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We’re getting EXCITED for Loki! ©Disney | Marvel Studios The Marvel show will follow Loki, our favorite god of mischief, as he battles to fix time. We’ve already seen some trailers and gotten a peek at the show, and we’re counting down the days until it debuts! But now, Disney’s announced a change to the release schedule. Loki was due to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, June 11th. That’s coming up SOON! But today, Disney announced that the release date is moving up to Wednesday, June 9th. And after that, all episodes will be streamed on Wednesdays, instead of Fridays! Two fewer days to wait for this glorious show to debut? We’ll take it! Mark your calendars with this NEW date and get ready! We sure are. Watch the Latest ‘Loki’ Trailer! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited to watch Loki? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Release Date Announced for Disney’s ‘Loki’ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Springs has lots of great spots for snackin’! Paradiso 37 We tend to be BIG fans of sweet stops like Gideon’s Bakehouse or Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew — not to mention ALL of your brunch options! But if you’re looking for something a little more festive, we’ve got just the thing. Paradiso 37 is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with FREE goodies! When you buy a tequila flight from now through May 9th, you’ll get to enjoy complimentary P37 Chips and Salsa or P37 Queso Dip. ©Paradiso 37 That Queso Dip, for example, would normally cost ya $12, so this is a great way to save if you’re looking for a fun meal! Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends. Enjoy this sweet deal, and stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! Check Out Our Review of Paradiso 37! 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 heading to Paradiso 37 for Cinco de Mayo? Let us know in the comments! The post Score FREE Food at a Disney World Restaurant — But Not for Long! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has some really awesome snacks! Whether you’re into savory, sweet, or Mickey-shaped snacks, there’s something for you. Lumberjack Platter But, not all snacks are created equally, and there are some you can skip, while others, you won’t want to miss. Check out all this and more in our newest DFB Video!  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! Check out our latest video and then comment below: Your favorite Disney World snack.The post DFB Video: 5 Snacks You Can Skip In Disney World (and 3 You Can't) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Although Disney World reopened last year, some of its restaurants are still closed. But, we are starting to see more restaurants reopen, especially as summer begins to approach! Cape May Cafe Is Reopening! One restaurant we felt might be reopening soon is Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. We’ve recently spotted Cast Members in the kitchen area and we also spotted a lot of preparations being made to welcome guests. And now we’ve got some big Cape May Cafe news!! Now we know for certain that Cape May Cafe will be reopening soon because Disney has officially announced it! Although Disney’s Beach Club Resort isn’t officially reopening until May 30th, guests will be able to dine at Cape May starting May 18th! So if you’re looking to chow down on some New England style fare, you’ll be able to do it soon! Cape May Cafe According to Disney, “guests returning to Cape May will find old favorites and new changes, along with its signature service and quality.” Guests will be able to have both breakfast and dinner here. Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not be available, at least for now. But, there will still be lots of food to enjoy. According to Disney, the all-you-care-to-eat family-style breakfast menu will feature “feature popular staples like pastries (including the layered crispy, cream-filled “Lobster Tail”), omelets, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waffles.” Mickey Waffles from Cape May Dinner will include Parker House rolls and corn bread, a seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood options, The Turf Platter with steak and chicken, and lobster mac and cheese. ©Disney Guests wishing to dine at Cape May Cafe can start making reservations as of May 7th. We’ll be sure to let you know if any other Disney World restaurants plan on reopening soon! Click here to read about one health measure starting to disappear in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever been to Cape May Cafe? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort Gets a Reopening Date! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Over the last few months, a number of restaurants and hotels at Disney World have reopened. We’ve also seen changes made to some restaurants and other spots. Chef Mickey’s Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s reopened a number of months ago, initially without any characters. Then, characters returned to this spot. For the time being, Chef Mickey’s has only been open for breakfast. But soon that will be changing!! Today, Disney announced that Chef Mickey’s will soon be reintroducing an all-you-care-to-enjoy DINNER option, and the Fab Five will be there! Chef Mickey’s Starting May 16th, Chef Mickey’s will begin offering an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner. Just like at breakfast, Mickey and friends will make some appearances during the dinner, greeting families from a bit of a distance and taking socially distanced selfies. Chef Mickey’s Similar to other character dining spots, guests will also be able to take home a souvenir with character signatures and some colorful artwork. Autograph Card What will be on the menu? Disney has shared that the menu will include a number of starters such as the “‘Chef Mickey’s Caesar,’ citrus-poached shrimp salad, and assorted breads.” For main courses, so far Disney has noted that “gnocchi, roasted garlic potato Gratin, plant-based faro wheat fried rice, prime rib, roasted turkey, and salmon” will be available. There will also be an “assortment of sweets to top off the meal.” When it comes to kids, there will be a menu for little ones including “mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets, and more!” ©Disney Reservations for dinner at Chef Mickey’s will become available on May 7th, so be sure to mark those calendars! We’ll keep an eye out for more information, full menu details, and more, and we’ll let you know what we find! Click here to see our review of Chef Mickey’s breakfast! 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 making a reservation to visit Chef Mickey’s for dinner? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Another Character Meal is Returning to Chef Mickey's in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is continuing with its phased reopening! Ready to Conquer Disney’s Animal Kingdom? While shows, restaurants, and rides slowly reopen, we’re keeping an eye out for any more changes around the parks. And today, Disney announced some BIG news about your dining options! Some fan-favorite restaurants are finally reopening, and we’ve got to share the good news. This summer, Tusker House Restaurant is reopening in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This character dining spot has remained closed since the parks reopened last July, and we can’t wait to welcome it back. Tusker House Best of all, the restaurant will reopen with a modified character experience! We’ll get to see Donald and friends decked out in their “safari best,” with safety practices similar to other modified character meals around the parks. We can’t wait to see you here again, Donald! The meal itself will be family-style — we’re thinking the set-up will be similar to what is currently the case at Chef Mickey’s. Disney hasn’t announced a menu or actual reopening date, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as they do! This is one of our favorite restaurants in the parks, and we are SO excited to eat here again. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! Check Out Our Review of Tusker House! 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 Tusker House to reopen? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Tusker House Character Dining Returning to Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Blue Origin announced plans for its first crewed flight of the New Shepard rocket this July, and opened up one seat to the winning bidder of an online auction. View the full article

