Disney4me

12 Things for Adults to Do at Walt Disney World ResortView the full article

Orlando Sentinel tourism reporters Dewayne Bevil and Katie Rice take you on a tour of Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs to highlight the best of Disney’s holiday celebrations. View the full article

Catching Up With Pete Docter | Disney Files on DemandView the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve seen some pretty amazing Disney World 50th anniversary souvenirs at both the parks AND online! 50th anniversary display at Sunglass Hut There has been a SLEW of merchandise celebrating the big 5-0, including sweatshirts, popcorn buckets, ornaments, EARidescent Minnie Ears, and more! And there’s pricier merchandise, too, like those $100 park ornaments, super luxe ears, and a new Kate Spade bag collection. And today, we saw a new Loungefly bag that definitely falls into the “luxe” category! The Loungefly Disney World 50th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Mini Backpack is GOLD. Like VERY GOLD (although it also has some trim in black). But here’s how it’s different from most other Loungeflys — it’s made of real leather and with REAL GOLD. GOLD. It’s got a quilted-like diamond pattern with Cinderella Castle all over it, plus an applique of Cinderella Castle with gold thread details and a big metal “50” on the front pocket — which has REAL GOLD FLAKES INSIDE IT. That 50 has REAL gold flakes in it! The ears are sturdy, too — they’re trimmed with a 24K gold-plated metal! FANCY. Sturdy ears And the inside lining is black with the 50th anniversary logo all over it. The plaque, 50th rivet, zipper teeth are made with 24K gold-plated metal hardware, too! Inside However, if you’re looking to score this bag, it will cost you — this one is $298. We found it at Legends of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but don’t worry if you can’t get to the parks — you can also buy it RIGHT NOW online. Click Here To Buy The Loungefly Disney World 50th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Mini Backpack Online Also included in this collection is a $1,000 pair of ears. Yeah, you read that right. A GRAND for 1 pair of ears. Would you pay $1000 for bedazzled ears? These collections are getting insanely pricey!! We’ll let you know about any other 50th anniversary merchandise we find, so don’t go anywhere! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be grabbing this new Disney World bag? Let us know in the comments! The post ,000 Ears. A 0 Backpack. What's Next Disney?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is located in Ko Olina on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Disney’s Aulani Resort We’ve shared some updates about this resort, including how guests can save on a stay there in 2022 and what restrictions are currently in place there. Now, we have some important updates about some weather that has recently impacted Hawaii, including the island where Aulani is located. According to USA Today, the governor of Hawaii, David Ige, declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Monday afternoon. This state of emergency is due to the serious storms that have impacted various Hawaiian islands recently. The National Weather Service Honolulu has posted a number of updates regarding the weather. Note that Honolulu is also on Oahu but is about 30-60 minutes away from where Aulani is located. Disney’s Aulani Resort According to the National Weather Service, a “strong kona low produced heavy rainfall December 5-6, 2021 that had major impacts throughout the state of Hawaii, including power outages, and damage to homes and vehicles.” The image in the tweet below shows the 2-day rainfall totals in inches. Aulani is located on Oahu, where various areas saw over 11 inches of rain over the past few days. According to The Weather Channel, the state of emergency is expected to last in Hawaii until at least Friday. In some areas of Hawaii, homes have been flooded, roads have been blocked by mudslides, and water and power has been knocked out all due to these storms. On December 6th, the Oahu Emergency Management Twitter account noted that a flash flood warning was in effect until 10:15PM. That warning was later lifted. It later noted that emergency shelters on Oahu were opened as part of the relief effort, and most recently shared how they are asking residents and businesses to report storm damages. Aulani ©Disney According to the New York Times, flash floods and heavy rains battered Hawaii over the past few days, but the “islands have largely been spared the landslides and catastrophic floods that officials had been concerned about.” The New York Times notes that the Kona low is a specific type of storm that “typically stalls, drops large amounts of rain in one location and comes from a southerly direction, bringing moisture to areas that do not usually get much rainfall.” Due to the location of the Hawaiian islands, it is rare for the Kona low to stall right over them. Adam Weintraub, a spokesman for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said that this was an “extreme weather event.” Hawaiian Sunset from Aulani The New York Times notes that “one of the most inundated parts of the state was Honolulu, which saw floods in urban areas that were caused in part by clogged drains.” The waters were reportedly “waist deep” in certain parts. At this moment, nothing about the storm has been noted on the website for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa or on its official social media accounts. We’ll be on the lookout for more updates. Click here to see 7 treats you can get at Aulani. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post News: State of Emergency Declared in Hawaii, Where Disney's Aulani Resort is Located first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World hotels aren’t your ONLY option when it comes to accommodations for your trip. Four Seasons Resort Orlando Four Seasons Resort Orlando is one of the many hotel options in Disney World that are NOT owned by Disney. This luxury spot is minutes away from the park and offers some pretty unique amenities like…a private fireworks dessert party!? As a part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Four Seasons Orlando is offering a Fireworks Glow Party to guests staying in park view guestrooms. ©Four Seasons Resort Orlando These rooms offer views of the fireworks from the Disney World parks and what better way to enjoy that view than with your own private celebration? ©Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World The offering features Disney-inspired desserts, glow-in-the-dark celebratory beverages, and party favors to enjoy while viewing the nighttime spectaculars from your furnished terrace. ©Four Seasons Resort Orlando If you’re staying in a park view room, this experience can be arranged through in-room dining. As always, keep an eye on DFB for the latest Disney updates! Click here to learn more about Four Seasons Orlando! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you like to do this party? Tell us in the comments! The post The Bizarre Way to Have a PRIVATE Fireworks Party in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The cruise industry’s increasing cadence continues to keep Port Canaveral activity climbing. View the full article

