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One of the most important parts of any Disney vacation is the fantastic dining. However, out of the hundreds of restaurants, which are the cleanest? Storybook Dining at Artist Point Well, we found out! The April Health Score for Orange County has been released, and only 9 Disney restaurants received a perfect score. Let’s dive in! According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, only 227 restaurants out of 1,972 across Central Florida received a perfect score, and 9 of those came from Disney. Chef Mickey’s Although really, 14 Disney spots made the list because five of the restaurants with zero issues actually came from cast member-specific restaurants. So without further ado, let’s see which 10 spots got a perfect health score in April! Geo 82 # 1 Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom This popular spot serves the fan-favorite Disney dessert Dole Whip and is an Adventureland staple! Aloha Isle # 2 Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge This upscale dining experience allows you to dine with your favorite Snow White characters and have some amazing food. Snow White at Storybook Dining #3 Chef Mickey’s at The Contemporary Resort This is an iconic character dining experience where you can dine with Mickey and the rest of the Fab 5! Mickey at Chef Mickey’s # 4 El Mercado de Coronado at Coronado Springs This is a popular quick-service restaurant at the Coronado Springs resort. El Mercado de Coronado # 5 Gasparilla Island Grill at the Grand Floridian Resort This is another popular quick-service spot located at the fan-favorite Grand Floridian. Gasparilla Island Grill # 6 GEO 82 in EPCOT This is a new bar experience that has opened in EPCOT and is themed to the park icon, Spaceship Earth. Inside GEO 82 # 7 Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom This is the Starbucks location in Magic Kingdom. Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom # 8 Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Here you can eat some amazing cuisine surrounded by cool movie memorabilia. Planet Hollywood # 9 Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Here you can enter the world of Lady and the Tramp and immerse yourself in delicious Italian cuisine. Tony’s Town Square We always make sure to keep you posted on all the Disney news, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! A Magic Kingdom Restaurant is Now CLOSED! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be checking out any of these spots on your next Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World has a way of making you feel magical, emotional, nostalgic, and somehow also like you are being gently broiled on a sidewalk by 11:04AM. Tree of Life We love it here. Truly. But Florida heat does not care that you planned your outfit. It does not care that your hair looked cute when you left the hotel. It does not care that you have a dining reservation later and were hoping to arrive looking like a person instead of a damp park map. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. That is why we are always testing little park bag gadgets that claim to make Disney World easier, cooler, comfier, or at least slightly less swamp-adjacent. And friends, we found one tiny Amazon fan that has earned its spot in our park bag. Disney World essentials We’re talking about the LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan, a handheld portable USB-rechargeable fan with three adjustable speeds, a foldable handle, and a very cute little mouse-ear look that makes it feel right at home in Disney World. And yes, it costs under $14. But do we feel fancy using it in the parks? Absolutely. LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan Let’s get one thing out of the way immediately: this fan is adorable. It has that cute mouse-ear shape that makes it feel more fun than your standard “I have accepted defeat in the humidity war” handheld fan. It’s small, white, compact, and the kind of thing you can toss into a belt bag, park bag, stroller organizer, or backpack pocket without having to completely rework your packing system. So cute! We love that convenience because Disney World bags can become lawless little caves of sunscreen, receipts, granola bar crumbs, portable chargers, and one rogue poncho you bought in a panic during a thunderstorm. We do not need more bulky gear. We need tiny heroes. This fan is one of them. It has three speeds. Sometimes you just need a light breeze while you’re waiting for an attraction or sitting outside with a snack. Sometimes you need the full “please save me from this July pavement” setting. This little fan gives you options, and in Disney World, options are worth their weight in cold Dole Whip. LACOVIA Fan The button is easy to work, and the handle folds and rotates down so you can use it with a longer grip when you want. It is simple, compact, and doesn’t require you to study a tiny instruction booklet like you’re trying to decode an ancient EPCOT wall mural. view ON AMAZON It Actually Stands Up Here’s a detail we did not expect to care about as much as we did: the fan has little nubs on the bottom that we are choosing to call feet. Are they officially feet? Probably not. Are we calling them feet anyway? Obviously. Those little “feet” help the fan stand upright on a desk, table, or flat surface. That means if you’re sitting down for a snack, eating at a quick-service restaurant, working at your hotel room desk, or recovering emotionally after realizing the Lightning Lane you wanted is gone, you can set the fan down and let it do its job. LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan This is a small thing that becomes a big thing in practice. Handheld fans are great, but sometimes your hands are busy. You might be holding a drink, digging through your bag, helping a kid with a snack, mobile ordering, or doing the sacred Disney math of “Can we make it from Frontierland to our dining reservation in Wilderness Lodge in 47 minutes?” Being able to set this fan down and let it keep blowing air at you feels surprisingly luxurious. Tiny fan, big diva energy. view ON AMAZON The Plastic Cage Is A Big Plus Another feature we really appreciate is the plastic cage around the fan blades. This is especially nice if you’re traveling with kids, because little fingers are magnetically drawn to anything spinning, glowing, clicking, or making noise. That is simply science. Disney science, specifically. LACOVIA Fan The cage makes the fan feel more practical and less stressful to carry around little ones. Of course, you’ll still want to keep an eye on kids using it because it is still a fan and not a licensed babysitter. But compared to some tiny gadgets that feel like they were designed by someone who has never met a toddler, this feels like a much smarter design. It also makes the fan easier to toss into a bag without worrying quite as much about the blades getting banged up. view ON AMAZON Let’s Talk About The Misting Feature This is where we need to be honest. The misting feature is cool in theory, but it’s not the main reason we’d buy this fan. When we first heard “misting fan,” we pictured something like the Disney World misting fans you see in the parks. You know the ones. The big bottle fans that spray a burst of water and then the fan blades send it flying directly into your overheated face like hydration confetti. This is not that. Hard to see the mist Instead, this fan creates a small stream of mist from the center area just under the fan. It is a legitimate mist, not a squirt. That sounds fancy, and it kind of is, but it is not especially powerful. To really feel the mist, you need to have your face pretty close to the fan, and even then, a gust of wind can send the mist wandering off in another direction, like it has dinner plans elsewhere. So if you’re buying this because you want a big, splashy water blast, this is probably not your winner. But here’s the thing: the fan itself is strong enough that we still really like it. The mist is more of a bonus feature than the headline act. Think of it as the little garnish on top of the drink. Nice to have, not the reason you ordered it. LACOVIA Mini Fan The water reservoir is also small, but it seems to last surprisingly well. We haven’t run it out yet after the first fill, which is better than expected. The package also comes with a little dropper to fill the reservoir, and that is very helpful because no one wants to attempt tiny precision water work in a hotel bathroom sink while already late for Early Entry. view ON AMAZON Why It Belongs In Your Disney World Bag Do you need this exact fan for your Disney World trip? Maybe not. Do you need some kind of handheld fan? Yes. Firmly. With feeling. Disney World can get brutally hot, especially in spring, summer, and early fall. Even in cooler months, you can get a randomly warm park day that makes you question every long-sleeved decision you made while packing. A small fan is one of those things that sounds optional until you are standing in a slow outdoor line, waiting for a parade, sitting in full sun, or watching your child melt into the pavement because you dared to suggest one more ride before lunch. Back of the fan This one works well because it is small enough to carry without feeling like a burden. It fits easily in smaller bags, has multiple speed settings, can stand up on its own, and has just enough cuteness to feel Disney-appropriate without paying in-park misting fan prices. And that is where this fan really wins. It feels like one of those small purchases that makes the day easier over and over again. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

You know what time it is…it’s SHOPPING TIME! ©Amazon You need to check out all the adorable and best Disney items we’re finding on Amazon for $10! You’re seriously going to feel like you’re ripping Amazon off with how good these prices are. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Disney Blind Box ©Amazon Get this Disney Fresh Picked Blind Box, and see how many cute Disney characters you can collect! The blind box includes one Disney plush collectible at random. The adorable plushies are one-inch clip-ons, and each character is wearing a fruit onesie. Get Pooh Bear, Marie, Pua, Minnie, and more! View on Amazon This Official Disney Cookbook is a must-grab ©Amazon Bring that Disney World taste to your own home with The Official Disney Parks Cookbook. This cookbook is straight from the Disney Parks, collecting 101 of the most special recipes from the Delicious Disney recipe vault, recreated for home kitchens. You can relive some of your most cherished Disney vacation moments at home with classics, festival favorites, and international dishes! For 47% off, this is an absolute no-brainer of a buy! View on Amazon We love these Minnie Mouse Ears ODOCARE Minnie Ears from Amazon The ODOCARE Minnie Ear Headband is solid black Minnie ears featuring a center red bow with white polka dots. These are great for anyone who enjoys wearing ears, dressing up, adults and probably the older kids too. The best part is that they are like the ears you can buy at Disney World, but so much cheaper. View on Amazon Or, you can grab these Mickey Mouse Clips ©Amazon These Aluminum Mouse Ears Ring Carabiners Clip work so well! These are made of high-quality aluminum alloy with a polished finish, ultra-light yet strong, and tough enough to resist water and abrasion. They’re suitable for hanging kettles and keyrings, fixing dog leashes, connecting tents and ropes, and are great for outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, hiking, trekking, cycling, fishing, and hunting. View on Amazon Don’t forget about this Maleficent Spa Headband ©Amazon Check out this Disney Villain Maleficent Hair Band! The makeup headband is inspired by the iconic Disney Villain from Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent. It’s great for your beauty routine, and it is both stylish and functional. The best part has to be the price you can buy it for! View on Amazon And finally, these Minnie Scrunchies ©Amazon Lastly, check out this Minnie Mouse Scrunchie 2-Pack! The pack includes 2 matching mouse ear velvet bow scrunchies, which are perfect for creating cute ponytails, buns, or half-up styles. They’re like traditional silk scrunchies or satin scrunchies with a Disney twist! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