Walt Disney World Resort has even more reasons to get excited about visiting in May and beyond! You’ll be able to see beloved characters when Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort reintroduces an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner starring the Fab Five. Over at the EPCOT Resort area, you’ll be able to once again enjoy seaside meals when Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens, and, get your taste buds ready for the re-opening of Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/i20BU4ONtLQ View the full article

Can you believe it’s already May?! It feels like the beginning of 2021 just kicked off yesterday! Hollywood Studios And, we’re back again to break down all the hotel and ticket discounts you can find in Disney World this May! We’ve continued updating you on the available deals in January, February, March, and April, but there are even more offers you can snag this month! 30% Off Hotels in Disney World If you’re looking for more of a discount on your hotel, Disney World has also got you covered! You can snag a discount of up to 30% off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights through July 10th. Coronado Springs You’ll have to book a bit quickly by May 27th, though, to score savings on your summer resort stay! Find out whether the free tickets or discounted hotel room deal is the best for you! 20% Off Campsites in Disney World The more adventurous at heart can also save 20% on Disney World’s fully-equipped campsites on most nights and weekends! You’ll want to book AND visit fast as bookings will need to take place by May 27th, 2021 for stays from April 11th through May 27th, 2021. Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness It’s important to note that the savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same campsite. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Be aware that the number of campsites is limited for the offer and excludes The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Read MORE about the campsite offer here! Save BIG on Your Summer Stay If you’re ready for summer fun with your family and friends, you can save up to 25% on rooms at Disney World hotels for most nights from July 11th through September 29th, 2021. Not only will you be able to celebrate the summertime, but you can even experience some of the Halloween features in the early Fall! Resort Hotels Monorail The length of stay on the offer is 1 to 14 days with a limited number of rooms. The following hotel options are excluded from the offer: 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and The Little Mermaid Standard Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Savings may vary on certain days, so keep that in mind when you’re booking! Take a look at all the details of the summer hotel discount here! Florida Resident Discounts Florida Resident Discover Disney Tickets We’ve got a real treat for all you Florida residents out there! You can score a deal for living in the state when you purchase Discover Disney Tickets during your next Disney World trip! These tickets allow a visit to one theme park per day on consecutive or non-consecutive days. There is also the ability to add a Park Hopper option for an additional cost as well. Currently, the 3-Day Discover Ticket can be purchased for $60 per day ($179 total) and a 4-Day Discover Ticket for $50 per day ($199 total). ©Disney You’ll need to show proof of residency when you make your purchase ahead of when the 3-Day and 4-Day tickets and add-on options expire on June 18th. Check out more details on the Discover Disney Tickets! U.S. Military Member Discounts Ticket Offers Disney is also including U.S. Military Members as part of the guests who can score great discounts! The 4-day or 5-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets are available for visits through December 17th, 2021. The 4-day ticket can be purchased with the Park Hopper for $296 plus tax or Park Hopper Plus Option for $326 plus tax, while the 5-day tickets are $315 plus tax for the Park Hopper and $345 plus tax for the Park Hopper Plus. Magic Kingdom You’ll want to keep in mind that no more than 6 Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased and activated by Eligible Service Members or spouses through December 31st, 2021. And, there’s even an additional discount, since the Memory Maker can be purchased for a special price of $98 through December 17, 2021. No more than two Memory Maker products can be bought at this special rate through December 31st. Read MORE about this offer here! Specially Priced Hotel Rates U.S. Military Members can also snag discounted rates at select Disney Resort hotels most nights through December 17th. Sounds awesome, right? Disney’s Beach Club Resort Guests will need to call (407) 939-7830 for additional details, resort availability, and booking options. Read everything you need to know about this hotel discount here! Annual Passholder Discounts Walt Disney World Resort Deals Last, but not least, Annual Passholders can also score some great savings soon! Guests will need to book rooms by July 10th for up to 35% on rooms at select Disney World hotels through July 10th, 2021. All-Star Movies Resort If that doesn’t sound like an awesome way to kick off your summer vacation, we don’t know what is! Read more details on the Passholder hotel discount here! As we inch closer and closer to summer break, you can start planning your upcoming Disney World trips with all these awesome savings in May 2021! Of course, be sure to stay tuned with DFB for even MORE deals and discounts that we find around the parks and resorts soon! Read more on the latest Disney World Hotel deal 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! When are you heading to Disney World next? Let us know in the comments below! The post 7 BIG Hotel and Ticket Discounts in Disney World for May first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Earth Month may be over, but being environmentally conscious is still important to the Disney company. Tree of Life Disney has set some BIG conservation goals, and we’ve seen them in action all over the parks. From new trash cans to solar panels to reusable silverware, there are lots of little changes that make a huge impact. And now, Disney has shared some other ways that Cast Members are working together to reduce waste! Do you remember when we told you allll about the new Cast Member costumes rolling out around the Disney World resorts? It seemed like every hotel was getting a new look! As it turns out, these costumes have been upcycled. The new aprons at Contempo Cafe, for example, were made from recycled water bottles. And every single one keeps FIFTY bottles out of the landfill! New Contempo Cafe Costumes Costume Development and Implementation Manager Michelle shared that “we’ve found that sweet spot to get functional and durable, vibrant fabrics with fun designs cast and guests will love.” Plus, every costume makes a positive environmental impact! A Cast Member modeling new costumes at Wilderness Lodge — what a look! But that’s not the only way Cast Members are doing good. In honor of Earth Month, Cast Members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom had a creative composting contest! They designed compost bins repurposed from Quick Service locations, then voted on each other’s masterpieces by donating to the Disney Conservation Fund. Fun AND meaningful? Sign us up! ©Disney We love seeing Cast Members doing good — and having a great time while they’re at it! Stay tuned to DFB, because we’ll keep bringing you the latest Disney news. Check Out Another Amazing Cast Member! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which new Cast Member costume is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World’s Employee Costumes Are Made of…Trash? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Another month has come and gone, which means it’s time once again to recap the best and worst things we ate in the month of April around Disney World! Magic Kingdom This list is full of tasty and not-so-memorable snacks, so let’s waste no time and hop right in! The Best: Earth Day Bee Hive Cake — Gasparilla Island Grill The month of April was filled with Earth Day-themed desserts, and one of our favorites was definitely the Earth Day Bee Hive Cake from Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Earth Day Bee Hive Cake Light and moist, this dessert was the perfect springtime treat that was as delicious as it was photogenic. It struck a great balance of flavor and texture that left us wanting more! YUM! We were sad to see that this was a seasonal offering, and we hope it buzzes back to Gasparilla’s menu soon! Click here to read our full review of the Earth Day Bee Hive Cake! Pulled Pork-Topped Baked Macaroni and Cheese — Beach Club Marketplace We always try to include some of our favorite savory dishes onto the Best List each month, and April sure delivered! Over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we found one of our new favorite CHEESE-filled dishes at Beach Club Marketplace. Pulled Pork-Topped Baked Mac and Cheese At Beach Club Marketplace, they have an entire MENU of baked macaroni and cheese dishes with your choice of topping! We chose to add pulled pork and boy were we glad we did! Pork and onions = fantastic! The macaroni and cheese was super yummy, as was the pulled pork! What really won us over was that they topped the dish with Goldfish! Yes, that is a Goldfish on top of our mac & cheese! In addition to pulled pork, you can also choose to top your macaroni and cheese with bacon, beef chili, and chili. The macaroni and cheese on its own costs $8.99, or you can add a topping for an additional $2. Click here to read our full review of the Pulled Pork-Topped Baked Macaroni and Cheese! Speaking of cheese and pork, we also enjoyed the new Lumberjack Platter from Roaring Fork. Lumberjack Platter It comes with pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and coleslaw for $11.99. Read our full review of the Lumberjack Platter here. Mickey Cheese Pizza and House-made Gelato — Trattoria al Forno We’ll be honest, it’s not every day you find stellar Italian food in Disney World. In fact, in many instances, we’re left disappointed by the Italian selections around the parks and resorts. But that was NOT the case on our recent visit to Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Trattoria al Forno In fact, Trattoria al Forno is home to TWO selections from our “Best” List this month! Starting out, we have to talk about the Mickey Cheese Pizza off of the Kids’ Menu! The star of this dish was Mickey’s ears, which are made out of cheesy garlic bread! For $12, this will definitely be a hit with the kiddos, or it can be a fun add-on to your adult meal! Mickey Cheese Pizza Everything we ate was a hit, but what really stood out for us was the dessert! Yes, the best really was kept for last — in this instance, it was their house-made gelato that won our hearts. Each of the four flavors (Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Stracciatella, and Pistachio) was delicious at $6 each. House-made gelato! BoardWalk is steps from World Showcase at EPCOT, so if you’re looking for a different kind of lunch or dinner away from the park crowds, head on over to Trattoria al Forno! Click here to read our full review of Trattoria al Forno! Easter Marshmallow Soft Serve — Pineapple Lanai It always breaks our hearts when we come across a delicious snack that ends up being a limited-time offering for a particular season or holiday. In April, we tried a variety of limited-time Easter-themed treats, but nothing made us sing our praises quite like the Easter Marshmallow Soft Serve at Pineapple Lanai. So cute! Pineapple Lanai is a great spot at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to find some unique varieties of the legendary Dole Whip frozen treat. For Easter, they served up a creamy, tasty, and festive soft serve with edible glitter (you really can’t say no to edible glitter)! SPRINKLES! We will say, however, that if you aren’t into marshmallow, this might not have been the dessert for you. It was available for $4.99! Sadly, this treat was only around for a few days and is no longer available. Click here to read our full review of the Easter Marshmallow Soft Serve! Everest Base Camp Macaroon — Thirsty River Bar The next item on our “Best” List definitely got TONS of buzz when we shared it! Maybe it’s the fact that it came out on April Fool’s Day, but we were definitely stunned when we discovered that Disney World acquired its own version of the Matterhorn Macaroon, which is a legendary sweet from Jolly Holiday in Disneyland! YUM! But then BAM, Thirsty River Bar came out with the Everest Base Camp Macaroon and kinda put the Matterhorn Macaroon to shame on sheer size alone. Just look at this thing! Everest Base Camp Macaroon Luckily, this dessert was as tasty as it was eye-popping! The chocolate and coconut flavors were great and the green tea crumbles were the perfect addition! And at $5.99, we think it’s a pretty decent value, too! Sadly it is no longer available, but we are hoping Disney will bring it back! Click here to read our full review of the Everest Base Camp Macaroon! Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding — Banana Cabana The last item on our “Best” List for the month of April definitely caught us off-guard at first. We’re heading to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where if you’re in the mood for some ‘Ohana Bread Pudding, you can find its distant cousin! Doesn’t this look yummy? Their Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding is a dish of Pineapple Coconut Bread Pudding with a Caramel Sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Because the LAST thing we need is another bread pudding dish to give our stretchy pants some serious mileage. A la mode… This was one seriously delicious serving of bread pudding. To be honest, the vanilla ice cream was simply the icing on an already near-perfect slice of cake! Is this worth a Skyliner trip to Caribbean Beach? It very well might be! It costs $10. Click here to read our full review of the Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding! The Worst: Sea Turtle Cupcake — Restaurantosaurus Remember when we mentioned how bummed we feel when we come across an incredible snack that’s only available for a limited time? Well, we can often have the opposite reaction when we try a not-so-great snack that, thankfully, is only available for a limited time. What a cutie! Animal Kingdom was brimming with Earth Day-inspired desserts and treats in the month of April, which you would THINK included a lineup of runaway hits. Enter: the Sea Turtle Cupcake. We’ll give