vacations are expensive. Well, we found a pretty sweet Disney deal that you save you a little bit — and any little bit helps! You’re not going to want to miss out on this discounted Disney Gift Card. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Disney Gift Card ©Disney Sam’s Club is having an exclusive on Disney $500 Email Delivery Gift Cards! You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to grab these, as they are delivered via email. The Disney gift card has a balance of $500, but costs less! So, whatever you use this on, you’re saving money. Gift Card! In order to get this, you do need to be a Sam’s Club member, and there is a maximum of two gift cards per order, and max two per membership. Prices may vary in club and online, and you have until May 3rd to take advantage of the deal! Check out the gift card here! 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

Disney Springs has evolved a lot over the years, from the original Marketplace era through Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney to the present-day shopping district. ©LEVEL99 That evolution continues today, and that’s leading to some new procedures for guests to be aware of. LEVEL99 is Coming… and Bringing Crowds to the West Side Scheduled to open sometime in 2026, LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment center that will feature “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults, featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. ©LEVEL99 The location will also offer food and drink options at a 2-story bar, including “handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites—including LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizza.” Full spread at LEVEL99 at Natick, Massachusetts LEVEL99 is being built in the former home of the NBA Experience (partially where DisneyQuest was once located) in Disney Springs West Side. If the complex lives up to the franchise’s reputation, then the area, which has been a somewhat less crowded portion of Disney Springs in recent years, will likely see a lot more foot traffic once it opens. LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs No More Cupcakes Disney Springs’ Sprinkles Cupcake location, along with its iconic cupcake vending machine, shuttered its doors on January 1st. This closure isn’t exclusive to Disney World, however, as every Sprinkles location unexpectedly closed at the beginning of the year. Sprinkles Cupcakes is closed In the months since, the space was used as part of a Black Tap CrazyShakes popup offering a menu of specialty shakes, including the star of the show: The Special Edition Mickey Mouse Shake. Mickey Mouse Shake from Black Tap Keep an Eye Out for Temporary Additions Speaking of the CrazyShakes pop-up, Disney Springs visitors should keep an eye out for temporary events and menu offerings, including the annual Flavors of Florida event –– which will take place this summer with dates still forthcoming — and the ever-rotating menu of seasonal DOLE Whips at Swirls on the Water. Time for more sweet treats! Looking for Park Shoes? You’ll Be In Luck While Disney Springs has seen its share of closures in recent months, a new store is on its way from the iconic skate shoe brand Vans, which is opening in the former site of the old Volcom store. As a big fan of the brand who considers their checkered skate shoes his Disney World footwear of choice, I’m personally quite excited. Coming soon! Dance Party! Speaking of shoes, you may also want to have your dancing shoes ready for this summer. As part of the Cool Kids Summer promotion (May 26th – September 8th), Disney Springs will play host to a dance party featuring hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3, in celebration of the new original movies coming to Disney+ this summer. ©Disney Disney Springs has long been defined by change, and new elements are still changing the face of the shopping district in 2026! Stay tuned to DFB for more. 8 Restaurants Disney World Pros SKIP in Disney Springs 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 Level99 coming to Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney just announced what might be some of the BIGGEST news of the year so far! Magic Kingdom Ferryboat For the first time in 50 years, Disney World is expanding its fleet of ferryboats that take guests between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. This is a massive surprise, and a welcome one too! Let’s take a look at all the details that we know. For the first time since 1976, Disney World will be adding a new ferryboat to take guests to the Magic Kingdom! The ferry will be coming next year, in 2027, setting sail in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The boat will increase the Disney World fleet from three to four ferries. Magic Kingdom Ferryboat Apparently, a team of engineers and craft workers has been hard at work on the ferryboat for some time, as it’s actually been under construction at a marina in Florida. The ferry will be shipped to Disney World in pieces over the