Disney4me

Today, April 10th, is a VERY special day, especially if you happen to have a brother or sister. ©Disney That’s because it’s National Siblings Day, a day set aside to honor the special bonds that siblings share. The holiday was founded in 1995 by Claudia Evart, who was inspired to honor her siblings after losing her brother. Now, 34 years later, Disney is honoring siblings by spotlighting three sisters who all work at Disney World as Cast Members. Meet sisters Kate, Brittany, and Rachel Hackett, who started their Disney journey visiting Disney World as children with their grandmother, who spent 27 years working there as a seasonal Merchandise Cast Member. Now, the three women have grown up and have followed in their grandmother’s footsteps as Disney World Cast Members. “We were very fortunate to spend so much time at Disney World as children,” Kate said. “Our grandmother really shaped those memories for us.” Magic Kingdom Those early visits were the beginning of what led the sisters to work for Disney World today. Trips even included holiday vacations where they saw the Candlelight Processional: their grandmother even performed in the cast choir. They also followed in her footsteps there and performed in the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir. ©Disney Brittany was the first to follow the Disney calling by moving to Florida from New Jersey for school. She picked up a part-time role at Disney World. Then her other two sisters followed. The three might have very different jobs, but they’re proud to be Cast Members. Kate works in Food and Beverage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which inspired her to complete culinary school. ©Disney Brittany works in Entertainment as a scheduling specialist so that everyone, from performers, attendants, technicians, costuming cast, and more, has smooth experiences. ©Disney Rachel works with Disney Character Events, which helps bring Disney’s characters to events across Disney World and more. Recently, all three sisters had the opportunity to work at the same event in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That was the first time in more than six years that they got to be part of the same project. ©Disney Their enthusiasm for Disney has grown throughout their family. They also have two uncles and an aunt who work at Disney World as Cast Members. “We are grateful to be a place where careers often begin with family and grow into long-term journeys rooted in opportunity and purpose,” said Michelle Stewart, manager of cast activities engagement and strategy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios So Happy Siblings Day to the Hackett sisters and all other siblings out there. We’ll keep you updated on ALL Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 6 Weeks When Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Be Empty in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you celebrate National Siblings Day? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

Easter may have been early this year, right at the beginning of the month, but there’s one restaurant in Disney Springs that’s choosing to celebrate all month long! We love visiting eet! We love heading over to eet by Maneet Chauhan in Disney Springs to see what new offerings are available, especially because the menu often changes each month. There’s a new, special drink you can snag all month long for Easter, but there’s ANOTHER addition that could get you a FREE drink or entree during your visit! While Easter may have come and gone, you can enjoy the new Egg Hunt drink all month long! This is made with tequila, triple sec, and ube lemonade — we love that it comes with both a plastic egg and a little bunny on top! Also available is the Yuzu Cheesecake, which is a smooth, creamy, crustless cheesecake mixed with tart yuzu juice & topped with strawberry and mango boba and white chocolate pearls. @eetfunindian on Instagram That’s not all, though — each day this month, the restaurant is also hiding a golden egg inside the restaurant. The person who finds it gets their choice of a free drink or entree! That’s a great deal, in our book, so if you see us wandering around the restaurant a few different times this month, you’ll know what we’re looking for. eet by Maneet Chauhan Looking for more recent Disney Springs news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Disney Springs News! We Have 2 NEW Reasons You Need To Stop By This Underrated Disney World RestaurantREVIEW: Is This Bar Worth a Visit on Your Next Visit to Disney Springs? We Found Out!REVIEW: These NEW Starbucks Drinks Weren’t What We Expected3 Disney Springs Stores Permanently CLOSED This YearREVIEW: Okay, We Did NOT Expect This To Be One of Our New Favorite Disney World Snacks With so many places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant, all in one digital download, along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips to help you plan out your perfect trip! DFB Guide to Dining at Disney World! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! Getting To Disney World Is Going To Be SO Much Easier… In 2031 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite restaurant in Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There are multiple new lands under construction in Disney World right now, but one of the ones we’re most looking forward to is the new Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! ©Disney This new land is expected to open in 2027, 26 years after the film’s opening in 2001, which goes to show that you never know when Disney may choose to introduce a land based on an old favorite film. This new land won’t only be home to new dining and shopping locations, but also new attractions, including Disney’s FIRST ever suspended coaster. It’s being built at the very back of the new land, so it’s hard to see from the construction walls at the front, but we headed over to the parking lot to be able to see the BIG update that’s taken place! From here, we’re able to see that the first supports for this new massive coaster are now in place, which means we’ll likely start to see walls and more supports begin to show up soon! We know this ride building is set to be pretty big, so once the walls continue to go up (it’s possible but not guaranteed), we may be able to see parts of the building from inside the park! Check out those supports! For right now, though, yes, you can only see the updates from the Hollywood Studios parking lot — THAT’S how big this ride will be! You can see it right from the parking lot! This is quite the update for this land. Paired with the fact that we saw scaffolding all over the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater earlier this week, seemingly working hard on the exterior, it seems there’s a lot happening in this corner of the park right now. We’re all for it, especially if it means the land will open earlier than we expect! Lots going on at the theater, too! Don’t forget that Disney is also currently retheming Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets in Hollywood Studios as well, which appears to be well underway as well. This new version of the ride is set to open sometime in Summer 2026, but no official opening date has been announced just yet. We do know that the ride will be “fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.” The newly paired car at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! The new Monsters Inc. Land doesn’t have a confirmed opening timeline just yet. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we hear more and more news from Disney World and the various construction projects happening, so stay tuned to DFB! Every Opening Date Announced for Disney World in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to the opening of this new land? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

