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Big dates just dropped for TWO of Disney World’s biggest events — we finally know when the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival kicks off and when you can start trick‑or-treating at Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party. Plus, we got our first look at the brand‑new guitar for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and trust me… fans are already talking. We’re SO ready for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to open All the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Latest Disney News: Food & Wine Dates, Halloween Party Dates & MORE! Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Full Resort & Room Tour: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge | Walt Disney WorldView the full article

It finally happened! While we still may be many months away from Halloween, Disney starts celebrating early in August, so we just got tons of news about what to expect this coming season. Magic Kingdom at night during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Disney recently dropped the dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, as well as the dates tickets go on sale for those staying at Disney World hotels and for everyone else. If you’re planning to head to the party this year, there are some rules you need to know going in, because this isn’t just any normal day in the parks — especially if it’s your first year! Costumes On normal days in Disney World, only kids aged 14 and under are allowed to wear costumes of any kind in the park — this is to make sure that no guests get confused other guests confused with actual professional Disney characters. However, during the party, ANYONE is allowed to wear a costume, no matter their age! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party There are a few caveats, though, because you can’t just wear whatever you want. Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times, and your costume must be 100% family-friendly. Disney has the right to keep any guest from entering who is wearing an inappropriate costume, which could include things like: Masks that cover the entire face Clothing that has objectionable material, such as foul language or graphics Excessively torn clothing, or clothing that reveals a large part of the skin that could be deemed inappropriate for the environment Clothing that touches or drags on the ground Objectionable tattoos Clothing with multiple layers may be searched upon entry Entering The Park at 4 PM While the party itself will go from 7 PM to midnight, with your special after hours party ticket, you’ll be able to enter the park as early as 4 PM! Disney usually sticks by this rule VERY closely, and it’s rare that you’ll get let in more than a few minutes early. Crowds However, if you have an Annual Pass with a park pass reservation for Magic Kingdom that day (or had another park and are hopping over), have a regular ticket for Magic Kingdom, or have a park hopper ticket IN ADDITION to your special party ticket, then you’re able to enter earlier. We think it’s best to rest up during the main part of the day to conserve your energy for the park that night, or spend your day at a different park instead of Magic Kingdom, but that’s up to you! Don’t worry — if you’re already in the park, you can get your special party wristband from various Cast Members around the park. Speaking of Wristbands… Here’s the thing about those wristbands — EVERYONE with a party ticket will get a wristband, and you need a wristband in order to stay for the party. The park will close at 6 PM for all other guests, and if Cast Members see you without a wristband, you’ll be asked to leave the park, as the special event is only for those who have paid the extra fee. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Wristband If you think you can make it around this rule, by maybe hiding your arm or reusing a wristband, let us stop you right there. Disney has this down to a SCIENCE. It’s 100% not worth the risk, because the consequences could be dire. We know the party tickets are expensive, but it’s more worth it to budget and save up than try to cheat the system and potentially get yourself banned. That 6 PM Rule is Set in Stone Speaking of that 6 PM closure for those who aren’t part of the party, that time is HARSH. It’s right on the dot. Immediately, those without wristbands won’t be allowed into ride lines anymore, and you also won’t be able to step into any restaurants to check out (if you’ve already placed a mobile order before 6 PM, you’ll be able to pick it up, but you may feel rushed eating). Mummy Treat One of our team members was in the park on a party night and walked up to Auntie Gravity’s right around 6:02 PM, and since they didn’t have a party ticket, the Cast Member very kindly said it wasn’t possible to grab anything at that time since the park was officially closed for non-party guests. Some exceptions apply if you’re already in your dining reservation: after your meal, you’ll be escorted out of the park. We wouldn’t try to book a 6 PM dining reservation without a party ticket. So, if there’s something you want to grab or do, watch the time closely and make sure you do it beforehand! That Special Merchandise is ONLY for Party Guests While regular guests may be able to see the special Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party merchandise inside the Emporium starting around 4 PM, when party guests can enter, there’s no way for regular guests to grab that merchandise, so we’ll be honest — we don’t recommend even trying. Party-exclusive Merchandise Again, it’s not worth it to try to cheat the system to grab something. However, if you’ve got a friend who’s heading to the event, you can ask them to snag something for you, or if you’re feeling brave, you can make friends with a stranger who’s going to the party and ask them to grab something for you! There’s no guarantee they’ll say yes, and many of the items do have limits on how much can be bought by each person, so that’s something to keep in mind. Some of our team members without tickets have asked just to go into the section and look at the special merchandise, and were told no, so they’re pretty strict on it! Candy Bowl Sundae We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Mickey’s Not-So-Scary news as we get closer to the holiday, so stay tuned to DFB! We’ve Been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 17 Years in a Row. There Have Been Some BIG Changes! IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Are you planning to go to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Cake Bake Shop Bakery on Disney’s BoardWalk is home to some of our favorite sweets at Disney World, and we’re sharing our ranking of all the cake slices we’ve tried. Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers can be found right next to the Cake Bake Shop Restaurant. It has been controversial among Disney fans — mostly for their massive cake slices that are $22 a piece! With that price tag, you want to make sure you’re going to love it. That’s why we’re sharing our personal ranking of every cake slice we have tried here. Before we get to our ranking, we want to be honest in our reviews so you know what is worth your time and money! Everything we had is good, but we’re ranking on our thoughts and how well we think they appeal to everyone. So without anymore delay, let’s talk cake! 15. Peppermint Candy Cane Chocolate Cake This was a seasonal slice of cake, and it was consistent with the quality of cakes we’ve had here. You don’t even have to like peppermint to like it because the flavor is subtle enough that it’s not overwhelming the rest of the cake’s flavor. Peppermint Candy Cane Chocolate Cake It’s more like just kinda’ licking on a candy cane…but mixed with chocolate flavors. And those flavors blend well together. There are even crushed candy canes IN The cake between the layers of buttercream, and it almost reminds us of a peppermint sundae because it’s just so smooth, and the cake melts in your mouth. It’s SO good 14. Neapolitan Cake The Neapolitan Cake was a seasonal flavor that turned into one that is on the menu consistently. It is made with Valrhona French chocolate cake, vanilla cake, and strawberry cake, filled and topped with strawberry buttercream and decorative silk flowers. It’s also VERY pretty with all those colors. Neapolitan Cake from the Cake Bake Shop! It’s so sparkly with all the layers, but it’s also beautifully flavored. You get that nice strawberry flavor with the strawberry layer, a nice chocolatey flavor with the chocolate layer, and then the vanilla flavor. It tastes as pretty as it looks! Now, it’s not that we necessarily didn’t like this cake, but it’s more just okay to us compared to the others we have had here, but we’ll get to that. It SPARKLES 13. Blueberry Lemon Cake With this cake, you get a slice of lemon zest cake with fresh blueberries, filled with lemon curd and lemon buttercream, and topped with lemon buttercream and fresh blueberries. This cake is just beautifully put together. Lemon Blueberry Cake It’s got a super lemony flavor, but it’s a softer, sweeter lemon, and not too tart. The frosting is so light, too, and we loved it. The blueberries are super fresh and add a nice balance to the lemon. We will note that the lemon layers in this cake are a bit thicker than what you’d find in The Cake Bake Shop’s other fruity cakes, so you get a nice lemony zing with each bite. LOVED THIS 12. Coconut Cake We did notice that it didn’t hold together as well as some of the other cake slices here, but that’s a minor complaint. The vanilla cake is interwoven with layers of icing and coconut shavings, and it’s just DECADENT in all the right ways. Coconut Cake The cake is moist, too. We will say that this isn’t our FAVORITE slice here, but we think coconut cake fans are going to love it. It’s moist and crumbly 11. Inside Out German Chocolate Cake This cake has three layers of French Valrhona chocolate cake filled with silky Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and a brown sugar cream packed with sliced almonds, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut. Right off the bat, you know you’re getting high-quality ingredients. But it’s also a pretty big and heavy slice of cake, making it shareable, which also gives it more value. Inside Out German Chocolate Cake The cake itself is fluffy and moist with a texture that makes your mouth sing. It’s not too rich, but it’s definitely a chocolate-lover’s dream. We could also eat that chocolate ganache with a spoon, no kidding. It’s almost like smooth fudge. Then you’ve got the filling that adds more texture and more flavors, but it’s all really well-balanced so that no one flavor overpowers the rest. And of course, the whole thing is covered in edible glitter to make it just that much more magical. Take a bite! 10. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough It’s made with three layers of fluffy vanilla cake with Callebaut miniature chocolate chips and filled with Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and chocolate chip cookie dough, while also being topped with vanilla buttercream and miniature Fleur de Sel chocolate chip cookies. Um…excuse us…but that is one EXTRAVAGANT slice of cake. And we’re here for it. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough There are like three versions of chocolate chip desserts here — the cookie dough, the miniature cookies, and the chocolate chip cake. We’re not even sure how Gwendolyn Rogers pulled that off, but she did. It’s like the Inception of chocolate chip desserts in one cake slice, and it seems like a lot, but we are HERE for it. SO chocolatey One thing we noticed is that the cake layers are drier than other cakes we had here, but we think it was a decision The Cake Bake Shop made to make up for the wetter cookie dough. All we know is that every bite just MELTED in our mouths. All the flavors really did just blend together, but you still get that gritty consistency of cookie dough, too. How is this even possible? YUM! 9. Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake Another seasonal flavor we tried is the Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake. This slice features chocolate cake with caramel, caramel buttercream, caramel drizzle, and caramel popcorn. Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake Alright, we have confirmed the slice looks good, but how does it taste? We are happy to report that the flavors are also wonderful! The cake itself has a lighter chocolate flavor. It isn’t super fudgy or overpowering, but rather a light chocolate flavor. The buttercream was light and creamy, with a great hint of salted caramel flavor. Plus, between the layers was even more salted caramel. We enjoyed the caramel coming from both the buttercream and the caramel filling. The chocolate and caramel flavors complemented each other well, and we liked that they balanced each other, rather than one overpowering the other. Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake The caramel popcorn on top was a fun touch, but we didn’t think it was necessary for the overall flavor. It was a bit hard to eat in the same bite as the cake. The popcorn was a bit sticky, and the texture of the soft and fluffy cake did not pair as well with the chewy texture of the popcorn. It might be better if you crumbled it up a bit or just enjoyed the caramel popcorn by itself. Overall, we think this is a great addition to the Cake Bake lineup, especially if you are a chocolate and caramel fan. Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake 8. Raspberry Champagne Cake The cake is three layers of fluffy vanilla cake brushed with a French champagne simple syrup, filled with our Raspberry Pixie Jam, and fresh raspberries. It is then frosted with a champagne vanilla buttercream and topped with fresh raspberries. Raspberry Champagne Cake First of all, this cake literally glistens with glitter! Beyond that, it was super light, and the buttercream melted easily and didn’t leave the fatty, lardy coating in the top of our mouths. The layers were so moist, and the raspberries were beautiful. We were told that the raspberries were hand-picked and hand-placed, so only the best berries are included in the cake. You can tell there was a lot of time put into this cake, and we loved the balance of tartness and sweetness. Raspberry Champagne Cake 7. Southern Style Caramel Cake The Southern Style Caramel Cake is a limited-time-offered cake, but boy, did it make an impact on us. We loved the crumb cake texture. While that does mean it’s not as moist as others, we think it makes it different in a really great way. Southern Style Caramel Cake The cake had notes of vanilla, maple, and caramel, and the caramel frosting made the whole cake rich without being too heavy, which was just heavenly! Unless you know you’re not a fan of caramel or cake in general, we think this is great for everyone to try if and when it returns to the menu. Consider us impressed! 6. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake This treat is like pumpkin bread meets the filling of a cinnamon roll. YUM! It was very sweet with lots of cinnamon flavor throughout. The cinnamon is the prominent flavor, followed by a lighter pumpkin flavor. The cake fell apart very easily, which shows how soft it was. We almost always love all the cake we get from the Cake Bake Shop Bakery, and this is no exception. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake Now this was just a seasonal cake slice, but boy — do we wish we could dine on it year-round because we’re still dreaming about it months later! Fluffy! 5. Carrot Cake This cake is a spiced carrot cake that can be made without nuts or raisins. It’s filled and frosted with their signature cream cheese frosting and topped with decorative silk flowers! This cake was certainly pretty. This one was a nice surprise! Unlike traditional carrot cake, the chunks of carrots were cut up finely, so it didn’t have too much of a textural element. The spices were the star of the show, and it made the cake sweet and aromatic. Carrot Cake The cream cheese was the perfect texture in our eyes. It wasn’t too thick, but it also wasn’t runny, so it helped the cake hold its shape while we were enjoying it. Someone even stopped us when we were taking photos of this cake and asked if it was the Carrot Cake. When we replied yes, they shared that they had it inside the Cake Bake Restaurant and declared it “the best cake ever,” so it seems to be a hit at the restaurant as well. Carrot Cake While the flower on top isn’t edible, we did think it was a very pretty touch! The cake was moist, sweet, and not too dry at any point. While Easter might be over, this is a great bite to grab to celebrate the holiday. The topper! 4. Red Velvet Cake This is a three-layer red velvet cake that is absolutely stunning to look at. The exterior is coated in a pink buttercream that is honestly one of the prettiest things we have seen in a Disney World bakery, and the inside layers are filled with cream cheese frosting. The cake itself is deeply, richly red and incredibly moist, and there are what appear to be chocolate chunks worked in as well, adding this subtle depth that you wouldn’t necessarily expect but absolutely appreciate. Red Velvet Cake It’s sweet, but it’s not that cloying, one-bite-and-you-are-done kind of sweet. You can actually eat a real portion of this thing and enjoy every single bite without feeling like you need to lie down afterward. A few bites in and you’re not already tapping out, which feels like a rare thing in the world of Disney desserts, and we don’t take it lightly. Red Velvet Cake It is genuinely filling, though, so if you are planning to power through the whole slice solo right before a big meal, maybe recalibrate your expectations. But if you are splitting it or pacing yourself between park activities, this is an absolute treat. We’ve ordered this multiple times, and it holds up every single time. That kind of consistency is everything. Red Velvet Cake 3. Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake A slice of Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake is made with Valrhona French chocolate cake filled with Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and malted chocolate cream. Topped with Callebaut Belgian chocolate fudge and Fleur de Sel. Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake The cake itself is fluffy but still has that slight density you want in a really good chocolate cake that’s rich and satisfying without being overly sweet. The chocolate flavor is deep and well-balanced, and then between each layer, you get this thick, creamy chocolate ganache that might have been our favorite part of the whole dessert. It’s smooth, sweet, intensely chocolatey, with even a little hint of nuttiness, and it’s layered so perfectly throughout the cake. Look at the layers Inside, there are also layers of malted chocolate cream, which are lighter in flavor and cooler in texture, and they do such a good job balancing out the heavier chocolate notes. It keeps the cake from feeling too rich all at once, even though it’s definitely indulgent. And then the top is just incredible: a thick Belgian chocolate fudge layer finished with fleur de sel, which adds this subtle saltiness that cuts through the sweetness in the best way. It’s beautifully done, beautifully plated, and even dusted with a little edible glitter, because of course it is. A bite 2. Millionaire Cake When we tried the Millionaire Cake. This cake is made of multiple layers of moist chocolate cake with inserts of chocolate ganache, buttercream icing, creamy caramel, and shortbread crumbs. To put it bluntly, this thing is heavenly! Millionaire’s Cake If you’re a fan of a good Millionaire’s Shortbread (which, hello, that’s us), you’re going to fall in love all over again with this version of a classic treat. The entire cake was so soft and melted in your mouth, and it’s encased on the sides and top in a layer of milk chocolate topped with more caramel drizzle and shortbread crumbs. Delicious! 1. Peanut Butter Crunch Cake The Peanut Butter Crunch Cake is number one in our hearts. This was layers of chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream, chocolate ganache, and crunchy chocolate pearls between the layers. That chocolate was rich and sweet, and the ganache complemented the peanut butter nicely. The peanut butter buttercream was our favorite part, though — a delightful peanut butter flavor and some excellent texture from the crunchy pearls that made it more unique. Peanut Butter Crunch The cake itself was moist and thick, and, as usual, very high quality. The whole thing is sprinkled with edible glitter, which just makes it all the more magical. We highly recommend this treat if you’re a chocolate and PB lover — like us! This cake slice was the monthly limited edition cake, but we’re hoping it will stick around! YUM! Whew — is anyone else hungry for cake after that list? I know I am already dreaming of which one I’ll be grabbing on my next trip to the Cake Bake Shop! For Disney dining reviews, news, and more, be sure to follow DisneyFoodBlog. No Lie. You Need to Skip These 8 Disney World Snacks in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which cake slice would you love to try at Cake Bake Shop? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Disney World wait times have a reputation for being, well, unpredictable. Sure, we can look at past data to get an estimate of the crowd levels in Disney World, but you never know what may happen from year to year. Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World this past week, the final week before the highly anticipated reopening of Big Thunder Mountain. Magic Kingdom Wait Times TRON Lightcycle / Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 75 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 52 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 40 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 38 minutes Space Mountain — 37 minutes Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — 35 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 30 minutes Haunted Mansion — 25 minutes Jungle Cruise — 24 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 19 minutes Enchanted Tales with Belle — 17 minutes Astro Orbiter Astro Orbiter — 17 minutes Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid — 14 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 13 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 13 minutes Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 13 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 12 minutes “it’s a small world” — 12 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 11 minutes Mickey’s Philharmagic Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 9 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 9 minutes Carousel of Progress Mad Tea Party — 9 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 7 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress — 4 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times To our surprise, EPCOT was home to the highest average wait time of the week! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind continues to host lengthy lines. If you don’t want to wait, you should definitely consider buying a Lightning Lane Single Pass, which will allow you to skip the line. Don’t want to pay? Then you’ll want to hop in line during Early Entry! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 78 minutes Test Track — 68 minutes Frozen Ever After — 52 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 47 minutes Soarin’ — 28 minutes EPCOT Mission: SPACE — 15 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 15 minutes The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 14 minutes Spaceship Earth — 13 minutes Living with the Land — 11 minutes Journey into Imagination — 10 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 7 minutes Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Frozen Ever After, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times River Journey Avatar Flight of Passage — 64 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 46 minutes Expedition Everest — 31 minutes Expedition Everest Kilimanjaro Safaris — 28 minutes Zootopia: Better Zoogether — 14 minutes These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 62 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 51 minutes Tower of Terror — 47 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 38 minutes Toy Story Mania — 35 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 30 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers Alien Swirling Saucers — 23 minutes Star Tours — 6minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Something new could be coming to the Disney universe, but it may not be what you think. ©Disney Disney Parks are currently seeing tons of construction projects — Villains Land, Piston Peak, the Avengers Campus expansion in Disney California Adventure, and so many more, but there’s another project potentially on the horizon that has nothing to do with physical construction projects. It could bring EVERYTHING Disney to one place, right at your fingertips — here’s what we know. According to Bloomberg, Disney leadership in the company is discussing how to combine all of Disney’s various apps into one place, to make the experience easier and more user-friendly for customers. People familiar with the matter have said that the app would allow guests to book park tickets, buy merchandise, play games, and watch movies, all in one place. ©Disney Now, would the app be able to handle so much happening at one time? Well, that remains to be seen. Reportedly, the idea behind this is to really make things easier for Disney guests, which is what Josh D’Amaro is heavily focusing on. The app would combine the capabilities of the Disneyland app, My Disney Experience app, and/or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator apps with Disney+. My Disney Experience app ©Disney There’s not much known about the potential app at this time, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news so you know what to expect. More Recent Disney News! Disney Is Opening New Rides in 2027. Here’s the Full List.Exclusive CLOSE-UP Look at Disney’s New Lakeshore Lodge HotelA Popular Epic Universe Attraction Is CLOSING Next WeekJUST ANNOUNCED: Disney+ Is Getting a New ‘Casper’ SeriesThis NEW Disney Visa Perk Is a Total Game-Changer Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news, both in the parks and outside! NEWS: Spirit Airlines Has Officially Shut Down, and Passengers Are Left Scrambling For Flights Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about this new idea? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

This is the way… to a fresh new fragrance experience. To celebrate the upcoming theatrical release of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Bath & Body Works is launching a limited-edition collection inspired by the legendary bounty hunter and his little foundling that fans know and love. This marks Bath & Body Works’ first-ever Star Wars-inspired collaboration, blending cinematic storytelling with fragrance craftsmanship to develop a 26-product assortment of body care, home fragrance, candles, and collectible accessories. Every piece is inspired by the spirit of these characters and the stories you see unfolding onscreen, transporting you to a galaxy far, far away…. As a longtime Bath & Body Works lover and dedicated fragrance enthusiast, I was so excited to learn more about this collection and the products that fans can soon find. Let’s take a look at the scents inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu, along with some iconic Bath & Body Works accessories and home accents you can also discover. When and Where to Secure the Collection The Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu collection launches May 4 for Bath & Body Works rewards members, before landing online at bathandbodyworks.com and in stores for all to shop on May 11. An international rollout is also planned for later in 2026, bringing these galactic goodies and fresh fragrances to fans around the globe. If you’re already thinking ahead to Father’s Day (or as we like to call it, I Am Your Father’s Day) this collection arrives just in time for gifting – it’s great for the guardians, heroes, and mentors in your life. And if you’re just wanting to treat yourself, we support that too. Two Scents, One Iconic Duo There are two fragrances at the core of this collection, Force Flow and Bounty Hunter. Each uniquely represents the unmistakable bond between The Mandalorian and Grogu, capturing the duo’s journey through the galaxy and bringing to life their essence through the power of scent. Force Flow is a crisp, green, and fresh scent, great for springtime. Notes of green apple, salted lavender, and cosmic sage create a fragrance that reflects Grogu’s balance and curiosity. It feels grounded and calming, with a tartness from the apple that keeps you on your toes and ready to take off in your hover pram for the next big adventure. Bounty Hunter has an edgier, more rugged quality that strikingly captures The Mandalorian’s resilient and protective spirit. Beskar sea salt, solar woods, and protective patchouli blend together to form a bold and adventurous scent profile, perfect for those who want to prove their strength (and maybe show off their soft side, too). Bath & Body Works took inspiration from character traits, environment, emotions, and atmosphere in the film to create layered fragrances that make you feel totally immersed in the Star Wars galaxy. Some of the scented selections you may uncover on your shopping mission include body spray, body cream, 3‑in‑1 body wash, cologne, 3‑wick candles, and gentle foaming hand soap. Galactic Accessories Beyond fragrance, this collection includes an array of accessories that bring a sprinkle of interplanetary style to your everyday essentials. Functional favorites and decorative designs make it easy to show off your love for these characters at home, in the office, or on the go. Some of the accessories you can soon shop include: Mandalorian and Grogu PocketBac Holder Mandalorian and Grogu 3-Wick Candle Pedestal Mandalorian Wallflower Heater Loyalty-Exclusive Products Bath & Body Works rewards members can unlock even more magic with a batch of special items. The rewards-exclusive scent, Ice Planet, comes in a three-wick candle and has notes of frozen cypress, glistening water, and radiant amber. This fantastical fragrance evokes larger than life landscapes and remote worlds where icy adventures unfold. Rewards members can also discover online-only accessories designed with collectability and playful details in mind, including: Grogu Snacks Collectible Tin Canvas Bag Mandalorian and Grogu Coin Purse Mandalorian Extendable Arm PocketBac Holder May the 4th festivities have been in full swing here on Disney Parks Blog for the last few weeks, and this collection is the perfect way to keep the Star Wars fun going even after the sun sets on this beloved fan holiday. Get your galactic credits ready for this limited-edition launch celebrating the stories, characters, and worlds you treasure. Don’t miss exclusive eats, novelties, and merchandise across Disney Parks that celebrate the Star Wars saga, and catch Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu only in theaters May 22. Celebrate May the 4th with New Star Wars Merch READ MORE New Star Wars Day Merch Coming to Disney Store and Disney Parks<b READ MORE New Mandalorian and Grogu Merchandise READ MORE The post Suit Up with The Mandalorian and Grogu-Inspired Scents at Bath & Body Works appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Pirates of the Caribbean has been one of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides for the last five decades, becoming an intrinsic part of the Magic Kingdom for millions of guests, and defining the Disney experience for many who’ve never even been to the park. Pirates of the Caribbean Which makes it all the more surprising that the ride was never supposed to be built at Walt Disney World at all. Pirates of the Caribbean was already a mythic Disney attraction before the original Disneyland version even opened. After years in development — initially as a wax museum — Disney Imagineers, led by Marc Davis, cracked the attraction, imbuing it with a sense of humor that undercut the pirates’ villainous deeds. Concept art by Marc Davis ©Disney In the lead-up to Pirates of the Caribbean’s 1967 opening, Walt Disney, who had been heavily involved in the attraction’s development, showcased it at length on the Disneyland television show. Meaning that when Walt died in December 1966, many saw the ride as his final artistic statement, and it became immensely popular upon its opening. So popular in fact that it was clearly going to be a headline attraction at the then-under-construction Walt Disney World, right? ©Disney Well, not so much. You see, during the planning stages for the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney executives and Imagineers decided to cut the ride, feeling that Florida residents would be “bored” by pirates since they were already part of the state’s culture and lore. This was fine by Davis, who didn’t want to repeat himself. He instead set his sights higher, designing a magnum opus attraction that was meant to supplant Pirates at the top of the Disney pantheon: A massive E-Ticket boat ride that was to feature hundreds of cowboys, Native Americans, and animals telling the story of the American West in Davis’s style of comedic vignettes known as the Western River Expedition. Western River Expedition concert art, Beyond a single ride, the Western River Expedition was meant to define the park’s Frontierland. Set to be housed in a gigantic show building known as Thunder Mesa, the entire complex was planned to be disguised as a mountain range, complete with a mine train roller coaster attraction on its exterior. Initially planned as a 1971 opening day attraction, it was moved to the second phase of Disney World’s construction due to budget issues. That didn’t stop Disney from advertising the ride, though, as the Western River Expedition was included in promotional materials about the park, and a preview center of upcoming attractions. Western River Expedition Postcard However, something unexpected happened. Specifically, Disney didn’t count on how popular the Disneyland television series truly was, nor how nostalgically audiences viewed their times watching “Uncle Walt” and his “pirate boat ride.” Disney had spent so much time thinking about piracy’s history in Florida that they ignored the fact that millions in the state (and up and down the east coast) had spent years wanting to see the ride for themselves. When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the #1 complaint received by guest relations was “Where are the Pirates?” Pirates of the Caribbean Acting fast — and some might argue impulsively — Disney announced that an East Coast version of the attraction would be built, which opened in 1973. This shortened version of the attraction lacked several scenes, animatronics, and effects, as well as having no attached Blue Bayou, as the ambiance of New Orleans Square was replaced by a Spanish-style fort facade in Adventureland. ©Disney As far as the Western River Expedition? Well, it wasn’t officially canceled… at first. However, the budget for the Magic Kingdom’s version of Pirates came from the stockpile that had been set aside to construct Thunder Mesa, and despite a continued presence in some preview materials, the massive complex was never built, leaving Davis somewhat embittered about the situation for the rest of his life. Pirates of the Caribbean While Pirates of the Caribbean may feel like an irreplaceable element of the Magic Kingdom, the truth is that the ride was never planned to be built at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” at all. Stay tuned to DFB for more dives into Disney history! 