next couple of weeks. Walking to the ferry! Despite being worked on for a while, there is still a good amount of work left to be done before it debuts at Magic Kingdom. Pieces still need to be assembled, paint still needs to be applied, and that special Disney touch needs to be added. Hidden Mickey? If you’re an avid ferryboat rider, rather than taking the monorail to Magic Kingdom, you may have noticed that the boats have names. They are Admiral Joe Fowler, General Joe Potter, and  Richard F. Irvine. Recognize the names? The boats were given those names in 1997 to honor three Disney legends who were instrumental in making Disney World a reality. Now, another Disney legend’s name gets added to the fleet…but who? General Joe Potter The fourth ferryboat of the fleet will be called Meg Gilbert Crofton, named after Disney World’s fourth president. Meg has had a significant impact on Disney World! She started her Disney career in 1977 as a marketing manager. She followed that up with several roles in the company before eventually taking on the helm as president of Walt Disney World from 2006 to 2013. ©Disney Each ferry features a portrait of the respective Disney legend, and you’ll find Meg’s portrait on the first deck of the new boat. It was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, and it will come with a plaque that will “share Meg’s story with generations of guests as they glide across Seven Seas Lagoon.” ©Disney “I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat,” Meg said. “It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years.” During her time as president for Disney World, Meg ushered in the resort’s first major theme park expansion since Animal Kingdom opened in 1988. This project was New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. That massive expansion brought in brand-new experiences like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Be Our Guest Restaurant. It’s almost fitting that she’s a part of this next massive Magic Kingdom expansion in a way. She also opened Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort  in 2012. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Meg has been honored for her legacy before, as she received her window on Main Street, U.S.A. in 2015. The window identified her as the founder of the “Center for Leadership Development,” adding, “We start leaders on their journeys.” Main Street U.S.A. We’re thrilled that a new piece of Disney World transportation is coming! Like we mentioned before, this process will take about a year to complete. The new vessel will launch at some point in 2027, with no official date yet, and we can’t wait! For more Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! 2027 Disney World Ticket Prices and Vacation Packages Revealed Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on the new ferry coming? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Calling all the runDisney fans out there! Recently, the annual Springtime Surprise Weekend races happened. And with that, there was exclusive merch to purchase at the race Expo, all featuring the characters and theming from this year’s celebration. ©Disney Including an exclusive runDisney x Brooks Sneakers collab! And if you weren’t able to make it to the Expo to purchase this adorable collection, then get ready because it has officially dropped online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This collection came with all-new, adorable pairs of running shoes! So let’s dive in and see what shoes you might need for your next race! Check out these incredible Genie Glycerin 23 sneakers! ©Disney These limited-edition shoes are full of Genie fun! They feature his classic gold and blue throughout, with fun stars sprinkled throughout! And you can even spot Genie himself, cheering you on from the heel! Check them out here! Run to the Hundred Acre Woods with these Ghost 17 sneakers! ©Disney Here we’ve got some super fun Winnie the Pooh representation featuring a fan favorite duo! One shoe is themed to Winnie the Pooh with his classic yellow and highlights of red on the laces and bottom. While the other is themed to his best pal, Tiger, and features his signature orange on the bottom and on the laces. Plus, on the back, you can see both characters on their respective shoe! Check them out here! Chip n’ Dale put their own chaotic twist on these Ghost 17 sneakers! ©Brooks/Disney Once again, we have one shoe themed to Chip and the other to Dale. You can find each character sitting mischievously on the back of the shoes with their cute little signature next to them! To get even further into the cute details, there is black stitching on the shoe that represents Chip, and red stitching on the other for Dale! Plus, the tongue of the shoe is fuzzy to represent their fur. These shoes are just too cute! Check them out here! This is a classic Mickey Mouse spin on the Ghost 17 Sneakers! ©Brooks/Disney These sleek sneakers have Mickey written all over them! His classic black, red, and yellow really shine through in this design. There