Disney4me

National Dolphin Day spotlights SeaWorld Orlando's care and feeding of fun-loving splashers View the full article

We’ve seen so many ways to celebrate Earth Day in 2022! Animal Kingdom will host a ton of Earth Day activities Animal Kingdom is celebrating Earth Day for an entire week, from April 18th-24th! The park’s celebration includes limited-time activities, pins, specialty food and beverages, and more! Orlando residents aren’t limited to just celebrating in the parks, however, as they’re able to receive a free gift from the city of Orlando in honor of Earth Day! Orlando residents are eligible to receive a free item and do good for the planet this Earth Day! The city of Orlando is giving away trees to residents in honor of Earth Day on April 22nd! The city, which partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation, will give residents up to 2 trees. Orlando residents can request a free tree here. The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom The trees will be delivered right to your front door! How cool is that?! Be sure to check back here often for the latest Disney news! Wondering how you can celebrate Earth Day at Disney World? Click here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be requesting a free tree? Let us know in the comments! The post Orlando Residents Can Get a FREE TREE for Earth Day! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a lot of BIG hotel changes happening in Disney World — but it seems there might be another one to come. The Swan and Dolphin, or “Swolphin” if you will. We’re following along with construction on the new villas coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the entirely new Disney Vacation Club section coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the news about changes coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort! Now, though, a new permit hints at a coming expansion at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel! According to a permit filed with the South Florida Water Management District, a HUGE expansion is coming soon to the Swan and Dolphin pool area. Swan Dolphin Pool The permit shows an entirely new pool area placed between the Swan and Dolphin, right across the street from The Swan Reserve. The new area features a large pool with what appears to be TWO water slides, a water activity pool, a large new section of pavement, and bathrooms. ©Disney Here, you can see where it would sit relative to the beach! The permit also reveals varying degrees of depth in the pool, with the deepest end landing near the slides. ©Disney As a reference for size, you can see the current largest pool at these hotels to the left. That’s the end of the Grotto Pool. ©Disney Here’s the current pool area. The expansion would not remove any of the existing pools. Pool at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin AND, this project is also set to include a new playground between the Grotto Pool and Cabana Bar and Beach Club. ©Disney Disney World has to file permits with the SFWMD as an early step in the approval process for new construction projects. This phase encompasses environmental approvals and happens once plans are in a close-to-finalized place. Swan and Dolphin Now, the project has to go through rounds of approval so it may see changes and there’s not much of a way to pinpoint a timeframe, but it certainly is an exciting hint! As always, keep an eye on DFB for more BIG Disney World news. Click here to learn more about the changes at Grand Floridian! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of this potential expansion? Tell us in the comments! The post New Disney World Permit Hints at HUGE Hotel Pool Expansion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Easter is just a few days away, and Disney World has definitely pulled out all the stops in celebration. There’s the annual Easter egg hunt taking place in EPCOT, the chocolate eggs located in the Disney hotels, and even Easter treats shaped like bunny butts! Hidden Easter Egg in EPCOT Today, in celebration of the upcoming holiday, we spotted a few famous friends hopping around the Magic Kingdom! Both the Easter Bunny and Mrs. Easter Bunny were greeting guests at the Magic Kingdom today! These two bunnies were hanging out in front of Cinderella Castle and made several appearances throughout the day. They were meeting and greeting guests from a distance and hiding eggs for each other around the Hub in front of the castle. The Easter Bunny! These are not scheduled character encounters, so there’s no way to know if or when these characters will make another appearance over the next few days until Easter. Mrs. Easter Bunny We’ll be sure to let you know if we spot these guys again, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest information! Click here for a full list of Easter treats coming to Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Did you spot these guys in the Magic Kingdom today? Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: These Characters Only Appear a Few Days a Year in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away at the age of 67 yesterday. ©NBC News | Laura Cavanaugh His family shared the news from Gottfried’s Twitter account, confirming his passing after a battle with “a long illness.” Gottfried’s career spanned over 40 years, with him being known for his standup comedy, in addition to his many roles as an actor. He also voiced the iconic Iago from Disney’s Aladdin, and yesterday, actors from Broadway did something special for Gottfried. The cast of Aladdin on Broadway dedicated their performance to Gilbert Gottfried on Tuesday night. ©Disney on Broadway After the curtain call, the actor who plays Iago on Broadway — Don Darryl Rivera — spoke to the audience saying “Tonight, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the life of a comedy legend. A funny man with an indelible voice. The man who breathed life into Iago for the animated film, Mr Gilbert Gottfried,” according to Deadline. “I along with five other actors worldwide have the distinct privilege to bring Iago to life on stage and I think one of the main reasons this character is who he is, is because of what Gilbert brought to the animated film: his comedy and that voice,” said Rivera. ©Mike Pont / WireImage via Los Angeles Times Rivera went on to speak about his personal experience with Gottfried, including the time the Gottfried signed Rivera’s VHS copy of Aladdin. Gottfried not only played Iago in the original Aladdin film, but also reprised the role in the Aladdin sequel, the animated series, and other projects. ©Disney The dedication ended with Rivera saying “On behalf of the entire company here at Aladdin, Mr Gilbert Gottfried: Thank you for the laughs.” You can watch the full video of the dedication below: Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Disney’s 'Aladdin' on Broadway Dedicates Show to Gilbert Gottfried first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sometimes it feels like traveling to Disney World just keeps getting more and more complicated. Time to Fly…Or Is it Too Expensive? Flight prices continue to rise, even amidst frequent flight delays and cancellations. Still, American Airlines is in search of a way to make your travel experience a bit more streamlined — and here’s how that could affect your next trip. According to The Washington Post, American Airlines is partnering with transportation company Landline to connect airports via bus service beginning on June 3rd. The airports will include Philadelphia International Airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, and Atlantic City International Airport. ©American Airlines Philadelphia Airport is one of American Airline’s hubs, and American’s vice president of network planning said that this partnership is their way of “making it easy for customers to connect to American’s premier trans-Atlantic gateway in Philadelphia.” With this plan, customers can begin their travel at their local airport, and the bus commute would just be another part of the journey. ©American Airlines/Washington Post Illustration Travelers can book their Landline bus travel through American Airlines as long as Lehigh Valley or Atlantic City is their destination or origin, and the price of the bus is included in their travel. The process will allow customers to check-in with American at their local airport and even go through security, after which they will begin their bus journey. When the bus arrives at Philadelphia Airport, customers will be brought directly to the terminal to head to their flight. Regulatory approval is still pending for this process, according to The Washington Post. ©American Airlines Checked baggage will be transferred between the buses and airplanes, and if you’re a member of American’s AAdvantage program you can also earn miles for traveling by bus. Each bus will feature free WiFi and leather seats, and they can hold up to 35 people. Instead of having to arrange for multiple forms of transportation for your flight, you can book your airline and bus at the same time. It’s getting more expensive to fly According to The Washington Post, this is not the first partnership for Landline, and Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, said that this kind of partnership could be considered a solution to the current pilot shortage. It can also connect smaller communities, and even provide a more environmentally friendly option than airfare. If you’re connected to one of these airports, it might be worth considering this travel solution. Keep reading DFB for more news! Why you should prepare for price increases on your next flight! