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It’s springtime in Disney World, the sun is shining, and we’re feeling chatty! That can only mean one thing: we’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Time FLIES in Disney World! When one (attraction) door closes, another one opens! This week, we’ve got an update on an extended ride closure, plus some BIG news about Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. Look out for some changes to some popular Disney shows, too, and before you know it, traditional character meet and greets will be back in the parks! We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s hop to it! All the latest Disney news is coming up right now on DFB Guide! While you’re here, have you subscribed yet? If you click the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png Check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Opens Soon, Extended Ride Closure & Show Updates first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Every runDisney race weekend is filled with magical miles at Walt Disney World and amazing stories of accomplishment and the inaugural 2022 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend was no exception. View the full article

And now, in news you didn’t already know…Disney World is EXPENSIVE. Shocker! Alright, that’s something you likely already knew and have experience with. But here’s the real kicker — it’s not just Disney. Travel in general is incredibly expensive right now. Magic Kingdom Crowds We’ve already shared details about how rental car costs, ticket prices, flight costs, and more have increased over the past several months. But, are these increases keeping guests at home? You might think that high travel costs would equal less people out there on vacation, right? Well, the truth might surprise you. Increasing Costs Let’s start with a look at some of the MANY travel costs that have increased over the past several months. Hotels If you feel like the cost of your Disney World hotel (or hotel in another spot) is more expensive than what you’re used to, you’re not wrong. According to CNN, U.S. Hotel rates averaged around $301 per night in March of 2022. That’s an increase of nearly $70 compared to March of 2019 (pre-pandemic). ©CNN According to Bloomberg, STR (a lodging analytics company) indicated that average daily hotel rates rose to $149.38 recently, which was the third-highest mark ever (just behind the week ending on March 19th and the week after Christmas in 2021). Back in December of 2021, we looked at Disney World hotel rooms availability. From what we found, there were typically several options for hotel rooms available at almost any given time during the year. BUT sometimes those options were very expensive. In fact, we found that oftentimes the cheaper hotel options weren’t available at all, likely because those can fill up the fastest. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney itself has admitted to higher hotel prices. During the Walt Disney Company’s first Earnings Call of fiscal year 2022, covering their Quarterly Earnings Report for the period, they shared that guest spending had increased in the Disney parks. In fact, the Parks, Experiences, and Products Division hit an all-time revenue record during that time. Disney specifically noted that part of the reason for this increase in revenue was higher average daily hotel room rates. Contemporary Guest Room So, yes, you’re likely spending more on your vacation when it comes to hotel rooms. It’s not your imagination. Click here for more details about why you’re spending more on your vacation to the Disney parks! Rental Cars Planning on renting a car for your trip? That could equal some serious cash too! We’ve previously shared that renting a car could cost MORE than your Disney World ticket. At the start of the pandemic, many rental car companies began to sell off their inventory, which has resulted in a major shortage of cars. Add in supply chain issues from the auto-manufacturing industry, and high demand, and you’ve got a recipe for PRICEY rentals. How Much Would You Pay? News 5 Cleveland recently noted that rental car costs are skyrocketing, which could seriously impact your summer travels. One individual they spoke with, who rents cars weekly for work-related travel, shared that prices have increased. Another shared that they have noticed fewer options available. News 5 says that “The pent up demand is outpacing the supply or rental cars.” According to CNN, figures from Kayak show that the average rental car is $76 per day, more than $20 more expensive than back in 2021 (pre-pandemic). ©CNN Trying to save a few bucks here? Begin planning for your rental early (like 8-10 weeks early for larger cars or 4-6 weeks for smaller options), and be sure to look for discounts through places like AAA, Costco, and more. Click here to learn more about the increasing cost of rental cars Flights Airplane fares is another thing that has gone up significantly, and if you’re flying to Disney World you’re probably all too familiar with this already. Back in January, we shared that air travel costs were predicted to increase even as flights continued to be canceled due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant and the impacts it has had on staffing and more. Time to Fly…Or Is it Too Expensive? In early March, we also shared that airlines are grappling with some seriously expensive jet fuel costs. In fact, the costs are some of the most expensive seen in more than 13 years. CNBC previously shared that jet fuel costs rose by a whopping 32% in just one week earlier this year. Experts are still somewhat divided as to whether those costs will trickle down to consumers, but most agree that ticket price increases would likely take a few months to materialize. On the Airplane Most recently, we shared a look at just how some of these ticket prices have increased. Looks like price increases haven’t taken all that long to arrive. According to the Orlando Business Journal, which shared information from Hopper Inc., the average fare for a domestic roundtrip flight has increased by 22% in the last month. Since March 1st, airfare has increased by an average of $40. And experts aren’t expecting prices to decrease soon. Click here to see the average cost to fly to Disney World in May of 2022 Gas Aside from jet fuel, gas for just your regular ole car has also gone up — that could increase costs for your road trip or even just your drive around Disney World in the rental car. In early April, we shared that gas price averages have JUMPED in Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the AAA Auto Club records show that the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Orlando costs $4.14 (as of early April 2022), which was 11-cents more expensive than the week before. Disney World gas station Average prices in Florida overall are even more expensive, with an average of $4.19 (up from $4.12 just the week before). But, things could change. National gas price averages actually dropped 2 cents last week. The price of crude oil also recently dropped following President Biden’s announcement to release millions of barrels of crude oil from the Reserve over the next several months. Click here to see more about gas price increases Inflation Inflation could also dramatically increase the price of your trip this year. According to ABC News, consumer inflation has jumped 7.9% over the past year. That marks the largest increase since 1982. From January to February of 2022, inflation increased 0.8% (a bigger jump compared to the 0.6% increase from December to January). ©CNBC Inflation has impacted prices for cars, food, furniture, gas, hotels, and so much more. And supply chain issues are only further complicating the situation. In many instances, companies have passed on their own higher labor and food costs to consumers. CNBC shares that Andrew Hunter (a senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics) has said that they expect some factors, like partial easing of supply chain issues, to push core inflation lower this year. But it may remain high for quite some time. ©Washington Post According to Barron’s inflation may be peaking at this point, but that doesn’t mean prices will be going down soon. Click here to see how inflation could impact your trip to Disney World Price Increases at Disney World Aside from all of the other expenses we’ve discussed, things at Disney World itself are getting more expensive. Earlier in 2022, we saw literally HUNDREDS of food items impacted by price increases. We’ve also seen some sneaky