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Disney4me

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  1. Universal Orlando recently revealed this year’s dates for Halloween Horror Nights. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights However, if you’re planning on attending Halloween Horror Nights, there are some basic rules you need to know about before you buy that ticket and enter the event. We’re going to outline those rules for you so you’ll know what to expect from Halloween Horror Nights in 2026. Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticketed event that happens on select nights from August 28th through November 1st at Universal Studios Florida. It features walkthrough haunted houses, scare zones, special entertainment, special snacks, and access to the rides in Universal Studios Florida. This year’s theme is Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, hosted by Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, who will also star in a brand new haunted house, Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control. Scare Zone at Halloween Horror Nights However, if you plan to attend this popular event, you’ll need to be aware of the rules. We’re going to outline those below: Event occurs rain or shine Pack that poncho because Halloween Horror Nights will go on regardless of the weather. If you have a ticket for a night it’s raining, you cannot get a refund for it or switch it to another night. This is important to keep in mind because so much of this event happens outdoors. The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane in 2026 Note that scare actors might still seek shelter if lightning has been reported in the area, but most haunted houses will be operating normally even during storms. Prepare for the weather, and you’ll be fine. You may also find shorter lines for attractions when the weather is rainy, too, so embrace it! Parking is free, but only after midnight Parking is usually free at Universal if you park after 6 PM, but this is not the case on Halloween Horror Nights. You’ll be charged for parking up until midnight. However, after midnight, parking is free. Parking at Universal is not free on Halloween Horror Nights until after midnight So be sure to add parking costs into your budget, unless you’re planning to visit Halloween Horror Nights much later in the evening. If you do that, though, you’ll miss out on most of the event’s offerings. No costumes or costume masks allowed Unlike Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World, you are not allowed to wear a costume of any kind — or a costume mask — at Halloween Horror Nights. This makes sense as Universal doesn’t want other visitors to confuse you with scare actors. Torture Faire Scare Zone in 2024 However, there are two nights you can break this rule: on Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Night, which happens on August 27th and October 19th. Costumes are allowed on those two nights, although costume masks are still prohibited. Other costume rules may also apply, so make sure you look over Universal’s rules about costumes on these nights before you attend. There is a dress code That’s not the only thing you can’t wear to Halloween Horror Nights, though. You must wear shirts and shoes at all times, and your clothing can’t contain anything that has inciting or offensive language or content. Anything inappropriate for a family environment is prohibited. Be prepared to be SCARED! You also can’t wear clothing that represents you as emergency personnel or a Universal Team Member. Again, costume masks are also not permitted, or anything with a long veil or train. No smoking As you may know, Universal does not allow smoking at all during the day or during Halloween Horror Nights, except in designated locations. Note, though, that there is only one smoking area at Universal Studios Florida. HHN 2024 Tribute Store You’ll find the designated smoking area near the park exit if you want to smoke, and this is the ONLY place you can do so. This also includes vaping. Prohibited Items Some items are completely prohibited from Halloween Horror Nights, so make sure you don’t have anything that Universal personnel would consider “inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful.” HamiKuma Popcorn Bucket! The following items are prohibited at Halloween Horror Nights: explosives, weapons, items that can be used as or has the appearance of a weapon, alcohol or drinks containing alcohol, marijuana or any item containing cannabis or related paraphernalia, illegal items, power driven or radio frequency-controlled devices (unless used as a mobility device), outside food or beverages (except items include bottled water (2 liters per guest max), any food required for medical purposes, medically indicated nutritional supplements, or for special dietary needs, and baby food/baby formula), coolers (only soft-sided cooler smaller than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep are permitted), glass, suitcases/Bags with wheels, and folding chairs. Prohibited Activities Likewise, certain activities are also prohibited during Halloween Horror Nights. This includes things like picketing, line jumping, disorderly conduct, physically or verbally threatening or harassing anyone, wearing improper attire, smoking outside of a designated area, possession of any weapon, and not securing selfie sticks on attractions. Nightmare Fuel Circus of Decay Universal wants everyone to have a good time at its event, so you’re not allowed to indulge in certain kinds of behaviors during Halloween Horror Nights. Age restriction There is no specific age restriction for those who can attend Halloween Horror Nights, but Universal highly recommends that anyone under the age of 13 and under not attend because it may be too intense for children. This is also why there are no special tickets for children for the event. Mr. Cupcake at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, an example of the event’s unique treat offerings from the 2025 event. Halloween Horror Nights can even be intense for adults, so for children who are older than 13, you may need to use your best judgment about what they can handle. No flash photography Although you may take photos during your evening at Halloween Horror Nights, flash photography is strictly prohibited inside haunted houses. You should also be mindful of using flash photography around scare actors, especially at night, because it can affect their vision. Welcome to the SCARE ZONE! Note that some haunted houses may have different rules and not allow any kind of photography or videography at all. You should see signs at those houses noting the rules. Halloween Horror Nights is a fun activity that will have you screaming, laughing, and shouting for more. As long as you adhere to the rules and pay attention to Universal Team Members, you’re bound to have a good time without any issues. We’ll keep an eye out for more Universal and Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything You Need To Know About 2026 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be attending Halloween Horror Nights this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is known for many things — fantastic theming in Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, for one, as well as being home to one of the most beloved nighttime shows on property, but it’s not really known for its food as much as other parks with their iconic snacks. A giant pretzel in Hollywood Studios? Is it worth the cost? Now, listen, will you find something to eat? Yes, especially if you’re a pickier eater, but if you want a meal, or even a snack, that’s going to really impress you, they’re few and far between in this park. However, one of our favorite spots to stop for a drink, especially before seeing Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, is Baseline Tap House. While they have a fantastic beer selection, is it worth a stop for a quick snack and a non-alcoholic drink? Let’s check it out! Baseline Tap House is located on Grand Avenue, and it pays homage to Figueroa Printing Company, the mom-and-pop print house that once enjoyed a flourishing partnership with Disney Studios. Previously, this spot was known as Writer’s Stop and was a bookstore/coffee house, and while members of our team really miss that version of the spot, we do love what it is now, too. BaseLine Tap House This is a full bar, so you can chat with the bartenders and ask them politely to make you something special, or something that may not be on the menu, but there are also a few non-alcoholic drink options here, as well as some bites to snack on. Beer on tap We started by grabbing the Wild Strawberry Lemonade for $6.29, which is made with Minute Maid Lemonade. As you may be able to guess, this was your classic strawberry lemonade, similar to what you can buy at the store. It wasn’t anything super special, and it was more on the sweet side rather than a mix of sweet and sour with the lemon flavor, so while it was refreshing for a hot day, if you don’t like overly sweet drinks, this may not be for you. Wild Strawberry Lemonade To eat, we snagged the Bavarian Pretzel with Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mustard for $12. While we do feel the pretzel itself could have used a little more flavor, the cheese and mustard really helped to elevate the flavor. Bavarian Pretzel The cheese was incredibly creamy, and the mustard had both a heat and a strong, tangy flavor. The pretzel is a little dry without them, though we did appreciate that it was softer than a Mickey pretzel (which we feel is an upgrade). Again, is it anything special? The pretzel itself, no, but if you love cheese and mustard, it may be worth grabbing! Cheese Fondue Looking for more recent reviews around Disney World? Tell us in the comments! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: We Spent $12 on a Disney World Pretzel, but We’re Here for the CHEESE!The Only 9 Essentials You Need for Disney World Are Up to 40% Off TodayREVIEW: This Disney World Hotel Spot Changed Its Menu, and It’s NOT What We ExpectedREVIEW: Proof That This Disney Springs Spot RARELY Lets Us DownREVIEW: We Might Have Just Found the BEST Chicken Tenders in All of Disney World (And That’s a HUGE Honor) There are so many great snacks at Disney World, and we know that it can feel overwhelming. How do you choose (we don’t want to choose, but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We’ve reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them. Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! We’ve got allllll the deets on allllll the snacks! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World reviews, news, and more! The #1 Disney World Must-Have Most People Don’t Know About 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 prefer to get from this spot? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  3. Amazon’s big Spring Break Sale is underway! Cinderella Castle Here are some of the best deals we’ve found that could be the perfect addition to your Disney vacay. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Our team is always looking out for the best deals, so you don’t miss out! For all the very best Amazon deals, click here! Now, let’s get into some crazy good discounts! Check out the whole sale here! Grab our Favorite Power Strip for 41% off! Our Favorite Extension Cord for Disney World This power strip has everything! With three outlets, plus multiple USB and USB-C ports, you can charge any device you need, even multiple at once. This makes it perfect for any family sharing a room that needs a bunch of devices charged. The slim shape also makes it the perfect addition to slide into your suitcase without taking up too much room. It’s also perfect for a cruise, given the limited cabin space and fewer outlets. Don’t miss out on this crazy discount and help make your next vacay just a little smoother! VIEW ON AMAZON But that’s not the only great deal to take advantage of. Check out the rest of these amazing Spring Break Sale finds! This 3-in-1 Charger Station is 43% Off Charging Station You heard us right: 3-in-1! That means you can charge your Phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time! Not to mention that this whole Wireless Charging Station folds right up and will take up no extra space in a backpack or suitcase. Plus, it comes in so many fun colors, so it can be a helpful and cute addition to your Disney Resort nightstand! VIEW ON AMAZON This Portable White Noise Machine is 42% Off Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine There is nothing better after a long Disney day than cozying up in your comfy Disney Resort bed. The only thing that could make it better? A soothing white noise machine to help you sleep! This machine is super small, convenient, and holds a great charge. Plus, it has over 16 sounds, so everyone will be able to find something great to fall asleep to. This is perfect if you’re traveling with a baby, or even an adult, who needs some soothing comfort to fall asleep and be refreshed for another day in the parks. VIEW ON AMAZON Grab this Portable Neck Fan for 25% Off JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan The worst part about Spring Break at Disney World? The Florida heat! This portable neck fan can help. It’s hands-free, rechargeable, and has 5 different speeds. This is one of the best ways to beat the heat while enjoying a magical Disney Spring Break. VIEW ON AMAZON Grab this FuelRod Portable Charging Kit for 15% Off! FuelRod This comes with a pack of two FuelRods and includes all of the needed cables and adapters! So, no matter the device, you’ll be covered. Plus, you can always swap out your FuelRods at any of the stations all over Disney, so you’ll never be left without a charge in the parks. VIEW ON AMAZON Don’t forget to check here for over 100 of the best Amazon Spring Break sales! Check out the whole sale here! Here at DFB, we’ve got you covered with all the best deals, so make sure you keep following for more. View the full article
