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Hello there fellow snacker! The Popcorn!! Are you a fan of grabbing all kinds of tasty treats while in EPCOT? Perhaps you too are a fan of the signature caramel popcorn and the oh-so-delicious pumpkin cupcake at Karamell-Küche in EPCOT’s Germany pavilion? If the above applies to you, then there’s a BIG update you need to know about. Recently, Disney announced that Mobile Order would be coming to select bakery spots around Disney World. One of those spots is…Karamell-Küche!! YES. Caramel corn lovers REJOICE! You can now Mobile Order this ridiculously delicious treat, along with lots of other things from this popular spot right from your phone. Karamell-Kuche Today, we stopped by Karamell-Küche to check it out. Outside this spot, you’ll now find a Mobile Order sign, advising guests that they can place their order through the My Disney Experience app. Time to Mobile Order When we looked at the My Disney Experience app, we saw that Karamell-Küche does now appear as one of the available mobile order options. It’s There! When you place a mobile order at this spot, you’ll select your desired return time and then start making all of your sugary dreams come true. Ready to Place an Order? There are a variety of things you can order from this spot from your phone including candy apples… ©Disney …freshly made caramel popcorn (OH YES!)… ©Disney …confections, like caramel squares… ©Disney …caramel Mickey marshmallow wands, and caramel s’mores… ©Disney …cookies, like the caramel s’mores cookie… ©Disney …treats, like the INCREDIBLY delicious pumpkin spice cupcake… ©Disney …and bottled drinks. ©Disney Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll wait for your designated pick-up time, hit the “I’m here” when the time comes, and grab your tasty treats! Just be sure to keep an eye on those Mobile Order return times to make sure the next one works for you. In general, we’ve seen that return times for Mobile Order can be quite late at times if you place your order during a busy time of the day, so you might want to consider placing that order earlier in the day but scheduling the pick-up time to be at a later time. If you’re a big fan of this spot and hoping to get your snacks quicker, be sure to see if Mobile Order can work for you. And stay tuned to DFB for more updates. Click here to see more about the other spots that will feature Mobile Order soon. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you use Mobile Order at this spot? Tell us in the comments! The post ALERT. You Can Now Mobile Order Caramel Popcorn in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hello, DFB friends! We’re here with more of what’s new at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle We’ve been seeing more and more 50th anniversary statues pop up, new Cinderella wreaths, and even a favorite treat return. Now we have another 50th anniversary item to share and more progress toward Disney launching the Genie+ program! This time we have news to share about a new popcorn box and more lightning lanes added. Magic Kingdom Food Update In Fantasyland, we found a new 50th Anniversary popcorn box! The new boxes have images of all four Disney Parks icons, including Cinderella Castle, Tower of Terror, the Tree of Life, and Spaceship Earth. 50th Anniversary Popcorn Bucket There are also silhouettes of favorite Disney characters featured on the box on a dark blue background. Can you spot the teeny tiny 50 icon on Cinderella Castle? See more photos of the new 50th anniversary popcorn box here! Magic Kingdom Construction Updates In front of the Magic Kingdom Train Station, there’s now a new 50th anniversary topiary display, starring Mickey, Minnie, and a birthday cake! It’s a party! Now every time you enter Magic Kingdom you’ll remember that it’s Disney World’s 50th birthday this year! See more photos of the 50th anniversary topiary here! And Lightning Lanes continue to pop up at Magic Kingdom rides, with three new ones placed in Tomorrowland, including at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin… Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Lightning Lane …Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor… Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Lightning Lane …and Space Mountain. Space Mountain Lightning Lane In Liberty Square, the Haunted Mansion now has a Lightning Lane. Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane In Fantasyland, a Lightning Lane was added to the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Lightning Lane We’ll continue to report back as Lightning Lanes appear throughout Disney World! Check out photos of Lightning Lanes appear in Hollywood Studios! Magic Kingdom Merchandise Update Today at Crystal Arts on Main Street, U.S.A., you can pre-order the new 50th anniversary tiara! This tiara should be available sometime in mid-November, and guests can order it to be shipped to their homes for an additional fee. New 50th Anniversary Tiara The tiara is gold with tons of sparkly crystals, and for $85, you can be a 50th anniversary Disney Princess! Here are more photos of the 50th anniversary tiara! And that’s what’s new at Magic Kingdom! The 50th anniversary is almost here so we’ll be keeping a close watch for more updates in Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned for more Disney World news from DFB! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you surprised by any of the news this week? Tell us in the comments! The post What’s New at Magic Kingdom: A 50th Anniversary Popcorn Box and Tiara! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

All-New Tenaya Stone Spa Grand Opening - Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa | Disneyland ResortView the full article

Ever wanted to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance WITHOUT a Boarding Group? Rise of the Resistance We’ve seen Rise of the Resistance open to guests without a boarding group very rarely, but other than that boarding groups have generally been required. Soon, however, things will be changing. How will these upcoming changes potentially impact the situation with the NEW, paid FastPass-like systems Disney will be rolling out soon? Here are our thoughts. First, let’s go over what’s changing. Recently, Disney shared that as they approach the 50th Anniversary celebrations, they’ve been “continuing to enhance experiences” thanks to the feedback they’ve received from guests. It appears one of these enhancements has to do with Rise of the Resistance. According to Disney, starting on September 23rd, they will be pausing the use of virtual queues (boarding groups) for Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Instead of trying to get a boarding group, guests will simply be able to use a traditional standby queue to ride the attraction. Rise of the Resistance But, Disney has noted that virtual queues are useful, and that guests should look at the My Disney Experience app for updates about virtual queues, including the potential use of virtual queues once again at Rise of the Resistance at a later date or from time to time. So, boarding groups may not be gone for good. Starting September 23rd, Disney will pause the virtual queue system at Rise of the Resistance, but it appears that the system could return in the future, or could be put in place from time to time. Rise of the Resistance Queue So, now let’s talk about Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection. Disney has announced that NEW, paid FastPass-like systems will be coming soon to Disney World. First, there’s Disney Genie+ and second, there’s Individual Attraction Selection. With Disney Genie+, you’ll pay a set amount ($15 per ticket, per day) and you’ll get to select the next available time to skip the standby line at a ride and instead use that ride’s Lightning Lane (a.k.a. the FastPass lane). These Genie+ selections can be made for 1 attraction at a time throughout the day, and over 40 attractions in Disney World will be available through this system. Lightning Lane Sign at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin But, select, highly popular rides (including Rise of the Resistance) will NOT be included in Genie+. Instead, if you want to skip the standby line and use the Lightning Lane at those popular rides, you’ll have to pay to access each ride’s Lightning Lane individually through what Disney calls Individual Attraction Selection. Guests can buy a maximum of 2 Individual Attraction Selections per day. Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance So, what does this all mean? Well, to ride Rise of the Resistance at the moment your only option is to join the virtual queue. Once Individual Attraction Selection launches, your main choices would have been (1) try to join the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance, or (2) buy an Individual Attraction Selection for Rise of the Resistance. Rise of the Resistance Starting September 23rd, however, if you want to ride Rise of the Resistance you’ll use the ride’s regular, standby line. BUT, you’ll want to watch My Disney Experience to see if virtual queues pop up from time to time for this ride, or if the virtual queue returns at a later date. After September 23rd and after Individual Attraction Selection launches, your main choices will essentially be (1) use the standby line OR virtual queue, if a virtual queue returns or pops up during your visit; (2) pay for the Individual Attraction Selection for Rise of the Resistance. Rise of the Resistance If you don’t like waiting in long lines, then purchasing an Individual Attraction Selection might have just become a slightly more attractive option for you. You may have previously been okay with the idea of simply trying to get a boarding group and then only having to wait in the line from the time your boarding group is called to the point when you can physically get on the ride. Soon, however, it appears you’ll just be waiting in a standby line. That standby line could end up being quite