adjustments made to ticket prices and calendars, which could mean the tickets for your next trip will be more expensive than you’d expect. Price increases hit Aloha Isle! Some merchandise items have even gotten more expensive. And the addition of Disney Genie+ has essentially replaced the free FastPass+ system with a paid system, adding another cost to your growing list. Disney has recognized just how much guest spending has increased in the parks. According to the recent Quarterly Earnings Report, the increased guest spending is due to higher average per capita ticket revenue, due in part to attendance mix and higher volumes in the parks due to increases in attendance. Many iconic Disney World snacks got a BIG price increase Genie+, Lightning Lanes, increased spending on good, drinks, and merchandise, and higher average daily hotel room rates were also cited as reasons for the increase. In other words, don’t expect to use your 2021 budget to plan for your 2022 trip. Click here to see why Disney World will cost you THOUSANDS more in 2022 Still, Travel Continues You might be thinking to yourself, “if travel costs are so high, I’ll just wait to travel until next year and surely others will be thinking the same.” It isn’t unreasonable to think that increased costs would deter many folks from going through with their travel plans this year. That may in fact be the case for some, but for many others, increased prices have NOT impacted their vacation plans. According to Bloomberg, “American travelers are raring to go, and rising hotel prices aren’t stopping them.” Orlando Airport Jan Freitag (a senior vice president at STR, a lodging analytics company) said “The pandemic has reminded people that life is short…They want to splurge, and they have a lot of pent-up savings. If a market has a leisure appeal, then the hotels in that market are doing well.” A CNN video echos the same sentiment. In it some guests noted that the pandemic gave them time to save, budget, and plan for their future trips so they feel prepared to take them now. They also note that some families feel like they just have to “get out” after being under quarantine or stay-at-home restrictions for the past 2 years. Some note that they’ll just scale back later or adjust travel plans for later this year to make up for the price increases. Crowds According to NPR, “an analysis of the Transportation Security Administration’s daily throughput data shows that an average of more than 2.1 million travelers have been going through airport security checkpoints each day over the past two weeks. That’s only about 9% fewer people than over the same two-week period in 2019.” Vivek Pandya, lead analyst for Adobe Analytics, said that flight bookings in the second week of February returned to pre-pandemic norms, and they saw bookings actually cross that threshold. According to Pandya, that increase in flight bookings has continued, despite the rising costs. Pandya said, “At the moment, we’ve seen prices increase, but it hasn’t really dulled the momentum of airline travel…What we’re finding is bookings are up 26% and then airline and air bookings spend, the revenues are up 42% relative to certain periods in 2019.” Orlando International Airport The New York Times shares that “the rise in gas prices is not expected to dampen the allure of the open road.” Individuals might take shorter routes, adjust their plans to feature destinations closer to home, or spend less on hotels and food, but many people who had planned a road trip are going through with their plans. Cheryl Schutz (vice president of travel insights at a market research firm) said “Historically, gas prices have had very little, if any impact on travel…People may change what they spend money on, but they will still travel.” Cars According to Fox Business, the president of Omni Hotels & Resorts has said that there is “incredible demand” for travel, despite inflation. CNN also notes that despite the high cost of fuel, “the travel industry says the extra premium is not deterring Americans from booking trips, especially after the coronavirus pandemic complicated travel for the past two summers.” Travel to Florida certainly has been going strong. According to research from Visit Florida, their preliminary estimates for October to December of 2021 showed that 30.9 MILLION total visitors went to Florida during that time. That marked a 61.9% increase from the same period in 2020, and the numbers were actually just slightly higher than in 2019. That quarter actually marked the second where Florida visitor numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Disney Crowds Overall, Visit Florida shared that the preliminary estimates indicate that 122.4 MILLION visitors traveled to Florida during 2021. That’s more than a 50% increase compared to 2020, though still slightly lower than 2019. Domestic visitor levels, though, increased compared to 2019. Granted, some of that travel took place before some of these larger price spikes for travel, but still took place at a time when other prices had increased. Crowds Back in January of 2022, we shared that flights of several major airlines flying to and from Orlando International Airport from January through March of 2022 were up 36%. In February of 2022, Orlando International Airport was named one of the BUSIEST airports in the entire U.S. — ranking 7th. Orlando Airport We’ve certainly seen signs of those crowds in Disney World. Spring break crowds were intense, and we’ve seen large crowds and long wait times in the parks recently. In some ways, the high demand is actually creating a more expensive environment for those looking to travel. CNN shares that “US airlines report that high demand is allowing them to raise airfares and offset the extra fuel costs.” According to NPR, “consumers are continuing to book travel even as air fares continue to rise, and that increased demand, at a time when airlines still have somewhat limited capacity, is part of what is driving air fares higher.” Airplane Even Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, shared that prices in the parks are going up because of demand. Chapek previously said that “This is a supply and demand business. Unfortunately, unlike say Disney+, we have a fixed supply.” According to Chapek, one of the ways that they provide the “”best Disney experience” is by “taking those guests that want to have a more bespoke, more personalized, more customized, more expensive day and using that essentially to keep the lower prices on again, the second Tuesday in September. And so, it’s really demand that drives it.” Bob Chapek in Disney World on its 50th Anniversary But some caution that the high prices will cost some people to reconsider their trips. One individual told CNN “If it became unreasonable, I think people would forgo traveling — it would just depend on how much it would be and how bad you want to go somewhere.” But, CNN shares “Airlines think they haven’t found the ceiling yet.” What have you experienced? Have increased prices caused you to change your trip plans or are you going forward with your vacation? Tell us in the comments! We’ll keep an eye out for more travel news and let you know what we find. Is a trip to Disney World more expensive than a trip to Hawaii? We break it down here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have increased costs caused you to change your travel plans? Tell us in the comments! The post Travel Is EXPENSIVE Right Now, But That's Not Stopping People first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Republicans running for Congress in Florida have a new campaign backdrop: an entrance to Disney World. View the full article

