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DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Well, howdy pardners! Howdy, Woody! We’ve made a couple visits to Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the past few days and now we’re here with a quick check-in on everything new! We didn’t spot any updates in food or construction — but we DID see some cool new merchandise! Hollywood Studios Merchandise Updates Celebrity 5 & 10 Celebrity 5 & 10 had a few new mugs including a Monorail Mug… Monorail Mug …and a Disney World Parks Mug! Disney Parks Mug Both are available for $14.99. You can get the new Disney Parks Mug online! Click here to snag it! Mickey’s of Hollywood Over at Mickey’s of Hollywood, there was a new-to-us Retro Disney World Hat with Mickey and Friends for $24.99. How fun! This cap is also available at Once Upon a Time. Disney World Hat Once Upon a Time Speaking of Once Upon a Time, this spot had Mickey and Minnie Gold Door Grabber Keychains! Door Grabbers And that’s all from Disney’s Hollywood Studios this time; it was just a little update today. As always, stay tuned to DFB for ALL the latest news from Disney World! Want to see more of the latest from Disney’s Hollywood Studios? 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. Headed to Hollywood Studios soon? Tell us in the comments! The post What's New at Disney's Hollywood Studios: A Monorail Mug and Keychain Door Grabbers! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Many of them came to Disneyland park in 1970 to get a fun, part-time job while they were in school ⎼ and wound up staying for five decades, building careers, some meeting their future spouses here, making lifelong friends and a couple even eventually recruiting their children to work here!http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/DKK8Lg-6KCk View the full article

Disney Cast Members Discover Ways To Conserve Water | Disneyland Resort View the full article

We’re live from Disneyland Resort today as select groups were allowed into Disneyland Park for a preview ahead of the reopening this Friday. Things are likely going to look pretty different from our last visit to the parks in early 2020, and we’re here to get you ALL the updates. Disneyland Today, we’re going to take a look at new procedures, crowds, wait times, and more! Let’s dive in to find out what going to Disneyland is like now! We will be updating this post throughout the day, so be sure to check back. Arriving at Disneyland Resort We have to say, Disneyland welcoming guests again was quite the sight to see. Health Measures We started to spot a few health measures right when we entered. Physical distancing signage was placed regularly. Physical Distancing Signage There are also Designated Dining Areas; this is a departure from the way dining is handled in Disney World. Designated Dining Area And we spotted some heavy-duty handwashing stations too. These are fancyyyyyy! Hand-Washing Stations Attractions Right when we walked in, we were greeted by the familiar sight of the Main Street Trolley clip-cloppin’ along. Main Street Vehicles And the Disneyland Railroad was running too! On the Train As you can see, a LOT has changed at Disneyland with the reopening. Remember, we’ll be updating this post throughout the day so be sure to keep checking in! Click here to learn more about Disneyland’s reopening! Disneyland Reopening Details and Info Click HERE for the All Latest Updates Disneyland Reopening April 30th California Residents Will Be the ONLY People Allowed to Visit Reopened Disneyland Initially Avengers Campus Set to Open June 4th Click Here to See All the Rides That Will Reopen Initially in Disneyland Click Here to See All the Restaurants That Will Reopen Initially in Disneyland Disneyland Ticket Price Info and Blockout Dates Released Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel Reopening Date Announced! Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks at a Disney Park Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Do you have questions about the reopening of Disneyland? Tell us in the comments! The post PHOTOS & VIDEOS: We're LIVE From Inside Disneyland! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all Star Wars fans!! May the 4th (a.k.a. Star Wars Day) is coming up soon and we’ve got some great news! Are You Part of the Resistance? You can celebrate Star Wars day at home by snagging some collectibles or new tees, cooking up Star Wars recipes, and watching the Star Wars films (of course). But, if you’ll be in Disney World, soon you’ll have the chance to try some out-of-this-world treats leading up to Star Wars Day! Earlier today, Disney announced some special treats that will be available in advance of and right around Star Wars Day in Disney World. Check them out below! Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs The Child Mini Dome Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with cookies and cream mousse (available April 30th through May 5th) The Child Dome Cake The Ganachery at Disney Springs Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop – Milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls (available April 30th through May 5th) Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop! Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft Serve Sundae – Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon chocolate accent piece (available May 2nd through 5th) ©Disney Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you’ll be visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 4th or 5th, you’ll get the chance to try some of these special treats: Churro Cart, Anaheim Produce, and Grand Ave. Cart Lightsaber Churros – Red or blue churro lightsabers served with chocolate sauce for dipping (available May 4th and 5th) Lightsaber Churros Epic Eats Galactic Swirl Funnel Cake – Black and white funnel cake with strawberries, space dust, and candy rocks (available May 4th and 5th) Galactic Funnel Cake Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Oi-Oi Puff – Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (available May 4th and 5th) Oi-Oi Puff Hyperion, Animation, and Hollywood Popcorn Carts Interstellar Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn (available May 4th and 5th) You can see the popcorn on the bottom right ©Disney The Trolley Car Café, PizzeRizzo, and Backlot Express Dark Side Chocolate Creation – Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse topped with slivered almonds sitting on a chocolate shortbread cookie (available May 4th and 5th) Oasis Canteen, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Sunshine Day Bar Cosmic Rum Punch – Coconut rum, rum, pineapple juice, Minute Maid Lemonade, and grenadine served with a glow cube (available May 4th and 5th) Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Cafe Jettison Juice – Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon beverage syrup served with a glow cube (available May 4th and 5th) ©Disney Darth Vader Stein served with fountain drink (available at all locations May 4th and 5th. After May 4th, you’ll continue to find it at Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, and Rosie’s All-American) Darth Vader Stein WOW! You could have quite the galactic adventure trying to snag all of these treats during your trip. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, especially as Star Wars day gets closer, and we’ll let you know what we find! Animatronic bartenders?! Click here to see some of the restaurant ideas that didn’t make it into Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! 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 of these treats are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments! The post See ALL the May the 4th Star Wars Treats Coming to Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The pandemic has resulted in constant changes to travel and other policies. Health and Safety Signs in Disney World If you’ve been traveling in the last few years, you may be familiar with the Real ID. These new ID cards were originally supposed to roll out across the entire United States by October 1st, 2020, but that deadline was pushed back due to the pandemic. Now, we have another update. Real ID cards were supposed to be required for all airport travel or to enter federal facilities starting October 1st, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security postponed that deadline. According to the Los Angeles Times, that deadline has now been pushed back again, to May 3rd, 2023. Airplane After the May 3rd, 2023 deadline, people will need their Real ID to board flights or enter federal facilities. If they don’t have one, a passport or military ID will work as an alternative. But if you’re planning on traveling frequently, you may want to switch over to that Real ID to make things easier. Orlando International Airport People who renew their licenses are currently getting compliant IDs, but the process is slow and only 43% of all ID cards are compliant right now. Old IDs will remain effective for driving, buying liquor, and gambling. We’ll keep you posted on if this deadline is extended again, so stay tuned to DFB. Read the Latest on Airport Travel Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Traveling This Year? There’s Been a CHANGE to ID Requirements first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s a BIG week for Disneyland Resort! We can’t wait to be back! Disneyland is officially reopening on April 30th (that’s FRIDAY!), and we’ve already told ya all about how to buy your tickets, book your Park Passes, and more. But Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is reopening this week, too! And if you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to know ALL the details. What Will Be Open? Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is reopening on April 29th, with the Disney Vacation Club villas reopening on May 2nd. The hotel will be open at a limited capacity, with modified amenities and recreational activities. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa ©Disney So what will be open? Character dining, in-room dining, and any other character experiences will all be temporarily suspended. As far as recreation goes, you’ll be able to enjoy the pools, fitness centers, and shops, but with limited operations. Hearthstone Lounge, GCH Craftsman Bar, and GCH Craftsman Grill will be open for dining, but only for hotel guests. ©Disney Resort services will also undergo a few changes. Club-level service and in-room celebrations are temporarily unavailable, as is valet laundry. You can read the full list below: ©Disney We will continue to keep you posted as this evolves and changes. Read More About What Will Be Available! Who Can Visit? The theme parks are only open to California residents, but Disney has not stated that the same requirement applies to the Grand Californian. Just know that if you’re an out-of-state guest staying at the hotel, you won’t be able to visit the theme parks. Disneyland Resort, here we come! As we mentioned, hotel dining is only available for those with a hotel reservation. If you aren’t staying at the Grand Californian on the day you want to dine, you won’t be able to eat at Hearthstone Lounge, GCH Craftsman Bar, or GCH Craftsman Grill. Read More About Who Can Eat Here! How Can I Make a Reservation? Reservations for the Grand Californian are OPEN! We’ve got a step-by-step guide for you on exactly how to do that. You’ll have to visit the Disneyland website to select your dates and room type. Do note that you’ll only have to verify California residency if you’re buying theme park tickets at the same time as part of a package. Checking Availability ©Disney If you are buying tickets, we recommend grabbing them at the same time as your hotel reservation. It’ll save you a lot of time! Check Out Our Guide for Making a Reservation! What If I Want to Visit the Parks, Too? While the Grand Californian hasn’t specified residency requirements for booking a stay, the theme parks are only open to California residents until further notice. So keep that in mind if you’re planning a visit! If you are a California resident, you need to know that a reservation at the Grand Californian does not guarantee entry into the parks. You’ll still need a valid ticket and Park Pass reservation. Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle We have a full guide for you here on making that Park Pass reservation. The main thing to remember is that you do need one for each day you’re visiting the parks, EVEN if you’re a guest at the Grand Californian. Here’s Our Guide to Making a Park Pass Reservation! As the hotel reopens and we receive even more details, we’ll be sure to keep you posted. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disneyland reopening news! Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland Reopening! Disneyland Reopening Details and Info Click HERE for the All Latest Updates Disneyland Reopening April 30th California Residents Will Be the ONLY People Allowed to Visit Reopened Disneyland Initially Avengers Campus Set to Open June 4th Click Here to See All the Rides That Will Reopen Initially in Disneyland Click Here to See All the Restaurants That Will Reopen Initially in Disneyland Disneyland Ticket Price Info and Blockout Dates Released Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel Reopening Date Announced! Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks at a Disney Park Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe Are you planning a stay at the Grand Californian? Let us know in the comments! The post Your Complete Guide to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Reopening first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT is undergoing a MAJOR transformation — and that means there will be some new eats! EPCOT In addition to new rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, we’re getting NEW restaurants like La Crêperie de Paris in the France Pavilion and Space 220 in Future World! And over in the Italy Pavilion, a new gelato spot is on the way…and we FINALLY have more details. Today, Disney shared that Gelateria Toscana is opening in May — that’s NEXT month! Disney first announced the cart in 2019, and we’ve been following the construction closely ever since. Construction on Gelateria Toscana So what goodies can we expect here? Well, we’ll be able to choose from gelati, sorbetti, gelati floats, and more! We’ll get up to 12 different varieties of gelato and sorbet — and that includes gluten-friendly and plant-based flavors. Curious about the MENU? We’ve got that right here for ya! ©Disney Cannolis, zeppole, and tiamisù? Oh my! You can bet we’ll be here in May tasting everything this sweet spot has to offer. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news! Take a Look at the Construction on Gelateria Toscana! 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 this new cart to open? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: MENU and Opening Timeline for New Gelato Cart in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney employees who are fully vaccinated by Sept. 30, either through the single-dose vaccine or both doses of a two-dose vaccine, may get a payment equal to four hours of pay. View the full article Disney World is offering up cash to employees who get vaccinated against coronavirus, joining other Central Florida businesses pushing to protect their workforce against the pandemic. Employees who are fully vaccinated by Sept. 30, either through the single-dose vaccine or both doses of a two-dose vaccine, become eligible for a one-time payment equal to four hours of pay, according to Disney World spokeswoman Erica Ettori. Disney World has also been offering vaccines to employees by appointment at Disney Health Services and through “pop-up” clinics. The company did not release how many staffers have received the vaccine so far. The moves by Disney are a good thing for the more than 8,000 Disney attractions and custodial workers represented by Unite Here Local 362, said its president, Eric Clinton. “They’re guest-facing. They come in contact in some cases with thousands of tourists on a daily basis,” Clinton said. “Every single thing that we can do to protect people, including getting vaccinated, moves us towards being safe and back towards a new normal.” Universal Orlando Resort is holding a multiday, on-site vaccination event this week that it anticipates hundreds of employees will participate in, according to spokesman Tom Schroder. “So that we can remove any potential barriers and encourage vaccinations, we will compensate our team members for a missed shift should they have side effects,” Schroder wrote in an email. Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, owner of more than 1,820 chain restaurants across the country including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, said in January it would grant workers two hours of pay for each dose of the vaccine they receive, for up to four hours of compensation. “I don’t have specific numbers to share, but I can tell our team members are taking advantage of the benefit,” Darden spokesman Rich Jeffers said. “In fact, over the past three weeks, we’ve seen a weekly increase in the number of team members receiving their first shot as the eligible age has dropped across the country.” This is a developing story. Check back for updates. afuller@orlandosentinel.com

Recently, we’ve seen some big changes made regarding distancing and masks in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical Distancing Signs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued updated guidance regarding what activities fully vaccinated individuals can do outdoors without a mask. And earlier today, Mayor Demings of Orange County, Florida (where part of Disney World is located) relaxed some distancing rules in the county and announced some mask policy changes coming in the future. Mayor Demings also specifically spoke about theme parks and what changes might happen there. As we mentioned above, during a press conference held today, Orange County, Florida mayor, Mayor Jerry Demings, announced a series of changes coming to Orange County’s mask and distancing guidelines. The changes will take place over phases. During Phase 1 (effective immediately) social distancing is allowed to be reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet in all settings. ©Orange County, Florida Those who are fully vaccinated should continue to follow all appropriate CDC guidelines for wearing masks. You can click here to see a full break-down of the announcement and the other two phases. So, what could this change — effective immediately — regarding distancing mean for theme parks in Orange County, like Walt Disney World? Well, one reporter from News 6 asked just that during the press conference. The reporter asked whether there had been any conversations with the theme parks and what changes we could see when it comes to tourism. Social distancing markers Mayor Demings responded by saying, “So in terms of have we had any communication with our theme parks, yes, we’ve had communication with them.” He specifically noted that he expects the theme parks “will make some adjustments,” but that those adjustments “will be based upon keeping their guests safe.“ Distancing Markers Mayor Demings said “this allows them as they manage the lines and other things for those outdoor types of settings and even indoor, they’re able to increase capacity as a result of that.” It seems what Mayor Demings is indicating is that the immediate change of allowing distancing guidelines to change from 6 feet to 3 feet could potentially allow theme parks, like Walt Disney World, to increase their capacity. Keep in mind that private companies, like Disney World can set their own guidelines. But, the reporter who asked the question did note that the parks generally indicated they would follow county leaders in setting their guidelines. Currently, capacity at Disney World (from what has been shared) is capped at 35%. In terms of increasing capacity, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek had previously noted that whether Disney will be able to increase capacity is really going to be determined by the rate of vaccinations of the public. That statement was originally made back in February of this year. Distancing Sign More individuals across the United States have become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Mayor Demings has indicated that in Orange County, Florida alone, 43.4% of eligible residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine so far. Disney has not yet announced any changes to its capacity levels or other regulations. We are on the lookout for more information and will let you know what we find. Click here to see details about a study that suggests theme parks could reduce social distancing guidelines. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Could Capacity Increase Soon in Disney World? Florida Mayor Says Yes first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This Walt Disney World Resort edition of Best Bites is jam-packed with a new opening announcement, fun menu offerings, and, of course, all things to celebrate a favorite day of the year for fans of Star Wars – May the 4th Be With You! Read on for all the delicious details.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/DfJJnnQ6tj8 View the full article