long, especially considering how popular the attraction is. Once Individual Attraction Selection is available you’ll have to weigh standing in a potentially very long line against a paid opportunity to ride the attraction quicker. Rise of the Resistance On the other hand, if you strongly dislike virtual queues and are perfectly happy to wait in a standby line no matter how long it is, then Individual Attraction Selection might not be something you’ll consider. In fact, Individual Attraction Selection might now be something you’ll consider even less. You may have previously considered getting an Individual Attraction Selection for this ride because it could guarantee you the chance to ride, rather than having to deal with the chance of not getting a boarding group. But now, because you’ll no longer have to worry about the risk of not getting a boarding group (provided boarding groups don’t return or pop up during your trip), Individual Attraction Selection may be even less attractive. Rise of the Resistance Keep in mind that Disney hasn’t shared a set date for when Individual Attraction Selection will be available. We know that Disney Genie (the free planning service) is set to launch this fall, and we expect Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection will launch then too. Also, Disney hasn’t shared how much Individual Attraction Selections will cost, but we do know the cost will vary by date, park, and ride. We’ll be on the lookout for more updates. Click here to see how the virtual queue will work for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. All About Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Selection See More About the Paid FastPass Systems Coming to Disney World and Disneyland Learn About the Differences Between Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ Check Out How and Why You’ll Pay for Individual Rides Through Individual Attraction Selection See Why You’ll Want to Stay in a Disney World Hotel When the New Paid Individual Attraction Selection System Rolls Out Here’s What Annual Passholders and Magic Key Holders Need to Know About Genie+ Learn About How Genie+ is Different Than MaxPass in Disneyland Understand the Basics About Disney Genie in 500 Words or Less Get the Answers to All of Your Burning Questions About Disney Genie See the 5 Most Mind-Blowing Disney Genie Features Learn About How Disney Genie Can Be Your Personal Assistant in Disney World See How Disney Genie Can Help You Hack Dining in the Disney Parks Click HERE to See More About Disney Genie Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe What do you think? Are you interested in buying the Individual Attraction Selection for Rise of the Resistance? Or will you stick with a standby queue? Tell us in the comments. The post How the Rise of the Resistance Change Will Impact Pay-Per-Ride in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you haven’t yet visited Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs, you’re missing out! Gideon’s Bakehouse Gideon’s Bakehouse, located in The Landing of Disney Springs, is known to Orlando locals and tourists alike for their nearly half pound cookies, cakes, and more, and today they posted on Instagram about an extremely limited treat they have for TODAY ONLY! So if you’re in the neighborhood and in the mood for some chocolate, you’ll want to see this. On their Instagram stories, Gideon’s Bakehouse just posted that they’re serving (today only!) slices of Mexican Chocolate Cake in honor of Mexican Independence Day! Their Mexican Chocolate Cake is made with hand cut chunks of imported Mexican chocolate, and the icing is cinnamon, ancho, and cayenne buttercream. ©gideonsbakehouse Instagram They blessed us with a close up shot of their Mexican Chocolate Cake and our mouths are watering. Look at all that chocolate! ©gideonsbakehouse Instagram Slices of Gideon’s Mexican Chocolate Cake are available today only at both of their locations while supplies last, so if you’ve got your heart set on trying this very chocolate-y cake you need to run over there asap! Keep reading DFB for more Disney World food news! Check out the Gideon’s Bakehouse candle that will make your house smell like cake! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you try a slice of this Mexican Chocolate Cake? Tell us in the comments! The post Chocolate Lovers Should RUN 🏃‍♂️ to Disney Springs for This Limited Treat! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the premiere of Harmonious, the long-awaited new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT! The show will officially debut on October 1st as part of the kickoff of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Harmonious at EPCOT ©Disney If you’re just as excited as we are for the new fireworks show, then you’ll want to check out this behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the soundtrack to life inside the park. Disney already shared a glimpse at how the music was created for the show, and now we’re getting another look at how the music is being brought to life ahead of Harmonious‘ premiere! Harmonious! ©Disney The soundtrack that guests will hear when they see Harmonious will have included over 100 separate recording sessions in nine different countries, and will feature the work of nearly 240 musicians, artists, composers, arrangers, cultural consultants, and vocalists! Barge Arms Raised Clint Clarke, an Audio Engineer for Disney Live Entertainment, took on the role of Audio Systems Designer as part of the team that took the studio mix for Harmonious and brought it to life as guests will hear it the parks! Harmonious Barge Arm Testing Check out this awesome video showing some of what it took to install that glorious soundtrack (seriously, we get chills every time we hear the music from this show!) across roughly 100 speaker poles! Be sure to follow along in the weeks to come as we prepare to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Disney World! There are a LOT of exciting things happening the parks right now, and you won’t want to miss out on the festivities! We’ll be in the parks covering all of the new entertainment, food, merchandise, and more. Get another behind-the-scenes look, this time at a rehearsal for Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life! Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Details and Info Click HERE for Your Guide to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration See Everything That Has Been Announced For Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Check Out Everything Happening in Disney World on October 1st, 2021 Click Here to See The 50 Best Ways to Celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary What Does Hotel Availability and Pricing Look Like for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? Here Are the 5 News Bombs You May Have Missed Related to the 50th Anniversary Celebrations! Check Out 10 Things You Need to Bring If You’re Going to Disney World for the 50th Anniversary See How Each of Disney World’s Park Icons Will Transform During the 50th Anniversary Celebrations! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you planning a visit to Disney World to celebrate its 50th Anniversary? Let us know in the comments! The post VIDEO: We Dare You to NOT Get Chills When You Hear the Music From EPCOT’s NEW Fireworks Show! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Space 220 is a long-anticipated, futuristic restaurant that’s opening in EPCOT on September 20th, 2021. Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney We’ve seen the concept art for Space 220, and all the information about the restaurant’s menus came out just a couple of days ago. Today in EPCOT, we noticed another detail that proves its opening is just around the corner! Space 220 is going to be located right next to the Mission: Space attraction in EPCOT’s future world. Today we saw a new sign for the restaurant in this area. The sign has a future-y font (which makes sense for the space-themed restaurant) and has a blue globe sitting next to it in the landscaping. Space 220 sign If you go further into this area, you can also see another Space 220 sign that marks the restaurant’s entrance. There’s the entrance! This one has the same logo, plus an arrow that shows guests where to go to get their space-themed food. A closer look Remember, this spot opens on September 20th! Only walk-ins are available from September 20th through the 26th. Starting on September 20th as well, you can make reservations to eat there on September 27th or later. Concept art for Sticky Toffee Pudding ©Disney We’ll be eating at Space 220 when it opens, so keep following DFB for all the news on this futuristic restaurant. Click Here to See the Menus for Space 220 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you planning to eat at Space 220 when it opens? Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: Space 220 Restaurant Signs Are UP in EPCOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It may only be September, but we’ve been celebrating Halloween for a while now! Cinderella Pumpkins We’ve already been to Disney World’s new After Hours BOO Bash event, checked out some spooktacular Halloween popcorn buckets, and even taken a look at the Halloween merchandise. But, another Halloween item has now arrived for you to snag! Over at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa we found some Halloween Resort Refillable Mugs! They’re Back! We actually placed a mobile order for a drink here, and didn’t see the Halloween mug option specifically shown through Mobile Order. Not Shown Here But, when we arrived at Gasparilla Island Grill in person, we found that the Halloween mug was available. Fun! The design on this mug is the same as the Halloween refillable mug we found last year (which is a design we also saw back in 2019). The mug features a variety of colored blocks with spooky versions of our favorite Disney characters. There are also ghosts, candies… Spooktacular …and more. Would You Get This Mug? Resort refillable mugs are priced at $19.99 each. They are eligible at the drink refill stations at all Disney World Resorts’ quick service locations during the length of your trip. If you didn’t get the chance to grab one of these beauties last year, you need another mug for your collection, or you’re just trying to get into the Halloween spirit, you can pick up one of these mugs at Gasparilla Island Grill now. We expect they’ll also make their way to the other Disney World hotels soon, so be on the lookout for them there too. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and share those all with you! Click here to see 10 subtly spooky tees you need for Halloween season! Halloween at Walt Disney World Get a Look at All of the New Halloween Merchandise in Disney World Learn All About Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom See Every Date That is Sold Out for Boo Bash Check Out the Full List of Halloween Treats Coming to Disney World See Photos and Reviews of the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World Take a Look at the Halloween Decorations in Magic Kingdom See Disney World’s NEW Halloween Ears Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you a fan of the refillable mugs in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post PHOTOS: Halloween Refillable Resort Mugs Are BACK in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