Do you have any big plans for Easter this year? Contempo Cafe If you happen to find yourself at Disney World during Easter, there’s certainly plenty to do! You can visit the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. You can take part in the EPCOT Easter Egg hunt. You can see the Easter Bunny. You can even eat ALL the Easter snacks! Speaking of which, we’ve got two new snacks to tell you about! One of these snacks is something called Easter Bunny Bark for $5.99 — and it’s one of the most colorful snacks we’ve eaten this spring! What is Easter Bunny Bark? The back is even cuter, though, with an outline of the Easter bunny. It’s an Easter Bunny! This bark is actually Dark Valrhona Chocolate topped with Sprinkles and Jelly Beans. VERY Easter, if we say so ourselves. This is the good chocolate, too — we love the Valrhona chocolate desserts at the EPCOT festivals. It’s really rich with just a hint of bitterness. But you get a bit of extra sweetness and fun texture from the sprinkles and jelly beans. So much fun! If you love a high quality chocolate bar, this is something you need to try. But again, this is a very RICH chocolate bar, so if you don’t like dark chocolate, you might want to skip. ALL that chocolate! Next up is the Easter Cookie Sandwich for $5.49, which is two Sugar Cookies with a Strawberry Marshmallow Cream between, along with Easter sprinkles. It comes in a pack of two. You get 2! The cookies in this snack are delicious — they were the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. Honestly, we’d just love this snack if it were JUST cookies. Especially since we thought the cream had more of an artificial strawberry flavor. The cookies are so good But here’s another thing about that cream — it makes this snack VERY messy. The weight of the cookies is just too heavy for the cream to hold everything up and it eventually just kinda’ oozes out. OOZING filling This is still a fun treat, though, especially for those who like cookie sandwiches and whoopie pies. Just don’t forget the napkins! This is also VERY sugary, so just know that you might go into a sugar coma after finishing two of these (don’t worry — we won’t judge you). GREAT cookies, though If you’d like to try these treats, they’re available now at Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We’ll be back soon with even MORE snack reviews, so stay tuned to DFB for more! 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 these snacks? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: A Cookie Sammie with Strawberry Marshmallow Cream?! Say No More, Disney. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a rainy few days in Disney World, and Hollywood Studios is no exception. Rain, rain, go away But that didn’t stop us from heading into the park to see what’s new! Hollywood Studios Food Updates BaseLine Tap House When we stopped in to BaseLine Tap House, we noticed that the BaseLine Bundle is still missing from the menu. BaseLine Tap House menu The BaseLine Bundle was the Bavarian Pretzel with your choice of draft beer in a souvenir cup for $20 and was a pretty good deal for what you get for your money. Here’s hoping it returns soon! Trolley Car Cafe We are still not seeing the Starbucks energy drinks at the Trolley Car Cafe. No energy drinks! We’ll be sure to let you know if we see them soon! Hollywood Studios Construction Updates Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities Dok-Ondar is still missing from his usual spot at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. When we stopped by, his corner was surrounded by a red curtain. Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities He seems to be missing a lot, but we hope he returns soon! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Another fun feature in Galaxy’s Edge is still missing. The Dianoga usually hangs out in the water fountains by the bathrooms, but he’s been missing recently. The Dianoga is still missing! Maybe he and Dok-Ondar are on vacation together? But in all actually, they are probably undergoing some maintenance. Toy Story Land The shop outside of Toy Story Mania is still under construction and currently guests are exiting through a rear door and sent around the building to the regular exit. Exit of Toy Story Mania This area has been under construction for some time. A brand new gift shop coming to Toy Story Land, along with a new restaurant known as Roundup Rodeo BBQ, as well! Landscaping The landscaping between Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and ABC Commissary has been ripped up. There’s nothing there! There’s currently a sign that says that the area is being replanted, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye out to see what’s put here! Hollywood Studios Merchandise Updates Droid Depot The saga of the droid personality chips continues as we saw when we were at the depot recently that the Cast Member had all of the chips on a keyring and was holding a droid. Droid Depot Using the droid, the Cast Member was showing each guest what the droid would sound like with each personality chip. Mickey’s of Hollywood At Mickey’s of Hollywood, we spotted the new EARidescent Shimmer Loungefly backpack… Very EARidescent indeed! …and Minnie ears! The new ears in Hollywood Studios! The backpack is $110 and ears are $34.99. Keystone Clothiers At Keystone Clothiers, we spotted three new Star Wars figurine sets. There was Star Wars: Droids and Creatures… Droids and Creatures …Star Wars: Jedi vs. Sith… Jedi vs. Sith …and Star Wars: Troopers. Troopers These figurines are $29.99 for each set. Celebrity 5 & 10 We spotted the new 50th Anniversary Vault Collection Ticket Coaster set at Celebrity 5 & 10. Vintage ticket coasters We recently saw these at Animal Kingdom, as well, and they are $24.99 for the five coasters. Legends of Hollywood At Legends of Hollywood, we saw this Mickey Baseball Jersey with the word “Legend” on the front. You can grab this jersey for $59.99. Mickey baseball jersey Legends of Hollywood also had a pair of neon Mickey Authentic Mickey Line bicycle shorts for $37. Biker shorts For $55, you can get this A Land Far Away pajama set that comes with a tee shirt… A Land Far Away PJ top …and a pair of shorts. A Land Far Away PJ bottoms Also for $55, we found this Beauty is Found Within cropped hoodie that is pink ombre with the rose from Beauty and the Beast. Cropped hoodie We also saw these pink sweatpants that say “Won’t Stop Dreaming” down the leg. Sweatpants They are $50. Sunset Couture Sunset Couture had a Tommy Bahama floral character button up shirt for $130. Tommy Bahama shirt The shirt has Mickey, Minnie, and Donald all looking like they’re ready for vacation. Black Spire Outpost Black Spire Outpost saw a restock of the Cantina art print. Cantina art print These prints feature DJ R3X from Oga’s Cantina and say “Get caught in the tractor beat.” Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway We spotted a new magnet at the shop outside of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It’s made to look like the sign for the ride! Magnet This magnet is $14.99. And that’s everything new at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates from all of the Disney parks! Read more about Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney World here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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. When is your next trip to Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New in Hollywood Studios: Missing Animatronics and Gold Minnie Ears first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disneyland Resort is slowly returning to “normal,” and this week we learned about the return of a popular college marching band, plus a Main Street Electrical Parade merchandise collection coming soon! Sleeping Beauty Castle! We also tried some specialty beignets, a sweet churro, and a churro that reminded us of cleaning products. Plus, there was a TON of new merchandise! Read all about it right here. Disneyland Resort Food Updates At Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney, we tried Cookies and Cream Beignets, which were topped with cookies and cream icing and chocolate cookie crumbles. You get four for $12.99. Cookies and Cream Beignets We LOVED these beignets. They were served warm and they had a sweet cookies and cream flavor. If you like Oreos, you should give them a try! Read our full review of the Cookies and Cream Beignets here! In Disney California Adventure, we visited Terran Treats to try the new Sweet Spiral Ration, which was described as a “Terran Apple Streusel Churro” for $6.25. We had to admit, it has an odd look, but we were pleasantly surprised! Sweet Spiral Ration Cinnamon sugar and apple were layered on top of the churro, and it was a delicious flavor combo. The frosting looked a bit weird but it added the perfect touch of sweetness. If you can get past the look of it, it’s totally worth a try! Check out our review of the Sweet Spiral Ration here! And over at the churro cart by Schmoozies in Disney California Adventure, we ordered the Lemon Blueberry Churro for $6.75. It was a classic churro drizzled with lemon and blueberry sauce and y’all, it was not good. Lemon Blueberry Churro It was served warm and fresh, but that was basically the only good thing about it. The lemon and blueberry flavors tasted artificial, and it kind of reminded us of a citrus-scented cleaning product. Not great. Here’s our review of the Lemon Blueberry Churro! Disneyland Park Merchandise