There are plenty of family-friendly events happening this week and weekend in Central Florida. View the full article

As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines continues to develop, we’ve seen quite a few changes made in terms of mask guidance and rules. Flower and Garden Mask Just yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed certain parts of its mask guidance when it comes to outdoor activities for those who are fully vaccinated. In Orange County, Florida, the county where part of Walt Disney World is located, there is a mask mandate in place. The Orange County Mayor has recently indicated that changes regarding the mask mandate and social distancing rules may be coming this summer, and now we’ve got some important updates. Earlier today, Mayor Demings of Orange County, Florida, announced changes to some of Orange County’s mask and distancing guidelines during a press conference. These new rules will become effective in phases based on different vaccination levels in the county. Here’s a breakdown: Phase 1 Phase 1 of these updated policies becomes effective IMMEDIATELY. Under Phase 1, physical distancing may be reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet in all settings. Fully vaccinated individuals should, however, to continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding wearing facial coverings. ©Orange County, Florida According to the latest data from Mayor Demmings, approximately 43.4% of eligible Orange County, Florida residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines so far. Phase 2 Phase 2 is expected to become effective when 50% of the Orange County, Florida population age 16+ has received the first dose of their vaccine. Face Mask At that point, the following policies will become effective: The face covering mandate for the outdoors will be lifted for all individuals Physical distancing of at least 3 feet between groups will be “encouraged” Facial coverings will still be required indoors, except when eating or drinking ©Orange County, Florida Keep in mind, this phase will only begin when the county reaches that 50% vaccination mark. Mayor Demings said that Dr. Raul Pino, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, has indicated that the 50% could be reached in the next 3 weeks. But, things could change. Phase 3 Phase 3 is expected to begin in Orange County, Florida when 70% of the Orange County, Florida population ages 16 or older have received their first dose of the vaccine and/or Orange County’s 14-day rolling COVID-19 positivity rate is 5% or below. At that point, ALL mandates in Orange County, Florida will be lifted. ©Orange County, Florida According to Mayor Demings, the 14-day rolling COVID-19 positivity date yesterday was 8%. Mayor Demings said he is making this announcement with caution and doesn’t want residents to become complacent. In terms of further guidance, Mayor Demings noted that if it is unknown if a person is fully vaccinated or not, you should assume they are NOT vaccinated and take appropriate precautions. Health & Safety Signs When it comes to theme parks, Mayor Demings said they have spoken to the theme parks and he believes they will make some adjustments, but that those adjustments will be focused on keeping their guests safe. He also noted that they would likely be able to increase capacity. ©Orange County TV Live Stream Keep in mind that the CDC does note that fully vaccinated individuals can gather or conduct some activities OUTDOORS without wearing a mask. But, the CDC’s guidelines also note that fully vaccinated individuals (as well as unvaccinated individuals) should still wear a mask when in a crowded, outdoor event like a live performance, parade, or sports event. ©CDC At this time, Disney World has not announced any updates or changes to their mask policy. For the time being, masks continue to be required throughout all of Disney World at all times for all guests ages 2 and up (including those who have been vaccinated) unless specifically allowed to be removed. Mask Rules Guests are allowed to remove their masks when swimming, when actively eating or drinking while socially distanced from others and stationary, or while at a mask-free relaxation station. Masks may also be removed temporarily when taking an outdoor photo while distanced from others and stationary. Certain masks are not allowed in Disney World (such as masks with valves), and guests who do not wear an approved mask appropriately will be asked to leave. Face Mask Signage At the moment, Disney World’s website also still indicates that guests should maintain 6 feet of social distancing between them. ©Disney We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more details on any future changes as to mask or social distancing policies. Click here to see the CDC’s latest updates regarding fully vaccinated individuals and mask guidance for outdoor activities. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post NEWS: Distancing Rules Relaxed and Mask Changes Announced for Orange County, Florida first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando has free-ticket offer for U.S. military members, veterans and families through June 27. View the full article SeaWorld Orlando has a free-ticket offer going for U.S. military members, veterans and their families through June 27. The single-day tickets must be secured through the Waves of Honor program by May 16. The offer also applies at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the SeaWorld theme parks in San Antonio and San Diego. Orlando-based SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have been involved with Waves of Honor since 2005. “We are honored to continue this longstanding tradition as a small gesture of the deep gratitude we owe all those who serve and offer their families the chance to make unforgettable memories,” Marc Swanson, interim chief executive officer, said in a news release. To get the complimentary tickets, military veterans and retirees must register at www.WavesofHonor.com. They can also register up to three dependents online. The offer is not available at the theme parks’ ticket gates. Up to six additional tickets can be purchased at 50 percent off. SeaWorld Orlando continues to have health and safety measures in place, including face covering requirements, temperature checks, limited capacity, physical distancing and enhanced sanitization. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com