From celebrating one of life’s many milestones with friends to spontaneously spending a romantic weekend away with your partner, there are so many reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort for an adults-only vacation at your #HappyPlace. Here’s a list of must-do things now that you’re a grown-up! View the full article

Daniel “Duke” Brown spent years working in culinary arts, but he dreamed of going back to school and advancing his career. Today, thanks to the Disney Aspire program and Daniel’s hard work, he is making that dream come true. Daniel had already worked in fine dining restaurant kitchens when he hired into the Disneyland Resort […]View the full article

It’s the holiday season and you know what that means…it’s time for some holiday deals and sweepstakes! It’s the Holiday Season! We’ve already shared some details about the discounts being offered on shopDisney, and news about the D23 Season of Magic Sweepstakes. With both of these deals, the savings and offers can change daily. D23 has offered prize packs for Star Wars and Pixar fans, but now it’s time for the video game fans to shine! For today’s prize as part of the D23 Season of Magic Sweepstakes, D23 is giving away a special item for video game fans. If you enter the sweepstakes and win today’s prize, you could get the Disney Magical World 2 game for the Nintendo Switch for FREE. The game was actually just released in early December of 2021. ©D23 In the game, you get the chance to make a new home in an enchanted Disney world… ©Disney | Nintendo …hang out with Disney characters… ©Disney | Nintendo …craft furniture, unlock accessories, complete some epic quests, and more! ©Disney | Nintendo Sounds like a Disney fan’s virtual dream come true! To enter the sweepstakes for this prize, visit the D23 website. You’ll need to then sign into your D23 member account or (if you don’t have an account) sign up for a D23 membership account. Note that you do NOT need to be a paid D23 member to enter this sweepstakes. You can register for the free (general) D23 membership and still enter to win. ©Disney | Nintendo The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States or D.C. who are 18 or older. You can visit the D23 website for the full rules. If you don’t win this prize, don’t worry! More prizes are set to be announced through December 23rd, so stay tuned for all the latest updates. Click here to see what Disney items you could get at a discount right now! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever played a Disney video game? What is your favorite? The post Disney Video Game Fans: Act Fast for Your Chance to Win This FREE Prize first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s Genie launch day at Disneyland Resort! ©Disney The new planning system is making its debut in the Disneyland app today. Genie is a free planning tool used to help you create your best day in Disneyland. Also launching today is Disney Genie+, which is replacing MaxPass in Disneyland and costs $20 per day, per person. Genie+ will give you access to reservations for the Lightning Lanes (old MaxPass lanes) of several rides in the parks. There are also Individual Attraction Selections, which are high demand rides that you can pay for individually to use their Lightning Lanes. One of those rides is Rise of the Resistance, and we just found out the cost for opening day! The cost of the Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland Park is $20. This is the price on opening day, and remember that prices can change due to demand. ©Disney For comparison, the cost of the Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance in Disney World has remained at $15 since Genie launched in October. ©Disney So, if you have a family of 4 and want to get the Lightning Lane for Rise in Disneyland, you will be paying $80. Rise of the Resistance And, remember that Individual Lightning Lanes CAN sell out. We’ve seen it happen pretty often with Rise of the Resistance in Disney World, so make sure to grab it early if you want to guarantee you’ll get on the ride. ©Disney Also, Rise of the Resistance is the only Individual Attraction Selection in Disneyland Park, the others are either included with Genie+ or only have standby lines. The IAS rides in Disney California Adventure include Radiator Springs Racers and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. You can take a look at the full list of Genie+ and IAS rides here. Rise of the Resistance indoor queue We’ll be keeping you updated with how the first day of Disney Genie goes in Disneyland, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Click here to learn more about Disney Genie All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection READ THIS Before Using the New Genie Planning Tool in Disney World Check Out the FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World See What Rides You Can Pay EXTRA For in Disney World & How Much They’ll Cost Learn What Rides Are Included With Genie+ in Disneyland (Plus the Ones You’ll Pay EXTRA to Ride) You CAN’T Re-Ride Disney World Attractions With Genie+ You CAN’T Cancel Pay-Per-Ride Selections in Disney World Get the Answers to All of Your Burning Questions About Disney Genie See Why You’ll Want to Stay in a Disney World Hotel When it Comes to Disney’s Pay-Per-Ride System Here’s What Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders Need to Know About Genie+ See 5 Ways Genie+ Might Surprise You Learn About How Disney Genie Can Be Your Personal Assistant in Disney World Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think of this new system in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! The post It Could Cost a Family of 4 to Ride Rise of the Resistance in Disneyland😱 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are LOTS of hidden Mickeys all throughout the Disney World parks, resorts, and restaurants. Hidden Mickey! From ones that only pop up once a year to ones that are featured in jewelry collections, there are so many different ones to find. Recently, we stopped by one place in EPCOT and found a single item that contains SIX hidden Mickeys on it. Can you find them all? Over at the Art of Disney store in The American Adventure in EPCOT, you can find all kinds of amazing pieces from some seriously talented artists. Art of Disney You could spend lots of time here just looking at all of the pieces and seeing what artists are visiting for the day. So Much to