It seems like EVERYTHING is changing in Magic Kingdom. First, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin got a massive update. Then Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened with a lot of changes. Meanwhile, Rivers of America is GONE, and a new Cars expansion, Piston Peak, is going in its place. Then there’s construction happening on a new Villains land. It’s a LOT. Let’s go for a ride on the PeopleMover Well, that doesn’t mean that we don’t spot the smaller changes, too, and we were recently hopping on one of our FAVORITE chill Magic Kingdom rides, when we noticed something had changed there. Yes, the PeopleMover is a little different now. If you love the PeopleMover as much as we do, YOU NEED our PeopleMover Fan Club shirt! Get it now online at the DFB Store! ©DFB Store We made our way through Magic Kingdom to head into Tomorrowland recently to hop on the PeopleMover, which is one of our favorite rides for resting our feet. However, as we were walking through the ride’s entrance, we noticed something was gone. Remember how you’d walk up to the escalator and go through a turnstile (which we assume is to help Disney count how many guests go through there)? Turnstile at PeopleMover Well, we noticed that the turnstile is GONE. It’s kaput. Disappeared. No longer there. The turnstile is gone The PeopleMover (or the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, its full name) opened in Disney World in 2009, and has been moving…well…people…ever since. The ride was based on a long-gone Disneyland ride called the Wedway PeopleMover, although that version changed elevations, whereas the Disney World version doesn’t. PeopleMover It’s one of the best ways to take a break in Magic Kingdom on a hot day, but it also gives you unique views of TRON Lightcycle / Run, Tomorrowland Speedway, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, a diorama of the original EPCOT concept, a diorama with two robots, and Star Traders. It’s a pretty sweet and relaxing ride. And, yeah, if you need a nap, well, it’s good for that, too. Riding on the PeopleMover We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 6 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this news? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

American Girl is a beloved brand that has been teaching little girls across the country about American history since its inception in 1986. But this collab aims to educate young girls on something totally different – the courage and kindness of Disney Princesses! ©Amazon Disney collaborated with American Girl for a collection of Disney Princess American Girl Dolls. These are the iconic 18-inch dolls you know and love, but instead of Molly or Samantha, these beauties are Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, and Rapunzel! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Gleam and glow with this American Girl Rapunzel Doll! ©Amazon This American Girl Rapunzel Doll stands at 18-inches tall with blue-green eyes that open and close, freckles, and signature long golden-blonde hair. She’s wearing a purple satin gown featuring a golden foil-print bodice with crisscross lacing detail, striped puff sleeves, and a glittery skirt with iridescent organza peplums at the waist and a satin overskirt with golden embroidery. And yes, her magical hair goes all the way to the hemline of her dress! View on Amazon This Belle American Girl Doll is enchanting! ©Amazon This Belle American Girl Doll is an 18-inch Belle doll with hazel eyes that open and close, long wavy brown hair styled in a twisted half bun wrapped in a golden bun crown, and yellow-and-gold metal stud earrings in her pierced ears. She’s wearing a yellow satin gown featuring an organza off-the-shoulder drape neckline, scarlet rosette accents on the bodice and organza overskirt, and golden foil detailing on the bodice and underskirt. We love her matching yellow elbow-length gloves like in the movie! View on Amazon Go under the sea with this Ariel American Girl Doll! ©Amazon This Ariel American Girl Doll has aqua-colored eyes that open and close, and signature red wavy hair styled with sideswept bangs and a pink sea-flower hair clip with a yellow rhinestone center. She’s wearing a mermaid-style dress with a glittery purple satin bodice and an aqua skirt with an iridescent scale print and a glittery green “fin.” The dress features an iridescent organza bodice overlay, ruffled glitter-mesh sleeves, a ruffled peplum waist with purple ribbon trim, and a glitter-mesh and organza ruffled hem. Like the movie, she’s paired it with a golden-metal chain necklace with a seashell pendant! View on Amazon This Cinderella American Girl Doll will sell out by midnight! ©Amazon This Cinderella American Girl Doll is an 18-inch Cinderella doll with blue eyes that open and close, signature blonde hair styled in a high bun with a blue headband and curled, sideswept bangs, and blue rhinestone earrings in her pierced ears. She’s wearing a blue satin ball gown featuring a sweetheart illusion neckline, a bodice with braided trim and a silver-foil print, white organza puff sleeves, and a white peplum overskirt with silver glitter detail. Plus, she has a pair of glittery “glass slippers” with kitten heels and rhinestones at the toes! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

