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Universal Kids Resort is set to open in just a few weeks on July 1st, and we’re so stoked there will soon be a park that’s really dedicated towards families with younger kids — and that there are lots of water features around the park, because Texas gets HOT during the summer! Universal Kids Resort Hotel If you’ve been thinking of taking a trip, but aren’t sure what your younger kids will actually be able to ride, your problem is no more. Universal has now listed ALL the height requirements for the attractions at the resort, so you can plan in advance! Below we’ve compiled a full list of all the attractions in each land, as well as their height requirements (or if there isn’t one!) so you can plan ahead. DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp Shrek and Fiona’s Happily Ogre After: Minimum Height 30” (76 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Meet Shrek and Fiona: No Height Requirement Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp: No Height Requirement Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash: No Height Requirement ©Universal Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Jellyfish Fields Jamboree: No Height Requirement BUT Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion and Hand-held infants are not permitted Barnacle Bus: Minimum Height 30” (76 cm), Children under 42″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion, and Hand-held infants are not permitted Bobbing Barrels: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm), Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion, and Hand-held infants are not permitted Mrs. Puff’s Boating School: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm) and Maximum Height 77” (195 cm), though Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Meet SpongeBob & Friends: No Height Requirement ©Universal Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club Bello Bay Cruise: Minimum Height 40” (102 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Bello! Meet the Minions: No Height Requirement ©Universal Jurassic World Adventure Camp Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster: Must be at least 39” (99cm) and Children under 48” (122 cm) must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Pteranodrop: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm) Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin: No Height Requirement but Hand-held infants are not permitted Baby Raptor Meet and Greet: No Height Requirement Jurassic World Lookout Towers: No Height Requirement Paddock Play: No Height Requirement ©Universal DreamWorks’ TrollsFest Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Hair in the Clouds: Minimum Height 36” (92 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Meet Poppy & Friends: No Height Requirement King Trollex Techno Dance Party: No Height Requirement Trollstastic: Concert Countdown: No Height Requirement Poppy’s Playland: No Height Requirement Trolls Critter Crawl: No Height Requirement ©Universal DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar Swings Over Del Mar: Minimum Height 42” (107 cm) and Children under 48″ must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion Mama Luna’s Adopt A Kitty Day!: No Height Requirement Meet and Greet with Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and friends: No Height Requirement ©Universal Isle of Curiosity Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party!: No Height Requirement Meet Gabby in Her Dollhouse: No Height Requirement ©Universal (initial concept art) We’ll be getting a chance to check out the park before its official opening date to tell you all about it, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news! You Can Visit Universal’s NEW Theme Park BEFORE It Opens for Only $50 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 land are you most looking forward to exploring? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

While many guests will intricately plan the start of their Disney World day – – rope dropping, Early Entry, breakfast, etc. – – true experts also know what they’ll be doing as the day comes to a close. Magic Kingdom fireworks. These expert Disney fans know exactly what to do post-9:00 PM to make sure they end their day exactly how they want. They Already Have Their Fireworks Spot Secure… Disney experts have their fireworks viewing spots at the Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT scoped out before 9:00 PM (especially the latter, since Luminous generally starts at 9:00 PM), and will have themselves in place – – likely with a treat in hand – – and ready for the start of the show. However, not every expert is planning to watch the show. Happily Ever After … Or They’re Heading to In-Demand Rides Those with no interest, or who’ve seen seen the park’s major entertainment offerings in the past – – including the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, and the Happily Ever After fireworks – – know that these nighttime spectacular showtimes make the perfect time to hit the park’s rides as while most guests are watching the show or parade, you’ll have the golden opportunity to hit up some of the top rides in the park with (comparatively) minimal wait time. TRON Lightcycle / Run They’ve Already Gotten Their Magic Kingdom Shopping Done Disney veterans know that the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street shops, especially the Emporium, tend to get SLAMMED with crowds late at night as guests top in while being funneled out of the park. Hence, they get their shopping done earlier in the day before the crowd crush commences. Magic Kingdom at night If They’re Planning a Late Night Snack or Swim at Their Hotel, They’re Already on the Way Back Quick-service dining locations and food courts at Disney hotels generally close at 11:00 PM (including Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian), while table service dining seating generally ends at 10:00 PM. So, depending on a guest’s hotel’s location and which park they’re coming from, they may not be able to stay until close and make it back to their resort in time for a snack. However, food isn’t the only perk unavailable late at night. Disney World hotel pools are generally open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM (with the latter in the warmer months of the year), so guests may need to leave the park early to squeeze in a late dip depending on their hotel’s location. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Next time you find your Disney World day winding down, keep these habits in mind to give the day the magical ending it deserves. Stay tuned to DFB for more expert Disney World advice. The Big Disney World Rule That Everyone Always Gets Wrong 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 How do you usually end your Disney World day? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew is one of our favorite spots to go if we want a sugary pickup in Disney Springs, or if we know we want to start off our day with a fun breakfast. The Dot Donut is here! Disney Springs as a whole is known for taking part in popular trends that appear on social media, and this is no different. If you’ve been on the dessert side of social media recently, you may have seen the Dot Cake trend, which is basically where you cover an entire cake in those small, round, dot-like rainbow sprinkles. Everglazed has decided to join in on the trend in their own unique way! This is really just a classic vanilla donut with a lot more crunch, but it has what we love about a lot of Everglazed donuts — they’re glazed, and THEN the additional icing is put on top. The dot sprinkles added so much more crunch, which we loved, and because they’re so small, they don’t have that waxy coating flavor. We’re big fans! The donut itself didn’t have that feeling of sitting on the shelf too long and getting a little stale; it tasted fresh and was very fluffy. Despite all the sweet ingredients, it didn’t taste sickly sweet to us, which was a big win. It’s a solid sweet treat and a fun take on this trend. More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: This VIRAL Dot Cake Trend Has Hit Disney World, and We’re Here for ItREVIEW: Could This Be THE Drink of the Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?REVIEW: This NEW EPCOT Lounge Is Now Open!REVIEW: Further Proof That The Cake Bake Shop In Disney World Can’t Let Us DownWait, WHAT?! You Can Get WAGYU at a Disney World Quick Service Spot?! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney dining news and reviews, so stay tuned to DFB! REVIEW: This NEW Disney Springs Brunch Was UNEXPECTED, and We’re Still Thinking About It 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 sweet treat to grab from Everglazed? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Sometimes things happen in a theme park that you don’t expect, and honestly, sometimes they can be a little scary. ©KTLA 5 Fortunately, theme park workers are trained to deal with a multitude of different situations, so when something unexpected happens, there’s usually a plan in place. Recently, a fire broke out at Six Flags Magic Mountain, resulting in the fire department being called to put it out. Here’s what you need to know. According to KTLA 5, on Thursday, June 11th, a fire broke out below the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Fire crews responded to the blaze around 12:21 PM, and from the footage captured, it seems a palm tree was engulfed in flames, and the flames soon spread to other trees and nearby brush. ©KTLA 5 The area was covered in smoke due to the fire, but fire crews were able to easily put out the blaze before it could affect any nearby attractions or structures. No injuries were sustained by any guests, workers, or firefighter personnel, and the park did not need to evacuate any sections during the event. The cause of the fire remains unknown. ©KTLA 5 Crews remained nearby to monitor for other hotspots, but fortunately, no other fires have broken out at this time. More Recent Six Flags News Fire Breaks Out Under Roller Coaster At Six Flags ParkNEW LAND Now Open at Six Flags Magic MountainNEWS: Six Flags Announces Record-Breaking Coaster Opening in 2027!Six Flags Offering FREE Tickets at 22 Locations NationwideCONFIRMED: Six Flags Just SOLD 6 Theme Parks We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the situation, as well as other theme park news you need to know about, so stay tuned to DFB! 6 EMBARRASSING Emergencies in Disney World — And What To Do About Them 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 Six Flags park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! EPCOT Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. Sure, we can look at past data to get an estimate of the crowd levels in Disney World, but you never know what may happen from year to year. Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World this past week — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track 3.0 were tied with the highest average waits! Magic Kingdom Wait Times TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 68 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 49 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 45 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 40 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 38 minutes Space Mountain — 38 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 37 minutes Jungle Cruise — 37 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 32 minutes Haunted Mansion — 25 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 19 minutes Astro Orbiter — 17 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 15 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 15 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 14 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 14 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 13 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 13 minutes “it’s a small world” — 12 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 12 minutes “it’s a small world” Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 12 minutes Carousel of Progress — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Mad Tea Party — 10 minutes Carousel of Progress Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 9 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 76 minutes Test Track — 76 minutes Frozen Ever After — 52 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 49 minutes Soarin’ Across America — 38 minutes EPCOT Mission: SPACE — 16 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Spaceship Earth — 14 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 13 minutes Living with the Land — 12 minutes Journey into Imagination — 11 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 6 minutes Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Canada Far and Wide, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times River Journey Avatar Flight of Passage — 60 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 38 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 27 minutes Expedition Everest — 25 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 11 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 73 minutes Slinky Dog Dash — 65 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 50 minutes Tower of Terror — 41 minutes Toy Story Mania — 40 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 40 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 34 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Alien Swirling Saucers — 26 minutes Star Tours — 8 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. 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 How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Toy Story 5, the highly anticipated newest installment of the beloved franchise, will finally release in theaters next week on July 19th. But…what about Disney+? ©Disney So many fans are super excited to see what’s next with the characters we know and love (we definitely are). Although lots of us are going to watch the movie in the theater, sometimes sitting on your couch in the comfort of your own home is the vibe a lot of people prefer. So, that brings us back to the question — when will Toy Story 5 be on Disney’s streaming platform? Toy Story 5 follows Jessie, Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang as the iconic characters take on technology. The movie is going to mix elements of nostalgia, new characters, and new concepts. Could this be the end of the franchise that started Pixar? We’ll have to wait and see! ©Disney Obviously, Disney hasn’t made any announcements as to when Toy Story 5 will come out on Disney+, but that doesn’t mean we can’t piece together an idea of how long it might be. In order to guess-timate, we should look at the most recent Disney animated movies. ©Disney Disney Pixar’s Hoppers released to theatres earlier this year on March 6th. It had a pretty long run in theatres before landing on Disney+ on June 3rd. That’s almost three months after the movie’s release. ©Pixar Even Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia 2, which released to theatres on November 13th, 2025, didn’t hit Disney+ until March 11th, 2026. That’s almost four months after the movie’s release! These two Disney+ release timelines give us somewhat of an idea, but we think there’s one more element to look at. ©Disney Hoppers grossed over $370 million at the global box office during its theatre run, whereas Zootopia 2 grossed $1.86 billion at the global box office. It’s safe to assume that the box office success of both movies had an impact on the length of time it took for them to hit Disney+. Especially with Zootopia 2, which took a whole month longer than Hoppers to hit the streaming platform. ©Disney So, what do both of these recent animated films tell us about Toy Story 5? We don’t know how much money the newest Toy Story will make, but we’ll admit that we’d be shocked if it didn’t hit $1 billion. It makes more sense to look at Zootopia 2 as an example of when Toy Story 5 could come to Disney+. Which means we might be looking at a date in October — which feels so far away! ©Pixar October is obviously a long way away, but when you take into account how well the movie will perform at the box office during the summer, the four-month period that Zootopia 2 had to hit the streaming platform is very reasonable for Toy Story 5. ©Disney We’ll be keeping an eye out for any announcements, but we’re sure we won’t get those for a while. For now, let’s enjoy the new Pixar movie in the theaters! For more Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. NEW Disney Popcorn Buckets Are Coming to Select Theaters 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 Toy Story 5? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s crazy to think that people born in the 90s were kids when Cars dropped…and now it’s celebrating its 20th anniversary! Radiator Springs Racers 90’s kids are going to love this new BoxLunch Cars collection that just dropped online! From bags perfect for the Disney Parks to jackets inspired by the beloved racecar, there’s something for everyone in this new collection. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Lightning McQueen Backpack ©BoxLunch Check out this Cars Lightning McQueen Embroidered Patches Canvas Mini Backpack! You can’t tell us you don’t look at this bag and instantly want it. It’s made with a canvas material, and the bag is decorated with embroidered Lightning McQueen patches, checkered details, and a matching zipper pull. View on Amazon This Cars Garage Jacket is a must! ©BoxLunch Rep your favorite Piston Cup winner with this Cars Garage Moto Jacket! The embroidered jacket is fitted with Lightning-inspired details and Cars logos. You can see embroidered patches featuring Rusteez, Dinoco, and the Piston Cup. View on Amazon We love this Fillmore Backpack ©BoxLunch You can also grab this Fillmore Tie-Dye Min Backpack! The BoxLunch exclusive backpack is printed with tie-dye designs. The front of this bag includes a Fillmore appliqué with “Good Vibes” printed on it. You’ll also find a peace sign zipper pull and debossed details on the straps. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Cozy Cone Mug ©BoxLunch We also really like this Cozy Cone Motel Mug! The BoxLunch exclusive mug has embossed designs of the Cozy Cone Motel sign and canyon details. This mug is perfect to add to your home collection, especially for Cars fans. View on Amazon And finally, there are these Cars Salt & Pepper Shakers ©BoxLunch Lastly, grab these Cars Salt & Pepper Shakers! The shakers are shaped like Mater and Lightning McQueen. These salt and pepper shakers are the perfect addition to your kitchen, giving it a little more of a Disney touch. 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

If you’re a Toy Story fan, then we’ve just found your new favorite Loungefly bag. To celebrate the release of Toy Story 5, we’ve compiled our favorite Toy Story Loungeflys to bring to the theaters! ©Loungefly There are dozens of characters to choose from among Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, the Green Aliens, and the whole gang. Whether you’re headed to Toy Story Land or to a movie theater for Toy Story 5, there’s a new bag that will have a friend in you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go to infinity and beyond with this Toy Story 5 Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Toy Story 5 Mini Backpack features Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Forky, Knifey, and the newest addition, Lilypad! The newest character, Lilypad, is center stage with PVC and embroidered detailing. Along the sides, this bag features more of your favorites, including Hamm, Rex, and some new pals, Smarty Pants, Snappy, and Atlas. With a sturdy top handle and adjustable shoulder straps, carry these iconic characters around while getting into some fun shenanigans! view ON AMAZON Get ready to race with this Slinky Dog Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Slinky Dog Mini Backpack features a smiling Slinky Dog with 3D ears. The sides of the bag feature slinky details, and the straps match Andy’s cloudy sky wallpaper to bring the whole look together! It’s a must for any Toy Story fan! view ON AMAZON Star Command, you need this Buzz Lightyear Shoulder Bag! ©Amazon This Buzz Lightyear Shoulder Bag features a colorful design of Buzz Lightyear’s astronaut suit. The front pocket is embroidered with waist appliqués, and the side pockets star embroidered patches of the Star Command logo. It’s the perfect backpack for Buzz Lightyear fans! view ON AMAZON This Pizza Planet Alien Mini Backpack has been chosen by Your Claw-set! ©Amazon This Pizza Planet Alien Mini Backpack features one of the aliens from the Pizza Planet claw machine holding a Pizza Planet box for the front pocket! The coordinating inner lining stars an all-over blue-and-white Pizza Planet logo pattern. view ON AMAZON Reach for the stars with this Buzz Lightyear Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Buzz Lightyear Mini Backpack features Buzz Lightyear in his original box from the movies! It looks like his spaceship with Buzz Lightyear and Star Command logos, plus 3D wings sticking out from the side, and clear PVC on the front through which you can see the galactic hero himself, Buzz Lightyear. But the best part? It glows in the dark! view ON AMAZON OOOOOOOHHH! A new Aliens Crossbuddies Bag! ©Amazon This Aliens Crossbuddies Bag features one of the aliens from Toy Story’s Pizza Planet. The body of the bag has even more aliens on the back, and the front pocket he’s clutching is a detachable coin purse! One side is embroidered with a pizza slice, and the other is candy, so you can choose what he’s carrying. view ON AMAZON You’ve got a friend in this Toy Story Chibi Characters Mini Backpack! ©Amazon This Toy Story Chibi Characters Mini Backpack features all of your favorite Toy Story characters in a cute, chibified all-over pattern. There’s Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, Hamm, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Sporky, Rover, Bunny, Ducky, and the Green Army Men. If you can’t decide what your favorite character is, then you don’t have to choose! 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

