Disney4me

Here at Disney Parks Blog, we love to see how Disney stories come to life beyond the screen. Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers is now in theaters, with its energetic spirit popping up across Disney Experiences, including drawing experiences, art galleries, festival displays, new merchandise, and so much more. One of the latest examples? For a limited time, Mabel’s Seek & Find activity at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail invites guests to explore, climb, and swing during a playful wilderness adventure for all ages in Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort. Here’s the rundown of the fun: by “hopping” into your favorite animal, get set to explore the entirety of the trail and complete several challenges to bring all the animals back to the glade. Once you’ve completed all the tasks in the area, return to the front of the attraction and exchange your pencil for a prize (a Hoppers-themed sticker) with a cast member. Ready to hop in on the fun? Follow along with my latest exploration at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. First Challenges and Spotting Hoppers Friends Upon entering, a friendly cast member handed me a pencil to borrow, laid down the pond rules, and gave me a choice of four different maps depicting four different characters: King George, Insect Queen, Ellen Bear, and Tom Lizard. Of course, I went with the star of the moment and chose Tom Lizard’s seek-and-find activity, which set me on my way with a sharpened pencil and a new, keepsake map in hand. Stepping inside the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail around 4 p.m. allowed for a friendly mix of shade and sunlight tucked beneath a canopy of trees, as I set off with my new map and spotted the first familiar face, King George (voiced by Bobby Moynihan in the film). Several of the challenges were located at the beginning of the trail, checking a few boxes that led me to have even more free time to explore the serene setting: Challenge #1: Weather Station (Find the temperature reading at the weather station) Challenge #2: Turn the Dial (High frequency levels are harmful to the animals; turn the dial to bring the animals back to the glade) Challenge #3: Explore (Spot the Reptile Queens) The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail allows kids and their families to enjoy a nice break. By the time I passed by the always-iconic Millenium Tree and attempted my third challenge of the outing, I saw even more friendly faces and plenty of determined expressions from kids exploring the trail. Friends and families of all ages were on the route – from grandparents on a cherished trip to Disneyland with their grandchildren to an entire school of kids with a few counselors leading the way on a fun-filled class trip. Tom Lizard-Specific Fun at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail As someone who loves Pixar films and writes about all things Disney, I love keeping up with all the latest trends. Tom Lizard seems to have been everywhere lately, from t-shirts on DisneyStore.com to a new bundle in the Fortnite Shop, and even on our own Disney Parks Instagram. This brought me to the fourth challenge on the list: Don’t Be a Stranger (find another lizard on the trail and wave hello). Once I was about halfway through my own Lizard seek-and-find quest and had spotted the Reptile Queens, I started to wonder exactly where our newest lizard friend was located. Yet as I began to turn a corner across from the Mt. Whitney Lookout, I spotted Tom Lizard’s dedicated signage near the Cliff Hang Traverse Rock on my way toward the “Decoder” mission. Aside from the actual challenges on the map, this small sign of this instant icon seemed to be a highlight for many beyond me – confirmed by a little girl nearby who continuously exclaimed “lizard, lizard, lizard” to her family. After gliding past the Cliff Hang Traverse and setting off toward the Mt. Shasta Lookout, my next mission was to find a decoder to unlock a secret message from Tom Lizard. A cast member pointed me in the right direction toward this area, and once I crossed a bridge to get there, two decoder keys were located right next to a radio set on top of a table. I discovered a handful of young families (with laser-focused little ones, locked into challenges on their own keepsake maps) in this area either waiting to slide down the Hoot-N-Holler Logs or using this decoder key to fill out one of the most critical challenges on their map, bringing a fun sense of energy to an otherwise peaceful setting in California Adventure. It’s a small reminder that these restful moments often create lasting memories at Disneyland, and some of these simple pauses in the parks tend to stay with us long after the day is done. Finding Mabel and Wrapping Up the Challenge Trail With the Tom Lizard fun checked off my list, it was time to head toward the beaver dam for my final challenge on my seek-and-find map. Journeying from the Mt. Shasta Lookout, past the Mt. Lassen Lookout Ranger Headquarters, and along the Quail Trail led me toward the Ahwahnee Camp Circle, where I spotted a figure of Mabel (one of the main characters from the film, voiced by Piper Curda) in a picture-perfect moment on top of the dam. Friendly cast members near this part of the trail encouraged picture-taking, marking one of the last steps on the route and making for a nice finishing touch on this Hoppers adventure. From here, I found my way back to the trail entrance where another outgoing cast member greeted me. Once I returned my pencil and showed them Tom Lizard’s uncoded secret message, I was presented stickers to take home: one of Tom and one of Mabel that read “Challenge Complete!” Mabel’s Seek & Find is Worth Hopping Over To While I love the extra shade and both attractions in Grizzly Peak as an adult, one of my favorite parts about this area is that it reminds me of visits to California Adventure with my family as a kid. I can certainly recall several midday visits to the Spirit Cave and the Cliff Hangar Traverse Rock Climb when my parents needed a quick break from the ride-focused fun, stirring fond memories and evoking a sense of nostalgia. It’s perfectly tucked away from some of the busier areas of the park and allows little ones to get up and move. And as someone who recently saw Hoppers in theaters and really appreciated the excitement and humor in the film, this felt like a great tie-in that nicely celebrates the spirit of the movie. Headed to California Adventure soon for a springtime outing? Swing by the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for a relaxed, fun stroll through the Great Outdoors… sprinkled in with a dash of Hoppers-themed hospitality. Bluey at Disneyland Resort: Know Before You Go READ MORE Hop into Adventure with ‘Hoppers’ at Disneyland and Disney World READ MORE Why Disney Parks Fans Love BAGGU, and What to Shop READ MORE The post Hoppers at Disney California Adventure: Exploring the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re on the brand-new Disney Adventure cruise ship for the week, and we’ve been trying all of the amazing food! The Disney Adventure is themed after adventures from several Disney franchises, but there are actually THREE Luca restaurants that you can’t miss! Let’s set sail! The Pixar film got not one, not two, but three dining locations on the Disney Adventure, and we stopped by to check them out. Let’s dig in! Palo Café The first Luca restaurant we stopped by to visit was Palo Café. This little stand serves coffee and pastries as a walk-up option, but also has a more extensive menu available if you sit down at one of the tables. Palo Cafe In the bakery case, we spotted croissant rolls, almond pastries, and filled doughnuts. Bakery case There is ample seating near the ordering stand with tables that seat 2, 4, or 6 people at a time. Seating Of course, it has an overarching Luca theme with artwork of Portorosso on the walls and Italian-inspired fabrics and decor. More seating For the sit-down menu, they have a couple of cocktails, some zero-proof selections, and wine. On the eats side, you can order Antipasto, salad, pizza, cannoli, a chocolate praline tart, or the Limoncello Tiramisu Bar. Sounds delish! Menu This would be a great spot to stop