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you fly on American Airlines? Tell us in the comments! The post American Airlines is Connecting Local Airports Via Bus Service first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who wants to save some money? We already know the answer; of course you want to save some money on your next Disney vacation! Recently, Disney World announced a new hotel discount for Disney+ subscribers, but now, we’re back to share a little money-saving tip for Disneyland guests! Avengers Campus You may know that Disney often has a special promotion for active and retired US Military members, but now, there’s been an update to the current deal! Now’s the time to start planning a trip to Disneyland — let’s take a look at the promotion. Starting now, all active and retired US Military members can buy special discounted park tickets with the new Genie+ service included. Disney is offering both 3-day and 4-day Military Promotional Park Hopper Tickets with the Disney Genie+ Service. ©Disney These tickets give guests access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, which is home to the new Avengers Campus! Keep in mind that park pass reservations are required to enter the parks. Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure With the included Disney Genie+ service, guests will have access to the Lightning Lane at several Disneyland attractions and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads (a perk that is unique to Disneyland Resort!). Attractions included with Genie+ range from “it’s a small world” to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!. “it’s a small world” in Disneyland The current promotional ticket pricing includes: 3-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket for $225 3-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket with Disney Genie+ Service for $285 4-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket for $260 4-Day Military Promotional Park Hopper Ticket with Disney Genie+ Service for $340 Disneyland Resort US Military members can purchase these tickets through December 12th, 2022 for use through December 16th, 2022. Note that blockout dates of April 9th, 2022 through April 17th, 2022 apply. In the meantime, stay tuned for all the latest Disney news and park updates! FULL LIST of Food Coming to Disneyland for the Return of Nighttime Spectaculars! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! Check Out Important Details about the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Learn About Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland See the Latest Updates About Disneyland’s Face Mask Policy Check Out What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Check Out Our Disneyland Restaurants Guide Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure See More About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Learn About the Disneyland Mobile App Get All the Details About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program What’s Going to Be Different About Your Next Disneyland Trip? Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you planning a trip to Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! The post Disneyland's Military Ticket Deal Just Got a Little BETTER! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland unveiled architectural renderings on Wednesday of its $45 million Museum for Hope & Humanity slated to open near downtown Orlando in 2025. View the full article

It’s almost time, y’all! Our pal Mickey Soon, we’ll be able to hug Mickey Mouse in Disneyland again! Beginning April 18th, Disney will begin bringing back traditional character meet-and-greets in Disneyland Park. It’s been almost 2 years since we’ve hugged our pal Mickey, and we could not be more excited. These close-up meet and greets are also returning to Disney World at the same time, but we just found out that there will be one BIG difference between the two parks when the traditional meet-and-greets return. The Orange County Register has reported that Disneyland will NOT use Genie+ for character meet-and-greets, according to Disneyland officials. Aurora in Disneyland Genie+ is available in Disneyland for guests to purchase, and it allows users to skip the line at almost 20 attractions between the 2 parks. This service costs $20 per ticket per day. Although many popular attractions are included, now we know that the traditional character meet-and-greets will not be part of Genie+ when they return next week. Mickey at the Disneyland Train Station! This is different than what’s happening in Disney World. A few character meet-and-greets are already available with Genie+ in the Disney World parks, including meeting Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater and meeting the princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall. Princess Fairytale Hall Standby line For now, the only option for meeting characters in Disneyland will be to wait in the standby line. Keep in mind that officials could change this policy later on. Some of the spots in Disneyland where close-up character meet-and-greets will return include Fantasy Faire Royal Hall and Pixie Hollow (where you can meet Tinker Bell!). Remember that Mickey and Minnie’s houses are currently closed, due to the renovations happening in Toontown. See ya soon, Toontown! We’ll keep an eye out and let you know if this policy changes in the future, so stay tuned with DFB for all the latest Disney news! Click here to see when close-up character meet-and-greets will return to the Disney Cruise Line! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which character is your favorite one to meet in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disneyland Won’t Use Genie+ for Character Meet-and-Greets first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A company that planned to build a sports theme park near Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park is suing Universal and a property development company for $250 million. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Has Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red turned you into major 4*Townnies? We can’t help but get major Backstreet Boy and NSYNC vibes (or maybe One Direction vibes for the younger crowd) from this animated boy band. 4-Town FOREVER! Ever since the movie hit Disney+, we’ve seen some Turning Red food and merchandise pop up in the parks. But, if you’re swooning over the latest music group, you can release your inner 8th-grade fangirl with TWO new collections — and, you don’t even need to head to Disney World to get your hands on it! 4*Town merch has started trickling into the parks, with a 4*Town 4 Lyfe shirt already available, but if you find it hard to wait for more merch, you can check out the newest collection from BoxLunch! You’ll feel like you’re standing at a concert merchandise kiosk surrounded by hundreds of other fans with the Turning Red Tween Beat 4*Town Magazine Cover T-Shirt. This shirt is currently 20% off, and costs between $23.92 and $26.32, depending on size! ©BoxLunch It looks just like like a magazine cover, comes in men’s/unisex sizing, and features each member of the band! Get the 4*Town Magazine Cover T-Shirt here Next up is the Turning Red 4*Town Concert Tour T-Shirt which comes in women’s sizes and features the list of tour dates and locations