4 Secrets Imagineers Hid in Disney World Rides 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 Do you wish that the Magic Kingdom featured the original Western River Expedition over the truncated Pirates of the Caribbean? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Monday is going to be VERY busy in Disney World. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Now, we’ve seen some crowds in Disney World recently, especially for Spring Break (which is always a little chaotic), and we expect to see crowds for the next big holiday, July 4th. However, a holiday you may NOT know about is coming up on Monday, May 4th, and it means you’ll see a lot of folks heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Monday is May 4th, or to Star Wars fans, it’s May the 4th (as in May The 4th Be With You). It’s Star Wars Day, a day when Star Wars fans celebrate all things about their favorite franchise. Well, with Hollywood Studios being home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where do you think many Star Wars fans want to celebrate such an important day? IN Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, of course! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge crowds on May the 4th, 2025 Now, Disney does do a few things on May the 4th to mark the occasion. You’re likely to find a few surprises in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus some limited time food and drinks pop up in Disney World to celebrate. This year, you’ll even find Pink Milk (which is something we previously had in Disneyland), as well as Your Chosen Path Cupcake, Lightsaber Churro, and more. Now, you’ll find some of these foods and drinks OUTSIDE Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. ©Disney Of course, Star Wars fans will be running to grab these snacks and celebrate this special day. So expect to see a lot of them lined up for rope drop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday. This also means you’ll probably find long lines for rides like Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. If those rides are a priority, you may want to consider purchasing Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run We’ll be in Disney World on Monday to let you know what the crowds are like (and to try out the special food and drinks), so stay tuned to DFB for more. The New Procedures You Have to Follow in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Disney World on Monday? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

One of Disney World’s most iconic rides is about to return from a LONG refurbishment, with some major changes. Whee! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the historic attraction that has dominated the Frontierland skyline for over 40 years, has been closed for refurbishment since January 2025. That’s finally set to end tomorrow, May 3rd! However, the version of Big Thunder that reopens tomorrow is going to be quite different than the one that closed a year and a half ago. These changes — and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” — have even led to a major rule change, as Disney has lowered the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches, which will allow younger riders to experience the attraction even earlier in life. The new ride vehicles! In addition, the ride will also feature a new “rainbow caverns” sequence as a tribute to the rainbow caverns that once found a home in both the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train and its successor, the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland at Disneyland. ©Disney Upon reopening, Big Thunder will be added to the Magic Kingdom’s Tier 1 Multi Pass options, joining The Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Peter Pan’s Flight. However, the ride will NOT be offered as part of Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom, as that hotel guest perk will remain available only in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland for now. Magic Kingdom Early Entry The reopening of Big Thunder is the first step in the transformation of Frontierland, which is also building towards the opening of the now under-construction Cars-themed Piston Peak sub-land. Piston Peak construction A NEW and seemingly improved version of Big Thunder Mountain is reopening at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow! Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of the ride’s opening. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new Big Thunder? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Tomorrow is the day we’ve been waiting for, and we can’t believe it’s finally here! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom closed in January 2025 for a massive refurbishment, and tomorrow it FINALLY reopens to the public! A year and a half is a long time to be closed, we know, but from what Disney has said, it sounds like the wait should be worth it. While this ride has been known to be The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, it was getting a little rough, so we’re looking forward to experiencing the all-new track that was put down. We’re also excited to see the new additions, such as the updated Rainbow Caverns, as well as the 2,000 bats added to the ride to really enhance that spooky factor. ©Disney Imagineers have also reworked the coaster’s plot to tie into the storyline of Barnabas T. Bullion, the founder of the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company, because the company experiences some pretty intense battles with nature as they attempt to hunt for gold. The hunt for gold is first referenced in the queue and was added to the ride itself during a previous refurbishment, so it will be familiar to those of us who have ridden before. However, now that storyline will carry on through the end of the ride! As riders make their way up the final hill, the gold that the miners have been seeking will be revealed to them, with Dan Flynn, executive show manager with Walt Disney Imagineering, saying, “Guests will finally be able to crest one of our last hills and see that gold mother lode.” At the very end of the ride, the train will be pushed out of the mountain, a clear warning from nature to not come back and try it again. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad testing The ride is also bringing back existing elements that haven’t been used in a LONG time, such as the two smokestacks on the side of the mountain, which helps with the illusion that this is a working mine. We’re thrilled it was able to be fixed and will work again to enhance the ride experience. More Recent Magic Kingdom News! Rule Change Hits Popular Magic Kingdom Ride TomorrowThis Massive Change Hits Magic Kingdom TOMORROWCHANGE Hits Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ahead of Reopening in Magic KingdomWhy You Should AVOID Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on This Random FridayDisney Reveals NEW Details on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Transformation We can’t wait to get in line to board this new and improved attraction in less than 24 hours, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest! Disney Files FOUR Permits for MASSIVE Changes Coming to Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to riding the new version of this ride? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Military discounts are still often the best Disney deal, but not always in every category. A lot of military families assume the answer is simple: military discounts are always better. Sometimes that is true. Sometimes it is not. In 2026, the better deal depends heavily on what you are booking. For tickets, military discounts almost […] The post Military vs General Public Disney Discounts: Which Is Better? appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Runaway mine trains, pitch-black bat caves, and boomtown dreams. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been thrilling guests at Disney theme parks across the world for generations, leaving an unforgettable mark on frontier storytelling and Disney fandom alike. Yet beyond the twists, turns, dips, and dives lies a richly layered legend shaped by gold fever and a mountain with a particular taste for chaos and adventure. Around the world, Big Thunder Mountain tells a story rooted in frontier myths, mysterious forces, and the rise (and eventual fall) of those who dared to dig too deep, and it’s long been one of my top picks for an adrenaline rush on a family vacation to the parks. Pull out your lucky horseshoe, dust off your cowboy hat, and get ready to get back in the saddle. With the mine trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad preparing for a long-anticipated return to the loading station at Magic Kingdom park, let’s unearth the lore behind one of Disney Parks’ most enduring attractions. Take on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness at Magic Kingdom On May 3, the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roars back to life at Magic Kingdom, marking its triumphant return to Frontierland with new magic and a renewed sense of adventure carved deep into the mountainside. The legend of Big Thunder at Walt Disney World traces back to the old days of the American frontier, when prospectors from across the country flocked west during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. Many say that fortune favors the bold, but unsuspecting passengers who are ready to board the runaway trains will soon be reminded just how wild the wilderness can get, and what secrets lie within the might and mystery of Big Thunder Mountain. First Off: Who is Barnabas T. Bullion? Remember this guy? Meet Barnabas T. Bullion, the eldest son of a wealthy and powerful mining family. Years ago, Bullion received a land grant from the United States government, giving him ironclad land rights to the Western River Valley (including Thunder Mesa and Big Thunder Mountain) in the Great American Southwest. Upon receiving the land, Bullion was determined to extract every ounce of gold hidden deep within the mountain, motivated to relentlessly mine the mountain until he had yielded all its treasure. Alas, the Big Thunder Mining Company was officially founded in 1850, sparking Bullion’s never-ending quest for gold and launching an ambitious operation driven by his unrelenting belief that future fortunes lay buried beneath the red rock. At first, the gold flowed freely. But as nature began to push back and frustrations began to mount, the easy pickings started to dwindle day after day. Miners were forced to dig deeper and deeper into the mountainside. Yet strange, unexplainable things quickly started happening. Despite Bullion’s efforts to continue to push forward at full speed, machines and equipment began to fail. Cave-ins shut miners out of rich strikes, and rumbles of thunder came from deep inside the angry mountain. As Bullion’s grand operation crumbles beneath the weight of the protective forces of the mountain, a substantial vein of gold hasn’t been found in months inside the mines, and very few miners (outside a few, brave seekers) remain based in the area. But keep your eyes out on your next train ride: there’s plenty of gold to be found around the mountain! Big Thunder Fun Fact: Bullion is also a key member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.), a group that was established in the early 1500s to conduct research for the advancement of navigation and exploration. The group quickly grew to become an organization that traveled the world in search of knowledge, adventure, art, and precious cultural artifacts, and includes other members such as Lord Henry Mystic, Harrison Hightower III, and my personal favorite, Dr. Albert Falls. The Story of Tumbleweed Once a flourishing boomtown working hand in hand with the prosperous lifestyle of a miner, the town of