when the other dining areas of the ship are in rush hour, or if you just want somewhere quiet with a simple menu. Palo Trattoria In the mood for something fancy? Head to Palo Trattoria. This is an adult-exclusive restaurant for guests 18 and up, and the menu is inspired by Northern Italian cuisine. Entrance Here, you can get antipasti, pasta, pizzas, seafood, and steaks. Reservations are required and should be made before your trip. However, you may be able to get a last-minute reservation once you board, you’ll just need to speak to Guest Services. Host’s stand This restaurant has its own bar if you’d like to order drinks before dinner. To dine in the Palo spaces, you’ll need to abide by the dress code for the restaurant, which is described in the following manner: “Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look.” The bar But you guys, the inside of this restaurant is GORGEOUS. Blue wave-like designs cover the carpet, and metallic pearlescent light fixtures dot the ceiling. It feels like you’re dining inside the ocean. Seriously, our jaws were on the FLOOR. STUNNING There’s an upper and a lower level for seating, each with spectacular views. Dinner is the main meal served here, but brunch is offered on select days during cruises. The view from above Even the chairs are perfectly chosen to match with the color theme of the restaurant. Elegant Luca design for sure! A table Our favorite spot was this room with the fish art on the wall! It’s so intimate, cozy, and well-themed. WOW There are more overt nods to the film throughout as well, like this golden statue of Luca… Decor …and this artwork from the film. Stunning artwork We really loved this piece of Alberto and Luca on the shore. Brings a tear to our eyes! We love this one! Each Disney Cruise Line ship has a version of Palo onboard, and this might be the most gorgeous location yet. Taverna Portorosso If you’re looking for a sports bar, Taverna Portorosso has you covered! This is the third of the Luca-themed spots, and it has some fun easter eggs. Let’s go to the tavern! The journey here starts with a STUNNING tile mosaic with Luca at the forefront. The town of Portorosso is in the back, bathed in warm evening light. Stunning mural There are tables throughout the bar set with menus for you to browse, and you can seat yourself when you walk in. Seating There’s a decent amount of seating between the tables and booths. We imagine it’ll get more crowded in here during more popular sports events. Tables The decor is Italian-inspired and there are little hints to the film throughout, like this framed newspaper clipping about a sea monster. Decor We love the little drawing of Alberto and Luca on the Vespa, too! Little nods! There’s a full bar available here, as well as specialty drinks on the menu. You can sit at the bar if you’d like. The bar And tucked away in one corner, we found the aforementioned Vespa! The Vespa Even the menus are themed to match the Vespa vibe. How cute are these? Even the menu is themed! The menu has a number of cocktails, some zero-proof beverages, beers, mocktails… Menu …wines, sake, and a selection of beverages sorted by ingredients. They also offer the famed Disney Cruise Line Sommelier Bin option. Menu part 2 We started with the 150 Special for $12, which is made with Amaretto Disaronno Campari. 150 Special This had a really nice, sweet, nutty flavor thanks to the amaretto. The Campari added a slight bitterness to it to make the drink feel balanced and not too sweet. It still leaned on the sweet side, but it wasn’t overwhelming. 150 Special Next up was the 946 for $16. It’s made with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula, and strawberry. 946 This was probably our least favorite of the three. It was heavy on the bourbon flavor, and the Campari added a slight bitterness to it. The Carpano added some spicy notes, and the strawberry added a touch of sweetness, although it was overpowered by the bourbon flavor. It was complex and better for people looking for a slightly bitter, alcohol-forward drink. 946 And then, we had the Side Car for $12. It’s made with Absolut Pears, Bottega Limoncino, Grappa, and lemon. Side Car We loved this one, easily our favorite! It was sweet and easy to sip on. It has the delicious sweetness and slight tartness of a regular limoncello cocktail, but the pear adds a layer of fruitiness that makes it more unique. It’s for the sweet drinks people for sure. Side Car We also got a container of trail mix brought to our table with granola, chocolate, and dried cranberries. A nice touch! Nuts We’ve had so much fun exploring the Disney Adventure! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney cruise food! FULL LIST of Every Single Disney Adventure Cruise in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you sailing on the Disney Adventure this year? Comment below! View the full article

It’s finally happening — we’re setting sail on the Disney Adventure! Mickey Waffle from Pixar Market Restaurant The Disney Adventure’s home port is in Singapore, and it is the first Disney Cruise Line ship to sail from Singapore’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre throughout Southeast Asia. We’re exploring everything there is to see, do, and eat on this ship, and right now, we’re taking you with us to Pixar Market Restaurant. Will you be booking a trip on the Disney Adventure? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

It’s probably no secret that one of our favorite things to do at Disney World is to grab a coffee and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. But, even when we can’t make it to the parks, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy a Disney-themed cup of coffee at home! SO many mugs Whether you’re a coffee drinker, tea drinker, or anything in between, trust us when we say that you NEED these color-changing Disney mugs from Amazon! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We don’t know about you, but we’re slightly obsessed with color-changing mugs — and when they’re Disney color-changing mugs?! Sign us up! We spotted some of our favorites on Amazon, and we’re suddenly clearing more space in our cabinets! Get this ‘Tangled’ color-changing mug ©Amazon This 11-ounce mug is totally black when cool, but a secret image is revealed when hot liquid is added. Watch your mug come alive with the iconic “lantern scene” from Tangled as heat activates the thermochromatic ink, unveiling vibrant colors and detailed designs hidden beneath the surface. view ON AMAZON This Sorcerer Mickey mug is SO pretty ©Amazon Crafted from durable, high-quality ceramic, these Morphing Mugs combine everyday usability with collectible-level quality. This Thomas Kinkade Sorcerer Mickey Fantasia scene is SO pretty, we’d want to drink out of it all day long! view ON AMAZON We love the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ mug, too ©Amazon This Beauty and the Beast mug is simply gorgeous. One thing we do want to point out, though, is that these mugs are not microwave or dishwasher-safe due to the color-changing aspects. Hand wash only, and don’t put them in the microwave! view ON AMAZON And finally, get your hands on this Little Mermaid mug ©Amazon This one also features artwork by Thomas Kinkade. The original version shows Prince Eric and Ariel in the boat from the “Kiss the Girl” scene, but when hot liquid is poured into it, a gorgeous background scene is revealed. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