See During a recent trip to this spot, we saw some artwork on display from talented Disney artist Nath McCullough. The piece is called Be Our Guest and it features (you guessed it) Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast front and center, in the main spotlight. Lumiere is surrounded by all kinds of beautiful colors, but hidden in the painting are not 1, not 2, not 3, but SIX different hidden Mickeys! Can you find them? Can You Find the Hidden Mickeys? SPOILER WARNING. If you want to search for them on your own, then you’ll want to scroll past this next part. But, if you’re ready to get a peek at the hidden Mickeys, here they are. There’s one in green near his arm… Hidden Mickey 1 …one in a light grey/blue color further down his arm… Hidden Mickey 2 …one in a teal color between two panels (you’ll find it toward the left-hand side of the painting… Hidden Mickey 3 …one in a darker blue near Lumiere’s face/eyebrow… Hidden Mickey 4 …one in a darker blue by his flame… Hidden Mickey 5 …and one in yellow underneath his left hand! Hidden Mickey 6 Just goes to show, when you’re in Disney World and you look at something, it’s worth it to look again and look a bit closer next time! So Neat! The artwork itself is being sold for $16,000. You Can Take It Home But, if you want a smaller and less expensive version, you can pick up a print for $49.95! More Affordable But Still Adorable Fun fact: Nath McCullough (the artist of that piece) is actually married to Greg McCullough, another extremely talented artist that has done quite a bit of work for Disney. You might just find a few hidden Mickeys in his work too! When we were in EPCOT, Greg McCullough was actually there signing and greeting guests. Greg Was Saying “Hello” to Guests If you’re a fan of art or are looking for a really unique gift for someone, a piece of artwork or just a print from one of these talented individuals could be an awesome find. Plus, who wouldn’t love to say they’ve got hidden Mickeys in their home?! Next time you’re in EPCOT, be sure to stop by the Art of Disney store in The American Adventure to see what cool things you find. And, as always, stay tuned for more Disney news! Blink and you’ll miss this hidden Mickey in Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! Click here to see where it is! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What is your favorite hidden Mickey in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post How YOU Could Bring 6 Hidden Mickeys Home from Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The holiday shopping season is in full force, and we’re constantly on the lookout for great deals on Disney merchandise! This is a great time of year to show the Disney fan in your life (maybe that someone is YOU!) just how special they are with a thoughtful gift or two! The holidays are here! We were browsing Amazon today and came across some great items (including a lot of neat board games) that are on sale right now! Be sure to shop these deals fast before the items return to full price! First up is a 5 Second Rule Disney Edition! It takes the classic 5 Second Rule game where players try to guess three items in a certain category in just five seconds — with a Disney twist! © Amazon Lots of people claim to know the most about Disney in their family, but can you guess quicker than everyone else? The game is available on Amazon for $17.49; grab this as a gift to the entire family to find out! Click here to shop for 5 Second Rule Disney Edition! Ready for the ultimate dream castle for all of your dolls? Check out this Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle! It comes in at 4 feet high, with all of the furniture included! And, like any true Disney castle, it has its own fireworks show with music. © Amazon This castle playset is available on Amazon for $98. Note that the dolls pictured are NOT included. Click here to shop for the Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle! The Disney Parks fan on your holiday shopping list may love this Funko Disney It’s a Small World Game. It includes a colorful board and card set inspired by the beloved attraction, “it’s a small world,” and players journey from room to room, just like the ride itself! © Amazon This board game is available on Amazon for $18.99. Click here to shop for the Funko Disney It’s a Small World Game! Looking for a holiday gift that’s a little more on the “subtle” side? Perhaps for that one person on your list that you can’t think of what to give? How about this JoyJolt x Disney ‘Aroma’ Disney Mickey and Pluto Glass Cups Set! It comes with two double-wall espresso glasses, each one with a simple line design of Mickey Mouse and Pluto! © Amazon Your special someone on your holiday shopping list will think of you every time they pour their morning cup of coffee! It’s available on Amazon for $23.95. Click here to purchase the JoyJolt x Disney ‘Aroma’ Disney Mickey and Pluto Glass Cups Set Speaking of Disney Parks-inspired board games, we also found this Ravensburger Disney Jungle Cruise Adventure Game! According to the description, the game has great replay value, ensuring you’ll have endless family game nights! © Amazon You can find this “voyage of mystery and ‘mis’fortune” on Amazon for $29.99. Click here to shop for the Ravensburger Disney Jungle Cruise Adventure Game! Want to create your very own unique Disney Princess Cupcake? We sure do! The Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party Game gives players the opportunity to mix and match game pieces to create their princess cupcakes in time for the party! © Amazon This colorful Princess game is available on Amazon for $16.99. Click here to shop for the Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party Game! If you’re looking for a new insulated cooler bag to carry your perishable foods to a holiday party, you may be interested in this Disney Classics Mickey and Minnie Mouse Topanga Insulated Cooler Bag! © Amazon You can choose between a Mickey or Minnie Mouse design on Amazon for $34.43. Click here to shop for the Disney Classics Mickey and Minnie Mouse Topanga Insulated Cooler Bag Be sure to follow along for more of the latest Amazon finds! We’re always on the lookout for the next big sale, especially during the holiday shopping season. Click here to read about a $700 (!!!) party happening in Disney World soon! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you planning a Disney World vacation for 2022? Let us know in the comments! The post Don’t Miss These 7 Disney Deals on Amazon! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Genie launched in Disney World a few months ago and now the service has made it to Disneyland Resort. The new system offers free services that help you plan your day and paid services that let you skip the standby lines for popular attractions (Genie+). Rise of the Resistance The price of Genie+ includes Lightning Lane access for many of the rides at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, but there are a few Individual Attraction Selections that are priced separately. Now, we know just how much you’ll pay to skip the lines at these rides! Individual Attraction Selections are high-demand rides that have a separate Lightning Lane fee. You can book these lines whether you have Genie+ for the day or not. WEB SLINGERS Disney Genie is LIVE in Disneyland today, so we now know the prices for these POPULAR rides. Here’s a look at how much you’ll pay to skip the lines with the Individual Attraction Selections: Disneyland Park Rise of the Resistance — $20 per person ©Disney Disney California Adventure Radiator Springs Racers — $7 per person WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure — $7 per person ©Disney Keep in mind that the prices for each ride may change based on the time of year it is and the demand — think of it like surge pricing with Uber. We’ll be keeping an eye on the prices to see how they change. ©Disney For Individual Attraction Selection, you can purchase and make these selections upon entering the theme park. You can buy a maximum of 2 pay-per-ride selections per day. Cars Land We have found that you cannot modify your reservations for these rides once you’ve made them in Disney World. The same may be true for these reservations in Disneyland. Rise of the Resistance If you don’t want to pay to skip the line of these rides, standby lines are still available! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney Genie news and updates! Click here to learn more about Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selections! All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection READ THIS Before Using the New Genie Planning Tool in Disney World Check Out the FULL List of Rides Included With Genie+ in Disney World See What Rides You Can Pay EXTRA For in Disney World & How Much They’ll Cost Learn What Rides Are Included With Genie+ in Disneyland (Plus the Ones You’ll Pay EXTRA to Ride) You CAN’T Re-Ride Disney World Attractions With Genie+ You CAN’T Cancel Pay-Per-Ride Selections in Disney World Get the Answers to All of Your Burning Questions About Disney Genie See Why You’ll Want to Stay in a Disney World Hotel When it Comes to Disney’s Pay-Per-Ride System Here’s What Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders Need to Know About Genie+ See 5 Ways Genie+ Might Surprise You Learn About How Disney Genie Can Be Your Personal Assistant in Disney World Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think of this pricing? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: PRICES Revealed For Pay-Per-Ride Attractions in Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to Walt Disney World resort hotels, size and location do matter! CBR Pool Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers convenient transportation to the parks, a very cool pool, but are tropical island vibes and a sprawling resort what you want on your Disney vacation? Check out our video below Should YOU Stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort? 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! Watch the video and let us know your favorite Disney World hotel! The post DFB VIdeo: Should YOU Stay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed for a LONG time as the construction of the new TRON attraction continues in Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom Recently, we got some updates on just what’s been going on with the railroad while it has been closed, and now we have some more exciting railroad news! According to Scott Gustin on Twitter, testing of the Walt Disney World Railroad is set to begin today, December 8th. Gustin notes that this testing is part of the refurbishment of the Railroad overall. Gustin also shares that the train itself won’t reopen to guests until the construction of the new TRON attraction allows. The Walt Disney Railroad While it still might be a while before fans can board the railroad again, it is exciting to hear that some testing may take place soon as part of the overall refurbishment. Walt Disney Railroad Steam Train “In Residence” at Main Street, U.S.A. Station | 2018 As we mentioned above, Disney recently shared an update about the railroad and noted that the Number 1 Engine on the train has been completely refurbished while the railroad has been down. The train looks great! An official opening date for the railroad has not yet been announced. An opening date also has not been announced for the TRON attraction. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find! Click here to see what rid will CLOSE for a brief refurbishment in Disney World soon! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you a fan of the Walt Disney World railroad? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Walt Disney World Railroad Reportedly Set to Begin Testing Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has a TON of merchandise you can buy during your vacation! Need some new Disney merch? Stores have everything from clothes to toys to Christmas ornaments. And, while we love doing some shopping when we’re in the parks or at Disney Springs, we don’t love the long checkout lines that are pretty common. Luckily, Disney has introduced a new Mobile Merchandise Checkout system at a few stores, and the system was just added in another location! Mobile Merchandise Checkout is now available at Mickey’s of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Have you tried this new system yet? We saw the signs scattered around the store today. It’s super simple! Mobile Merchandise Checkout allows you to pay for your items through your phone using the My Disney Experience app. Just scan the QR code located on the signs for Mobile Checkout. This will open up My Disney Experience and allow you to scan the barcode of your items. A new way to checkout Then, complete your purchase in the app and place your items in the bags that should be located near the Mobile Merchandise Checkout locations. The final step is to show your confirmation QR code to a Cast Member at the designated exits in the store. They can also cut off any security tags at these stations. Exit Spot This system can save you a lot of time when the stores are really busy! We hope to see it in even more locations moving forward. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates. Click here to see where else Mobile Checkout is available in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you tried using Mobile Checkout yet? Let us know in the comments! The post How Your Phone Can Help You Skip a Merchandise Line in Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Book of Boba Fett arrives on Disney+ THIS MONTH. ©Disney The new show features Temuera Morrison reprising his role as the iconic Star Wars bounty hunter. We’ve already seen a trailer for the show and now, you can snag a collectible to commemorate it! One of Disney’s collectible souvenir series is the set of Disney collectible keys! We’ve seen collectible keys themed for Winnie the Pooh, Marvel, Fantasia, and more! Now, Disney has come out with a Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett Collectible Key! ©Disney The key features the show’s official logo plus Boba Fett-inspired art! Collectors might also be excited to see that it comes in a commemorative window display box. ©Disney The key is $12.99 and available RIGHT NOW on shopDisney! We’re SO excited to see the show when it drops on December 29th. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney updates! Click here to buy the Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett Collectible Key! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you excited about the new Disney+ show? Tell us in the comments! The post A NEW Star Wars Collectible Celebrates Disney+'s 'The Book of Boba Fett!' first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the most magical time of the year at Disney Parks. Music fills every corner, lights are twinkling everywhere you look, and there’s even new Disney holiday bling to adorn your ears! The new Disney x BaubleBar Holiday collection is now available at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and coming soon to shopDisney.com!View the full article

Hotel profitability dropped nationwide in October, with Orlando feeling the loss of business travel, according to new reports by hotel analysts STR. View the full article

Walt Disney World Railroad, which rings Magic Kingdom, has been closed for three years. Testing of locomotives and new rail is beginning. View the full article The Walt Disney World Railroad eventually will skirt Tron Lightcycle Power Run ride that's currently under construction at Magic Kingdom. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) The Walt Disney World Railroad has been silent for years. The railway that rings Magic Kingdom theme park has been closed since December 2018, thanks to construction on the Tron ride in Tomorrowland. But park visitors will start seeing and hearing signs of the engines’ return soon. Disney isn’t ready to holler “all aboard” for guests yet. But the park plans to start using a steam locomotive along select segments of the new track Wednesday, Disney confirmed. A return-to-service date for the public has not been announced. Cast members have used the extended downtime for repairs, maintenance and refurbishment on the attraction, which debuted on the theme park’s opening day in 1971. “We’re doing a lot of things that either haven’t been done since Walt Disney World opened, or just kind of really revolutionary things,” said Greg Kelsaris, a project planner with the facility asset management department at WDW. That goes from the rail to the roof of the locomotives, which are more than 90 years old. “It was the first time that we actually took everything apart for the railroad. And we’re able to say, ‘OK, we have everything down to the bare bones. What can we do to either improve the guest experience with the ride, or bring it back to where it was, kind of, in the ‘70s when it first started?’” Kelsaris said. Among the updates: The wooden railroad ties are being replaced with composite ties. “The wooden railroad ties had about a three- to five-year life span,” Kelsaris said. For composites, the life span is about 25 years, he said. A file photo shows the train at the Frontierland Station at Magic Kingdom. The railroad is an original attraction to the theme park, debuting Oct. 1, 1971. (Walt Disney Co. / Courtesy photo) The path of the track has had minor changes, Kelsaris said. “Here and there, it’s moved a few inches up and down, left and right,” he said. “What we’re looking to test is basically the elevation of the track to make sure the grading is correct … and kind of do all the adjustments that we’ll need to do before we open to guests again,” Kelsaris said. The entire track is not ready for testing yet, he said. Magic Kingdom visitors may soon see the recently refurbished Walter E. Disney locomotive go through its paces on segments of the rail. The railroad has been shut for 3 years. (Walt Disney Co. / Courtesy photo) The locomotive dubbed the Walter E. Disney will be used for the testing. That engine finished its refurbishment while the railway was closed last year. The locomotives project started with Lilly Belle, named for Walt’s wife, in 2010. Next up for rehab will be the Roy O. Disney locomotive, followed by the Roger E. Broggie, named for the transportation specialist (and official Disney Legend), who started working for Disney in 1939. “That kind of rebuild process hasn’t really been done since park opening,” Kelsaris said. “It’s really incredible to return them to their glory and, honestly, improve some things on them.” The locomotives were purchased in Mexico by Disney in the 1960s and refurbished for an 1880s feel. “We really took the time to go through each part and say, ‘Hey, should we improve this? Is it good where it is? Should we replace it?’” Kelsaris said. The park’s train stations in Frontierland, Fantasyland and near the entrance on Main Street will remain the same. Major changes aren’t expected from the testing. “It’s really just the get run time on the locomotives and the train because we’ve only been able to use them in our roundhouse, back of house area,” Kelsaris said. “It’s just nice to kind of get the wheels turning.” Dewayne Bevil Orlando Sentinel

A lot can change in 50 years! With Disney World celebrating its 50th anniversary, we’ve been feeling nostalgic and looking back at old times, and we’re constantly surprised by just how MUCH is different in the Most Magical Place on Earth these days! Cinderella Castle From bygone rides and restaurants to new parks, new hotels, and new attractions, Disney World looks very different than it did in 1971. Oh and let’s not forget the MAJOR change in prices! Some of these “how it started, how it’s goings” might really surprise you! One of the biggest and most visible changes over the past 50 years in Disney World is the EPIC change in cost. Granted, much of that comes with inevitable inflation, but it’s also the ever-increasing uptick in prices! This used to be MUCH more affordable Certainly, you get what you pay for though. The increase in cost also comes with major advances in technology since 1971, which means cooler rides, more unique details, and more immersive experiences. For kicks and giggles, let’s look back and compare prices from 1971 to 2021! What a difference 50 years makes! Cost of Admission Brace yourself for this shock, because the cost of admission in 1971 was a whopping $3.50 for adults (that’s about $24 today) and just $1 for children (a whole $7 now!). Magic Kingdom Ticketing and