it that this dessert is super adorable…but the positive notes sort of end there. Beware of the sea turtle gummies! The cupcake itself, unfortunately, was a bit basic for our taste — we want to be WOWED when we bite into a Disney cupcake! But what truly gave us sour feels towards this dessert was the sea turtle gummies on top. It had a super bizarre flavor combo of mint with lime, vanilla, and guava…weird, right? Let’s take a peek inside! This Sea Turtle Cupcake was available for $5.99 and has (fortunately) swam off to the ocean where, hopefully, if Disney brings this dessert back next year for Earth Day, it finds a better flavor profile! Click here to read our full review of the Sea Turtle Cupcake! Roaring S’mores — Roaring Fork Next, we’re heading to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge where at Roaring Fork we couldn’t wait to try the Roaring S’more! Just look at this dessert — it looks super promising, right? Roaring S’Mores Admittedly, this dessert is wonderful for Instagram, but when it comes time to eat this snack, it’s downright MESSY. That alone doesn’t necessarily make a dessert a failure, but we were ultimately disappointed in the flavor. The marshmallow layer in the middle was completely overpowered by a surprise chocolate caramel pearl filling — quite salty for our taste! Sneaky sneaky This dessert was a super interesting concept that we WANTED to enjoy, but you’ll likely find us whipping together our own s’mores from scratch from now on. You can try the Roaring S’mores for yourself at Roaring Fork for $5.79. Click here to read our full review of the Roaring S’mores! Tiramisu — The Pinocchio Village Haus Last and kinda sorta least, we’re hopping over to Magic Kingdom where we heard that guests could order up a slice of Tiramisu from Pinocchio Village Haus. Tiramisu While this wasn’t the worst dessert we had this month (we’re looking at you, Sea Turtle Cupcake…), it was far from the best thing we had in April, too. Our biggest issue with this dish was the texture. It had all the flavor components that you’d expect in a Tiramisu, but we found this dish to be mushier as opposed to soft and creamy. Not a standout treat, but not too bad, either! We will say that at $4.49, you get a decent-sized portion of Tiramisu, which we can’t complain about! Click here to read our review of the Tiramisu from Pinocchio Village Haus! Be sure to stay tuned to see what we enjoy (and what we can live without) for the month of May! We’re already bringing you the latest reviews of all of Disney World’s Mother’s Day-themed treats, plus the month of May brings us May the Fourth! With so much to celebrate in the parks and resorts, you can be sure that there will be plenty to snack on and talk about! 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 one of your favorite treats in Disney World that you’ve tried recently? Let us know in the comments! The post The BEST (and WORST) Things We Ate in Disney World in April! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There’s nothing quite like heading for Magic Kingdom in the morning. Well Hello, There Disney Bus! When you arrive at the Transportation and Ticket Center, you’re just one step away from walking up to the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Now, we spotted a difference in the modes of transportation currently being offered from the TTC to Magic Kingdom — and you’re gonna want to hear it. As of writing, the buses that run from the TTC to Magic Kingdom in the morning are no longer running every day! We spotted that the bus stop was empty both yesterday and today. TTC Bus Stop Previously, you could option between the ferryboat, the monorail, and the bus to head to Magic Kingdom in the AM. Buses tend to be the best option if you’re looking for a short wait! You could typically easily catch a bus to Magic Kingdom (not back) prior to 10:45AM with a MUCH shorter wait than the other two options. TTC Bus Stop Now though, Cast Members explained that the buses won’t be running every day due to low demand. They will mainly still run on weekends and busier days, but it’s up to the discretion of the Bus Transportation Cast Members. TTC Bus Stop So, it seems too few folks were taking advantage of this option and instead opting for the boat or monorail! This isn’t too surprising since we’ve even seen several buses lined up and waiting for people at the TTC. TTC Bus Stop Still, since the bus option will still be running on select days, we suggest asking a Cast Member. You never know, they may be offered the day that you are looking to hop on a bus from the TTC to Magic Kingdom. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney updates! Want to learn about more TTC updates? Click 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. What do you think of this change? Tell us in the comments! The post Our Favorite Way to Get to Magic Kingdom Just Got More Complicated first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Fun Spot offers free season passes to teachers in Orange and Osceola counties in promotion tied to Teacher Appreciation Week View the full article

As we enter into May, I hope you’ll join me in carrying the Earth Month spirit into this month and well beyond. At Disney, we believe caring for the environment is something we all can, and should, do every day. I’m so impressed by the work I’m seeing across our resort to reduce waste and by creative ways teams are coming together to create these positive changes. Today, I’d like to highlight a few of these efforts that are truly inspiring and making a meaningful difference.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/F4JPMuY-BBk 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. It’s a good time to be a Moana fan! Hi, Moana! This iconic princess has inspired a room makeover over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and we’re lovin’ spotting her out and about in Magic Kingdom. And now, she’s got a whole new merch collection! That’s right, friends. We’re talking Moana BAGS. Dooney and Bourke has paired with Disney to bring the Moana Collection to life! The designs feature characters from the film with the influence of Motunui’s waters and plant-life, and we’ve gotta say…they’re stunning. ©Disney The Tote Bag puts Moana, Pua, Maui, Hei Hei, and even the Kakamoras front and center… ©Disney …while baby Moana is the star of the back! Gramma Tala is there, too. ©Disney It costs $298. Click here for the Moana Dooney and Bourke Tote! The Satchel, on the other hand, shows off more of the ocean that Moana loves so dearly, along with lyrics from “How Far I’ll Go.” ©Disney You can even find Gramma Tala’s stingrays featured in this design, which is $268! Click here for the Moana Dooney and Bourke Satchel! The Crossbody features the same design as the Satchel… ©Disney …but with a handy exterior pocket. It’s $198! Click here for the Moana Dooney and Bourke Crossbody! Last but not least, there’s a MagicBand! It comes in a collectible box featuring Moana, Pua, and Maui. MagicBand Box It’s an ocean blue with script that reads “The sea is calling me” on one side… Check it out! …with that same art of Moana and Pua on the other! Moana MagicBand You can snag it for $48. Click here for the Moana Dooney and Bourke MagicBand! Keep in mind that each item in this collection is limited to 2 per guest! We spotted the MagicBand in Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom, and we’ll keep an eye out for the bags in the parks, too. The the meantime, you can grab ’em on shopDisney! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news. Moana is coming BACK to Disney’s Aulani Resort! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you own any Dooney and Bourke bags? Let us know in the comments below! The post Here's Where to Find Disney's NEW Moana Dooney & Bourke Bags! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today to explore the props, paints, and provisions at the Backlot Express! Backlot Express This counter-service spot is themed as a production warehouse, and serves up classic theme park entrees such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. This spot typically a reliable place to stop for lunch in the park, and we’ve we’ve enjoyed a few of our meals here in the past. Recently, we found a very Instagrammable cake here! On this visit, we noshed on a couple entrees, as well as a Star Wars-themed treat! Will this visit measure up? Let’s find out! Nestled next to the Star Tours attraction, you could easily pass this eatery by if you weren’t paying attention! But don’t rush off to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge just yet, let’s make a pit stop at Backlot Express first! Atmosphere Backlot Express is known as the “Warehouse of Good Eating”, and it definitely has working-prop-shop vibes! The backstory here is that this big warehouse is home to all the props and set pieces manufactured for the various movies shot on the backlot. Here, craftspeople would cast plaster, stamp concrete, sculpt, mold, paint, and build all those realistic-looking props you see on the screen. It was “converted” into a dining hall and now you can dine where the magic was made! Backlot Express Of course, this is all just Disney Magic. All of these “props” seen here are actually just that — props decorating this restaurant to fit the theme. BUT, it is one of the more unique locations to eat some chicken nuggets in. There is SO much to see here and, if you’re looking to find some fun easter eggs, well worth a visit to check everything out in here. Backlot Express There is a lot of seating at this restaurant! There are three sheltered dining areas (a great place to hide from the rain!), as well as one outside dining area. Most of this restaurant is covered but still open air (you are in a big ol’ warehouse, after all!). Covered Backlot Express Seating There is some seating outside under umbrellas. Backlot Express Outdoor Seating There is also a dining room inside, just to the left of the ordering area. (There’s a lot of seating in here!) Backlot Express Dining Room Here’s the fun of this restaurant: all the sections are themed to different prop warehouse departments. There’s a plaster casting department… Sculptures …painting department… Paint cans …stunt department… Stunt dummies …backdrop painting department… The Next Disney Wall? …and even more of a general mechanic/prop department. Props The details in here are really fun and you could seriously spend ages checking it all out. There ARE some fun actual props you might recognize hidden throughout as well. Keep an eye out for a few vehicles seen in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and even a ship from Horizons (for all you OG EPCOT fans!). Backlot Express Details! We personally like sitting in the covered area where the paints are; read each can for some fun surprises! Paint Workshop Like most other fast food options in Disney World right now, Backlot Express is taking advantage of Mobile Order. This simply means instead of walking up to the counter and placing their order, guests are asked to pre-order and pay for their meals from their phones. When you arrive, alert Mobile Order that you’re there and your order will be prepared and alert you when it’s time to go inside. The waiting area inside is limited, so they are asking that you wait on one of the socially distanced dots outside. Or, you can pop next door and wait inside the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular theater! Mobile Order Waiting Spot Once you have placed your order and receive the notification that it’s ready, you’ll head to the stations at each counter. Backlot Express Mobile Order Stations The app will let you know which station has your order, so just look for the sign with the corresponding number! Mobile Order Pick Up There is a separate section to pick up your fountain drink to the left of the stations. Drink Pick Up Self-serve silverware is next to the drinks…. Backlot Express Silverware …and next to the condiments! They have mayo, yellow mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey mustard available. Condiments! We’ve grabbed our food, and now it’s time to eat! Our Backlot Express Meal! Let’s see what’s cookin’ right now at the Backlot! Eats The Entrees at Backlot is pretty simple — burgers, a Cuban, Chicken Strips, or a salad. Menu There is a plant-based hummus option with a Star Wars-themed flair. You’ll also notice under Sides are fries and Cheese Sauce. We’ve written love songs to that one buck cup o’ cheese before and (spoiler) we’re going to again. It’s a solid deal — one buck gets you a cup of plastic cheese. Don’t question it. Buy. The. Cheese. Menu Kids’ options are straightforward here as well. Menu Menu As for adult beverages, they have a few beers, wines, and mixed drinks on the menu. Menu To drink, we ordered the Strawberry Daiquiri for $12. Strawberry Daiquiri This is about as straightforward as a drink can get. We could definitely taste the alcohol (which helped curb the sweetness from the strawberry), but overall we thought it was just fine. It’s not bad for a pre-made frozen drink, but not necessarily anything special. You may want to pass if you are wanting to try something more unique, but it is a refreshing and boozy option if you’re in a pinch or not too picky. Strawberry Daiquiri The first entree we tried was the Backlot Burger with Fries for $13.99. Backlot Burger This Angus beef burger is topped with barbecued pork, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. You can choose between carrot sticks or french fries as your side (we obviously choose fries because….fries). The toppings come on the bottom under your burger so you can add them yourself. Backlot Burger This is a hefty burger! We thought it was cooked well and there’s a good amount of well-sauced pulled pork on top. Backlot Burger Cross-section This is fancier than your classic burger, but didn’t blow us away. The pepper jack cheese was a fun touch, but we could have used more of that cheesy kick. More cheese please! We kept comparing this Backlot Burger to the Regal Eagle cheeseburger on garlic toast, but the boring normal bun here is a bummer compared to the Regal Eagle option for buttery garlic toast. Overall, it’s not a stand-out burger. But if you love double meats, this may be for you! We could barely hold it! The fries were your standard Disney fries, but we spruced them up with a special purchase (more on that later!). Standard Disney Fries The second meal we tried was the 4 Piece Chicken Strips with French Fries for $9.99. Chicken Strips It’s no secret that we love Disney chicken nuggets (and we aren’t the only ones!). These are basically those nuggets, but bigger! It was a good size portion and came with a ton of fries. Crispy Nugs It’s not the most exciting offering, but it’s dependable and delish! It’s a great go-to for picky eaters. Seriously, we could probably eat these every single day and not complain. It’s solid, reliable Disney fast food. Chicken Strips But why would you have plain ole chicken and french fries, when you can dip them in cheese?? For $1 you can order a BIG cup of cheese sauce! AKA liquid gold. Chicken and Cheese! Oh, plastic cheese. How we love thee. A cup of plastic cheese! Finally, we’ve arrived at the pinnacle of our meal. The dessert! We ordered the Wookie Cookie, which is two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling. It’s garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top. And GUYS… Wookie Cookie! This thing is STILL SO GOOD. The cookie was chewy and soft, and the filling was yummy and not too sweet. We’ve sung this cookie’s