is also a super fun 3D detail of tufted Mickey Mouse silhouette on the heel! And then the red of the Brooks path is also 3D and textured, to add something fun and different to this design. Of course, we can’t forget the finishing touch: Mickey’s signature! Check them out here! Moana Adreniline GTS Restock! ©Disney The Moana shoes from the last runDisney drop have been restocked and are selling out FAST! So if you want these, you need to snag them ASAP! Check them out here! You’ve Gotta See the runDisney W&D Sneakers ©Brooks And finally, we have the runDisney W&D Ghost Max 3s. We love all of the Disney nods on these. I mean, Mickey on your shoelaces?! C’mon! And the color palette is fun while still being nice and subtle! A win in our books! Check them out here! We LOVE this collection, and we are so excited that it is launching online so more people can grab a pair of these adorable sneakers. Stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! And let us know which pair is your favorite in the comments! View the full article

As Magic Kingdom undergoes its largest expansion ever, we’re also investing in our experiences that get you to the park.  For the first time since 1976, we’re expanding our fleet of ferryboats that provide complimentary transportation between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. It’s my favorite way to get across Seven Seas Lagoon, and it makes the transition to “the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy” so easy and seamless for our guests. First Disney World Ferryboat Since 1976 If you’re team ferryboat like me (IYKYK), this is a really big deal. A 120-foot-long big deal, in fact! Next year, the brand-new ferryboat will set sail, increasing our fleet from three to four ferries here at Walt Disney World.  A team of engineers and craft workers have been hard at work designing and building the new ferryboat. It’s actually been under construction at a marina in Florida, and we’re getting ready to ship it – in pieces – to our property over the next couple of weeks! It’s still going to take some time, expertise and a little bit of Disney magic before it’s ready. We have to assemble the pieces, paint, and put on all the final touches. This process will take about a year, so we’re looking forward to launching this new vessel in 2027. Naming the New Ferryboat In 1997, to honor three individuals who were instrumental in making the resort a reality, Disney World rechristened our existing ferryboats as the Admiral Joe Fowler, the General Joe Potter and the Richard F. Irvine. Now, 30 years later, we get to add another name to that list! We’re continuing the legacy of honoring individuals who’ve had a significant impact on Disney World by calling the fourth ferryboat the Meg Gilbert Crofton, named after Disney World’s fourth president. Meg started her Disney career in 1977 as a marketing manager and, after several roles in the company, took the helm as president of Walt Disney World from 2006-2013. Just like the other ferryboats, Meg’s portrait will be found on the first deck of the new vessel. It was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, and it will be accompanied by a plaque that will share Meg’s story with generations of guests as they glide across Seven Seas Lagoon.  “I was humbled to learn that my name would be on this new ferryboat,” Meg said. “It means so much to be recognized by the cast members I had the privilege of working with for so many years.” Meg Crofton celebrates the grand opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in 2012 Meg Crofton’s Disney Legacy During her tenure as president, Meg ushered in Disney World’s first major theme park expansion since the opening of Animal Kingdom: New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. That expansion brought to life fan-favorite experiences like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Be Our Guest Restaurant. Meg Crofton reviews Walt Disney Imagineering plans for New Fantasyland during its construction. She also contributed to Disney World’s Resort hotels, opening Art of Animation in 2012. The family-friendly resort surrounds guests with stories like Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, complete with oversized characters and a Big Blue Pool for extra fun! Just as impressive was the legacy she left with the people she led along the way. Guided by the belief that what truly lasts is how you make others feel, Meg always had – and continues to have – a genuine interest in the dreams and aspirations of cast members from across the company. When Meg received her window on Main Street, U.S.A. in 2015, it identified her as the founder of the “Center for Leadership Development,” adding, “We start leaders on their journeys.” If you’ve visited Disney World before, you know a trip across Seven Seas Lagoon on a ferryboat really is an attraction in and of itself. You just can’t beat the view from the upper deck as you glide across the water toward Magic Kingdom. This new vessel will fit seamlessly alongside our existing