You haven’t seen the worst of Disney World until you’ve been there in the summer… . Cooling Towels are not optional in the summer Will we still be there every day? Of course. Will we have all of these items in our bags every single time? Absolutely. Take a look at four of the best Disney summer essentials, so you’re ready to go on your upcoming vacation! Oh, and they are on sale! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get our favorite poncho for Disney World at 41% off! Frogg Toggs Poncho You haven’t had the full Disney World experience until Florida weather completely tricks you. In the morning, it’s already 90 degrees and sunny. In the afternoon, even if the forecast said it would be clear yesterday, you’re stuck in a torrential downpour, walking through flooded pathways trying to make it to your next dining reservation. That’s where the FROGG TOGGS poncho comes in! Frogg Toggs Poncho This is our go-to because it keeps us dry in the wild weather and on water rides, but it doesn’t stick to us or feel like we’re wearing plastic wrap. Plus, it’s actually reusable — it’s not going to tear or ruin your bag, since it comes with its own holding bag view ON AMAZON This Mini Fan does it ALL. JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan It’s a fan! It’s a charger! It’s a flashlight! No, it’s all of the above! This 3-in-1 handheld item has everything you need to survive a park day this summer. The fan provides just enough relief from the heat, and it barely takes up any room in your park bag. This isn’t our favorite portable charger (we’ll get into that more below), but it still works in a pinch! view ON AMAZON We love the INIU Portable Charger INIU Portable Charger Looking for a slim portable charger that will keep your phone full of juice all day? Enter the INIU Portable Charger. It’s ultra-fast, just like the chargers that come with newer phones nowadays, charging an iPhone 17 to 76% in just 30 minutes. Put your phone on this charger for a meal, and you’ll be fully recharged to book Lightning Lanes, Mobile Order food, and get into your Disney World hotel room! view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this 4-pack of cooling towels for under $13 Sukeen 4 Pack Cooling Towel There’s a reason you’ll see these around everyone’s necks in Disney World this summer. That’s because cooling towels are one of the easiest cooling products to use over and over again! You just wet the towel, wring out the excess water, shake it a few times, and toss it around your neck. On top of staying hydrated, it’s important to cool yourself down and take breaks since so much of Disney World is outside, but these have become a staple in our park bags! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’re only a few months away from the new Devil Wears Prada film arriving in theaters, and while we were already excited about the film itself, now there’s something ELSE we’re thrilled about grabbing once it hits the big screen! ©IMDb It’s not uncommon for new releases in theaters to get special merchandise to go along with them, and this film is no exception! Now we’ve gotten a sneak peek at the new popcorn bucket coming to theaters at its release, as well as OTHER special theatrical merchandise you can’t miss out on. It’s now been reported on Complex Pop’s socials that AMC Theatres will have a NEW popcorn bucket for the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, and it’s ICONIC, to say the least. @ComplexPop on Instagram Yes, it looks JUST like a handbag, and the popcorn sits inside of it! Not only that, but there’s a fun keychain that has both the well-known high heel with a pitchfork as the heel, and a luggage tag that says the name of the film. @ComplexPop on Instagram That’s not the only souvenir coming to theaters, though, so if you’re not a fan of popcorn buckets but still want something to grab from the film, you’re in luck! Also available at AMC will be: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Popcorn Tin (with free same-day refill) The Devil Wears Prada 2 Tumbler (with free same-day refill) The Devil Wears Prada 2 Tumbler and Charm The Devil Wears Prada 2 Bag Charm The Devil Wears Prada 2 Diet Coke Souvenir Cup (with free same-day refill) @ComplexPop on Instagram It’s possible some of these could sell out quick at certain AMC Theaters, and they may not be available at all of them, so if you want one, we suggest checking out your local AMC as soon as possible when the film releases on May 1st, or perhaps even calling ahead to see if they’ve got what you’re looking for. More Recent Disney Media News! 3 NEW Disney+ Perks That You Won’t Want to MissGen Z Fans Are FREAKING OUT Over This New Film Announcement“The Pressure Must Have Been Enormous on Everybody” — NEW Disneyland Documentary Director and Producer Leslie Iwekrs Spoke with Me About the FilmNEWS: Disney Warns 10 Million Subscribers Might Lose Access to ESPN and ABCAttention! A NEW Perk Just Dropped for Disney+ Subscribers We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney media news, so stay tuned to DFB! We Reviewed the Cheapest Sit Down Dinner You Can Get in Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to see this film in theaters? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

A trip to Disney World can get pricey quickly, and dining inside the parks is often where those costs really start to add up. Looks delicious! If you’re hoping to enjoy a table service meal without spending a small fortune, you might be surprised to learn that a few budget-friendly options are hiding in the parks. On one of our latest visits to Magic Kingdom, we set out to track down the cheapest table-service dinner you can order. And, of course, we had to see for ourselves if it’s actually worth the price. Dining at Disney World is a fun part of the trip! From Mickey waffles to dining with the princesses, but it can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. Sometimes you want a good meal that will also save your wallet, which is why we’re sharing our experience at Magic Kingdom’s cheapest sit-down restaurant — The Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza Restaurant The Plaza Restaurant is a table service restaurant at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. that serves up American classics with gorgeous views of Cinderella Castle! This spot is underrated in our opinion for a few reasons, but for today’s lesson, we’re focusing on how budget-friendly this spot can be. We were running the numbers, and it turns out you can have a full meal for $35 before tax! The Plaza Restaurant When we say a full meal, we don’t just mean the entree either! To start off your meal, you can grab either the House Salad, Beer-battered Onion Rings, or the Daily Soup for only $10. You can also grab the Plaza Loaded Fries for only $16, but for this experiment, we’re going with the most inexpensive option in each category. If you aren’t super hungry, the fries can easily be a full meal on their own. Onion Rings While these appetizers are pretty simple and straightforward options, that isn’t a bad thing! Sometimes you just need some simple consistency after all. Most people aren’t eating Disney food every day, so your body might be craving a vegetable by the time you make it to day 3 or 4 of your trip. For our main entree, the Chipotle Barbecue Pork Sandwich is only $17! Plaza Restaurant The sandwich is slow-cooked pulled pork with chipotle barbecue sauce and coleslaw, all on a toasted bun! This savory option is filling, flavorful, and a more familiar dish to most people. Not everyone is a barbecue fan, though, so the restaurant does have 3 other entrees that are only $21. It might be a little bit more, but it gives you some options if you have a more flexible budget. Plaza Loaded Fries Finally, it’s not a full meal without some dessert! For just $8.25, you can get the Plaza Restaurant Sundae! It’s made with ice cream of your choice, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. That sounds like a hefty portion for less than $9! You can also grab a variety of milkshakes for $9.50 or less. Milkshakes So adding together our salad, sandwich, and dessert gets us to $35.25 for one person to dine on. That isn’t bad at all, especially for a tasty meal at a table service. If this option doesn’t sound appetizing, you can also check out Tony’s Town Square Restaurant! This restaurant is also on Main Street and, while it is slightly more to get an appetizer, entree, and dessert, it can also be a great meal for less than $45! For this same budget-friendly combo, you can get the $9 seasonal soup, Rigatoni alla Vodka for $26, and $7.75 gelato for $42.75 before tax. Tony’s Town Square If you need a break from quick service locations or are just looking to spend a little less on your next Disney World vacation, keep these two restaurants in mind! For more Disney dining reviews, tips, and news, be sure to follow us at DFB! What It Really Costs to Eat 3 Meals Per Day at Disney World in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever tried the Plaza Restaurant? Tell us your opinions in the comments below! View the full article

