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Disney World currently has a few refurbishments goin’ on! The Hall of Presidents These lead to rides, restaurants, and hotels temporarily closing, and those closures are constantly changing. Of course, you’ll want to know how all of this will affect your vacation! So today, we’re bringing you our weekly refurbishment update for May 17th through May 23rd. Magic Kingdom Refurbishments Hall of Presidents The Hall of Presidents has been closed since January to install an animatronic for President Joe Biden. It’s nothing too exciting — this refurb happens whenever a new U.S. President is elected! It’s all part of keeping the attraction up to date. Hall of Presidents Disney hasn’t yet announced when the show is supposed to reopen, but we’ll let you know when they do! Learn More About the Hall of Presidents’ Refurbishment! Walt Disney World Railroad Meanwhile, the Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed for over 2 YEARS! That’s because construction on TRON: Lightcycle Run is currently blocking the Railroad’s tracks around the park. Walt Disney World Railroad As you may be able to guess, that path will have to be cleared before we can hop aboard the Railroad again…and that could take awhile! TRON construction has likely been delayed, so it could be some time before we see progress. We’ll keep an eye out for any updates! Check out the Main Street Station’s Makeover! Main Street Confectionery Our last Magic Kingdom refurb is over on Main Street, U.S.A., where Main Street Confectionery has shut down for some pretty major construction! The space will be closed for a while — and Disney has not given a reopening date — but it won’t be until after July 24th (at the earliest). That’s as far out as Disney’s refurbishment calendar currently goes! Main Street Confectionery is officially closed! If you’re looking for sweet treats in the meantime, head on over to Main Street Cinema. They’ve got all of the Confectionery’s goodies there! And remember: The Chapeau is closed on Main Street, U.S.A., too! Check Out What Main Street Confectionery Will Be Like When it Reopens! Disney World Resort Refurbishments Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Okay, let’s hop on over to some hotels! At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we’re seeing BIG changes, like refurbishments to the main entrance, lobby, and monorail station. Polynesian Construction And the guest rooms are getting a Moana makeover! They look pretty awesome. ©Disney You’re currently able to make reservations for these reimagined rooms for stays from July 19th onward! The other work around the hotel should wrap up around that time, too. Here’s How to Book a Room at a Reopened Polynesian! Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undergoing some changes, too! The Main Tower Guest Rooms are being refurbished — so just keep in mind if you’re looking to stay here! The rest of the resort amenities are unaffected, but The Wave restaurant will be closing down for a pretty lengthy refurbishment in July. Contemporary Construction You’ll also want to know that construction is currently VERY loud. You’ll notice it even if you’re just traveling through on the Monorail! When we spoke to a Cast Member, though, they confirmed that the work is due to wrap up at the end of September. Learn More About the Refurb at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Well, that wraps up this week’s refurbishment update! We’ll be back with plenty more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB. Click Here to Learn About an Upcoming Refurbishment! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you visiting Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments! The post The Disney World Closures You May NOT Know About Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Miss cruising on Disney Cruise Line? Well, you might not be able to hop on Disney’s ships and go on a cruise from the U.S. just yet, but you start planning for a future adventure! ©Disney Maybe one of those future adventures will lead you to a trip on Disney’s upcoming ship, the Disney Wish! Disney shared a whole bunch of incredible details about this ship, the new restaurants it will have on board, the attraction guests will get to enjoy on the ship, and SO much more! Now we’ve got some gorgeous concept art showcasing a VERY special suite that is the first of its kind aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship. We’re talking some serious bucket list goals here! We’ve gotten a look at some of the rooms coming to the Disney Wish, but today we got to hear about the very special Wish Tower Suite! This suite is a “first-of-its-kind accommodation” for Disney Cruise Line. For the first time ever, guests who sail on the Disney Wish will actually be able to book a two-story suite that’s located WITHIN one of the ship’s funnels. The Room is In the Funnel! ©Disney While the Disney Wish’s Royal Suites will sleep up to 6 guests, the Wish Tower Suite will actually sleep up to 8 guests. It is a 1,966-square-foot penthouse with 2 main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts into a bedroom, and 4.5 bathrooms. Here’s a Look at the Main Bedroom ©Disney There’s an open dining area as well as a spacious pantry and bar. And you can’t forget about those views! This suite will have some incredible views across the upper decks thanks to its 2-story window wall. The suite will also include “motorized sheer and block-out curtains; a wet bar stocked with water and sodas; complimentary internet access; and a deluxe menu of hypo-allergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam pillows.” The main bedrooms are located on the upper-level loft. They have king beds, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the living area and the views past that. The main bathrooms each have “double vanities, soaking tubs and rain showers.” A Look at One of the Main Bathrooms! ©Disney But there’s no much more to this loft than its luxurious accommodations. The suite will actually feature artwork and materials inspired by Moana. There will even be a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture in the suite that will “come alive.” As guests enter the suite, they may find the statue is pulsing amidst soft chimes that “recall” the film’s soundtrack, “revealing itself as the heart of Te Fiti.” According to Disney, “The special lighting and audio effects will eventually fill the room to provide a truly magical, one-of-a-kind greeting.” Here’s a Look at the Living Space ©Disney There will also be a custom canvas piece showing Moana sailing on the sea, props that celebrate the treasures of the ocean, and even a glittering sculpture meant to be a fun interpretation of Tamatoa’s collection. The children’s room will have build-in bunkbeds, and a constellation pattern that will light up the ceiling and show images from Moana created by stars! ©Disney Guests staying in the Wish Tower Suite will also get the service of a personal concierge team, a private elevator, and VIP access to the concierge lounge. TALK ABOUT FANCINESS! While general pricing has been released for the Disney Wish, which includes general prices for concierge level rooms, we still haven’t seen any specific details in terms of what this suite will cost. We expect, however, that it will be VERY pricey! The Wish will begin sailing in 2022, so we’ll keep an eye out for more details and let you know what we find! Click here to see everything that has been announced for the Disney Wish! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. How much would you be willing to pay to stay in this suite on the Disney Wish? Tells us in the comments! The post PHOTOS: See the NEW Ridiculously Luxurious Moana-Inspired Suite Aboard the Disney Wish first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, y’all! We’ve been doing what we do — eating our way around Disney World! Hollywood Brown Derby And by eating everything, we’re talking about a strawberry funnel cake frappuccino, a yummy SECRET cookie, a flamingo treat that was more frosting than cake, and more! But we’re not done yet because we’re also tracking any menu changes at Disney World restaurants. And here are the updates for this week! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Brown Derby The Hollywood Brown Derby had a slight menu revamp this week! There are some brand new entrees now available: Halibut Veronique — Served with White Asparagus, Grapes, and Ver Jus for $42 Wild Mushroom Risotto — with Exotic Mushrooms, Herbs, and Chive-Coconut Nage for $29 Don’t worry, the famous Cobb Salad is still available There are also some new sides: Lobster Thermidor-Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, and Crispy Potato Cakes! The desserts are mostly the same but there’s now a “Decadent” Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake instead of the previous peppermint option. Read More About The Hollywood Brown Derby Menu Changes Pretzel Palooza Pretzel Palooza has reopened — and if you’re looking for it, it’s over near the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. It serves up pretzels, including a Cheddar-Jalapeño Pretzel that we had to be reunited with. And it did not disappoint! It’s SO good! This is one of our FAVORITE types of pretzel, so we were pumped to be reunited with it! You can grab one now for $7.25. EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant There’s a brand new cocktail available at EPCOT’s Coral Reef Restaurant. It’s the Blue “Glow-Tini,” and it’s made with Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps, Bols Blue Curaçao, and Pineapple Juice with a Sugared Rim and a souvenir Glow Cube. It’s not a NEW drink per se, but it is new here. You’ll actually find this drink on most generic Disney World Drink Menus, but it sure would look pretty in the darkness of Coral Reef. Blue Glowtini You can grab this glowing cocktail now for $15. Read About Disney World’s New Drink That is NOT as Spicy As It Sounds That’s it for the updates this week, but we’ll be back soon with even more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite Disney World drink? Let us know in the comments! The post ALL the Newest Food and Drinks in Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve been busy keeping track of all of the eateries, hotels, and attractions that have reopened (and those that have not) around Disney World since last summer. Celebration of The Festival of The Lion King This past week, we were especially thrilled to see Festival of the Lion King return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a soft opening before it’s official reopening on May 15th! (Guess what? You can watch it from home if you can’t make it to the park tomorrow – find out how HERE!) And now we’re seeing signs of another spot reopening in the park soon… Terra Treats (a colorful kiosk steps away from Creature Comforts on Discovery Island) remains listed as “Temporarily Closed” on the Walt Disney World website. Terra Treats However, hours are popping up for dates starting this Sunday, May 16th! (By the way, Terra Treats is NOT to be confused with Terran Treats, which is opening with Avengers Campus on June 4th in Disney California Adventure!) Terra Treats screenshot on the Disney World website The spot is listed with hours from 11AM – 3PM. And if you stop by, it looks like you’ll have a small selection of pizza by the slice to enjoy along with a drink, according to the online menu as it appears today. And since Pizzafari is still closed to serve as a Relaxation Station, it looks like this will be THE place for pizza in the park, at least for now. Terra Treats menu screenshot on the Disney World website The isn’t the first time Terra Treats has served up a slice or two, as we’ve tried the pizza here when Animal Kingdom has offered the Tasting Sampler over busier holiday seasons for the park. Chef’s Feature Pizza from Terra Treats during Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler So we’ll be looking forward to ordering from this spot once again starting Sunday! In the meantime, if you’d like to see what’s changed since Festival of the Lion King has happily reopened in the park, you can check it out here! We’ll see you back from Terra Treats on Sunday! Check out the return of Festival of the Lion King to Animal Kingdom here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be stopping by Terra Treats? Please let us know with a comment! The post Can You Get Pizza by the Slice Again in Disney's Animal Kingdom Soon? Signs Point to Yes! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve got a feeling some of you might be headed to Disney World next week! Hollywood Studios Aaah! That’s so exciting! Well, if you’ve got packing in mind then you might want to check in on what the weather is going to look like in sunny/rainy/totally-hard-to-predict Orlando. Here’s a look at the weather forecast for Disney World next week! Weather Forecast According to The Weather Channel, this week is going to bring us some sunny days AND some surprising showers. We hate to break it to you, but you better get used to a little rain in the forecast for the next few months! Splash Mountain Well, the weather is pretty similar to last week’s, if a little cooler, but will you be able to dodge the storms? Let’s find out! May 17th Monday, May 17th will start the week with pretty warm temperatures; the good news is we shouldn’t pop into the 90s at all this week! That day is going to max out at an 84-degree high and we’ll see 69 degrees at night. ©The Weather Channel This is the coolest evening of the week but 69 degrees is likely still comfortable for most visitors. Note that the daytime has an extreme UV index so sun protection will be very important! May 18th The next day, May 18th brings us a VERY similar forecast with a high of 86 degrees during the day and keeping that low down at a VERY comfortable 71 degrees. ©The Weather Channel So far we’re staying dry, too! The weather is supposed to get a little wetter later in the weeks but we should stay MOSTLY dry in the early days — save for a potential stray shower. May 19th On Wednesday, May 19th, we’re going to see temps hang out in the same place again. So, we’ll be chilling in the mid-80s again. Your low is gonna ease up a little more for another comfy evening. ©The Weather Channel That extreme UV index is hanging out so far but no significant rain chance has popped up…yet. May 20th For Thursday, May 20th, we’re seeing a day with pretty much the SAME temps in the mid-80s and a beautiful evening at 72 degrees. ©The Weather Channel You’ve got some thunderstorms in the afternoon here and showers into the evening. When there’s scattered rain in the forecast, you might be able to dodge it, but you shouldn’t bet on it. Prep for rain in case you do get caught in a downpour! May 21st The week continues with similar temperatures in the day and another low 70s night on May 21st. ©The Weather Channel Scattered and isolated thunderstorms are the trend here. If you’re hoping to ride any outdoor rides, we recommend snagging them in the morning so you don’t get caught with them closing due to rain! May 22nd Saturday, May 22nd brings us more warm temps in the mid-80s. Keep in mind that we’re not seeing AS MANY extreme UV days as earlier on the week but these days still have 10 out of 10 UV levels. ©The Weather Channel That means you’ve GOT to wear that sunscreen! Here, we’ll see an 86-degree high and a 72-degree low. May 23rd And we’ll wrap up our week on May 23rd with still gorgeous temperatures and another day speckled with scattered showers and storms. ©The Weather Channel The skies might open up this week and that means it’s important to be prepared! Overview of the Week Here is a full overview of the week according to The Weather Channel. Temperatures are projected to hang out in about the same place for the whole week again. We’re looking at a range of mid 80s highs and high 60s to low 70s lows. ©The Weather Channel Other websites like Click Orlando News 6… ©Click Orlando News 6 …and WESH 2 News have similar forecasts throughout the week. ©WESH 2 News Keep in mind, the weather here in Florida is a fickle thing so forecasts can be known to change out of nowhere. To make sure you fully know what to expect, you’ll probably want to check in on the predictions as you can before and during your trip. Click here to see some essentials you need for your park bag! Tips for Weathering the Weather! Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with some tips! Get ready for sun! We’re slowly creeping our way into that Orlando summer and that means hot temperatures, sunny days, and often EXTREME UV rays. Sun might seem like the weather you WANT on a Disney vacation, but it can be dangerous too. Gotta be prepared for those really sunny days! You might not be used to the intense heat and UV levels in Florida. Keep your skin safe by lathering up with sunscreen and make sure you drink lots of liquids to avoid getting dehydrated in the parks. Remember, you’ll probably be walking a LOT more than you usually do in that heat! Want more Disney trip essentials? Click here! Be ready for rain! And, as much as we get to see a good amount of sun this week, we can’t ignore those isolated and scattered storms and showers. Nothing quite puts a DAMPer (sorry) on a Disney day like being totally soaked in a Florida downpour. Disney Poncho Since the storms are scattered and isolated, it might be difficult to know when they’ll crop up. We recommend keeping a rain layer handy just in case whenever you’re in the parks. Plus, if rain does strike and you’re unprepared, you can always head into a gift shop for a new rain jacket or poncho — just know it might cost you a pretty penny. To see how effective the Disney poncho is, click here! We hope you have a BLAST if you’re headed to brave the weather in Disney World next week! As always stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney updates. Click here for the latest news from Magic Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you headed to Disney World next week? Tell us in the comments! The post Prep for Sun AND Rain in Disney World Next Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Even though Disney cruises have been temporarily suspended, the Disney Cruise Line has been getting us excited for their newest ship — the Disney Wish! ©Disney Fit with a Star Wars lounge, a water-based attraction at sea, tons of entertainment offerings, and more, we’re pretty excited for when this giant ship finally takes to the sea in the summer of 2022! We’ve already been able to take a peek at the initial itineraries and, with bookings opening in just a few weeks, we’ve finally got a look at how much it will cost ya! Let’s start off with the very first date that you can book your cruise for aboard the Disney Wish, shall we? Disney Wish Oceanview Stateroom ©Disney The maiden voyage will be a 5-Night Bahamian Cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral, and it will cost you a pretty penny if you want to be one of the first to experience the ship on June 9th to 14th, 2022. Based on the website, you will be able to choose