ferryboats, with a similar capacity, look and feel. We can’t wait for you to sea it! Updates from Tropical Americas READ MORE Disney H2O Glow After Hours Dates Announced for Typhoon Lagoon READ MORE Early Bird Guide to Disney Springs: Shopping, Dining, and More<br READ MORE The post Disney World Expands Historic Ferry Fleet with New Addition appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Spring has officially sprung at Walt Disney World, and with it comes some adorable new baby animals! As we wrap up Earth Month, we’re celebrating a season full of baby animals, big milestones, and heartwarming moments happening behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our Masai Giraffe Herd Just Got Cuter It’s a girl! Earlier this month, a female Masai giraffe calf was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, arriving at approximately 120 pounds and standing nearly six feet tall. Her mom, Willow, has been right by her side helping her curious calf get the hang of life as they bond and settle in together. While she may be small now (by giraffe standards!), her arrival is a big moment for her species. Masai giraffes are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 30,000 remaining worldwide. Through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, Disney works with experts to help care for giraffes and support a healthy population for generations to come. Behind the scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the animal care team is keeping a close eye on her growth and milestones. “She’s already had her first checkup and is doing great, so mom is happily in charge,” said Bri, an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Right now, she’s rarely far from her side, following her around the barn, exploring her surroundings and learning something new every day.” For now, the calf is spending time backstage with mom Willow, but before long, guests will be able to spot her stretching her long legs on Kilimanjaro Safaris as she joins the rest of the herd this summer, including fan favorite Tucker (her half‑brother!) who was born in 2025. More New Arrivals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge And our newest giraffe calf isn’t the only one stealing hearts this spring. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, several other baby animals have arrived, and they’re already making a big impression. A male nyala calf named Parker is settling into his new home. Nyala calves are born with white stripes and spots that help them blend into tall grass, and as he grows, Parker will develop a darker coat and the iconic spiral horns that make male nyalas so distinctive. Fun Fact Male and female nyalas look completely different, making them one of the savanna’s most unique antelope species. “We’ve been welcoming new baby animals to the lodge since its opening more than 25 years ago, so our team knows exactly how to prepare them for life on the savanna — from gradual introductions to space and sounds to watching how they respond to mom and their new environments,” said Mel, an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. “Even with all that experience, no two arrivals are ever the same.” You may already recognize these little ones. Red river hog piglets Mason, Cooper, and Phillip, born to mom Clementine, plus Demi, who was born shortly after to mom Persimmon, are starting to explore their savanna habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. They’re already full of personality as they stick close to their moms and discover their new home. And last but certainly not least, Mabel, the first Ankole calf born at Walt Disney World in more than 20 years, is thriving under the care of Disney’s expert animal care team. Though she’s small now, Mabel will one day grow the striking, sweeping horns that make Ankole cattle such an unforgettable sight. Bringing Conservation to Life for Guests While these young animals are currently spending time backstage — bonding with their mothers, growing stronger, and receiving round-the-clock care — it won’t be long before they make their debut on the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer. Spotting a young animal exploring its habitat creates unforgettable moments for guests and sparks curiosity, connection, and appreciation for wildlife. These exciting milestones reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to conservation around the world through the Disney Conservation Fund. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $141 million to community conservation programs to support organizations working with communities to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. Thanks to the passion and expertise of cast members, these newest arrivals help bring conservation stories to life for guests every day — and we can’t wait for you to meet them. To see more of the work our teams do to care for more than 5,000 animals across Walt Disney World, be sure to follow along on Instagram and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook. Exploring Animal Care Excellence at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE Meet Tucker, the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom READ MORE World Gorilla Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom READ MORE The post Meet the Newest Baby Animals at Walt Disney World appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Planning a Walt Disney World or Disneyland trip as a military family can feel overwhelming at first—and honestly, that’s completely normal. Between military tickets, Shades of Green, Disney resort discounts, eligibility rules, and changing policies, there’s a lot to figure out. Even families who have visited Disney before often find that planning with military benefits […] The post New to Military Disney Planning? Start Here (2026 Beginner Guide) appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Isn’t it beautiful when you pack a souvenir that works for nearly EVERY scenario? ©Amazon Sometimes, you may find yourself bringing multiple backpacks with you on a Disney vacation — maybe one specifically for the airport, and one or more for the Disney Parks. Well, thanks to this Amazon find, this ONE backpack covers all your needs BOTH at the parks AND at the airport! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Backpack Is PERFECT For Traveling and Disney Park Days! ©Amazon The Sinaliy Travel Backpack is a MUST-HAVE for folks traveling with a lot of essentials. Perfect for those flying on a budget airline, this bag is available on Amazon in several different colors and in large and X-large sizes. ©Amazon This bag — which is approved as an airline carry-on ( so you can carry it with you without paying extra luggage fees)– includes TONS of compartments, including a daily clothing bag, a laptop and iPad compartment, a side water bottle bag, wet and dry layers, and a front zipper bag. It also comes with a waterproof toiletry bag! It’s a carry on bag that will fit below the seat in fron of you, while offering you plenty of space to pack all of your Disney essentials!! ©Amazon If you are planning to just travel with a carry-on for a weekend trip, you can pack everything in here and also use this as your Disney Parks bag for when you’re in the parks. We have done that before with a similar bag, and it worked like a charm! Snoffic Carry-On Backpack Serving tons of uses and protection for all of your essentials, this bag is both cute and practical — perfect for travel AND your Disney Park days! BUY ON AMAZON We’re always sharing great essentials that make packing for a Disney vacation so much easier, so make sure you keep it posted right here at DFB for more great finds! View the full article

Yes, yes, it’s not quite time yet, but we’re already gearing up for HALLOWEEN in Disney World! Mickey’s Not So Scary Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the ultimate spooky season celebration on property, and it runs on select dates in August, September, and October in Magic Kingdom. But if you’re planning to go this year, we’re here to remind you of one day that you should NOT go. This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off on August 7th and runs on select nights through October 31st. The parties increase in frequency and in ticket price the closer you get to Halloween, so you may be tempted to plan your visit for earlier in the season. However, whatever you do, it’s probably not the best idea to go on opening night. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party For years, we’ve been going on opening night of the party to cover everything we need to share on the blog and YouTube channel, and while it’s a lot of fun, opening nights of the parties can also be a mess. For starters, there are the crowds. Since it’s the first night of the event, there are quite a few vloggers and influencers in attendance, trying to get content out ASAP to their followers. Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party This means that crowds are concentrated on Halloween-exclusive offerings like entertainment, characters, merchandise, and anything new happening at the party that year. Compare that to the parties later in the season, and you’ll find more people spread throughout the park, going on rides and trick-or-treating. But at that first party of the year? Be prepared to stake your spot out for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade EARLY. Grave Diggers during Boo to You In addition, the first night can sometimes come with snafus. If Disney is offering anything new, like a specific character meet-and-greet, a new entertainment offering, or a special addition to the parade, they haven’t had the chance to work out the kinks. We’ve seen new offerings operate on a strange and unpredictable schedule for opening night in the past, and we’ve even occasionally seen additions made to the party partway through the party season as Disney gets more feedback from guests. Not-So-Scary If Disney decides to add something new, you also may not find out about it until that first night is over. For example, in