We’ve got some exciting news out of Frisco, Texas, where the new Universal Kids Resort is underway and preparing to open this summer. ©Universal This entire new park has been built with kids in mind, as well as their families, and there are so many different sections to explore. One of the most anticipated, however, is the new Jurassic World Adventure Camp, and now, we’ve gotten a sneak peek at the new land to see what’s in store! The story behind part of the land is that the curious Ankylosaurus, Bumpy, has gone missing, so families will zoom through twists, turns, peaks, and valleys on Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster to help find her. The second ride available is Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, which will take families on a twisting and turning journey. Finally, kids and adults can both enjoy Pteranodrop, an exciting ride that gives brave adventurers a bird’s eye view of the park from high above. @universalcreativeofficial As for dining in the land, the Jurassic World Canteen will help tame large appetites for all guests. You’ll be able to shop at Jurassic World Outfitters, which will offer dinosaur-sized adventures with toys, accessories, and more. Additional experiences will also be available, such as meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur, climbing up the Jurassic World Lookout Towers play area, or enjoying Paddock Play. @universalcreativeofficial Looking for more recent Universal news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Universal News! Universal Reveals NEW LOOK for Texas Theme ParkNEWS: Universal Extends Popular Epic Universe Ride Closure… AgainUniversal Just Announced the Return of This Underrated $99 EventJUST REVEALED: HUGE Changes Will Hit Epic Universe This MonthThis Islands of Adventure Restaurant May be the BEST at Universal We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Universal news across all their theme parks, so stay tuned to DFB! FULL DETAILS REVEALED for the New Universal Theme Park Coming to Texas Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this new park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Sometimes, it’s the tiniest things that can make the biggest impact on your Disney World trip. JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan For us, this $18 add on is totally worth every single penny. If you’re going to Disney World during the summer months (which is almost the whole year, by the way), you’ll want to buy this small accessory and tuck it into your backpack — you’ll be thanking us later. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This is our favorite handheld fan! JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan It’s super small and folds up even smaller, but don’t be discouraged by the size. It has up to 19 hours of cooling time, and it’s easily rechargeable via USB. We love that you can also use it as a power bank for your phone. It folds up easily If you’re not used to it (and even if you are used to it), the Florida humidity can be crazy difficult to deal with. It can make a normal temperature feel way hotter, and you might find yourself desperate to find any relief you can. Carrying this little guy around is so helpful. You can hold it while you’re walking from one land to the next, and you’ll love it when you’re in a long outdoor queue where there’s no shade coverage. We always have this with us Because it’s so small, you don’t notice the extra weight or space in a backpack, but when you’re hot and need that little bit of refreshing air, you’ll be so glad you threw it in. SHOP NOW Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the best tips and tricks that you’ll want to know before you go on your next Disney World vacation. View the full article

Not all Disney World restaurants are made the same, and some are more loved than others. However, each spot seems to have its own fans, so even if it seems like everyone can’t stand a restaurant, each one has its own fans! Coral Reef Restaurant We recently stopped by Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT to see if this controversial restaurant ranks any higher in our books, and if you should head there on your next vacation. We’re bringing you our FULL review! Atmosphere Coral Reef Restaurant is located in World Nature, very close to The Seas With Nemo and Friends. It’s a bit tucked away, and many people don’t even realize there’s a restaurant here! Coral Reef Restaurant Inside, you’ll find the restaurant is heavily themed to look like you’re under the sea, as expected. The lights on the ceiling look like jellyfish, the walls in the check-in area look like sand, and there are hues of blue, green, and aqua in most areas to mimic the ocean. The check-in area One of our favorite details was the conch shell lamp near our table! Conch Shell lighting What this restaurant is really known for, though, is the massive windows that allow you to see into the SeaBase aquarium right nearby. It’s pretty cool to see fish swimming around as you eat…just don’t think about the fact that you may be eating their friends while you stare at them. The windows are pretty iconic! The seating is mostly made up of regular tables and chairs; however, you’ll also find some semi-circle-shaped booth seating. Booths But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu here consists of specialty alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and draft beers, but when it comes to the food, there’s only one signature starter, which is Lobster Bisque. There are a few Appetizers available, the Entrées change out seasonally, and there are a few desserts to enjoy as well. Menu And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We started off with the Pineapple-Coconut Bread and Plantain Chips, which are brought out to every table. We really enjoyed that the chips had some sort of glossy cilantro oil on them, which paired very well with the different dips. There was a guacamole, a refried bean dip, and then pico de gallo. The guacamole was the smoothest we’d ever had, and it was our favorite, while the pico de gallo was solid and our second favorite, and the refried bean dip wasn’t bad, just not our favorite. As for the bread itself, it was incredibly soft, and the butter was where the coconut flavor really came in. We unfortunately couldn’t taste the pineapple at all, but even so, this was still a very enjoyable starter. Pineapple-Coconut Bread and Plantain Chips Then it was time for the Shrimp Fettuccini for $38. This is made with Garlic, Chardonnay-Cream Sauce, Lemon, and Parsley, and this was solid, but didn’t blow our socks off. The shrimp was cooked well, and you can really taste the fact that they were grilled when you bite into each one, but otherwise, there really wasn’t any seasoning. The Alfredo pasta itself was fine, but there wasn’t much of a Parmesan flavor like we normally get with this type of pasta. We feel like, for $38, the portion size should be larger, but otherwise, this was a decent meal. Shrimp Fettuccini We also grabbed the Grilled Snapper for $35, which is served with Coconut-Lime Rice, Mango Salsa, Avocado, Toasted Coconut, and Chili-Lime Seasoning. The snapper itself didn’t have much flavor other than the char from the grill, and the rice was also very bland. There essentially didn’t seem to be any seasoning here at all, and while the Mango Salsa and Avocado had tons of flavor, the cilantro was VERY overpowering. You’ll really have to enjoy that flavor to like this dish, and we do recommend eating everything together. The mango pairs well with the cilantro, and then the fish really ends up just being more of a textural element instead of flavor. Grilled Snapper Finally, we snagged the Chocolate Mousse Bar for dessert. This is $11 and made with Chocolate Ganache, Almonds, and Orange Coral. Chocolate Mousse Bar This was super rich and tasted like dark chocolate to us. The whipped cream did pair well with it, and the mousse inside the chocolate shell was incredibly smooth. However, the “coral” on top just tasted like wheat, and that wasn’t very pleasant. We think this dessert is definitely for someone who wants a rich dessert and loves dark chocolate, but we still wouldn’t come to this restaurant just for this. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for a really unique dining experience. Coral Reef Restaurant is one of the most interesting dining experiences available in Walt Disney World, due to its views of the massive Living Seas aquarium. Kiddos and adults alike will love dining amongst the fish in this fun environment. You want a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere during your meal. While this is a restaurant — meaning it can get loud — something about the aquarium setting makes Coral Reef feel quieter and more relaxed. If you’re looking for a calm break in your day, this might be a good option. You’re looking for lots of seafood. The menu here is primarily seafood-oriented, featuring options based on the season, but many choices will appeal to all palates. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want a festive and exciting experience. If you’re looking for a lively meal with characters and entertainment, Coral Reef is not that. While the aquarium is certainly entertaining, it’s more of a chill vibe in here. For something more exciting, consider Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion or Space 220 in World Discovery. You have seafood-averse people as part of your dining party. There are non-seafood options on the menu here, but it’s primarily seafood-focused, so if you’re averse to that, consider dining somewhere else — especially if you find it weird to eat fish while surrounded by fish. You want a quick meal that won’t interrupt your day. Coral Reef is a relaxed atmosphere, and while meals here don’t take up as much time as some others (like character meals), it can still take a big chunk out of your day. For something quick, consider the nearby Connections Eatery. Overall We think this restaurant is fine — it’s not fantastic, but it’s not terrible. There are plenty of better choices around Disney World as a whole, especially in EPCOT, but people who are looking for a unique atmosphere and who like seafood will likely be happy. More Recent EPCOT News! REVIEW: We’re STILL Waiting for This EPCOT Restaurant to Impress UsThis Disney+ Subscriber Perk for Disney World Tickets Ends SOON!FULL LIST of What’s Included in EPCOT After Hours Events4 NEW Permits Filed for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood StudiosWell, 8 Disney World Restaurants Just Got Pricier This Week In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Who doesn’t love saving money on their Disney World trip?! EPCOT We love scouring the Special Offers page on the Disney World website to get the latest deals, and we try to make use of every discount available when we can. Right now, there’s a really good deal for Disney+ subscribers, but it’s about to expire! If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you can currently purchase a 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket starting at just $109 per day, plus tax. The ticket allows admission to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, and is not valid for entry into Magic Kingdom. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge To view and book the offer, you’ll need to log into the Disney World website with the email attached to your Disney+ account, or contact your travel agent. You can also call (407) 934-7639 to book. It’s a date-based ticket with start dates from now through May 22nd, 2026, and it must be used within 5 days of the selected start date. Pandora You can’t use the ticket to enter the same park more than once, and you can upgrade the ticket by adding the Water Park and Sports option for $70 per person, plus tax. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable, and you have to be 18+ to be a Disney+ subscriber. Expedition Everest At just $325 per person, plus tax, this ticket could save you some serious dough if you’re planning a spring trip to the parks. You could plan a last-minute visit for Spring Break, or head to EPCOT and check out the International Flower & Garden Festival. There’s a lot to see right now! Welcome to the festival! And for those who want some help planning a trip, we recommend using our friends at Small World Vacations. They’re travel agents with years of experience booking trips, and their services are complimentary. Why do the hard work on your own?! For more updates from Disney World, subscribe to our newsletter. See All the Disney Discounts and Deals Here! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you going to Disney World this spring? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World’s Pop Century Resort is one of its most popular, but it has made a CONTROVERSIAL change. Disney’s Pop Century Recently, the fan-favorite hotel got a major lobby makeover. The resulting refurbishment made everything brighter and more colorful, and admittedly, more eye-catching. However, the changes meant Pop Century lost something we used to LOVE. Pop Century Resort is themed to the decades in the second half of the 20th century, with room sections for the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Outside of the hotel buildings, you’ll find gigantic artifacts from each decade — household items, toys, games, cultural icons, and more. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! When the lobby got its makeover, it got a fresh new mural featuring Mickey Mouse and friends. Of course, this adds a bit more Disney spirit into the space, and each of the characters is set amongst icons from a different decade that the resort represents, dressed in outfits to match. There’s Minnie in the 1950s… Pop Century Resort …Daisy in the 1960s with peace signs and flowers… Daisy in the 60s …Goofy in the 1970s with lava lamps and disco balls… Goofy in the 70s …Pluto in the 1980s with arcade games and 3D glasses… Pluto in the 80s …and Donald in the 90s with VHS tapes and cell phones. The artwork is certainly fitting for the theme, but it means that Disney ended up removing the beloved shadow boxes from the lobby! Donald in the 90s We’re honestly still not over it, because the former shadow boxes held some incredible historical artifacts and fun nods to decades past. The wall was labeled with a timeline, and underneath each year, you’d find old toys, clothes, and gadgets. Shadow Boxes Walking through the lobby and looking at pictures from the different decades, plus reminders of our childhood and the lives that our parents and grandparents lived, always made us feel so nostalgic. We would constantly see parents in the lobby explaining the memorabilia to their children as well — like a time capsule of pop culture. Lobby Shadow Boxes We get that the new lobby looks fresh and exciting, but there was just something comforting and unifying about the old shadow boxes. We’ll miss them every time we walk through the resort, but at least we can still enjoy the giant versions of some of these artifacts. Lobby shadow boxes We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any other hotel changes and refurbishments in Disney World. For more updates from Disney World, subscribe to our newsletter and our YouTube channel! No Lie, You Need to Skip These 5 Disney World Hotels in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the changes at Pop Century Resort? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

For the first time in forever, here's an inside look at the hidden details in World of Frozen!View the full article

Happy pin Tuesday! Pin time! We’re sharing some of Disney’s newest pins that you can grab online right now. Be warned — these pins sell out FAST, so if you know you have to have them, make sure you snag them fast. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out all of the new pins! We’re totally obsessed with this Tie-Dye Pin from Big Hero 6, and it’s perfect for all of those who go for the fist bump. ©Disney We’re obsessed with these Winnie the Pooh ones! There is another tie-dye one and Winnie the Pooh popping out of a Polaroid. We love that Eeyore gets his time to shine, too. ©Disney We can’t get enough of these new pins. The tie-dye collection is on point with plenty of Pooh Bear characters for spring. There’s also a Lilo & Stitch Doctors’ Day 2026 pin, which is a limited release. ©Disney If you’re looking for all the new pins, you can find them all right here. There are so many that are great for the season, and your pinboard is going to look AWESOME with these new additions. check out the whole collection In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of the best Disney souvenir finds. View the full article