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opened up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26th, and fans have been enjoying the attraction for a few weeks now. The ride features new music, new styles, and new elements within the queue line, and we’ve totally fallen in love with every detail. It’s Scooter! Something we can’t stop talking about is the Scooter audio animatronic. As far as an audio animatronic of a Muppet goes, this is as good as it gets! Disney recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Scooter animatronic, and everyone has to see this. We just saw that Walt Disney Imagineering posted a video on YouTube going through the process of creating the Scooter animatronic. Imagineering used motion‑capture technology to record a full performance of the actual Muppet of Scooter, played by David Rudman. Scooter animatronic They recorded Scooter’s movements and his lines. After collecting all the footage, it was time for Imagineering to work its magic and turn the data into the animatronic. They worked on fine-tuning the details, including Scooter’s animatronic shell, how long his stick needed to be, and glasses, which were all 3D printed! ©Disney Walt Disney Imagineering recorded and tracked Scooter’s performance, and then they built a program to make a figure that looks, moves, and emotes EXACTLY how Scooter does. We all know how Disney Imagineering is with details, and they went right down to the small details with this animatronic. ©Disney If you’ve seen Scooter at the new ride, you’ve seen how he moves exactly like a Muppet does. It’s genuinely fascinating how perfectly they made this small figure. Scooter is alongside the penguins, who are also animatronics in the pre-show. ©Disney If you want to take a look for yourself at the process, check out the video below! For more Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! Why Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Even Better Than You Thought 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 animatronic? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re looking for the best bag to bring to Disney World, we’ve got you covered. We’re constantly browsing Amazon, Target, Loungefly, and BoxLunch to find the perfect park bag for every budget. ©Amazon So when we saw this bag with 4.5 stars on Amazon, we had to see what the hype was about. But once we found out the bag is only $10, we knew we had to share! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Pritent Crossbody Bag is only $10! ©Amazon The Pritent Crossbody Bag is lightweight and easy to carry, but it still has enough space for everything you’d need. The main pocket has enough space to fit all your essentials, and four open pockets that can easily store your tablet, cosmetics, or other essentials. Two front zipper pockets can fit your wallet, phone, and other small items. Plus, there are two side pockets for water bottles, umbrellas, or anything else you reach for often. ©Amazon Plus, this Crossbody Bag is built to last. It’s made of durable, waterproof, and tear-resistant fabric that’s perfect for water rides or outdoor activities like hiking. The bag features an adjustable strap that extends up to 34 inches to accommodate different body sizes. With 15 different color options, there’s a park bag for everyone! 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

It’s hard to believe, but the Halloween season will be hitting Orlando theme parks sooner than you think…in just a few months! And there’s so much to look forward to. In Disney World, you’ve got Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, while Universal Orlando hosts Halloween Horror Nights. Meanwhile, Howl-O-Scream is happening in SeaWorld Orlando. LEGOLAND Florida One of our favorite events, though, is LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat. We went to the event last year, and we had A BLAST. Well, now, LEGOLAND has confirmed the return of its Halloween event this year, and we now even know the dates! The 2026 LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick or Treat will be held on select dates from September 5th through October 31st. This year, there are even MORE chances to celebrate Halloween in the theme park than EVER. Here are all the event dates: September 5th, 6th, 12th, 19th, and 26th October 3rd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th, and 31st Dance party This year’s event will feature some returning fun favorite activities like the Monster Meet & Greet, where you can meet LEGO monsters including Monster Rocker, Spider Lady, Mummy, Zombie Pirate, Scarecrow, and Shark Suit Guy. There will also be live entertainment and shows, The Great Monster Chase 4D Movie, and Halloween-themed experiences and decor throughout the theme park. The Monster Skytacular drone show is also returning this year. Drone show Looking to have a Halloween Sleepover? Book a stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, Pirate Island Hotel, or LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. All have easy access to the park and more Halloween-themed fun. Also, be sure to check out special seasonal deals, including a chance to save up to $100 on Annual Passes. There is even Halloween-themed food! The best part? You don’t need to buy a special ticket to the event. You get it with the price of regular admission to LEGOLAND Florida. We’ll keep an eye out for more details, so stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL LIST of ALL Events Coming to LEGOLAND Florida in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be heading to LEGOLAND for some Halloween fun this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We spend a lot of time at Disney World, and this includes staying at the Disney World hotels. Portable Shelves During our stays at Disney World, we test out products to make our stay (and could make your stay) better! We tested four products from Amazon recently, and we’re sharing our reviews to let you know if it’s worth grabbing or not. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this MagicBand+ charger to save you space! 4 USB-A ports Trust us, this Kaizen Kreation MultiCharger for MagicBand+ has done us wonders! This is a must-have since the hotel rooms don’t have very many plugs, and you have to charge MagicBands now. This is great for big groups of family and friends who are travelling together. MultiCharger for MagicBand+ The Multi Chargers can easily fit in any sling, hip bag, or fanny pack, meaning they won’t add extra bulk when used in the Disney Parks. The Multi Charger is equipped with a USB-A plug, meaning it will work with most external batteries when used on the go and out at any of the parks view ON AMAZON This portable sound machine will make a huge difference! Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Even if you’re staying in a nice Disney World resort, sleeping away from home can be tough. Maybe you aren’t able to fall asleep because it’s unfamiliar, or maybe you’re just too excited to see the Cinderella Castle the next morning. That’s why we love this Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine! Super small The machine is egg-sized, weighing just 1.6 ounces, and fits easily into your pocket, carry-on, wallet, or briefcase. It offers 16 soothing nature sounds, including ocean waves, rain, birds, fan sounds, and white noise. view ON AMAZON We love these portable hanging shelves! How simple is this? These Portable Hanging Shelves are perfect for any vacation, and 100% worht it for your Disney vacation. It’s easy to pack, and it holds all of your Disney outfits once you unpack at the resort. It provides extra room for clothes for big parties. It also has spots for shoes at the bottom. You won’t regret this buy! Hanging shelves all packed up. We seriously now bring this on nearly every single trip we go on, because we can’t imagine our trip without it. If you’re someone who enjoys unpacking (but not the actual hassle of it), this is 100% an essential you need — you won’t be disappointed! view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this travel humidifier! HOMDIS Mini Humidifier Hotel rooms can feel brutal after a full day in the parks. Between blasting AC and dry indoor air, my throat usually feels awful by the second night of vacation. Flying doesn’t help either since airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating. That’s where the HOMDIS Mini Humidifier came in handy. How it attaches Instead of hauling around a bulky humidifier, this tiny device screws directly onto a regular plastic water bottle and instantly creates a cool mist. It’s incredibly lightweight at just over seven ounces, so tossing it into a backpack or carry-on was easy. I even refilled my bottle with sink water in the parks and used it again later that night. There are three attachment sizes, so it fits different water bottles, and standard Dasani bottles worked perfectly for me. It also comes with a carrying bag, which made packing way less annoying. 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