While the Magic Kingdom may be the world’s most popular theme park, there are still some tidbits about the park that Disney wants to keep at the down-low… and we’re not talking about the underground Utilidor tunnels. Main Street From beloved rides that were originally unplanned and lands that were planned very differently to some under-the-radar nooks and crannies and even some controversy, Walt Disney World’s original theme park holds some secrets. Big Thunder Mountain Was Originally Designed as Part of a Larger Attraction As the ride’s recent heralded reopening after a long refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is still one of the Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions, which makes it all the more surprising for many to learn that the famed coaster was originally planned as a small, supplementary attraction to something much larger. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad During the early years of Walt Disney World’s development, a team of Imagineers — led by Marc Davis — planned a massive project for the park’s Frontierland called Thunder Mesa. The complex, designed to look like a massive desert mesa, would have been home to the Western River Expedition, a massive E-Ticket boat ride that was to feature hundreds of cowboys, Native Americans, and animals telling the story of the American West in Davis’s style of comedic vignettes. Furthermore, the mesa was meant to be topped by a mountain range and a mine train roller coaster attraction on its exterior (sound familiar?) that was designed by future Disney Legend Tony Baxter. ©Disney However, budget constraints and other factors (which we’ll get to in a second) eventually led to the whole Thunder Mesa project being scrapped. Tony Baxter took his plans for a mine train coaster that was originally planned as an ancillary attraction to the Western River and fleshed them out into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The coaster was built on a portion of the land that was set aside for Thunder Mesa — which allegedly led to a long-standing grudge from Davis towards Baxter — and opened in 1980 as a massive addition to Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Pirates of the Caribbean was Originally Left Out… and is MUCH Smaller than the Disneyland Version So, about those major reasons Western River Expedition and Thunder Mesa weren’t built? Pirates of the Caribbean. Pirates of the Caribbean See, during the planning stages for the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney executives and Imagineers — including Marc Davis — decided to cut the ride, feeling that Florida residents would be “bored” by pirates since they were already part of the state’s culture and lore. However, Disney had spent so much time thinking about piracy’s history in Florida that they ignored the fact that millions in the state (and up and down the east coast) had spent years wanting to see the ride for themselves. When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the #1 complaint received by guest relations was “Where are the Pirates?” ©Disney A version of Pirates of the Caribbean was quickly greenlit, opening at the Magic Kingdom in 1973. However, this Florida version is significantly shorter than its Disneyland counterpart, lacking several scenes during the early portion of the ride, as well as lacking some animatronics and other effects. On top of that, the budget for Pirates came from funds that had been set aside to construct Thunder Mesa. ©Disney Center Street Voices There’s a small easter egg on Main Street for those looking for it. If you’re able to grab a quiet moment on Center Street, the small side street about halfway down the street near the current Starbucks location, listen closely, and you can hear the conversations of the residents living above the small courtyard. Center Street Cinderella Castle’s Mosaic Had a Controversial Designer Inside Cinderella Castle sits a series of massive 15-foot-high wall mosaics that tell the story of Cinderella. Based on designs by Imagineer Dorothea Redmund, the murals use thousands of tiles made of multicolored Italian glass, silver, and 14-karat gold, with more than 500 colors represented throughout. In addition to their beauty, the mosaics have the distinction of being one of the few pieces of Disney World art to feature a credit, as they are credited to both Redmund and Hans Scharff. Cinderella Castle Mosaic So, who’s Hans Scharff? He was a German military officer during World War II. Known as the “Master Interrogator of the Luftwaffe”, he was responsible for interrogating captured American fighter pilots, flying aces, and other high-ranking prisoners during the war. Scharff, who spoke fluent English and was familiar with British and American cultural customs thanks to his ancestry on his mother’s side, shied away from violence and intimidation techniques, instead putting on an elaborate attempt to relate to his captives as a route to having them reveal information when they “didn’t even realize they were doing so.” Following the end of the war, Scharff — like many major Nazi military and scientific figures — was recruited by the United States as part of coordinated operations to utilize their knowledge and expertise, like Operation Paperclip. Scharff met with USAF officials and lectured about prisoner interrogation techniques at the Pentagon and other locales. To this day, several U.S. agencies, including the FBI, utilize his methods. In the years following the war, Scharff turned his attention to art, an interest from his pre-war life. He began crafting fruitier and art pieces made of tile mosaics. His firm, Hanns Scharff Designs, became so successful that he was able to move to Los Angeles and began working on high-profile projects, leading to the 1971 Disney World project. A decade later, the Scharffs worked with Disney once again, this time producing the massive nature-themed mosaics that flow up and down the two entrance ramps to The Land at the park then known as EPCOT Center. In addition to their Disney work, the duo installed several other mosaics, including a marbled mosaic floor in the California state capitol building, a building facade mosaic at Utah Tech University, an eagle mosaic floor at the University of Southern California campus, and several other “private homes, hotels, schools, universities, department stores, shopping malls and churches worldwide.” Hans Scharff passed away in 1992, with Monika continuing design work until the 2000s. Cinderella The New Fantasyland Expansion was Almost VERY Different During their development, Disney’s theme parks, lands, and attractions often go through numerous changes between the design and construction phases. Take, for example, the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland from the early 2010s. When concept art for the project was first released, the area where the coaster currently sits was occupied by several interactive Disney Princess meet and greets (in a similar vein to Enchanted Tales with Belle). Reaction to these plans was negative, with many lamenting the lack of a major new attraction and the emphasis on Princesses. Disney pivoted, replacing the meet & greets with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction, which has consistently been one of the Magic Kingdom’s busiest rides since it opened. Mine Train A Special Disney Species The Swiss Family Treehouse is one of the few Walt Disney World attractions that appears nearly exactly as it did on opening day, as the interactive walk-through attraction has been open since the park opened in 1971. The “tree” that makes up the base of the attraction has its own species designation according to Imagineering: the Disneyodendron eximus AKA the out-of-the-ordinary Disney tree. Swiss Family Treehouse Next time you head to the Magic Kingdom, keep these tidbits and history in mind! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the secrets of Disney World! 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these secrets was new to you? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Hollywood Studios is having its BIGGEST week in years — a new version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, a whole new LAND that has opened early, and the rethemed Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster is opening May 26th. We had a chance to check ALL of it out, and I cannot wait to share the details with you! Plus, Disneyland just ended a restriction that’s been in place since 2020, Disney named a brand new Walt Disney World president, and there is a TON happening over at Universal. Latest Disney News All the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our new video: Latest Disney News: We Rode Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, NEW Millennium Falcon Scenes, NEW Land & MORE! Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s no secret that when it comes to food, we’ll probably choose Disneyland over Disney World, especially when it comes to snacks. One word: churros. Need we say more? Apple Pie Churro Now, Disneyland is ALWAYS dropping some kind of new food and drinks in the parks, so we’re always getting to try new things. Well, Disneyland just dropped some MORE new foods and drinks, and you KNOW we were there to try them. So let’s see what we thought! First, we headed to Royal Street Veranda in Disneyland Park to grab the New Orleans Mint Julep Float for $9.79. Now, we’re already big fans of the standard Mint Julep, but this one is topped with Mango Sorbet. Now, that means you’re getting a drink that has a lot of fresh mango flavor. The mint is more of an aftertaste, but it still adds a light and refreshing element. It’s even better once it melts a little, and you can just combine everything. Honestly, if we had to choose between this and a regular mint julep, we’d choose this! New Orleans Mint Julep Float You can also pick up the Cajun Caesar Chicken Po’Boy for $12.99 here. It’s made with Kale-Romaine Mix tossed with House-made Caesar Dressing, Cajun Chicken, and Croutons on a French Roll. Even if you don’t like Caesar dressing, this has some Cajun spices in it that make it super tasty. This sandwich has a lot of well-cooked chicken on it, so you’re getting your protein. We also loved the crunch the croutons added…we wanted more! Cajun Caesar Chicken Po’Boy The bread has a nice crunchy exterior with a chewy interior and didn’t get soggy, even after sitting for a little while. It’s a great sandwich to grab on a hot summer day, and it comes wrapped so you can take it and munch on it while standing in line for a ride. It’s easy to eat on the go. It’s also filling, and maybe even shareable. How is this so good? After all that, we moseyed over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to try some new offerings in honor of the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu at Docking Bay 7. We started with the Bounty Bun with Spiced Beef and Pork with Tomato Chutney, Golden Aïoli, and Sautéed Blue Onions for $15.99. We were really surprised by all the flavors we tasted when we bit into it! Bounty Bun The meat is cooked well and has some really nice spices. We got both savory and sweet, and just a tiny bit of heat. The flavors melded so well together that we really couldn’t separate them, which is a good thing. It’s also so unique and has that fun galaxy-inspired look. It looks fun, too! We also tried the Adelphi Cheesy Noodles with Fried Chicken Tip-Yip with Pancetta, Toasted Herb Breadcrumbs, and Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce for $18.99. Um…you had us at “noodles” and “cheese.” It’s similar to the regular Chicken Tip-Yip you can get here, but this is a larger portion, so you’re getting more bang for your buck. It’s also a heavier meal, with the chicken and the super creamy noodles. The chicken has a lovely breading and seasoning. Adelphi Cheesy Noodles with Fried Chicken Tip-Yip The sweet and spicy chili sauce comes separately, so you can choose to add it or not, and if you do, it does have a kick. It also adds a lovely extra flavor to everything, though. But this dish doesn’t really need it. It’s a hearty meal, and we’d say this one is worth the price. Cheesy Noodles Now, it’s time to head on over to Disney California Adventure to visit Willie’s Churros, which is pretty much the first churro cart you’ll see when you enter the park. There, you can get the Apple Pie Churro for $7.50. It’s a churro rolled in graham cracker sugar and topped with apple pie filling, whipped topping, and caramel drizzle. This is summer and the 4th of July as a dessert. The tart apples with the apple pie filling and sweet cinnamon churro really make it taste like apple pie in churro form. The only thing that didn’t work for us was the whipped cream because it just didn’t add much to the dessert. With that being said, though, who needs a pie crust when you can have a churro instead? Apple pie meets churro Speaking of Americana vibes, we ran over to Smokejumpers Grill to grab the Red, White, and Blue Punch for $7.79. It’s made with Sprite and White Cranberry Juice with Blue Raspberry & Cherry Syrups, and topped with Cold Foam. You know those frozen firecracker popsicles? This tastes just like that, except in liquid form. In fact, it surprised us, considering the ingredients, that it tasted just like that! The cold foam adds a nice creamy touch. The strongest flavor is the blue raspberry, so if you love that flavor, you’ll love this. The Sprite adds a nice carbonation. It’s festive, fun, and refreshing. Red, White and Blue Punch Whew…that’s a lot of food and drinks, but that’s what we do. We’ll be back with even MORE food and drink reviews, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: This Disney Hotel Has a Hot Dog of the Month, and Yes, It’s the Highlight of Our Visit DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Which of these snacks would you like to try? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Comic Rewind Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. Sure, we can look at past data to get an estimate of the crowd levels in Disney World, but you never know what may happen from year to year. Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World this past week! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remained Disney World’s busiest ride for now, but the highly anticipated addition of the Mandalorian and Grogu to Smugglers Run may have something to say about that next week. Magic Kingdom Wait Times Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 58 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 44 minutes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — 44 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 38 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 38 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 33 minutes Jungle Cruise — 33 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 29 minutes Space Mountain — 28 minutes Haunted Mansion — 21 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 16 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 16 minutes Astro Orbiter — 13 minutes Astro Orbiter Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 12 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 11 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 11 minutes “it’s a small world” — 11 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 10 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 10 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 10 minutes Pluto riding Dumbo Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 8 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 8 minutes Mad Tea Party — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress — 4 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Test Track Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 76 minutes Test Track — 68 minutes Frozen Ever After — 51 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 46 minutes EPCOT Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Mission: SPACE — 14 minutes Spaceship Earth — 14 minutes Living with the Land — 12 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 12 minutes Journey into Imagination — 12 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 7 minutes Soarin’ is currently closed for its upcoming Across America retheme. Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Frozen Ever After, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times River Journey Avatar Flight of Passage — 61 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 38 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 25 minutes Expedition Everest — 25 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 11 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 51 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 47 minutes Toy Story Mania — 42 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 36 minutes Tower of Terror — 33 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 30 minutes Star Tours Alien Swirling Saucers — 19 minutes Star Tours — 5 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