As you know, there’s a ton of stuff happening at Disney World right now, especially at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Hollywood Studios We just got a NEW look at the construction progress of Monsters Inc. Land, while work is moving fast with the Muppets Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster. These two projects are pretty big, but don’t forget about the third big project, the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, which looks like it will actually open VERY soon! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Disney recently announced Walt Disney Studios is officially opening on May 26th, 2026! We were skeptical at first, considering how soon that was and how much work had to be done. However, all of those doubts have been silenced after seeing this construction update on the new area. @bioreconstruct via X Thanks to @bioreconstruct, we have new aerial construction footage of Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. We obviously can’t see the inside, but the concrete and ground outside are almost complete. This aerial photo shows the development of The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, near the Disney Jr show. @bioreconstruct via X Check out this aerial photo of the construction at the entrance of The Magic of Animation. There’s going to be a Sorcerer’s Hat above the circle between the two recently repainted columns. @bioreconstruct via X We also got this stunning overview shot from @bioreconsruct showing all the construction that is happening! We’re telling you, we weren’t sure if May made sense for an opening month, but now it’s looking very believable. @bioreconstruct via X The new area is going to feature lots of cool character meet-and-greets, drawing classes led by an Olaf animatronic, a brand new Disney Jr. show, as well as an indoor playground themed to Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland called “Drawn to Wonderland.” The playground will have an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. There are going to be so many cool new experiences coming with this new section of the park. ©Disney We’re so excited for this new area to open. It’s going to be here before we know. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog — we don’t miss a thing! FULL LIST of What’s Included in EPCOT After Hours Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for this new section? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Picky eaters and Magic Kingdom dining don’t have to be at odds with each other. A Casey’s Corner Picnic We know how stressful it can be to plan a full park day when someone in your group turns their nose up at anything remotely adventurous. The good news is that Magic Kingdom has more crowd-pleasing options than you’d think, and we’re breaking down six spots that are genuinely going to work for even your most particular dining companions. Whether you’re rolling with tiny humans, super-selective adults, or a little bit of both, there’s something here for everyone. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and Columbia Harbour House for Chicken Tenders Listen, you really can’t go wrong with a solid chicken tender, and both of these quick service spots have you covered. Chicken Tenders at Cosmic Ray’s Cosmic Ray’s is one of the biggest quick service locations in the park, which can mean shorter waits spread across that multiple bays, and Columbia Harbour House has a surprisingly cozy atmosphere that feels like a nice break from the chaos outside. Chicken Platter at Columbia Harbour House Either way, a basket of chicken tenders is about as universally accepted as it gets. Read Our Latest Review Here Casey’s Corner Corn Dog Nuggets This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Casey’s Corner Corn Dog Nuggets Corn dog nuggets are the kind of food that’s hard to say no to, and Casey’s Corner has been doing them right for years. They’re snackable, they’re fun, and even the most resistant eaters tend to come around pretty quickly once they smell them. We love you, plastic cheese! Grab some plastic cheese to go with your nuggets and side of fries and you’ve got yourself a meal. Read Our Latest Review Here Plain Buttered Noodles at Tony’s Town Square If you’re traveling with kids who have a very specific short list of acceptable foods (we see you, parents), Tony’s Town Square is actually a solid call. Tony’s Town Square They’ll do plain buttered noodles, which is the kind of flexibility that makes the difference between a great park day and a meltdown at dinnertime. It’s a table service spot, so factor that into your day accordingly. Read Our Latest Review Here Pinocchio Village Haus for Flatbreads and Pasta Flatbread pizza and pasta are two of the most universally beloved food categories on the planet, and Pinocchio’s delivers on both fronts. Jackpot! It’s also one of the more underrated spots in Magic Kingdom, so it doesn’t always have the longest waits. The fact that you can watch the “it’s a small world” boats float by while you eat is just a bonus. Read Our Latest Review Here The Crystal Palace for a Little Bit of Everything Buffets exist for a reason, and that reason is picky eaters. Buffet at Crystal Palace The Crystal Palace is a character dining buffet, so you’re getting a fun experience on top of a spread that has enough variety to satisfy pretty much anyone in the group. It’s one of those options where everyone can find their thing without any negotiating involved. Read Our Latest Review Here Skip Sit-Down Meals Entirely and Go Tapas-Style Honestly, this might be the most underrated strategy for picky eaters at Magic Kingdom. Instead of committing to a full meal, just snack your way around the park. Ham and Gruyere Sandwich Gaston’s Tavern has that iconic giant cinnamon roll and a ham and Gruyere sandwich that’s genuinely delicious. The pizza and cheeseburger spring rolls are always a hit, corn dog nuggets from Casey’s make a great snack-sized stop, and the loaded fries over at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor round things out nicely. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls It’s a choose-your-own-adventure approach to dining that tends to work really well when the group can’t agree on one spot. Read Our Latest Review Here Magic Kingdom may not be known as the foodie capital of Disney World, but that doesn’t mean picky eaters have to struggle through every meal. With a few simple options and a little planning, you can easily find dishes that keep everyone happy. For more dining reviews and Disney tips, be sure to keep following us at DisneyFoodBlog! REVIEW: There’s a HUGE Perk to Dining at This EPCOT World Showcase Restaurant (Spoiler: It’s NOT the Food) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have a go-to spot we missed? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Who KNEW that Animal Kingdom would become the most CONTROVERSIAL park in all of Disney World this year? Tree of Life I know you’ve got a LOT of questions about this place, and we’re here to answer them ALL, today on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Answering ALL Your Questions About Disney’s Animal Kingdom Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