that you get a glimpse of in the movie! ©BoxLunch This shirt is currently 20% off, and costs $23.92! Get the 4*Town Concert Tour Shirt You can seriously throw it back to 2002 with the Turning Red 4*Town 4ever Enamel Pin. ©BoxLunch It costs $9.90 and features Mei and her friends. Get the 4*Town 4ever Enamel Pin here The Turning Red 4*Town Color Block Hoodie comes in unisex sizes and has block coloring with “4town 4ever” written on the front. ©BoxLunch It is currently only available in a large, is 20% off, and costs $47.12! See the 4*Town Color Block Hoodie And, if that’s not enough, Hot Topic even has some 4*Town merchandise! For example, there’s the Turning Red 4-Town Girls T-Shirt which is currently 20% off, and costs $19.92. ©Hot Topic The shirt features 4*Town striking an iconic boy band pose below their logo, and comes in junior sizes (though they’re currently out of stock in medium and 3x sizes). Get the 4-Town Girls T-Shirt And, there’s also the Turning Red 4Town Spray Blocks T-Shirt. The shirt is currently 20% off, and costs between $19.12 and $22.32, depending on size! ©Hot Topic We seriously can’t get over how nostalgic this entire collection makes us feel. Get the 4Town Spray Blocks T-Shirt here There are so many more options on both BoxLunch and Hot Topic online, so head on over and grab your own 4*Town merchandise now! And, be sure to check back with DFB for more of the latest Disney news and updates! Here’s how you can bring a dancing Disney character home! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you a 4*Town fan? Let us know in the comments! The post We Are HERE For Disney’s Revival Of 2000s Boy Band Concert Merch first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are two types of people on vacation: the ones who overpack 25 outfits for a 7-day vacation, and the ones who forget to pack a toothbrush. The truth is, no matter how many times you’ve been to Disney World, there’s probably something you’re forgetting to pack. Between all the new changes in the parks and resorts, the ever-fluctuating weather, and the health and safety guidelines, no two vacations are ever the same, which means no two packing lists are the same! You focus on having fun, and we’ll tell you what to pack! Deal? Luckily, we’ve packed our suitcases for Disney World approximately 1,000 times, so we know a thing or two about what you need when you’re on vacation. From park bag essentials you didn’t know existed to the makeup products our reporters swear by, we’ve put together a list of all the things you wouldn’t THINK that you’d need in Disney World, but you DO. Beauty/Makeup Although it might be tempting to just spray a pool of sunscreen on your palm and smear it around your face, there’s a better way to do it. We recommend packing a sunscreen designed for your face, like the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin. This stuff has a high SPF and skin-friendly ingredients — plus it’s safe for sensitive skin! ©Amazon You can get a bottle of this high-quality sunscreen for $39 on Amazon. Click here to buy the EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin Here’s another sunscreen tip: don’t forget about your scalp! Especially on a sunny pool day or during a trip around the World Showcase in EPCOT (there’s NO shade over there!!), this Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Defense sunscreen will save your head from burning! ©Amazon You can get a bottle for $9.99. Click here to check out the Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Defense The Florida sun can wreak HAVOC on your face; by the end of the day, you’re lucky if there’s any makeup left on your face at all! Luckily, the cult-favorite Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray keeps your makeup looking fresh all day long — even after a long day in Disney World! ©Amazon A bottle of setting spray is $31.68 on Amazon. Click here to buy the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Of course, most people have their own deodorant preferences, but in our experience, the Dove Invisible Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant or any spray deodorant works well in the parks. It’s light, but keeps you smelling fresh! ©Amazon You can pick this stuff up for $7.34 online. Click here to buy the Dove Advanced Care Invisible Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant Picture this: you’re enjoying a ride on Splash Mountain when your hair gets completely soaked and ruined. It’s happened to us all! Protect your hair from a windy outdoor attraction or a water ride with this Cinderella-themed 2 Pack of Scrunchies. Trust us, being able to throw your hair up in a ponytail comes in handy VERY often in the parks! ©Amazon This fun Disney-themed set of scrunchies is $13. Click here to check out the 2 Pack- Scrunchies Speaking of hair, you might need some Dry Shampoo during your vacation. With all those late nights and early mornings in the parks, you might not have time to wash your hair every day, but a little dry shampoo can come to your rescue! The Batiste brand is one of the most popular (and well-reviewed) dry shampoos out there. ©Amazon On Amazon, it’s $16.47 for a pack of 6 bottles of dry shampoo. You’ll be all stocked up for months! Click here to buy a pack of Batiste Dry Shampoo It’s always nice to pop into the restroom in the middle of a busy park day to check in on your hair! Trust us, your hair can end up looking very different by the end of the day, which is why a mini Wet Brush is great to keep in your park bag. ©Amazon You can get a pack of three mini brushes online for $11.99. Click here to see the Wet Brush Multi-Pack This YUNI Beauty No-Rinse Body Wash is so helpful when you need to freshen up! Take it to the parks or use it in your hotel; either way, you’ll smell (and feel) much better. ©Amazon We found a bottle of this body wash online for $19. Click here to buy the YUNI Beauty No-Rinse Body Wash The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask works WONDERS on your lips — especially if you put it on right before bed. We recommend this lip mask to protect your lips from sun damage. Plus, it smells amazing! ©Amazon The lip masks are $22 on Amazon. They come in tons of different flavors! Click here to buy the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Food You never know when you might decide to eat a little snack on the go, which is why this Reusable Utensils Set is perfect for the busy Disney traveler! We like to bring reusable utensils to the EPCOT festivals; it saves us the hassle of searching for utensils in the park. ©Amazon This set of utensils is $9.99. Click here to buy a Reusable Utensils Set with Case Even if you plan on loading up on Mickey bars and popcorn, it’s still nice to bring some Goldfish, Cheerios, or Cheez-Its along in your bag for a quick little snack. We usually carry these Reusable Storage Bags in our park bag; they’re great for snacks, but you can also keep your phone safe from rain or water rides. ©Amazon This large pack of reusable bags is $14.99. Click here to see the Reusable Storage Bags One of the biggest problems with bringing your own water bottle is being stuck with a bulky, heavy bottle all day! Instead, try a Collapsible Water Bottle that folds down for easy storage. When it comes to packing a bag for the parks, space is limited, so having a small water bottle can come in handy! ©Amazon This collapsible water bottle is $11.99. Click here to purchase the Collapsible Water Bottle Unless you’re a Disney World local, you’ll probably find that the Florida water tastes…bad. Invest in a Brita Water Bottle with a Filter to fix the problem you didn’t know you had! ©Amazon This water bottle is $16.99 on Amazon. Click here to buy a Brita Water Bottle with Filter Can you tell we’re passionate about keeping our readers hydrated? The Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier on Amazon essentially increases your hydration intake with just one stick of electrolyte drink mix! ©Amazon This large pack of lemon lime-flavored Liquid I.V. is $23.95. Click here to see the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier After a long day in the parks, sometimes we just have a craving for a late-night snack! When you don’t feel like walking all the way to the food court at 11PM, you’ll be glad this Frito-Lay Fun Times Mix Variety Pack is in your hotel room. ©Amazon You can pick up a variety pack like this for $20.49. Click here to buy the Frito-Lay Fun Times Mix Variety Pack Park Bag Essentials From glasses to