praises since it debuted and still do. it’s chewy, sweet, and huge! We love the Chewie sash! Oatmeal cream pie fans will stan this treat. It’s not as obnoxiously sweet as other Disney desserts, and we think any wookie would approve. Chewie, we’re home. Wookie Cookie Run, don’t walk, to get this cookie! Remember when we pitted this cookie against Hollywood Studio’s reigning cookie champ? Nosh or Not Add the Backlot Express to your Hollywood Studios plans if: You are looking for something quick to eat near Star Tours or MuppetVision 3D. You have several kids or picky eaters in your party and want to make sure there are simple options everyone will be fine with. You want a LOT of seating to choose from. Hollywood Studio’s fast food locations like Sunset Ranch Market over near Tower of Terror can get notoriously crowded at busy times. There’s ample seating here. Visit another Hollywood Studio option if: You are looking for more exciting food options. Maybe head to Docking Bay 7 in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for some more unique food! You are very particular about a burger and only want to eat the best versions around. This is your average theme park burger at best here. You like a variety when it comes to desserts. The name of the game here is that cookie or the cute paint can cake currently. Overall Our meal was pretty average. And honestly, this is on par with what we’d expect from this Hollywood Studios quick-service spot. Each entree was just fine — not incredible and not bad — and the menu is overall relatively uninspired. For many folks, that’s perfectly fine! A burger or some chicken strips hit the spot! We’ve seen Backlot serve more interesting choices before, (remember when they went all out with Star Wars-themed foods??) so maybe they’ll start being inventive again soon. BUT, if you’re looking for easy-peasy, no-nonsense food on your Hollywood Studios day, this is a solid choice. And frankly, compared to SUPER popular alternatives like Woody’s Lunch Box (with their very limited menu) or super outdoor locations like Sunset Ranch Market (it can be H-O-T in the summer!), this location is a win in our book. The theming of Backlot Express is the main draw of the restaurant. We definitely recommend spending a good amount of time wandering around and finding all of the small details. This feels very much like old MGM-Studios in the best way possible — the theming. They crammed so much fun detail in an otherwise unassuming location. The fun backstories worked into locations are a huge part of what we love about many Disney restaurants — this is a great example of that. Take a look at this springtime snack we found at Hollywood Studios 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. Have you visited Backlot Express recently? Let us know about your experience in the comments! The post Review: Finding Decent Fast Food in Hollywood Studios Can Be HARD. But It Doesn't Have to Be! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s a universal truth: Mom is the BEST. She does ALL the things. Running and waiting. Cooking your favorite meal after a long day. Kissing away ouchies and cheering you on at your basketball game or dance recital. And…you totally forgot to order her something for Mother’s Day, didn’t you? Don’t worry…we’ve got ya covered! For all the hats she wears and for the hundreds of ways that she makes life better every single day, we’re honoring all the moms this week with our DFB GUIDE MOTHER’S DAY SALE! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DFB-Mothers-Day-Sale_011-700x544.jpg This week get 40% off when you purchase any DFB Guide E-Book Bundle, then forward the books on to Mom so she can start planning her super fun Disney vacation (or, if you ARE Mom, send the kids out to play and start planning YOUR super fun Disney vacation)! Your next Disney World vacation will be here SOON, and now is a really great time to start planning — remember you’ve gotta book those Park Passes ASAP and dining reservations can be booked 60 days out. Shop NOW and use code MICKEYMOM to save 40% off EVERY DFB BUNDLE at the DFB Store! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shop-now-pink.jpeg Save An Additional 40% Off ALL Our Great DFB Bundles! Bundling is the BEST deal at the DFB Store! And right now is the BEST time for you to start planning the family’s next Disney vacation whether it’s an epic summer vacation, an Epcot Food and Wine Festival trip, or even a family Holiday vacation — and we have bundles for everything! Grab an Everything Bundle today! We bundle our DFB Guides together for more than 30% savings off the cover prices. So when you purchase any of our Bundles today using code MICKEYMOM, you’ll get them for an additional 40% off — that’s a total steal! Mom would be SO proud of all the money you’re saving! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shop-now-blue.png Whatever you’re looking for — just Snack Guides, our super-popular DFB Guide + Snacks, or the Everything Bundle — we have just the right bundle for you. We even have a Food & Wine Bundle and a Holiday Bundle to help plan your Food and Wine visit or your holiday vacation later this fall! Research ALL the Snacks with this Bundle! When you purchase any DFB Bundle that includes a pre-order (like the Food & Wine Bundle or the Holiday Bundle or even the Everything Bundle), you’ll get the 2020 edition of that Guide PLUS you’ll receive the 2021 edition when it is published! It’s like getting two books for the price of one, with a 40% discount! (Mom would be SO proud of you for saving all that money!) They’re all yours for 40% off for a limited time with promo code MICKEYMOM! Don’t miss your chance to save time and money planning your next Disney World trip with our complete line of DFB Guide Bundles! Just enter promo code MICKEYMOM at check out and save 40% off of your entire order. Be sure to take advantage of this great offer before it’s gone. Each of our DFB Guides comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! As always, we thank you for your continued support of DFB!The post Your Mom Wants to Go to Disney World! We Can Help. first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Sentinel asked a former political leader, an economist and two Disney historians to weigh in on this hypothetical what-if: What if Walt Disney hadn't built his theme park in Orlando? What would Orlando be like today? View the full article Close your eyes and pretend Disney World was never built in Orlando. Cinderella Castle — gone. Poof. No Space Mountain, no Spaceship Earth, no nothing. The what-if game also applies to the packed flights arriving into Orlando with Mickey Mouse-wearing youngsters and the tourist shops along U.S. Highway 192 — they aren’t here, either. And without Disney, surely its competitors Universal and SeaWorld would not have built their theme parks down the road. Without Disney “Orlando would not have become a tourist town in the way that it did. And that’s because Orlando is too far away from the coast,” said Richard Foglesong, author of “Married to the Mouse,” a book that explores Disney World’s early history. So what would Orlando have become in a theme park-free alternate reality? The Orlando Sentinel asked a longtime community leader, an economist and Disney historians to weigh in on what Orlando would be like today without the region’s largest employer and the world’s biggest tourist attraction set up by Walt Disney 50 years ago. Former Orange County Commission Chair Linda Chapin has a ready-to-go quip when asked the question: What would Orlando be like today without Disney? “Lakeland,” Chapin said. “I always say Lakeland, which means that we would be a pretty Florida town with lakes. We would experience growth in any event simply because we’re pretty and warm. But we would