We’ve got some bad news for travelers planning to fly into California to visit Disneyland this summer: Your airport rideshare is about to get more expensive. ©Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash Travelers flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – one of the world’s busiest, which brings in millions of travelers each year for attractions including major Hollywood studio tours and Las Angeles attractions, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Disneyland in (relatively) nearby Anaheim – are about to see the cost of services like Uber and Lyft go up thanks to a new fee increase. On March 9th, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal that will raise fees for commercial vehicles entering LAX, including the major rideshare providers. The board’s commissioners agreed to increase the $4 fee to $6 for all companies providing passenger pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, either within the terminal area or at the LAX-It lot. That fee is expected to jump further, up to $12 for pickups or drop-offs within the airport’s central terminal area, a fare hike of 140%. Currently, Taxi companies pay $4 to pick up passengers, while limousines and similar services pay $5. Taxis and limos do not pay any fees for passenger drop-offs. Uber According to officials, the increase is meant to reduce traffic congestion and encourage travelers to use the airport’s new SkyLink automated people mover once it opens this summer. Vanessa Rodriguez, deputy executive director of external affairs at Los Angeles World Airports, told ABC7 Los Angeles, “To be able to be dropped off, there will be a $2 increase to the rideshare companies. As the new front door to the airport, essentially, a traveler will be able to get on the SkyLink train and do the full loop of the horseshoe in 10 minutes.” However, Danielle Lam, head of local California policy at Uber, argues that these fees will be passed on directly to consumers and will “significantly increase the cost of getting to and from LAX.” The rep told FOX Business in an email that, “A 140% fee hike will directly impact riders and reduce demand for drivers who rely on airport trips.” Furthermore, Uber argues that higher passenger fees usually reduce demand for airport trips, limiting drivers’ earning opportunities. The proposed LAX fee increase could result in approximately $1,000 in lost earnings per driver each quarter, according to the rideshare giant. Lyft Thanks to an approved fee increase, passengers coming into and out of LAX are about to pay more for their Ubers, Lyfts, and other ride share vehicles. Stay tuned to DFB for further travel updates. Why Doesn’t Disneyland Have a Disney Dining Plan? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you flying into LAX anytime soon? Will this increase change your rideshare plans? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney Springs, the ever-popular shopping district at Walt Disney World, is often packed with visiting guests and local Central Florida residents alike, drawn by it’s restaurants and high-end shops. However, not every week’s crowds are created equal. Disney Springs Now, one BIG clarification to make here: Disney Springs, like all of Walt Disney World, is always busy. Yes, these weeks are comparatively less crowded than the rest of the year, but if you’re expecting the district to be a ghost town with no waits for restaurants and small shopping crowds, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. April 26th – May 2nd Thanks to Easter – and in-turn many spring break sessions at U.S. schools – falling relatively early this year, the final weeks of April and even early weeks of May will likely be relatively quiet at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” This extends to Disney Springs, as both locals and tourist numbers will be lower than the holiday period earlier in the month, likely leading to comparatively smaller restaurant crowds and etc. The closer things get to Memorial Day, the more things will pick up. Disney Springs August 23rd – 29th The aforementioned Memorial Day holiday will launch the unofficial start of the summer season, which – as always – will be busy at Walt Disney World. Disney Springs especially sees large crowds during the summer, as out-of-state visitors and locals alike flood the district during summer vacation. Disney Springs However, crowd levels will begin to go down at the end of August as most U.S. students – including Florida locals – will be back in session, meaning that for many families summer vacation season will have passed. However, do note that if you plan on visiting during these weeks, you may run into weather issues as it’s not only hot, but it’s the height of Hurricane Season. Crowds September 27th – October 3rd Following the last gasp of summer that is Labor Day Weekend (September 4th to the 7th), Disney Springs will be (again, stressing comparatively) empty during mid-late September, as visitor numbers are down across the board AND the guests visiting the resort during this period will likely prioritize EPCOT for the Food & Wine Festival, sidestepping heading to the shopping district to eat. The week of September 20th through the 26th may see a slight bump due to many schools in the northeast closing for Yom Kippur. Fall in Disney Springs! However, there is something thing to keep in mind! Disney Springs will see two MAJOR openings in 2026: Level99, an interactive, social entertainment center featuring “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. The location, which is taking over part of the site formerly occupied by the NBA Experience and DisneyQuest at Disney Springs, will also offer food and drink options at a 2-story bar, including “handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites—including LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizza.” It’s scheduled to open in the spring. Six Ravens, a new concept from the company behind Gideon’s Bakehouse, is also coming to Disney Springs this year. According to owner Steve Lewis, the locations will be focused on savory offerings, specializing in “Coffyns.” Described as an “old school hand pie”, the fluffy yeast bread pastry will be “filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars.” Six Ravens will also serve savory potatoes, local draft beer, and, obviously “some tasty desserts.” Level99 If either of these highly anticipated established schedule their opening days for one of these weeks (unlikely, but possible) then crowds will inflate considerably! ©Six Ravens While Disney Springs will never be “empty” in 2026, there are certainly weeks when the shopping district should see significantly lighter crowds. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s 2026 dates. We Wish We’d Known These 3 Things Before Going to Disney Springs on a Weekend Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Heading to Disney Springs this year? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Recently, Disney has announced new lands, attractions, and entertainment headed to the theme parks, new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line, and so much more. But, what about those projects that Disney hasn’t exactly announced yet? Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle Keeping up with the latest construction permits Disney World files can be a great way to find out just what is going on around the parks and hotels, and we recently spotted some you might want to know about! We’re always on the hunt for the latest construction permits filed by Disney to get an idea of what sort of changes might be coming to the parks, and here’s what we found this time around! Magic Kingdom We spotted a recently filed permit for electrical work taking place behind the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland. Carter Electric is the contractor listed on the permit, which is a company that has done work for Disney World quite frequently in the past. Be Our Guest ballroom The filing doesn’t get any more specific than that or indicate what the electrical work might be for, but the expiration date is one year out from the date it was filed, indicating that it should be done relatively quickly. No current closures are listed for Be Our Guest, so it’s likely that this work won’t impact anything at the restaurant. See our most recent review of Be Our Guest right here! EPCOT Over in EPCOT, more electrical permits have been filed. First up is the France Pavilion, with work again being done by Carter Electric. Similar to the Magic Kingdom permit we saw, there aren’t many details for this one, aside from the fact that it also has an expiration date of one year from when it was filed. France Pavilion Also in EPCOT, another electrical work permit has been filed for the United Kingdom Pavilion (it looks like Disney has decided to do quite a bit of electrical work throughout the parks right now). Again, Carter Electric is the contractor listed on this permit, with the same one-year expiration date. UK Pavilion We don’t anticipate any of this work impacting your upcoming trip, but it’s good to know about either way! Don’t waste your time getting these EPCOT Festival eats! Hollywood Studios Finally, over in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, another — you guessed it — electrical work permit has been filed. There aren’t any specifics for this permit, either, though Carter Electric is also listed as the contractor. For now, we don’t expect this to impact your trip, but keep it in mind if you’re heading to Hollywood Studios soon! Toy Story Land In the meantime, we’ll be on the hunt for new update frosm Disney World and more — so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news! The New Problem That’s Suddenly Plaguing Disney World Annual Passholders Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When are you heading to Disney World next? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Get ready for some sale shopping because Amazon’s Big Spring Sale dates have finally been revealed! ©Amazon While Prime Days might still be a ways away, we’re gearing up for the Big Spring Sale — which kicks off on March 25th. Luckily, you don’t even have to wait to start shopping because some early sales have started already! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25th, but you can start shopping for early sales already! Some of our favorite Disney World must-haves are currently on sale, so shop them below! Get the Frogg Toggs poncho on sale Frogg Toggs Poncho The Ultra Lite 2 Poncho stays comfortable. Constructed with an outer layer that provides waterproof and breathable protection and an inner layer that remains soft next to the skin. We use this in the parks during the rainy season (which is basically all year round in Florida), and it has saved the day more than once! view ON AMAZON This flat plug power strip is a must-have for your hotel room Flat Plug Power Strip Outlets can be hard to come by in hotel rooms, and this flat plug power strip packs up easily into suitcases, so it doesn’t take up too much room. It features three standard outlets, two USB-C outlets, and two USB-A outlets. Perfect for charging all of your devices so you’re ready for the next day! view ON AMAZON We love this mini portable fan JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Handheld Mini Fan Featuring a fan, flashlight, and backup power bank, the JISULIFE pocket bear fan is your summer go-to essential for staying cool on hot days while offering versatile functionality to meet your Disney World needs. We love that it’s both a fan and a portable charger! view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

The post WDI’s Robotic Character Olaf Makes Appearance at NVIDIA GTC appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Ahead of his debut at Disneyland Paris on March 29, Olaf, the self-walking, free-roaming robotic character created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, appeared at this year’s NVIDIA GTC, the biggest AI conference of the year for developers, researchers, and business leaders. During the GTC Keynote presentation, NVDIA CEO Jensen Huang was joined onstage by Olaf. We caught up with Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Research & Development and Technology & Engineering at Walt Disney Imagineering to explore the technical advancements the team accomplished in the last few months, before Olaf joins the kingdom of Arendelle at the brand-new World of Frozen. Now that Olaf is about to make his guest-facing debut at World of Frozen, what obstacles did R&D face in advancing Olaf’s movements and how were they overcome? We’ve been hard at work to make sure Olaf is ‘show ready.’ He is such a unique character — he is made of snow, moves in non-physical ways, and he has snowball feet. Olaf will be debuting at World of Frozen as part of the daily Celebration in Arendelle show, which takes place on a boat in the lagoon. This meant he had to learn to balance on an unstable surface. Through deep reinforcement learning, in just a matter of hours, he earned his sea legs. Tell us about the continued work you’re doing with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind, specifically the progress on the Kamino simulator Disney Research developed. The Kamino simulator is a GPU-accelerated physics solver designed for accurate simulation of complex mechanical systems. Kamino enables large-scale reinforcement learning by running thousands of parallel environments on a single GPU, including inhomogeneous worlds where each environment can contain a structurally different robot. Deep reinforcement learning through simulation allowed Olaf to learn to stand and walk in challenging environments, like on a boat, in a fraction of the time it would take a human child. Are there plans to use Kamino to develop and train new robotic characters? Are there specific characters you’re excited to explore next? Kamino is designed for simulating complex mechanical systems that go beyond simple kinematic trees, which are basically maps of connections that inform the ways in which the robots move. If you think about all the tools in our Imagineering toolbox, Kamino is another that will help us solve real world problems and physical challenges. The speed at which we’re able to create new characters — and get them in front of our guests — is unprecedented. We are working to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to guests at our parks and ships around the world. Read more about Olaf and Disney’s robotic character platform in our November 2025 interview with Kyle about Episode 7 of We Call It Imagineering and catch the full episode on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube Channel and Disney+. The post Walt Disney Imagineering’s Robotic Character Olaf Makes Appearance at NVIDIA GTC appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

One of the BEST restaurants near Disney World is hiding at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, and we think you should definitely make a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Kitchen serves coastal Floridian fare with an upscale twist. If you’re looking for a spot to spend Easter brunch this year, Four Flamingos has what you need! On Easter Sunday, April 5th, Four Flamingos is offering a NEW à la carte brunch from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM! Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Brûlée Salad Honey Truffle Vinaigrette Reservations are open now, and the menu looks DIVINE! Here’s just a sneak peek at what you can expect from this exclusive brunch: Crab cakes Napoleon Jerk chicken & waffle Lobster rolls Florida Croque Madame Oxtail pasta Coquito French toast tiramisu Maple & Black Pepper Spice Country Style Ribs Four Flamingos is located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, and parking is complimentary with validation. The restaurant will only be open for brunch, and will not be open for dinner on this date — so keep that in mind. Filet Mignon We’ll be on the lookout for even more restaurant news from Disney World and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Disney World restaurant reviews below! REVIEW: We Can’t Stop Thinking About This NEW Disney RestaurantREVIEW: We’re SHOCKED by How Much We Loved Disney’s NEW Princess RestaurantI Ordered One of the Cheapest Snacks at Disney’s Pop Century Hotel — This Is What I Loved About ItREVIEW: Boiled Peanuts and Pimento Cheese? Yep, We’re Never Leaving This Disney World Hotel PoolREVIEW: $22 and Not a Regret in the World. Why People Are Paying Big Money for Cake in Disney World. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at Four Flamingos before? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Disney Adventure World, the reimagined second park coming to Disneyland Paris, is almost ready to open on March 29th. There are new attractions, restaurants, and characters, and we seriously couldn’t be more excited. ©Disney Disney just shared a sneak peek at some of the Cast Member costumes coming to the park, and OMG, is it too late to apply to work here? We’re going to be bringing you all the details of the new Disney Adventure World right here at Disney Food Blog, so make sure you keep following for more! EARLY PREVIEW OF NEW SOUVENIRS COMING TO DISNEY’S WORLD OF FROZEN Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article