With Disney World’s 50th anniversary only weeks away, we’re seeing more 50th decor and merchandise in the parks! Cinderella Castle Today we’ve spotted more 50th anniversary character statues around Disney World. And at Magic Kingdom, we discovered a new (and sparkly!) 50th anniversary souvenir, one that can surely make you feel like a Disney Princess! At Crystal Arts on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, you can take now a look at the new 50th anniversary tiara! The tiara is formed with a Mickey ear silhouette, and you can also spot Cinderella Castle and the 50th anniversary logo. 50th Anniversary Tiara This gold-plated tiara is covered in sparkling crystals and it costs $85. It’s currently available only for pre-order, but you can visit Crystal Arts to order and have it shipped to you for a flat shipping rate of $8.50. And it’s pretty exclusive because as of right now, it can only be pre-ordered in Disney World. Details If you’re local or have plans to visit Disney World in mid-November, you might be able to purchase it in Disney Springs at that time. Otherwise, orders should begin shipping out around that time. Details You can catch a glimpse of this tiara in Crystal Arts in Magic Kingdom. You might have to wait a little while before you can feel like a 50th anniversary Disney Princess, but if sparkly tiaras and 50th anniversary merchandise are your vibe, this is a must-have souvenir! Keep reading DFB for more Disney World merchandise news! Here’s how to get FREE shipping on your favorite Disney items today! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think of the new 50th anniversary tiara? Tell us in the comments! The post You'll Have to WAIT If You Want Disney World's EXCLUSIVE 50th Anniversary Tiara! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most popular rides in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rise of the Resistance But, if you want to get on this popular attraction right now, you’ll have to try and score a Boarding Group, which can be one of the most difficult things to do in Disney World. We’ve seen boarding group times change, and parts of the process be updated, but now Disney has made a HUGE announcement about the future of Boarding Groups at this ride. According to Disney, starting September 23rd, Disney is going to PAUSE the use of virtual queues for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s right folks, starting September 23rd, you’ll be able to ride Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios WITHOUT a Boarding Group. Instead of trying to join the virtual queue, guests will be able to use the traditional standby queue. Rise of the Resistance Disney noted that as they ramp up to the 50th Anniversary celebrations, they’re “continuing to enhance experiences” thanks to guest feedback, and it appears this is one of the “enhancements” they’ll be making. Rise of the Resistance Note that Disney has said they will “PAUSE” the use of virtual queues for Rise of the Resistance. Disney shared that virtual queues continue to be helpful, and that guests should continue to check the My Disney Experience app for updates on virtual queues, including the potential return of Boarding Groups to Rise of the Resistance at a later date or from time to time. So, it sounds like while the virtual queue will be paused on September 23rd, Boarding Groups may return for Rise of the Resistance at a later date, or may pop up from time to time. We’ll keep an eye out for updates on that and let you know what we find. Rise of the Resistance Keep in mind that Disney has also previously shared that Rise of the Resistance will be one of the attractions guests will be able to pay for individually to skip the line and use that ride’s Lightning Lane once Individual Attraction Selection becomes available in Disney World. Individual Attraction Selection is one of the new paid FastPass-like services Disney will soon be introducing, along with Disney Genie+. Rise of the Resistance At the moment, Disney has mentioned that this is applicable at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but has not said that the same change will be made at Disneyland Resort. Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest information (and may the Force be with you)! Click here to see how the virtual queue process will work for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. How do you feel about this change? Tell us in the comments. The post BREAKING: You WON'T Need a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group in Disney World SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

“Harmonious,” the new nighttime spectacular debuting Oct. 1 as part of "The World’s Most Magical Celebration," is one of the largest shows of its kind ever created by Disney and a key milestone in the transformation of EPCOT. Today, I’m excited to give you a glimpse of how the music of “Harmonious” is being brought to life in the park.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/ggEQUP2gwbUView the full article

From bright suns to rising moons, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues to call travelers to the magic of Batuu, especially with the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort’s 18-month anniversary celebration getting closer and closer. As we ramp up to The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring our 50th anniversary, we’re continuing to enhance experiences thanks to the feedback from our guests.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/Qmh9NIh-XVEView the full article

Halloween is for all things spooky, creepy, and scary! The Haunted Mansion And the Disney Villains fit those descriptions very well (just look at the Evil Queen as a witch…the stuff of nightmares!). We know the villains are bad, but they are so fun to watch! We love when Disney themes things after the villains, from spirit jerseys to food to Mickey ears. And now, we’ve spotted a special treat for Halloween that showcases the villains perfectly! Check out this chocolate cauldron sculpture! WOW! We found it over at the Grand Floridian Bakery today, and it is pretty spectacular. Let’s take a closer look! It was hand-decorated by the Cast Members at the bakery! They are artists! It features tributes to many different villains, including portraits of the Evil Queen… Evil Queen …Cruella de Vil… If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will! …Jafar… Watch out for Jafar! …and Maleficent! Maleficent Note that Maleficent cannot be seen to regular guests as she is on the back of the sculpture — Cast Members were kind enough to let us take a quick peek! The Mistress of Evil herself There are also details referencing several other villains, like this tentacle for Ursula! Ick! There is also a hook for, well, Captain Hook, of course. The crocodile must’ve spit that hook out… We saw a reference to Dr. Facilier — the Shadow Man — too! He’s got friends on the other side! And there was a stack of cards with the Queen of Hearts on the top. Clever! Up on the top of the sculpture, where a potion is clearly being brewed, there is a single red apple among the bubbles. Something tells us that apple is NOT safe to eat! Looks can be deceiving! This sculpture is only for display, you can’t eat it — but why would you want to?! It would be such a shame to destroy this work of art! The artists did a great job! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney food news! Click here to see all of the villains at Disney’s Boo Bash After Hours event! Halloween at Walt Disney World Get a Look at All of the New Halloween Merchandise in Disney World Learn All About Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom See Every Date That is Sold Out for Boo Bash Check Out the Full List of Halloween Treats Coming to Disney World See Photos and Reviews of the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World Take a Look at the Halloween Decorations in Magic Kingdom See Disney World’s NEW Halloween Ears Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Who is your favorite Disney villain?! Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: Sorry, But This Disney World Treat is 🚫 OFF LIMITS 🚫 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Preparations are well underway for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. It’s a party! Banners, decorations, merchandise, statues, and more are popping up around the parks. Planning to visit Disney World right around the 50th Anniversary? Select Park Pass reservations have been sold out or filling up for the dates around October 1st (the start of the 50th celebrations), but now things are looking better for some Annual Passholders! If you have an Incredi-Pass, essentially the entire month of October is now available for you in terms of Park Passes, except for October 1st. So, if you want to join all of the festivities on October 2nd, just one day after the celebrations begin, there’s availability for you right now! ©Disney Things are essentially the same when it comes to Sorcerer Pass holders in October. The entire month is fully available in terms of Park Passes, except for October 1st. ©Disney If you’ve got a Pirate Pass things are a bit different as many of those days right around October 1st are blocked out (meaning ticket holders are blocked from obtaining any park passes on those dates). ©Disney The situation is similar for Pixie Dust Pass holders, which have several days right near October 1st blocked out. ©Disney If you’re not an Annual Passholder, Park Passes are still filling up right around the 50th and into more of October. As of earlier today, for guests with Theme Park Tickets, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are full on October 1st, EPCOT is also full on October 2nd and 9th, and Magic Kingdom is full on October 31st. ©Disney The calendar is essentially the same for those staying at Select Resort Hotels. ©Disney But, if you’re an Annual Passholder and looking to visit Disney World close to the 50th Anniversary, be sure to grab those Park Passes now (if you haven’t already). And be sure to check back with us for more updates. Click here to see the birthday cake that has arrived in Magic Kingdom (don’t worry, it’s not on the castle)! Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Details and Info Click HERE for Your Guide to Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration See Everything That Has Been Announced For Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Check Out Everything Happening in Disney World on October 1st, 2021 Click Here to See The 50 Best Ways to Celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary What Does Hotel Availability and Pricing Look Like for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary? Here Are the 5 News Bombs You May Have Missed Related to the 50th Anniversary Celebrations! Check Out 10 Things You Need to Bring If You’re Going to Disney World for the 50th Anniversary See How Each of Disney World’s Park Icons Will Transform During the 50th Anniversary Celebrations! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you planning to visit Disney World in October? Tell us in the comments. The post More Park Passes Added for Passholders Around Disney World's 50th Anniversary first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The new Tenaya Stone Spa is now open at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort!http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/QAvHgywsb18View the full article

In just a few months, Disney World will be getting a BRAND new Cirque du Soleil show — Drawn to Life! ©Disney The show was originally supposed to open some time ago, but its arrival to Disney Springs was delayed. In November, however, this show will finally open, blending together a uniquely Disney story with the amazing performances Cirque du Soleil is known for. Want to get a behind the scenes look at the show? Then we’ve got something special for you! Drawn to Life, presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, is set to open in Disney Springs on November 18th. Tickets are already on sale, so you can visit the Cirque du Soleil website to reserve your seats now. The Drawn to Life show is family-friendly and is the result of a collaboration between Cirque, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. ©Disney During the show, you’ll get to see Julie, who, according to Cirque Du Soleil, is, “a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece.” ©Cirque Du Soleil Guided by a pencil(!), Julie sets off on a quest in which she’ll encounter many of her Disney-related childhood memories. Guests who watch the show will get to see classic Disney characters brought to life in unique ways. There will be acrobatic performances, original music, and even NEW animation created by Disney Animation artists. ©Disney (Peep the Giant Hand in the Back) Want a behind the scenes look at the show? Disney recently shared a video showing the artists returning and getting ready to bring this show to life. Check it out below! We’re looking forward to learning more about this show and seeing it once it is up and running in Disney Springs. We’ll be sure to look out for more updates about the show and bring those all to you. Click here to see a FIRST LOOK at Drawn to Life from back in early 2020! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you planning to see Drawn to Life? Tell us in the comments! The post VIDEO: Go Behind the Scenes of the NEW Cirque du Soleil Show Coming to Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Recently, a lot of places have been reopening in Disney World. Main Street, U.S.A. Restaurants are returning, like Tokyo Dining in EPCOT and the Diamond Horseshoe in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Today we’re at the grand reopening of Disney’s All-Star Music Resort as well. But one Magic Kingdom snack stand didn’t get the memo, and it’s been closed down for over a WEEK now. The Spring Roll Cart — located near the Adventureland entrance in Magic Kingdom — has been closed for more than a week as of writing. Spring Roll Wagon This spot is usually serving unusual spring rolls like the Cheeseburger Spring Roll or the Buffalo Chicken Spring Roll. Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls However, right now you’ll have to find a different snack to satisfy your Disney food cravings since this one is currently not available. No spring rolls here We’re not sure when the Spring Roll Wagon will return. We’ve seen this spot close before when the park is less crowded, so we’re expecting it to reopen when crowds pick up again. Fingers crossed! Where to find the Spring Roll Wagon If you’re not sure what snack to turn to in this Spring Roll-less park, check out our video on the best Disney World snacks that you’ve never heard of. Keep following DFB for more updates on Disney World snacks! Click Here to See What Else is New at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite Magic Kingdom snack? Let us know in the comments! The post Heads Up! The Spring Roll Cart Has Been CLOSED For More than a Week in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Behind The Scenes - Cirque du Soleil Artists Return For Drawn To Life | Disney SpringsView the full article

Beginning October 1st, there will be a lot of changes in Disney World. Cinderella Castle has been redecorated for the 50th Anniversary! Not only is October 1st the first day of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, but it will also mark the beginning of Early Theme Park Entry, the opening of Steakhouse 71, and even the first day Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be available to the public. If you have a park reservation for October 1st or later, you can now see the Early Theme Park Entry times, and here’s how! Now on Disney World’s website, if you have a park reservation from October 1st and beyond, you can see the times for Early Theme Park Entry during your visit! If you’re staying at an eligible Disney World Resort hotel, you will be able to enter your reserved Disney Park 30 minutes before opening. ©Disney From what we can see on the My Plans page in the My Disney Experience section of the website, you can only see the parks for which you have park reservations, even if you aren’t staying in an eligible Disney World hotel for those dates. ©Disney So make a note that seeing these times doesn’t necessarily mean you’re eligible for Early Theme Park Entry. Make sure you double-check with your hotel before arriving 30 minutes early! ©Disney Early Theme Park Entry debuts on October 1st for select hotels, so if you’d like to take advantage of that extra 30 minutes in a Disney Park, you can check the list of qualifying hotels here. Keep checking DFB for more Disney World planning news for your next visit! Here are 5 important tips for Early Theme Park Entry in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry? Tell us in the comments! The post Finding Out WHEN You Can Get Into Disney World EARLY Just Got Easier! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are just a few hotels in Disney World that are still closed at the moment, but all of the hotels are set to reopen soon. All-Star Music Resort We recently saw Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge reopen, and we’ve been to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to check out lots of updates there. Now, one more hotel that has been closed for quite some time is finally open to guests once again! Disney’s All-Star Music Resort has officially reopened, and we’re stopping by this spot to give you ALL the details you need to know. Not too long ago, it seemed like our reservation at All-Star Music disappeared, but that issue was resolved and today the resort has reopened! Let’s check it out. Arrival As you arrive at All-Star Music, you’ll find that the resort is appropriately located on…Melody Lane! Gotta love little details like that. We’re Going In! The overhang and entrance area to the resort’s main building feature a LARGE star… All-Star Music Awaits …letting you know you’ve definitely arrived at an All-Star Resort. The Entrance Area Just past the main building’s entrance area, you’ll see the spot where resort guests can get on and off of a Disney bus. The Bus Area The bus waiting area also features the All-Star Music name in large letters. This is a fun spot to try and grab a photo of the letters! HELLO All-Star Music Alright, enough about the outside, let’s go inside! Lobby and Main Building Area Part of the lobby had been under construction back in March of 2020. So, let’s see what the lobby currently looks like. All-Star Music Lobby