Transportation Center PLUS, to ride the rides, you needed to purchase a ticket to ride each attraction. Tickets were sold individually or in books (more on this below!). A standard 7 Adventure Book cost $4.50 and came with 7 tickets of varying value. Combined, with inflation today, that would be about $53 bucks for both. That’s still MUCH cheaper than the actual cost of admission today, which is $109 at the CHEAPEST. Paying For Rides A La Carte One of the biggest changes since 1971 is how guests PAID for the attractions they wanted to ride. Jungle Cruise Back on opening day in Magic Kingdom, visitors had to pay for rides a la carte for additional fees. (Gee! Sounds…kinda…familiar, huh?) Or they could buy Adventure Books, as we mentioned, which bundled tickets with different ride options. In 1971, these were $4.50 for adults, and got you 7 tickets of different levels of rides. Additional tickets cost anywhere from 10 cents to 90 cents for adults. The most popular rides were E-tickets, costing 90 cents. The Haunted Mansion If we compare that to the most popular rides of today — meaning the ones you now have to pay per person to skip the stand-by queue, that would mean the likes of Rise of the Resistance, which is currently valued at $15 per person. That 90 cents back then would be about $6.50 today. Uhh…try doubling that and you’ll be closer to the current price! Parking One of the most obvious ways that Disney makes more money is via parking fees, which have also seen a pretty huge change over the last 50 years! Get ready to pay In 1971, the cost for all-day parking was a scant $0.50 cents! Today, the cost for all-day standard parking is $25. Oof! You could have parked for 50 DAYS straight at the ’71 rate before you’d hit ONE day today! Guess what’s coming back?! THE PARKING TRAMS! Learn more here! Room Rates Wondering how much it cost to spend the night in Disney World back in 1971? Disney’s Contemporary Resort To give you an idea, let’s look at one of the three resort options at the time (Contemporary and Polynesian Village opened with Disney World on opening day. Fort Wilderness opened shortly after!). Room rates at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in 1971 were between $28-44 per night. Contemporary Guest Room Today, room rates at the same hotel usually START at $600 and go up from there! Check out the Incredibles-themed room makeovers at Contemporary HERE! Menu Items Though restaurants have changed dramatically since 1971 in Disney World, let’s pop open the time capsule and look at one of the OG Magic Kingdom restaurants to compare menu prices to today. Tony’s Town Square One of the opening day restaurants was Town Square Cafe, which has since been rebranded as Tony’s Town Square. In 1971, the cost for basic drinks like milk, coffee, hot tea, soft drinks, or iced tea was just $0.15-0.35 cents! Today, those same bevs go for $2.59-4.79! Expensive Latte For appetizers, bygone starters like chicken soup and seafood cocktail went for a mere $0.50-1.25, whereas today’s appetizers like Seasonal Soup, Fried Mozzarella, and Caprese Salad will cost you more like $9-12. Caprese Salad On the salad section, 1971 items like Seafood Louie and Chicken Salad Theodore cost $2.50-2.75, which has since skyrocketed to $12-18 for Caesar Salad or an Appetizer Garden Salad. Among the entrees, former options like Wieners a la Oscar (what is this!), Chopped Steak, and Crepes Jambalaya ranged from $1.15 to $2.60. Today, however, plates like Pizza Pie, Spaghetti, and Chicken Parmigiana will set you back $19-34! Pricey pasta! Time for dessert! If you were ordering Bananas Foster or Cheesecake in 1971, it would have cost you $0.50-60 cents, but if you’re opting for Gelato, Italian Strawberry Shortcake, or Tiramisu today, it’ll be $7-9. Italian Strawberry Shortcake So overall, a comparable meal in 1971 could have cost you $7.55 on the absolute HIGH end (about $50 bucks with inflation today), while a similar feast in 2021 would go for the CONSIDERABLY more expensive fee of $77.79! See what is on the menu at Tony’s Town Square today by clicking here! Recreation Got some downtime at your Disney resort? Back in the day, if you were looking to hone your inner Merida at the Fort Wilderness archery range, it would have cost $1 for 60 arrows. Archery Today? More like a base fee of $45. These cost more today fyi If golf is more your speed, the green fee in 1971 was $10, while today’s green fee ranges from $29-35, which actually doesn’t seem THAT bad compared to the other price changes! Check out a returning guest favorite at Fort Wilderness here! Airfare One huge component of a Disney World vacation, of course, starts and ends with airfare. Just like Disney World, the airline industry has changed pretty significantly over the past 50 years — and by “changed,” we mean “got more expensive.” The Plane The average domestic airline fare in 1971 was $46.87, which adjusted for inflation would be about $310 today. View from the plane. Not cheap! Today, the cost of a flight varies wildly, but you’d be lucky to snag airfare to Orlando for under $200, with prices increasing as high as $500-plus! Though about 300 bucks seems pretty on-par with what we’d expect today. A Week in Disney in 1971 vs. A Week in Disney in 2021 Factoring in ALL this data and ALL these major price changes, let’s look at what a week’s vacation in 1971 would have cost compared to a week’s vacation today! Even the candy is much more expensive Assuming you were paying for parking and partaking in recreational activities and staying on-property, the cost for a Disney-tastic seven-day trip in 1971 could have cost $24.50 for admission, plus $40.25 for Adventure Books. Ticketing Parking would have been $3.50 for the week, and seven days at Disney’s Contemporary Resort could have been about $280. About to park Assuming you were enjoying a couple full meals a day in Disney World (we’re averaging here with those menu prices we do know!), that could have tallied up to around $105 for the week. Tony’s Town Square You probably only need a round or two of golf and/or archery, (sub in another recreational activity today if that’s not your jam!) so that would have been just $11, and then airfare to experience it all would be $46.87, adding up to a grand vacation total of $511.12! Not too bad, right?! Beautiful! Not when you compare those same experiences to 2021! Assuming you’re not doing any Park Hopper or water park upgrades, that’ll cost you about $68 per day (the more days you stay, the lower the daily rate goes), for a total of $476. Adventureland Parking would set you back $175, and a room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a week could be as staggering as $5,465.25 on the LOW end! The Balcony Views Will Cost Ya If you were dining out at the same rate, that could be around $544.53! Even More Expensive If You Eat This Chocolate Cake For a little