Disney World hotels are the best, they almost have everything you need…ALMOST everything! Disney’s Riviera Resort You’d be shocked at how much shopping we do on Amazon before our Disney vacations. We’ve been to Disney World so many times, we know exactly what it is to look for. If you’ve got that big Disney World trip coming up this summer, you’re not going to want to leave without bringing these Disney World hotel essentials with you! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this MagicBand Charging Station Doohoeek Charging Station for MagicBand+ You can’t go to Disney World without your MagicBand, so this Doohoeek MagicBand Charging Station is a no-brainer buy! One thing that’s hard to manage in a hotel room with a big party is outlets. Everyone has to charge something — a phone, tablet, watch, MagicBand. This makes life so much easier by saving extra outlet space for other devices you need to charge. View on Amazon This Flat Plug Power Strip has done wonders! Flat Plug Power Strip We got another charging station option for you, and it’s this Flat Plug Power Strip! It’s portable and effective, allowing you to charge multiple devices while not taking up too much space. It has three outlets and 4 USB ports (two USB-C). We find it’s great for hotels, resorts, or wherever you’re staying. We can charge our phone, laptop, and whatever else we brought, while only taking up one outlet in the wall. It’s also 13% off right now! View on Amazon We love these Hanging Packing Cubes BAGSMART Hanging Travel Bag The BAGSMART Hanging Packing Cubes have been great for us! It’s perfect for any vacation, and 100% worth it for your Disney World trip. It’s easy to pack, and it holds all of your Disney outfits, shoes, towels, accessories, and more, once you unpack at the resort. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Pillow Speaker Pillow Speaker We totally get it can be hard to sleep away from home, even if it is at Disney World. If that sounds like you, then you might want to grab the Kinglucky Pillow Speaker! It allows you to listen to music, white noise, your favorite podcast, or whatever, without disturbing anyone else in the room. It has buttons to adjust the volume, as well as skip forward or backward. Simply connect your phone via Bluetooth, and let it help you rest. It’s a nice little luxury item that might make your nights a little easier. It’s also 17% off! View on Amazon And finally, this Travel Humidifier HOMDIS Mini Humidifier We’ve found that this HOMDIS Travel Humidifier has made us feel SO much more comfortable in our hotel room! It’s really simple, as all you do is fill up a water bottle and attach it. Mist then comes out and adds moisture to the air. It comes with three attachments to accommodate most water bottle sizes. When you’re not using it, it has its own little carrying bag. 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

The FIFA World Cup kicked off this week, and there are so many awesome places in Orlando where you can watch the games. But if you want your soccer match with a side of roller coasters, then we have the spot for you! CityWalk at Universal Orlando Universal CityWalk just announced that six venues will host watch parties for the games, and each will offer a specialty World Cup-themed food or beverage! From June 11th through July 19th, you can watch the games over these specialty menu items. In addition to hosting daily watch parties, NBC Sports Grill & Brew created a dish inspired by American barbecue. The Red, White & Q includes smoked beef brisket and Cajun turkey, serrano-cheddar sausage, fennel-cabbage slaw, pimento mac and cheese, fire-kissed Brussels sprouts, and a side of orange blossom honey corn bread and white BBQ sauce. ©Universal Head to Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food to tune in to a soccer match and say “Wow!” or “Órale!” in Spanish. While watching the game, you can both exclaim “Órale!” and eat Órale! This dish is packed with machaca beef and jalapeño chimichurri in a corn tortilla and topped with poblano-queso-ranchero sauce. ©Universal For a Canadian-American fusion, head to the Hot Dog Hall of Fame for the Poutine Street Dog. It’s a crispy all-beef hot dog topped with potato sticks, cheese curds, beef gravy, and garnished with chives. ©Universal Have an Italian delicacy with a new Cannoli at Red Oven Pizza Bakery. This sweet treat is made with thick ricotta, chocolate, maraschino cherries, and powdered sugar, and decorated with a soccer ball. ©Universal If you’re watching the game over breakfast, head to Voodoo Doughnut and take a bite of GOOOAALLLL!, a fluffy raised shell doughnut featuring a spicy mocha velvet top and sweet vanilla icing. We can’t picture a more fitting dessert to indulge in during the FIFA World Cup! ©Universal And to wash it all down, visit Bend the Bao for this new Sakura Peach Cup. This refreshing beverage is made with citrus tea, cherry blossom boba, sweet cream foam, peach blossom syrup, and garnished with a pink sanding sugar-crusted orchid. ©Universal You can also head to the Coca-Cola World Cup Fan Refresh Zone to try five exclusive soda flavors available during the event — Golden Goal Punch, Hibiscus Strike, Midnight Match, All Eyes on Blue, and Final Whistle Fizz. Plus, you can purchase a FIFA-themed Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup! ©Universal And to snack, stop by the Doritos Loaded Pop-up, which has four menu items to try out – Elote Nachos, Cheeseburger Nachos, Flamin’ Hot Buffalo Nachos, and Texas BBQ Nachos. ©Universal And to end your watch party, CityWalk has some great photo-ops, such as the Visa Winner Tunnel, an artsy walkthrough experience that doubles as a photo op. You can also stop by the Universal Rewards Visa Signature Card acquisition kiosk to get exclusive FIFA-themed merchandise! ©Universal We’re so excited to dig into all of these brand-new World Cup eats. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Universal food news! Why We’re Even MORE Excited About Universal’s NEWEST Theme Park Opening 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 new menu item are you most excited to try? Comment below! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, you know we love to go around Disney World trying all sorts of eats, treats, and drinks. This time, we went to one of our favorite lounges at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tune-In Lounge We recently stopped by the Tune-In Lounge at Hollywood Studios to see if a new drink there could become a go-to for the summer. Of course, we’re bringing you our full review! The Tune-In Lounge is a unique spot that features specialty cocktails and provides a vintage feel as you watch 50’s TV. The lounge is connected to the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, so they have the same retro vibe. Bar and seating When we were at the lounge, we got the Rainbow Vodka Lemonade for $16.50. The lemonade included Minute Maid Lemonade, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Pomegranate-Hibiscus Grenadine with a Sugar Rim and Rainbow Ribbon Candy. Rainbow Vodka Lemonade This drink is your standard pomegranate lemonade with vodka. It’s got a little flair with the airhead strip and sugar rim, but as a drink itself, it’s honestly not that special. If you want a vodka lemonade or you’re a big fan of pomegranate, this is the go-to drink. Take a look! We think the sugar complements the vodka well, and then you also get a little bit of a sour complement from the airhead strip and the pomegranate combined. We would say you get a sour punch with a sweet aftertaste, and we think those things work well together, especially when you don’t want to focus on the sour taste that comes from the lemonade. Rainbow Vodka Lemonade If you let the sour strip sit for too long, it is guaranteed to get soggy. However, if you let it get soggy, it’ll soak up the drink, and you’ll have a nice little vodka candy. All in all, it’s a solid drink for anyone looking for a standard vodka lemonade. We think that, due to the price, if you’re gonna spend that amount of money, we would go for a different drink at this bar that has a little more flair to it and presentation, but this is a fun drink if you’re into simpler options you know you’re going to enjoy. Rainbow Vodka Lemonade If you want more food and drink reviews from around Disney World, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! REVIEW: Can the Food at Dollywood’s Hotel Keep Up With the Parks? We Found Out! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to the Tune-In Lounge? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Well, we’re back at Chef Mickey’s again…yeah, yeah, yeah, we always say we may not return, but we pretty much have to because there have been a few times when this character dining experience has surprised us. Plus, the one thing Chef Mickey’s has ALWAYS had going for it is the characters. We’re back at Chef Mickey’s! So, we’re back, this time for dinner, and we’re not sure what happened…maybe it was because our expectations were relatively low, but Chef Mickey’s has surprised us…again…and this time, in a good way (or pretty good, if we’re being specific). So let’s talk about it. Atmosphere We decided to have dinner at Chef Mickey’s for a change because it seems like we’re always checking it out for breakfast. You’ll find the restaurant inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Chef Mickey’s! If you’ve ever taken the Monorail to the hotel, it’s the restaurant you’ll see as you ride through the hotel itself. The Monorail INSIDE Contemporary Resort The restaurant is located on the 4th floor between Contempo Cafe and Outer Rim (which is a bar, and we’ve had some visits at Chef Mickey’s where we needed a drink after, so that’s handy). We’ll tell you now, though: it’s VERY popular, so reservations are highly recommended. Chef Mickey’s The real appeal at Chef Mickey’s is that you’re guaranteed to meet some of Disney’s most popular characters, but we’ll get to that in a bit. Menu Chef Mickey’s is a buffet with options that are generally of the “safer” variety, meaning that you’ll find something to please everyone in your party here. The dinner buffet is $69 per adult and $44 per child. So, what can you find on the buffet? In addition to carving stations, you’ll also find things like pizza, chicken tenders… Pizza and chicken tenders …grilled asparagus, shrimp scampi… Grilled asparagus and shrimp scampi …carved roast beef, au jus, barbecue chicken… Carved roast beef, au jus, and barbecue chicken …cheeseburger sliders, potato barrels, cheese pizza… Cheeseburger sliders, potato barrels, cheese pizza …a salad bar with all the fixings to make a salad your way… Salad bar …chicken pot pie, ravioli in tomato sauce, carrots, pot roast… Chicken pot pie, ravioli in tomato sauce, carrots, and pot roast …meatballs in marinara sauce, butternut squash ravioli, baked rigatoni, penne with fire-roasted tomatoes and grilled artichokes… Meatballs in marinara sauce, butternut squash ravioli, baked rigatoni, and penne with fire-roasted tomatoes and grilled artichokes …and desserts like cookies, cupcakes, and some character-themed desserts (we’ll get to those in a bit). Desserts Although some drinks are included with the price of the buffet, you’ll also find a menu on your table with alcoholic cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine for an additional price. Eats Okay, time to hit the buffet! We filled up our first plate with mini corn dogs (aka corn dog nuggets), watermelon salad, shrimp cocktail, pork dumplings, and roast beef. First plate! We’re happy to report that the Mini Corn Dogs are the same ones you can get at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom. It’s that classic cornmeal-covered mini dog you know and love. The only downside is there’s no plastic cheese to dip them in, but you have a choice of honey mustard and ketchup. They’re on the kids’ buffet, so don’t skip that part of the restaurant! Corn dog nuggets! Things only got better from there. The Watermelon Salad had a juicy, sweet bite of watermelon with a bit of red onion for tanginess and some cucumber and feta. This was such a refreshing summer salad, and may have been one of our favorite things on the buffet. Watermelon salad The Pork Dumplings have nice, soft wrappers, and the dumplings are marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce, which adds a nice flavor. They don’t really have a lot of filling, but the pork inside is soft, while the cabbage adds a nice texture. Pork dumplings The Shrimp Cocktail has firm, yet tender shrimp that tastes fresh. Then you get a classic cocktail sauce to dip those lovely shrimp in. Wait…are we actually enjoying this meal? Maybe… Shrimp cocktail Carved Roast Beef is a classic buffet offering, and well, it’s always something you have to try. The beef was tender and well-seasoned. Was it anything unique or special? No. But at the same time, we thought it was tasty. Roast beef Okay, it’s time for plate #2! We grabbed the shrimp scampi, the Italian pasta salad, a cheeseburger slider, mac and cheese, and barbecue chicken. Our second plate The Shrimp Scampi was also a big surprise. It was well-seasoned to the point of even having a slight kick! Who knew? The shrimp here is well-cooked, although a tad bit overdone. But it didn’t bother us too much, and we loved the hint of spiciness. Shrimp scampi The Italian Pasta Salad was also well-seasoned and had some cured meats, including pepperoni. Honestly? It’s a solid pasta salad. There are also some nice herbs in the Italian dressing that make this a great option. Italian pasta salad Okay, up until this point, we were mostly shocked at how much we were enjoying our meal. But our biggest disappointment lay before us with the Cheeseburger Slider from the kids’ buffet. Okay, we get it, it’s kids’ food, so there’s hardly any seasoning on the meat, and not enough cheese on the burger. Overall, because the bun is also tiny, this is a very dry bite. Cheeseburger slider The good news is that the Mac and Cheese made up for the poor slider. The pasta is SO creamy and cheesy and will please both kids and adults alike. This is our top pick for food that will please picky eaters. Mac and cheese The Barbecue Chicken was also done really well. The chicken was juicy and covered in a classic sweet barbecue sauce. It tastes like a backyard grilled piece of chicken, too, so kudos to Disney for achieving that. Even without the barbecue sauce, the chicken itself has a nice seasoned flavor. Barbecue chicken Okay, let’s talk about dessert. Now, there are some character-themed desserts on the buffet, which we were really excited to try. Just LOOK at this gorgeous plate. New desserts! The Mickey Mouse Tart has a rich chocolate ganache in the middle with a chocolate cookie crust, along with fun sprinkles and a Mickey chocolate medallion. If you love chocolate, this is your DREAM. You’re going to FLIP OUT. What’s so nice is that although it’s a rich dessert for adults, it’s still a great pure chocolate treat for kids, too. Mickey Mouse tart The Minnie Mouse Cheesecake is raspberry cheesecake on top of a chocolate crust…and again, Chef Mickey’s knocked it out of the park (that may be the first time we’ve ever written that). The dessert is light with a pleasant texture. The raspberry flavor also doesn’t have that artificial taste, which we’re never big fans of. It tastes fresh. Minnie Mouse cheesecake The Pluto Tart is filled with coconut haupia and DOLE Whip Pineapple, and it has a classic tart crust. It’s light and delicious, and if you love DOLE Whip, this is the treat for you. Pluto tart BUT, y’all, Donald was the one who surprised us (the dessert, not the duck…although he’s often full of surprises). The Donald Duck Cream Puff is a cream puff filled with lemon cream, and it tastes so much better than we could have ever imagined. The filling is tart, and there’s enough to perfectly complement the cream puff. Donald Duck cream puff Now for the bad…The Goofy Cupcake was SO boring, especially compared to the other desserts. It was a plain chocolate cupcake with plain buttercream. It just fell flat for us. We would’ve liked to have seen the same creativity put into this dessert as the three we loved. Goofy cupcake We felt the same way about the Daisy Cookies and Cream Mousse, which is plant-based. It’s so boring, and the flavors just seem so plain compared to the other desserts. Daisy cookies and cream mousse So, most of the food surprised us, so seeing characters was literally the proverbial cherry on top of our visit to Chef Mickey’s. Characters So we saw a variety of classic Disney characters, including Donald… Donald …Minnie… Minnie …Pluto… Pluto …Goofy… Goofy …and Chef Mickey himself! Mickey! We had quite a few opportunities to see the characters during our meal. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You want to meet the Fab Five without waiting in line. This is the EASIEST way to meet the most classic of Disney characters, and you can get fed while doing so. As far as characters go, this is one of the best locations to meet them. You’ve got picky eaters in your group. If you’re dining with kids or picky eaters, this buffet features a lot of basic food that should please just about anyone. You’re using the Disney Dining Plan. Chef Mickey’s is a 1-credit table service option on the Dining Plan, so if you’re budgeting your dining credits and want a character meal, it’s a great choice. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re on a budget. If you’re not using the Disney dining plan, this restaurant can get pretty pricey, especially when you add on the tax and tip. You want a quieter experience. We’ll warn you now…it can get very LOUD inside Chef Mickey’s. This spot might be great for kids, but if you want a more intimate dining experience, this ain’t it. You want something quick. This isn’t a quick service spot, and you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to hit the buffet AND meet all the characters. That could take upwards of an hour or longer. Overall So here’s the thing. The food at Chef Mickey’s is inconsistent. We’ve had great dining experiences here, like this one (okay, maybe “great” is a bit much, but it surprised us), but we’ve also had not-so-great dining experiences here. However, most folks don’t actually come here for the food anyway, so if it’s characters you want to meet in an iconic setting like the Contemporary, you’ll probably appreciate Chef Mickey’s just fine. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There’s so much more to do in Disney Springs than just eat and shop, although there is some really good eating and shopping going on in Disney World’s main shopping and dining district. Drawn To Life You can also see some live entertainment, including a Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn To Life, which could be PERFECT for your next Disney World trip. Well, if you’ve been wanting to check out Drawn To Life, now might be the time to buy tickets because they’re now being offered at a huge discount. This month, Drawn to Life, presented by Cirque du Soleil, is celebrating Cirque du Soleil’s birthday with a special ticket offer. If you buy tickets between now and June 17th, you can save 30% off adult tickets for performances from now through September 27th. These discount tickets are valid for seat categories 5-9 inclusive, and there’s a limit of nine tickets per transaction per guest. Drawn To Life Also, as part of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, you can purchase child tickets for the show for $25 with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket from now through September 6th for performances through September 20th. Tickets can be purchased online at drawn-to-life.com or at the Drawn to Life Box Office in Disney Springs. Cirque du Soleil: Drawn To Life The story of Drawn to Life follows Julie, “a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece.” Julie is guided by a pencil on a quest that is inspired by her Disney childhood memories. Her journey teaches her to imagine new possibilities to animate the story of her future. The show combines Disney animation with the unique acrobatic performances of Cirque du Soleil. It’s truly a unique entertainment option If you want to treat yourself to a different kind of entertainment that still has that Disney touch, you’ll want to check the show out, and with this discount, now is a great time to do so. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 50 Amazing Things You Never Knew Were 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 Have you seen Drawn To Life? Share your thoughts about the show in the comments! View the full article