Updates Emporium Now it’s time to go shopping! At Emporium in Disneyland, we saw a Gold Mickey Hat for $29.99… Mickey Hat …and a Grumpy I Don’t Dig Mondays T-Shirt for $24.99. I Don’t Do Mondays T-Shirt The late-to-the-party Mickey and Minnie Valentine’s Day Plushes were also there for $39.99 each. Valentine’s Day Plushes And there was an Original Mickey Tumbler for $22.99. Original Mickey Tumbler Clothiers At Clothiers, we spotted a Kids’ Sweater for $39.99… Sweater …a Kids’ Anna and Elsa Top for $29.99… Disney Princess Top …and a Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto Kids’ Crewneck Top for $29.99. Kids Sweatshirt Disney Showcase Over at Disney Showcase, this Donald Sleeveless Top was $36.99. Donald Top Star Traders At Star Traders we spotted this Use The Force Long-sleeve Top for $39.99. Use the Force Long-Sleeve Tee Pooh Corner And at Pooh Corner we found a glass Hunny Jar for $19.99. Hunny Jar We also found a Pooh Bread Box for $39.99. The side of it is covered in a floral print… Bread Box …and the lid has Pooh and “bread” labeled on it! Top of the bread box Disney California Adventure Merchandise Updates Five and Dime Over in Disney California Adventure, there was a Mickey Calendar for $39.99… Calendar …a bunch of Weighted Groot Plushes for $29.99… Weighted Groot Plush …some Be Happy Plants for $24.99… Be Happy Plant …and a Minnie Bucket Hat for $34.99. Minnie Bucket Hat Elias and Co. At Elias and Co. we found a Kids’ Stitch Crewneck for $36.99… Kids Stitch Sweatshirt …a Kids’ Stitch Hoodie for $39.99… Kids Stitch Hoodie …and a Tie-Dye Chill Vibes Only T-Shirt for $36.99. Tie Dye Chill Vibes Tee Elysian Arcade We spotted a Padfolio Set for $34.99 at Elysian Arcade… Padfolio Set …and Mickey Happy Bowls for $19.99. Mickey Happy Bowl Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff A new Minnie Mouse Loungefly Mini Backpack was found at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff for $85. Loungefly Minnie Backpack Midway Mercantile Midway Mercantile had Toy Story Bottles for $12.99 each. Toy Story Bottles Knick’s Knacks And we found ‘Coco’ Jewelry, including a necklace and earrings, for $39.99 at Knick’s Knacks. ‘Coco’ Jewelry Downtown Disney Merchandise Updates World of Disney If we head over to Downtown Disney, World of Disney had a Mickey Kids’ Disneyland T-Shirt for $19.99… Kids’ Disneyland Shirt …and a Kids’ Believe in Magic Crewneck Sweatshirt for $29.99. Kids’ Believe in Magic Top There was also a Black and Gold Disneyland Pen for $34.99… Black and Gold Pen …and a Mickey Ears Airpods Case for $19.99. Mickey Airpods Case We found quite a few water bottles for $12.99 each, like these Mickey Stay Cool Bottles… Mickey Stay Cool Bottle …Minnie Bottles… Minnie Bottle …Disney Princess Bottles… Princess Bottle …Frozen Bottles… ‘Frozen’ Bottle …and Star Wars Baby Yoda Bottles. Baby Yoda Bottle If that wasn’t enough bottles, we also found these J’Adore Mickey Bottles for $27.99… J’Adore Mickey Bottle …and these Ooh La La Bottles for $27.99 each. Ooh La La Bottle WonderGround Gallery And finally, WonderGround Gallery, there were $5.99 Postcards of Groot… Groot …Adventureland… Adventureland …and Darth Vader. Darth Vader And that’s all the news from Disneyland Resort! If you like to stay up to date on all things Disney, look no further than DFB! FULL LIST of Easter treats coming to Disneyland Resort! 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 Have you visited Disneyland Resort recently? Tell us in the comments! The post What's New in Disneyland Resort: Strange Churros and Drool-Worthy Beignets first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Everywhere we look, it is spring at Disney World! Contemporary Resort Spring break crowds have been ALL over the parks, Easter treats are popping up everywhere, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, and it’s been raining A LOT lately. So what’s the best thing to do on rainy days? Head to Disney World resorts and check out the latest. So here are all the updates from Disney World hotels! Art of Animation Food Updates The Drop Off Pool Bar The Drop Off always surprises us with it’s delicious drinks, and it didn’t disappoint with its latest, the Spiked Hibiscus Lemonade, which is made with New Amsterdam Gin, Hibiscus Pomegranate Syrup, and Minute Maid Lemonade garnished with a flower. It’s so pretty We found the drink to be very refreshing. Although the menu said it was $14, we were only charged $12 when we ordered it. Read Our Full Review Here Beach Club Food Updates Beach Club Marketplace We tried the adorable Bunny Cookies and Cream Cheesecake, which is a cookies and cream (AKA Oreo) cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust, topped with a white chocolate bunny butt and carrot decorations. So what did we think? Maybe it’s looking for a place to hide those carrots? Well, we thought it was delicious! The cheesecake is super creamy and the Oreo crust offers up a nice crunch. You can grab it now for $5.99. Read Our Full Review Beach Club Merchandise Updates Beach Club Marketplace Pre-made Easter Baskets have popped up here, too. There’s a Stitch and Mickey one! Stitch and Mickey! The Earidescent Pop Socket can be found here, too. It’s Mickey! This PopSocket is $19.99. You Could Win a FULL Disney World Vacation for FREE! BoardWalk Inn Merchandise Updates Screen Door Here’s a great souvenir for dads. It’s a Mr. Incredible Dad Bod Tee. Dad Bod This bright red tee makes a statement, right? Everything You NEED to Know Before Going to Disney World This April Contemporary Merchandise Updates Bayview Gifts Easter baskets have arrived! We spotted a few cool ones here, including a sweet 50th Anniversary one. 50th Anniversary Easter Basket We also found a Pluto Easter Basket! Pluto Easter Basket So if you find yourself at Disney World searching for the perfect Easter basket, you know where to go! See More Photos of These Baskets Grand Floridian Merchandise Updates M. Mouse Mercantile You can now get a Nike Mickey Golf Shirt. It’s got Mickey on it! Mickey golf shirt This shirt is $70. Reconsider Staying at These Disney World Hotels in 2022 Yacht Club Merchandise Updates Market at Ale & Compass We found even MORE pre-made Easter Baskets here. More baskets! We also found the Long Sleeve Earidescent Mickey Shirt. Mickey shirt! This shirt is $44.99. A Full List of CHANGES Announced for the Disney World Hotels Those are all the updates we have for now but don’t worry because we’ll be back soon with more. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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’s your favorite Disney World hotel and why? Let us know in the comments! The post What's New at Disney World Hotels: A Cookies and Cream Cheesecake and Easter Baskets first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Had a busy week? We bet. You’re working hard and doing your best to hold everything together, so that might not have left a lot of time to keep up with ALL the Disney news from this week. Well, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! EPCOT From the opening date for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to a brand new housing project Disney is organizing, we’ve got all of the biggest Disney news updates from this week right here! 1 — Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Opening DATE This week, the opening date was officially announced for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT — May 27th will be the big day! Mark those calendars! And get your Park Passes soon — passes are already starting to fill up for some guests. Along with the opening date, Disney shared a commercial that gives a bit of insight into just why the Guardians have to save the galaxy…again! You can see some cool designs down there! Disney also shared that D23 Gold Members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Cast Members will get access to special previews of the ride. D23 has released more information, including the registration date, cost, and event date for their Gold Member preview. ©D23 In addition to those details, Disney also released the official height requirement for the ride. Guests will need to be 42 inches tall to ride the new Guardians coaster, so be sure to measure those kiddos ahead of time! ©D23 We also got another peek at the queue and more details about what it will involve. ©Disney Waiting in a long line for this ride might not be so bad after all. Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride! 2 — Disney+ Subscribers Can SAVE on a Disney World Hotel Stay Are you a Disney+ subscriber? Well then we’ve got some exciting news for you! Disney+ subscribers can SAVE up to 25% on Disney World hotel stays this summer. ©Disney The offer is good for most nights from July 8th through September 30th, 2022. But the number of rooms available with this offer is limited, so be sure to get booking ASAP! Click here to see more about this offer! 3 — CHANGES Are Coming to Some Popular Disney Entertainment Things are changing quite a bit over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. First, Disney announced that the iconic flying birds portion of the Festival of the Lion King show will be coming BACK soon! Can You Feel the Love?! Disney is also changing things up when it comes to the new show with a cult following — KiteTails. Specifically, Disney has said they will be shifting the focus of the show so that guests will be able to experience it from anywhere around Discovery River Lagoon. Click here to learn more. KiteTails This week, Disney also said that guests visiting Animal Kingdom will soon be able to give Mickey & Minnie a high-five over at Adventurers Outpost. We Can’t Wait! And Disney said that the reimagined Finding Nemo show, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond, will be “opening in the coming months.” Sounds like there will be a lot to look forward to in this wild park! Click here to see why Animal Kingdom might be THE place to go in April! 4 — NEW Food Items & Other BIG Restaurant News This week was also a big one when it comes to food news, so pull out those stretchy pants and let’s get ready to EAT (or at least dream about eating all of the delicious food!). First up, Disney has announced a few NEW menu items and a few menu changes for Sanaa, over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. New dishes include a Pork Vindaloo and Zanzibari Vegetable Curry. ©Disney Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex are also getting some new menu items, including a Red Fish Potosina and a Poke Bowl. ©Rainforest Cafe Over at Magic Kingdom, the ever-popular Be Our Guest Restaurant has started to open EARLIER and a brunch menu has debuted! Mickey eggs! Mickey waffles and a Fluffy Savory Egg Omelet are now available during brunch hours for guests to enjoy. Click here to see our full brunch menu review Also at Magic Kingdom, we got to try some new dishes at Pinocchio Village Haus, including a corn pizza (?!) and a tres leches cake! Great options! Disney also announced a FULL list of Easter treats coming to Disney World and Disneyland! From chocolate Easter eggs to all kinds of cupcakes with bunnies, there’s a lot to check out. Minnie Easter Egg Disney also announced a REOPENING DATE for Spyglass Grill, located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! Spyglass Grill is opening back up! It’ll be opening in just a few days so be sure to get ready for its return. And check out this spot’s updated menu, which has seen some massive updates! Click here to see the HUGE menu changes that have hit this restaurant ahead of its reopening! 5 — Disney is Working on a NEW Affordable Housing Project This week, Disney also announced that it would be working on a NEW affordable housing project in Orlando. Disney has set aside almost 80 acres of land in Orange County, Florida for this project, and the development is expected to have more than 1,300 units. ©Disney The housing will be built by a 3rd party developer and will be located near Disney World’s theme parks. Click here to learn more about this new development! And that’s it for the big news. Of course, other news was also shared this week. Click the links below to read more: VIDEO: We got STUCK on the PeopleMover in Disney World Details have been released about Disney World’s upcoming pin trading event Disney Cruise Line is relaxing more COVID-19 guidelines Popular Disney hand sanitizers are being recalled See all of the special treats coming to Animal Kingdom for Earth day Lights on Near the Progress City Model Coffee with a ZEBRA DOME on top?! It exists! Driving around Disney World just got more expensive Can’t find bubble wands in Disney World? You’re not alone! The path that the Brightline train will take from Orlando’s airport to Disney World is coming together — get the latest updates here A celebrity restaurant chain is coming to Florida Could Uber fly you to Disney World in the future?! Mickey Balloon Bubble Wand | January of 2022 A dining package is coming to Disneyland for the Main Street Electrical Parade A Main Street Electrical Parade merchandise collection will be released soon! The theme has been announced for the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2023 (and it’s pretty amazing) Disney has hired a new lead spokesperson who had former positions in the Biden and Obama administrations Protestors shouted “boycott Disney” in front of the Company’s headquarters Date announced for Disney’s Q2 earnings call ©runDisney And that’s it for the news from this week. Be sure to check back with us for more updates! 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 news from this week are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! The post A Ride Opening Date and a Disney+ Subscriber Hotel DEAL Announced for Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A NEW Disney Cruise Line ship is almost ready for its maiden voyage! The Disney Wish We’ve been following all of the progress on the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. From hitting open water to setting sail for the first time, we’ve been bringing you all of the latest updates on this exciting Disney project. We recently saw what some of the merchandise is going to look like, and we can’t wait for the grand opening of Disney’s first attraction at sea, AquaMouse, on the Disney Wish. The ship just hit another milestone today and is one step closer to welcoming guests! The Disney Wish just entered open water on the North Sea! After 24 hours traveling down the River Ems in Germany, the Wish has finally hit the seas! From here, it will travel to Eemshaven, Netherlands for sea trials, a series of tests to make sure the boat is ready to set sail! Disney shared this video about the voyage! While traveling on a river to the sea seems simple enough, there were a lot of factors that played into this voyage! To travel on the River Ems, there has to be a full moon so the tides are at their highest, and the ship had to travel backwards so Rapunzel, the character on the stern, was leading the way! ©Disney You can watch a video on this milestone below. We can’t wait for the Disney Wish to welcome guests this summer, and we’ll keep you updated on everything happening with this ship! Stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to see all of the Disney Cruise Line COVID-19 Guidelines! What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Learn All About Disney Cruise Line and Its Various Ships Check Out Lots of Details About Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship -- the Disney Wish (Including More About the Star Wars Bar and First Attraction at Sea Coming to the Wish) See the Latest on Disney Cruise Line’s Mask Policy Learn About Disney Cruise Line’s COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Policies Check Out 10 Things That’ll Be Different About Your Next Disney Cruise See More About the Virtual Queues and Other Changes Made on Disney Cruises Check Out How Much It’ll Cost to Sail on Disney’s Newest Cruise 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 on the Disney Wish? Let us know in the comments! The post VIDEO: The Disney Wish Is One Step Closer to Its Maiden Voyage first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We LOVE Disney food. We are Disney Food Blog, after all! The Sneezy Cone in Magic Kingdom And we love it even more when there’s NEW Disney food for us to try, like the plant-based jackfruit gyro we recently had, or even the incredible steak frites we recently reviewed as well. Today just so happens to be one of those days, because we’re bringing you with us to try some new menu offerings at a super popular Animal Kingdom spot! Yak & Yeti is located in Animal Kingdom’s Asia section near Expedition Everest and has offered consistently good food over the years. They recently added some new items to their menu, so we thought we’d stop by and check it out! Yak & Yeti We were lucky enough to snag a spot on the waitlist and were then quickly told our table was ready. Ready to go! It was time to head inside! Atmosphere Yak & Yeti is a super well-themed restaurant with plenty of things to look at on the inside. According to the backstory, the building is owned