The Mandalorian and Grogu officially moved into Disney World today at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. To celebrate, Disney just released new food items at Hollywood Studios, which we ran at lightspeed to try! Grogu Cookies Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or straight up out of this world, there’s a new Star Wars snack with your name on it! Starting with the entrees, the Sweet-and-Spicy Puffer Pig Pasta is $15.99 at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. These are flat noodles with pork belly, bok choy, sweet-and-spicy soy sauce, and a hard-boiled egg. Sweet-and-Spicy Puffer Pig Pasta This is advertised as sweet-and-spicy, but we got ten times more spicy than sweet from the soy sauce. The Puffer Pig pork belly was soft and tender without being fatty. The vegetables are pickled red onion, bok choy, and shredded carrots, which were super crunchy and added a contrasting texture to the soft noodles. This was also very filling for the size! Sweet-and-Spicy Puffer Pig Pasta The Grogu Cookies are $6.29 at Kat Saka’s Kettle. This has three white chocolate-dipped macaron cookies with pineapple cream. If they look familiar, it’s because they’re Grogu’s favorite snack in The Mandalorian TV show! Grogu Cookies We were super excited to try these, but the white chocolate on the bottom melted almost instantly. It became a very messy snack under the hot Florida sun. These are your standard macarons; they have a satisfying crunch with a chewy interior. The white chocolate was the strongest flavor and not too sweet. The pineapple cream filling tasted very mild; it was just a small hint of an indiscernible fruity flavor. Grogu Cookies In addition, three menu items are returning to Oga’s Cantina. First up is Oga’s Obsession for $8.50. This is Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, cotton candy flavor, and blueberry fruit juice-filled pearls with a bursting dried fruit mixture and gummy candy frogs. This treat is sweet, and the flavors of blueberry and lemonade are nice and strong. The hard pop-rock-like candy added a fun texture to the treat as well. The popping boba balls also added a very interesting texture to the mix. A lot is going on, but we like it! Oga’s Obsession The alcoholic version is the Rodian Ration for $17. This is Tito’s Handmade Vodka, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Schnapps Liqueur, green apple, and Sprite with fruit juice-filled pearls and gummy candy frogs. We thought this treat was really fun, and a lot was going on between the jello, juicy boba balls, and crunchy pop rocks exploding in our mouths! It was definitely tart from the apple liqueur, and the vodka came through as well. It wasn’t overly strong, but we could definitely taste the vodka. Rodian Ration We’re so glad that The Mandalorian and Grogu brought new snacks with them. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World food reviews! FIRST LOOK at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Changes in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which are you most excited to try? Comment below! View the full article

We love heading to Hollywood Studios for some movie magic, and while the thrilling rides and yummy food are amazing, we have a hot take. Hollywood Studios is the best park for character meet-and-greets! Hollywood Studios has the best meet-and-greets! Whether you want to visit Mickey Mouse, Olaf, or Chewbacca, Hollywood Studios has a character meet-and-greet for everyone. When we were at the park yesterday, we discovered a brand-new character meet-and-greet that Disney didn’t even announce! We were strolling through Commisary Lane in Hollywood Studios to find this brand-new sign. It’s not even technically a sign, it’s just painted on the wall! To find this hidden meet-and-greet, enter Commisary Lane by the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and it will be on the right beside Red Carpet Dreams, the spot where you can meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The new sign! Here, you can meet Bitsy, one of the four fearless felines of the SuperKitties! Today, you can meet Bitsy at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. These times are subject to change, so check your My Disney Experience app for updated times when you visit. It’s Bitsy! In addition, you can meet Disney Jr. royalty, Sofia the First! Sofia has fewer meet-and-greet times than Bitsy, meeting at the same spot at only 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. We weren’t even able to meet her because she comes out so little. Again, these times can vary by day, so check your My Disney Experience app for updated times! We missed Sofia! We haven’t been able to meet Disney Jr. characters since the Animation Courtyard closed last September, and while the land is reopening this month as The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Jr. character meet-and-greets aren’t on the lineup. You used to be able to meet Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, and Pluto before the closure. Disney announced that once The Walt Disney Studios opens on May 26th, the lineup will be Donald and Daisy, Chip and Dale, Goofy, Stitch, Mulan, and Rapunzel. We’re hoping this is now a permanent addition to Hollywood Studios for little ones to meet their favorite TV show characters! Pluto at the former Animation Courtyard We’re so excited to see Disney Jr. characters back at Hollywood Studios. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! You Can Meet 2 NEW Characters in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite character meet-and-greet? Comment below! View the full article

If you’re looking to save some serious money on your next Disney World vacation, you might consider this ticket deal that comes with a catch. Theme Park Ticket Disney World has a TON of discounts for the summer. From discounted hotel stays to free dining for kids, there are a lot of ways to save on your next vacatoin. You can now get cheaper tickets if you visit the theme parks later in the day. We’re breaking down all the details of the ticket deal and who should take advantage of it. Afternoon Ticket Details The afternoon ticket is a discounted ticket that will allow guests to visit parks after 2 PM. It covers all four parks, so you can pick one with your ticket (yes, you can use it to go to Magic Kingdom!). You can get a discount on a 2-day or 3-day ticket, with admission to one park per day after 2 PM, valid for dates from May 26th through July 29th. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Pricing for the tickets depends on the start day, but a 2-day ticket will run anywhere from $118 per day to $156 per day. The cheapest dates are from mid-July through the end of that month. A 3-day ticket will run anywhere from $116 per day to $154 per day, with late July offering the lowest prices. This is a discount of around $30 to $50 per day from the standard all-day ticket. EPCOT Is This Deal Right For You? If You are a Disney World Local The afternoon ticket is a great option for locals who live near Disney World, but are not Annual Passholders. If you want to come to the park after work to grab dinner or ride a few of your favorite attractions, this would be a great deal for you. Tower of Terror If You Have Young Kids Disney parents, if you know that your kids will get burned out on 13 hours at a Disney park, the afternoon ticket might be perfect for you! Disney World can be overstimulating for little ones, and add in the heat of the summer — you might have grumpy kids before it’s even noon. If you want a slow start to your Disney day with your kids by the pool or enjoying a character breakfast, then hitting the parks, this ticket gives you that flexibility. “it’s a small world” If You are In Town, But Not For Disney Say you are in the Orlando area for a work trip or visiting family or friends, and you just want to pop over to Disney World. This is a great deal if you aren’t looking to do a full Disney World trip, but instead are just in the area and want to take advantage of a few free evenings. EPCOT If You are a Night Owl If you are someone who wants to sleep in and leave the rope drop chaos to everyone else, this ticket might be for you. During the evening, wait times can drop as well. If you want to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass with the afternoon ticket, you could stack your Lightning Lanes for the evening. You could enjoy lower wait times, cooler temperatures, and the nighttime shows like Fantasmic! or Happily Ever After. Happily Ever After Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. We have also outlined 5 reasons you shouldn’t buy this deal and you can read that here! We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World discounts and deals, and help you decide which ones are for you, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 5 Reasons You SHOULDN’T Buy Disney World’s Afternoon Ticket Deal Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you consider purchasing this afternoon ticket deal? Tell us in the comments below. View the full article

Disney appears to be asking military guests whether they would purchase the new Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket again if it were offered in the future. This is the ticket that some people incorrectly call the Disney Military Annual Pass. This is interesting — and potentially very important — because while Disney routinely surveys […] The post Disney Is Surveying Guests About the New “Disney Celebrates America” Military Ticket appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

With Disney World and Universal Studios, alongside it being the center of the Sunshine State, it’s no secret as to why the Orlando airport is one of the top 10 busiest airports in the United States. Orlando International Airport The Airport is massive and has tons of domestic and international flights, so many people come in and out of Orlando. Now, the international flight lineup is getting bigger, as it was just announced that there will be an all-new international non-stop flight being added at MCO! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. It was just announced that ZIPAIR will be offering non-stop flights between the Orlando International Airport and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this flight at MCO, so it’s exciting to see it come back! ©ZipAir Tokyo The Japanese airline has offered this same flight back in February and March, which was actually the very first non-stop flight from Florida to the Asia Pacific region at the time. The flight was extremely popular when it was in Orlando. It was so much easier to travel to Asia with ZIPAIR, plus Tokyo is such a hotspot for travelers. So, the offer is coming back. Where are you flying next? There are currently three open passenger charter flights scheduled for August 8th, 13th, and 18th. You’ll be able to make bookings when they are open in mid-June. Airplane travel According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Lance Lyttle, “The return of service is an exciting milestone and another sign that Orlando continues to strengthen its position as a truly global gateway.” Be considerate! This is a HUGE deal, as this is a part of over 30 years of efforts to establish regular flights between Orlando and Tokyo, and we’ve now seen this offering twice. Who knows what the future holds at MCO, but maybe we will eventually see consistent non-stop flights between Orlando and Tokyo in the future! Air Travel For more travel news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! TSA Announces MAJOR Change DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Will you be using ZIPAIR this summer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