Disney World dining rankings are a dangerous little game. You say one restaurant is better than another, and suddenly someone in the comments is sharpening a bread knife over their beloved Via Napoli pizza. We get it. Food is personal. Disney food is extra personal. People have built entire vacation identities around one buffet, one burger, one very specific caramel square from EPCOT. Stack Burger But after eating our way through Disney World over and over again, three restaurants rose to the top of the pile. And the funny thing is, they could not be more different. One is a cozy character meal that slowly spins above Living with the Land. One is the fanciest, most expensive dining experience in Disney World. And one is technically a lounge, which feels very on-brand for us. We buck systems, defy logic, and award “best restaurant” titles to lounges. Garden Grill Garden Grill taking the bronze medal might surprise some folks, but it absolutely makes sense once you stop thinking “best restaurant” has to mean “fanciest restaurant.” Garden Grill Garden Grill is one of the most well-rounded dining experiences in Disney World. It has comfort food. It has characters. It has a fun setting. It has actual Disney weirdness, which we mean as the highest compliment. You are eating family-style skillets in a slowly rotating restaurant while peeking down into scenes from Living with the Land. That is deeply specific EPCOT behavior, and we support it. Do you see the not-so-hidden Mickey? The food here is hearty in the best vacation way. Dinner typically leans into family-style comfort classics like cornbread, steak, turkey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and salad, with some ingredients connected to the greenhouses from Living with the Land. Breakfast is more traditional, but still a crowd-pleaser, with pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon, potatoes, and Mickey waffles. Our full platter! And yes, we do need to talk about the characters. Garden Grill is one of the more relaxed character meals in Disney World. Part of that is because the restaurant is smaller than many other character dining spots, so Chip, Dale, Pluto, and Farmer Mickey can often make it around the room more than once. That gives the whole meal a calmer rhythm. You’re not trying to inhale mashed potatoes while Mickey vanishes into the mist like a cryptid in overalls. Farmer Mickey This is the kind of restaurant that works for first-timers, families, character fans, picky eaters, Living with the Land loyalists, and anyone who wants a meal that feels distinctly Disney without requiring a formal outfit or a financial recovery plan. Garden Grill Is it the most adventurous food in Disney World? No. Is it trying to be? Also no. Garden Grill knows exactly what it is: a cozy, character-filled, comfort-food machine built inside one of EPCOT’s strangest and best little corners. That confidence is part of why it works. ALL the Places to Find Mickey Waffles in Disney World Victoria & Albert’s And now for the complete opposite end of the Disney dining universe. Victoria & Albert’s is not a casual meal. It is not a “we’ll just pop in after Magic Kingdom” meal. It is not the place you book because everyone in your group wants chicken tenders and a refillable soda. Victoria & Albert’s Victoria & Albert’s is Disney World fine dining at its most polished, most theatrical, and most expensive. It’s a full tasting menu experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and it is built for people who see dinner as an event, not just a refueling stop between fireworks and pajama shopping. Victoria & Albert’s Dining Room The restaurant is basically three luxury experiences under one very fancy roof. The Dining Room is the least expensive option, which is a hilarious phrase considering it still starts at a few hundred dollars per person. Queen Victoria’s Room is more intimate and expanded. And the Chef’s Table is the most exclusive option, with a meal tailored around your tastes and a view into the kitchen where the culinary magic is happening in real time. Cheese Course at Victoria & Albert’s This is the restaurant you choose when you want precision. Every course is intentional. Every plate looks composed. Every detail feels carefully placed, from the pacing of the meal to the service to the way the menu changes with what is fresh and seasonal. It is also not for everyone, and that’s fine. Some Disney World guests will look at the price tag and immediately book three other meals instead. Reasonable. Some will decide they’d rather spend that money on a resort upgrade, Lightning Lanes, or a new suitcase to haul home all the Loungefly evidence. Also reasonable. The Fifth Course But if you are celebrating something huge, if you love tasting menus, or if you want to experience the absolute top tier of Disney World dining, Victoria & Albert’s earns its place near the top. Victoria & Albert’s It is not simply “good for Disney.” It is a serious fine dining experience that happens to exist inside the same vacation kingdom where you can also eat a Mickey pretzel for breakfast and call it balance. REVIEW: We Ate the MOST EXPENSIVE Meal in Disney World. Here’s What It Was Like. Nomad Lounge And then we arrive at number one: Nomad Lounge. Yes, a lounge took the top spot. Nomad Lounge is attached to Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and while Tiffins is absolutely worth knowing, Nomad Lounge has become one of those Disney World places that feels like a secret even though everyone keeps talking about it. It is relaxed, gorgeous, flavorful, and just removed enough from the theme park chaos to feel like you stepped through a little vacation trapdoor. Nomad Lounge The magic of Nomad Lounge is that it doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need a castle. It doesn’t need fireworks views. It doesn’t need a prix fixe menu with a supporting wine pairing. It just needs a table, a cocktail, a few small plates, and that Animal Kingdom atmosphere doing what it does best. Nomad Lounge patio The menu pulls from the Tiffins kitchen, which means the lounge bites are not an afterthought. We’re talking about things like the bread service, sticky pork ribs, and those churros that have rightfully built their own tiny fan club. Pair that with some of the best cocktails in Disney World, plus the exclusive Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale, and suddenly “just grabbing a lounge snack” becomes the best dining decision of the day. Nomad Lounge lunch The setting is a huge part of the appeal. Inside, Nomad Lounge is warm and layered, with travel-inspired details and a calm that feels almost suspicious inside a theme park. But the real prize is the outdoor porch, with plush seating, waterfront views, and the kind of quiet you start craving after three hours of stroller traffic and sunscreen fog. Nomad Lounge bar If there’s a light drizzle while you’re sitting outside? Even better. That’s not a weather problem. That’s ambience with a mist setting. Nomad Lounge wins because it understands what Disney World adults often need most: a place to exhale. It’s not the biggest meal, the fanciest meal, or the most traditional “restaurant” on the list. But it delivers atmosphere, food, drinks, and relief in one beautiful little package. That is powerful vacation math. Changes Hit Nomad Lounge, Terralina Crafted Italian, and 32 MORE Disney World Restaurants Three Restaurants, Three Completely Different Wins That’s what makes this top three so interesting. You get a fun autographed card at the end of your visit! Garden Grill earns its spot by being the rare character meal that is relaxed, filling, charming, and actually fun for more than just the kids. Victoria & Albert’s earns its spot by being Disney World’s ultimate luxury dining experience, the kind of meal you build an evening around. Nomad Lounge earns the number one spot by proving that the best Disney meal doesn’t always need to be the most expensive, the most elaborate, or even technically a full restaurant experience. Sometimes the best meal is small plates, great drinks, a quiet porch, and the deep satisfaction of knowing you chose peace over a 90-minute standby line. Waygu Pastrami Disney World dining is not one-size-fits-all. The “best” restaurant depends on your budget, your group, your patience, your appetite, and whether your vacation soul is currently asking for mac and cheese, caviar-level service, or a cocktail in Animal Kingdom with a side of emotional restoration. There are no words to describe how amazing these are. And that’s why these top three work. They are wildly different. They serve completely different guests. They answer completely different vacation needs. But each one, in its own way, is Disney World dining at its best. Want to see us rank the top 20 restaurants in Disney World? Well, you’re in luck because we made an entire video about it. Keep following DFB for more Disney World tips, dining intel, and strong opinions about where you should absolutely be eating. FREE Printable List of the Best Restaurants in Disney World, According to the Experts More Disney Restaurant News FREE Printable List of the Best Restaurants in Disney World, According to the ExpertsThe Best Restaurants at Disney World in 2026Why Disney Adults Keep Eating at the WRONG RestaurantsREVIEW: Why You Should Skip Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant and Eat HERE InsteadCancel Your Chef Mickey’s Reservation —This Disney World Restaurant Is Your Chaos-Free Alternative Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Did your favorite Disney World restaurant make our top list? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

There’s been so much happening in Disney World recently that sometimes it’s felt a little hard to catch our breath. A trash can change happened this week! We love hearing about all the new projects and exciting attractions coming to Disney World, don’t get us wrong, but for the past few weeks, it felt like everything hit at once. Now, though, some of the biggest attractions have opened — The Walt Disney Studios and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom, Bluey’s Wild World in Disney’s Animal Kingdom — the list goes on. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still smaller changes happening around the parks each day, and there are ABSOLUTELY still closures you need to know about if you’re heading into the parks this week. We’ve had to look closely at the details this week, but we don’t mind. We spotted new solar-powered trash cans in EPCOT, and hope to see them around the resort more in the near future. We also finally know when EPCOT’s newest restaurant will be opening its windows. ©Disney Let’s take a look at the other closures taking place from June 12th through June 19th. Magic Kingdom Storybook Circus Pete’s Silly Sideshow is temporarily unavailable as of January 4th, 2026. This is the Storybook Circus meet and greet area, where you can meet Donald Duck, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Minnie Mouse as they join the circus. Good news, though! While Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closed, you can still meet all of the characters! You will find Goofy and Minnie at the entrance to Storybook Circus, and you can find Donald and Daisy in the back of Storybook Circus by the restrooms. Pete’s Silly Sideshow However, now there’s ANOTHER closure in the land as well. Big Top Souvenirs closed on February 20th, and Disney has said it’ll “reopen for guests to enjoy later this year,” but there’s no date in sight. When we stopped by recently, we noticed that the entire top of the store is GONE right now! Talk about a jump scare! The tent disappeared! We’re really curious to see how this all turns out, so we’ll keep you updated! Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, 2025, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square River Boat and Tom Sawyer Island, are permanently closed to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak. There are lots of construction walls up in the area now, and the structures on Tom Sawyer Island have been demolished. Most recently, we saw some updates to the concrete on the land, as well as leveling taking place for the new attractions — how exciting! Piston Peak construction Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of the Magic Kingdom. Disney has not yet announced an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know it will feature two brand-new attractions and be themed to look like a National Park. 4 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next Month Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Parts of) Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. The courtyard area, new Disney Jr. show, and meet and greet station for Sofia the First and SupeKitties officially opened on May 26th, but we’re still waiting for the other sections of the area to open. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters, complete with the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat! The Magic of Disney Animation in Walt Disney Studios This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area that we can’t wait to see! Muppets Courtyard Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, 2025, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off for construction on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th, 2025. Most recently, Disney released new information about Monstropolis, saying that “Monstropolis — the monster city now powered by laughter — is getting ready to give humans a glimpse of what’s been hidden from their world for generations. Which raises an interesting question: if humans were never meant to enter the monster world … why are the doors finally opening to us?” ©Disney We’ll get to explore their world during H.U.M.A.N. Day, or “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice” Day, with Disney continuing to say, “Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way. For the first time, two worlds once separated are meeting face to scaly, furry, and fang-filled face – brought together not by screams, but by laughter.” ©Disney It’s also been fully confirmed that Harryhausen’s will be one of the restaurants in the new land, which we’re beyond excited to experience. If you’re missing The Muppets, you can go visit them at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets right now! 3 HUGE Disney Announcements Including A NEW Restaurant Coming To Hollywood Studios EPCOT La Poutinerie Refreshment Port, located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, closed for refurbishment on January 12th. We know that when it reopens, it’ll become La Poutinerie, and Disney recently revealed some of the menu to us, as well as let us know that it’ll officially open on July 1st. ©Disney The spot will be sponsored by Air Canada, and promises to deliver “a Canadian classic with a twist.” We’re stoked! OPENING DATE ANNOUNCED for New EPCOT Snack Spot! Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, USA On February 2nd, DinoLand, USA officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Most recently, thanks to an update by @bioreconstruct on X, we can see that the walls have been cast and placed for the Casita in front of the Encanto dark ride. via @bioreconstruct We can also see lots of work happening at the front of the new Indiana Jones ride! via @bioreconstruct This new land is shaping up nicely! It will have three new rides – a carousel featuring classic Disney animals, an Indiana Jones ride where you’ll explore a Mayan temple, and an Encanto ride that invites you into the Madrigals’ home. We can’t wait to continue to see how it all shapes up. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Testing a CHANGE to Its Newest Attraction Disney World Hotels Boat Dock — Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Starting on May 11th, the Boat Dock at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort became unavailable for guests to use due to refurbishment. The dock is closed! Boat transportation was unavailable through June 5th, but has now reopened. Though construction on the dock as a whole will continue through late June. It’s not too bad, but this does mean the only way to get from the hotel to Magic Kingdom is to take the Monorail or walk. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments for quite some time now, but some sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through at least early 2027. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort We certainly hope it’ll actually reopen on this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Currently, work is taking place all over Bay Lake Tower through Late 2027. Additionally, exterior elevator landing repairs will be taking place through late May 2026. Bay Lake Tower While currently no major closures are taking place due to this construction, it’s important to note that you may see or hear construction during your stay. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort For those looking to dine at this hotel, you need to know that the Turf Club Bar & Grill and Turf Club Lounge will both be under refurbishment from mid-March through mid-September 2026. Turf Club Bar & Grill In early April, the Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment and will reopen in early August. In the meantime, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu. Then, from early to mid-August, the Turf Club patio will close for refurbishment, and finally, from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment, but the Turf Club Lounge will be open. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. Tidal Pool At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Yachtsman Steakhouse — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort On May 11th, Yachtsman Steakhouse officially closed for refurbishment. Yachtsman Steakhouse The restaurant is expected to open sometime in early August, though no official date has been set. Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery Most recently, Disney just filed permits for the BoardWalk titled “Project Amazon” and “Project Bubbles,” so it’s possible we could see some movement on these updates soon! Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th. 2025 and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. What is to become of its former location, though? Well, there are now walls all up around the building, so work IS being done, but it’s not yet clear what will arrive in its place. Jellyrolls Now, we know that Jellyrolls will be moving to a new location about 10 minutes away, and a grand opening is planned for late summer or fall 2026. We also know that the new location will have free parking, be closer to the space that the original Disney location was in, and allow people to be dropped off and picked up by rideshare services right at the front door. Why We’re Booking Our 4th of July Disney World Vacation at THIS Hotel We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! The Rain Shoe Covers That Went Viral on TikTok — We Tested Them at 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 When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We love going to Animal Kingdom to see all the adorable animals. There are so many cute critters, from flamingos and otters to giraffes and rhinos. If you’re also an animal lover, then Disney just released the best news you’ll hear all week! ©Disney Kendi is a 27-year-old white rhino who has lived at Kilimanjaro Safaris her whole life. So keepers immediately spotted a slight cloudiness in her right eye. Kendi had cataracts, a condition that clouds the eye lens and can lead to blindness if left untreated! Disney took us behind the scenes of Kenzi’s surgery and recovery, and we’re bringing you along. Surgically removing a cataract in a white rhino is exceptionally rare and highly complex, requiring extensive planning, innovation, and collaboration. “I’ve planned for this one procedure more than any other in my life,” said Dr. Betsy, a veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. “It’s been one of the most rewarding moments of my career. The level of innovation pushed us to think differently – and ultimately raised the bar for what’s possible in veterinary care.” ©Disney For several years, the team worked around the clock to train Kendi to take eye drops up to four times a day. That dedication and preparation proved invaluable when the time finally came to perform the surgery in the rhino barn. Dr. Betsy partnered with an ophthalmologist from the University of Florida, one of Disney’s long-standing collaborative veterinary partners, to design a procedure that adapted advanced veterinary surgical techniques for use on one of the world’s largest land mammals. ©Disney “It was truly an honor to be part of Kendi’s care. While cataract surgery is routine in humans, performing this type of procedure on an animal — especially one as large as a white rhino — presents extraordinary challenges,” said Dr. Caryn Plummer, ophthalmologist with the University of Florida. “In Kendi’s case, the potential to restore her vision made every complexity worth navigating. This effort would not have been possible without the dedicated veterinary and animal care team at Disney, whose teamwork, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Kendi’s safety were essential. We’re hopeful that improved sight will make a meaningful difference in Kendi’s quality of life.” ©Disney After a long healing process, Kendi is now back on the savanna at Animal Kingdom with a clearer vision and renewed confidence. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! NEW BABY ANIMAL ALERT! See the Latest Addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite animal at Animal Kingdom? Comment below! View the full article