have missed out on all the major advantages that Disney brought us ... We were lucky to be picked.” From Chapin’s perspective, Disney put Orlando on the map. Without it, most people around the country would likely have never heard of Orlando. It would be just another small city in Florida. Having Disney in town caused an explosion of enrollment at the University of Central Florida and the Orlando International Airport to become one of the busiest airports in the country, Chapin said. “I believe we certainly would never have had an international airport of major repute. We probably would not have had the second-largest university in the country. We certainly would not have had a vibrant and exciting arts community,” said Chapin, whose political career includes serving as the chairwoman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and being elected county chair from 1990 to 1998. “So in that case, we probably would not have built what is going to be one of the best performing arts centers in the world.” But like most things in life, the positives come with “mixed blessings,” Chapin said. “Without Disney, we would not have a service sector economy where low wages dominate our workforce,” Chapin said. By October, many Disney union jobs will offer starting wages of $15 an hour. Outside Disney, many restaurants and attraction jobs in Orlando pay less. Affordable housing remains a major issue where some who work in Central Florida’s hospitality industry simply cannot afford to live here. If the emphasis on the tourism jobs were gone if Disney built somewhere else, could Orlando’s economy have been more diverse and attracted different industries or more Fortune 500 companies? Chapin isn’t so sure. Orlando doesn’t have the same draw as Miami or Tampa or Jacksonville. It’s not a great international city or a ritzy beach town. There aren’t any ports or a river. It’s tough to see what would have drawn corporate headquarters or technology into town, she said. “There some things that make Orlando desirable,” said Hector Sandoval, a University of Florida economics assistant professor. Orlando is centrally located in the state. And Orlando is strategically near a major artery with the Interstate 4 and the interchange with Florida’s Turnpike, Sandoval pointed out. But would that have been enough? “The thing is Orlando will be competing with other places like Lakeland or Ocala,” Sandoval said. The iconic Mickey Mouse balloons on sale at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in February 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Foglesong still believes the high-tech industries could have taken off in Orlando, pointing to the 1968 opening of Florida Technological University. Back then, the school originally specialized in engineering and tech. When Orlando grew after Disney World’s opening, the school eventually pivoted to a more general focus and rebranded itself as UCF. Without Disney and the population growth, maybe FTU wouldn’t have changed its specialty and could have been a springboard into Orlando’s tech industry today, Folglesong suggested. “One could imagine that the state Legislature and especially local politicians would have, in the absence of Disney, been more focused on growing that nascent high tech industry here into something more,” Foglesong said. Yet Sandoval warns there would be a trade-off if Orlando had never developed its mega tourism economy. Tech jobs would pay better but there would likely be fewer of them compared with tourism, he said. Walt Disney World Resort alone employed about 75,000 people before the pandemic. If Walt Disney chose to build his Magic Kingdom somewhere else than Orlando, what would sit today on those thousands of acres of land in Central Florida? Not much, predicts Disney historian Aaron Goldberg, author of “Buying Disney’s World.” Building Disney World took a superhuman effort. The swampy, untamed land required extensive construction to keep it dry, Goldberg said. “Disney went to great lengths,” he said. “Would anybody else go to that trouble to actually do anything? I sort of think, probably not,” Goldberg said. “I feel like there’d be a lot of cows still in Central Florida.” grusson@orlandosentinel.com

What to know about seats, views, lockers for VelociCoaster, Universal Orlando's new roller coaster. View the full article

Universal Orlando seeks Halloween Horror Nights scareactors and stilt walkers View the full article

We’ve learned SO much about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a.k.a. Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel, this May the 4th! It’s the Halcyon! Unfortunately, we learned that the two-night immersive hotel experience has been delayed until 2022. BUT! We also learned that there will be a REAL extending lightsaber onboard and that there will be the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, which will serve breakfast and lunch to guests before transforming into a more formal dinner venue and have performers each evening! Of course, an immersive spaceship needs a staff, and Disney World is HIRING actors to join the fleet! We already told you about Kylo Ren and Rey’s roles on the ship (which include STUNTS), but there are PLENTY of other jobs for actors aboard the Galactic Starcruiser, which also gives us some insight on this experience! We do get some pretty cool character encounters, though. First up, we have The Captain, who will be a worldly Pantoran in her 40s or 50s. “She is a strong and charismatic leader who has served as a well-respected ship commander for some time and demands the attention and focus of every room she walks into,” the job description states. ©Disney Next, there’s The Cruise Director, a HUMAN “with the capacity to learn that life is about more than the fun of the moment, and draws inspiration from the efforts she sees being made to bring harmony and justice to the galaxy.” ©Disney The crew is rounded out with the Ship Mechanic and The Fixer. The mechanic is a human with “with big dreams, his enthusiasm sometimes outpaces his capabilities, and, as a result, he tries to present a braggadocios front to mask the vulnerability of being far from home.” The fixer sounds Han Solo-esque with a devil-may-care attitude that “uses his charm to his advantage as he seeks out associates to enlist in his criminal enterprise.” This guy will “leave passengers wondering… was he the bull or the matador,” which sounds MYSTERIOUS! ©Disney There are also a few roles that will fill out the story, including the First Order Lieutenant who “is new to his position of power, and is working hard not to let us know that. He doesn’t see a line between abusing and leveraging power.” Finally, we KNOW there’s going to be an exclusive lightsaber training course on the Galactic Starcruiser, and Disney is hiring for Saber Trainers, who will “serve as expert wielders of the lightsaber and he/she/they take cruisers through a physical demonstration.” ©Disney We also got a FIRST LOOK at the Crown of Corellia Dining Room today, which will feature live performers, and these casting calls give a hint about the musical numbers. Disney is currently hiring for TWO roles: The First-Time Cruiser and the Galactic Superstar. The former is a Togrutan in his 20s who aspires to impress the Galactic Superstar. His musical style is described as “happy-go-lucky” and “easygoing” and a “struggling singer/songwriter looking for his big break.” If neo-soul, jazzy funk is more your style, you may enjoy the Galactic Superstar. She’s a “a phenomenally soulful singer who demands focus in every conversation and performance alike.” We smell a storyline! ©Disney If you want to apply, go to DisneyCareers. Submissions will be accepted through May 21st. We’re learning SO MUCH about the Galactic Starcruiser already, and it’s still a YEAR away! Whenever we learn more about this immersive experience, we’ll let you know everything we know! PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Is Officially on the Disney World Map! 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 about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World's Star Wars Hotel Is Hiring, and the Job Descriptions Reveal A LOT! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