Looking for a Disney-inspired mask for your vacation? Face Mask Disney has plenty of ’em up for grabs: they’re inspired by restaurants, our favorite characters, and so much more. But today, we spotted some NEW masks in the parks…and they’re a little different than the norm! First, we’ve gotta talk price. Face masks debuted in the parks at $6 apiece, before a price hike to $9.99. Now, these new masks are $14.99 each! What could possibly be different?! Well, take a look and see for yourself… New masks! First of all, these new masks have fancy new packaging! That packaging is still plastic — just a little sturdier — so we can safely say this is not one of Disney’s plastic-free packaging missions. As for the masks themselves? They’re both Mickey-inspired! It’s Mickey! Now, that new packaging is probably not the cause of that price increase, so what is?! Well, we noticed a nose wire down the middle of the mask, which could help it conform to your face a bit better. These new masks are also adjustable! Check out that wire! When we compared one of these masks to the old design, we noticed that it was just a bit bigger. That “old” design is already a newer fabric (and bigger fit) than the OG Disney masks, so we’re curious how this new version compares. We’ll be providing a full review a little later for ya, with all the details on fit and comfort. Stay tuned for that! The new…vs. the old! We spotted these new masks in Discovery Island Trading Co in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Emporium in Magic Kingdom. We’ll keep an eye out for them anywhere else, too! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news. Check Out Disney World’s Newest Mask Policy! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today! With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2021 to save 25% off the cover price today! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Would you buy one of these new masks? Let us know in the comments! The post A PRICE Increase and a New Fit -- What's Different About Disney World's Masks?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Dolphins, manatees, ospreys, frigate birds, tarpon, manta rays, loggerhead sea turtles. Some people go to theme parks to see animals (or animatronics) like these behind a fence, or glass tank or berm. They were all just over the balcony rail in my view from room 1864 at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. View the full article

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed, states are looking towards reopening. Florida Sunset Florida relies heavily on the tourism industry, and the pandemic greatly affected travel to the state. However, as more people become vaccinated and travel increases again, the tourism industry is slowly returning to normal. According to Spectrum News, at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Visit Orlando President and CEO Cassandra Matej presented on domestic and international travel numbers. Domestic travel is expected to rebound this year in Orlando, surpassing the pre-pandemic numbers from 2019. Hotel occupancy is increasing, too. Flying to Orlando However, international travel hasn’t made the same recovery. Travel restrictions remain in place for many countries, so international travel is still largely on hold. Matej explains that “It’s going to be just a little bit longer road because there are so many obstacles, and obviously from the guidance make sure when its right to open border safely and welcome the world back to Orlando.” In fact, international travel may not rebound until the end of 2023. Orlando International Airport Tourism in the state creates over 400,000 jobs, so it has a massive impact on the economy. With new policies constantly emerging, this situation is constantly evolving. We’ll keep you posted with the latest, so stay tuned to DFB. Read the CDC’s Latest Guidance for Mask-Wearing Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Here’s How the Pandemic Is STILL Impacting Orlando’s International Tourism first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Disneyland Resort is always looking for ways to conserve precious resources, especially water.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/8QK-BrBK_G0 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. Few things are more exciting than planning a Disney trip, but it can certainly be overwhelming! Which hotel should you stay at? How many dining reservations should you squeeze into one day? And how many Minnie ears are too many to buy/bring? A Beautiful Sight at Magic Kingdom! You have so much to think about already, and the last thing you want is to be on your perfectly planned trip and realize that you forgot to bring an essential item! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back (or your bag) — let us guide you on the 7 surprising items we always bring to Disney World (that you probably haven’t about) that we think are total game changers! Bed Sheets This may sound a bit crazy, but hear us out. You know how for your bed at home you probably use a fitted bottom sheet and then a top sheet to cover yourself with? Well, at Disney World, you will find bottom sheets covering the mattress of the bed, and top sheets you can cover yourself in. But, here’s the catch. Those bottom sheets typically aren’t fitted! Bed and Murphy Bed So, sometimes you might find that the bottom sheet will move around during the night as it may be a bit shorter, and then it won’t cover the whole mattress. If you want to make sure the bottom sheet doesn’t move around on you, you might want to bring your own fitted bottom sheet! If you don’t want to bring one from home, you could buy a disposable set (click here to see one we found on Amazon but it doesn’t have many reviews, so proceed with caution)! Bay Lake Tower And while you’re at it, bringing whatever sheet you use to cover yourself with (in addition to the fitted bottom sheet) might not hurt either. It can sometimes be helpful to bring those to make you feel more comfortable and give you a good night of rest! You’ll need it for all those busy park days! Click here to tour a Caribbean Beach Resort Pirate Room! Storage Baggies Storage baggies might not come to mind when you think of what to pack, but there are TONS of uses for these all around the Disney Parks! You can save a leftover snack to nosh on later, protect your phone/other electronics during the rain or water rides, or keep track of the glow cubes your kiddos have collected from each restaurant (trust us, they’ll want one from each place!). You may not know what you’ll need a storage bag for until you get into a situation where you wished you had one! Grabbing a handful of plastic baggies is easy, but you could also get some sturdier, reusable ones like the ones in the photo below (click here to check them out)… ©HomeLux Reusable Storage Bags | Amazon …or the one that is part of