Disney World just dropped MORE new snacks, EPCOT is getting a brand‑new snack stand and brand‑new trash cans, a baby giraffe has arrived in Animal Kingdom, and Universal is letting you visit their new resort before it even opens. Latest Disney News: Opening Date for New Snack Stand, New Trash Cans in EPCOT & MORE! All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our new video: Latest Disney News: Opening Date for New Snack Stand, New Trash Cans in EPCOT & MORE! Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re planning a trip in the U.S. this summer, you may have noticed that the price of your hotel room is going UP. Marriott Room Across markets, large and small, from major hotel chains to independent boutique accommodations, these increases can be traced to larger societal and economic factors. Following the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the decade, demand for travel accelerated as travelers with disposable income and the desire to get out of the house led to a surge in vacation spending. While the last 5 years have seen economic and social upheaval in the U.S., travel demand has held steady, especially when it comes to hotels. According to a May report from CoStar, “U.S. hotel performance continued to outpace 2025 in the week of May 3-9, with revenue per available room increasing 2%, the fifth consecutive week of growth and the 12th gain in the past 14 weeks. Growth was again led by hotel rates, as the U.S. average daily rate increased 1.7%, extending its current growth streak to 10 weeks.” ©Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando So, why is hotel demand, and in turn pieces, continuing to go up? Well, there are several interwoven factors. For starters, while demand for rooms is up, guests are actually staying fewer days than in the past. As the aforementioned report explained, “Travelers, especially in North America, appear to be shifting to a more flexible approach, likely driven by changing demographic, economic and technological conditions.” That flexibility extends to how travelers are traveling as well. Due to airfare prices, many are choosing instead to travel via car and travel to regional destinations. As Fortune explained, this has led to “particularly strong prices in states that attract high volumes of regional travelers, including Florida, Texas, and Arizona. These gains are being driven in part by increased road leisure travel and shorter booking windows – people making last-minute plans as opposed to blocking out a hotel months ahead.” This trend is visible at both major chain hotels like Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Choice Hotels, as well as smaller and independent hotels that have highway access. Driving to Disney World Another factor in the price increases is that all of this demand is running into a supply issue. Once again, according to Fortune, “Hotel development has slowed in recent years due to higher borrowing costs and increased construction expenses, says the American Hotel & Lodging Association. With fewer new properties entering the market, existing hotels have greater flexibility to jack up prices when people start flying less.” If you’re having issues finding an affordable hotel this summer, you may want to consider Disney World (yes, really!) The “Most Magical Place on Earth” is offering a litany of hotel discounts for the summer! For example, Disney is offering: 30% Off Select Hotel Rooms From May 1st through October 4th, guests can save up to 30% off their hotel room if their stay is for five or more consecutive nights. Those staying one to 4 consecutive nights can save up to 25% off. This discount is dependent on how many nights you stay, as well as which hotel you book. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel Room 35% Off for Florida Residents Florida Residents are able to save up to 35% on stays of 4 nights or longer from May 1st to July 29th, 2026. Slightly different levels of discounts are also available to Florida Residents during those qualifying dates for stays shorter than 4 nights. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 40% Off for Passholders Disney World Annual Passholders can score even bigger discounts on hotel rooms, with savings of up to 40% for stays on most nights from May 1st through July 29th for stays of four or more nights. Again, this deal is dependent on which hotel you stay at, but you’ll get a nice discount at pretty much any Disney World hotel. Pop Century If you’re planning a trip this summer, be prepared to pay more for your hotel room, no matter where you’re going! Stay tuned to DFB for more on travel, including updates on ALL of Disney’s latest hotel offers. “Never Again”: This Is Why We Warn You About This Secluded Disney World Hotel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going on vacation this summer? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney World has really gone all in on making kids feel welcome at the resort this summer. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER has brought so many new things to the parks, as well as to Disney World hotels. Kids can now hang out with Jessie and friends at Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom, as well as spend some time with Bluey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Characters are doing scheduled meet and greets at hotels, and meeting with guests during Early Theme Park Entry. Eet by Maneet Chauhan Well, another fun kids’ activity is also coming to Disney World this summer. A Disney Springs restaurant, eet by Maneet Chauhan, is offering a kids cooking class on July 22nd. The cooking class is happening on Wednesday, July 22nd, at eet by Maneet Chauhan from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. for kids ages 7 to 15 years old. They’ll get a hands-on cooking lesson, a signature drink with a collectible toy, and an exclusive eet by Maneet Chauhan t-shirt. ©eet by Maneet Chauhan The cost is $75 per child, and spaces are limited, so if you would like your child to attend, you’ll want to register your child ASAP (you can scan the QR code above to register). You also need to provide your child’s t-shirt size and any dietary restrictions they may have when you purchase your ticket. One more note: a parent or guardian must remain with the child at the restaurant for the length of the class. Inside eet by Maneet Chauhan If your kid loves to cook or would like to learn more about cooking, this is a fun opportunity to take advantage of during your Disney World vacation. We’ll keep an eye out for more fun activities in Disney World this summer, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: This New Disney Springs Drink Comes With A Tiger, And We Want 27 of Them Right Now  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 sign your child up for a cooking class in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re just a few short weeks away from the long-anticipated opening of Universal Kids Resort in Texas, and you can bet we’re so looking forward to being able to check out the park for the first time! Merchandise sneak peek! We can’t wait to check out the attractions available for kids of all ages and their families, as well as what dining options can be enjoyed around the park, and, of course, we can’t forget about the merchandise. Turns out, though, we didn’t have to wait too long for that last one, because we just got a sneak peek at some of the items that you’ll be able to purchase soon! There are six lands in the new park, each of themed to a different Universal IP. There will be merchandise locations in each one, so you can check out the offerings in multiple locations. While we got a bit of a look earlier at some of the items that will be available for purchase, things got even BETTER when a surprise package showed up at our door! A surprise package! Inside, we found TONS of goodies, all being merchandise that will be available inside the park when it opens! Eeek! Each of the six lands was represented, which we love, because we know some people are more excited about some lands than others (personally, we’re looking forward to it ALL!). In our box, we got: Grouchy Minion Drawstring Bag Grouchy Minion Drawstring Bag Shrek Ears Shrek Ears Gabby’s Dollhouse Slap Bracelet Gabby’s Dollhouse Slap Bracelet Glow Hatchers Mystery Egg Glow Hatchers Mystery Egg Minion Fan Minion Fan Trolls Plush Keychain Trolls Plush Keychain Puss in Boots Water Bottle Puss in Boots Water Bottle SpongeBob and Patrick Plush Rings SpongeBob and Patrick Plush Rings We can’t wait to rock this attire as we get ready to step into the park for the first time — you can bet with that Texas heat, we’ll be keeping the water bottle full of ice cold water, and will be using that fan like no tomorrow. The drawstring bag will be perfect to keep our cooling towels in as well! We’ll be able to get a sneak peek at the park before many others, so be sure to stay tuned to our socials for all our latest adventures. Universal Kids Resort Looking for more recent Universal Kids Resort news you may have missed? Check out our posts below! More Universal Kids Resort News Why We’re Even MORE Excited About Universal’s NEWEST Theme Park OpeningYou Can Visit Universal’s NEW Theme Park BEFORE It Opens for Only $50We Just Got a FIRST LOOK at the Souvenirs Coming to Universal’s NEWEST Theme ParkA NEW Universal Theme Park Opens In ONE MONTH!Ticket Prices REVEALED for NEW Universal Theme Park — And They’re ON SALE NOW! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Universal news and updates! Universal CONFIRMS 31 New Attractions Set to Open in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What land are you most looking forward to exploring? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney Springs has recently changed their parking rules at Disney World, and it could affect you. Access from the Lime Garage Recently, Disney Springs announced that they changed its parking rules. Disney is cracking down on Disney fans waiting HOURS for the newest pin drop. New pins are often released on Tuesdays, and while we love seeing them online, sometimes people prefer to go into Disney Springs to grab them in person. If you’re waiting for pins to drop or are planning to attend any other merchandise events, you’ll have to change your parking plan. Now, at Disney Springs parking garages, as well as the rideshare loops, will not open to guests until 7 AM on special event merchandise days. This is an attempt to curb people from parking in the garages overnight, and yes, that will include on Tuesdays for new pin drops. @disneysprings on Instagram This also means that, even if you’re just planning to get to Disney Springs early for another reason on Tuesdays, or on a day that also happens to be a large merchandise drop, you won’t be able to enter until 7 AM. If you arrive in your vehicle or in a rideshare before 7 AM, you will be asked to leave and come back at 7 AM. Parking lot at Disney Springs This went into effect immediately. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for all the latest news around this change and to see if it really does help with crowds on pin drop Tuesdays, as well as other big merchandise drop days. Pin Trading in Disney Springs If you want the latest pins, keep this in mind if you’re grabbing them at Disney Springs. For more Disney news, be sure to follow DFB! 6 Secret Mobile Order Restaurants 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 What do you think of this Disney Springs rule? Tell us in the comments! View the full article