  4. It’s no secret that MagicBands have become an integral part of Disney World vacations over the last decade+. They can serve as room keys, payment methods, entry tickets, be used to check-in for Lightning Lanes, connect with Photopass, and react to select Disney theme park attractions with “lighting effects and gesture recognition”, and they’re available in a slew of cool designs! MagicBand+ However, before you pick out your next MagicBand, there are some rules you need to be aware of! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Basic MagicBands are NOT Free Anymore Guests who haven’t been to Walt Disney World in a while may be shocked to find out that the most basic MagicBands — which used to be included with Disney hotel stays — are no longer “free.” They aren’t even discounted anymore… While this has been the case for quite some time, going by emails and Facebook comments we receive, many fans are still mad about it. In other words, don’t expect them to come in the mail in the weeks before your visit. MagicBand+ Price Differences are Mainly Aesthetic There are various price levels of MagicBand+ offerings, with basic bands going for around $35, more decorated bands with character or park iconography going for around $45, and limited/anniversary celebration bands priced at $50 and up. However, it’s important to note that from a functionality standpoint, all these MagicBand+ variants are created equal. MagicBand+ While the designs are aesthetically pleasing, and we’d always recommend picking up a collectible representing a franchise or ride you care deeply about, the basic bands will fulfill all the same operational needs as, say, A Goofy Movie anniversary band. ©Disney They Need to be Charged To access the full functionality of the bands, they need to be charged, which can sometimes lead to a shortage of electrical outlets in a family hotel room. However, there’s a charger for that. MultiCharger for MagicBand+ This lightweight and travel-friendly USB-A multi-charger is designed specifically for charging up to 4 MagicBand+ devices simultaneously, or a smartphone and 3 MagicBand+ bands, making it perfect for “hotel rooms with limited outlets, this multi-charger allows you to charge all your MagicBand+ devices and phones using just one outlet, freeing up space for other electronics during your Disney vacation. The charger includes USB-A and USB-C plugs and 4 MagicBand Protectors! SHOP HERE Losing a Band Can Cost You Time and Money Of course, wearing your MagicBand a bit looser runs a risk of it potentially falling off in the park – or even worse, on a ride! Now, there is a chance that Disney may be able to track your MagicBand, which is going to take a big chunk of time out of your day, and if it can’t be found, you’ll likely need to pay for a replacement. However, there is a way to avoid losing them altogether: ©Amazon These silicone locks will keep your MagicBand+ affixed properly even if you wear it loosely. SHOP HERE MagicBands are a major part of any Walt Disney World vacation, but there are some things to keep in mind before you head to Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for more on visiting the “Most Magical place on Earth.”? Are you a MagicBand fan? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
  5. Here at Disney Food Blog, Disney World is our job. Which means we basically live there! Our favorite Disney World essentials! Here are some of our favorite Disney World essentials that make park days 10x easier. And the best part? They’re up to 40% off, with some of our favorites less than $10! We have a park essential for every budget. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Frogg Toggs Poncho for a rainy day! Frogg Toggs Poncho This Frogg Toggs Poncho is 100% waterproof, seam-taped, lightweight, and durable. It’s constructed with an outer layer that provides waterproof and breathable protection with an inner layer that remains soft next to skin. It comes in a handy waterproof bag for easy carrying, no more getting your things wet! view ON AMAZON This 3-in-1 Charging Station will save your hotel room! Charging Station This 3-in-1 Charging Station has three fast wireless chargers with only one cord. This gadget is lightweight and foldable, so you can easily pack it in backpacks, handbags, or carry-on luggage for traveling. Now you’ll always have enough chargers in your hotel room! view ON AMAZON You need the Dreamegg White Noise Machine for your next hotel stay! Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine The Dreamegg White Noise Machine is a portable egg-sized sound machine made for traveling! It has 16 soothing nature sounds, including ocean waves, rain, birds, and fan sounds, along with white noise to mask background noise and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You’ll sleep like a baby even in the loudest of hotel rooms! view ON AMAZON Never use a soggy paper straw with this Reusable Straw Kit! A Sunseeke Silicone Straw inside our Frozen Coke! We’ve all been there – you’re at Disney World, sipping on your drink, when all of a sudden your paper straw is a soggy mess! The Sunseeke Reusable Silicone Straw comes in a pack of 12 straws with 4 carrying cases. The carrying cases are compact and can easily fit in your bag. view ON AMAZON This Mini Backpack Organizer Insert will help you stay organized! HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer This Mini Backpack Organizer Insert fits perfectly into a Disney Loungefly Mini Backpack, keeping you organized! It has 7 multi-pockets of different sizes that fit portable chargers, water bottles, umbrellas, cosmetics, travel items, wallets, purses, or phones. view ON AMAZON This FuelRod Portable Charger Kit is a game-changer! Fuel Rod and adapters This FuelRod Portable Charger Kit is so convenient for Disney. This kit comes with 2 FuelRods, which are portable chargers you can either recharge yourself or swap them out for fully charged ones in Disney World, other theme parks, and even airports. There are also four adapters so you can charge any device you’d need! view ON AMAZON This Flat Plug Power Strip is perfect for hotel stays! Flat Plug Power Strip The Flat Plug Power Strip has 3 outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 USB-C ports. It charges up to 7 devices at the same time. It’s perfect for your next vacation – charge your cellphone, laptop, tablet, earphones, or camera all at once! No more fighting over limited hotel outlets again. view ON AMAZON Stay hydrated with the Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle! Stanley IceFlow The Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle is our favorite water bottle for the Disney Parks. It features AeroLight spun-steel insulation, making it 33% lighter than standard stainless-steel bottles, so it’s super easy to carry around all day! The leak-resistant straw lid is so convenient for drinking while walking. view ON AMAZON Cool down with this Portable Neck Fan! JISULIFE neck fan The JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan boasts a 16-hour battery life and 78 air outlets for ultimate cooling. Unlike other neck fans we’ve tried, this neck fan was easy to slide on and off our neck since it’s lightweight, plus the physical opening was wider. It kept us incredibly cool! 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
  6. Spring is such a great time to visit Disney World. You get to see all the flowers in bloom and the beautiful topiaries (and eat all the food) at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. Special Easter displays are available to see at Disney World hotels, and spring snacks are available almost everywhere. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny However, one of our favorite parts of spring in Disney World is a meet and greet with two VERY rare characters. They’re so rare that you only get to see them for a limited time each year. We’re happy to confirm that Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny are now meeting with guests in Magic Kingdom. If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom this week, you’ll want to make sure to meet these two super rare characters. You’ll find them at the gazebo near Ye Olde Christmas Tree Shoppe in Liberty Square. They’re only going to be there for a short time (probably just through Easter on April 5th), so you’ll want to make them a priority if you’ll be around! Pastel outfits We don’t know the exact times that Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be greeting guests, as you won’t find this particular character interaction in the My Disney Experience app, but in previous years, they have generally been around at this location from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Like we said, they will only be there for the week, so if you’re visiting Disney World, this is one special character experience you don’t want to miss out on. In previous years, you would also get a memento of your visit with the Easter Bunny, a postcard. Happy Easter! The back of the postcard has both Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny’s signatures. It’s a cool FREE souvenir you can take home with you. Cute! We’ll be keeping an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Where to Enjoy Easter Brunch 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 Have you ever met Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in Disney World? Tell us all about it in the comments! View the full article
  7. On March 18th, The Walt Disney Company welcomed a new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who previously served as the company’s Chairman of Disney Experiences. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro Previous CEO Bob Iger stepped down and handed over the reins of the company to D’Amaro, with confidence that the latter would do a good job of leading Disney into the future. Since then, though, Disney has seen its share of wild moments, all thing the new CEO has already had to navigate during his short time in office. Let’s talk about some of those wild moments. Cancellation of The Bachelorette Just a day after D’Amaro stepped into the role of CEO for The Walt Disney Company, ABC, which is owned by Disney, canceled the upcoming season of the TV show The Bachelorette, according to Deadline. The cancellation came after Taylor Frankie Paul after a video surfaced that resulted in a domestic assault investigation of Frankie Paul. ©ABC “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” Disney wrote in a statement. Disney ends deal with OpenAI Last year, Disney announced a partnership with OpenAI to become a content licensing partner for Sora, OpenAI’s video generation platform, a first for The Walt Disney Company. However, after D’Amaro became CEO, OpenAI announced it had plans to shut down the Sora AI video app. As a result, Disney exited the deal it had previously made with OpenAI. ©Sora In response to Sora’s closure, Disney said, “As the nascent AI field advances rapidly, we respect OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and to shift its priorities elsewhere. We appreciate the constructive collaboration between our teams and what we learned from it, and we will continue to engage with AI platforms to find new ways to meet fans where they are while responsibly embracing new technologies that respect IP and the rights of creators.” D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Just this week, Disney revealed big plans for its upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, which will take place in Anaheim on August 14th through 16th. The company revealed tickets would go on sale on April 2nd and outlined what ticket prices would be for this year’s event. The company also announced more details about some upcoming D23 events, including D23 Day at Angels Stadium and Disneyland. ©Disney D23 announced the return of D23 Mousequerade: The Ultimate Disney Costume Contest at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, as well as outlined some new experiences coming to this year’s event. Finally, Disney revealed the 2026 class of Disney Legends, including Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and more. Bluey debuts at Disneyland Bluey finally made her debut at Disneyland with Bluey’s Best Day Ever, a new interactive show featuring Bluey and Bingo. The show is filled with iconic music and games from the Bluey TV show, and if the first day of the show is any indication, it’s already a HUGE success for Disneyland. Bluey’s Best Day Ever Bluey snacks are also available at Disneyland, and we think the whole Disney and Bluey collaboration is now stronger than ever, as Disney World prepares its own Bluey experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney Adventure World Opens Disneyland Paris’ second park, Walt Disney Studios, has been reimagined as Disney Adventure World, which includes a lot of new rides, experiences, entertainment, restaurants, and more. It also marks the opening of the World of Frozen land in the park. This “new” park is officially now open to the public. Arendelle in World of Frozen There’s more to come, though, as Disneyland Paris continues construction on a Lion King-inspired land. New cruise ship As if all that new stuff wasn’t enough, Disney also announced a brand new cruise ship on D’Amaro’s first day as CEO. The Disney Believe will soon be added to the Disney Cruise Line fleet and is expected to set sail for the first time in late 2027. ©DisneyCruiseLine The new ship’s theme is about promises and possibilities with elements from Encanto, Frozen, Snow White, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and more. Needless to say, Disney’s new CEO has a lot on his hands, with many more challenges to come. In the meantime, we’ll keep reporting on all the Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The “Josh Effect” — Why Fans and Employees Alike Are Obsessed With Disney’s New CEO 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? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  8. While we often talk about how much is going on in Disney World, that’s not to say that there aren’t tons of changes and construction going on over at Disneyland Resort as well! Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge Downtown Disney is getting multiple new spots, Disney is currently working on the Avengers Campus expansion and Avatar Land coming to Disney California Adventure, but there are also some changes coming sooner than those large new additions. Starting on April 29th, just one month away, one of Disneyland Park’s most popular lands will be changing MAJORLY! Beginning April 29th, Disney has said that Galaxy’s Edge will usher in a “new point in the Star Wars saga like never before.” The biggest change? The timeline is shifting, which will mean that guests can experience characters and storylines from Star Wars films and TV shows from the past few DECADES, all in one place. Galaxy’s Edge Characters and storylines from The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka, among many others, will be included in the land, which also means guests will be able to enjoy and experience the Galactic Civil War, the New Republic, the Age of the Resistance, and the First Order in just one day. Kylo Ren We already know that Darth Vader is coming to the land full-time, and you’ll see him walking around with Stormtroopers in an attempt to hunt down the remaining Jedi, which means you’ll also get to see Princess Leia Organa (near the Millennium Falcon), Han Solo (also near the Millennium Falcon), Luke Skywalker (roaming the outpost), and Chewbacca throughout the land. ©Disney Don’t worry, though, because you’ll still be able to see Ahsoka Tano, the Mandalorian, and Grogu over near the Marketplace. R2-D2 will also continue to roll around near the Droid Depot and the garage, while Rey will be able to be found at the Resistance Camp. Hey R2! There are also big audio changes coming to the land that we’re looking forward to — starting on April 29th, you’ll also be able to hear John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores as you travel throughout the land. You may hear “Main Title” and/or “Force Theme” as you enter, and “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” or perhaps “The Emperor” as you walk around. Of course, you’ll hear “Cantina Band” inside Oga’s Cantina! ©Disney Additionally, the First Order Cargo shop will transform into Black Spire Surplus, which will be a military salvage operation with artifacts from across the history of the galaxy. This will be where you can find “relics” themed after both the Empire and the Rebel Alliance from the Galactic Civil War. First Order Cargo Shop Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will also get some adjustments, beginning to display a different array of one-of-a-kind items from its past, and an earlier generation of the Mubo family will begin operating the Droid Depot on April 29th as well. Droid and droid backpack Currently, these changes are only slated for Disneyland, not Disney World, so it’ll make the two lands VERY different from each other — you’ll be able to have a whole different experience depending on which one you visit! We’ll be in the parks on the day of the changes to bring you all the details, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB. CONFIRMED: This Divisive Disney Snack Is Going Away for Good at Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to these changes? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  9. We’ve got fantastic news for all the Bluey fans out there! It’s already been an exciting few weeks with the beginning of the new Bluey experience in Disneyland Park, and knowing we’re just a few months away from the new attraction opening in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. ©Disney If you’re looking forward to these new offerings and want to bring some of the Bluey fun home with you, there’s a sale happening online right now that you CANNOT miss — some of them are almost 50% off! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Bubble Wands For The Win! ©Amazon Do you know that your kiddo loves bubble wands, but you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on one inside the parks? Don’t miss saving on the Bluey Dance Mode Bubble Machine! Not only can you bring it into the Disney parks for your kids to enjoy, but it’ll provide countless hours of fun at home, too. Check Out on Amazon! Pillow Pets Never Went Away! ©Amazon We remember the Pillow Pet craze in the 2000s, and we’re sure many of you do too! As it turns out, pillow pets haven’t completely gone away — the Bluey Pillow Pet is available online now, and it’s almost 30% off. That’s a pretty great deal, if you ask us, and imagine just how comfortable it’ll be on a plane, using in a hotel room, or to use in the car on long drives. Check Out on Amazon! Fun For The Whole Family ©Amazon If your whole family loves Bluey, then the Guess Who? Bluey Edition Game is a great addition to your game closet! While only two people can play at a time, you can form teams, if you’d like, for more players, and it’s meant for everyone aged 6+. Been wanting to bring back game nights? This is a great way to start! Check Out on Amazon! Kiddos Love To Play Grocery Store! ©Amazon What kiddo doesn’t love playing pretend? The Bluey Cash Register Playset is a great way to foster that creativity, and it’s nearly half off online right now, so you need to act fast! It comes with fake dollar bills, coins, a debit card, cardboard groceries, a scanner, and the register itself. Even we’re obsessed with it! Check Out on Amazon! For The Musical Kids ©Amazon If your kids love music and banging around on things as if they’re drums, we can’t recommend the VTech Bluey Hooray Drum Set enough! It’s 42% off at the time of writing, and that’s a great deal on something that will really help foster creativity, as well as hand-eye coordination. Check Out on Amazon! A Playset? Yes, Please! ©Amazon We’re big fans of playsets around here, especially when it has to do with Bluey! The Bluey Beach Cabin Playset comes with 10 play pieces and a small figurine of Bluey in goggles, which is adorable. It’s also customizable, which is super fun for kids to use their imagination as well. Check Out on Amazon! Who Doesn’t Love A Toy Car? ©Amazon We were so excited to see that the Bluey Big Heeler 4WD and Family Toddler Toy Car is online right now for over half off! The set includes the car itself, as well as exclusive Bluey, Bingo, and Chilli plushes. There are no batteries needed here to make the fun begin — just let your imagination run wild! Check Out on Amazon! We’ll continue to keep you updated with all the latest Disney merchandise news and sales, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article
  10. There are a lot of changes happening at Disney World in 2026, and that is affecting even the most popular restaurants. Be Our Guest Between newly reopened restaurants, refreshed menus, and guests being picky about where their dining budget is going to go, we’re seeing even longtime favorites face some competition. That doesn’t mean these restaurants have lost their magic, but it does mean Disney fans are branching out, discovering alternatives that feel newer, more affordable, or just plain more exciting. Here are five popular Disney World restaurants that fans aren’t booking quite as quickly this year, and what’s catching their attention instead. ‘Ohana First up is ‘Ohana, a spot that has been a staple for years thanks to its all-you-care-to-enjoy dinners and nostalgic atmosphere. Lately, though, word has gotten around that the experience isn’t quite what it used to be, with some guests feeling the quality has dipped compared to its peak. On top of that, ongoing construction has impacted those coveted fireworks views, making the experience feel less special for some diners. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s Bistro has become a fan-favorite alternative, offering a similar family-style meal with crowd-pleasing flavors at a significantly lower price point. ‘Ohana Steakhouse 71 Next is Steakhouse 71, which we still love for its classic steakhouse vibe and solid menu. However, it’s facing some serious competition from Bourbon Steak at the Swan and Dolphin. As one of the newer dining experiences on property, Bourbon Steak has quickly gained buzz, especially thanks to its indulgent touches like complimentary fry flights that have foodies racing to snag reservations. For fans looking to try something fresh and a little more elevated, it’s easy to see why they’re opting for the newer hotspot. Read Our Review of Bourbon Steak Here! The full spread at Steakhouse 71 Be Our Guest Then there’s Be Our Guest Restaurant, which once felt like the ultimate must-do reservation in Magic Kingdom. While the theming is still stunning, many guests are reconsidering the high price tag, especially since the experience has changed over time to the prix-fixe menu. The Beast no longer offers a traditional meet-and-greet; instead, he roams the dining rooms, which has been a disappointment for some visitors. At the same time, fans are realizing they can still enjoy Beauty and the Beast-inspired eats and vibes for much less at spots like Gaston’s Tavern or sip something fancy at Enchanted Rose –all without committing to a pricey meal. The Grand Ballroom in Be Our Guest Restaurant The Cake Bake Shop Over at Disney’s BoardWalk area, The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant is still drawing crowds with its over-the-top desserts and elegant tea service. But now it has some fresh competition from the newly reopened Garden View Tea Room. With its classic charm, the tea room is quickly catching the attention of Disney fans looking for something new. While Cake Bake Shop will likely remain packed, we could see more guests choosing to try the new tea experience instead, especially those who love to prioritize what’s latest at Disney World. The Grand Floridian Tea Room Has Reopened in Disney World! Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea Via Napoli Finally, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria has long been a go-to for authentic Italian pizza in EPCOT. But with buzz building around Level99, which is expected to serve craft-style pizzas alongside its immersive gaming experience, fans are curious to try something different. The idea of pairing unique entertainment with high-quality pizza is enough to pull some attention away from this EPCOT staple, especially for guests looking to shake up their usual dining routine. What Is LEVEL99 and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location? Mezzo Metro Pizza at Via Napoli Now, a quick disclaimer, just because some fans may not be booking these restaurants quite as aggressively doesn’t mean they aren’t still popular or filling up! Reservations for places like ‘Ohana and other iconic dining locations can still go fast, and you should absolutely prioritize booking any must-do spots for your trip. Disney dining demand is still high across the board, even with these shifting trends. ‘Ohana Whether you’re sticking with the classics or trying the newest hotspots, there’s no shortage of incredible meals to plan for. And if you want the latest updates, reviews, and strategy tips, be sure to keep following Disney Food Blog for everything you need to make the most of your next trip! The Best Restaurants at Disney World in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What restaurants at Disney World are skipping this year? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article
  11. Every Disney fan is marking down April 2nd on their calendars. But why? ©Walt Disney Studios April 2nd is the day that tickets to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event go on sale! D23 is a Disney-led convention where Disney executives, celebrities, and fans from around the globe will join together in the ultimate celebration of all things Disney. The convention includes special events, exclusive merchandise, unique exhibits, and fascinating presentations on the Disney Parks, Disney movies, and more! D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event This year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience will take place from August 14th to 16th, 2026, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. D23 Tickets will be available for purchase starting April 2nd, 2026. D23 Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Complete plans will receive priority access to purchase tickets. Ticket Pricing ©Disney If you’re a Disney movie buff, you can’t miss The Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday, August 14th. This is where Disney announces everything about their new movies and TV shows! Like previous D23s, we’re expecting news on upcoming Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel titles. The gang helped with the Toy Story 5 announcement! You need to attend the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday, August 15th. This panel is where Disney announces all of its new updates to the Disney Parks! We’ve seen Disney announce entire new theme park lands, including Villains Land, Piston Peak, Pueblo Esperanza, and more! We can’t wait to see what they announce this year. Villains Land announced at D23 (2024) The Disney Legends Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, August 16th, the final day of the event. For almost forty years, the Disney Legends award has been the highest honor the Walt Disney Company can offer, bestowed on performers, executives, Cast Members, Imagineers, and creatives who’ve made a lasting impact on the company’s legacy. Look at all of the honorees! It will be hosted by longtime D23 host Ryan Seacrest. Disney Legends 2026 We’re so excited for this year’s D23. You can’t miss the ultimate Disney fan event! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. SNEAK PEEK at What Is Coming to Disney’s Biggest Fan Event of the Year Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you been to D23 before? Comment below! View the full article