sunglasses, a little splash of water or some rogue sunscreen can smudge your lenses and drive you crazy! This Eyeglass/Sunglass Lens Cleaner Spray Kit is one of those things you might not think to pack, but it’s so nice to have in your park bag. ©Amazon This set is $6.95. Click here to check out the Koala Eyeglass/Sunglass Lens Cleaner Spray Kit We talk about anti-chafe sticks a LOT, which is how you know that this Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm NEEDS to be in your suitcase! ©Amazon You can get this balm for $11 online. Click here to get some Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm When Disney World first reopened in 2020, there were hand sanitizer stations all over the parks and resorts! Now, there aren’t quite as many places to grab a pump of sanitizer, so bring a little bottle of your own Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer! ©Amazon You can get this travel-size three-pack for $4.99. Click here to buy some Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Your body has to deal with the hot sun, loud attractions, and large crowds all day long; you’re probably going to need some Advil Liqui-Gels at some point on vacation. ©Amazon This bottle of mini liquid-filled pills is $19.98. Click here to get some Advil Liqui-Gels minis While we’re on the subject, you might also want to pack some Icy Hot Medicated Pain Relief Liquid for sore muscles. You’re going to be doing a LOT of walking, and if your body isn’t used to walking 10,000 steps per day, you might feel a little achy. ©Amazon This product is $6.29. Click here to buy the Icy Hot Medicated Pain Relief Liquid The Wet Ones Singles Antibacterial Cleansing Wipes are a highly recommended product on DFB. You can use them to wipe down a table or clean your hands after eating — they’re just so versatile! ©Amazon This 24-pack is $4.99. Click here to buy some Wet Ones Singles Antibacterial Cleansing Wipes No matter how well you plan your vacation, there will be times when you and your family might have to wait. Bring this Disney Encanto Ultimate Sticker Book to dinner, pull it out while you’re standing in line, or give it to a little one on the bus. Sticker books are a great way to keep kids busy! ©Amazon You can buy this sticker book for $6.99. Click here to buy the Disney Encanto Ultimate Sticker Book Finally, no matter how well you stand up to the heat, it’s so nice to cool off with a little Handheld Fan Misting Fan. When looking for a fan to bring to Disney World, look for something small and portable that will easily fit in your park bag! Speaking from experience, those big, bulky spray fans can be super annoying to carry around. ©Amazon This little spray fan is $15.97. Click here to purchase the Handheld Fan Misting Fan Clothing and Accessories Ladies — two words: slip shorts. We wear these all the time, and the Reebok Women’s Slip shorts are comfortable and easy to wear, even when you’re moving all over the parks and getting on and off of Disney attractions. ©Amazon The price varies depending on the size, but it’s $25.99 for a size large. Click here to see the Reebok Women’s Slipshorts Compression-Fit Running Socks are ideal for guests on their feet all day long. If you’re prone to sore or swollen feet after a long day of walking, try a pair of compression socks! ©Amazon These socks are $19 on Amazon. Compression-Fit Running Socks We hope this little list of products helps you have the BEST Disney World trip ever! In the meantime, stay tuned for all the latest Disney news and park updates. Strange Habits You Only Develop After Visiting Disney World 100 Times Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are there any products you wish you packed on your last trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 25 Items You Wouldn’t THINK You’d Need in Disney World, But You DO! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

National Geographic Live's spectacular in-person events are happening all across the country throughout April and after, and attendees are invited to be immersed in natural wonders alongside the world’s best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers, and filmmakers. View the full article

What happens when you take one of the BEST treats in Disney World and put it on top of a cocktail? We freak out! Ever since Disney shared a little video of its newest specialty cold brew, we’ve been dreaming about the day when we would finally visit Disney World to try the drink. Finally — the wait is over; we’re visiting Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! Boma is a HUGE fan favorite! Is it worth it to trek all the way over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just for some cold brew? We’re about to find out! Before we dig in, let us introduce you to the famous Zebra Dome. It’s a longtime favorite of ours here at DFB! The Zebra Dome is made from a thin cake base topped with Amarula cream liquor mousse, coated in delicious white chocolate, and finished with chocolate stripes and shavings. You can find it at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Zebra Domes Disney must be able to read our minds, because they decided to take the beloved Zebra Dome and put it on top of a cocktail. Brilliant! Now, let’s get tasting. The new Striped & Spiked Cold Brew is made with Joffrey’s French Roast Cold Brew, South African Amarula Cream Liqueur, and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and is topped with Whipped Cream and a Zebra Dome. For all our fellow Zebra Dome lovers, this probably sounds pretty incredible, right? Striped & Spiked Cold Brew Well, they did it. We LOVED this new cold brew! As both Cold Brew and Amarula-lovers, this was an easy winner. The South African Amarula Cream Liqueur flavor is strong — it’s probably the most prominent flavor in the drink. The coffee had a strong, rich flavor, too, but the Godiva Chocolate Liqueur flavor was pretty faint. If you tend to drink sweet coffee, you might want to ask for extra chocolate or whipped cream to sweeten up your drink. She’s a beaut! If you’re unfamiliar with Amarula Cream Liqueur, it’s basically a coffee liqueur like Bailey’s or Kahlua, but with its own distinct twist. We LOVE it — and so do elephants! As a fun little fact for ya, Amarula Cream Liqueur is made from the marula fruit, which grows on trees in South Africa. Elephants have been known to bang into these trees to make the marula fruit drop so that they can eat it. Just like humans can get a little tipsy, so do the elephants snacking on marula! How cute is THAT?! Whoever came up with this deserves a RAISE! The Zebra Dome on top of our cocktail soaked up the coffee to create a heavenly blend of cold brew and mousse — we’re drooling just thinking about it! Overall, this cocktail is NOT your typical sweet, sugary coffee drink. If you like Cold Brew and Amarula Cream Liqueur (or any coffee liqueur, really), you’ll enjoy this drink. You can find it at Boma for $13. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! REVIEW: We Bet You’ve Never Heard of One of Disney World’s BEST Italian Restaurants. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you excited to try this new drink? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: Have We Entered Zebra Dome HEAVEN in Disney World? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has a knack for whipping up some DELICIOUS comfort foods! YUM Whether it’s classic grilled cheese and tomato soup, decadent mac and cheese creations, or just-like-mom-used-to-make meatloaf that takes you to your happy place, Disney has got you covered. And, since two comfort foods is (theoretically) better than one, Disney is giving us the chance to make one of their…weirder creations at home! Like mac and cheese? Good. Like PB&J sandwiches? Perfect! Ever thought about combining the two? No? Well, it’s time to consider it! The Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac has been making people scratch their heads at the Nuts About Cheese booth at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival this year, and if that sounds kinda crazy to you, you’re not alone! If you’re feeling adventurous, though, this dish is DEFINITELY one to try. We gave it a try ourselves at the festival back in March, and you can now make your own at home with this just-released recipe — after all, we did say that it’s something that everyone should try at least once! 2022 Nuts About Cheese Booth While you can only sample this comfort food concoction at the festival through April 26th, you can now throw it together for your comfort-food-loving friends and family anytime! The dish features a brown sugar streusel topping and a strawberry crackle accent, plus a savory peanut butter sauce that reminded us of a pad Thai peanut sauce. So, if this unique comfort food mélange sounds like something you’d like to try, here’s what you’re going to need! Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac with brown sugar streusel and strawberry crackle Ingredients Macaroni 1 pound dried elbow macaroni 1 tablespoon canola oil Strawberry Crumble 1 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, melted 3 tablespoons strawberry jelly Strawberry Sauce 1/2 cup strawberry jelly Peanut Butter Sauce 2 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter Coarse salt, to taste Topping 1 packet strawberry-flavored popping candies Once you have your ingredients ready to go, the recipe is fairly straightforward. Let’s dig in! ©Disney Directions You’ll start this recipe by preparing the pasta as you normally would, then move on to the PB&J-themed sauces and toppings. For the macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and toss with canola oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. For the strawberry crumble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Combine flour, brown sugar and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until combined. Add melted butter and strawberry and mix on medium speed until crumbly. Place on reserved sheet pan and bake for 6-8 minutes, until crumble begins to brown. Set aside. For the strawberry cause: Heat strawberry jelly in a medium saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, until jelly is easily poured. Keep warm until ready to serve. For the peanut butter sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir constantly until heavy cream is 175°F. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Season with salt, to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve. To serve: Stir reserved macaroni into peanut butter sauce. Evenly divide among 4-6 plates and top with strawberry crumble and strawberry sauce. Sprinkle strawberry-flavored popping candies on top. ©Disney And there you have it — Peanut Butter and Jelly Mac, straight from Disney California Adventure! It totally sounds weird, but we enjoyed it at the festival and it’s sure to get the table talking when you serve it at home! We spot new Disney recipes all the time, so stick with DFB to bring some of that Disney Park magic straight to your kitchen. Check out this recipe for Beauty and the Beast-inspired pastries! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you going to try this kinda odd recipe at home? Tell us in the comments. The post Disney Recipe: Make Disneyland’s Unique PB&J Mac ‘n’ Cheese at Home! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey DFB friends! We’re back with more of what’s new at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Tree of Life Animal Kingdom is currently celebrating Earth Day, and they also released a, well, confusing (and expensive!) spirit jersey. Check out all the news here! Animal Kingdom Food Updates Satu’li Canteen removed plexiglass barriers in the food pickup area, and we also noted that they had white cups for water. No plexiglass Satu’li also changed their beer tap handles to standard logos. In the past, the Terrapin taps had Pandora-themed handles. Tap handle changes Make a note that Cinnamon Rolls at Creature Comforts can be heated for 11 seconds if you’d prefer your roll warm, and they are then served on a plate instead of in a paper bag. Just ask a Cast Member! Cinnamon Roll Now onto construction! Animal Kingdom Construction Updates The Polar Bear Sand Sculpture had blue added to the Disney+ logo on the sculpture. Sand sculpture updates When it comes to Expedition Everest, the ride still hasn’t reopened from its lengthy refurbishment closure, although it was originally scheduled to reopen mid-April. Expedition Everest Earlier this week we were told by a Cast Member that it might reopen sometime over the next two weeks, but we’re keeping an eye on this ride in hopes that we see it running again soon! Expedition Everest closure could be longer than expected. Restaurantosaurus still has the left deck gated off, so you might have to find an alternative entrance on your visit. Deck gates And the last lightbulb in the TriceraTop Spin sign is barely hanging on. Can you find it? TriceraTop light bulb hanging by a thread We aren’t sure what’s going on with the lighting situation here, so we’ll be watching for more updates. What’s happening here? It’s time to go shopping! Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates Island Mercantile We spotted a pricey 50th Anniversary Gold Mickey & Minnie Plush Set for $150 at Island Mercantile. 50th Anniversary Gold Plush Set Discovery Trading And over at Discovery Trading, the Linen Spirit Jersey arrived for $120. Very interesting We’ve seen a LOT of spirit jerseys in Disney World, but this one may be one of the more unique ones! Check out more photos of the linen spirit jersey here! Riverside Depot Over at Riverside Depot, a Gaston Archery Toy was restocked for $29.99. Gaston Archery Set Chester and Hester’s Chester and Hester’s had a new set of Vault Collection Coasters modeled after original Magic Kingdom attraction tickets for $24.99. We also spotted this set at Island Mercantile. Ride Coupons! If you’re looking for a unique AND vintage Disney World souvenir, this is it! Here are more photos of this unique Disney World souvenir! Bhaktapur Market Bhaktapur Market restocked the Tibetan Prayer Flags for $9.99. Tibetan Prayer Flag Windtraders And at Windtraders, there was a new Flight of Passage Button Set for $10… Flight of Passage Button Set …a Na’vi River Journey Button Set for $10… Na’vi River Journey Button Set …and a Purple Banshee Magnet for $10. Purple Banshee Magnet And that’s all the news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Keep reading DFB for more Disney World news and updates! Animal Kingdom might be THE place for new treats in April! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you visited Animal Kingdom recently? Tell us in the comments! The post What's New in Animal Kingdom: A Confusing Spirit Jersey and a Cinnamon Roll Hack first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Our Workforce Wednesday series highlights cast members behind the Disneyland Resort community workforce development initiative and its positive impact on the local community. This month, we’re featuring some of our Disney VoluntEARS working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. This workplace mentoring program creates three-year relationships between cast and […]View the full article

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is opening SOON in Disney World, but some people won’t even have to wait until the official opening date to go on the ride! ©Disney There are some early ride previews available for select groups, like D23 Gold Members, Cast Members, and Annual Passholders. Disney Vacation Club Members will also be able to get on the ride early, IF they are able to snag a spot! And, we just learned WHEN registration will open up for DVC Members! Disney Vacation Club Members can register for their early preview of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind TOMORROW April 14th, 2022 at 9AM EST. We’re getting closer to the opening! You can register for the preview right here. You will be placed in a virtual queue in order to register. Here are more details on the process: ©Disney You should be able to see dates for the previews once you are able to register. And, we suggest not waiting to register, because we’re sure these will fill up quickly! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates! Click here to learn more about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be able to get a preview of this new ride? Tell us in the comments! The post WHEN DVC Members Can Sign Up For Guardians of the Galaxy Previews In EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Disney collaborates with designer brands pretty often to make new merchandise, like bags, clothing, shoes, and more. Disney Coach Items We’ve even seen some fun designer ears from Vera Wang, Coach, and BaubleBar. These collaborations are usually more expensive than normal Disney merchandise, so it can be a bit of a splurge if you snag some items! Now, there’s a NEW Disney designer collaboration, and you should get ready to have your mind blown by these prices! Fashion designer Stella McCartney has collaborated with Disney to create the Disney Fantasia Collection! All of the pieces can be found over on Stella McCartney’s website, but we also found some items on the Saks Fifth Avenue website! First up, we have this amazing Fantasia Movie Poster Maxi Dress. ©Saks Fifth Avenue How cool is that print?! This dress is a whopping $1,350. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Movie Poster Maxi Dress This print is also available in a different style of Maxi Dress, and this one has some awesome fringe trim! ©Saks Fifth Avenue And, let’s get a little commotion for the BACK of this dress, which has a completely different look. ©Saks Fifth Avenue This dress is $1,995. Yeah, you read that number right! Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Movie PosterFringe Maxi Dress But wait, there’s more! This print actually comes in a variety of styles, so we had to show you the Shorts as well! ©Saks Fifth Avenue These shorts aren’t as much as the dresses, but are still pricy at $795. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Movie Poster Shorts Looking for something WAY less expensive? You can grab some Fantasia Socks! ©Saks Fifth Avenue These babies are only $80, which is still a lot for socks, but it’s way more affordable than these other items. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Socks You can also get items like this Centaurette Muscle T-Shirt! ©Saks Fifth Avenue This shirt is $350. We don’t know if we would be brave enough to wear a $350 T-Shirt, but it sure is fun! Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Centaurette Muscle T-Shirt Moving on to something a bit warmer, there is also a Fantasia Intarsia-Knit Mickey Mouse Sweater with Sorcerer Mickey! ©Saks Fifth Avenue This sweater is $1,350. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Mickey Mouse Sweater But what about bags?! Don’t worry, there are bags available as well, like this Fantasia Tiny Falabella Embellished Mickey Mouse Tote. ©Saks Fifth Avenue This bag can be pre-ordered right now for $1,395. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Mickey Mouse Tote Another really cool bag in the collection is this Mickey Mouse Velvet Clutch-On-Strap Purse. ©Saks Fifth Avenue It’s like a literal Mickey head! Is it Christmas yet? Can Santa please make an unscheduled visit to bring us this?! ©Saks Fifth Avenue This Mickey Mouse purse is one of the most expensive items at $2,795 (!!). Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Mickey Mouse Velvet Clutch-On-Strap Purse There are also some shoes in the collection. Only 2 pairs are available on the Saks website right now, including this amazing pair of Two-Tone Mickey Sneakers! ©Saks Fifth Avenue These shoes are $635. Click here to get the Stella McCartney Fantasia Two-Ton Mickey Sneakers These are just a small selection of all of the items in the collection! And yeah, we know, these items all have REALLY BIG price tags — but if you’re realllllly looking to treat yourself, there are definitely some fun options! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news and updates. Click here to check out the $300 Mickey ears that were recently released! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which piece is your favorite in the collection? Tell us in the comments! The post Stella McCartney Collaborated with Disney, and Our Wallets are CRYING😭 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit. The mask mandate within the U.S. for planes and other forms of public transportation was set to end soon, but now we have a big update. Face masks are currently required on airplanes COVID-19 rules and regulations have been changing all over the United States. At Disney World, we’ve seen mask rules adjusted for certain forms of transportation. We’ve also shared the news about increasing levels of COVID-19’s BA.2 Omicron subvariant in wastewater near Disney World. Now, when it comes to wearing masks on planes and trains, some extensions are set to be put in place. Here’s what we know. According to the Associated Press, one of their sources who is familiar with this matter has indicated that the Biden administration will be extending the nationwide mask mandate for public transit for another 2 weeks, as it “monitors an uptick in COVID-19 cases.” The mask mandate applies to airplanes, trains, and buses, as well as airports and train stations (basically public transportation and transportation hubs). The order was previously set to expire on April 18th. It had been repeatedly extended previously. Masks Will Reportedly Continue to Be Required on Planes AP says that the CDC was set to extend the order by 2 weeks to “monitor for any observable increase in severe virus outcomes as cases rise in parts of the country.” AP’s source has indicated that the extension is set to take place in an “abundance of caution.” Back in March of 2022, the CDC said that it would “work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor. This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science.” It appears that the plan for now is to extend the mask mandate for those 2 weeks. How Could This Impact Your Travel Plans? AP notes that there has been a “slight increase” in COVID-19 cases during recent weeks, largely driven by the BA.2 Omicron subvariant, which is more contagious than Omicron’s previous form. Daily confirmed cases in the U.S. rose from about 25,000 per day to more than 30,000, but that could be an “undercount” since many individuals are using at-home tests that are not reported to public health agencies. AP shares that “severe illness and deaths tend to lag infections by several weeks.” So, the CDC is waiting to see whether the increase in cases will in any way correlate to an increase in adverse outcomes, “before announcing a less restrictive mask policy for travel.” Orlando Airport According to Google, utilizing data from The New York Times, the 7-day average for COVID-19 cases in the U.S. was 33,101 on April 11th. Compared to the 7-day average from April 6th (which was 29,684) that is a bit of an increase. ©Google We’ll be on the lookout for any official update from the CDC and TSA, and any further rules and regulations that may be put in place. Be sure to check back for more updates. Click here to see more about the BA.2 subvariant levels that are increasing in wastewater near Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Mask Mandate for Planes Will Reportedly Be EXTENDED by the CDC first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World hotel guests used to all have access to Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks, but that perk was discontinued when the parks shut down for the global pandemic. Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT However, Disney did introduce Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours for hotel guests, but they work a bit differently. Early Theme Park Entry is for all Disney hotel guests, while Extended Evening Hours are only for guests staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort. Extended Evening Hours have been happening regularly at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but now, you can enjoy them at another park for the first time! Tonight is the first night of Extended Evening Hours in Hollywood Studios! Hollywood Studios This means that today, April 13th, guests staying at qualifying resorts will get 2 extra hours in the park after it officially closes! So from 9PM-11PM, you should be able to enjoy select rides with shorter lines than usual. Note that not everything is open during these extended hours. Toy Story Land at night Guests wanting to experience the Extended Evening Hours will need a valid admission and a theme park reservation for Hollywood Studios! Those with the Park Hopper option on their ticket or annual pass will need to first enter the park where they made their reservation. During these special hours, not all attractions will be available, but Disney has confirmed that the following will remain open: Alien Swirling Saucers Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Muppet*Vision 3D Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Slinky Dog Dash Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Toy Story Mania! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror So, you can enjoy a shorter wait for these popular rides in your extra park time! But, keep in mind that these attractions are subject to change, and may not be operational at all times. Rise of the Resistance Currently, Disney has not announced additional dates that extended hours will be available at Hollywood Studios, but we’ll be on the lookout for more, so stay tuned to DFB for news and updates!  Click here to learn more about Extended Evening Hours in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which park do you think Extended Evening Hours are the most valuable in? Tell us in the comments! The post Why You Can Stay Late In Disney's Hollywood Studios Today! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Two years POST pandemic closures, Disney World is still not truly back to “normal.” Things in Disney World are Different No, we’re not talking about how masks are still required in some places, or how some restaurants still haven’t reopened. We’re actually talking about one BIG thing that has changed a lot over the past several months and is set to continue changing in the upcoming weeks — entertainment. But, more specifically, we’re talking about those little pieces of entertainment that typically fill the streets in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and elsewhere — the streetmosphere! What is Streetmosphere? You might be reading this article and wondering “what on Earth is ‘streetmosphere’?” and you’re probably not alone! It might be something that you don’t know the word for, but if you’ve been to Disney World in the past, it’s likely something you witnessed. Streetmosphere is a sort-of Disney word for “street atmosphere” performers. Basically, these are the musicians, actors, performers, etc. that don’t just set up shop in one theatre or spot. Instead, these are the people who walk around the streets of the parks, performing their entertainment for fans to enjoy. Citizens of Main Street Oftentimes, these are the types of shows that guests don’t necessarily notice. They might walk right past them or even walk right into them if they aren’t paying close attention, since these folks are just out and about! But those “in the know” might consider these characters and acts to be some of their FAVORITES in the entire resort. Kora Tinga Tinga Streetmosphere performers include the Dapper Dans and the Citizens of Main Street in Magic Kingdom, the Jammitors in EPCOT, the Citizens of Hollywood and Green Army Drum Corps in Hollywood Studios, and things like Kora Tinga Tinga in Animal Kingdom. Click here to see our page all about entertainment at Disney World! What’s Happening with Streetmosphere Right Now? At the moment, some streetmosphere has returned, but some of the big players remain unavailable. The Dapper Dans (Magic Kingdom), Jammitors (EPCOT), and Kora Tinga Tinga (Animal Kingdom) are back, but some have returned in shows that are slightly modified or distanced from guests. Jammin’ out with the Jammitors Other streetmosphere performers have NOT returned at all. For example, the Citizens of Hollywood and Citizens of Main Street are not back during regular hours for guests to enjoy. Back in 2020, some of the Citizens of Hollywood entertainers were laid off from Disney. Members of the Citizens of Main Street, the Green Army Men, and more were also part of the layoffs. Green Army Patrol These acts have not officially been back since the pandemic closures. BUT we have seen some of these friendly faces pop up during special events. During a runDisney race in early 2022, the Citizens of Hollywood showed up in Hollywood Studios! They’re back! So, it’s not as though we haven’t heard or seen anything about these acts over the past several months, but what we have seen has been very sparse. With news about some returning entertainment that will be in the parks soon, we couldn’t help but wonder what is going on with our streetmosphere friends. Will they be coming back soon or will they become just another offering that has been removed as a cost-cutting measure in this post-COVID re-opening world? Here’s what we think. Click here to see VIDEO of the return of the Citizens of Hollywood for the runDisney race! Signs That Streetmosphere Could Be Returning There are a number of things that have changed at Disney World recently which could indicate the return of MORE streetmosphere in the near future. For starters, social distancing has very much been done away with in the parks. The social distancing language was removed from Disney’s website long ago, and we’ve seen some seriously LARGE crowds in the parks lately. To the extent that Disney has been concerned about social distancing when it comes to these character experiences, that may no longer be as big of a worry. Plus, capacity is still being controlled (to some extent) by Disney so they could choose not to expand it too much in order to allow space for these acts to take place. Magic Kingdom crowds In-person, up-close character meet-and-greets are also returning to Disney World soon, and character dining could also be going back to normal soon. Hugs, autographs, and the other aspects you know and love of “traditional” character meet-and-greets should be coming back in just a few days! This could all be a good sign for more streetmosphere. Get Ready to Hug Mickey! We’ve also seen other things return that typically take up space in the parks which run through crowds or otherwise have closer contact to guests (similar to streetmosphere). For example, parades and some of the Main Street Vehicles have returned to Magic Kingdom. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will also be coming back to Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground soon. All kinds of antics (which sometimes put guests and Cast Members in closer contact with one another) have returned to Whispering Canyon Cafe, and other entertainment is back in Disney World. Festival of Fantasy! Even the Dapper Dans are performing closer to crowds now, rather than from a further distance. Some other entertainment offerings have also returned or will be coming back to the parks soon, including the reimagined Finding Nemo musical (opening in 2022), Fantasmic! (returning in 2022), the castle Stage Show (returned), and Festival of the Lion King (returned, and more aspects of the show will be back soon). So it’s not as though there is no entertainment in Disney World. Castle Stage Show And, as we mentioned above, we have seen the Citizens of Hollywood pop up during that runDisney race, so that could indicate that they are still somewhat available and willing to return to those roles. We’ve also seen Disney post an auditions request for the Green Army Patrol — Drum Corps. That could be a good sign that some more streetmosphere could be on its way to returning to the parks! ©Disney Also, it’s worth noting that some of these offerings note that they are “temporarily unavailable,” but their pages on the Disney World website have not been removed entirely. ©Disney For example, for the Citizens of Main Street and Citizens of Hollywood, Disney notes that they are “temporarily unavailable” on the website. That is ultimately better than a situation where the pages for these acts have been entirely removed from the website. Click here to see the entertainment that was available at the 2022 Flower & Garden Festival! Why Aren’t They Back YET? If they could return, why aren’t they back yet?! Part of the reason why some streetmosphere acts haven’t returned could be staffing. During the earnings call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said that live entertainment is an area that needs more staff. Chapek said they’re working toward restoring things so they can “get up to something that would be more similar to what we’ve seen in the past in terms of the number of people that we put into our parks.” Welcome BACK! As we mentioned above, some members of the Citizens of Main Street, Citizens of Hollywood, and other streetmosphere were laid off back in 2020, so Disney would have to hire these Cast Members back to make things work. That means working out the terms of contracts and going through all of the required legal and personnel hoops. Another reason why these acts might not be back in the parks is because of COVID-19 concerns and distancing. During the Q1 earnings call for FY 2022 (transcript available on the Disney website), Chapek said that “one of the last things to come back for us in a post-COVID world…is actually live entertainment because much of the live entertainment is close proximity. And we are self-regulating that.” Dapper Dans! In other words, because a lot of entertainment comes into close contact with