between four different stateroom options that are priced for 2 guests at: Inside Stateroom: $5,769 Oceanview: $5,969 Verandah: $6,369 Concierge: $9,439 ©Disney If you’d rather skip the maiden voyage, there are two other itineraries available for select dates through 2022 including both a 3-night and 4-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. Prices vary based on the dates that you plan to sail, but here’s a peek at how much the least expensive pricing for 2 guests on the 3-night cruises on September 23rd to 26th, 2022 and September 30th to October 3rd, 2022: Inside Stateroom: $1,827 Oceanview: $1,911 Verandah: $2,091 Concierge: $2,716 ©Disney On the other hand, the priciest 3-night cruise is the first that sets sail on June 17th, 2022. ©Disney Now, for the 4-Night Bahamian cruises sailing from Port Canaveral! Much like the others, the earlier you cruise, the more expensive your trip will be with the first voyage on June 20th to 24th, 2022 being the most expensive… ©Disney …and the least expensive being those sailing in September. So, if you’re willing to wait a little before you hop aboard the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, then you can score a better deal. ©Disney You can check out all the itineraries, dates, and pricing over on the Disney Cruise Line website. And, if you’re planning to make your reservation, they’ll open up for all guests on May 27th, 2021 with reservations for those who are Castaway Club members, Disney Vacation Club Members, or Adventure Insiders opening a few days earlier. ©Disney So, are you already counting down the days until you can explore the new ship like us? If you are thinking about booking with a travel agent, we highly recommend our friends over at Small World Vacations! They can help you find all the best deals and their services are totally free! And stay tuned to DFB for all the Disney Wish updates and more! Check out more details about the Disney Wish here! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever been on a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments! The post Check Out How Much it Will Cost to Sail on Disney's Newest Cruise Ship! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Today, we’re honored to introduce you to two sisters who both fulfilled their dreams to become Disney Imagineers. Inspired by their father, Surapol “Paul” Singsanong’s decades-long career working alongside Imagineers, Program Specialist Sariya Singsanong Park and Project Manager Sirine Singsanong Bunkua both talked about some day working for Walt Disney Imagineering.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/oZrw4msiUEE View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You made it to the weekend, and that means you deserve a reward! Yay for the weekend! It would be amazing to take a celebratory trip to Disney World, but if you can’t swing that this time, then we’ve got just the thing to make up for it — Disney shopping! There are several new Disney items online this week and you’re bound to find something you love. Disney Tees Are you the family that wears matching tees on your Disney World vacation? If so, then you definitely need to check out the new customizable shirts that were released online this week! ©Disney There’s also a new set of Star Wars shirts online — the perfect thing to wear to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We’re just overloaded with Disney style options this week! Click Here to Shop the Customizable Tees! Crocs Have you been jumping on the Crocs trend? If so, you’ll be happy to know that Disney is too! They’ve got plenty of different designs, and a brand new white pair released online this week. ©Disney They’ve got a subtle hint of “magic” with little Mickey head-shaped holes on top! Whether you’re wearing them to the parks, around the house, or out to party (we won’t judge!), they’ll match anything. Click Here to Shop the New Crocs! Collectible Key Pins It wouldn’t be a merchandise update without some new collectible keys on shopDisney! But this week, instead of actual keys, we’ve got new collectible key PINS. ©Disney You can buy the mystery pack of these pins and get one of the six designs for $12.99. Click Here to Order Your Own Mystery Pack! Disney Princess Glasses And last but not least, there’s a new set of tumblers from BoxLunch that Disney Princess fanatics will be head-over-heels for! ©BoxLunch These floral designs are simply stunning, and the other side of the glasses features the faces of some fan-favorite Disney leading ladies. These will be quite the conversation starter at your next party! Click Here to Get These Glasses! That’s everything new this week, but stay tuned to DFB for more product updates from the parks and online! We’ll make sure to let you know about all the hot merch and the best sales! Click Here to Learn More About a Super Unique Ride Souvenir! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Did you buy any of these items? Let us know in the comments! The post Crocs and Princess Wine Glasses? The Newest Disney Merch Sounds Perfect For a Lazy Weekend! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As more people get vaccinated for COVID-19, we’re beginning to see the situation around the U.S. begin to change. Flower and Garden MASK! We’ve even started to see some changes at Disney World — not only did the company announce they’ll begin to phase out temperature checks at the parks, but it also changed its wording on its website suggesting that social distancing guidelines in the parks might also soon change. The CDC has already relaxed its guidelines regarding the use of masks outdoors, and the organization recently suggested that fully vaccinated people could go without masks in most indoor and outdoor situations, too. During Disney’s quarterly earnings call for Q2 of their 2021 fiscal year, CEO Bob Chapek said that this was “big news” for Disney Parks and commented on how hot a mask can get in the Florida heat. He also made comments suggesting that Disney could change its mask guidelines soon. ©CDC Today, according to Click Orlando, a Disney spokesperson issued an official statement on the CDC’s new guidance on masks. The statement read: “Today’s guidance from the CDC allowing fully vaccinated individuals to remove masks and the removal of physical distancing requirements is extremely positive news and as soon as is practical we will implement updated guidelines across our businesses.” Health and Safety Signs in Disney World Currently, masks are still required for guests at Disney World over the age of 2, with the only exceptions being when guests are actively eating or drinking while stationary or while taking photos. This new statement seems to suggest that the policy could change soon, and if it does, we’ll be here to let you know! Click Here To Read The White House’s Comments On CDC Guidelines of Who Can STOP Wearing Masks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What do you think? Will Disney World change its mask policy soon? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Releases Official Statement On CDC's New Mask Guidelines first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hello and welcome to ANOTHER week packed with news! Together Again Face Mask From updates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) on mask guidance for those who are fully vaccinated to BIG news on Disney World capacity and social distancing — it’s been quite the week. Today we’re breaking down some of the biggest Disney-related news stories you need to know! Let’s dive in! 1. Updated CDC Mask Guidelines First, we’ll tackle a big piece of news that didn’t come from Disney but could impact Disney in the future. This week, the CDC released updated mask guidelines particularly for those who are fully vaccinated. According to the updated guidelines, fully vaccinated people can resume most activities (both indoors and outdoors) without wearing a mask or distancing, except in certain places where masks may be required by federal, state, or local laws, or as required by businesses. ©CDC The White House later issued a statement in response to this new guidance, sharing the update with an image saying that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks. Click here to see the statement from the White House. Keep in mind, Disney has yet to make any official changes to their mask policy and still requires all guests, including those who are fully vaccinated, to wear a mask in the parks at all times (except when specifically allowed to be removed). ©Disney But, things could be changing there (more on that in a second). Click here to see more about the CDC’s updated mask guidance. 2. Updates on How Disney is Doing Financially and Disney+ This week The Walt Disney Company held its quarterly earnings call and released its quarterly earnings report for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. Thanks to the report and the call, we have a better understanding of how Disney as a company is doing financially right now. Overall, compared to the second quarter of the 2020 fiscal year, the Disney Company has actually seen some financial improvement. Income from continuing operations (before income taxes) actually showed a 17% improvement when compared to the prior year’s quarter. ©The Walt Disney Company Of course, things aren’t back to pre-crisis levels, but it still looks like some things did better financially over the past few months. Click here to see what you need to know about Disney’s latest earnings report. When it comes to the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products segment, the company did see a large loss. According to the reports, during Quarter 2 the segment operating loss for this division was around $406 million. Cinderella Castle And continued losses are expected in this department. Click here to see more about how much the theme parks division has lost in 2021. Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek also made a comment during the earnings call regarding Disney World’s demand levels, comparing them to pre-pandemic levels. Click here to see more about what Chapek has said about Disney World’s current demand levels. When it comes to Disney+ we also got a bit of an update in terms of the numbers of subscribers it currently has. The service surpassed 100 million subscribers in March 2021. And as of the end of the 2nd quarter for fiscal year 2021, Disney+ has a grand total of 103.6 million paid subscribers! Disney+ ©Disney That’s a lot of people checking out all of the Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content on there! Click here to see more about Disney+’s current level of subscribers! 3. BIG Disney World Updates on Capacity, Distancing, and More During the recent earnings call, we also got some BIG updates from Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, about how Disney is currently handling capacity and how certain health and safety measures may change in the future. During the earnings call, Chapek was asked about Disney World’s capacity levels and when they might increase. In response, he indicated that they have actually already started to increase park capacities, in line with guidance from the CDC and the Florida government. Increases in Capacity Are Taking Place He also indicated that there would be an “immediate increase in the number of folks that [they’re] able to admit into [the] parks” through the Park Pass system. Click here to see more about how Disney World is quietly increasing park capacity. During the earnings call, Chapek also commented on the updated CDC mask guidance. Specifically, he said that the guidance released by the CDC is “big news” for Disney, particularly for anyone who has been to Florida in the middle of the summer. He also said that he thinks this will “make for an even more pleasant experience.” Face Mask Keep in mind that Disney World has NOT yet made any changes to their mask rules. Masks are still required for all guests ages 2 and up in Disney World, including those who are fully vaccinated. But we’re on the lookout for more updates. Click here to see all of Chapek’s comments about the updated mask guidance from the CDC. Earlier this week (not during the Earnings Call) we also got an update from Disney World when it comes to social distancing. The Disney World website was recently updated to note that Disney “will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach.” Physical Distancing Signs The typical 6-feet social distancing measures will, however, continue in all “dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks.” Click here to see more about Disney’s upcoming changes to their distancing policies. 4. Festival of the Lion King Has an Official Reopening Date! Moving on from the financial updates and information about distancing — we’ve got a BIG update when it comes to Disney World entertainment. Over the past week, the Festival of the Lion King’s modified show — A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King — has soft re-opened! Celebration of The Festival of The Lion King While the show has held several soft re-opening performances, it is now set to officially reopen on May 15th!! So, if you’ll be heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom soon, you’ll be able to check out this show once again and enjoy some fantastic music and beautiful dancing. Dancing birds! And if you CAN’T make it to Animal Kingdom this weekend, don’t fret! Disney will be live streaming the first performance! We got the chance to experience this show during its soft re-opening phase and see just what has changed. Click here to see what’s DIFFERENT about the modified Festival of the Lion King show! 5. FOOD NEWS! And finally, we end our big news round-up with lots of food news! This week, we shared our full review of some NEW menu items at The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Roast Beef Au Jus We also tried a whole bunch of NEW menu items at the recently reopened Fairfax Fare in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you love hot dogs, this is a review you’ll want to check out! Not gonna lie, this is a ton of food. The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios also debuted some new menu items this week. New menu If you’re a BIG fan of Disney pretzels, you might be thrilled to hear that a very SPECIAL pretzel is available again in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Cheddar-Jalapeño Pretzel!!! And if you love pretzels with cheese, then you’ve got to see the CONTROVERSIAL snack creation we made this week! (YOLO. It was incredible.) YUM. This week we also got the chance to try a BEEF FAT CANDLE at Le Cellier in EPCOT. Yes, you read that right. We ATE a candle. It was awesome. BEEF FAT CANDLE Over in Disneyland, we also got a look at the alcoholic beverages coming to Blue Bayou Restaurant, and we finally got word about when Blue Bayou will be reopening! Blue Bayou OH OH OH!! And probably some of the BIGGEST FOOD NEWS this week (okay, maybe it’s not the biggest, but it’s still very exciting) is that BEVERLY will be coming back to EPCOT’s revitalized Club Cool when it opens this summer. Club Cool And that’s our wrap-up of some of the BIGGEST news stories from this week. But of course, there were lots of other important things shared this week as well. Check out some of them below: Disney’s Jungle Cruise film will be released on Disney+ and in theaters SIMULTANEOUSLY You could win a FREE trip to Disney World using Instagram Disney has posted a special job opening that has us wondering if fireworks could be coming back soon Gender-neutral housing will be offered for upcoming Disney World College Program participants The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids of certain ages ©Walt Disney Studios We’ve got an update on when 2 Disney on Broadway shows will be reopening in New York Some Disney Springs Area Hotels are offering special rates for educators and first responders You can take a look at the current Disney World summer discounts and deals to help you save $$ on upcoming trips! Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 dates have CHANGED There’s a Disney World hotel savings offer ending soon! Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Some Walt Disney World restaurants are hiring with a $1000 bonus! Portillo’s (in Orlando near Disney World) has a new opening date! Indiana Jones Adventure has joined the virtual queue system in Disneyland We got a closer look at Shawarma Palace coming to Disneyland’s Avengers Campus And we got news that Disneyland could increase capacity soon! ©Disney And that’s our list of the news from this week. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find! Click here to see what celebrity chef is getting a documentary on Disney+ (hint: he’s got a restaurant in Disney Springs) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What part of this week’s news surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments! The post BIG Mask News, Disney World Social Distancing and Capacity Changes, and MORE This Week! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There have been a lot of changes to health and safety guidelines in theme parks recently. Cinderella Castle And, as CDC recommendations continue to change, many theme parks are considering making more adjustments to their policies. We’ve already seen one major theme park in the U.S. allow guests to remove their face masks in outdoor settings, and now another is relaxing their guidelines. Hershey Park (yep, the one named after the famous chocolate), which is located in Pennsylvania, has updated their safety procedures in accordance with new CDC guidelines released yesterday and will no longer require guests who are fully vaccinated to wear masks or social distance in the park effective immediately. Hershey Park shared that they will “rely on our guests to accurately follow the guidelines based on their vaccination status” and will still require that all guests two years and older who are not fully vaccinated wear their face mask when not eating or drinking in the park. ©Hershey Park This comes as many theme parks, like Disney World, are continuing to make changes to their guidelines. Most recently, Disney World adjusted its face mask policy and announced that they would be phasing out temperature checks for both Cast Members and guests and gradually reducing physical distancing measures in the park. At this time, face masks do still remain required in the Disney Parks. New Mickey Face Mask We’ll continue to keep you posted as theme park procedures change, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney CEO Comments on CDC’s Updated Mask Guidance and Its Possible Effect on the Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever been to Hershey Park? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Hershey Theme Park Removes Face Mask Requirements for Select Guests first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a HUGE week for Disney World! Celebration of The Festival of The Lion King Although much of Disney World’s entertainment was suspended when the parks reopened, we’re starting to see some shows return to the parks. And one of the most popular shows at Disney World, a modified version of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, soft opened this past week! And although there are some differences about the show, it’s still on our must-see list of things to do at Disney World! But seating for the show is very limited, and well, you might not be able to get to Disney World anytime soon to see it. But there’s still a way to view it! It’s still a great show! Disney has announced that it will livestream the first official opening performance of A Celebration of The Festival of the Lion King on May 15th (tomorrow!) at 12:25PM EST on the Disney Parks Blog. So you don’t even have to go to Disney World to see it. Mark your calendars because you are in for a treat! And stay tuned because we’ll keep you updated on other entertainment when it returns to the parks! Click Here To See What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King Returns and Rainbow Masks Arrive Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you had a chance to see A Celebration of The Festival of the Lion King yet? Let us know in the comments! The post How To Watch the Official Debut of Disney World's Festival of the Lion King FROM HOME! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Stitch Crashes Disney keeps on coming, even though this collection sometimes makes us wonder “WHO thought this was a good idea?!” Spaghetti Stitch, in all his messy glory Some of the Stitches have been befuddling (Spaghetti Stitch, aka Lady and the Tramp Stitch), others have been straight-up scary (the red eyes on The Lion King Stitch haunt our dreams). But, this month’s release, tied to The Little Mermaid, is the first in this line that has us thinking…alright, we could maybe buy that. And if you agree, there is GOOD news to be had! The Stitch Crashes Disney Little Mermaid collection is available on shopDisney! It includes a (big) plush, limited-edition pin, mug, t-shirt, AND MagicBand. ©Disney First up is the Stitch Crashes The Little Mermaid Plush — just look at those pretty shades of blue and green! And the flower on top of Stitch’s head is actually quite sweet (instead of CREEPY like those Lion King bugs)! He’s HUGE, friends. You can bring this cutie home for $29.99. Click here to buy The Little Mermaid Stitch! This same pattern of Stitch is also available as a pin! It’s got Stitch looking like he quite enjoys life under the water. Look at that pin! This pin can be yours for $24.99! Bring The Little Mermaid Stitch pin home! If you’re really committed to both The Little Mermaid AND Stitch, you can show off your fandom with the MagicBand. If you look close you can spot little shadows of Ariel and Flounder in the design. Look at that pattern on the MagicBand! You can show off your love of Stitch Crashes Disney at Disney World for $34.99. Order The Little Mermaid Stitch MagicBand here! And, if Disney mugs are more your thing, you can also grab this Stitch Crashes Disney Little Mermaid mug for $16.99. ©Disney And this guy is CUSTOMIZABLE — so you can choose what color you want your mug to be! Get your Stich Crashes Disney The Little Mermaid mug here! For those of you who want even MORE of this Stitch, there’s also a Stitch Crashes Disney Ariel T-Shirt for $19.95. ©Disney It comes in seven different color options, so you can make it one of a kind just for you! Get the Stitch Crashes Disney Ariel T-Shirt here! If you don’t have luck online, we’ve seen a few items from the collection in Disney World already…though they are FLYING off the shelves. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for when you may be able to buy this month’s set in person! And keep checking back for more Disney merch news, including the NEXT Stitch Crashes Disney release! NEWS: The Way You Shop for Disney Merchandise Might Be Changing! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What Disney movie do you want Stitch to “crash” next? Let us know in the comments! The post Act FAST! The Stitch Crashes 'The Little Mermaid' Disney Line Is Now For Sale Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has required face masks on property since the parks reopened in July 2020. Orange Bird Mask! Right now, all guests are required to wear an approved face covering at ALL times, unless when actively eating or drinking while stationary, or while taking outdoor photos. However, with COVID-19 vaccines rolling out throughout the country and states planning a return to “normal,” we’re taking a look at when we could see these policies shift. Let’s start by backing up a little. In February, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, stated that he expected some level of mask-wearing and social distancing to be in effect at all Disney parks through 2021. However, there’s an important caveat. He added that “a game changer would be if everyone who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine in April.” Health and Safety Signs in Disney World It’s now May, and President Joe Biden has announced that every American ages 16 and up is able to get the COVID-19 shot. This comes after this eligibility had already been expanded in many states, including Florida. Needless to say, we’re seeing the vaccine being distributed much quicker than anticipated. COVID-19 vaccination tents at the Disneyland Resort ©Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG To match this vaccination rate, states have started to look at how they might be able to ease mask and social distancing guidelines. Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, Florida, explained that the mask mandate might end when around 50% of the population has been vaccinated. He is currently looking at a “phased approach” to reducing these restrictions, which could begin sometime this summer. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed an order suspending all local COVID-19 restrictions. Florida Sunset Mayor Demings is partnering with the CDC to develop his strategy — and the health organization has come out with its own statements on mask-wearing and vaccinations. Recently, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated individuals can safely travel within the United States. They also announced that full vaccinated individuals can gather indoors without masks indoors. Then, the CDC updated to say that fully vaccinated individuals can resume pre-pandemic activities without a mask except where required by law or mandate. Flying to Orlando So what does all of this mean for Disney World? After the latest CDC announcement, Chapek noted that the guidance released by the CDC about masks is big news “particularly if anybody’s been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on.” Later, in an interview with CNBC, Chapek said, “There’s going to be a lot more comfortable people this summer in Orlando.” Disney has yet to announce any specific changes in response to the updated guidance. We’ve already seen mask policies in the parks easing, as guests are no longer required to wear a face covering while taking stationary photos outdoors. A few other safety measures have been eliminated, too, like hand-washing stations and no-touch refillable drink stations. Recently, Disney even announced plans to reduce social distancing measures throughout the parks. Could this mean things are returning to “normal” in Disney? New Photo Policy in Place Ultimately, there’s no way to know for sure. Again, Disney has not updated its statement on when masks may no longer be required, and as of now, a face covering is mandatory everywhere on property. Disney also recently shared that face coverings will be required for their Boo Bash Halloween event. If you’re planning a trip in 2021 and in 2022, you should expect to follow all current safety guidelines until told otherwise. Even as we see states loosen restrictions, Disney may not do the same. Luckily, there are plenty of fun face mask options! We’re keeping a close eye on the situation, so we’ll be sure to let you know if anything changes. Stay tuned to DFB — we’ll bring you all the latest updates. Take a Look at Disney World’s Current Mask Policies Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post When Could Disney World’s Mask Requirement End? Here’s What We Know. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling you home to the Wish Tower Suite, a first-of-its-kind accommodation set high in the forward funnel of the Disney Wish, our newest ship setting sail in summer 2022!http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/uRDPlD4TyHE View the full article