  12. Today, Disneyland Paris officially entered a bold new era with the opening of World of Frozen at the newly renamed Disney Adventure World, marking one of the most ambitious transformations in the resort’s history. As the second park at Disneyland Paris, Disney Adventure World invites guests to step into immersive worlds inspired by beloved stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel. The transformation includes Adventure Way, a sweeping new main avenue. Framed by gardens, entertainment, dining such as The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, and Raiponce Tangled Spin, a new family attraction inspired by Walt Disney Animation’s Tangled. Along Adventure Bay, a striking central lake that anchors the park and serves as the stage for the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Cascade of Lights.” Rising beyond it all at the heart of the expansion’s centerpiece, World of Frozen, a fully immersive land that brings guests straight into Arendelle. Opening day began with a moment of surprise, as Spider-Man appeared atop the iconic Earffel Tower to reveal the park’s new name: Disney Adventure World. Shortly after, children from Make-A-Wish and their families were welcomed as the very first guests to step onto Adventure Way. Lined by cast members, Imagineers, beloved Disney characters, and the Disney Marching Band, their walk along the shores of Adventure Bay set an emotional tone for the day as they became among the first-ever guests to explore World of Frozen. Upon the park’s official opening, guests poured in to experience the array of new adventures. Inside World of Frozen, visitors were transported to Arendelle, where the family-friendly attraction, Frozen Ever After, brought the beloved story to life through stunning scenes, iconic music, and state-of-the-art technology. Nearby, the new show “A Celebration in Arendelle” captivated audiences with Olaf, boats gliding across the water and original music created exclusively for the land. Over at Nordic Crowns Tavern, guests enjoyed a brand-new menu inspired by Nordic cuisine. Guests also twirled beneath glowing lanterns on Raiponce Tangled Spin and began sampling the wide variety of new dining experiences along Adventure Bay. Throughout the day, character encounters, live music moments and immersive details ensured that every turn offered something new to discover. The opening followed the previous night’s spectacular inauguration ceremony where Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company; Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences; and Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, took the stage to mark the significance of the moment. “Few stories have resonated with fans around the world like Frozen,” said Josh D’Amaro. “From the screen to our parks, cruises, and beyond, its impact continues to grow, and with World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World, we’re giving guests at Disneyland Paris the opportunity to experience that story in entirely new ways.” “We continue to expand Disneyland Paris with ambition and purpose,” Thomas Mazloum said. “The reimagining of our second gate reflects the very best of what Disney represents: boundless imagination that brings people together.” “With Disney Adventure World, we’re not only unveiling a reimagined second gate at Disneyland Paris; we’re opening the door to a new era. An era where our guests walk straight into the heart of the stories they love,” Natacha Rafalski added. The ceremony continued by paying tribute to the new Tangled-inspired attraction as Rapunzel, Flynn and their friends arrived on stage. The atmosphere then shifted as the scene transformed and French-American singer Santa appeared, performing Into the Unknown from Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 at an ice piano. One of the most touching moments of the evening came when 10-year-old Lou from Make-A-Wish joined Santa on stage to sing a few lines of Do You Want to Build a Snowman?. The moment was joined by Olaf, brought to life through cutting-edge robotic technologies developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, and this moment marked a major milestone: the 25,000th wish granted at Disneyland Paris since 1992. The night concluded with a show-stopping finale as Santa returned to perform Let It Go alongside Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. With immersive lighting, pyrotechnics, and the shimmering ice piano illuminating Arendelle Village and Adventure Bay, the performance delivered a powerful and unforgettable closing moment. The celebration drew international attention, welcoming celebrities from around the world. Among those walking the red carpet were French actors Lucas Bravo and Camille Razat, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Christian Louboutin, Coperni and more. With immersive lands, groundbreaking technology and storytelling woven into every detail, this transformation represents the most ambitious evolution of Disneyland Paris to date. As the first visitors step into this new chapter today, one thing is clear: a bold, beautiful new era has arrived at Disneyland Paris. And it’s only the beginning. Planning a visit to Disney Adventure World? Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to explore everything the park has to offer. Food lovers won’t want to miss our guide to all the treats and eats debuting with the park’s expansion. Plus, go behind the scenes to discover the creative magic that brought the spectacular new nighttime show, “Disney Cascade of Lights,” in the latest episode of Disney Unscripted! Step into Disney Adventure World on March 29 READ MORE Bringing Arendelle from Screen to Reality READ MORE Everything You Need to Know About World of Frozen in Paris READ MORE The post A New Era Begins: World of Frozen Opens at Disney Adventure World appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
  13. Refurbishments are a fact of life in Walt Disney World. Rides, shows, and attractions are often closed for refreshes, repairs, and technological upgrades, some for longer times than others. In fact, it’s rare to have a day when EVERY attraction at the resort is operational. That’s even true in the busy summer season. Pete’s Silly Sideshow The summer of 2026 will not only see a slew of construction across Walt Disney World’s theme parks, but there will be some smaller-scale closures that guests making a trip from June through August should be aware of. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster On March 1st, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith took its final bow, as the original version of the ride closed the following day. The ride’s refurbishment will see the “Bad Boys of Boston” replaced by a new theme starring The Muppets! According to Disney, the ride will be “fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.” The guitar If you’re hoping to “meet the Muppets” in their new home this year, we’d advise waiting to find out when exactly in the summer the ride is opening before booking your trip. An opening date has not been announced at this time. The NEW car! Pete’s Silly Sideshow Located in the Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus, the circus tent structure of Pete’s Silly Slideshow has been closed to guests since January 4th, with no announced reopening date. As of now, the meet & greets with Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy in their circus best have been held outside in the Storybook Circus. The Astounding Donaldo at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom Refreshment Port Located at the front of World Showcase, the Refreshment Port offers servings of poutine and fries to guests… when it’s open. However, the spot has been closed since January for refurbishment, with no scheduled reopening date as of now. The Refreshment Port Grand Floridian Cafe From mid-July through October 2026, the Grand Floridian Cafe at the Grand Floridian Resort (it would be weird if it were located somewhere else, right?) will be closed for refurbishment. The hotel will continue to offer brunch during the closure, but it will temporarily move to Citricos, and guests may see or hear the refurbishment work during the daytime hours. Grand Floridian Cafe Yachtsman Steakhouse Located at the Yacht Club Resort, the popular Yachtsman Steakhouse is scheduled to close in May for a refurbishment of its own. According to Disney, the steakhouse should reopen sometime in August. The nautical-themed New England-style eatery is best known for featuring a menu of steaks, seafood, and other dishes. Yachtsman Steakhouse As always, bear in mind that while these are the scheduled closures currently on the Walt Disney World calendar, there’s always the chance that any given ride or attraction can go down unscheduled, so be sure to keep an eye on the Disney World app while planning your summer vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on Disney World’s calendar. What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World 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 Are you heading to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
  14. We’ve got some very exciting news out of Universal, especially if you’re someone who loves the way their newer animatronics have begun to move, or look forward to the future where they can seem even more real. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment While we’ve heard that Universal has now filed a permit to build a new attraction in Epic Universe, there aren’t many details about what it could be at this time, other than that it’s being called Project 680 and was removed from the website soon after it was published. Now, a patent application has been filed — this time for a walking animatronic. Where do you think Universal could use this patent? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  15. Disneyland is keeping fans in the dark about a looming ride closure. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin It’s a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort, thanks in part to the incredibly fun 70th Anniversary celebrations! While expansion projects are underway and there is a bit of construction, most of the offerings are still up and running. I say “most” because a popular ride in Mickey’s Toontown is about to temporarily close TOMORROW, and we have no idea when it’s going to reopen. Right now, the Disneyland refurbishment schedule is showing that Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is set to close for a refurbishment tomorrow, March 30th, 2026, and there isn’t a reopening date listed. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Lightning Lane At the time of this writing, the ride will be closed at least through May 7th. While it could still open before that, Disney has now set a window to keep the ride closed for over a month. Maybe even far longer. There has been no notice of any narrative or major attraction changes like the one a few years back when Jessica Rabbit got a new detective theme, but it does appear the closure is to provide Disney with ample time to make structural, electrical, and effects-based upgrades. Detective Jessica Rabbit Animatronic! One of the more popular rides at Disneyland, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is based on the beloved live-action-meets-animation film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and entertains passengers in a spinning taxi cab as they follow Roger Rabbit and Benny the Cab as they pursue Jessica Rabbit and the villainous Weasels. -Disney/Amblin But that’s not all that’s closing tomorrow. The Disneyland Monorail will also be closed for a lengthy refurbishment with no reopening date listed. Disneyland Monorail The Monorail is no stranger to refurbishments, as it often requires safety inspections and reinforcements. This closure is coming on the heels of an incident that left riders stranded on the elevated track for a long period of time earlier this year. ©CBS Keep in mind that the monorail goes between Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland near Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, so that “shortcut” will be unavailable to you if you’re planning a visit soon. Disneyland Monorail How will these closures affect your next trip? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disneyland updates! BAD NEWS: Fan-Favorite Ride Announces Lengthy CLOSURE at Disneyland 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 Where does Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin rank among your favorite Disneyland rides? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  16. We see menu changes happen in Disney World practically every week, and while some of them we’re huge fans of, we’ll also admit that there are others that make us a little sad. New eats! Just recently, we headed over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to check out one of our favorite spots, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, to try their new menu offerings. However, we’ve gotta admit that they weren’t exactly what we were expecting, and if we’re being honest, some of them we wouldn’t get again. We started out with the Shrimp and Plantain Roll for $18. Our server said this was his favorite new thing on the menu, but we didn’t have the same experience, unfortunately. We did get some great crunch from the rice and vegetables, and while the sweetness of the plantain balanced with the shrimp, the rest of the flavors and textures didn’t mix well, in our opinion. We also didn’t taste the sauce on top at all, which was interesting. And as a warning, the bees were majorly attracted to the plantains, so keep that in mind! Shrimp and Plantain Roll Next up for us was the Spicy Honey Pork Wings for $15, and these were our favorite of the new additions. It wasn’t spicy at all, which we didn’t mind. Instead, it was wonderfully sweet with a tang, mostly from the sauce, which reminded us of a mayo-based sauce with wonderful Polynesian seasonings. The meat itself wasn’t too tough, which we appreciated, and while it didn’t have a lot of flavor itself, the sauce was delicious. Spicy Honey Pork Wings Finally, it was time for the Yuca Fries w/ Plant-Based Beef and Asian Slaw for $14. While we didn’t mind the mild seasoning on the fries, they overall tasted pretty starchy and dry. They weren’t very crispy at all on the outside, and the plant-based beef didn’t taste like any sort of meat. The sauce on top of these didn’t help, especially since it was almost fruity in a way, and we’re just not sure it matched. Yuca Fries w/ Plant-Based Beef and Asian Slaw Looking for more recent reviews? Check out our posts below! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: This Disney World Hotel Spot Changed Its Menu, and It’s NOT What We ExpectedREVIEW: Proof That This Disney Springs Spot RARELY Lets Us DownREVIEW: We Might Have Just Found the BEST Chicken Tenders in All of Disney World (And That’s a HUGE Honor)REVIEW: Is This NEW Jumbo Burger in Disney World Worth $23? Let’s Find Out!REVIEW: Homecomin’ at Disney Springs Just Got Even BETTER With This New Burger We’ll be sure to keep you updated with all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Interested in the Disney Dining Plan? Learn More About it Here! 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 try any of these new options? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  17. For the first time in what feels like forever, Disney didn’t have any major closures or massive changes happen in the past week, and there aren’t a number of them lined up for this week either! A closure is hitting Disney Springs this week! Now, three out of the four parks are still majorly under construction, meaning there are walls practically everywhere, and this week, one store is closing in Disney Springs, but it feels like we’re officially towards reopenings versus closures, which is a HUGE achievement. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area will open on May 26th, 2026, and will be a special nod to the Walt Disney Studios lot. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters. Disney announced that a new Animation Academy experience called Olaf Draws! will be added into this new area, and it’s been…controversial, to say the least! ©Disney However, most recently, we’ve seen a lot of progress on this upcoming land — new pavement is almost all set, and it’s really starting to come together. @bioreconstruct via X This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area and the current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will be getting a makeover. During the transformation, you will still be able to visit “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents. Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Muppet*Vision 3D AND PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off so construction can begin on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th. Most recently, we got a good look at the building being formed for the new attraction, which is set where Cast Member parking used to be, and we’re SHOCKED by how massive it is! ©bioreconstruct Don’t worry, the Muppets won’t be missing from Disney’s Hollywood Studios forever. The Muppets will eventually be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in summer 2026. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Disney has already made tons of progress on the new version of this iconic attraction! The previous name of the ride has already been removed from multiple locations, including on the guitar, which is now behind the scrim and scaffolding. Scrim in front of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Disney is also already putting new paint on the car at the entrance to this area, so it looks more like the Electric Mayhem’s iconic van. New paint job! KRNR The Rock Station is also currently closed, and we’re curious to see if it’ll reopen as a new snack spot, just rethemed, in the near future! Closed! We’ll be keeping a close eye on this spot — we know a lot is to come! SNEAK PEEK at What Is Coming to Disney’s Biggest Fan Event of the Year EPCOT Refreshment Port Refreshment Port located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is temporarily closed for refurbishment as of January 12th. Not so great news if you were hoping to snag a specialty poutine during EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. The Refreshment Port is closed However, there will still be plenty of yummy snacks to grab! Disney hasn’t yet announced what will be done at Refreshment Port or when the stand will reopen. However, we will keep an eye and ear out for progress and keep you updated. BREAKING: Bob Iger, Anne Hathaway, and More HUGE Names Revealed in 2026 Disney Legends Lineup Disney’s Animal Kingdom On February 23rd, Disney temporarily closed Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express, which takes guests over to this part of the park, to make way for the new Bluey attraction coming to the park for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER on May 26th. For the time being, you can still visit the Wilderness Explorer badge offerings, as well as a few character meet and greets, at the train station. The signs are covered up! Since February 2nd, it’s been official that DinoLand U.S.A. is officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. Don’t get us wrong, we’re looking forward to what’s new, but especially since we just recently saw the DinoLand sign come down, we’re missing DINOSAUR and the rest of this uniquely themed land already! Most recently, we’ve seen updates that show the exterior fountain and Iguanodon statue have been removed outside of the former DINOSAUR attraction. ©Bioreconstruct We’re also seeing lots of progress on the new carousel attraction coming to this land, which is very exciting! ©Bioreconstruct This new land is expected to open sometime in 2027 with three new rides, a new restaurant, shopping spots, a beautiful fountain, and more, so we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest! BREAKING: Ticket Sale Date Revealed for Disney’s Biggest Fan Event of the Year Blizzard Beach On February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach reopened in Disney World, and Typhoon Lagoon closed for refurbishment. Visiting during the summer and don’t want to worry about tons of crowds in one park? Typhoon Lagoon will reopen again on May 12th, 2026, so for the majority of the summer, we’ll have both water parks open again. Blizzard Beach The Best Waterproof Phone Cases for Disney World Rain, Water Rides, and Pool Days Disney World Hotels Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments all over for quite some time now, but we know that sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through early 2027 at least. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa We certainly hope it’ll actually be able to hit this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Cove Pool Area — Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort This week, the Bay Cove Pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily close for maintenance. From January 26th through early May 2026, the pool area will be unavailable. Disney’s Contemporary Resort During the closure, guests can still use the Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort For those looking to dine at this hotel, you need to know that the Turf Club Bar & Grill and Turf Club Lounge will both be under refurbishment from mid-March through mid-September 2026. To break it down, in early April, the Turf Club Lounge will close for refurbishment and will reopen in early August. In the meantime, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will remain open with a pop-up bar serving a modified Lounge food and beverage menu. The Turf Club Lounge Then, from early to mid-August, the Turf Club patio will close for refurbishment, and finally, from mid-August through mid-September, the Turf Club Bar & Grill will be closed for refurbishment, but the Turf Club Lounge will be open. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure be will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Admiral Pool At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. During the construction, guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Crew’s Cup Lounge — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort On February 23rd, Crew’s Cup Lounge closed for refurbishment until May 2026. Crew’s Cup Lounge While we don’t have a specific reopening date yet, we do know that when the lounge reopens, Yachtsman Steakhouse will close instead, also to go under refurbishment. Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, BBQ Area, and Playground — Disney’s Old Key West Resort Starting early January through early February 2026, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground at Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be closed for routine maintenance. Turtle Pond Pool at Old Key West During the closure, guests can head over to the Sandcastle Pool or one of the resort’s leisure pools. There are two different leisure pools available: the South Point Pool and Miller’s Road Pool. Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort From January 2026 through April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. Don’t worry, though, if you are in the swimming mood, you will still have plenty of options for pools. You may just need to travel a bit farther. Surfboard Bay At Disney’s All-Star Sports, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will still be open. As well, you can also use any of the pools at the other All-Star Resorts. You can use the Calypso Pool and Piano Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort or the Fantasia Pool and Duck Pond Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery will be closing its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more! Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated. NEWS: Disney Exits OpenAI Deal 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 determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. The Best Food and Snacks to Pack from Home for Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  18. When you’re in Disney Springs, you’re likely feeling a little overwhelmed by all the different options to explore, especially if you’re looking for a dessert! Time for more sweet treats! We love so many options inside the shopping and dining district, but if there’s one spot that never lets us down, especially during the warmer seasons, it’s Swirls on the Water. We recently headed over to try some of their new menu offerings to see if they hold up to prior versions, and let’s just say we have nothing but compliments. We had to grab the DOLE Whip Flight, of course, which is $8.99 and comes with three different flavors. First up in the trio was the classic Pineapple DOLE Whip/Vanilla Swirl with a Pineapple garnish, and this was as creamy and delicious as always. It’s the flavor that made DOLE Whip so popular, and we can never get enough of it. Pineapple DOLE Whip/Vanilla Swirl Next up was the DOLE Whip Peach and Raspberry with Raspberry Crisps and Peach Pie Filling, and this was incredible! The peach and raspberry flavors blended beautifully and were so refreshing for a hot day. We loved the crunch on the crisps, as well as the sweet, yet firm, pieces of pie filling, making this super pleasant in both flavor and texture. DOLE Whip Peach and Raspberry with Raspberry Crisps and Peach Pie Filling The final part of the trio is the DOLE Whip Strawberry and Lemon Swirl, which is leftover from the Valentine’s Day sampler, but we’re not complaining! The strawberry and lemon are perfect together, and are also very refreshing for this time of year. It’s almost like a frozen strawberry lemonade, and we can’t get enough of it. DOLE Whip Strawberry and Lemon Swirl We also grabbed the Peach Raspberry Sundae for $7.29, and this was also a huge hit! Peach can be a very delicate, tricky flavor, but this treat nailed the flavor, and the raspberry blended with it beautifully. The peach filling had a great texture — it wasn’t too mushy or too firm — and the streusel took us by surprise in the best way. The crunch from it is absolutely there, and it was another wonderful addition to the texture. We’d get it again and again! Peach Raspberry Sundae There are so many snacks to grab around Disney World, and we know it can feel overwhelming to decide what to grab while staying on budget. To help out, we’ve created the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! We’ve got allllll the deets on allllll the snacks! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney snack news, so stay tuned to DFB! REVIEW: We Might Have Just Found the BEST Chicken Tenders in All of Disney World (And That’s a HUGE Honor) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite sweet treat to grab in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  19. Did you know that Amazon is having a huge spring sale right now? ©Amazon We’re sharing all of our favorite Disney items you can find on Amazon right now so you can save some money while stocking up on gifts, essentials, and everything else you need in your life. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You can check out the whole spring sale right now on Amazon! It’s a great time to stock up on some Disney essentials or favorites while they’re on sale. FIND THE WHOLE SALE HERE! Minnie Mouse Mummy Loungefly Wallet ©Amazon Here’s our favorite $25 deal right now! This Longefly wallet is 50% off and is great to get ready for Halloween. It has a zipper around the outside with a super cute trick-or-treat basket as the keychain. The absolute best part? It glows in the dark!!! SHOP NOW Here are a few of the other deals that we love right now. Disney Munchlings Snack Pack ©Amazon This is currently 35% off, only $10, and the bag includes four mini plush chip toys in a resealable bag. It combines the block of chips and a sweet scent with some of our favorite Disney characters. We always love Munchlings, and these are just so dang cute. SHOP NOW Portable White Noise Machine Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine We absolutely love traveling with this to Disney World! It’s 42% off and is only $15. There are 16 different sounds, like rain, fans, and ocean waves, and there are 32 sound levels so that you have perfect control. It’s so nice to set this up, especially for kids, and help drown out the noises around the hotel at night, and it’s great for naps, too. SHOP NOW 3-in-1 Charging Station Charging Station Another one we love to travel with! It’s 43% off and can charge your phone, watch, and AirPods. It folds up flat, so it takes up less room in your luggage and only requires one USB port or outlet, so when you’re sharing a hotel room, you don’t have to worry about having enough room to charge. SHOP NOW Amazon Echo Pop Kids ©Amazon At 40% off, this is such a good gift for kids. It has Disney Princesses on it and includes a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, which includes kid-friendly audiobooks and podcasts, interactive games, and educational skills. SHOP NOW Disney Villainous Board Game ©Amazon Can you believe this is 52% off? This strategy board game lets you master the art of deception and connect with your inner villain. You’ll want to use your most evil tactics to outsmart your opponents. You get to play alongside your favorite heroes like Robin Hood and Peter Pan. SHOP NOW This sale ends soon, so go ahead and snag those Disney deals before they go away! FIND THE WHOLE SALE HERE! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite finds. View the full article
  20. If you know us, you know that each and every week, we keep a very close eye on all the best Disney sales happening online — whether it’s for Disney park essentials, or actual Disney merchandise — because we know how important it is to save money on a vacation you’ve already spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on. HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer There’s a MASSIVE sale happening on Amazon right now that you can’t miss out on, and we’ve scoured the internet for the best of the best, and put them all in one place for you to make things easier. Get ready to grab your credit card, and get ready for some epic deals! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check Out The Whole Sale Here! Keep Yourself Dry Frogg Toggs Poncho Summer is coming up quick, and that often means LOTS of rain in Disney World, and Orlando as a whole. Make sure you don’t get caught in a downpour, and bring the FROGG TOGGS Poncho with you on your vacation! We love that it folds up easily into its own carrying pouch, so nothing else in your bag gets wet after the storm has passed, and when we say it keeps water off you well, we have yet to use a better poncho! Grab it on Amazon! Never Be Annoyed By A Loud Hotel Again Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Disney World hotels, especially the Value hotels, aren’t known for having the thickest walls, which means that sometimes, you can hear what’s going on in the rooms around you really well (too well, in fact). We love bringing the Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine along with us, because with so many sound settings and volume options, there’s something for everyone! Grab it on Amazon! Our Favorite Backpack Organizer is FINALLY On Sale! Loungefly Organizer If you love using Loungefly bags in the parks but always find yourself frustrated trying to find something inside them, the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer is PERFECT for you, and it’s actually on sale for once! This fits inside the majority of Loungefly mini backpacks, and makes keeping everything in your bag organized SO much easier. We’ve never lost something, and we pack A LOT with us. Grab it on Amazon! Beat The Summer Heat JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan When that spring break and summer heat get you, you’ll likely be searching for ANY breeze to get some relief. Personally, we’ve loved using the JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan in the past, and it comes in so many different colors, so everyone can keep track of which is theirs. It’s got a strong breeze, as long as you move your hair out of your way, and it hits right on those important points on your neck that can help cool you down faster. Grab it on Amazon! Charge Your Phone With No Stress FuelRod There are TONS of portable chargers out there, and there are pros and cons for each of them. One of the main pros of buying the FuelRod Portable Charger Kit online ahead of your trip is that, not only will it you save money, but if you need to swap it out with a fully charged one in the park, instead of charging it overnight, you can at no additional charge! That peace of mind is often invaluable on a busy park day. Grab it on Amazon! Charge All Your Devices in ONE Place Flat Plug Power Strip The Flat Plug Power Strip doesn’t take up much space in your bag, but if you know you’ll be sharing a hotel with a lot of other people who all have tons of devices, it’ll help you make sure all your devices are in ONE place. Or, if you’re just stressed about losing things around the room by using different outlets, this can help you solve that problem as well. Grab it on Amazon! A Shirt For Your Favorite Ride! Living with The Land T-Shirt There are so many great Disney shirts out there, but if you love this iconic EPCOT ride as much as we do AND you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on merchandise, the Living with The Land T-Shirt is for you! It comes in ten different colors, but all with the same design, so you can find what works best for your wardrobe, without having to choose a different look. Grab it on Amazon! Prefer Sailing The 7 Seas? Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales T-Shirt Love Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom more? Then the Pirates of The Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales T-Shirt has to be an addition for your trip. Again, you won’t be spending $30+ on one shirt, and you can also choose between seven different colors. Grab it on Amazon! Never Worry About Juggling Your Phone Again Magnetic Phone Holder Ever worried about juggling your phone, a stroller, or a shopping cart on your vacation, or just in everyday life? The Magnetic Phone Holder has helped us a TON, and we feel tons of peace of mind when we know we can just set our phone down on the stroller handle and know it’ll stay there thanks to the MagSafe compatibility and strong magnets. Yes, that does mean your phone has to be MagSafe compatible, but if you’ve got that covered, this is totally worth it. Grab it on Amazon! The Ultimate Water Bottle Stanley IceFlow When it comes to keeping your drink cold on those hot days in the parks, there are lots of different ways to go, but the Stanley IceFlow is our personal favorite! It’s slim and easy to carry around, but also a good size to stay hydrated all day without having to fill up every hour. Grab it on Amazon! Want to see ALL the items that are on sale right now? Check out the entire sale below! Check out the whole sale! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news to help you plan your upcoming trip! View the full article
  21. BIG news for not only McDonald’s fans, but also those out there who still can’t get enough of the KPop Demon Hunters film, and have still been listening to the soundtrack nonstop (fun fact: it’s us). ©McDonald’s Previously, McDonald’s has had adult Happy Meals for limited times, and now, they’re bringing it back. This time, there are TWO adult Happy Meals, and both of them are themed to none other than KPop Demon Hunters! Starting on March 31st, McDonald’s will begin serving TWO new adult Happy Meals in the United States, but according to responses on their Instagram account, the meals may also be available in additional countries as well. Not only will you be able to try out the two meals, but they’ll also come with exclusive photocards that unlock first-access content for a limited time. ©McDonald’s The breakfast meal available is The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal, which comes with: Spicy Saja McMuffin: A Sausage McMuffin® with Egg, topped with a peppery Spicy Saja Sauce — inspired by the fire of Gwi-Ma Hash Browns: Signature hash browns, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside — just like the Saja Boys’ leader Jinu Small Soft Drink ©McDonald’s You can also grab The HUNTR/X Meal, which includes: 10-pc. Chicken McNuggets Medium Soft Drink Ramyeon McShaker Fries: A spicy, umami spin on our World Famous Fries® featuring a soy, garlic, sesame and spice seasoning — inspired by Rumi, Mira and Zoey’s go-to snack Hunter Sauce: A sweet chili sauce mixing notes of chili, garlic and pepper with just enough heat inspired by HUNTR/X’s fierce, yet fun-loving personalities Demon Sauce: A bold mustard sauce with heat and tang — made purple, just like demon patterns ©McDonald’s When talking about the partnership, Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Netflix, said, “With McDonald’s, we were able to turn the rivalry between The Saja Boys and HUNTR/X into something fans can actually experience, drawing inspiration from Korean culture and food traditions that sit at the heart of the film.” Each meal comes with a collectible card pack that includes an exclusive photocard for either HUNTR/X or the Saja Boys, as well as a Derby access card. Fans will want to scan the QR code on each Derpy access card and enter the unique code on the McDonald’s App by April 26th to unlock first access to exclusive content and a special reveal of the group that wins the Battle for the Fans! ©McDonald’s That’s not all, either! The Derpy McFlurry will also be released on March 31st, which will be available on its own. It’s creamy vanilla soft served with berry popping pearls, and enrobed in a wild berry sauce. ©McDonald’s We’ve got a feeling these will be VERY popular, so if you know you want to get your hands on them, you’ll want to start checking with your local McDonald’s beginning on March 31st. We’ll continue to keep you updated with all the latest McDonald’s news (since there’s one on Disney property!), so stay tuned to DFB! 7 New Restaurants Revealed for Orlando Airport Expansion Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to these meals? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  22. Look, not every EPCOT restaurant reservation is a crown jewel. Some are total slam dunks. Some are hidden gems. And some? Some are the dining equivalent of a really pretty ex. Gorgeous on paper, wildly tempting in the moment, and then you’re sitting there later wondering why you ignored every red flag your group chat tried to warn you about. EPCOT Because here’s the thing: Disney pros do not book restaurants the same way first-timers do. The experts are thinking about value, convenience, atmosphere, how much effort it takes to pull the meal off, and whether the food actually lives up to the hype. We’re not just booking based on vibes and a pretty sign in World Showcase. We’re booking strategically. Like hungry little chess masters in Minnie ears. And when you look at EPCOT through that lens, there are a few restaurants that seasoned Disney fans tend to skip. Not because they’re all bad. Not because nobody should ever go. But because when you’ve done EPCOT enough times, you start to realize some of these spots are more about the concept than the actual meal. Tables So let’s talk about the EPCOT restaurants the experts refuse to book and why these reservations keep getting left on read. Coral Reef Restaurant Let’s start with the obvious bait — the atmosphere is COOL. Coral Reef sits inside The Seas pavilion and looks into the massive aquarium, which means you get fish gliding by while you eat. It’s moody, it’s unique, it’s very much giving “underwater dinner date in a slightly haunted dentist office,” and I mean that lovingly. Disney itself highlights the aquarium setting as the big draw, and that is absolutely the star here. The windows are pretty iconic! But here’s why the experts hesitate: the food has a long-running reputation for being…fine. Perfectly edible. Serviceable. Not offensive. But for a park packed with stronger table-service options and some genuinely excellent festival booths, “fine” is not exactly a standing ovation. Coral Reef’s current menu includes dishes like seasonal fish, grilled chicken, and shrimp, which means it’s not a bad menu by any stretch. It’s just not usually the kind of menu that makes Disney veterans sprint to grab a reservation at 6AM sixty days out. A closer look This is one of those restaurants where the room does a lot of the heavy lifting. If you’ve got kids who are going to lose their minds seeing sea life drift by the windows, or you want a quieter, air-conditioned break from the park, sure, there’s a case to be made. But experts tend to ask the cruel, practical question: Would I still want to eat here if there weren’t fish? And for a lot of us, the answer is… probably not. That doesn’t make Coral Reef a disaster. It just makes it a restaurant where the ambiance is carrying the entrée on its back like a stressed-out personal trainer. Nine Dragons Restaurant I’m just going to say it: this one hurts me personally. Nine Dragons is beautiful inside. It’s contemporary Chinese cuisine in an elegant dining room with traditional lanterns, wood carvings, and glass artwork, and yes, that part absolutely delivers. It’s a lovely space. But experts skip it because, in the harsh fluorescent truth of day, this is often the easiest EPCOT reservation to talk yourself out of. Nine Dragons Atmo Why? Because unless you’re really craving this specific stop, a lot of guests can get comparable Chinese food closer to home for less money, less effort, and without needing to burn precious EPCOT dining time on it. That’s the real problem. EPCOT is supposed to feel special. It’s supposed to feel like you’re using your stomach wisely. And Nine Dragons, for many repeat visitors, lands in the dangerous category of “totally decent, but not distinct enough.” Also, I am still mourning the spinach noodles. Yes, I’m bringing that up. Yes, I’m being dramatic about it. No, I will not be taking further questions. Food from Nine Dragons in EPCOT The key here is that Nine Dragons is not necessarily bad. It’s just rarely the most compelling choice. And in EPCOT, “not the most compelling choice” is basically a death sentence. Monsieur Paul Now this is where things get fancy. Monsieur Paul is not a casual “hey, should we pop in?” kind of meal. This is Signature Dining. This is upstairs in the France pavilion. This is a dining location that has a dress code and an age requirement. Guests must be age 10 or older to dine here. Monsieur Paul And friends, that right there is why the experts often refuse to book it. Not because Monsieur Paul is bad. In fact, it is very much not bad. But it is a commitment. A whole production. A full event. The current dinner format is a prix fixe tasting menu priced at $195 per adult, plus tax and gratuity. That is not “let’s wander over after Guardians and see what happens” money. Monsieur Paul Atmo That is “we planned outfits, built the day around this, mentally prepared for an upscale multi-course meal, and maybe packed backup shoes because EPCOT already ate our ankles alive” money. And that’s why so many Disney experts pass. EPCOT is usually a park of motion. You’re snacking around World Showcase. You’re power-walking to your Lightning Lane. You’re pivoting from one pavilion to the next like a caffeinated diplomat. Monsieur Paul requires you to slow all the way down and transform the day into something else. Beef Tenderloin at Monsieur Paul For the right guest, that’s wonderful. For the average seasoned parkgoer? That’s a lot. It’s also one of the clearest examples of a restaurant that might be excellent, but still does not make sense for this trip. If you’re celebrating something big, love fine dining, and want a more formal experience inside the park, that’s one thing. But experts know that most EPCOT days are a little too sweaty, spontaneous, and snack-driven for this level of culinary pageantry. Very crunchy In other words, Monsieur Paul is not a casual fling. It is a legally binding evening. La Crêperie de Paris This one is maybe the most brutal cut on the list, because La Crêperie de Paris is actually charming. It’s in the France pavilion, it’s backed by chef Jérôme Bocuse, and it’s a table-service spot serving crepes and cuisine inspired by Brittany. The restaurant menu includes savory galettes and sweet crepes, and there’s even a prix fixe breakfast. La Creperie Entrance Cute! Lovely! Très delightful! But experts still skip the reservation because the walk-up window right outside, Crêpes À Emporter, exists and is often the smarter play. This quick-service window serves sweet crepes and savory galettes in the same pavilion, and it does so without requiring a reservation, a formal sit-down commitment, or a chunk of your day disappearing into the void. Le Bete de Crepe or The Beast Crepe And that is the problem. When the attached quick-service option is just as convenient, often just as satisfying, and in some cases feels even more “EPCOT” because you can eat while wandering the World Showcase lagoon area like the little crepe goblin you were born to be, the table-service reservation becomes a harder sell. Experts know that not every good restaurant needs to be booked. Sometimes the smarter move is grabbing the thing from the window and keeping it moving. Melba That’s especially true in EPCOT, where flexibility is half the battle. Do you really want to lock yourself into a table-service crêpe meal when you could mobile-strategize your day around festivals, rides, drinks, and random snack impulses instead? Exactly. La Crêperie de Paris is not being rejected because it’s bad. It’s being rejected because its own quick-service sibling is standing right there being efficient, delicious, and reservation-free. A little rude, honestly. Space 220 Finally, we have the big one. The flashy one. The buzzy one. The one with the atmosphere so strong it could file taxes on its own. Space 220 is one of EPCOT’s most immersive dining experiences. It is set 220 miles above Earth with panoramic celestial views, a “Stellarvator” ride up to the station, and prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Not a bad view And yes, the atmosphere is AWESOME. The arrival sequence is cool. The visuals are cool. The whole thing feels like Disney took “what if dinner, but make it science fiction” and really committed to the bit. Okay, space lettuce, we see you But experts often refuse to book the full restaurant because, once again, the atmosphere is doing a lot of the heavy lifting while the menu price makes you blink like you’ve just seen the check materialize out of stardust. This is one of the most classic “one-and-done” Disney restaurants out there. You go once because the experience is genuinely unique. You enjoy the ride up. You admire the view. You take the photos. You make the jokes about being in low-Earth orbit with a bread basket. And then, on future trips, you start asking whether you really need the full prix fixe meal again. Blue Moon Cauliflower For a lot of experts, the answer is no. That’s why the Space 220 Lounge often becomes the more appealing move. You still get to sample the vibe without making such a giant commitment to the full meal structure. The restaurant itself is prix fixe for lunch and dinner. And when a restaurant is charging premium prices, the food has to do more than just keep pace with the theme. It has to justify the orbit. Starship Lemonade For many repeat guests, Space 220 doesn’t quite do that. It’s not that nobody likes it. It’s that Disney pros tend to value repeatability. And Space 220, for all its wow factor, often feels more like an attraction with entrées than a restaurant you need to revisit over and over again. And honestly? That’s fine. Not every restaurant has to be your forever. Some are just your “that was neat” phase. Final Thoughts Here’s the thing: experts refusing to book a restaurant does not automatically mean you shouldn’t eat there. Sometimes a restaurant is worth it for the atmosphere. Sometimes it makes sense for your group. Sometimes you’re celebrating. Sometimes you just want to eat in a space station or stare at fish while inhaling dessert, and frankly, I support your journey. Virgin Cosmo Cocktail But experienced Disney fans usually book with a ruthless little question in mind: Is this the best use of my time, money, and appetite in EPCOT? And for Coral Reef, Nine Dragons, Monsieur Paul, La Crêperie de Paris, and Space 220, the answer is often “not quite.” Maybe the food doesn’t outshine the setting. Maybe the experience costs too much for what you get. Maybe there’s an easier version of the same meal nearby. Maybe the reservation asks too much of a park day that’s already doing the absolute most. Grilled Snapper That’s the real reason the experts pass. Not because these restaurants are disasters. But because EPCOT is stacked, your stomach only has so many shifts in it, and Disney veterans have learned the hard way that not every pretty reservation is the right reservation. Sometimes the smartest thing you can book in EPCOT… is literally anything else. Trying to pick Disney World restaurants can feel like entering a full-contact sport with a spreadsheet, six browser tabs, and one rapidly fraying last nerve. Between menus, reviews, reservation drama, and the eternal question of “wait, is this actually worth it?”, it’s a LOT. That’s why our Guide to Disney World Dining does the heavy lifting for you, so you can stop spiraling, start planning smarter, and get back to the fun part: eating the snacks. I’ve Been to Every EPCOT World Showcase Shop in Disney World and I’m Sharing My 7 Best Finds 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 restaurant in EPCOT would you skip? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
  23. Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth 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 over the past seven days, including the fact that EPCOT’s most popular attractions all had surprise LONG waits! Magic Kingdom Wait Times Seven Dwarfs Mine Train TRON Lightcycle / Run — 76 minutes Space Mountain — 59 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 58 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 45 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 44 minutes Jungle Cruise — 43 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 37 minutes Haunted Mansion — 28 minutes Astro Orbiter Astro Orbiter — 23 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 21 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 20 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 19 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 19 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 19 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 18 minutes “it’s a small world” — 16 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 15 minutes “it’s a small world” Mad Tea Party — 13 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 11 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Enchanted Tiki Room — 9 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 8 minutes Carousel of Progress — 4 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 99 minutes Test Track — 89 minutes Soarin’ — 66 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 62 minutes Frozen Ever After — 60 minutes Frozen Ever After Spaceship Earth — 22 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 18 minutes Mission: SPACE — 17 minutes Living with the Land — 16 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes Journey into Imagination — 15 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 10 minutes 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. Frozen Ever After, while reopened, was not online long enough to establish an accurate average wait time. 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 — 70 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 47 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 37 minutes Expedition Everest — 29 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 15 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios Rise of the Resistance — 91 minutes Slinky Dog Dash — 83 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 57 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 48 minutes Tower of Terror — 47 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Toy Story Mania — 45 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 31 minutes Star Tours — 10 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