guests, Disney has been regulating how much (if any) to offer, given concerns for the spread of COVID-19. Chapek said, “We are self-managing that because we don’t want our guests to feel an excessive level of density. And the place that you get it is parades and fireworks shows and things like that. So I suspect that over time we’ll start to regain some of the capacity drop-off that we’re kind of self-imposing on ourselves.” Entertainment in Mexico But maybe Chapek’s concerns are no longer big worries for the Disney Company. Two of the things he discussed — parades and fireworks — are back in the parks, and other experiences with up-close character contact (like traditional meet-and-greets) are coming back. Those could all be signs that more streetmosphere characters will return soon too! Click here to see more about whether Disney is short on staff But, It’s Not All Good News Despite the many signs that could point to the return of some fan-favorite streetmosphere acts, it’s not all positive news. Other entertainment offerings or special experiences that Disney once offered have not survived the pandemic or have been changed. For example, Disney has announced that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show has permanently closed. Spirit of Aloha Also, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), the Main Street Trolley Show (Magic Kingdom), Jedi Training Academy (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Swotu Wayä — the Pandora Drummers (Disney’s Animal Kingdom), and Enchanted Tales with Belle (Magic Kingdom) haven’t returned yet. Perhaps that’s a sign that it’ll still take some more time before entertainment that is in closer contact with guests or just other entertainment in general gets back to “normal.” Additionally, streetmosphere characters typically perform their acts on the street, right next to guests. They, in a sense, take up space that could be filled by other guests (i.e. more entertainment might mean less space to fill with more guests and increase capacity). That might be a factor Disney is considering, especially as it continues to try and recover post the COVID closures and reopenings. Main Street Trolley Show Streetmosphere entertainment also doesn’t really come with the ability for an upcharge. It’s not as though you can really charge for a Lightning Lane for the Citizens of Main Street. That inability to bring in an additional charge in accompaniment with this entertainment might be a factor under consideration. But streetmosphere can “add value” to the park experience, make guests feel as though they have more to do that is already included in their park ticket, keep guests busy in one area (drawing them away from other, busier parts of the park, thereby helping to distribute crowds), and could give guests a sense of “normalcy.” For those guests who dearly miss the streetmosphere performers, their return might justify another trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth or otherwise encourage them to come back to Disney. Pandora Drummers The changing COVID-19 situation could also be a factor, in terms of increasing cases with the new “stealth” COVID-19 variant (BA.2) and other developments. Some Disney parks around the world have even had to shut down again due to COVID-19 cases in those countries. It’s possible that Disney is waiting for things with COVID-19 to reach a certain point before deciding to bring back these streetmosphere offerings. Click here to see a COVID-19 change that is quietly going back to normal in Disney World So…What Next? Disney doesn’t appear to be unaware of this missing streetmosphere. The recent audition posting for the Green Army Men, Chapek’s comments on the situation during the recent earnings call, and the announcement of the return of other Disney entertainment offerings all indicate that Disney is aware of the fact that some entertainment has been missing from the parks, and they appear to be working to get it back. In fact, back in 2020, Josh D’Amaro, the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman, said: “We’ve heard from many of our guests that they’re looking forward to us bringing back some of the entertainment that we recently had to discontinue, and we plan to do that.” The Citizens of Main Street USA are ready for Halloween And it’s not as though all of this entertainment has disappeared, as we’ve seen some of the Citizens of Hollywood pop up in limited ways. But, concerns with crowding, COVID-19, and staffing could mean that these offerings won’t be back any time soon, may be modified, or may not come back at all. Only time will tell. Disney hasn’t officially announced the return of some streetmosphere offerings like the Citizens of Hollywood or the Citizens of Main Street. We’ll continue to look for more updates. Click here to see all of the entertainment set to return to Disney World this year Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What streetmosphere do you miss in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post What Does the Future Look Like for Streetmosphere in Disney World? We Dig In. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Over at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – which runs through April 26 – you’ll find something that any true foodie needs to try. What happens when you combine two of the ultimate comfort foods into one culinary concoction? Those of you who guessed the Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac from Nuts About Cheese are correct. View the full article

Even though Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth, things can still go wrong from time to time. Disney’s Skyliner has gotten stuck in the past Rides can break down, bad weather can shut down attractions, and the power can even go out. In the past, we’ve seen people get stuck on the Skyliner and a small fire break out near Cinderella Castle. And, just the other day, another fire happened in the parks. This past Monday night, April 11th, 2022, a fire broke out in EPCOT. Our friends over at AllEars.net had this video sent to them by a reader showing the incident, which they said happened during Harmonious. There were no injuries reported. The fire looks like it was right by the loading dock for the Friendship Boats that go across World Showcase Lagoon. It could have possibly started from fireworks debris. Harmonious in EPCOT Cast Members were able to put out the fire quickly and didn’t have to call the local Fire Department. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates. Click here to see what to do when the impossible happens in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. The post VIDEO: Fire Reported In EPCOT This Week Following Fireworks Show first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Feeling TORN over the decision to purchase Disney+? Maybe Disney’s newest promotion will help you decide! Every once in a while, a Disney+ deal comes along to help subscribers save a little money, and now, there’s a special bundle deal for both new and existing Disney+ customers. Not only that, but Disney also just released a Disney World hotel discount exclusively for Disney+ subscribers! Disney+ has TONS of content! Maybe it’s finally time to clean out your cabinets full of DVDs and make the switch to Disney+! Before you decide, let’s take a look at the new promotion. Combine your love of National Geographic and Disney in the new National Geographic Premium with Disney+ bundle. This new plan offers access to all of Disney’s content, like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, plus special access to National Geographic media on a range of platforms! ©National Geographic There are three subscriptions plans available: a monthly plan for $10.99 per month, an annual plan for $109 per year, or a 2-year plan for $190 (which breaks down to $95 per year). ©National Geographic As part of the bundle, subscribers will have access to the full range of National Geographic content, including natgeo.com, the Nat Geo app, and even the Nat Geo Kids magazine. You can learn more about each plan and sign up for the deal by visiting natgeo.com/premium. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more! Disney+ Subscribers Can SAVE on Disney World HOTELS in 2022 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you subscribing to Disney+? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney+ Launches New Bundle With National Geographic Subscription first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article