New suite continues Disney Cruise Line tradition of unique and enchanting accommodations at sea CELEBRATION, Fla. (May 14, 2021) – See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling guests home to the Wish Tower Suite, a first-of-its-kind accommodation set high in the forward funnel of the Disney Wish, which debuts in summer 2022. With an elegant design inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” incomparable ocean views and premium Disney service, this 1,966-square-foot penthouse in the sky will be a celebration of the enchantment and spirit of the sea. “Each of our theme parks has a majestic icon that captures our guests’ imaginations,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “On a Disney cruise ship, that beacon of magic is our signature red funnels. For the first time ever, guests aboard the Disney Wish will be able to book an incredible two-story suite that’s actually located within one of our funnels. With the Wish Tower Suite, we are creating a breathtaking experience that continues our tradition of the most unique and enchanting accommodations at sea.” The Wish Tower Suite is the latest addition to the new Disney ship, where every storybook-inspired stateroom will be a luxurious, peaceful retreat designed with ample room for families, plenty of storage and upscale amenities. Every guest will find their perfect home-away-from-home aboard the Disney Wish — 90% of the 1,254 staterooms will offer ocean views, more than 900 rooms will connect to accommodate larger families and more premium concierge accommodations will be available than ever before. Wish Tower Suite The Wish Tower Suite will be Disney Cruise Line’s most unique accommodation yet. With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, it will comfortably sleep up to eight guests with two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a library that converts to a bedroom and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The magnificent living room will be flanked by an open dining area, a large pantry and a bar, all offering extraordinary views across the upper decks to the horizon through an expansive two-story window wall. Located on the upper-level loft, the main bedrooms will be lavish and serene with king beds, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the living area below to the views beyond. The main bathrooms will each have double vanities, soaking tubs and rain showers. Enchanting Design The Wish Tower Suite is being designed with artwork, iconography and materials that evoke the Oceania-inspired world of “Moana.” A soothing palette of calm blues, soft whites and deep corals will lay the foundation for family rest and relaxation, while creative ornaments and custom artwork will convey sophisticated nods to the characters and locales of the film. The piece de resistance will be a hand-crafted porcelain sculpture that comes alive in an only-Disney-can-do way. When guests arrive home to the Wish Tower Suite, they may discover the statue pulsing in myriad hues of green amid soft chimes that recall the film’s distinctive soundtrack, revealing itself as the heart of Te Fiti. The special lighting and audio effects will eventually fill the room to provide a truly magical, one-of-a-kind greeting. Other film-inspired decorations include a custom canvas piece depicting Moana sailing on the sea; dimensional props that celebrate the treasures of the ocean and the local crafts of Moana’s village; and a glittering sculpture composed of shiny objects – a playful interpretation of Tamatoa’s dazzling collection. The children’s room, which will feature uniquely designed built-in bunkbeds, will enchant kids of all ages with a sparkling constellation pattern that lights up the ceiling to reveal imagery from the movie composed entirely of stars: Moana’s oar, Gramma Tala, Maui’s hook and the heart of Te Fiti. Unparalleled Service and Amenities Guests can expect the royal treatment while staying in the Wish Tower Suite, marked by the expert service of a personal concierge team, an elegant array of curated experiences, a delightful selection of daily treats and a private elevator. The Wish Tower Suite will feature plush Frette duvets, bed linens, bath towels and robes; motorized sheer and block-out curtains; a wet bar stocked with water and sodas; complimentary internet access; and a deluxe menu of hypo-allergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam pillows. Guests will also enjoy VIP access to the concierge lounge and sun deck with two whirlpools, a wading pool, a bar, lush lounge furniture and the superlative service of a pool deck host. Maiden Voyage and Inaugural Season The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, followed by a season of three- and four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021. To learn more about the Disney Wish or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. View the full article

A lot of planning goes into what you’ll be doing while you’re at Walt Disney World, but you don’t always put quite as much brainpower to how you’ll get there. The Disney World sign that we all LOVE to see! And if you’re considering driving to Disney World you might be thinking — do you really need the flexibility of a car? Does it cost extra to bring your car? SHOULD you bring a car? We’re covering it all so you can decide what will work best for you on your next Disney trip! Disney World Resort Parking First, let’s cover the basics. If you’re planning to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and you drive your car, it’s going to cost you a bit more on top of your nightly rate. Disney used to let you park your car for free at the hotels, but that changed back in 2018. Now, the price you’ll pay depends on where you’re staying. And, the nicer the place, the higher the price with Disney Value Resort parking costing $15 per night, Disney Moderate Resort parking costing $20 per night, and Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts costing $25 per night. It now costs you to park at Disney hotels Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villas offer an additional parking option — Valet Parking. But, it’ll cost you a bit more per night — $33 to be exact. Keep in mind valet has not been available since reopening and is just starting to reappear. Guests with a disability requiring assistance and a valid disability parking permit are permitted to valet park though. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa There are two exceptions to the parking fee though! Those staying at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort receive one parking space so you’ll get complimentary standard parking if you’re willing to stay in a more “rustic” setting. Campsite with parking ©Disney Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members also receive complimentary overnight parking when staying in any Walt Disney World Resort hotel using reservation points. And, DVC members don’t even have to use vacation points to get free overnight parking when staying at a Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villa. So, there are still a few (specific) ways to bypass that overnight fee! Otherwise, you gotta pay! Click HERE for 8 Disney World Expenses Nobody Told Me About! Disney World Theme Park Parking What about parking at the Disney World theme parks? Well, it depends! Disney hotel guests, Disney Vacation Club members staying at a Disney hotel, and Club 33 members receive complimentary theme park parking for the duration of their stay. Disney World Annual Passholders can also get in on the free parking depending on what type of pass you purchase. EPCOT Parking Plaza If you’re not part of any of the groups that receive complimentary theme park parking, the daily parking rate for all four theme parks is $25. And, if you’re hoping for a parking spot that is close to the park entrance, you can pay $45 or $50 (depending on if you’re visiting during peak times) for Preferred Parking. This will cut down on the walking you have to do between your car and the park. Keep in mind that the parking rate is per day, not per park. So, you pay once and can park hop, and park in other parking lots, just keep your receipt! No tram needed if you’re shelling out for preferred parking! We’ve got some exemptions to this rule too! The Disney World Water Parks do NOT charge for standard parking and the Preferred Parking rate is a bit lower at $20 per day. Check Out 10 Secret Tips to Make Your Disney World Vacation WAY Easier! Pros of Bringing a Car So, now that we laid out the costs, let’s dig into whether you should — or shouldn’t — bring your car to Disney World. There’s a reason that a lot of people do! First, the BIG reason — if you’ve got a car with you, you don’t have to rely on Disney transportation. And, as much as we love Disney buses, the Skyliner, monorail, and boats, there’s no doubt that relying on Disney transportation can be time-consuming. Not only do you have to wait in lines to get on the transportation options, but sometimes Disney buses stop at multiple hotels on their way to and from the parks. Having a car will eliminate the waiting time and might even get you to the parks faster. Disney Bus Stop at Animal Kingdom You’ll also have the freedom to travel anywhere — even outside of Disney World. There is a McDonald’s on Disney property if you’re looking for a more affordable meal option. Plus, there are lots of different shopping and dining (like Portillo’s coming soon and White Castle) within a short drive. McDonald’s on Disney property! AND, on top of all that, having a car is super useful if you’re planning to make your vacation more than just a Disney trip. You’ll be able to go to the other Orlando theme parks, attractions, beaches, and more! This Disney Trip Shake-Up Could Make Sense For Many Travelers This Year! Click HERE to Read More! Cons of Bringing a Car We covered the good — what about the bad? Let’s loop back to theme park parking — it’s located quite a bit further from the park entrance than the Disney transportation stops. Bus stops, boat drop-offs, monorail stations, and the Skyliner stations are located within a short walk of the entrance, whereas parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis so you can end up having to walk pretty far. A Sea of Parking Lot Especially for a park like Magic Kingdom, where you have to walk allll the way to the Transportation and Ticket Center in order to still have to hop on a form of transportation to get to the park itself, this can mean a long time (and a lot of steps!). Normally, this isn’t all that big of a deal because Disney trams will give you