  24. You’ve likely heard about how wonderful, yet expensive, The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk is, but we can say that after dining in both the restaurant and visiting the bakery multiple times, in most cases, we find the higher price to be worth the experience. We’ve found THE BEST chicken tenders on Disney World property! While we’re usually pretty ecstatic when we hear about a new menu item at the location, words can’t express how curious and thrilled we were to hear that the restaurant just added chicken tenders to its menu! We grabbed a reservation ASAP to try them out, and let’s just say, these might be the BEST chicken tenders in the entirety of Disney World. The Chicken Tenders with Pommes Frites are now available for $25 on the restaurant side of The Cake Bake Shop, which does mean a reservation is highly recommended. Now, when we sat down and ordered, our server did warn us that these do take time to come out, as each order is hand-breaded ONLY when they’re ordered, so there’s no major preparation done in advance. When they came out, we could immediately see why — they LOOKED incredible, and our mouths were already watering. Look at these! When they came out, they were so hot that we couldn’t hold them just yet, and they were practically radiating heat. It also comes with French Fries, as well as ketchup and house-made ranch. They were HUGE, and with that in mind, this could be shared between two people, or you’ll easily have some to bring home for leftovers. The tenders themselves are easily the best chicken tenders we’ve ever had in Disney World. They are so perfectly crunchy and just the right thickness on the outside, aren’t greasy at all, and are so tender and juicy inside. It was clear from the flavor that fresh chicken was used, because the flavor was spot on. Look at these things! As for the fries, they were seasoned perfectly with some pepper, and we loved dipping them in the ranch, which had just the right amount of spice to it. Our only tiny complaint was that we recommend asking for extra ranch if you plan to use it, as we don’t feel you get enough. However, our server was incredible and made sure we had plenty to take home with our leftovers! The ranch was incredible! Even when our reporter brought the leftovers home and shared them with her household, it was agreed that they were STILL worlds better than any of the other chicken tenders in Disney World, and even on Disney Cruise Line. Sure, $25 is a lot to pay when there are cheaper chicken tenders around the parks, but let’s be honest — classic Disney chicken tenders may hit the spot, but they’re very generic and don’t knock your socks off in the slightest. Chicken Strips and Fries Even the newer Chicken Tenders on property that are upgraded with toppings, like the Seaside Chicken Strips at Columbia Harbour House, the Lemon Pepper-Parmesan Chicken Strips at Pinocchio Village Haus, the Spicy Aioli Chicken Strips at Rosie’s All-American Cafe, or the other six additions added in late 2025, are still classic Disney chicken tenders at their core. They don’t even come close to these! Buffalo Chicken Strips Now, we do love Chicken Guy! chicken tenders, as well as the ones you’ll find at Everglazed, both in Disney Springs, and you’ll still find us recommending those if you want some tasty tenders at a lower price, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, The Cake Bake Shop is the way to go. More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: We Might Have Just Found the BEST Chicken Tenders in All of Disney World (And That’s a HUGE Honor)REVIEW: Is This NEW Jumbo Burger in Disney World Worth $23? Let’s Find Out!REVIEW: Homecomin’ at Disney Springs Just Got Even BETTER With This New BurgerREVIEW: This NEW Disney World Snack Takes Nachos to a Whole Different LevelI Tried the Top 5 Shoes for Disney World – Here’s the Winner With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World to help you plan in advance! We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant, all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. You’ll have it all at your fingertips while you’re in the parks! DFB Guide to Disney World Dining! We’ll continue to bring you all the latest Disney World news to help you plan for your trip, so stay tuned to DFB! No Lie. You Need to Skip These 8 Disney World Snacks 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 Where are your favorite chicken tenders in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  25. For Disney pin collectors, the thrill of a new design dropping is exhilarating – sometimes creating a moment that turns one ordinary morning into a must-attend Manhattan event. That excitement was on full display earlier today as fans set their alarms before the sun even came up, gathering bright and early at Disney Store Times Square for a retro-themed pin event. There was truly no better way to start the day in this electric city than with exclusive releases, brand-new mystery boxes, items inspired by the timeless charm of New York City, and pin vending machines (yes, you heard that right). I arrived on this chilly spring Saturday to check out the action and get my hands on some new pins for my own collection – here’s how the morning unfolded. 6:00 A.M. – Good Morning, Pin Lovers! I had the opportunity to step into the store before the event officially began, where friendly Disney Store cast members were hard at work getting the space set up, even donning special Mickey Mouse ears for the day. The flagship location here in Times Square is huge – boasting two stories that are packed with products ranging from plush and apparel to dolls and games. There are striking scenes throughout the space like NYC-themed artwork, iconic Disney quotes, larger-than-life statues, a Tangled-inspired escalator with glowing lanterns, and the iconic princess castle. It feels both nostalgic and innovative here, with that distinctly Disney sense of imagination and wonder. Knowing that Disney Store Times Square presents fans with a one-of-a-kind way to interact with the Disney brand and shop our products, I was curious to ask the team what it was about this location that made it feel like the right place to host such a unique pin event. Glenn Whye, Senior Manager of Disney Stores, North America, shared, “You said it best; there’s something so special about bringing the magic of Disney right to the heart of Manhattan. When thinking through locations for this event, inspired by DisneyStore.com’s Pintastic Tuesday, we couldn’t imagine a better spot than our flagship Disney Store here in Times Square.” I was also eager to ask Glenn if he could hint at any other NYC experiences or activations for local fans and shoppers, as I hope today’s event is the first of many more to come. His response to what the future holds? “You’ll just have to wait and see — we love a good surprise!” The early morning start time did not deter these pin enthusiasts, who purchased their tickets weeks ago, and have come from near and far to secure their selection of new and exclusive designs. The excitement started long before the event began, with longtime pin traders and those newly discovering the hobby coming together to continue growing their collections, chatting in line and planning out their purchases. 7:00 A.M. – Let the Shopping Spree Commence The clock struck 7:00 and the doors soon opened, inviting attendees to step into a morning of Manhattan magic. Upon walking into the store, guests left behind the ferocious flurry of the city and entered into the cheerful, lively atmosphere. I had my personal wish list after browsing the event catalogue, and it’s clear that everyone in attendance had a shopping strategy of their own. Some guests seemed most excited about the retro pins or the vending machines, while others were most eager to get their hands on one of those NYC-inspired designs. The variety of pins available meant that there was something for everyone, from colorful character designs to special event exclusives that commemorated the occasion. This assortment was intentionally selected in a way that appeals to serious collectors and casual fans alike. Guests entered the event in small, timed entry groups, where a cast member would then lead them to each pin “station.” Things seemed to flow super smoothly as the designated guides moved shoppers through the morning, ensuring that the experience felt curated and intimate for each ticket holder. There were also Disney Store stickers, buttons, and trivia pamphlets being distributed, so the keepsakes and activities seemed endless! With that, the hunt for the perfect addition to my pin collection was officially underway. 8:00 A.M. – Exploring Event Exclusives and the Pin Vending Machine Disney Store Times Square has long been a fan-favorite destination for dedicated Disney collectors due to their medley of store exclusive products that you can only find here, many with a signature NYC twist. As I was browsing the shelves this morning, I was even more excited than usual to see the pins that were made exclusively for this event. Some had a nostalgic flair with vintage-inspired artwork and classic animation styles celebrating characters that have stood the test of time, while others spotlighted New York City as the star of the show. The Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty Limited Edition Jumbo Pin has all the glitz and glamour of NYC, with a sparkling red apple, colorful city skyline (plus a classic taxicab), and Minnie Mouse stepping into the shoes of this iconic figure. Mickey Mouse is also joining in on the fun and taking on the role of a tourist with The Disney Store Event Mickey Mouse Limited Edition Pin. Mickey and his camera are ready to take in the sights and sounds of the greatest city in the world, and I’d tell him (or any other visitors) to of course start at Disney Store Times Square. The other pin at this station has some old-school Disney charm, featuring classic characters with the Disney Store’s logo, a film strip, and glittering purple background. This design, which is a variant of the event gift all attendees received, stood out to me because it is double layered, giving the pin a cool 3-D effect. Possibly the most unique element of the event were the pin vending machines, which contained the Retro Villains series, only available here today. Guests were given swipe cards and could purchase up to five spins at the machines, where the small round capsules opened to reveal different designs. This definitely had an old-school arcade feel to it which was a fun feature of the morning! Pins in this set are a theatrical throwback to the ‘80s and ‘90s, featuring dastardly divas Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Hades, the Evil Queen, and Cruella de Vil, with a hinged design that dramatically opens to reveal a VHS tape. 9:00 A.M. – Mystery Boxes, City Scenes, and Returning Favorites By this time, the event was in full swing as collectors continued browsing, shopping, and sharing their latest finds. Many had already secured several of their must-have pins, while others were still looking for that one design that would complete their collection. Mystery boxes are all the rage these days, being filled with randomized pins or plush, so you’re never quite certain what you’ll get. This element of surprise and discovery, which I also saw with the vending machines, made the experience feel even more exciting and unpredictable. There were multiple sets of mystery pins at this event, and they were a huge hit with shoppers (myself included), sparking joyful reactions when drawing the design you’d been dreaming of. The Big Apple series, available for the first time at this event, combines classic characters with city landmarks. Eight different designs show Mickey & Friends embracing the endless energy of NYC alongside the Empire State Building, a hot dog cart, a taxi, a pizza slice, an apple, the Statue of Liberty, a water tower like the ones you often see sitting atop old buildings, and Times Square. The Scene Makers series is inspired by the iconic Disney Store cast member buttons, with beloved Disney characters like Darkwing Duck, Baloo, Wildcat, Huey, Chip, or Bonkers holding a film clapperboard. As someone who works just down the street from the studio lot in Burbank, these felt so fitting! This event was also the first opportunity to purchase the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty New Year’s Eve Limited Release Pin. This multi-layered design showcases a celebratory scene with Mickey and Minnie against the backdrop of vibrant fireworks as they light up the city sky. There were even some limited-edition pins from 2025 that made an appearance just for this special event! The Sleeping Beauty Castle Pin from the Disney Windows of Attraction set was absolutely stunning – I was so tempted to grab this one since Disneyland is currently my home park. I then spotted a sweet pin from the Hundred Acre Wood series featuring Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, which is the perfect way to commemorate Pooh Bear’s recent 100th anniversary milestone. 10:00 A.M. – That’s a Wrap! The store was set to open to the public shortly, and the shopping spree began to wind down as 10:00 A.M. rolled around. Tourists would soon be trickling in to begin their souvenir searching, so I made sure I had all the pins I wanted and set off to grab a few more items from the store before departing for the day, like the viral Times Square Wishables. And before I knew it, I was saying farewell and stepping back outside into the bright buzz and bustle of Times Square. As attendees said their goodbyes, they were handed the gift that came with their ticket purchase, which was The Disney Store Event Logo Limited Edition Pin. This is such a standout addition to anyone’s collection! Pin trading has been a favorite pastime for Disney fans for decades, offering fans a way to celebrate favorite characters, unforgettable scenes, and iconic destinations through thoughtfully designed pins. This event captured that spirit of what makes pin collecting so special, with a morning full of surprises, shared smiles, and signature Disney storytelling. It was amazing to see how pins aren’t just a product – they really do create community and memorable moments! As a former NYC dweller (and forever fan of this magical city), I’m pleased to keep providing all the product and event updates from our friends at Disney Store Times Square. Stay tuned here on Disney Parks Blog for more exclusive insights and exciting news, straight from the Big Apple. In the meantime, check out this story to learn more about some of the merchandise you can find at the store next time you stop by. And for anyone looking to continue their pin collecting journey, don’t miss out on the next Pin-Tastic Tuesday drop via DisneyStore.com. Disney Store Times Square: New Arrivals, Exclusives, and Events READ MORE Disney Store Japan and China Merchandise READ MORE Disney Pin Trading Celebrates 25th Anniversary READ MORE The post Inside the Disney Store Times Square Retro Pin Event appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
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