recent years, more character surprises have been popping up at trick-or-treating locations. If you were at the first night of the party and didn’t go to that particular treat spot, or went when the character was taking a break, you might miss a special offering like that entirely. If you go to the second, third, or fourth party, you have time to scroll social media (and check out our blog posts!) to see what the year’s must-dos are. Hitchhiking Ghosts at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party The same point stands for snacks at the party too! Here at DFB, we prioritize trying a bunch of new treats at the party each year, and our snack reviews go out on night one. Going to a later party gives you time to check out reviews so you don’t waste your money on overpriced treats that underdeliver. Mummy Treat Finally, we’re going to recommend you avoid that first party because of the weather. When Halloween season kicks off in Florida, it’s still HOT HOT HOT outside. Wearing your costume all night is sometimes unbearable, and we’re often still in a time of year when it rains frequently. We’ve been to the opening night of the party many times and spent the entire evening sweating or watching entertainment offerings get rained out. Do yourself a favor and wait until it’s just a little bit cooler outside…even if it’s only by five degrees. Clouds coming in So there’s our full breakdown of the reasons you should avoid the first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. If you’re hoping for affordable and less-crowded parties, go on weekdays in September. If you want the best weather and spooky vibes, go in October. It’s best to avoid parties that fall on holiday weekends or during Fall Break as well. Learn All the Info for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Here! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you going to Disney World for Halloween season this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There are Disney bags, and then there are Disney bags that enter the room like they have their own lighting cue. Because apparently, carrying your wallet, lip balm, portable charger, emergency snack, backup emergency snack, and the crumpled receipt from your third iced coffee wasn’t theatrical enough. Now your Loungefly can glow. Honestly? Correct. Loungefly bags in EPCOT Whether you’re the classic Disney fan who still gets emotional over Sorcerer Mickey, the Nightmare Before Christmas person who treats Halloween and Christmas as one long spooky-romantic lifestyle choice, the Pixar fan who cannot hear the first four notes of the Up score without dissolving into mist, or the Star Wars parent stomping through Galaxy’s Edge humming the Imperial March while pushing a stroller full of tiny rebels, Amazon has some light-up Loungefly bags that deserve a little attention. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yes, they’re practical. Yes, they’re adorable. Yes, they are absolutely doing the most. And no, we will not be asking them to do less. Fantasia Light Up Mini Backpack This one is for the Disney fan who hears “Sorcerer Mickey” and immediately stands a little taller, as if Mickey himself just assigned them to sweep a room full of enchanted brooms. The Loungefly Fantasia Light Up Mini Backpack is peak classic Disney energy. It has Sorcerer Mickey front and center, surrounded by those dramatic Fantasia waves and magical details that make you feel like you should be walking into Magic Kingdom with a soundtrack and a mild superiority complex. And yes, the stars light up. ©Amazon That means this bag isn’t just cute in the daytime. It becomes its own tiny nighttime spectacular when the sun goes down. Very subtle. Very demure. Very “I coordinated my entire outfit around a backpack because I respect the art form.” This is a great pick for the Disney fan who loves vintage animation, classic Mickey, and accessories that whisper, “I own at least one coffee table book about Disney history.” It’s also perfect for anyone who wants their park bag to feel whimsical without going full glitter tornado. ©Amazon Who needs this bag? The classic Disney adult. The Magic Kingdom rope drop loyalist. The person who still thinks Mickey in the sorcerer hat is one of Disney’s greatest looks. The friend who says, “I’m not buying another Loungefly,” while already adding this one to cart. view ON AMAZON Nightmare Before Christmas Smiling Jack Light Up Mini Backpack Some people decorate for Halloween. Some people decorate for Christmas. And then some people look at The Nightmare Before Christmas and say, “Finally, a personality blueprint.” The Loungefly Disney NBC Smiling Jack Light Up Mini Backpack is for those people. This bag gives us Jack Skellington tangled up in holiday lights, which is exactly the kind of chaotic seasonal crossover we deserve. It’s festive. It’s spooky. It’s cheerful in a way that still feels like it might know where the bodies are buried. A perfect balance, really. ©Amazon The light-up detail makes it especially fun for nighttime park