Construction Walls From 2020 On one side of the All-Star Music lobby, you’ll find a variety of smaller check-in tables, as opposed to one large, check-in counter. All-Star Music Lobby In the lobby, you’ll find a separate area with more of that long check-in table design, and (appropriately) there are music notes on the bottom of the table. Lobby — Peep the Guitar Hero! Anyone Up for a Game? There colors in this space are very vibrant. There’s lots of bright red throughout the space, with white stars, white silhouettes, and other white and brown details. Note how there are music notes on the bottom of these individual check-in tables as well. More of the Lobby Keep in mind that if you use Disney’s Mobile Check-In service, you can generally skip a trip to the lobby and go directly to your room. Mobile Check-In Disney World’s hotels also offer an express checkout service. Express Checkout Elsewhere in the lobby area, you’ll find a kids spot where the little ones can take a seat and check out some movies or shows. Time for Some TV and Movies There’s also a special photo opportunity located in this general lobby space. The ARDY Arch is available to guests to check out and take selfies with! The arch has actually been featured on the Radio Disney Music Awards Red Carpet since 2014. It represents the ARDY — a special award that is given to artists based on fan vote each year. The Ardy Arch Artists like Nick Jonas, Fifth Harmony, and others have walked under this arch, and now you can too! Feeling Like a Celebrity Yet?! In the main building at All-Star Music you’ll also find the resort’s very own Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame In this area, you’ll see records, music, photos, and more of popular artists. The Hall of Fame It’s a great spot to take a second and check out the photos, pointing out some of your favorites along the way. Who Is Your Favorite? This whole area is actually really neat because it has a LOT of natural light, making it feel very open and bright. A Peek at All-Star Music Also located in the main building are some dining and shopping options! Dining When it comes to dining at All-Star Music there are only a few spots you can visit. First, the resort has the Intermission Food Court. This is the hotel’s central dining area, where items are served food court style. The Intermission Food Court You’ll find your pretty basic hotel food court fare here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you’ll find things like scrambled egg platters and Mickey waffles. ©Disney At lunch and dinner you’ll find burgers, chicken strips, and some other options like shrimp and grits, roasted buttermilk chicken, and more. ©Disney Keep in mind that menus can change. If you want to skip the traditional ordering/register process, you can use Mobile Order at this spot to pre-order your food. If you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage, you can swing by Singing Spirits Pool Bar. Singing Spirits There, you’ll find a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines. There are also non-alcoholic beverages available here too like lemonade and some smoothies. Shopping The gift shop inside All-Star Music is called Maestro Mickey’s. Time to Shop! Inside, you’ll find your Disney essentials — shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Outdoors and Pool Area All-Star Music’s main pool is called the Calypso Pool. The Calypso Pool There’s also the smaller Piano Pool, which is located in another part of the resort. Note that there is some construction going on near the Calypso Pool, so just keep an eye out for that. The Pool Area If you’re looking to do some more outdoor activities at All-Star Music, you can check out their movies under the stars offerings at night, or even use the jogging trail that runs around the All-Star Resort area. There’s also a playground by the Jazz Inn Section, and an arcade called the Note’able Games Arcade in the main building. Do You Like to Visit Arcades? Be sure to check what offerings are available during your trip. Guest Rooms The All-Star Music’s standard rooms offer a queen bed and queen-size table bed, sleeping up to four people. There’s also the option for Family Suites at the All-Star Music, which feature 1 queen bed and 2 queen-size pull down beds. These sleep up to six adults. We’ll be staying at a room in All-Star Music tonight and sharing a full room tour with you soon, so be on the lookout for that! All-Star Music And that’s it for our tour of the newly reopened All-Star Music Resort! Stay tuned with DFB to check out more updates from Disney World. Click Here to Check Out Our Readers’ Rankings of Every Value Resort in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which value resort is your favorite in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: Disney's All-Star Music Resort Has Officially Reopened first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s always a sense of excitement and anticipation when you walk into a theater, but even seasoned Cirque du Soleil artists were surprised by the overwhelming emotion they felt stepping back inside the iconic white tent at Disney Springs.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/bpXFrSjTGsAView the full article

Oogie Boogie Bash kicked off for the 2021 Halloween season in Disney California Adventure on September 9th, and we were there to check out all of the specialty food, entertainment, characters, and spooky vibes! SPPPOOOKKKY If you’re looking to sweeten your evening beyond all of that candy you’ll receive, there’s the Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party! Party attendees can enjoy a selection of specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and a variety of sweet treats, plus preferred parade viewing! So is this pricey extra worth the cost?? The Dessert Party is NOT included with admission to Oogie Boogie Bash. Those who wish to attend pay an additional $84 per guest, and payment is due at the time of booking. Oogie Boogie Bash already costs from $114-169 (depending on the night that you go), so that’s a steep price for an add-on, so was it worth the price? Arriving There are two dessert parties each night of Oogie Boogie Bash, with each one tied to one of the parade times that evening. We attended the first party of the evening set for the 7PM parade, which meant we could arrive at Sonoma Terrace 45 minutes prior to the start of the parade, at 6:15PM. We arrived right on time and we were brought to our table! Seating at Sonoma Terrace is used for the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party Our table was right in front of Sonoma Terrace, which gave us an unobstructed view of the parade with no one in front of us (but more on that in a sec!). Additional seating is available in front of Golden Vine Winery. We were given a small menu card that included all of the food and drink items available to guests attending the Dessert Party. Dessert Party Menu Then, it was time to feast on some spooky sweets! Click here to check out the immersive treat trails at Oogie Boogie Bash! Food & Drinks All of the desserts were brought out to us at one time on a plate, giving you the option to try a little bit of everything. As far as the desserts go, they were all pretty good. The desserts available include a Red Velvet Bundt Cake, an Orange Dreamsicle Rice Crisp, a Chocolate Meringue Mousse, a Dark Fudge Cake Pop, a Raspberry Mini Streusel, and Gummy Centipedes! The Sweet Spread! For beverages that the whole family can enjoy, there’s Water, Coffee and Tea, Soda, and a nonalcoholic Festive Fruit Punch. For those ages 21 and older, there’s Sparkling Midnight Vodka, Sparkling Emerald Rum, Seasonal Beer, and a Selection of Wines. Although the Cake Pop reminded us an awful lot of the Cake Pops Disney regularly sells in their candy stores, it was still very yummy. Fudge Cake Pop The Chocolate Meringue Mousse was definitely on the rich side; chocolate lovers will fall head over heels for this dessert! We’re not sure where the meringue component was though — it was your basic chocolate mousse. This was one of the better desserts on the plate. Chocolate Mousse We think the Raspberry Streusel will be a hit even if you aren’t the biggest raspberry fan — it had a great balance of textures and the flavor was the perfect level of sweetness. The streusel portion was buttery and crisp while the raspberry was sweet and jammy. Although it is quite small and you’ll probably finish it in just two bites! This surprised us as one of our favorites! Raspberry The Orange Dreamsicle Crisp had a unique look to it, but it was just alright. We didn’t pick up much of the orange flavor, and we found that it was harder to bite into it than the other Rice Krispies you can get around the parks. Major props for cuteness though. The black and orange swirl was really fun! So cute! The Red Velvet Bundt Cake overall was just average for us, there wasn’t anything right or wrong with it. The cake itself was moist and it had a nice glaze, which added a bit of sweetness. If you’re a Red Velvet fan, you’ll appreciate that it’s included in this assortment of desserts! Red Velvet Bundt Finally, how can we forget about the Gummy Centipedes?! Yep, they tossed a handful of gummy worms on a plate and called it a day. They’re…fancy gummy worms though? Like, they have lil legs? This was, not surprisingly, kinda a throwaway. It adds some color to the plate and TBH, we enjoy a good gummy worm so we didn’t mind em. But yes, you paid a lot of money to be served gummy worms. Gummy Centipedes For drinks, you order whatever beverages you want with a server who brings them out to you. We grabbed the nonalcoholic Festive Fruit Punch, which is a mixture of Pineapple, Orange, and Cranberry Juices with Sprite and topped with Whipped Cream. Festive Fruit Punch We thought it was sweet, bubbly, and refreshing — just the kind of specialty drink that the kids would enjoy! Click here to check out the party-exclusive food at Oogie Boogie Bash! Parade Viewing Another big selling