by a former merchant who has turned his home into lodging. Yak & Yeti We were seated at our table and took a look at the regular menu via the QR code handed to us, and scanned the seasonal menu which was physically handed to us. We were seated quickly! And so we began trying to decide what to get! Food We decided to try two new seasonal appetizers — first up were the Kalbi Beef Kabobs. You can get this for $33.99. Kalbi Beef Kabobs These are made with beef and a Korean barbecue sauce served with vegetables and Jasmine rice. The barbecue sauce was sweet but had a little kick to it! Sweet and spicy! We also thought the beef was surprisingly tender for having such a caramelized sauce enveloping it. The vegetables and rice had nothing but sesame seeds sprinkled on top, and we thought they could have used a drizzle of the sauce. The veggies were lackluster. The other new appetizer we tried at Yak & Yeti was the Dragon Roll Bowl. This deconstructed sushi roll served in a bowl is $26.99. We were blown away by this dish! It’s made with Jasmine rice, spicy tuna, dynamite krab, edamame, cucumber, carrots, mango, ginger, avocado, and served with a soy sauce with wasabi on the side. Super fresh! This was by far our favorite of the two dishes we tried! It was so fresh tasting, and the tuna was great quality — it might have even been the best part of the whole bowl. This tuna was the star(fish) of the show. We didn’t mind that this was made with imitation krab because we wanted to swim in the dynamite sauce. The fresh veggies offered a nice crunch in contrast to the texture of the rice and fish, too! Dyanmite Krab There was a new seasonal dessert on the menu as well, so of course we had to check that out! The Dulce de Leche Egg Rolls are made from cannoli shells, chocolate mousse, garnished with chocolates, gold-dusted strawberries, and gold sprinkles. New Dulce de Leche Egg Rolls This dessert was $15.99, but can easily be shared between multiple people. It’s incredibly rich, but oh-so-good. You definitely need to enjoy caramel as that’s the main flavor in the cannolis, but the fresh strawberries helped to cut down on the richness. They’re basically cannolis. The chocolate mousse almost got lost, but every now and then it made an appearance, making this a super well-rounded dessert we would definitely try again. Drink We tried one of the new cocktails on the menu as well! The Bikini Breeze is made with Tito’s Vodka, Monin pineapple purée, cranberry juice and lime juice. Bikini Breeze cocktail This is a nice summer cocktail! Fruity and sweet without being too sweet. It’s very easy to sip on and pineapple-heavy, so if you don’t love that flavor this isn’t the drink for you! We’d get this again! For $13, we’re glad we could taste the alcohol! If you’re looking for a summertime cocktail that isn’t too sweet, this might be just the drink for you! Overall We enjoyed every new item we tried at Yak & Yeti, but the Dragon Roll Bowl was certainly the star of the show. The fresh fish and veggies made for a great lunch that was satisfying but not too hot for a park day! As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates on all things Disney food and beyond! Click Here to Check Out Some of the NEW Items at Space 220 in EPCOT! 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 eaten at Yak & Yeti in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: We Thought We Couldn't Love Yak & Yeti More. We Were WRONG. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A popular ride might be closed for longer than we expected in Disney World! Expedition Everest Expedition Everest has been closed for refurbishment in Animal Kingdom since early January of this year, and was supposed to re-open in mid-April. We’ve seen some ride testing happening at the attraction over the past few months, but Disney hasn’t revealed an official reopening date. Now, we might be waiting even longer for the ride to return. Previously, Disney World’s website noted that Expedition Everest would be reopening in mid-April of 2022. ©Disney Now, that language has been removed from the website. Instead, it just says that the ride is “currently closed for refurbishment.” ©Disney Expedition Everest is on the refurbishment calendar through the month of April, but not in May, so it is possible that the ride could be opening in May now. Expedition Everest When we talked to a Cast Member in Animal Kingdom recently, they told us the ride could possibly reopen in 2 weeks and that it had been undergoing a software update. Entrance to Everest We’ll keep a lookout for any news on the ride reopening, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to see everything closed in Disney World 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. Do you think Expedition Everest is the best roller coaster in Disney World? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post Expedition Everest CLOSURE Could Be Longer Than Expected in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney Company has recently been involved in a political controversy concerning the recently passed Parental Rights in Education Act. Walt Disney Company Logo ©Disney Although Disney CEO Bob Chapek initially did not comment on the Act, which is colloquially called the “Don’t Say Gay” Act, the company later issued a statement that the bill shouldn’t have been passed and declared their goal to have it “repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts.” Now, some House Republicans have sent a letter to Chapek, condemning the Walt Disney Company’s response. The Parental Rights in Education Act was signed into law in Florida in March, and it will take effect beginning July 1st, 2022. The text of the law says that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” ©ABC When the bill was signed into law, the Walt Disney Company issued an official statement, which said, “Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law […] We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family.” This statement came amidst a series of protests by some Disney employees who were concerned about Disney’s lack of initial action against the bill. ©Ryan Faughnder via Twitter (@RFaughnder) on the walkouts Now, several Republican members of the House of Representatives have sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, requesting that he “reconsider [his] antagonistic comments.” According to Fox Business, 12 members of Congress signed the letter, which “raises concerns about Disney’s recent activism” against the Parental Rights in Education Act. Bob Chapek ©Disney In the letter, the House Republicans stated, “While we recognize the importance of free speech, we are disappointed that you have chosen to use your voice and influence to actively work to repeal substantive protections for parents. You have stated that your company is ‘dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+’ individuals. We are disheartened that your desire to stand up for the rights of individuals does not extend to the rights of parents across this nation – only to those who are loudest and apply the most pressure to your company.” Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times The letter further states that Disney should reassess their current goals. The legislators said that, rather than working for the law to be repealed or struck down in courts, Disney’s goal should be “to make a profit, provide job opportunities for hard-working Americans, and offer quality products and services to your customers.” The letter concluded with the following statement: “We condemn your outspoken attack on Florida’s common-sense protections for children and parents, and we worry your words will be weaponized and used to further divide and inflame our nation.” ©Disney Fox reports that “the letter was signed by GOP Reps. Bob Good of Virginia, Doug Lamborn of Colorado, Mary Miller of Illinois, Matt Rosendale of Montana, Andy Harris of Maryland, Byron Donalds of Florida, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Brian Babin of Texas, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, and Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina.” Keep following DFB for more of the latest Disney news. Learn more about the controversy surrounding the Parental Rights in Education Act. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post House Republicans Condemn Disney CEO Bob Chapek's Response to "Don't Say Gay" Act in Open Letter first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re a Disney fan, you probably have a favorite classic character! Mickey and Friends Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom Maybe you like to stick with the classics and love Mickey, or have a silly side to you and relate to Goofy the most. And, no matter who your fave is, we’re sure you love seeing them all together, too! So, if you’re a fan of Mickey and Friends, we have probably the BEST thing you’re going to hear all day, we promise! You’ve heard of the Rat Pack, right? The group of A-list entertainers from the 50s/60s featuring people like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.? Well, get ready to meet the MousePack! Hi friends! Disney has just released The MousePack — Mickey and Friends Singing Classic Standards, which is an album featuring Mickey and Friends singing iconic tunes, and oh my goodness, it is just INCREDIBLE. Bret Iwan, the voice of Mickey Mouse, shared the news today! There is no way you can’t smile while listening to Goofy sing “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” or Donald and Daisy duetting “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” This album is pure joy! We love ya, Goof! Other selections on the 11-song album include Mickey singing “When You’re Smiling” and Minnie singing “More Than You Know.” The album is available right now on services like Spotify and Apple Music! Icons! Disney, please give us more of this, because it’s amazing. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates! Click here to see which TV show is about to stream exclusively on Disney+! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Which songs would you like to hear Mickey and Friends cover next? Tell us in the comments! The post It’s Actually Impossible NOT to Smile While Listening to this NEW Disney Music! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Sun, sand, and relaxation await you at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, which is located on the shimmering Atlantic Coast. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy all a beach trip should include, plus the magic of a Disney destination.View the full article

'Disneyland Forever' Fireworks Spectacular Returns to April 22 | Disneyland ResortView the full article

Spring has arrived at Walt Disney World, and the Easter egg display tradition at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has made its triumphant return, much to the delight of guests and cast! For over two decades, the culinary cast have been creating these chocolate egg-shaped masterpieces, which display their creative talents and meticulous attention […]View the full article

Some of the best restaurants on Disney World property are at the hotels! Jiko Topolino’s Terrace, Jiko, California Grill, ‘Ohana, Toledo — all of these are hotel restaurants that knock it out of the park. So, we can totally understand why you would sacrifice some park time to eat at these spots during your vacation! And, for those of you planning where you want to eat on your upcoming trip, you need to know about a closure happening soon at a Disney hotel restaurant. Narcoossee’s over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be closed for refurbishment starting on June 18th, 2022. Narcoosse’s But, reservations will be available through June 17th, 2022, so if you really want a table at this spot, book it soon! Narcoossee’s is currently open every night for dinner from 5PM-10PM. Narcoossee’s Disney says that we should expect the spot to reopen sometime later this year with “an enhanced table-service experience.” Hmm…so what does that mean? It could be a new look, new menu, or both — we’ll just have to wait and see! ©Disney Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates. Click here to see everything that’s CLOSED in Disney World this 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 ever eaten at Narcoossee’s? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Narccoosse's Is CLOSING and Will Reopen With An "Enhanced Experience" in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If it seems like we’ve been talking about Disney+ quite a bit lately, that’s because we have! ©Disney Disney World just announced a brand new hotel discount for Disney+ subscribers, and you know we’re paying the closest possible attention to every second of the newest Marvel series Moon Knight. And today, Disney+ is in the news again because they just announced the first-ever LIVE series will be coming to the streaming service! Disney+ is about to enter into a new realm of digital streaming with their very first live series — Dancing with the Stars! ©ABC After airing 30 seasons on ABC, the series has been picked up for two seasons and will be available in the United States and Canada this fall 2022. According to Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution chairman Kareem Daniel, “The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for Dancing with the Stars.” ©ABC The show is produced in front of a live audience and teams celebrities up with ballroom dancers — oftentimes they feature themed Disney nights too! For the latest in Disney entertainment news, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. Click Here to Find Out When You Can Watch ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ on Disney+ Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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 watch Dancing with the Stars? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: 'Dancing with the Stars' to Stream Exclusively on Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When you’re planning a trip to Disney World, hotels are probably a BIG part of your thought process. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Say you decide to stay in a Disney World hotel, but then you have to choose which one! Let’s say you agonize over the hotels and finally come to a decision, but when you arrive at your hotel you’re surprised to find construction, or a pool closed, or missing perks you thought were included. We have a list of several Disney World hotels you should reconsider for your 2022 stay — including reasons to avoid OR stay! Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa If you don’t like loud noises and unsightly construction, it’s not a bad idea to check Disney World’s refurbishment calendar before booking your Disney hotel. For example, Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa has been undergoing construction and Disney has not yet announced an end date. Disney’s Grand Floridian The Big Pine Key building of the Grand Floridian is being remodeled to include 200 Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas, which will triple Grand Floridian’s available DVC rooms. 3-Bedroom Living Area ©Disney The new villas are currently scheduled to open in Summer 2022, but Disney has not yet announced a date. If construction is not your thing, you may want to cross the Grand Floridian off your list! Read more about the Grand Floridian’s refurbishment schedule here! Polynesian Village Resort Speaking of construction, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will also be undergoing construction sometime over the next few years. Disney recently announced that the Polynesian will be expanded with more Disney Vacation Club villas that are currently projected to open in late 2024, which means that construction will likely begin sometime within the next year or two. ©Disney The new DVC villas will add new recreation and dining options, so you might want to consider either waiting for the construction to be completed before booking at the Polynesian, or booking BEFORE construction begins! We’ll be looking out for official date announcements from Disney! Learn more about the new DVC villas coming to the Polynesian Village Resort here! Disney’s BoardWalk Disney’s BoardWalk will soon be under construction, including areas of the Boardwalk and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. A new table service restaurant called The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will be opening in 2023, and the BoardWalk Bakery will be transformed into a new sandwich shop. ©Disney Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will be getting room and lobby updates, and even a new coffee shop, which will be located just outside the lobby. Disney noted that these changes could take place over the next few years so keep that in mind if you’d rather avoid the work in progress! Check out the 4 BIG changes coming to Disney’s BoardWalk! Pool Closures Looking forward to spending some time at your Disney World hotel pool, cooling off on a hot Florida day? Another thing you might want to check for is pool refurbishments, which