Tumbleweed was the beating heart of the region’s Wild West ambitions. Complete with a boarding house, a company store, a saloon, a jail, and several other establishments, Tumbleweed was once a soaring town full of high hopes and spirited dreams, accompanied by Big Thunder’s early success. But as the mines fell silent, Tumbleweed began to dwindle. The steady flow of fortune dried up, and hardship and an unforgiving drought has stacked the odds against its favor; the town has now grown as lifeless as the surrounding desert, with its once-bustling streets now coated in dust and despair. Yet the people of Tumbleweed cling to hope whenever it can be found on the horizon. Enter Professor Cumulus Isobar, “Rainmaker Extraordinaire and Purveyor of Magical Elixirs,” a scholar who has recently gained local popularity as someone who guarantees that his paying customers would not go dry for long. His arrival has brought slight optimism among locals, as his mere presence has sometimes brought ain into the forecast with an eventual flash flood result if the nearby ground had baked too long in the sun. Whether he is a miracle worker or a master showman of the Wild West remains to be seen, but Isobar has become the town’s latest gamble in its quest to return to its former glory. What Will I See in the Big Thunder Mining Offices Before Boarding a Train? In the late 1800s, the forces of Big Thunder Mountain are at an all-time high, with miners worrying of mischievous spirits (some think they are beginning to hear whisperings of cautionary messages) and with cave-ins happening more often than ever. Yet the most troubling aspect of all? The narrow-gauge engines are rolling out of the makeshift station (buried down inside a sloping, cactus-sprouting hill) with no human hand at the control, racing driverless at high speeds along the spiraling steel and wooden track leading deep into the mountain. If you are one of the brave souls willing to venture into the mines, you’ll enter the Big Thunder Mining Offices on the second level before winding your way down into a large open shaft where the trains are being kept. Passing by a memorable “No Drinking, No Fighting, No Whistling, No Kidding” sign, a blown open safe, Bullion’s land grant as signed by James K. Polk, and a slightly-sinister portrait of the company’s looming founder surrounds you in the lore of the mining company, while the sweeping landscape across the hills of Big Thunder Mountain put you in the middle of the allure, mystery, and romance of the Old West. Passing by the Foreman’s Post (operated by the domineering watcher of the mine, G. Willikers), the Fusing Cage, the blasting machines, and the ventilations services leads you to the heart of the mining operation below, where flickering lanterns, busy miners, and railway workers bustle about. As a train pulls into the station, the time is almost near and the clock is already ticking: you’ll soon be ready for a dive into the depths of Big Thunder Mountain, plunging you into the thrilling chaos of the wildest ride in the wilderness. Big Thunder Fun Fact: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World features several open-air trains, including “U.B. Bold,” “U.R. Daring,” “U.R. Courageous,” “I.M. Brave,” “I.B. Hearty,” and “I.M. Fearless.” Discover the Mystery of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park Growing up in Southern California, learning about James W. Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 was a milestone moment for me and many others in 4th grade, providing a lesson that opened the door to real-life stories of fortune, ambition, and failure that shaped California’s earliest years. Those same Gold Rush dreams once gave rise to countless boomtowns across the West, such as on the outskirts of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with many of them flourishing almost overnight before fading into the sunset like a cowboy on his final stand. The Story of Rainbow Ridge At Disneyland park, that history comes to life in the Frontierland town of Rainbow Ridge, nestled at the base of the famed Big Thunder Mountain. Once positioned as a hopeful settlement for miners and travelers alike, this small-town setting includes two saloons, an assay office, a general store, and a bank, surrounded by a quiet tension that hints at the mysteries buried deeper within the surrounding mines. For years, this sleepy town remained largely untouched. But in the late 1860s, everything changed when an old prospector stumbled upon a few gold nuggets on the mountain’s slopes. His discovery sparked a sudden frenzy, immediately attracting a flurry of first-time miners, gamblers, tinhorns, and outlaws looking to hit it big and strike it rich. While a handful found early success, many of these rough and tough prospectors ended up going bust and fled the town empty-handed, with some blaming their own misfortune on the supernatural elements found in the mountain itself. Big Thunder Fun Fact: As your train ride comes to an end, look to your left inside one of the town shops to spot the same portrait of Bullion that can be found in the Disney World queue! On your next railroad journey, take a closer look and you’ll notice signs pointing to nearby locations sprinkled throughout Frontierland: Dinosaur Gap, Spiral Butte, Coyote Canyon, Never Mine, and Busted Flats. Together, these names map a region steeped in legend around Big Thunder Mountain, with each place tied to reports of strange noises, mysterious rumblings, and supernatural forces that dwell deep within the mountain. Yet hope surged again in 1880 as organized efforts gave way to the creation of the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company, bringing renewed hope and deep ambition to the once-forgotten region. The operational facility yielded quantities of gold for several years, but by 1883, the surface veins began to run dry. As miners were forced to dig deeper into the mountainside and dynamite began to be used to blast holes into the hard rock, strange circumstances began to take place throughout the area. Eerie noises swept through newly opened mine shafts, cave-ins became frequent, equipment failed, and the mine trains that you’ve come to know and love began to roll out of the station with no engineer in control. Now, as guests board those very mine trains, they will see the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company has become a shadow of its former self, with a few undaunted souls still working in the mines and consistently coming face-to-face with the mountain’s supernatural forces of mayhem. The red and orange hoodoos, sandstone buttes, and windswept canyons may appear friendly from the outside, but plenty of twists, turns, and surprises are in store for those who dare to challenge its secrets. Big Thunder Fun Fact: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad sound effects are legendary – the sound of the Big Thunder trains were mixed into the memorable mine chase sequence in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Plunge Through the Tunnels of Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris The town of Thunder Mesa looms large at Disneyland Paris, with Big Thunder Mountain rising dramatically from the Rivers of the Far West as the primary icon of Frontierland. Unlike some of the other versions around the world, this particular mountain dominates the physical landscape and the narrative heart of the land together, binding the fate of the town, its local citizens, and visiting guests. Long before guests were invited to pay the company a visit through Gold Rush mines and underwater tunnels, most of the region’s folklore was filled with warnings. Stories spread about strange noises and mysterious rumblings echoing from far below the mountain’s surface, which went a long way in keeping the area uninhabited for years. This caution was put on hold in the late 1860s. When a prospector happened upon a few gold nuggets on the mountain slopes, curious travelers ventured west in the search for fortune and deep riches. Many of these prospectors missed the mark and hit a block in the road, but the Ravenswood family carefully staked out its claim and established the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company, giving life to the new town of Thunder Mesa. Who is the Ravenswood Family? Sound familiar at all? You may know the Ravenswood family from their primary residence at Disneyland Paris, the eerie, decaying Phantom Manor located on Boot Hill just outside of town. Despite some of the strange happenings taking place inside there (the mansion is built atop a cemetery, after all), the family once stood as powerful figures in the town with ambition directly tied to the mountain below. For a few years after founding, the mines of the company produced vast quantities of gold, temporarily invalidating the mountain’s supernatural myths. Yet once the gold found throughout the mountain became few and far between and dynamite began being used to blast holes into the mountainside, inexplicable things started to happen again. With mine trains consistently rolling out of the station, the ghostly tales of the mountain’s supernatural forces were resurrected, and miners left the area at will over the fear of what could happen next. Today, the Ravenswood family is gone, and the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company operates under declining supervision. Yet for those with a lingering call to the mountain, you can still venture into the nearly abandoned workings of the mines, which will likely require stirring up the courage to take a ride aboard of the company’s mine trains that leave the station without any trace of control. Big Thunder Fun Fact: Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris is unlike other versions. In Paris, the train passes under the waters of the Rivers of the Far West and the majority of the attraction is on an island. Witness the Beauty and Mayhem of the Old West at Tokyo Disneyland At Tokyo Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain transports guests into an ambitious Gold Rush mining setup deep in the American frontier. Set in the late 1800s, the attraction’s backdrop reflects a once-thriving mining company whose runaway trains now tear through the wilderness long after human control has been lost. Much like its counterpart overseas, legend says that there has long been a supernatural force dwelling deep within Big Thunder Mountain. For years, ghostly tales kept locals out of the area and largely uninhabited, until an old prospector discovered gold in the 1850s and suddenly ignited a westward rush of eager first-time miners west to search for fortune. Around this time, the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company rose to prominence and produced large amounts of gold for nearly 30 years, before fading away due to a declining lack of resources in the 1880s. Once desperation kicked in and prospectors began to use explosives to dig deeper into the mountainside, the angry, clever mountain began to fight back, projecting strange noises throughout new shafts, causing machinery to fail, and sending off rolling narrow-gauge trains out of the station without anybody at the helm. Now, as you hop into a train under the watchful eyes of various station workers, you’ll prepare for an unpredictable ride through the Big Thunder mines and surrounding wilderness. Of course, expect to see opossums hanging by their tails on a tree, coyotes yipping and howling at passing trains, and a geyser field ready to blow without warning along your train ride mayhem. Every twist brings an unsuspecting turn on this Wild West adventure, as your train races back to the station through a challenging landscape where the mountain clearly has the final say. Big Thunder Fun Fact: As you approach the Big Thunder Mine Building, look out for Sedona Sam (a retired mine foreman) and his dog, Digger, relaxing and fishing from a nearby dock. Luckily, Digger got his name when Sam was buried in a rock slide, and his dog dug him