point for attending the Dessert Party is that it comes with preferred parade viewing. The Frightfully Fun Parade has two showings during each party at 7:45PM and 10PM. The parade kicks off with a short processional featuring none other than The Headless Horseman, and we had one of the best seats in the house! The parade viewing is at your table where you’re dining, so you don’t have to move anywhere to enjoy the show! Frightfully Fun Parade viewing from the Dessert Party Sonoma Terrace is located right along the parade route, providing a convenient way to transition from desserts to parade floats. We had a great view! Once the parade concludes, you are free to roam the rest of Disney California Adventure and enjoy the rest of your evening at Oogie Boogie Bash! From the time we arrived to the end of the parade, we were there for roughly 75-90 minutes. Click here to check out more of the entertainment from Oogie Boogie Bash! Nosh or Not Sign up for the Sonoma Terrace Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party if… The Frightfully Fun Parade is a priority for your group and you want the best seating in the park. By attending the Dessert Party, you’ll have chairs rather than curbside seating for the parade, plus an unobstructed view! You want a little something extra special to add to your evening at Oogie Boogie Bash. Being waited on while dressed in a Halloween costume is quite the experience, and if you’re looking for that Disney touch, this is where you’ll find it. You come to Disneyland a lot and are looking for something new or different! These party-exclusive treats can’t be found anywhere else at Oogie Boogie Bash, so this is a great way to mix up your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. Skip the Dessert Party if… You’re trying to accomplish Oogie Boogie Bash on the “cheap.” You’ve already paid extra to attend the after-hours event, so adding on a dessert party will only rack up your bill even more. You want as much time as possible to see the treat trails, characters, and other entertainment. Oogie Boogie Bash is five hours long, which isn’t as much time as you think it is! This eats into a pretty good chunk of your time. You’re looking for the best sweets in the park. We found that most of the desserts served at the party couldn’t measure up to what you can normally find at Trolley Treats, and those snacks are available at a fraction of the cost. Overall $84 per guest is quite a hefty chunk of change to shell out for a small plate of average to good desserts. That said, adults can enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails from a seated area with an unobstructed view of the parade — and for some, that can be worth the cost. In our experience, however, it was easy to scope out a decent spot along the parade route just minutes before it started (keep in mind that this is a limited-capacity event!), especially if you can hang around through the second showing at 10PM. While we appreciate the addition of a dessert party (something that was lacking from Disney After Hours Boo Bash in Magic Kingdom), we were hoping to find more reasons to justify the price tag. Here’s the real kicker too — there’s another special dining option we didn’t mention yet. So we paid 84 bucks for essentially a plate of desserts and a drink while we watched the parade, right? Well, we could have paid just $55 for a three-course meal and access to priority viewing of the parade. Yeah…we know. Which sounds like a better deal to you?? Just next door at Wine Country Trattoria, they’re offering the Oogie Boogie Bash Dining Parade Package. It’s $55 for adults, $40 for kids and offered from 3-6PM (so before the party but you need an Oogie Boogie Bash ticket to attend and come back to a special parade viewing area during the party). You DON’T waste precious party time eating, you still get good parade spots, and kids even get their own filled popcorn bucket to keep! Oh yeah, and it’s WAY CHEAPER FOR WAY MORE. If you’re scratching your head why we paid 84 bucks for THIS event instead of the Dining Parade Package…so are we. If the parade wasn’t SO easy to get a great view of and if the offerings weren’t so meh compared to the price paid, this would be a much more enjoyable event we think many folks could justify. But to eat just a little plate of desserts on a basically empty parade route? It really is hard to tell you this was worth it. Parties-within-a-party like this are a hard sell. You already shelled out big bucks for the event, now you’re contemplating shelling out MORE big bucks for an extra at said event. Sometimes, you can justify the cost. Here? Not so much. Oogie Boogie Bash is sold out for the 2021 season, so if you already have your tickets secured be sure to read up on all of our coverage from night one so you get an idea of what to expect! We’ll continue to bring you the latest coverage from both coasts this holiday season. Click here to see more of our live coverage from Oogie Boogie Bash! Disneyland Reviews and Information Click HERE to Check Out Lots of DFB Posts About Disneyland See the Latest Updates About Disneyland’s Mask Policy Check Out Our Disneyland Restaurants Guide See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park Check Out Details from the Historic Reopening of Disneyland Resort See What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Learn About the Disneyland Mobile App Get All the Details About Mobile Order in Disneyland See More About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure What’s Going to Be Different About Your Next Disneyland Trip? Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Do you have tickets for this year’s Oogie Boogie Bash? Let us know in the comments! The post Review: Wait, Did We Really Spend On Gummy Worms and Cake at Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash?? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Everyone loves a Disney t-shirt, right? They’re perfect to wear for a day in Disney Parks, or even just a regular day at home for a touch of Disney magic. T-Shirts Sometimes, kids find typical t-shirts with itchy tags and seams uncomfortable, and they might feel left out if they can’t find a comfy Disney shirt to wear. But did you know that Disney has a sensory-friendly collection of t-shirts for kids? If you know a kid who would love a comfortable Disney t-shirt, here’s where you can find one! Disney’s sensory-friendly collection for kids includes a variety of t-shirt designs with tagless, soft fabric, wide crewneck, and flat seams. Now everyone can wear a Disney t-shirt! The Mickey Mouse and Friends T-Shirt is $19.99 and comes in sizes 3 to 14! ©shopDisney This t-shirt is made with soft jersey knit and features Mickey and his pals with “My Happy Place” and, of course, Cinderella Castle! Order the Mickey Mouse and Friends T-Shirt here! The Minnie Mouse Classic T-Shirt is $18.99 and comes in sizes 2/3 through 14. It’s made with soft slub knit material and distressed for a vintage style, with Minnie Mouse in her classic blue-and-white polka dot dress. ©shopDisney Like the other t-shirts in the sensory-friendly collection, this t-shirt is tagless with flat seams, so it can be extra comfy. Here’s where to find the Minnie Mouse Classic T-Shirt! Or, if Mickey is more your jam, you could get the Mickey Mouse Classic T-Shirt for $18.99. Like the Minnie t-shirt, this vintage-style t-shirt is dark gray with a classic image of Mickey. ©shopDisney This t-shirt also comes in sizes 2/3 through 14, and it has a wide crewneck for additional comfort. Shop the Mickey Mouse Classic T-Shirt here! And princess fans are not left out! This Disney Princess T-Shirt is $18.99 designed with Disney Princess screen art, including Jasmine, Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel. It’s made of jersey knit and the princesses have glitter accents. ©shopDisney This princess t-shirt comes in sizes 2/3 through 14 and comes with the same sensory-friendly features, like flat seams, no tag, wide crew neck, and soft material. Get the Disney Princess T-Shirt here! So if you know a kid who would love to be included in the Disney magic, you can find more sensory-friendly Disney t-shirts on shopDisney! shopDisney is also offering free shipping on all orders today, so this is a great day to order some new t-shirts. Keep reading DFB for more Disney merchandise news! Here’s how to get free shipping on your favorite Disney items today only! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you know someone who would love a sensory-friendly Disney t-shirt? Tell us in the comments! The post The Secret Reason These Disney Tees Are So Great! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Crystal Palace has been open in Magic Kingdom for quite some time. But, since it reopened, this spot had been serving up a family-style menu, as opposed to its previous buffet offerings. The Crystal Palace But, slowly buffets have started to return to Disney World. Buffets are back at Biergarten in EPCOT, and now you can enjoy ALL of your favorites at Crystal Palace buffet-style once again! We stopped by this spot recently for lunch and now we’re bringing you a full review. Should you try the buffet at Crystal Palace? Here are our thoughts. Atmosphere The Crystal Palace is located at the very end of Main Street, U.S.A, right near Adventureland. The building is done in a Victorian style and is quite striking. Look for the big, window filled creamy white building nestled just off the hub. Crystal Palace You can check-in at the podium outside or online using online check-in. Check-In Area While you wait, you can take a seat on the benches nearby. Time to Relax Or you can enjoy those gorgeous Castle views. Such a Nice View When your table is ready, a Cast Member will take you to your table inside. A Look at the Tables There are a pretty large number of tables available. More Tables As you’re walking in, be sure to look at the center planter. There, you’ll find some GORGEOUS topiaries of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, and some of their friends. So Adorable This restaurant is always celebrating friendship day, so it’s a great place to bring some friends of your own! Friendship Day The restaurant itself has lots of high ceilings and windows, providing a lot of natural light. So Beautiful There’s fairly simple decor throughout the spot, including some flower pots and other items. Lots of Natural Light Everywhere The Crystal Palace is traditionally a character buffet where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and friends. Right now, however, the characters are not making an appearance in the restaurant. (But Pooh and co. do explain that Friendship “Celebrashun!”) No Characters Today As we mentioned, Crystal Palace was serving a family-style/a la carte combo meal previously, but it is now back to serving up a full buffet. Let’s see what’s on the menu. Eats Lunch and Dinner are the same at Crystal Palace and both are priced at $39 per adult and $23 per child (3-9), plus tax and gratuity. Note that breakfast has not returned to Crystal Palace quite yet. ©Disney The lunch menu is served buffet-style once again and includes a variety of different items. ©Disney Join us for a walk around the buffet! To start your meal, you can grab some different bread options. There are Parker House rolls… Breads …pretzel rolls… Pretzel Rolls …Lavosh, and Cheddar-Bacon Cornbread. Cornbread You’ll also find whipped butter, honey butter… Butter …house-made sweet-hot mustard, and other items. More of the Buffet If you want a salad, you’ll be able to create your own unique dish at the salad bar. Salad Bar There is a good variety of toppings to pick from including tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. Lots to Pick From There are fruits available as well… Fruits …along with some meats and cheeses… Other Options …and a Waldorf Salad. More to Pick From For the seafood lovers, there are little bowls of seafood featuring shrimp and a crab claw with cocktail sauce. Important note: if you want to crack open your crab, you’ll need to ask your server for a cracker. Seafood Bowls Also, pro tip: get a kids’ plate with your seafood bowl so you can place your food on the plate and the shells in the bowl as you eat. The Pro Way Elsewhere on the buffet line you’ll find English pea risotto with pea puree and pea tendril salad… Canned Peas …Basmati Rice with Crispy Shallots… Basmati Rice with Crispy Shallots …Wood Grilled Mahi Mahi with Romesco Sauce… Wood-Grilled Mahi Mahi …Cheesy Broccoli… Cheesy Broccoli …Roasted Wild Mushrooms… Roasted Wild Mushrooms …Seared Pork Tenderloin with Light Stone Ground Mustard Cream… Pork …Herb-Buttered Corn with Parmesan… Herb-Buttered Corn …Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cabernet Reduction, Caramelized Shallots, and Roasted Baby Peppers… Short Rib …Green Beans with Bacon and Onions… Green Beans …Walt’s Mashed Potatoes… Mashed Potatoes …Country Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy and Honey-Tabasco Sauce… Chicken …a loaded tater tots station… Tater Tots …with various options to place on the tater tots. We repeat: A LOADED TOT STATION. DIY TOTCHOS! Options There’s also pork belly… Pork Belly …Winter Squash Ravioli with Warm Tomato Vinaigrette and Honey-roasted pistachios… Ravioli …and at the carving station there was prime rib… Prime Rib …as well as some red wine au jus and a horseradish sauce. What Would You Pick? Also, Walt’s Chili is meant to be part of the buffet offerings. When we first got there, Walt’s Chili was available, but by the time we went back to make a plate with it, it was gone and they didn’t really explain why it was removed and didn’t come back. So, if you see that on the buffet line when you arrive, you might want to snatch it up. Looking for a kids section? They’ve got that here too! At the kids buffet area you’ll find mini pizzas… Mini Pizza …crispy chicken breast strips… Chicken …creamy macaroni & cheese… Mac & Cheese Time …and miniature beef quesadillas. Quesadillas You’ll also find condiments in the buffet area. We were able to ask for a ramekin to place our condiments in, and they brought some out. Condiments In terms of desserts, you’ll find a few different options. There’s a soft-serve ice cream station… Soft-Serve Ice Cream …with some sprinkles nearby… Sprinkles …as well as cookies… Cookies …Apple Cobbler… Apple Cobbler …French Silk Cupcakes… French Silk Cupcakes …Butterscotch Pudding… Pudding …S’Mores Tart… S’Mores Tart …and Strawberry Shortcake. Strawberry Shortcake Keep in mind that masks are required indoors right now, including in restaurants except when stationary and actively eating or drinking. So, as you serve yourself at the buffet, you must keep your mask on. Mask Sign Also, Disney has a sign at the buffet noting that buffets may be susceptible to cross-contact because of the self-service approach. Crystal Palace Sign The sign also notes that guests can consult with a chef or special diets trained Cast Member if they have special dietary needs. There are also some specialty drinks available if you want any of those. But note that they are an additional charge. Basic tea, soft drinks, or other common non-alcoholic beverage is included with your meal. Drinks Menu Alright, so we’ve shown you everything on the buffet (note that buffet offerings can differ and vary). Now, let’s talk about what we ate and what we thought! Eats Overall, in terms of food, Crystal Palace was awesome! We were pretty impressed. Everything we ate was fresh, and all of the team members seemed to be excited that there was a buffet offering available again. The Buffet We’ll start with the breads. We liked that there were multiple types of breads available, meaning you have more to pick from and more to try. We have a feeling the cornbread would have been great with Walt’s Chili, so that’s something you might want to consider trying. We also really liked that we could have the pretzel roll (or other bread) with the cheese and charcuterie offerings, rather than just with butter. Because when have you known us to turn down carbs and charcuterie? Another Look at the Buffet The Parker Rolls were a good offering to combine with your salad as they are not overpowering in terms of flavor, and they’re a nice, safe choice for kiddos or picky eaters. We also enjoyed our creation from the salad bar (isn’t she pretty??). Our Salad There was a nice selection in terms of toppings. Our reporter who ate at Crystal Palace shared that they felt like they were the ones they’d naturally gravitate toward in terms of what they’d typically like to add to their salads. A Closer Look at Our Salad We liked how customizable these are. That’s one of the true benefits of a buffet. You Can Really Make it Your Own It was also nice having those charcuterie-style meats and cheeses available to add another layer of flavor to the overall meal. Again, it allowed us to eat the breads with something more than butter (not that there’s anything wrong with butter at all), but it’s nice to have a balance of sweet and salty with the cheeses, breads, and meats. Our Little Charcuterie Creation If you’re a seafood fan, the little seafood bowls are something we think you’ll really enjoy! A Closer Look at the Offerings What’s really great is that since this is a buffet, you could just keep going back and getting as many of those as you’d like. Former buffet Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort used to boast unlimited buffet crab legs but, since reopening, they switched to a family-style meal and now those crab legs come with a hefty upcharge. It’s nice to find unlimited crab on a Disney buffet again. A Look at the Shrimp In terms of the other items on the buffet, we felt like the mashed potatoes were stellar! Seriously, can those just get their own dedicated little section on the buffet?! If you’re throwing the term “Walt’s Mashed Potatoes” around, they BETTER be good and these did NOT disappoint. The mashed potatoes were whipped perfectly and were wonderfully buttery, light, and well seasoned. We could have used a little bit more salt maybe, but they were good enough on their own and absolutely loaded with buttery deliciousness. Here’s a Peek of the Mashed Potatoes on our Plate The pork tenderloin with the light stone ground mustard cream was alright. It was a little bit dry, which made the sauce a critical element here. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it wasn’t our favorite from the buffet selections. Pork Tenderloin The Country Fried Chicken was also pretty good. It wasn’t one of those out-of-this-world food items (i.e. we were not going back to the buffet stations to get 5 more pieces of it), but it was a solid choice for fried chicken if you like that! The Chicken The green beans were very yummy! They were a bit thinner than the ones we had recently at The Diamond Horseshoe and had some great flavoring. The onions incorporated into the dish really provided a great layer of flavor. Also: bacon. Thanks, bacon, for being you. A Look at Our Plate The cheesy broccoli was also a fun offering and was good! We liked that it wasn’t just broccoli with a cheese sauce. Instead, it actually had cheese melted on top, which was a nice touch. Can You Spot the Cheesy Broccoli on This Plate? But, one of our very FAVORITE things at the buffet was the prime rib. Seriously, if you like prime rib, we have a feeling you’re gonna be making a few return trips for this one. THE Prime Rib We were pleasantly surprised to find the prime rib available during lunch, as opposed to being reserved for dinner, so that was really nice. The prime rib itself was fantastically delicious. It was juicy, full of flavor, and had just the right amount of seasoning and saltiness. Oh Yes, So Much Deliciousness Another one of our favorite things at the buffet was the kids section! Our reporter said that the kids’ offerings were things they’d totally eat again and again. Welcome to our world, folks. We go to the “adult” buffet but deep down, we just really want some mini pizzas and chicky