hopping, holiday parties, Disney Springs shopping, or dramatically walking through Target in October while pretending you’re above seasonal decor when you are absolutely not. This is also a killer bag for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Jollywood Nights, Christmas at Disney World, or any event where the dress code is “cute but vaguely haunted.” Who needs this bag? The Halloween-Christmas hybrid human. The Jack Skellington loyalist. The Disney fan who starts spooky season in July and refuses to apologize. The person who owns black glitter ears and calls them “neutral.” view ON AMAZON Disney Pixar Up House Holiday Light Up Mini Backpack This bag is dangerous. Not because it’s scary. Not because it’s villain-coded. But because it’s Up, and Disney and Pixar know exactly how to find the emotional button in your chest and press it with a tiny animated house. ©Amazon The Loungefly Disney Pixar Up House Holiday Light Up Mini Backpack features the iconic Up house dressed up with holiday details, which means it is basically a portable emotional ambush with shoulder straps. It’s cheerful. It’s cozy. It’s nostalgic. It has that sweet “hot cocoa, twinkle lights, and unresolved Pixar trauma” vibe. And because it lights up, it has just enough sparkle to make it feel extra special without screaming, “I raided an ornament aisle and lost a fight.” ©Amazon This is the bag for the Disney fan who loves a sentimental park outfit. The person who cries during Happily Ever After. The one who says, “I’m fine,” while actively not being fine because a projection of Carl and Ellie just appeared on Cinderella Castle. ©Amazon It’s also a great holiday park bag if you want something festive that isn’t the standard red-and-green explosion. There’s a sweetness to this one that feels a little more storybook, a little more personal, and a lot more “please don’t play Married Life unless you want me to become a puddle.” ©Amazon Who needs this bag? The Pixar softie. The holiday sentimentalist. The fireworks crier. The person who thinks a house floating by balloons is a totally reasonable emotional support symbol. view ON AMAZON Star Wars Darth Vader Light Up Mini Backpack Now we turn to the Dark Side, where the lighting is moodier, the breathing is heavier, and the accessories have better posture. The Loungefly Women’s Star Wars Darth Vader Light Up Cosplay Double Strap Shoulder Bag Purse is for the Star Wars fan who does not merely visit Galaxy’s Edge. They arrive. ©Amazon This bag is designed with Darth Vader cosplay-inspired details, including that iconic chest plate look. And yes, it lights up, because apparently being one of the most recognizable villains in cinematic history still wasn’t dramatic enough. Honestly, Vader would approve. The man understood entrances. This is a fantastic pick for Star Wars fans who want something bolder than a subtle logo bag. It’s not whispering, “I like Star Wars.” It’s declaring, “I have chosen a side, and that side has excellent accessories.” ©Amazon And let’s be real, this bag is especially perfect for the parent marching through Galaxy’s Edge humming their own version of the Imperial March while trying to locate their child, their blue milk, and whatever fragment of patience survived the morning. It’s also great for anyone who likes a more structured, cosplay-inspired Loungefly look. It has that polished, dramatic Star Wars energy that can work in the parks, at conventions, or for everyday use if your everyday vibe is “galactic authority figure with snacks.” ©Amazon Who needs this bag? The Darth Vader fan. The Star Wars collector. The Galaxy’s Edge regular. The parent who has said, “I am altering the deal” to a toddler refusing sunscreen. The person who knows black accessories matches everything, including galactic domination. 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

For almost three decades, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has been a celebration of nature, storytelling, and adventure coming together in unforgettable ways. I’ve been a Disney cast member for 36 years and have been fortunate to spend much of that time creating and growing the legacy of this park: a place that celebrates the intrinsic value of nature, explores the interconnectedness of all living things, and transforms every visitor through adventure. You can feel the magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom through the savannas of Africa, the Himalayan peaks of Asia, the floating mountains of Pandora – The World of Avatar, and soon, the lush rainforests of Tropical Americas! As the executive creative director for the Tropical Americas project, I’d like to share some of the ways we’ve been preparing to bring this joyful and special new land to life. A New Natural Wonder to Explore at Animal Kingdom When it opens in 2027, the new land will represent one of the most culturally rich regions on the planet. From the northern reaches of South America, through Central America, and into parts of Mexico, this is a part of the world where nature doesn’t just