a ride to the entrance. But, they are currently suspended due to the ongoing health crisis. Magic Kingdom parking is located much further from the park entrance than Disney transportation drop off On top of having to make the long walk back to the car (and having to remember which row you were in), daily parking costs can really add up. Parking at Disney World is a pretty hefty extra charge, especially if you’re just taking it to and from the airport and parking it at the resort. For instance, if you’re staying at a moderate resort for 5 nights, that’s an additional $100 to account for in your budget. Parking can be pretty costly at Disney World And, you’ll have to deal with the Florida traffic. Even if you’re used to driving in high-trafficked cities, it can be an added stressor to your vacation. The main interstates to and from Disney World are often hit with tolls that can surprise you if you weren’t planning for them. Many rental car companies will automatically charge you toll fees automatically that you incur while renting. You can also choose to purchase a SunPass if you frequent Florida often, allowing you to easily and most cost-effectively handle tolls. Either way, if you plan to be in a car, it’s worth planning on tolls. Traffic Near Magic Kingdom Speaking of added stressors to your vacation, some people just like to shut off and be on vacation when they’re visiting Disney World. If you bring a car, you can get bogged down in directions and figuring out how to get from here to there. That said, navigating Disney World is pretty simple, by most standards. The signage is big and clear and easy to get from A to B. Without a car, Disney will do the work for you and some are willing to trade the waiting time for not having to deal with the hassle of remembering where you parked and navigating the roads. Click HERE for the Unexpected Things That Could Ruin Your Disney World Trip What If You Don’t Bring Your Car? If you choose not to bring a car, there are still a lot of options for getting between the parks and hotels. Disney has an entire transportation system set up and the best part is that it’s entirely free! Depending on which Disney resort hotel you’re staying at (and which park you’re headed to), you’ll have access to Disney buses, the monorail, the Skyliner, and boat transportation. Skyliner v. Monorail — which do you choose?! And, if you’re looking for a faster option to get around and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Disney (prior to the closures) offered a Minnie Van Service. It’s Disney’s version of a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, but 100% cuter because the cars are literally decorated like Minnie Mouse. Before the closures, you could use a Minnie Van to get around Disney World for $15 plus about $2.75 per mile. Plus, it will also take you to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a one-way price of $155. Minnie Vans have yet to return to Disney World at the time of writing, but Ubers, Lyfts, and other rideshares are available around Disney World. Minnie Van Speaking of traveling between Disney World and the Orlando International Airport, Disney offers complimentary bus transportation aboard the Disney Magical Express. The only catch here is that Disney announced that this service will end in 2022, but there will still be other options for getting between the two locations — it’ll just involve a little more planning. Magical Express AND, still set to arrive in 2023 is the Brightline train between the airport and Disney World (Disney Springs, to be exact!). So, if you’re not opting to bring a car to Disney World, you should still have little to no trouble getting around even once Magical Express is gone! Check Out the ULTIMATE GUIDE To Disney World Transportation After Reopening! Well, we’ve covered it all — the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to deciding whether to bring a car to Disney World. The decision to bring a car to Disney is absolutely a personal choice and depends on what you’re planning to do and how much you’re willing to pay! Really, no matter what you choose, there is no right or wrong answer here, so go with what works best for you and your family! Check Out the Ultimate Guide to Planning Your FIRST Disney World Vacation! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever brought your car to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Read THIS Before You Bring a Car to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you visiting Disney World next week? Do you have your Park Pass Reservations booked? Do you have the park hours committed to memory? Magic Kingdom If not, it’s time to brush up! It’s time to review all of the critical information you’ll need to anticipate crowds and plan out your days for the week of May 16th. Disney World Park Hours the Week of May 16th As we have seen for the past several weeks now, Magic Kingdom will be open daily next week from 8AM-9PM. Magic Kingdom park hours for the week of May 16th © Disney EPCOT will be open each day the week of May 16th from 11AM-10PM. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs through July 5th, will also be open each day from 11AM-10PM. EPCOT park hours for the week of May 16th © Disney Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open daily the week of May 16th from 9AM-8PM. Hollywood Studios park hours for the week of May 16th © Disney Last but not least, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open daily next week from 8AM-7PM. Animal Kingdom park hours for the week of May 16th © Disney These hours have been more or less consistent with what we’ve seen in previous weeks! Keep in mind that Park Hopping at each of the four theme parks begins at 2PM these days, given that you have the Park Hopper option added to your ticket and you’ve scanned into the park with which you have a Park Pass Reservation for that day. Click here to read about Disney World reducing their physical distancing guidelines. Current Disney Park Pass Reservation Availability the Week of May 16th Select Resort Hotels On May 16th, 21st, and 22nd, guests staying at Select Resort Hotels cannot book any Park Pass Reservations — all four parks are currently full. Park Pass Reservation availability for guests staying at Select Resort Hotels on May 16th as of May 12th © Disney From Monday, May 17th through Thursday, May 20th, guests staying at Select Resort Hotels can book a Park Pass Reservation at EPCOT. Park Pass Reservation availability for guests staying at Select Resort Hotels on May 17th as of May 12th © Disney Theme Park Tickets Currently, guests with Theme Park Tickets (those not staying at Select Resort Hotels) have identical reservation availability as those guests staying at Select Resort Hotels. On May 16th, 21st, and 22nd, all four parks are full and guests with Theme Park Tickets cannot book a reservation. Park Pass Reservation availability for guests with Theme Park Tickets on May 16th as of May 12th © Disney From Monday, May 17th through Thursday, May 20th, guests with Theme Park Tickets can book a Park Pass reservation at EPCOT. Park Pass Reservation availability for guests with Theme Park Tickets on May 17th as of May 12th © Disney Annual Passholders Currently, Park Pass Reservations are full at all four theme parks for Annual Passholders on Sunday, May 16th and Saturday, May 22nd. Park Pass Reservation availability for Annual Passholders on May 16th as of May 12th © Disney On Monday, May 17th and Tuesday, May 18th, Annual Passholders can book a Park Pass Reservation at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Park Pass Reservation availability for Annual Passholders on May 17th as of May 12th © Disney On Wednesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 20th, Annual Passholders can book Park Pass Reservations at all four theme parks! Park Pass Reservation availability for Annual Passholders on May 19th as of May 12th © Disney Finally, on Friday, May 21st, Annual Passholders can currently book a Park Pass Reservation at EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Park Pass Reservation availability for Annual Passholders on May 21st as of May 12th © Disney We bring you the latest park hours and Park Pass Reservation availability on a weekly basis, so be sure to tune in ahead of your next Disney World vacation so you can stay in-the-know for the most important trip information! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be visiting Disney World next week? Let us know in the comments! The post Another Week of Slim Park Pass Reservations Is Coming at Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s something special about entertainment. The combination of dance, music, costumes and the unmistakable talent of the Disney Live Entertainment team is pure magic. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that "A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King" is opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 15!http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/HNYtKfT6vD4 View the full article

Dinosaur Day is May 18 this year. Here's how to celebrate in Central Florida. View the full article

Volusia County's Lyonia Preserve offers visitors the rare opportunity to see Florida scrub-jays up close in the 360-acre space, set near Deltona on sandy ridges with scrub habitat. View the full article

EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival may still be going on, but we’re already starting to plan ahead (a bit) for the International Food & Wine Festival! International Food and Wine Festival We’ve already shared a look at the dates for the Food & Wine Festival, 5 booths that have been confirmed so far, and a look at the entertainment that will be coming back. But, one of our questions that still hasn’t been answered is whether the Eat to the Beat Concert Series will be coming back. Today one fantastic reader shared a potential clue with us to solve this mystery! Last year, the Eat to the Beat concerts were canceled during the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Disney hasn’t made an official announcement yet as to whether these concerts will be returning this year, and the Disney website for them still just shows that they are “temporarily unavailable.” Still Says Temporarily Unavailable! ©Disney BUT we have seen some signs that could point to their potential return. Earlier this year, we shared that Taylor Dayne’s website previously showed 3 tour dates in EPCOT for later this year. These tour dates were later removed from her website, however. EPCOT Now, we’ve got another sign that might point to the return of Eat to the Beat. A huge thanks to our follower Bob Dankese (@monorailbob on Twitter) for alerting us to this! As Bob shared with us, the website for the singer Tiffany currently shows her list of upcoming tour dates. On this list is…you guessed it, 3 dates in EPCOT in the fall which are listed on her website as being for “Eat to the Beat.” ©Tiffany You may recognize Tiffany from hits like I Think We’re Alone Now and Could’ve Been. Could this be a sign that the concert series will be coming back in some form this year? It’s possible. Just keep in mind that Disney has not yet confirmed that the Eat to the Beat concerts will be coming back and (of course) everything is ultimately subject to change. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find! Click here to see 8 things we ALWAYS bring to EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival! Ready to Plan for Your 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? Preorder the DFB Guide to the 2021 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well -- including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Preorder your 2021 edition today! Don't miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2021 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Vegetarian Items Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you a fan of the Eat to the Beat Concerts? Tell us in the comments! The post Miss EPCOT's Eat to the Beat Concerts? Here's One Clue That Could Mean They're Coming Back! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re less than ONE MONTH away from the grand opening of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure! What’s that blue stuff? This ALL new land of marvelous Marvel stuff is set to open on June 4th! So, with just a few weeks left to go, there’s a LOT of activity going on at Disney California Adventure! We were walking around this Disneyland Resort park today and decided to share ALL of the exciting new things we spotted! First, let’s look at Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT, which will OFFICIALLY become a part of Avengers Campus in June instead of Hollywood Land! Mission; BREAKOUT The ride itself looks the same from the outside, but we noticed TONS of blue ooze, which plays into the story of Avengers Campus! Apparently, the Collector’s Fortress caused a “cosmic disruption to ooze from the ground below.” Spooky! OOOOOOOOOZE SPEAKING of the Collector, in the Mission: BREAKOUT queue, we noticed one item was covered up! What new wonders could the Collector have found?! What new treasures could be inside?! Near Mission: BREAKOUT, we also noticed a brand-new wall! Though we’re not 100% sure, it seems like this wall will act as the “entrance” into Avengers Campus. We’re also thinking it might be a mighty good spot for some Instagram pics! THINK of all the photo possibilities here! And here’s the other side of that entrance wall! Avengers Campus Wall Also near Mission: BREAKOUT, we can see one of the main entrances into the rest of Avengers Campus! Avengers Campus construction And, what’s that? The Quinjet!! The Quinjet!!! Of course, we’re most excited for all of the FOOD coming to Avengers Campus, and the booth for Terran Treats, which will sell spiralized churros, is already out! It’s covered, of course, but we can nearly taste the Sweet Spiral Rations already!! Terran Treats Though Disney has given fans an INSIDE sneak peek of Avengers Campus, park guests still can only see little piece of the action over the large construction walls. We’re not sure but we THINK those giant lights are from PYM Test Kitchen! And here’s the perspective from Cars Land! Avengers Campus construction Guests certainly can’t go backstage. Luckily they theme them those areas to Stark Aeronautics! Stark Aeronautics It’s SO detailed, even featuring this keypad for Avengers personnel only! Avengers ONLY! With less than one month to go, odds are we’re going to get TONS of new looks at Avengers Campus in the coming weeks, and when the BRAND NEW land opens, we’ll be there to let you know our experience! So be sure to tune into DFB for all of your Avengers Campus news and SO much more! EVERYTHING We Know About Disneyland’s Avengers Campus So Far! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you excited for Avengers Campus? Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: Disneyland's Avengers Campus Is Opening In Less Than a Month -- Here's What You Can See NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Now that Disney California Adventure park has reopened, what are you waiting for? Buy a ticket, book your reservation and follow this list to ensure you have the best day ever! Before you go, don't forget to download the Disneyland app for useful information like attraction wait times, park maps and access to mobile dining.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/mKwTCOHABm8 View the full article

Disney's CEO disclosed attendance is going up at Walt Disney World. The parks' policy could be going away soon, he hinted although he didn't say when. View the full article Walt Disney World has lifted its attendance capacity beyond its previous self-imposed 35% limit, although company CEO Bob Chapek didn’t disclose by how much, as the theme parks significantly loosen their COVID safety rules. Chapek didn’t specify when people could stop wearing masks at the Orlando parks but called the new CDC guidelines — which says fully vaccinated people can go maskless in most places — “big news” for Disney, especially with summer coming. He appeared to be hinting changes could be coming soon. “Anybody [who has] been in Florida in the middle of summer with a mask on, that can be quite daunting, so we think that’s going to make for an even more pleasant experience,” Chapek said on an earnings call Thursday, which disclosed Disney’s theme parks are still taking the biggest financial hit within the company. “You’re going to see an immediate increase in the number of folks that we’re able to admit into our parks, through our reservation systems that we recently implemented, so we’re very, very excited about that.” Chapek said Disney decided to raise capacity limits after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines Thursday and after earlier conversations with Gov. Ron DeSantis. The CEO’s updates come after Disney World said this week on its appit’s starting to phase out social distancing from six feet to three feet in some places. With the theme parks rebounding, Chapek said the theme parks are “bringing back a lot of people back to work. That is going to be an even bigger catalyst for growth and attendance.” During the pandemic, the company laid off 32,000 people — including at least 18,000 in Central Florida, according to last year’s state filings. Some experts had warned it could be a challenge for Disney’s reopening if large numbers of employees found new jobs elsewhere. In Orlando, some restaurants and other businesses are struggling to hire enough employees. But Chapek said it’s not the case at Disney. “We’ve had about 80% of our cast members return that we’ve asked to return,” Chapek said. “We’ve had no problems whatsoever in terms of trying to get our cast to come back and make some magic for our guests.” Thursday’s second-quarter earnings report showed revenue fell 44% to $3.2 billion compared with last year’s quarter for the division covering theme parks, experiences and products. The pandemic has docked Disney’s cruise ships, and Disneyland Paris and California’s Disneyland were closed for the entire second quarter. Disneyland reopened two weeks ago and an opening date could be announced soon at Disneyland Paris, Chapek said. Disney World is raising capacity, and new mask guidance is ‘big news’ for a hot Orlando summer, CEO says “We are focused on the ongoing recovery of our parks business and the resumption of Disney Cruise Line,” Chapek said. “There have been some encouraging developments in recent months, particularly with the ongoing rollout of a vaccine and the gradual lifting of government-mandated restrictions.” At Disney World, attendance is improving and guests are spending more at the resort than at the same time last year, the company’s chief financial officer, Christine McCarthy, said without disclosing exact figures. Overall, company revenue fell 13% to $15.6 billion in the second quarter, and Disney+ subscribers reached nearly 104 million which fell short of Wall Street estimates. Disney+ is the company’s new streaming service that airs Disney movies and original shows. grusson@orlandosentinel.com