Disney’s new set of reusable items! Reusable Snack Container We have a feeling you’ll find more uses for them than you might expect! Reusable Straws A number of years ago, the Disney World theme parks started doing away with plastic straws. Now, while at Disney World, you’ll generally just find paper straws. If you’re not a fan of paper straws or think you might need something that’s a bit more sturdy, then you may want to consider bringing your own straw. After all, those paper straws don’t always hold up the best with certain drinks (especially not a frozen boozy beverage!) Don’t like that paper straw? Bring your own! There are a TON of options online and in stores for this now. For example, you could grab this colorful set that comes with eight straws plus straw cleaners. ©Kitchen Up | Amazon, Reuseable Silicone and Stainless Steel Straws with cleaners in a pouch You could also grab some with a Disney flair, like the reusable straw travel set that folds and comes with a cleaner… Reusable Straw Set …the reusable straw set that comes with multiple options… Fun straws! …or the reusable utensils set that comes with a reusable straw as well. Here’s everything ya get! When you’re done using them, you can wash them up and store them in your bag until the next time you grab a snack or drink. Click here to see our experience using reusable silverware in Disney World! Flip Flops/Extra Socks Comfy shoes are THE way to go in the parks, and tennis shoes might be many people’s go-to. But, there is nothing worse than sloshing around in wet socks after an afternoon rainstorm or picking the wet seat on Kali River Rapids. To avoid this travesty, pack a pair of lightweight flip-flops or extra socks to throw into your bag! Flip Flops You can change into the flip-flops during a water ride, or while trekking through large puddles, and then change back into your socks and shoes once things are dry. Or if you get caught in the rain unexpectedly and your socks get soaked, you can change into a fresh pair of clean, dry socks once the rain stops. When it comes to flip-flops, we recommend that you get a non-slip one, so that you can avoid potential falls. There are a few options on Amazon, like the one in the photo below (click here to check them out). ©Shower Shoez | Amazon You can also bring a pair you already own or grab some in Disney World. Click here to see what a severe weather warning day looks like in Disney World so you know what to expect! Multi-plug Outlet If you’re like us, you probably have a LOT of things you need to be plugged in during your stay. Multiple phones, several laptops, all your smartwatches, curling irons, a hairdryer, a portable fan…that all takes up a lot of precious plug real estate! The solution? Bring a multi-plug adapter to keep all of your devices within reach. There are even some, like the one in the photo below, that have plugs on the side (Click here to grab it)! ©TESSAN | Amazon These plugs can be a great help and make charging all of your essentials at night much easier! Handsoap Disney does a great job of supplying quality shampoo and conditioner in their hotel rooms. But one thing some people don’t love are the bars of soap provided to wash your hands! For some, a bar of soap might be totally fine. But others just prefer the use of regular liquid hand soap to wash their hands. If bars of soap aren’t your thing, you could fill these foam pump bottles with liquid hand soap from home to keep by your hotel room sink! ©JIUZHU | Amazon Then, you won’t have to worry about using that bar of soap or ever running out of soap! Refillable Water Bottle Staying hydrated in Disney World is KEY, and carrying a refillable water bottle is a great way to both stay hydrated and save money. Remember that you can get FREE cups of water at most counter service spots in Disney World. So, you can just stop in, get a free cup of water, refill your water bottle, and be on your way! No need to purchase those water bottles in the park (which can be QUITE expensive — though we’ve got some tips to help you save a few $$)! This Brita water bottle has a filter built into it to help remove some of that Florida water taste, which is especially helpful if you’re getting water from a water fountain (if you know, you know), or remember you can ask for a free cup of water at any quick-service spot and pour that in. ©Brita | Amazon If you want to take it a step further, you can get this misting water bottle to help keep you cool in the hot Florida sun! ©O2 Misting Water Bottle And of course, there are tons of Disney water bottle options, including a NEW one that actually rolls up for easy storage in your park bag! Collapsible Water Bottle And that’s our list of some of the unique things we always bring to Disney World. Hopefully, this list will help make your next Disney experience just a little bit less stressful so that you can enjoy every minute of your trip! Check out the video below for more tips on what you should bring to Disney World! We’ll keep making our way around the parks and working on more posts to give you tons of useful tips and tricks! Stay tuned for more. Click here to check out twelve essentials you won’t want to forget in your park bag 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. Is there anything you always bring on your Disney vacation that isn’t on this list? Let us know in the comments! The post My Own Bedsheets and 6 Other Surprising Things We Always Bring To Disney World 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. Are you in the market for a Disney deal!? Balloons! It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for Disney deals since you can spot new ones pretty regularly! If you’re looking for merch deals, you might want to see about getting a free key with your Disney purchase. Today, you’ve got an ADDED Disney deal if you’re shopping online… . The FREE SHIPPING deal is BACK at shopDisney! Today only, you can enter the code FREESHIP at checkout to pass on those shipping costs. And guess what? There’s NO minimum purchase! ©Disney Typically, you need to spend over $75 to get free shipping (using the code SHIPMAGIC), but today’s deal means you can buy as few items as you want! ©Disney Keep in mind, this deal is TODAY ONLY. It ends at 11:59PM PT tonight on April 28th. These deals crop up pretty regularly but it’s a good idea to take advantage of them if you’re looking for some Disney items! ©Disney As always, we’ll keep you posted with more Disney deals. Stay tuned! Click here to head over to shopDisney and get shopping! 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 will you be picking up today? Tell us in the comments! The post FREE Disney Shipping is BACK Online! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re taking the guesswork out of one of the most expensive parts of your Disney World trip — eating! Make it pink! Make it blue! Yeah yeah, we’re the Disney Food Blog so it makes sense, but we’ve got some surprises on the list of Disney World Restaurants practically EVERYONE loves…and some they all seem to hate! 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 restaurant!The post DFB Video: 15 Disney World Restaurants Practically EVERYONE Loves first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Bruce the shark, longtime figure at Universal Studios dating back to the Jaws days, returns after absence of several months. View the full article