recreation, that could add on $80 or so, and then tack on $200 for airfare if you’re LUCKY. Golf carts So…the grand total for a week-long (and admittedly lavish) Disney World vacation in 2021 would be more like $6,940.78. That’s QUITE a far cry from the $511.12 we’d be spending 50 years ago! And this is just for ONE PERSON! If we look at inflation, that $511 would be the equivalent of about $3,388 today. So how much has the cost to visit Disney World increased overall?? Well, if that full sample trip is any indication, on top of inflation, Disney has about doubled the cost to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth over the last 50 years. Wow! Worth it As you can see, a LOT has changed since 1971, which has us wistful for olden day prices…and suddenly craving what Wieners a la Oscar is! Thanks to Orlando Sentinal for their article with lots of the 1971 price info we shared here! Stay tuned for all the latest and greatest Disney World news! ALL The Treats Coming to Disney World For The 50th Anniversary Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! How expensive do you think Disney World will be in another 50 years? Let us know in the comments! The post HOW MUCH Have Prices Gone Up Since Disney World First Opened?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s the holiday season is at Disney World, which means it’s the most festive time of the year to visit! The parks and hotels are decorated and the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is happening! And, the 50th anniversary celebration is happening right now too! This means today is the perfect time to plan your next trip — and we have details on some great DEALS and DISCOUNTS! Cinderella Castle Christmas Today our friends at Small World Vacations have compiled all of the current Walt Disney World discounts for DFB readers — and they’re great if you’re planning to visit during the upcoming holiday season. Keep Reading for all the Disney World Deals The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your vacation 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. Current Walt Disney World Deals and Discounts Disney Visa Cardholder Offer Disney Visa cardholders can save up to 20% off rooms at select Disney World hotels from December 12 through December 24, 2021. Disney’s Riviera Resort Please note that a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card must be used to pay the deposit. The Disney Visa Cardholder associated with the reservation must stay in the room. Click here for more details on the Disney Visa Cardholder offer! Florida Resident Offers Florida Residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for most nights from December 12th through December 24th! Click here for more details on the Florida resident holiday offer. Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree And, Florida residents can also save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney World hotels from January 2 through March 10, 2022! Click here for details on the early 2022 Florida resident offer! Annual Passholder Offers Annual Passholders can save up to 25% on hotel rooms this holiday season, including stays most nights from December 12th-December 24th. Click here to see more about this Annual Passholder holiday deal. Christmas at the Grand Floridian And, Passholders can also save up to 25% on hotel rooms at select Disney World hotels from January 2 through March 10, 2022. Click here to check out the early 2022 deal for Annual Passholders 2021 Military Offers Members of the U.S. military can take advantage of great rates on rooms most nights through December 17, 2021. Tree of Life A 4-day ticket is $265, a 5-day ticket is $283, and a 6-day ticket is $301 (tax not included). Click Here for More Details on the 2021 Military Offer Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. It’s the Christmas season! Let the agents at Small World Vacations compare discounts to find the best possible savings for YOU! When you feel ready to start planning your next Disney Vacation, Small World Vacation is happy to assist you with pricing and guidance. And there is no charge for their expertise and firsthand knowledge. You have questions…they have answers! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! The agents at Small World Vacations know what you need to know before you go. Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png 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. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Exclusive Small World Vacations Limited Time Offer Considering booking a Disney World trip? If you want to save time and money, you definitely want to book with a Small World Vacations travel agent. And now is the perfect time! Small World Vacations has an exciting offer for DFB readers in DECEMBER! Book a new Walt Disney World Vacation valued at $3800 or more and get one digital Disney Gift Card valued at $25.00. Offer valid on bookings with code DFB1221 made with Small World Vacations from December 8 through December 31, 2021. Check-in between January 1, 2022 to March 10, 2022. Previously booked reservations are not eligible. Void if the reservation is canceled or modified to non-eligible prices or dates. No cash value. (While supplies last. Substitutions may be necessary.) Get a quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation and let us know that DFB sent you. Include code DFB 1221. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. If you are ready to begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation, simply fill out Small World Vacations’ no-obligation quote form! Small World Vacations is happy to share over 23 years of Disney expertise and extensive experience with My Disney Experience, discounts, dining reservations, and FastPass+ so you can sit back, relax and enjoy some Disney Magic! Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, the Disney Food Blog Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World valued at $19.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png 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. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! We know what you need to know before you go. We’re Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (that’s the highest level, ranked by Disney!) who have been there, done that, and are going back. Learn how we can help you and what our guests are saying about us: “I am a very hands-on type of person and I’ve always planned our vacations. I decided this time to give Small World Vacations a try. Best thing I could have done. My agent was able to handle the booking part, which is the tedious part of the planning. Then she was able to get me free dining for my trip, which saved me a ton of money. She answered all my questions very promptly as well.” If you are ready to begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation, simply fill out the Small World Vacations no obligation quote form! Small World Vacations is happy to share over 23 years of Disney expertise and firsthand experience with My Disney Experience, discounts, dining reservations, and FastPass+ so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some Disney Magic! 