EPCOT is about to do one of its classic seasonal costume changes, and this time, it means the flowers, food booths, topiaries, and springtime snacks are all packing their tiny festival suitcases. Flower and Garden Topiaries The 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ends on June 1st, which means you have just a few days left to get your final festival lap in before EPCOT starts shifting toward its next big food-focused era. And look, EPCOT is always going to be EPCOT. Spaceship Earth will still be standing there like a giant golf ball with secrets. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will still be launching people into emotional disco orbit. But the Flower & Garden Festival? That’s seasonal. Once it’s gone, a LOT changes fast. So if you’ve been casually telling yourself, “I’ll get around to it,” this is your polite but urgent shove toward the International Gateway. The Festival Ends June 1st The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is one of the prettiest events Disney World does all year, and yes, we mean that in the most dramatic way possible. This is the festival that gives us character topiaries, colorful gardens, spring-exclusive merchandise, Garden Rocks concerts, and a whole bunch of Outdoor Kitchens that make it socially acceptable to build lunch out of four snacks and a drink shaped emotionally like sunshine. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival But on June 1st, the festival officially ends. That means the Outdoor Kitchens will close, the specialty festival menus will disappear, Garden Rocks will wrap up, and those limited-time snacks you’ve been eyeing may go back into the Disney vault where lost snacks go to haunt us. Not every single flower in EPCOT will vanish at midnight, obviously. This is not Cinderella’s pumpkin situation. But the festival experience as we know it? That’s ending. What You Need to Do Before It’s Gone First, stop trying to eat everything. That way lies regret, a drained gift card, and the very specific feeling of being bullied by a tiny compostable fork. Instead, prioritize. Pick the dishes you actually care about. Choose the booths that are worth your time. Make a loose plan before you walk into EPCOT and suddenly decide that you, personally, need to investigate every sauce on property. This is where our DFB Festival Guides come in handy. The Flower & Garden Festival can be gorgeous and chaotic at the same time, which is basically EPCOT’s love language. Our DFB Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival helps you figure out what’s worth your money, what you can skip, where the booths are, what the menus look like, where the topiaries are hiding, and how to avoid zig-zagging across the park like a confused bumblebee. Because yes, you can wander aimlessly and hope for the best. But we prefer snacks with a strategy. Our Best of the Fest Picks We’ve eaten our way through the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival, which sounds glamorous until you remember that “eating everything” at EPCOT is both a dream and a full-body athletic event. So, if you’re making one last trip before the festival ends, these are some of the dishes and drinks we think deserve a spot on your shortlist. Tuna Poke Bowl at Nectar This was one of our favorite new dishes of the festival, and it actually works as a real lunch. Not a “three bites and a prayer” lunch. A real one. The Tuna Poke Bowl comes with edamame, avocado, mango, pickled red onions, seaweed salad, furikake, and umami sauce over sticky rice. It’s fresh, bright, filling, and one of those festival dishes that feels like it understood the assignment without needing to announce it loudly. Tuna poke bowl If you’re trying to avoid the “I ate dessert for lunch and now I see through time” problem, this is a smart pick. Read our full review of Nectar DOLE Whip Peach at Swirled Showcase You already know we’re not going to ignore a DOLE Whip situation. We are professionals. The Peach DOLE Whip was light, refreshing, and not too sweet, which is exactly what you want when Florida has decided to turn the humidity dial to “soup.” The peach flavor tasted natural, and frankly, we would not object if Disney decided to keep this one around all year. Peach Dole Whip at Swirled Showcase We are not above begging. We have done worse for snacks. Read our full review of Swirled Showcase Cinnamon Beignets at The Citrus Blossom These were a festival win for anyone who likes their dessert with a little citrusy drama. The Cinnamon Beignets are tossed with lemon sugar and lemon glaze, then served with a honey mead-blueberry compote. They’re doughy, shareable, and the lemon gives them enough brightness to keep the whole thing from feeling too heavy. Cinnamon Beignets This is the kind of dessert you buy “for the table,” then immediately start monitoring everyone’s fork activity like a theme park snack accountant. Read our full review of The Citrus Blossom Garden Vegetable Flatbread at Trowel & Trellis Trowel & Trellis had a very good year, and the Garden Vegetable Flatbread is part of the reason why. This flatbread comes with Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, roasted vegetables, and arugula salad. It’s creamy, fresh, and a better value than we expected from a festival booth, which is always a delightful little plot twist. Garden Vegetable Flatbread It’s also a great option if you want something savory but not nap-inducing. EPCOT snacks should support your day, not send you face-first into a bench near The Seas. Read our full review of Trowel & Trellis Trio of Dips and Chips at Yacht Grub Sometimes the answer is chips and dip. We don’t make the rules. We simply respect the salty architecture. The Trio of Dips and Chips brings housemade potato chips with whipped feta dip and candied lemon, caramelized onion dip with caviar, and pimento cheese with pickles. Each dip brings something different, and the chips have the crunch we want from a festival snack. Trio of Dips and Chips This is a strong sharing option, assuming you are traveling with people who can behave around dip. Not everyone can. Know your group. Read our full review of Yacht Grub Liquid Nitrogen Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at Swirled Showcase This one has been on our radar for a while, and the liquid nitrogen upgrade made it even more fun. The Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake comes topped with fresh honey, granulated honey, and honey mead-blueberry compote. It’s pretty, it’s creamy, it’s festival-y in the best way, and it gives you the kind of texture moment that makes standing in a booth line feel justified. Liquid Nitrogen Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake A snack with a little science? Fine. EPCOT, you win this round. Read our full review of Swirled Showcase Tarte Aux Oignons Caramélisés at Fleur de Lys This caramelized onion tart is one of those dishes that sounds simple until you taste it and realize someone in the France booth was not here to play. It’s made with caramelized onions on a flaky pastry crust and topped with bacon. The texture works, the flavors are balanced, and the bacon brings just enough salt and richness to make it feel complete. This is not the flashiest dish at the festival, but it is one of the ones we’d tell you not to overlook. Read our review of Fleur de Lys Grilled Street Corn on the Cob at Beach Grub If you want something that tastes fresh, smoky, and summery, the Grilled Street Corn on the Cob is a strong bet. This plant-based dish is covered in garlic spread and plant-based “cheese,” then grilled right there at the booth. The char adds a lot, the seasoning does its job, and it’s one of those returning items that keeps proving why it made the comeback roster. Grilled Street Corn on the Cob Also, yes, it is messy. Festival corn does not care about your plans. Read our full review of Beach Grub Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at Pineapple Promenade Some festival drinks become popular because they’re pretty. Some become popular because they taste good. Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade pulled off both, which feels greedy but effective. It’s tart, refreshing, and a perfect hot-day EPCOT drink. Kids love it. Adults love it. Phones love photographing it. Everyone wins. Thirsty? If you still haven’t had this one, now is the time. The clock is ticking, and the lemonade is purple. Read our full review on Pineapple Promenade Don’t Forget the Kids’ Pick The Orange-Lemon Smoothie at The Citrus Blossom is another fun pick, especially because it comes in the Orange Bird sipper. It has that nostalgic orange sherbet flavor, and the souvenir factor makes it a big hit for younger festival fans. Orange-Lemon Smoothie Served in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Also, Orange Bird remains one of Disney’s most charming little citrus gremlins, and we say that with respect. Read our full review of The Citrus Blossom Our Best Booth of the Fest This year, our Best Booth of the Fest went to Trowel & Trellis. That booth gave us the Garden Vegetable Flatbread, those sticky ribs we think about way too often, and a dessert that looked and tasted like it belonged at Flower & Garden. The whole booth felt fresh, thoughtful, and worth the stop. The spread If you only have time for a few booths before the festival ends, Trowel & Trellis should be high on your list. Read our full review of Trowel and Trellis Last-Minute Festival Tips Go earlier in the day if you can. Many festival booths tend to get busier as the afternoon goes on, especially when locals and park hoppers start joining the snack parade. Jardin de Fiestas Outdoor Kitchen 2026 Use a Disney gift card if you’re trying to stick to a budget. It’s dangerously easy to nickel-and-dime yourself into a full theme park dinner bill when every snack feels “small.” A loaded gift card helps keep the math from sneaking up behind you wearing Mickey ears. Flower and Garden Gift Card! Check booth locations before you start eating. The fastest way to lose time is to grab one snack in World Showcase, realize your next must-try is near World Discovery, then begin your accidental half-marathon in the sun. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival And please, hydrate. Festival sipping is fun. Becoming one with the pavement near Canada is not. Don’t Waste Your Final Festival Day The DFB Guide to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is built for exactly this kind of situation. You’re short on time, there are too many booths, and you need someone to tell you what’s actually worth your snack money. Inside the guide, you’ll find full booth menus, photos, Best of the Fest picks, booth crawls, event schedules, topiary locations, festival merchandise details, hidden extras, and budget tips to help you make the most of your day. Basically, it’s the difference between “I had a great festival day” and “I blacked out near a topiary and bought three desserts I don’t remember.” And Next Up: Food & Wine Once Flower & Garden wraps up, EPCOT won’t be festival-free forever. The 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on August 27th and runs through November 21st. That means another giant wave of booths, menus, snacks, drinks, entertainment, and limited-time offerings is headed our way soon. And yes, we’ll be all over it. 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Our DFB Guide to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival will be available to help you plan for EPCOT’s next festival, and if you’ve ever tried to tackle Food & Wine without a plan, you already know that the festival can turn into a delicious little maze with receipts. Food & Wine is one of EPCOT’s biggest events of the year, and when those menus drop, you’ll want a guide that helps you figure out what’s new, what’s returning, what’s worth the hype, and what you can safely skip without snack remorse. The Final Bloom The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is almost over, and once it’s gone, many of these foods, drinks, topiaries, concerts, and festival extras will disappear with it. So if you want one more Peach DOLE Whip, one more Violet Lemonade, one more lap around the Outdoor Kitchens, or one more excuse to call a flatbread “research,” now is the time. Limoncello-Basil Sparkling Cocktail We’ll keep bringing you all the updates, reviews, menus, tips, and festival intel you need for EPCOT’s seasonal chaos, from the final days of Flower & Garden to the first bites of Food & Wine. Until then, go eat the snack. Take the picture. Buy the Orange Bird thing if your heart demands it. The flowers are leaving soon. The fork is in your court. More Details About the 2026 Flower & Garden Festival5 MAJOR Changes Are Coming to EPCOT in 9 Days!Forget The Rides — THIS Is What I’m Rope Dropping In EPCOTDisney Fans Are Racing to EPCOT for This Viral $7 China Pavilion Snack7 Important Rules To Avoid Wasting Money at EPCOT’s Flower & Garden FestivalHow To Get a Secret (And FREE) DOLE Whip in EPCOT! This NEW Map Shows What EPCOT Looks Like During the 2026 Flower and Garden Festival DON’T WASTE A BITE AT FLOWER & GARDEN The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is gorgeous — and overwhelming. Our DFB Guide shows you exactly what’s worth your time, money, and stomach space (and what to skip). Inside the guide: Full booth menus with photos + our Best of the Fest picks Smart booth crawls so you’re not zig-zagging the park Complete event schedules in one place Topiary locations, festival exclusive merch, and hidden extras Budget tips to help you prioritize the must-haves GET THE FLOWER & GARDEN GUIDE Have you done everything you’ve wanted to do at the Flower & Garden Festival? What’s still on your list to experience? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since Epic Universe first opened its doors at Universal Orlando, but it has!!! Now, we’ve been exploring Epic Universe during that whole time, and we’ve taken you with us as much as we could. Epic Universe Now, it’s no secret that you can get some pretty…well…epic souvenirs at Epic Universe, but to celebrate the park’s first anniversary, Universal is about to drop some more SWEET merchandise...and we’ve got your first look. The new Epic Universe collections feature all kinds of fun souvenirs, including new clothing, original music on vinyl and streaming, and SO much more. You’ll even be able to grab some of these new items online, while the rest will be available at Universal. Now let’s take a look at these new collections, which will focus on each land in Epic Universe! Epic Universe First up, you can now grab new Celestial Park gear, including a spirit jersey with the Chronos park entrance, a Lug Epic Universe crossbody bag, and an exclusive vinyl with the Celestial Park soundtrack. You will also be able to pre-order a statue of the Chronos with coins celebrating each world. Celestial Park’s original character, Captain Caco, who is now meeting with fans, will also get a Lug crossbody bag with a matching coin purse bag. ©Universal Celebrate SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with brand new gear, too, inspired by Mount Beanpole with Mario, including the first ever SUPER NINTENDO WORLD spirit jersey, a tumbler with a Mount Beanpole flag straw topper, a backpack, and a tote. You’ll also be able to grab a limited edition Gold Power-Up Band. ©Universal New Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic merchandise is available, too! You’ll be able to grab collectible glass wands inspired by Harry Potter characters, as well as new clothing and accessories featuring the Mooncalf as seen in Place Cachée later this summer. You’ll also be able to grab new interactive wands for Voldemort, Sirius Black, and Luna Lovegood. ©Universal New souvenirs are also coming to represent How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. You’ll find new clothing and accessories inspired by Toothless and his dragon friends, including a gold accented Toothless Loungefly bag and headband, along with hatching eggs with plushes of your favorite dragons. You can also grab the physical edition of How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk soundtrack. ©Universal Represent Dark Universe with a new Darkmoor Monster Makeup experience with MORE customization options, including temporary tattoos and cosplay-inspired clothes at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities. This summer will also see the release of a Frankenstein Manor Loungefly bag and Darkmoor-themed clothes and accessories. Many of these souvenirs are available RIGHT NOW for a limited time at retail locations in Epic Universe, although some are also now available on Universal’s online shop. We’ll keep an eye out for more Epic Universe news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. I’ve Been on Every Ride at Epic Universe, and I’m Sharing My 3 Favorite Tips DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What do you think of the new merchandise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