May the 4th be WITH you, indeed! Star Wars Day Hat In honor of Star Wars Day, Disney dropped a TON of Star Wars merchandise and we tried SO many Star Wars Day treats like the Dark Side Chocolate Creation, Interstellar Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn, Galactic Swirl Funnel Cake, and we even drank out of Darth Vader’s helmet! That’s all fun and games, BUT Disney also revealed TONS of news today about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a.k.a. the Star Wars hotel. Some of it is VERY, VERY cool! (We’re getting A REAL LIGHTSABER! Guests can see a model at Hollywood Studios!) And some of it is, well, less cool. (The hotel’s opening is DELAYED until 2022.) It’s the Halcyon! And even though that opening is delayed until next year, Disney World is still getting ready for the BIG debut of the Halcyon by putting out a CASTING CALL for Actors With Stunt/Combat Abilities to play Rey and Kylo Ren! And there are hidden DETAILS about what guests will experience onboard the Galactic Starcruiser! Kylo Ren Wait, STUNTS?! For both Rey and Kylo Ren, “actors with prior experience or knowledge in stage combat, Wushu, martial arts or hand-to-hand are encouraged to attend,” which means we might get a BIG BATTLE between these two during the two-day experience. ©Disney In the casting call, we also learned more about how guests will interact with Rey and Kylo Ren! Guests can see them now in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is describing this as a “fully immersive experience where the story unfolds over two nights in a myriad of ways.” We also learned that Rey and Kylo Ren “will actively engage with passengers as much as with other performers.” Talk about a meet and greet!! Rey and Chewie in Galaxy’s Edge If you have COMBAT SKILLS and are interested in being a friend of Rey and Kylo Ren aboard the Galactic Starcruiser, you can apply on DisneyCareers! Submissions will be accepted through May 21st, with virtual callbacks happening between June 17th-21st! Galactic Starcruiser model With EVERY new piece of information that comes out about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, we get MORE AND MORE excited for this immersive experience! And when we get more news about this experience, we’ll let you know! PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Is Officially on the Disney World Map! 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 Galactic Starcruiser? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney World Is HIRING Actors to Play Rey and Kylo Ren at the Star Wars Hotel! 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. Pride Month is just a few weeks away, and we have seen an EXPLOSION of rainbow themed Disney merchandise for the occasion! Rainbow Collection TONS of these items are available for pre-order online, and we’ve spotted a few items around Walt Disney World too. But today we spotted a CLASSIC Disney souvenir with a modern rainbow twist at Disneyland! We found the Mickey Mouse Rainbow Disney Collection Ear Hat for Adults at the Emporium in Disneyland Park! Mickey Rainbow Ear Hat! We’ve seen the rainbow Mickey headband before, and the diagonal stripes from that colorful accessory can be seen on this pair of classic Mickey ears too! We also LOVE Mickey in front of those classic rainbow stripes! Rainbow Collection Ears We found this at Disneyland for $19.99, but if you aren’t heading to the parks any time soon, you can also preorder it NOW on shopDisney. Click here to pre-order the Mickey Ear Hat! This rainbow line is so fun and bright, and when we spot more Pride Month specialties at Disney World, Disneyland, or online, we’ll let you know where to find it. PHOTOS: Disney’s HUGE 2021 Rainbow Collection Has Arrived! 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 about Disney’s new Rainbow collection? Let us know in the comments! The post We Found a RAINBOW Spin on a Classic Disney Souvenir at Disneyland! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re taking a break from all that Star Wars madness in Disney World for a trip to the opposite coast in a newly reopened Disneyland! Disneyland Just a few days ago, we were able to greet the parks for the first time in forever. And, it was just as magical as it sounds! We saw characters, rode our favorite attractions, and (no surprise here) ate a LOT of food. But, we’re back again today to try another treat that has made its way into Disneyland Park! As you admire Sleeping Beauty Castle in all her glory, you can top off a wonderful day in the park with a BRAND NEW churro! Over at the Churro Cart in the hub area, you’ll find the Celebration Churro on the menu in honor of Disneyland’s grand reopening. Disneyland Churro Cart The birthday cake flavor churro is tossed in blue sugar with a marshmallow and sprinkles dip as an add-on for an extra $1. While this churro is definitely picture-perfect for Instagram, we didn’t taste the birthday cake much at all. And, since it’s classified as a specialty churro, we thought it was a bit of a let down for the additional $1 the birthday cake flavor costs. Celebration Churro Still, the marshmallow dip was lovely and added a bit of creaminess to the crunchy churro with every bite! So, the dip is totally worth the extra cost, if you head to the Churro Cart in front of Cinderella Castle! Marshmallow Dipping Sauce If you’re expecting that birthday cake flavor to really hit, then you may want to opt for a different churro instead. But, all of you die-hard Disney churro lovers out there would still enjoy the sweet, sugary treat regardless! You can pick up the Celebration Churro for $5.75 before enjoying the rest of the Disneyland parks once again. Take a look at the Lightsaber Churros in Disney World for May the 4th! 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 been back to Disneyland yet? Let us know in the comments below! The post REVIEW: There's a NEW Birthday Cake Churro in Disneyland! Can It Defeat the Classic?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve seen our fair share of shoulder plushes around Walt Disney World! Orange Bird Shoulder Plush If you want a lil buddy while hopping from park to park, you can grab a shoulder Orange Bird, shoulder Grogu, shoulder porg, shoulder Forky, or a shoulder Remy! But, here at DFB, we LOVE our snacks over everything else, and lately we’ve been dreaming about BOBA! Shanghai Milk Candy Bubble Tea in EPCOT’s China Pavilion If drinking Boba isn’t enough for you — and sometimes it isn’t for us — then get ready to fall in love with this BOBA SHOULDER PLUSH! Look at those CHEEKS! We spotted this little cutie full of bubbles and tea at Joy of Tea in EPCOT’s China Pavilion. Boba buddy! He’s so sweet we could ALMOST eat him, but of course, we’ll refrain, since he’s a plushie and NOT food. Boba! If you want to show your love of Boba all around Disney World (and beyond!), you can find him at Joy of Tea for $9.95. We LOVE unique souvenirs like this (and they’re good for the non-Disney fans in your party), so when we spot more, we’ll let you know where to find them! REVIEW: If You’re Obsessed with Bubble Tea, You NEED to See This Mochi in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you have any shoulder plushes? Let us know in the comments! The post Boba Fans NEED This Shoulder Plush We Found at Disney World Today! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article