out of the impending danger! The Gold May Be Gone, But the Legend of Big Thunder Endures From Rainbow Ridge to Thunder Mesa, the tales of Big Thunder Mountain continue to grow even stronger, creating everlasting memories that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Though the local towns have long faded from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Rush, the mountain is never truly at rest as long as its trains still run, and its warnings echo through the dark tunnels of the local scenery. New Magic Coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World READ MORE Dance, Play, and Chill with Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney World READ MORE Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Tips: How to Score Big READ MORE The post Dig Deep into the Story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Across Disney Parks appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We are in the era of changes at Disney World, and it continues today with a permanent store closure at Disney Springs. Disney Springs! On March 29th of this year, Disney Springs saw the permanent closure of the women’s apparel store, Francesca’s. Now, another clothing store was hit with a permanent closure at the Disney shopping and dining district, and it’s not ending there! Shore was located in the Town Center location of Disney Springs, and sold lifestyle clothing and accessories. Shore The Shore clothing store has now officially closed its doors for good, with its last day being April 30th, 2026. If you were a fan of the Shore store, there is another location in Longboat Key, Florida, and the online shop is still open. Shore store is now closed! There hasn’t been any word on what will be taking over this location, but we’re assuming Disney has some sort of plan and won’t just hold onto an empty spot at Disney Springs. Add this to the list of Disney Springs closures alongside Sprinkles Cupcakes, which closed in January 2026. Sprinkles The spot that held Sprinkles changed quickly and is currently occupied by the Black Tap CrazyShakes pop-up. This location is only here for a limited time and will be available until June 1st, 2026. Mickey Mouse Shake from Black Tap Disney Springs has seen tons of closures over the past year. Last year, the Art of Shaving, the Sosa Family Cigars shop, the Uggs Store, Sanuk, and more all permanently closed. It’s sad to say bye to shops, but we are intrigued and excited to see what Disney has coming in the future. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, updates, and more. The New Procedures You Have to Follow in Disney Springs 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 Did you like the Shores store? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s no secret that MagicBands have become an integral part of Walt Disney World vacations over the last decade+. They can serve as room keys, payment methods, entry tickets, be used to check-in for Lightning Lanes, connect with Photopass, and react to select Disney theme park attractions with “lighting effects and gesture recognition”, and they’re available in a slew of cool designs! MagicBand+ However, to get the most out of your MagicBand, you’ll NEED to keep it charged. Luckily, we have found and inexpensive solution! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. MagicBand+ Charger MultiCharger for MagicBand+ This lightweight and travel-friendly USB-A multi-charger is designed specifically for charging up to 4 MagicBand+ devices simultaneously, or a smartphone and 3 MagicBand+ bands. ©Amazon That makes it perfect for “hotel rooms with limited outlets, this multi-charger allows you to charge all your MagicBand+ devices and phones using just one outlet, freeing up space for other electronics during your Disney vacation. MultiCharger for MagicBand+ The charger includes USB-A and USB-C plugs and 4 MagicBand Protectors! SHOP HERE Of course, beyond a charger, there are some other MagicBand accessories available that may improve your vacation! You can also plug this into your FuelRod if you need to charge your MagicBand mid-day. MagicBand Puck Holder Apple Watch band MagicBand+ converter Even if your MagicBand isn’t going anywhere, it can still be a bit annoying to have to rearrange your own personal jewelry, fitness tracker, or smart device like an Apple Watch. However, you can use this watch adapter to attach your MagicBand’s RFID puck to your Apple Watch band, wearing both on the same wrist comfortably. SHOP HERE Apple Watch Band Apple Watch Bands Speaking of Apple Watches, we’ve had these watch bands for a while, and we’re big fans of their design and the colorful pop they use to accentuate any Disney World outfit. Grab a pair of them to match your travel companion! SHOP HERE If you need any of these MagicBand essentials for your next Disney World trip, make sure to get to Amazon ASAP, and stay tuned to DFB each week for our latest Instagram finds! View the full article

In just a few days, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom is scheduled to finally reopen after over a year of being closed to get a MASSIVE update. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad We have literally been counting down the days until we could take a ride on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, and it’s almost here! Ahead of its reopening, construction walls are FINALLY starting to come down from around the ride, and today, we finally got a good look at the ride’s entrance for the first time since construction on it started. YES! Today, the construction walls in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s entrance are officially GONE. Instead, there are some hedges to block off the entrance. But this is the best view of the new ride we’ve seen yet. It’s almost time, people! The walls are DOWN Now, there are still some construction walls up around much of the rest of the ride, so we’re still not getting a good look at THAT yet, but those will have to come down pretty soon with the ride’s reopening SO close. Oh, did we mention we noticed running water in the queue? ALMOST THERE. Some walls are still up So what’s changing at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Well, for starters, the ride has an entirely new track, meaning that it might be a LOT smoother than previously (let’s face it…this ride would knock you around a bit before). However, Disney also added a brand new scene based on the Rainbow Caverns (which Disney history buffs will know from Disneyland history because the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was sort of the precursor to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). ©Disney Disney World also completely updated the ride vehicles, and the ride’s exterior got a bit of a glow-up to make it blend in better with the upcoming Cars-themed expansion coming to Frontierland, Piston Peak. Even better? Some of the changes made to the ride helped Disney lower the height restriction to 38″, so younger riders can now enjoy the attraction. Disney also took the opportunity to fix some elements of the ride that hadn’t worked in years. Ride testing for Big Thunder Mountain We’re sure there are some more magical surprises in store for riders when the ride reopens on May 3rd. Note that it will be part of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, so you’ll want to book those Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Lightning Lanes as soon as you can! This ride is going to be VERY popular after it reopens. We’ll be standing in line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on May 3rd, so stay tuned to DFB for more coverage! Want the updates delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here! Disney World Shares Behind-The-Scenes Look at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Changes 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 to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad again? What changes are you excited to see? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

For the brave, bold, and courageous, days at Disneyland Resort are unforgettable from the very start. For 9-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Coen, this was certainly one of those moments, where excitement hits all at once, a favorite hero steps off the screen and into real life, and a wish comes true in a way he’ll remember forever. During Disney’s Week of Wishes, Coen experienced an unreal moment: meeting Anthony Mackie, the actor who brings his favorite character, Captain America (aka Sam Wilson), to life. “It felt crazy,” Coen said, still beaming. “I was so excited.” While the polished shield, positive attitude, and the “pretty cool vibranium wings” immediately stand out, it’s something deeper that draws him in. For Coen, Sam’s courage is what truly makes him a hero. That courage is what made the moment even more meaningful for Coen and his family. During a special Week of Wishes event held at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Coen was surprised when Mackie appeared before a stunned crowd and handed out an assortment of Super Hero action figures to kids, turning admiration into a beloved core memory for Coen and his loving family. Coen’s Heroic Connection to Captain America Coen’s connection to these dynamic characters goes far beyond the silver screen. At home, he especially loves playing with action figures (he even recalled that he has four different action figures of Captain America and Falcon), creating his own adventures fueled by imagination, escape, and creativity. One of his favorites even came from his brother (a chiseled Falcon figure), adding an extra layer of meaning to the heroic stories Coen dreams up during playtime. Disneyland Resort has also been a source of special memories for Coen and his family in the past, even recalling a fun visit about three years ago when his family boarded Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure park. Fast forward to today, and Coen was thrilled to experience the adventure once again, but this time, he was joined by his new Super Hero buddy in Mackie. Laughing and enjoying their time together on the attraction’s rapid gantry lift drops while the beat of throwback music filled the air, Coen mentioned that the up‑and‑down drop moments were still his favorite part. The heroic highlights didn’t stop there. Following their wild adventure and eventual escape from the Collector’s fortress, Coen was able to scoop up a perfect mid-day churro and enjoy a personal experience with Iron Man inside of Avengers Campus. Yet the icing on the cake for this inspirational hero? Being gifted his own red, white, and blue Captain America shield to take home with him, marking his official status as one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with the courage and bravery of an Avenger. Once Coen bid farewell to Mackie, he also shared how much he was looking forward to experiencing classic Disneyland park attractions, including Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Together, the day became a string of milestone momentsfor Coen and his family, with each one adding even more memories to this instantly iconic visit. Read More About Disney’s Week of Wishes Across the Disney Parks Blog Disney’s Week of Wishes shines a light on the extraordinary impact of a wish and the incredible Make-A-Wish kids who inspire us every single day. During Week of Wishes and far beyond it, these moments would not be possible without the thousands of Disney cast members and employees who go above and beyond to create these extraordinary moments& for families around the world. From Anaheim to Orlando and across Disney destinations, their care, attention, and heart help transform wishes into lasting memories. Between adding a new action figure to his at-home collection, boarding thrilling rides worthy of the strongest Avengers, and meeting an all-time favorite actor in Anthony Mackie, this special day was about more than just meeting Captain America for Coen. It was about feeling inspired and celebrated, serving as a reminder that the bravest stories are not always found in comic books or on the big screen, but in real life, one wish at a time. Disney is the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day. For even more content from Disney’s Week of Wishes, be sure to follow along on Disney Parks Blog. From Make-A-Wish Alumni to Disney Cast Members: Lily and Jim READ MORE Celebrating Disney Week of Wishes Across Disney Experiences READ MORE Wishes Assemble: How Make-A-Wish Heroes Became Super Heroes READ MORE The post Coen’s Heroic Connection: A Shield, a Hero, and a Wish Come True at Disneyland Resort appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We are always on the lookout for the best Disney sales happening on Amazon, so that you can get the best items for the best price! castle! And we found some amazing deals on Amazon that you HAVE to shop this weekend, especially if you love cookbooks! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Without further ado, let’s get into four of the BEST deals happening on Amazon this weekend! First up, A Taste of Disney: Snacks Cookbook ©Amazon This is a miniature book full of fun Disney snacks! You can enjoy snacks like White Rabbit’s Garden Crudité from “Alice in Wonderland” or the Merida Cranachan from “Brave.” This cookbook is so cute, fun, and over 40% off right now! VIEW ON AMAZON Next up is A Taste of Disney: Drinks Cookbook! ©Amazon Here is another pocket-sized book, but this time full of all the fun Disney-themed drinks! Enjoy Lu’Au Blue Hawaiian from “Lilo & Stitch” or the Black Forest Hot Cocoa from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” This one is also 40% off! VIEW ON AMAZON Next up is The Disney Christmas Cookbook ©Amazon This super fun Christmas cookbook is adorable and has over 50 recipes! This cookbook is also geared towards teaching kids the magic of cooking and how fun it can be to make a recipe from scratch. VIEW ON AMAZON Lastly, The Disney Villains Cookbook! ©Amazon This Disney Villain Cookbook is so fun and unique! It features beginner-friendly recipes themed to all the Disney villains, and is over 35% off! VIEW ON AMAZON We LOVE these fun cookbooks, and the deals are amazing! Will you be snagging any of these cookbooks? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow Disney Food Blog so you never miss any great deals! View the full article

Disney World’s V.I.Passholder Days have officially arrived! Let’s go inside an exclusive character meet and greet! This special event runs through July 31st and features a ton of new and extra perks for Disney World Annual Passholders. Now, we’ve been in EPCOT checking out some of these perks. We’ve already picked up our brand new Annual Passholder magnet, and we’re ready to take advantage of some HUGE increased discounts. Now, we’re also ready to check out an exclusive new meet and greet JUST for Passholders. So let’s go! You’ll find this exclusive character meet and greet opportunity inside the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival space in the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT. Now, we had NO idea who we would meet inside, but we got in line because why not? Plus, meeting characters is always SO much fun! The line Well, we didn’t have to wait long, and the characters waiting to meet with us were Chip ‘n’ Dale!!! Who doesn’t love those two funny chipmunks? Chip ‘n’ Dale! But as we looked at the mischievous pair, we noticed something about their outfits. Those look….AWFULLY familiar… They kinda’ look like… Chip ‘n’ Dale in 50th Anniversary costumes Yes! Disney World recycled Chip ‘n’ Dale’s 50th Anniversary looks from 2021 for the exclusive passholder meet and greet! We’d recognize those “Earidescent” colors ANYWHERE. But, hey, why not? Why let a good costume go to waste? In fact, it’s kinda’ nice that the chipmunks dressed up for us, but now we’re curious if other characters will appear here in those older costumes here? Maybe we’ll check later. We love these chipmunks The meet and greet is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, so you’ll want to pop in yourself. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Program — What You Need to Know  Will you be checking out the exclusive meet and greet this summer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Deciding what to take in your Disney World park bag is not easy — trust us, we go to theme parks every day! It comes with so many items! You need items to help you stay cool, hydrated, and make your Disney day easier. Lucky for you, we found a great survival guide for your next vacation. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the perfect Disney World essentials kit here! Theme park essentials fanny pack That’s right, we found a fanny pack that’s not only stylish, but has a bunch of Disney must-haves INCLUDED with it. The Maxie & Nova Theme Park Essentials Fanny Pack, is perfect for your next Disney trip! This set comes with ten pieces and includes many theme park essentials. We love that it comes with this handheld fan… Fan It even comes with a silicone straw. We love this because Disney’s paper straws just do not cut it, and will start to break down. Straw It even has a rain poncho for when the weather isn’t cooperating. You can fold it back up when it’s dry and it’s ready to use for another day! Just pack it away …and this collapsible water bottle! We love that we can collapse it when it’s empty to store away in our bag until we’re ready to use it again. So much easier than lugging around a heavy stainless steel bottle all day. A collapsible water bottle and a cooling towel to cool down during those hot Florida days. Cooling towel This set has some great park essentials, and the best part is that they all fit inside this fanny pack, so you can grab it and head to the parks! 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

May 1st officially kicks off Disney World’s V.I.P. Passholder days for 2026, and that means LOTS of new perks are coming for Passholders around the parks. The Passholder lounge is back open! A new magnet has just been released that only Passholders can grab, a ton of dining discounts are available right now, there’s special merch to grab, and so much more. One of the perks we’ve really been looking forward to is the return of the Annual Passholder Lounge in World Showcase, and now, it’s officially back open! This Annual Passholder lounge is located inside the former home of Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion. The former restaurant has been turned into a great hangout spot for Passholders looking to cool off, experience some peace and quiet, and take full advantage of being a Passholder. Passholder Lounge inside Restaurant Marrakesh Inside, you’ll find great AC, tons of seating, and complimentary snacks. We grabbed ourselves a bag of pretzels… Bag of pretzels …as well as a Fruit Bowl mix for a pick-me-up, which will appeal to many, as it’s nut-free. There’s also complimentary water and tea available. More options You can also take part in a special photo op here, which is none other than with Aladdin’s lamp! This is a prop for a special Magic Shot — AKA a photo with fun effects added to it. Photo op! The lounge was decently packed when we arrived, and you may notice it takes a few minutes to get inside. This is because they are requiring guests to tap their pass and are matching names to IDs, so be sure to have your ID ready before you head in. Be sure to have your ID ready Finally, we also got a complimentary NEW version of the Annual Passholder button, which has Mickey in sunglasses! Cute new button! More Recent Annual Passholder News! Well, We Certainly Did NOT Expect to See THIS in EPCOT Today!This MASSIVE Annual Passholder Perk Just Returned to EPCOTThe NEW Popcorn Bucket Disney Adults Are Buying in Disney WorldAn EXCLUSIVE New Disney World Freebie Just Dropped!4 NEW Passholder Perks Start in 13 Days We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Annual Passholder news during V.I.P. Passholder days and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB! 3 Annual Passholder Perks are ENDING Soon 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 Are you planning to check out this new Passholder lounge? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disneyland is the CAPITAL of tasty snacks, and even better, Disneyland adds new snacks ALL the time. Seriously, you could just skip all meals and snack your way around the parks and Downtown Disney and stay full (and, well, we’ve done it!). New snacks alert! We always get excited when new snacks drop, and now that eight NEW items are available on Disneyland menus, we raced to the parks to try them out. So let’s see what we thought! First, we have to start with one of our favorite things: Mickey waffles! Now there’s a NEW Mickey- Shaped Celebration Waffles at Schmoozies for $10.99. These are 70th Anniversary Celebration waffles with Strawberry Filling and topped with Sprinkles and Powdered Sugar. Okay, the strawberry filling is tart, light, and refreshing, plus you get a nice light strawberry flavor from the whipped cream. Mickey-shaped Celebration Waffles We also love that the strawberry flavors don’t taste artificial. The waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just like we like them! We’ll be grabbing this treat AGAIN AND AGAIN. The perfect Mickey waffle Then we made our way over to Avengers Campus to try a new snack at Pym Test Kitchen. Okay, so you know we love a grilled cheese, so we were excited about the Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese, made with Pepper & Onion Grilled Cheesesteak, topped with Cheese Sauce and Crunchy Manipulated Particles, served with Potato Bites for $16.79. Now, a word of warning: the bread tends to get hard fast, so eat it quickly. But the cheese is gooey, and the overall flavor is cheesy (our favorite thing). Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese The meat is well seasoned, while the Hot Cheeto puffs and onion ring chips add some unique crunch and pops of flavor. We love just how different this grilled cheese is. It’s a great example of Disney thinking outside the box. It’s so unique! Then we were on our way to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta to try the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for $6.99. It’s a Cinnamon Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting. So if you love cinnamon rolls, this tastes like a cinnamon roll, but in cheesecake form. It has the perfect amount of cinnamon flavor, and combined with the creamy cheesecake, it’s HEAVENLY. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake We also loved that it wasn’t overly sweet, even with the cream cheese frosting, which we could’ve eaten by itself with a spoon. Look at that fluffy cheesecake Okay, that left us with one more stop, Lamplight Lounge. We ordered a new drink, The Lamplight Old Fashioned, made with Bourbon, Citrus, Spice, and Floral Spanish Liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Bitters, Luxardo Juice, and a Luxardo Cherry for $19.50. This is one of the best cocktails we’ve had here. The Maraschino liqueur adds such a nice cherry flavor, and combined with the Luxardo juice, there’s a lovely sweetness. It’s still a classic old fashioned, but with a nice twist. The Lamplight Old Fashioned We also grabbed the new Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts for $11. These donuts are dipped in Cream Cheese Frosting and topped with Lemon-Blueberry Compote and Streusel. You get five mini donuts, which makes this snack great for sharing. Lemon Blueberry Cobbler Donuts These taste so fresh with a nice blueberry compote. The streusel gives it that cobbler kind of crunch. Our only complaint is that the lemon flavor is very subtle, but you do get a little tang from it. SO good Then it was time to park hop over to Disneyland to visit Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, where we picked up the Apple-Berry Hand Tart for $7.99. It’s Apple-Berry Filling in a Buttery Pastry, topped with Frosting. This is like a plussed-up Pop-Tart, and we mean that in the best way possible. It tastes homemade, though, with some nice apple and berry flavors that come from the filling. Apple-Berry Hand Tart This baby also has a lovely, flaky crust, although it was a teensy bit dry, but still, very Pop-Tart-like. We also liked that this wasn’t super tart. In fact, the flavor leans more towards sweet. Like a homemade Pop-Tart We also grabbed the Key Lime-Blueberry Tart for $7.99, which is Key Lime and Blueberry Filling in a Graham Cracker Crust, topped with Chantilly Cream. Now this tart was, well, TART. SO tart. The key lime flavor is the strongest here, but when you get a bite combined with the blueberry, it’s the most refreshing combination EVER. The flavor of the Chantilly Cream is subtle, so it just adds a nice creaminess. Key Lime Blueberry Tart However, this is a great snack for a hot day, but you’re really going to have to love key lime flavors. The crust is nice and flaky, and maybe, just maybe, we’d order it again. Wonderful flavor combo Finally, we ordered the Orange Cream Cheesecake for $7.99, which is an Orange Cheesecake topped with Vanilla Chantilly and Orange Crunch. Remember those orange push pops you used to love as a kid? Well, if those were a cheesecake, they would be this because that’s EXACTLY what it tastes like. It’s so refreshing, with a great tangy and orange flavor. Orange Cream Cheesecake The cheesecake is so light and airy, as is the cream on top. The orange crunch adds a nice texture. The crust is light and thin, which just complements the snack as a whole. PERFECTION So, basically, Disneyland just dropped five stellar snacks that we can highly recommend if you’re visiting Disney California Adventure soon. We’ll keep looking out for new Disney snacks, too, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold Up. You Can Get ALL This Disney Food for Under $20?! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What’s your favorite Disneyland snack? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

The time that Disney World Annual Passholders have been waiting has finally arrived! V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days has officially begun, and we’ve already gotten started with the perks. New Annual Passholder popcorn bucket! The summer is bringing tons of exclusive perks to Disney World for Annual Passholders, including new hotel discounts, dining discounts, and more. Any Annual Passholders out there a fan of Disney popcorn? Well, there’s a new popcorn bucket available at the park right now, exclusively for YOU! We love exclusive merchandise, and we love Disney World popcorn, so you can imagine we LOVE this exclusive new piece of merch. We’re sure you’re just as excited as we are, so you’ve got to make sure you come to the parks to get the brand-new Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket! Disney World Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket We went to EPCOT to get the bucket and got it at the popcorn stand in World Celebration, right outside the Creations Shop. However, you can find it in all four of Disney World’s parks. We love this thing! At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find it at the City Hall Popcorn Cart, right as you enter the park. In Hollywood Studios, go to the cart between the Brown Derby and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”. At Animal Kingdom, you can grab it at the Chakranadi Popcorn Cart. The bucket is even at Disney Springs, at the Mainstage Popcorn Cart in the Marketplace area near World of Disney. City Hall Popcorn Cart The bucket has a cute design to it, displaying iconic attractions at Disney World, unique artwork, and a beautiful mix of colors. Our favorite part is that the bucket features Disney characters who have been on the Passholder magnets. You can see Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps (the magnet that dropped earlier this year), Crush, Ray, Stitch, Hei Hei, Oswald, Orange Bird, and of course, Mickey and Minnie. Did you also notice the iconic toy duo near the top? It’s Buzz and Woody! Look at all the characters! Wait…they were a magnet? They are now! Another exclusive perk Passholders can take advantage of is picking up the brand-new magnet that just dropped at EPCOT. You can pick up the magnet featuring Buzz Lightyear and Woody at the Creations Shop. New Annual Passholder Magnet V.I.PASSHOLDER Days have begun and will run through July 31st. There is a lot more that Passholders can take advantage of this summer, so make sure to plan out your Disney days. To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. BREAKING: Expansion Revealed for Magic Kingdom Transportation 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 going to grab the popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Have you ever walked by somewhere in Disney World and thought, “Huh, I wonder if that place is good,” but kept walking? We’re here to tell you to stop and check out the menu because you might find a solid snack waiting for you. Let’s go to Laguna Bar We’re heading to Laguna Bar at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to see if you should stop here during your busy Disney World trip. Laguna Bar is a quick, walk-up bar right by the water at Coronado Springs. There’s limited seating around the bar, so it’s a great place to grab before heading somewhere else, but there are also a few tables around the area. It’s usually open from 5 PM to 11 PM. Laguna Bar On the menu, they have some appetizers, including wings and mozzarella sticks. We found that the menu listed online wasn’t quite accurate versus what we could actually order, so you might want to check with the server to see what’s available. On the physical menu, it showed: Wings Downtown Mozz Loaded Nachos Come on up! They also offer entrees that sound amazing to eat by the water, like California Chicken Sandwich, Aloha Island Poke, cheeseburgers, and more. There’s also Signature Cocktails and Beer! For the entree menu, you can grab: Wedge Salad Aloha Island Poke California Chicken Sandwich All-American Bacon Cheeseburger The Bar For our drink, we grabbed the Everything Hurts for $15.25, which has Barbancourt 8-yr Rum, Orange & Pineapple Juice, Blackstrap Bitters, Coconut Cream, and Nutmeg. Everything Hurts The main flavor you’re going to taste with this is the alcohol, followed by the coconut cream. The fruit juices were on the subtle side, but the nutmeg added a nice subtle spice on the top of each sip. This is definitely a drink for those who like the taste of rum since it really stands out! Very strong We also grabbed the Loaded Nachos, which cost $15 and are made with freshly made corn tortilla chips topped with shredded montery jack cheese, drizzled with queso sauce, queso fresco, pico de gallo, scallions, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, and Mexican crema. Loaded Nachos Sometimes it’s hard to find good nachos, even though it’s as simple a concept, and the toppings really shone here. The chips did not taste freshly made to us and just reminded us of Tostitos (but hey, we like Tostitos!), but the cheese was gooey and melted. All of the other toppings were fresh, cold, and refreshing, which was great, but the chips struggled to hold up all the options. The scallions were a different choice, but they worked really well with the other flavors. Lots of toppings Overall, we think this is a fun little spot. It’s fun to walk up, grab a drink, and sit around and enjoy each other’s company with some appetizers. It’s so pretty next to the water, especially as the sun sets. While the food isn’t the most unique items ever and is a bit more on the expensive side, we did enjoy it. We’ve had better food in other locations in Coronado Springs, like Three Bridges and the Dahlia Lounge, but this is still a great option for something fast. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite food reviews, so you know what’s worth the time and money during your Disney vacation. THE BEST (AND WORST) DISNEY WORLD HOTEL RESTAURANTS 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 eaten at Laguna Bar? Tell us about your experience in the comments. View the full article

Everyone is planning their summer vacations right now, and we’re telling you why yours should be at Universal Studios Orlando! Universal Orlando Universal Orlando just announced the Mega Movie Summer event that will be coming to the theme park, and we’re super excited. Universal fans and movie lovers alike aren’t going to want to miss out on this! From May 23rd through August 10th, Universal Orlando will premiere a blockbuster lineup of limited-time experiences to celebrate some of the most iconic films of all time. This event will bring a variety of cinematic-inspired experiences, including character meet-and-greets, interactive activations, photo ops, a whole lot of new menu items across the park, and, of course, exclusive new merchandise collections! Universal Studios Florida Also, Universal Studios Florida will be bringing a Disclosure Day exhibit for a limited time, hyping up the upcoming Steven Spielberg film! The exhibit will feature a collection of props and behind-the-scenes looks not just from the upcoming film, but also from some of Spielberg’s most iconic movies as well. Check out the exhibit before Disclosure Day releases in theatres on June 12th. ©Universal Fans of Jaws will want to check out the exhibit and the rest of Universal, as the iconic film will have interactive experiences at the park. This will include unique photo ops featuring iconic elements and settings from the film. Bring your shark-like appetite, because there will be brand-new specialty eats and drinks. Oh, and a new merchandise collection exclusive to the park that includes limited-release apparel, accessories, and more. ©Universal Another Universal movie is releasing this year, and it’s the third Minions movie, Minions & Monsters. Yes, the park will be featuring that film this summer as well, with interactive photo ops featuring two new Minions that will be introduced in the film, Henry and James. ©Universal The park will also bring special menu items at the Minion Cafe inspired by the new film. Be on the lookout for Irene’s Creamsicle Cheesecake Fold Over and Monster Marshmallow Lemonade. There will also be park-exclusive merchandise such as Minions & Monsters blind box collectible figures, a shoulder pal of Goomi (a new character from the film), and more. ©Universal Another thing you’ll want to catch this summer is the Universal Mega Movie Parade, which is returning to Universal Studios Florida. The parade features iconic movies like E.T., Back to the Future, JAWS, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Minions, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda with TONS of floats, nearly 100 performers, and special effects. It’s an awesome parade that you CAN’T miss, and one movie lovers will adore! Back to the Future at the Universal Mega Movie Parade CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will also be returning! The nighttime spectacular goes through iconic film scores and memorable moments, with water effects, lightning, and projections. CineSational Heading out of the park and onto Universal CityWalk, Cinemark will be hosting a Summer Movie Series! On select dates from June 20th through August 26th, classic Universal films will be having screenings, including Back to the Future, Jaws, E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial, and more! Universal CityWalk Mega Movie Summer is coming to Universal, and it’s going to be a blast! Start booking those Universal days now, because you won’t want to miss it. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more theme park news and updates! Get 2 FREE Days at Universal Orlando With This NEW Ticket Deal! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you planning on coming to Universal this summer? Comment down below! View the full article