For many guests, waking up early and arriving at their Disney World park of choice is a huge part of their vacation. However, there’s a lot more to Disney World at 9:00 AM than simply showing up. Adventureland rope drop crowds. Luckily, we’ve got experts to tell us how they approach 9:00 AM at Disney World! They’re Already on Ride #2 or #3 Guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels have access to Early Entry, a 30-minute period where they can enter each of Walt Disney World’s theme parks before the official opening every day of their stay (including check-in and check-out days), so they have a chance to head to select in-demand attractions a half an hour before. That means they can normally knock out a ride or two before non-hotel guests enter the hotel each day. Early Entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions currently available for Early Entry include: Magic Kingdom Park “it’s a small world” Astro Orbiter Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Dumbo the Flying Elephant Mad Tea Party Peter Pan’s Flight Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain The Barnstormer The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Tomorrowland Speedway Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Space Mountain in Tomorrowland EPCOT Frozen Ever After Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Mission: SPACE Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Soarin’ Spaceship Earth Test Track The Seas with Nemo & Friends Frozen Ever After Disney’s Hollywood Studios Alien Swirling Saucers Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets – Opening May 26th Slinky Dog Dash Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Toy Story Mania! Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage Expedition Everest Na’vi River Journey Zootopia: Better Zoogether! ©DIsney They Make Sure They’re in the Right Corral Experts who don’t have Early Entry access OR who want to specifically rope drop an attraction unavailable during Early Entry, they make sure they’re lining up in the right “corral” in the right spot to get to their ride of choice. So, for example, a guest who wants to rope drop Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be in the corral closest to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Bright and early at Magic Kingdom They’ve Finished Breakfast While day guests are just shuffling into the park, some experts are already finishing up breakfast at popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Crystal Palace. That’s because many popular Disney World restaurants are actually taking reservations for about 8:00 AM. As explained by PlanDisney, when guests with an early reservation arrive at the park, they should “look for a dedicated entrance line marked for guests with early dining reservations. Cast Members will be stationed there to check your reservation details, so have your confirmation number handy or show it on your My Disney Experience app.” From there, they can enter the park and make their way to their restaurant while taking in the park’s early morning ambiance. Cinderella’s Royal Table is the only place you can dine with views like this! They Enjoy Summer House Grab and Go If these experts are at Disney Springs, they know to head over to Summer House on the Lake to pick up some grab-and-go options, which include Summer House Cinnamon Rolls, a breakfast taco, fresh fruit, a yogurt and granola parfait, and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Grab and go breakfast When you’re planning the early mornings of your Walt Disney World vacation, keep these expert practices in mind! Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” The Most Popular Ride in Hollywood Studios You Should SKIP (and What You Should Ride Instead) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your usual morning routine at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

If you’re in California, heading there soon, or live in the area, there’s something you need to know that could affect your trip drastically. Disneyland On Thursday, May 21st, a hazmat incident occurred in Garden Grove, California, located just five miles from Knott’s Berry Farm and seven miles from Disneyland. While both parks remain open at this time, this is a developing situation, and things can change on a dime. Here’s what you need to know right now. According to The Orange County Register, a hazmat incident at GKN Aerospace on Western Avenue in Garden Grove occurred on Thursday, May 21st, and then began to worsen on Friday, May 22nd. The crisis involves a malfunctioning chemical tank threatening to explode and release a toxic cloud, which would affect hundreds of thousands of people in the area and surrounding miles, which would include Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. Between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Currently, the situation has forced 40,000 people to evacuate in an impact zone, which includes parts of Garden Grove, Anaheim, Cypress, Stanton, and Westminster. When speaking about the situation, a Knott’s Berry Farm employee spokesperson said, “The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is a cornerstone of our business. We are working closely with our partners at the Orange County Fire Authority to actively monitor the situation. At this time, the park has not been impacted.” ©Knott’s Berry Farm Disneyland officials have also stated that the Disneyland Resort is actively monitoring the situation, taking guidance from local authorities, and supporting any and all Cast Members impacted by the evacuation order. The most recent update on the situation, as of 9:30 AM ET on Saturday, May 23rd, is that Orange County Fire Authority crews have stabilized the tank’s temperature in hopes of buying time to avoid a disaster. More Recent Disneyland Resort News NEWS: Disneyland Monitors Nearby Hazmat CrisisCONFIRMED: Mobile Ordering CHANGE Hits Iconic Disney RestaurantJust Wait Till You See Baby Grogu On The NEW Smugglers Run In DisneylandDisneyland’s Park Hopping Policy Changes June 9thI Go to Disneyland Every Day and This Lunch Is My New Obsession We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this situation as we continue to hear more, so stay tuned to DFB. NEWS: Disney Hit With $5 Million Lawsuit Over Facial Recognition Technology Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Full Resort & Room Tour: Disney's Pop Century Resort | Walt Disney WorldView the full article

For real life 💙🧡 A look at Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom 👀View the full article