surround communities — it shapes them. And ancient cultures are still present in everyday life. Explorers and curious travelers continue to fall in love with the region and all there is to discover. During the 2024 Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we shared that Tropical Americas will be home to Pueblo Esperanza when it opens at Animal Kingdom. Just as you stroll through the Port of Harambe in Africa, or wander the Kingdom of Anandapur in Asia, you’ll get to experience Pueblo Esperanza, a town with its own history, vivid culture, and of course, vibrant nature. Welcoming Tropical Americas Home Imagineers have long dreamed of adding a land inspired by this region to Animal Kingdom. In fact, earlier concepts of potential park expansions imagined guests journeying into an ancient Maya temple and exploring a lush rainforest… sound familiar? As my friend and longtime colleague, Disney Legend and former Imagineer Joe Rohde said, “We thought for a really long time about building a Tropical Americas-inspired land at Animal Kingdom. Specifically, one that features the Maya because of how intertwined with nature they were — it’s just a natural fit for the park.” Of course, ideas at Walt Disney Imagineering never fully disappear; they evolve and inspire new experiences. Mix in the enchanting world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto, the beloved escapades of Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones, and a region where the power of nature entwines with human stories… and you get Tropical Americas, courtesy of a team of Imagineers continuing a grand tradition of bringing imagination to life. Inside Imagineering’s Research Trips for Tropical Americas From the very beginning of this project, Imagineers knew the story of Tropical Americas needed to be grounded in the real world. Just like the Imagineers of yesteryear did when first building Animal Kingdom and the exciting additions that have opened since, our team embarked on several research trips to learn more about the region’s culture, customs, architecture, and folklore. We always want to tell Disney stories from a place of curiosity and humility, and these trips allow us to go beyond simply re-creating the areas that inspire us. Recently, a small group took a trip to Honduras where we met with Maya artists whose life’s work is carving and recreating intricate details found throughout the Copán site, one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved cities of the ancient Maya civilization. Together, we traveled through the lush mountain valleys to the very quarries that have supplied this region for centuries. We experienced firsthand the striking red and green stones native to the landscape. Witnessing this artistry was a breathtaking moment, made even more meaningful knowing that the same materials that built Copán will find their way to Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom to be crafted by carvers using time-honored techniques. The team also traveled to Colombia to immerse ourselves in the places and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” which will be represented in the first-ever Encanto attraction at a Disney park. There, guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift: the ability to talk to animals. And along the way, we’ll learn that no matter what our special gifts or abilities are, we’re all part of the “familia” of all living things. During the research trip, the team met with many of the people and visited many of the places that the original “Encanto” filmmakers first visited in researching Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning film. We also gathered first-hand experiences to ensure Pueblo Esperanza feels like a real, lived-in town true to the region—from the colors and materials of town plazas to hues of haciendas in varying light to the way buildings respond to the climate and terrain. These journeys are not just about where we go, but the insight, inspiration, and deeper understanding that shapes every detail we bring back. Imagineers travel because there is always more for us to learn, and each experience brings us closer to telling these stories with authenticity and care. Bienvenidos a Pueblo Esperanza Our research results in a richly layered environment that honors Central and South America, all through the lens of Disney storytelling. In 2027, Pueblo Esperanza will welcome visitors to a crossroads of culture surrounded by a rainforest filled with life. There’s plenty of magic on the horizon for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog as we bring you along on this exciting journey. A Cast Member’s 40-Year Commitment to Caring for the Garden READ MORE The Cast Behind The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience READ MORE Letters from Lakeshore: Updates on Disney World’s Newest Resort<b READ MORE The post Discover the Newest Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Updates from Tropical Americas appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article