can take place at various hotels at any given time. The Cozy Cone Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is currently closed through mid-April… Cozy Cone Pool …the Martinique Village Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is also closed through mid-April… Martinique Village Pool …and the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is expected to be closed through all of April. Samawati Springs Pool Most Disney World hotels have multiple pools available for swimming, but they might not be the most convenient location for your room and it might also be a bit more crowded than usual with alternative pools closed. It’s not a bad idea to check Disney World’s refurbishment calendar to avoid any pool issues during your stay. Here are all the Disney World hotels and rides closed in April 2022. Value, Moderate, or Deluxe? If you want to take advantage of certain Disney World hotel perks like Extended Evening Hours, which let you stay after closing at select Disney Parks on scheduled dates, you need to stay in a deluxe hotel to access it. That means both value and moderate resort stays do not qualify for Extended Evening Hours and depending on your trip, that might not be ideal. Wilderness Lodge On the flip side, if you’re planning to spend 99% of your time in the parks, a value or moderate resort can be a good option if you don’t care about amenities. Early Theme Park Entry is available to all Disney World hotel guests, which lets you get into each Disney Park 30 minutes before opening. Pop Century It’s up to you to consider your hotel budget, your needs, and how YOU visit Disney World. Want those extra perks? A deluxe hotel might be a better fit for you. Just want a place to sleep before spending the entirety of every day in the parks? A value resort could be the perfect choice! Read more about Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours here! All-Star Resorts And if you don’t want to deal with huge groups of competitive sports participants, you might want to avoid the All-Star Resort hotels during sports competitions. Cheer events take place at various times throughout the year, and participants often tend to stay in value resorts, especially the All-Star Resorts. Welcome Back to ALL-STAR-SPORTS! All of the All-Star Resorts are officially open and if you know a big cheerleading or sports competition is coming up in Orlando, you might want to avoid those hotels! Read more about the “season” you aren’t planning for in Disney World! It doesn’t hurt to read more about what’s going on at your Disney World hotel during your visit, so make sure to check Disney’s refurbishment and closure calendar! Keep reading DFB for more Disney planning news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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 Disney World hotel have you booked for 2022? Tell us in the comments! The post Reconsider Staying at These Disney World Hotels in 2022 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 and Pixar’s latest movie, Turning Red, has taken the world by storm and brought us some incredible new merch! So cute We’ve seen super fun new ears, a stylish sweatshirt, and a cozy blanket, all with Mei-Mei as that iconic Red Panda. But, there were some other breakout stars from the new film — 4*Town! The early 2000s boy band has a LOT of new fans, and if that sounds like you, you’re going to want to scoop up this new item! The 4*Town Band T-shirt is now available online on shopDisney! We’ve seen the shirt in the parks recently, so this is great news if you want this item but can’t get to Disney World soon. 4-Town FOREVER! The shirt is from the band’s 2002 World Tour. The front has the 5 members of 4*Town — Aaron T., Tae Young, Robaire, Jesse, and Aaron Z — posing underneath their name with a 4 lyfe underneath. ©Disney And, the back has a list of the concert locations! ©Disney You can get it online right now for $29.99 — but we wouldn’t wait on it, because it could definitely sell out! Click here to grab the 4*Town band T-shirt! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news and updates! Click here to check out MORE Turning Red merchandise! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Who is your favorite member of 4*Town? Tell us in the comments! The post Our Inner 2000s Kid is SCREAMING at Disney’s Boy Band Shirt first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary is an EXTRA magical time to visit the resort — and the celebrations last for a whole 18 months! Cinderella Castle Disney has really put a lot of effort into making the celebration memorable in every corner of the park, with new attractions and entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and SO MANY SNACKS. If you’re thinking it’s about time you got in on the action, you’re probably going to want to check Disney’s NEW sweepstakes! In honor of their big anniversary, Disney has paired up with BoxLunch to send ONE lucky winner and their guests to Walt Disney World! The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a 5-day/4-night Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four, plus a $500 BoxLunch Gift Card. The trip prize includes airfare, hotel, park tickets, a VIP tour guide, PhotoPass services, and admission to a Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert party. ©Disney To enter the contest, head over to the sweepstakes website now through April 12th, 2022, to enter for your chance to win this AMAZING prize. That’s it — no need to purchase anything for your chance to win! ©Disney We’ll send you some good vibes and cross our fingers for you. And we’re always spotting new giveaways and contests, so keep an eye on us for the latest. Be sure to follow DFB to get all your Disney news in one place! Check out this VERY shiny 50th Anniversary backpack here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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 planning to enter this contest? Let us know in the comments. The post You Could Win a FULL Disney World Vacation for FREE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Co-Owner of New Local Green Food Truck at Disney Springs Shares Her Story | Women’s History MonthView the full article

Last week, we celebrated the latest milestone, which means we are one step closer to the Disney Wish’s delivery. Today, I’m thrilled to take you on the journey from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to the North Sea, where the Disney Wish entered open water for the first time. View the full article

It’s springtime in Disney World, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting some changes soon! Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom Disney recently announced that the experience for the daytime show Disney KiteTails will be changing for guests, and while you enjoy the show you can also sip on two special beers that also support animals! Today we spotted a pair of beers for $10 each in Animal Kingdom, and each one supports a different animal! While the Tiger Tail Pale Ale raises awareness for conservation research and endangered Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies, the Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale supports solar farm bee colonies. Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale and Tiger Tail Pale Ale We decided to try the Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale, which is made with refreshing blonde ale brewed with solar grown honey and citrus zest. In fact, the solar grown honey is “harvested from bee colonies located at solar farms,” and these solar installations help “provide renewable energy while increasing native habitat for wildlife.” Such a cute can! We’ve tried this beer in the past, and we thought it was once again delicious and refreshing! This is definitely a beer to try on a hot summer (or spring!) day. It’s really refreshing! The Honey Bee is not super heavy on the honey flavor, and the citrus cuts its sweetness for a tasty balance. We really enjoyed it, and it’s for sure preferable to a Bud Light! We loved it! You can find these beers around Animal Kingdom at most places that sell alcoholic beverages. Give it a try for $10! Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom to try either of these beers, and keep reading DFB for more Disney food, snack, and drink reviews! Check out all the 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. Would you try this beer? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: The Creators of Disney’s Seasonal Beer Are…Bees? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article