I’m back to talk about the best food in Disney World! Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Recently, I went to Animal Kingdom for a tour of the best food around the park, and while I’ve already spilled all of my thoughts on the snacks (you can check that out right here), that was just the beginning. Sit back, relax, and maybe grab a snack — we’re talking Nomad Lounge and Tiffins! It’s no secret that here at DFB, we love Nomad Lounge. In fact, we ranked it as our #1 restaurant in ALL of Disney World! Seriously, it’s that good. And while we do really enjoy Tiffins, too, Nomad Lounge gives us the opportunity to try some small bites that come STRAIGHT from the Tiffins kitchen, while also sipping on some of the best handcrafted cocktails Disney resort-wide. We love Nomad Lounge! If you’re trying to choose between the two, here’s the quick breakdown: Tiffins is the full sit-down signature restaurant — think adventurous, globally inspired dishes, a longer meal, and a more upscale atmosphere. Nomad Lounge, on the other hand, is Tiffins’ laid-back sibling. It’s more about small plates, cocktails, and snagging a cozy seat to relax without committing to a full dining experience. You’ll find some overlap in menu items and flavors, but Nomad is ideal if you want the vibe (and maybe those famous churros) without the full signature restaurant price tag or time commitment. Nomad Lounge I tried two drinks on my visit to Nomad Lounge — the non-alcoholic Lychee Ginger Lemonade and the alcoholic cocktail called The Pachyderm and The Pollinator. Two different but necessary beverages The lemonade is made with Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lychee, pomegranate, and ginger beer. It may scare some people away with the lychee and ginger flavors in the description, but actually, this is a mildly flavored drink. You get a slight kick from the ginger, and it may taste different than anything you’ve tried before, but the lemonade adds some familiarity. For $6.59, it’s worth a try! Lychee Ginger Lemonade is unique and refreshing! The Pachyderm and The Pollinator is made with Bayab African Rose Gin, honey, lemon, lavender bitters, and soda water. This is one of the lightest and most refreshing cocktails I’ve ever tasted. The Rose Gin is floral, but doesn’t taste like you just put perfume in your mouth. The lemon and lavender are already two light flavors, so they really brighten up the drink. The coolest part is that the color is meant to look like an elephant’s skin! Wow, this might be my new favorite cocktail in Disney World As delicious as the drink is, the story behind it is even better. This is inspired by The Elephants and Bees Project, which created a solution to keep elephants from raiding farmers’ crops. Researchers discovered that elephants are genuinely afraid of African bees, so they developed beehive fences that keep up to 80% of elephants at bay. Pretty neat, huh? You may hear about this project on Kilimanjaro Safaris, too! The drinks are a pull in their own right, but we can’t help but gush over the food here. I got a look at the Charcuterie and Cheese Board, which is the chef’s selection of assorted meats, cheeses, and accompaniments for $23. This and a cocktail on the patio? Yes, please. You know, The Traveler’s Provisions (AKA the naan and dip trio we talk about ALL of the time) had to be included when showcasing the best of Nomad Lounge. It’s described as “a collection of flavors gathered from distant bazaars and remote outposts” and includes a trio of dips: roasted garlic hummus, roasted eggplant and beetroot spread, roasted red pepper and walnut muhammara. Did you drool reading that, or was it just me? Travel the world through dips and bread! The naan is nice and soft, making it the perfect vessel for these dips. The garlic is prominent in the first dip…but isn’t that what you want from a garlic dip? If you don’t need a mint after a garlic-forward dish, it wasn’t done right. The eggplant and beetroot spread will shock you! Even if you mostly ordered this to eat the naan bread (and I don’t blame you for that), the flavors are light and not too earthy. Finally, the red pepper and walnut muhammara dip is the spiciest of the trio, but it really stands out for the flavor! The spices transport you somewhere else, so much so that you’ll forget you’re in a theme park. The walnuts add a crunch, which makes for an interesting texture. For $18, this shareable snack will not disappoint you. A close-up Next up, it was time for the Chinese Five-Spice Glazed Chicken Wings ($16). Y’all. For some reason, I didn’t expect these to blow me away — after all, they are “just” chicken wings. Boy, was I wrong! The skin was so crispy, and the chicken was juicy and easy to bite. The sauce flavor rotates, but this Chinese Five-Spice Glaze had just the right kick to it. Can the chefs at Nomad Lounge bottle this up and sell it? Please!! For me? I NEED this wing glaze in my everyday life The Grilled Beef Kefta is another newer dish we recently tried during our review back in April. This is a Middle Eastern-inspired beef skewer, harissa hummus, herb-honey yogurt, and pickled red onions, on top of roasted garlic naan. This has everything going for it — a hearty, spiced meat (albeit a tad on the salty side), the tangy red onions, a soft honey yogurt sauce, and a pillow-y naan. I’d spend the $17 for this again and again. YUM I don’t know about you, but I love it when I can eat my veggies and not even know that I am eating vegetables. That’s exactly what the Wild Mushroom Dumplings do! This plant-based dish is made with dim sum sauce, chili crunch, and roasted mushrooms for $14. Some mushroom dishes don’t appeal to the masses because of an overly-earthy taste…but these dumplings do NOT pose that problem. The dumplings are packed with the roasted mushroom filling, which is seasoned beautifully. This was another instance of spiced, but not spicy. However, that chili crunch on the outside adds a bit of heat! This is just one of the dishes that will surprise veggie haters! Last but certainly not least, it’s the famous Churros! Who knew $11 could change your life? You’ll never want a standard Disney churro after trying these. The churros have a crunch on the outside, but are oh-so soft on the inside. Although the churros are covered in cinnamon sugar, the vanilla sauce adds a sweetness that isn’t over the top. There are no words to describe how amazing these are. Still hungry? I hope so, because now it’s time for a meal at Tiffins, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! A tiffin! At Tiffins! When you visit Tiffins, your jaw will drop at the level of detail in this place. It’s basically a museum! Joan Hartwig, who is the Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering and worked alongside Joe Rohde on the creation of Animal Kingdom (!!), gave us a tour of the restaurant. There are endless details to admire, but I loved looking through the photos of the Imagineers’ trip to Africa! Hartwig even recalled jumping out of their safari truck so she could take a photo of the ridges in the dirt. It’s all in the details, people!!! Joan Hartwig explaining the backstory to these photos Once you get settled in, it’s time to order an appetizer. We tried the Korean Barbecue Pork Belly Bao Buns first, which are topped with pickled cucumber, green papaya slaw, and cilantro for $16. These were AMAZING. The pork belly is super tender and melts in your mouth without any of the overly fatty texture pork belly can sometimes have. The bao was soft and fluffy, while the pickled cucumber and green papaya slaw added the perfect bright, acidic balance to the rich pork. Plus, the Korean barbecue glaze was flavorful without overpowering the dish. Bao Buns My fellow veggie haters — I see you, and I need you to trust me. The Gobi Manchurian is a MUST-order at Tiffins. For $11, you can share (or not) a pile of crispy-fried cauliflower with manchurian sauce and green onion. The cauliflower was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a tangy sauce that wasn’t overly spicy. Honestly, the crunch reminded us of those extra crispy fried chicken batter pieces in the best way possible. You’ll be shocked by this dish While you can order a whole-fried fish if you’re feeling brave, I opted for the Butter Chicken, which costs $43. This was rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, just like you want butter chicken to be. The chicken was super tender and sitting in a smooth, creamy sauce with warm spices. It also came with a crispy samosa and seasonal veggies like peas, squash, and pickled red onion that added such a fresh balance to the dish. Now THIS is a meal For dessert, you can’t go wrong here! The African Pot de Crème ($13) was one of the most complex items I ate all day! The chocolate pot de crème was smooth, creamy, and more milk-chocolate leaning than dark chocolate. The Ethiopian coffee flavor, crunchy chocolate cookie, pistachio, and bright pineapple pieces gave it so many fun textures and flavors together. Since it has more complex flavors, it may not be a crowd-pleaser with kids. If you’re worried about that, you should check out… The chef recommended cracking the chocolate cookie on top…and they were right! …this stunning Caramel Flan ($14)! This was a surprise favorite at my table. It’s made with cardamom-scented caramel and vanilla chantilly, and somehow, it’s even better than it sounds. This super silky flan had a deep caramel flavor with hints of cardamom, and the spoon literally glided through it like butter. Sleeper hit! Tiffins isn’t the most affordable restaurant by any means, but for a special occasion? It doesn’t get much better than this in Disney World. Or, if you’re a huge Animal Kingdom fanatic, you’ll want to set aside some of the dining budget to go here. The decor will blow your mind! If you just want a taste of Tiffins without the commitment, Nomad Lounge is a no-brainer. All you have to do is join the Walk-Up Waitlist on the My Disney Experience app, and it will notify you when they are ready for you. Relax, and take in one of the BEST views in Disney World! Tiffins You know we’re eating in Disney World every single day here at Disney Food Blog, so stay tuned if you want to keep up with it all! The Only 3 Disney World Restaurant Reviews You Need to Read in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Recently, we were invited by Disney World to attend a media event for Tiffins 10th anniversary. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