tendys. There’s No Shame in Making Yourself a Big Plate from the Kids Section! The mac & cheese was delicious and VERY creamy, just the way a mac & cheese should be! Adults, do your self a favor and swing by the kids’ station for a scoop of this. Mac & Cheese Time The beef quesadillas had a great flavor. If you’re concerned about these being spicy, don’t be. We really didn’t get any heat from these at all, so they’ll be safe for all those kiddos (and adults) who prefer to have their quesadillas without them being spicy (in terms of heat). Which of These Offerings Would You Get? The mini pizzas were…in a word, AWESOME! We won’t lie, they’ve got quite a bit of greasiness to them. We could see that being a turn-off for some people, but if you like your pizzas with a bit of grease, then this is the option for you! They’re very simple with just some sauce and cheese, but sometimes there’s nothing wrong with simple. They also had a nice crunch to them, which we really enjoyed. Who’s Ready for Pizza?! Last but not least, the kids’ section had chicken breast strips. Really, there’s not much to say except, who doesn’t love a good chicken strip?! (Unless you don’t eat meat or hate chicken strips, in which case there are lots of other options on the buffet line!) Lots to Grab! Overall, the kids’ section is perfect for kids or kids at heart. Finally, we get to some people’s favorite part of any meal…dessert!! All of the desserts were pretty good. Many of them were served in bite-sized portions which is nice because it allows you to try as many of them as you want, without having to commit to a big serving of one or the other. Tasting a Little Bit of Everything None of the desserts were total standouts, but all were good and cater to different palates. You could grab one of each, share them with your family and friends, and then go back for seconds of the ones you really loved. A Look Inside the French Silk Cupcake The little s’mores bites were probably our reporter’s favorite out of the available options. S’Mores Tart If you love soft serve, the fact that this buffet has a soft serve station could be a big bonus! Want Some of Our Soft Serve Friends? We especially liked that you have the soft serve, plus the sprinkles nearby, and cookies too, which can help you make a custom, delicious creation! You Can Really Make This Your Own Soft serve is particularly good for guests of all ages. And that’s a FULL look at the buffet and our thoughts on the food. Nosh or Not You should celebrate Friendship Day and eat at Crystal Palace if… You’re a fan of buffets — There are a number of benefits to buffets including the wide variety of options generally available, the ability to pick and choose what items you want, the ability to customize your meal, and more. If you love buffets for all of those reasons or any reasons of your own, then you might want to consider stopping by The Crystal Palace. You want to eat a big meal — Because this meal is now being served buffet-style, you do have the ability to serve yourself as much as you want. If you’re the type of person who maybe likes to eat a BIG lunch and then opt for a smaller snack for dinner, or have a smaller lunch and then enjoy a big meal at dinner, Crystal Palace will give you the chance to fill up on as many treats as your heart desires. You’ve got picky eaters in the group — First, the menu at The Crystal Palace is pretty friendly to picky eaters with some solid, standard offerings that won’t scare anyone including all of the items at the kids’ section, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, bread, and salad. Second, the fact that this is a buffet makes it great for families where there might be just 1 or 2 picky eaters. The adventurous eaters in the group can grab their seafood bowls, prime rib, and other more unique items, while the pickier eaters only get what interests them and everyone’s happy! You should consider eating elsewhere in Magic Kingdom if… You aren’t a fan of buffets — While buffets have benefits, they also have downsides. You may not feel comfortable visiting a buffet given the situation with COVID-19 and the fact that this buffet is self-serve. You may also just not like the idea of serving yourself food that isn’t prepared just for you, or you might just not be a fan of buffets in general. If that’s the case, then there are other options in Disney World that might suit you better. You’re dining on a smaller budget — The Crystal Palace is priced at $39 per adult and $23 per child, plus tax and gratuity, at both lunch and dinner. That is by no means the most expensive meal you’ll have in Disney World, but it’s also not the cheapest. If you’re sticking to a smaller budget for dining, then opting for a quick service meal or something else might be a better bet. You want more unique items — While we did have some items that were full of flavor at The Crystal Palace, there really weren’t too many unique items here. The food is fairly standard buffet/American food. If you’re looking for more unique options you could stop by places like Boma (still a buffet but offers more unique eats) or Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen (in Magic Kingdom and not a buffet, but has more unique selections). Overall Overall, we thought Crystal Palace was actually surprisingly great quality. We were honestly impressed by the quality of the food, especially some of the REALLY tasty items like the prime rib and the uniqueness of the seafood bowl (peel and eat shrimp was on the buffet previously, but it was nice to have the addition of the crab). We Really Enjoyed the Prime Rib (If You Couldn’t Already Tell) We do miss the characters, as they add an extra touch of magic to the meal. But, we were happy that they were still in the restaurant in topiary form. It was actually really sweet because we saw a number of guests going to the topiaries to take photos with that set-up. Hello There Friends Crystal Palace is actually one of the better buffets we’ve been to in a while. It had a decent number of choices for a variety of palates. The staff were also wonderful and seemed very excited to be offering a buffet once again. The Buffet So, is Crystal Palace better as a buffet? Well, that depends. We did really like the food overall that was served in the family-style/a la carte combo menu that was offered when this spot first reopened and thought some of it was an improvement on items we had on the buffet of yore. But, the selection was much more limited. For the same price as the current buffet — $39 for adults — the family style/a la carte menu offered appetizers and desserts that were shared family-style, but guests had to pick a single entree. Now, for the same price you can get as MUCH of any item as you want, making this spot a much better deal. Another Look at the Buffet Truthfully, we did like a good amount of the items on the buffet. Many were good, not great. But some were really unique or very tasty and impressed us. Whether this spot as a buffet is better than its previous meal service is something that will likely depend on you and how you like to dine, what food you like to eat, and how much you want to eat. What do you think? Would you want to try Crystal Palace as a buffet or do you wish that it had stayed as a family style/a la carte combo meal? Tell us in the comments! Click here to see our review of the buffet at the German pavilion in EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Tell us your thoughts about this buffet in the comments below! The post Review: Unlimited Crab Legs AND a Loaded Tots Bar at Crystal Palace? We See You, Disney World. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Yesterday (September 15th), the NEW Creations Shop opened in EPCOT. Creations Shop This shop is EPCOT’s new flagship store and the replacement for Mouse Gear. The shop was VERY popular yesterday, with many EPCOT fans rushing in to check out the new EPCOT-themed merchandise that is exclusive to this store (p.s. the new ears are AMAZING at night). But, what if you want to skip the checkout lines at this new and popular spot? Well, you can do that…if you know how! If you want to skip the register/checkout lines at select Disney World stores, you can do that by using the Mobile Merchandise Checkout option through the My Disney Experience app. In order to use this feature, you’ll open your My Disney Experience app and tap on the center + button. That’ll open up this screen and you’ll see an option that says “Shop in Store — Now Testing.” Mobile Checkout This option has been tested at various stores in the past, but currently appears to be testing at World of Disney in Disney Springs and the Creations Shop in EPCOT! Mobile Checkout Testing We saw signs for this mobile checkout option when we were in the Creations Shop yesterday. Important note: the sign specifies that in order for Disney Visa Cardmembers to get their perks, they must pay at a register, so keep that in mind! Mobile Merchandise Checkout If you do want to use mobile merchandise checkout, you’ll simply open up your app, select the Creations Store from the “Shop in Store — Now Testing” option, scan the items you want to buy while in the store, and pay for them through the app. Time to Get Shopping Once you’re done paying, you’ll get an exit QR code and you’ll visit a special checkout area in the store. There, you’ll show the Cast Members the exit QR code, get any necessary bags, and go on with your day! Check out our step-by-step guide to using mobile merchandise checkout here! So, if you’re looking to skip the register lines at this popular store, be sure to see if the Mobile Merchandise Checkout is something that can work for you. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on this service and we’ll let you know what we find. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever used this mobile merchandise checkout option? Tell us in the comments! The post How to SKIP the Lines at a Popular & New Disney World Shop! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article