We know there’s lots of work goin’ on at Disney World’s hotels…but what about Disneyland Paris? ©Disney Well, there are lots of changes happening across the Atlantic, too! The new Art of Marvel hotel is under construction, and Disney just announced a giant transformation of the property’s most iconic resort: the Disneyland Hotel. Disney announced today that the “complete refurbishment” coming to Disneyland Hotel is actually part of a larger plan to renovate all of Disneyland Paris’ hotels! That’s a total transformation to over 5,700 rooms. We’ve already seen Cars incorporated into Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe and Toy Story into Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, so the Disneyland Hotel retheme is the next phase in that massive process. ©Disney So what is this new theme, you may ask? It’s all about princesses! When completed, the resort will be the “first Disney Hotel to celebrate a royal theme.” We’ll see characters from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Frozen, AND Tangled, both in public spaces and in the rooms themselves. We’ll see new “refined” decor, while the hotel’s classic Victorian architecture remains. ©Disney The start of the work on Disneyland Hotel indicates an acceleration to Disney’s overall refurbishment plan. We’ll keep a close eye on the progress and keep ya posted with any news. Stay tuned to DFB! Check Out the Work on Disneyland Paris’ Art of Marvel Hotel! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited about this transformation? Let us know in the comments! The post Disneyland Paris Announces Retheme to an ICONIC Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This morning, “King Chad,” the heartwarming and beautiful piece of art that was previously displayed in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, found its permanent home at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) thanks to its generous donation by concept artist and former Disney Imagineer, Nikkolas Smith. Honoring the life and legacy of Black Panther hero, Chadwick Boseman, this tribute will now bring joy and inspiration to the patients at CHLA.http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DisneyParks/~4/ZVIsi4zGDXE View the full article

Are you traveling to Disney World in 2021? You Could Be Looking at THIS AWESOME View! One of the biggest parts of prepping for your vacation is choosing where to stay during your trip. Disney World has tons of resort options for every price point. But, if you’re looking to save some extra cash (and really, who isn’t?!), here are some top tips for scoring the best deals on Disney hotels this year! DFB Deals and Discounts Page The first place you might want to head when looking for discounts on resort rooms is our DFB Disney discounts and deals page. There, we post the latest updates about great deals you can get on your hotel (and more) for your next Disney trip. Have You Ever Stayed at the Yacht Club or Beach Club Resorts? We’ve got information about Disney World hotel deals, Disney Springs resort area hotel deals, and even some discount information about other Orlando area hotels. We also keep an eye out for when those discounts will be expiring and try to post reminders for you so you can book in time. So, be sure to keep an eye out for those reminder posts from us! Click here to visit our DFB Disney discounts and deals page! Special Offers on the Disney World Website Another place you’ll want to check is the Special Offers page on the Disney World website. There, you’ll find all of the current discounts and deals listed, including all the details and eligibility requirements. Generally, we try to pull all of the big info from this site and place it on our deals page, but things can change REALLY often, so it’s always a good idea to check this page when planning your next trip. What deals will you find? ©Disney Right now, you could save up to 30% on select Disney World hotel rooms through July 2021. There are also special savings available for Passholders and military members. Make sure to keep checking this page periodically, and especially stop here to see what options are available before you book your trip (but again, back to point #1, we share the latest on ALL these discounts on our page and break it down very straightforward and simple for you!). What Disney World Hotel Will You Book With Your Discounts? Even after your trip is booked, keep an eye on the Special Offers page until you travel. Sometimes better discounts become available closer to your vacation dates, and you might be able to modify your reservation or call Disney to see if you can have the new deal applied to the price of your trip. You Might Be Able to Stay at a Disney Hotel for WAY Less! Using these discounts could help you save a lot! Click here to see some of the latest Disney deals and discounts! Travel During a Slower Season As you may know, Disney World uses a date-based pricing system for their hotel rooms. What you probably don’t realize is just how much you can save by traveling during the slower season. Fancy Living at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Just as an example, let’s look at some prices during the week of Christmas. During that time, a standard room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort is $290 per night on average, a pirate-themed room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is $402 per night on average, and a room at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is $926 per night on average. If you look at those SAME rooms in late September, they’re $187 a night, $334 a night, and $636 a night, respectively. That’s a BIG difference. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Might Be Slightly More Feasible For Your Budget Depending on When You Go If you multiply those savings over the course of a week, you could save hundreds or even a thousand dollars or more. Plus, traveling during a slower season could also help you save on your park tickets as well, since their pricing is also date-based. Have You Ever Been To Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Now, we get that traveling during a slower season — which tends to be when everyone is in school or work — might not be feasible for you. The busier seasons tend to be busier for a few reasons, one of those being that those are the times when many kids are off of school and/or adults are freer to take a vacation. So, this is a tip that might not work for everyone. But, if it’s something that your family can arrange, it could help you save some BIG bucks. Are ticket prices increasing in 2022? Check out the details here! Choose a Cheaper Alternative This may seem like an obvious solution, but there are plenty of great accommodations at or around Disney World that many people don’t consider, but they could save you some money! Let’s start with Disney’s Value Resorts. Disney has a few value resorts, including Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, which recently reopened. But, we’d like to specifically talk about Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. There are SO Many Cute Things to See at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! Both of these resorts have awesome theming as well as access to the Disney Skyliner with direct transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That access to the Skyliner is a major perk for these two hotels that are on the lower end in terms of hotel pricing in Disney World. Okay, it’s not the monorail and it’s not walking access to the parks — we get that — but if you’re mainly planning to visit EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, it can be a super convenient and fun way to get to those parks. Click here to see 8 reasons you should DEFINITELY consider a Disney World value resort hotel! If you’re looking for something a little fancier, you can always book a stay at a Value Resort, and then make dining reservations at a Deluxe Resort. For those staying at a Skyliner area hotel, Disney’s Riviera Resort is a lovely place to stop for a high-end meal and a relaxing evening. You could stay at Pop Century, but use the Skyliner to head to the Riviera for a more luxurious dinner. How Badly Do You Want to Try This Tiramisu from Bar Riva?! So, you can still have some deluxe fun on a value resort budget — win, win! Heads up though — “resort hopping,” as this is commonly known, isn’t as simple as it used to be. Since Disney World reopened, guests can’t just stroll into other resorts to check them out. You need to plan in advance to make reservations at restaurants you want to visit. Click here to see our details on how to resort hop now in Disney World to make sure you take all the proper steps to be able to get around. Click here for the DFB exclusive Skyliner resort food tour! Consider Non-Disney Hotels On-Property If you’re looking for deluxe accommodations at a moderate price point, you have a few different options. There are actually a good number of non-Disney-owned hotels ON property and many offer really nice accommodations for less. First, make sure to check out The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts in the EPCOT resort area. These hotels are owned by Marriott, but they’re located right next door to Disney’s BoardWalk and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Here’s a Look at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort! The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are very nice, and generally speaking are considered to be as nice as a Disney World deluxe resort. They also have a MULTITUDE of amenities, including the fact that they’re walking distance from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios! Plus, because they aren’t owned by Disney, they often run more or unique specials, especially with groups like AAA. You also have the ability to use Marriott rewards at these hotels (if you’re a member), so you could get a pretty good deal at the Swan or Dolphin. You’ll just have to look at the prices, crunch the numbers, and see what the best deal is for you. Consider the Disney Springs Area Hotels The other thing we recommend for those looking to stay on Disney World property but not pay too much is to research the Disney Springs area hotels. Many of these hotels are walking distance from Disney Springs, with many of the same perks that Disney-owned resorts have at a much cheaper price point. Hilton Orlando Disney Springs ©Disney They offer transportation to the parks and you may be able to use your rewards points to book them if you’re, say, a Hilton Honors member, depending on the hotel you pick. Look at the Moderate Hotels Looking for a Disney-owned resort that isn’t quite at the level of a value hotel, but you’re also not looking to pay deluxe hotel prices? Try checking out Disney’s Moderate hotels, including things like Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This central tower building is on-par with Disney’s deluxe options and is home to some great dining choices. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is also now the only Disney World Moderate Resort with 2 fitness centers and it’s FANCY! You Might Want to Check Out Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs! Speaking of Moderate Resorts, a great option, if you want some extra privacy and a more unique experience, is the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. These cabins fall in the moderate price range, sleep up to 6 people, come with their own living area and kitchen with a fridge and convection microwave oven, and you can park directly in front of them (no walking from the hotel parking lot!). You Could Have LOTS of Fun at Fort Wilderness! And there are SO many activities you can do right at Fort Wilderness that you might have never done before. That could add on some extra fun to your trip. Use a Travel Agent Another thing you might want to consider to make sure you take advantage of ALL the latest and greatest discounts is using a travel agent. We highly recommend the fantastic folks over at Small World Vacations. The travel agents there are really knowledgeable and stay up to date on ALL of the latest discounts. They can help you pick the best discounts for your trip, help make recommendations for your vacation, and they’ll be on the lookout for future discounts that could apply to your trip, so you won’t have to worry about doing all of that work. The Polynesian Has Such a Great Lobby! And the best part? Their services are totally FREE. You won’t pay any more than you would if you booked your trip by yourself. In fact, it’s just the reverse — they could actually help you save MORE by using their knowledge to get you the best deals. So, if that’s something you’re interested in, you might want to reach out to Small World Vacations for a free price quote and see how they can help plan your trip! Click here to see our thoughts on whether you should use a travel agent for your Disney trip. Well, there you go, that wraps up our top tips for saving on a hotel in 2021! If you’re looking for the latest news on discounts and the most up-to-date Disney World information, stay tuned to DFB — we’ve got plenty of things to share to help you plan your trip. Click Here to See Our List of WORST Hotels for 2021! 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! Do you have a trip planned for 2021? Tell us in the comments! The post How to Save BIG on a 2021 Disney World Hotel Room first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article