There’s a TSA rule that a lot of travelers still don’t know about, and it directly affects how you pack for your Disney World trip. FuelRods Portable chargers and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries are required to go in your carry-on bag. They’re actually prohibited in checked luggage entirely. So if you’ve been tossing your power bank in your checked bag without a second thought, it’s time to rethink that habit. The even better news is that keeping one in your carry-on is exactly where it belongs anyway, because your phone will absolutely need it before your first park day is over. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Your portable charger can’t go in your checked luggage anymore. That’s the reality Disney World travelers need to know before heading to the airport this summer. According to the TSA, portable chargers and power banks containing lithium-ion batteries are only allowed in carry-on bags and are prohibited in checked luggage. ©TSA That rule can catch a lot of travelers off guard, especially families rushing through Orlando International Airport on their way to Disney World. If your portable charger accidentally ends up in your checked suitcase, you could be dealing with delays, bag searches, or even losing the charger entirely before your vacation officially starts. The good news is that this is also one of the smartest things you can keep with you during a Disney trip anyway. Between mobile ordering, checking wait times, taking photos, and navigating the parks, your phone battery gets absolutely drained during a full Disney day. Here are a couple of portable chargers we keep recommending over and over again. The Swap That Might Save Your Whole Day Swapping out for free Picture this: you’re deep in the Magic Kingdom, your phone is at 8%, and you still have three hours until your dinner reservation. That’s where the FuelRod USB-C Portable Charger Kit earns its place in your bag. What makes the FuelRod different from a typical power bank is its swap system. When your rod runs out of juice, you can exchange it for a fully charged one at any FuelRod kiosk, and there are kiosks inside Disney World itself. No waiting around for a recharge. Just swap and go. It comes fully charged right out of the box, fits in a pocket, and the updated version packs over 20% more power than the original. The USB-C compatibility also means faster charging speeds, and the four-light LED indicator lets you know exactly how much battery you have left. It’s genuinely one of the smartest travel tools out there for park days. Grab the two-pack and split it with your travel partner. It’s a game-changer. view ON AMAZON The Tiny One That Punches Way Above Its Weight If you’d rather have a power bank that doesn’t require kiosk hunting, the INIU 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger is the one to know about. It’s built on what INIU calls TinyCell high-density battery technology, which makes it 40% smaller and 36% lighter than most 10,000mAh power banks on the market. That’s a lot of power in a surprisingly small package, and it charges fast. INIU Portable Charger We’re talking a boost from 20% to 76% on an iPhone 17 Pro Max in just 30 minutes. It’s TSA-compliant, so it goes right in your carry-on with no issues, and the detachable braided USB-C cable is a thoughtful touch since a damaged cable doesn’t mean a ruined power bank. It comes with a three-year warranty and has been trusted by over 38 million users, which is the kind of track record that actually means something. Take a look at this one before your next park day. view ON AMAZON Portable chargers have officially become one of those Disney World essentials you can’t afford to forget, especially since the fact that TSA rules require them to stay in your carry-on luggage. Packing the right way can help you avoid airport headaches and keep your phone alive through those long park days. We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We saw the coolest Disney Parks hack during a recent visit, and we just HAD to share it with you! This is a game-changer! Carrying around all those refillable mugs and water bottles can be a pain during a long Disney day. That’s why we’re on the lookout for any essentials that will make traveling with these bulky items easier. During a recent park visit, we came across a really nifty item that you can grab RIGHT NOW on Amazon, and it works for more things than advertised! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This shoe holder works wonders during a Disney vacation ©Amazon This Shoe Organizer 2-Pack is great for keeping shoes and essentials organized at home or while on vacation, but it also doubles as a stroller attachment that can hold mugs and water bottles! This mesh organizer comes with hooks that can be attached to doors, but they can also lock onto strollers, giving you tons of extra carrying capacity. This creative hack will forever change the way we do a Disney day! BUY ON AMAZON This next essential helps you stay hands-free ©Amazon If you’re using a refillable mug at Disney World and don’t want to worry about carrying it all day, check out the Dining Plan Refillable Mug Holder Sling! This sling is designed to hold the Disney Dining Plan refillable mugs and is adjustable, allowing you to refill your mug without removing it from the holder. Never worry about having a free hand or losing the mug ever again! BUY ON AMAZON What are some of your favorite Disney Parks hacks? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney vacation packing tips and essential item finds! View the full article

It’s certainly no secret that traveling is ROUGH right now, especially with rising airfare costs, gas prices, dwindling benefits, and a whole lot more. Disney Adventure Even in such a volatile travel space, there’s a reason people continue to book Disney vacations — whether that’s at Disney World, Disneyland, the international parks, or even the Disney Cruise Line. No matter what unexpected hiccup might happen, we find that booking travel with Disney is a safe bet — here’s why. Traveling is seriously hectic right now. Between airlines like Spirit shutting down, increased baggage fees due to rising fuel costs, increasing gas prices, and more, there are plenty of things that can go wrong or make your trip more stressful than it needs to be. Since travelers’ complaints frequently make the news, we wanted to dive into problems you could encounter on a cruise and how Disney Cruise Line typically handles them. The Disney Wish! Worrying about what might go wrong on your vacation is never fun, but knowing that Disney will have your back in any number of scenarios is what keeps people coming back, trip after trip, year after year. Disney Cruise Line This is especially true as the Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, which can impact the Disney Cruise Line more than other Disney vacations. If you’re setting sail from June 1st to November 30th, there’s a possibility that your cruise itinerary could be impacted — or maybe even canceled altogether. August and September are typically the peak months for cruise activity in the Caribbean, with 40% of tropical cyclones occurring during these months. Quiet Cove In rare situations when guest safety is a concern and a cruise must be canceled, Disney will offer passengers a full refund — without making them jump through hoops to get it. If a hurricane causes your Disney Cruise to be extended or rerouted for safety reasons, you will not be charged extra for the additional time, as the situation is out of your control. Disney Wish! The official policy of Disney Cruise Line, if it cancels a sailing or delays it by more than three days, says: “If Disney Cruise Line cancels your cruise or delays your cruise for more than three calendar days, and you do not accept an alternative cruise or choose not to travel on a delayed cruise, you may request a refund or a cruise credit by emailing Disney Cruise Line at Caserequest@disneycruise.com. Requests must be made within 90 days of the original scheduled sail date and must include a copy of the cruise confirmation, proof and amount of payment, and cancellation or delay notice. All documentation should clearly display the vessel and scheduled date of sailing. If a cruise reservation is cancelled or delayed by Disney Cruise Line prior to commencement of the cruise, Disney Cruise Line shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid related to the cruise that was cancelled or delayed by Disney Cruise Line without offset for cancellation fees imposed by Disney Cruise Line.” The Disney Adventure Recently, the Disney Adventure canceled a sailing due to mechanical issues before the ship left port, while passengers had already embarked and were on the cruise ship. In this situation, Disney gave guests a full refund and provided them with a credit for 50% off their next cruise. Disney also provided transportation and lodging at 5-star hotels, along with an additional stipend to spend at the hotels for food and other necessities. In addition, Disney continued to provide meals while guests on board were waiting to be transported to their hotels. We were surprised by the online comments we saw. There was lots of praise for how Disney handled the situation, even from folks whose vacations had been impacted. Disney Adventure This was a rare case, but it’s confirmation of why Disney’s customer service is legendary. Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as the best cruise operator on Newsweek’s ‘America’s Best Customer Service’ List for the eighth year in a row, along with being ranked #1 overall among large-ship cruise brands for customer service by Cruise Critic consumer rankings. Disney Adventure If you’re thinking about booking a Disney vacation — especially a cruise — know that things can go wrong — that’s just part of travel. But we keep coming back to Disney because we know that in the rare instance it happens to us, we’ll be taken care of. We’ll be on the lookout for the latest Disney Cruise Line updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for even more Disney news! Check out more Disney Cruise Line updates at the links below! Traveling Is ROUGH…But There’s a Reason People Can’t Stop Booking Disney Cruises5 Splurges That Are Always Worth It on Disney Cruise LineWhy We Should Expect To See More International Disney Cruise Ships in the FutureYou’re Going To Want To Book a Disney Cruise After Reading ThisI’m a Former Disney World Cast Member. Here Are 6 Things I Wish You Knew Before Going on a Disney Cruise Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

It’s kinda’ wild how Disney World has just been opening up things early ahead of their official opening dates, but we’re not complaining! Walt Disney Studios So May 26th is a HUGE day in Disney World, with a lot of things scheduled to open on that day, which could be why they’re opening a little earlier just to prevent some sheer chaos. So we’ve already seen Soarin’ Across America open early in EPCOT, but before that, The Walt Disney Studios opened up its new courtyard, and we were STUNNED. There are so many great details in this new land, and we’re going to point them out for you. Animation Courtyard closed in September 2025 to be transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, an area that would be inspired by Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. But the idea here is that Disney’s animated characters will “leap off the screen and into our world.” The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard And that’s exactly what you’ll discover walking through the area, with all the little details that are a nod to the Burbank Walt Disney Studios lot and Disney’s characters. For example, you’ll find an homage to Pluto’s Corner, which is a replica of Pluto’s Corner at the Burbank lot, complete with a street sign and a fire hydrant. Pluto’s Corner! The street sign is even nearly identical to the one in Burbank. We love this There’s even a replica of the entrance sign you’ll find if you visit Disney’s Burbank headquarters. The Walt Disney Studios The fencing in the area has little Mickeys all over it. This is similar to the fence you’d see at the Burbank offices! Mickey fence You’ll also find movie posters and signs indicating stages, as if this were a real working studio (and yes, we remember there really WAS a real working animation studio here!). Movie posters and stage numbers However, it’s the sprinkling of characters throughout the courtyard that really gives this space, well, REAL character. Also, we love that Lucifer from Cinderella gets to hang out in the courtyard. You’ll find him behind the seating area with the benches. Lucifer Be sure to look all around you because you don’t know where these characters will pop up. Oh, hi, Zazu! Zazu Look up and you’ll see some pretty famous mice that AREN’T Mickey. Jaq, Gus Gus, and Timothy Pua and Thumper are just hanging out on the grass. Pua and Thumper Abu is peeking out from The Studio Store sign. Abu You never know who you’ll see. We found Zootopia’s Mrs. Big hanging out with Sir Hiss from Robin Hood. Mrs. Big and Sir Hiss You’ll also want to take time to look at the handprints of some pretty famous Disney characters, like Quasimodo. Handprints all over! We love all the details Disney managed to squeeze into this area, and it’s such a big improvement over what used to be here. We’re excited to see the rest of the area open later! We’ll keep an eye out for more updates in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This NEW Addition Will Make Disney World’s Walt Disney Studios Even BETTER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of The Walt Disney Studios so far? Let us know in the comments! View the full article