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 http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg The post It's Time to Book Your Next Disney World Vacation! SAVE With These Offers! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World at 50: Three original cast members recall dedication day encounters with Disney family and more from 1971. View the full article Peggie Fariss (from left), Debby Dane Browne and George A. Kalogridis pose after a group interview at Destination D23 event at the Contemporary in November. The trio were all cast members at Disney World's opening day in 1971 and all three were working at the Contemporary at one point early in their Disney careers. (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel) A trio of 1971 cast members recently gathered for a panel about the early days of Walt Disney World during the Destination D23 event at the Contemporary. During a backstage press conference, they each shared a little about their experiences on dedication day for Magic Kingdom. That was Oct. 25, 1971, and not to be confused with the resort’s opening day of Oct. 1. The dedication had more star power and more Disney family members on property. · Debby Dane Browne was the first Walt Disney World ambassador, and among her official duties during the dedication was accompanying Lillian Disney, Walt’s widow, in a car up Main Street. “I remember my ride with Miss Lillian as the No. 1 sweet memory that I had that day, and right behind that would have been more [Walt’s brother] Roy’s dedication,” Browne said. “It was very emotional to me. And the fact that he needed Mickey out there, to stand with him to be as close to Walt was a beautiful thing.” On Oct. 25, 1971, Roy O. Disney, older brother of Walt, dedicated Magic Kingdom and declared that it would be known as Walt Disney World in his brother's honor. User Upload Caption: (File / Orlando Sentinel) · Peggie Fariss was a transplant from Disneyland and eventually became an Imagineer. Her credits include being show producer for Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. On opening day, she led a team of guest-services workers at the Polynesian and the Contemporary. But she spent her day stranded in her office because she lent her shoes to a cast member who forgot hers. “So the good news was dedication weekend, I was actually able to go up to the train station. Gary Krueger was the photographer taking those masterful shots down Main Street, and I was able to assist people to find their seats in the in the viewing stand,” Farris said. George A. Kalogridis was a server at the Contemporary, but that was the beginning of his Disney career, which has included a stint as president of Walt Disney World. He currently is president of segment development and enrichment for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, leader of Disney Institute and National Geographic Live businesses and global ambassador for Disney World’s 50th anniversary. “I was a server in what was called the Grand Canyon dining room at the time,” said Kalogridis, who had already been promoted from busser. “Roy brought all of the grandchildren here. I was the server for he and all of the grandchildren, and they had one big table. I can remember right where it was, up against the window. And so, you know, at the time, you’re 17, you don’t really know. … I mean, all of this is happening around you. It’s just a whirlwind. But years later, I realized, you know, my gosh, it was just such an important moment. So I’m very fortunate.” Dewayne Bevil Orlando Sentinel

We’re less than three months away from the grand opening of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Disney World! This highly-anticipated “hotel” takes guests to a galaxy far, far away for a two-night immersive experience unlike anything we’ve seen at Disney World! Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser A big component of the Galactic Starcruiser experience appears to be the one-of-a-kind character interactions guests will be able to have. In fact, guests themselves can assume the role of their own character, whether that’s to join the rebel alliance or to join forces with the First Order. Entertainment Weekly has unveiled a brand-new character in the Star Wars universe that will make their debut with Galactic Starcruiser: Captain Keevan. Charismatic, respected and trustworthy, Captain Keevan leads voyages aboard Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the first-of-its-kind experience debuting March 1, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The two-night immersive adventure invites guests to be the heroes of their own stories in a galaxy far, far away, where they see, feel and live Star Wars in a way that goes beyond anything Disney has created before. (David Roark, photographer) Captain Keevan is the ship’s leader and will escort guests on their two-night journey, which includes an excursion to Batuu, a night of live entertainment, and, according to Entertainment Weekly, “interconnected stories for multiple endings.” Bridge control systems aboard the Galactic Starcruiser ©Disney Imagineering executive Scott Trowbridge hinted a little more as to the exact role Captain Keevan will play, noting that “We’ll learn a lot more about her and her role in some pretty iconic moments in Star Wars history,” and points out that while Keevan may exude “professionalism second to none…there may be more to her than meets the eye.” Oooh. Sounds like we may have to keep an eye on this captain! Captain’s Table at Galactic Starcruiser ©Disney As much as we would love to hear a deeper backstory on Captain Keevan, we may have to wait until Galactic Starcruiser embarks on its maiden voyage on March 1st to get the full scoop!. In the meantime, be sure to follow along for more of the latest updates as we lead up to the opening of this one-of-a-kind “hotel.” Click here to read more about how YOUR actions aboard Galactic Starcruiser could affect the entire ship! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder Your Copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to preorder your copy of the 2022 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2022 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2022 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you planning on making a reservation for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser? Let us know in the comments! The post Meet One of the NEW Characters Featured in Disney World’s Galactic Starcruiser Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article