One of our FAVORITE Disney Parks essentials is currently on sale, and you’ll want to jump on this deal! Essentials on Sale NOW Over the years, we’ve discovered tried-and-true essential items that make a Disney vacation 1,000 times better. We often recommend these vacation-saving tools and accessories, and there’s never a bad time to head over to Amazon and pick up a few for yourself. However, when these items are ON SALE, it’s time to throw patience to the wind and take advantage of all the savings! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pick up this handy essential at a discounted rate! — 33% OFF Frogg Toggs Poncho Currently 33% off on Amazon, the Frogg Toggs Poncho is a useful item to pack with you for a Disney trip! Available in multiple colors and adult and youth sizes, this reusable poncho is waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and travel-ready with a stuff sack. Whether you want to stay dry on a water ride or survive an afternoon rainshower, this poncho is an excellent pickup! BUY ON AMAZON Stay cool with this next souvenir — 25% OFF AMKEN Waist Fan The AMKEN Waist Fan is currently 25% on Amazon and is a great tool to help you beat the heat. This fan is available in both orange and green, and includes three speeds that help you stay cool hands-free, as you can clip it to your belt or shirt, or wear it with a lanyard. It also comes with an LED light, an SOS light, a red-blue warning light, and a power bank — all wrapped up in a silicone protective case. BUY ON AMAZON Keep your devices charged in your hotel room with this next item — 33% OFF Flat Plug Power Strip This Flat Plug Power Strip is currently 33% off on Amazon and is great if you need to charge multiple devices during your trip. This power strip comes with a 6-foot-long extension cord and includes three outlets, two USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports. BUY ON AMAZON Take charging to the next level with this device — 17% OFF HICOBER 3 in 1 Charging Station The HICOBER 3-in-1 Charging Station can charge multiple Apple devices all at once! Currently 17% off on Amazon, this charging station folds into itself three ways for easy portability and packability, and the center station folds up to hold your watch on a stand, making it mimic a clock. It also includes a blue light indicator that lights up when it detects a device charging, so you know if it’s not charging or not aligned correctly. BUY ON AMAZON Make charging on the go easy — 17% OFF INIU Portable Charger This INIU Portable Charger is currently 17% off on Amazon, and it’s excellent! It’s ultra slim and comes with a USB-C cord (it is both USB-C and USB-A compatible), so you should be able to keep your phone and other devices juiced and ready to go during a long park day. BUY on Amazon Sleep easier with this next souvenir — 36% OFF Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine The Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine may help you fall asleep more easily while you’re on vacation. Currently 36% off on Amazon, this white noise machine is small, making it travel-friendly. It offers 16 soothing nature sounds like ocean waves, rain, birds, white noise, and more. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! Continue to follow us here at DFB for more great Disney souvenir finds! View the full article

Hallmark reigns supreme for Disney-inspired Christmas ornaments and decor, but they just outdid themselves with this one. Hallmark just gave us a sneak peek of their brand new Christmas tree topper for this year, and we’re in love! ©Hallmark Forget the classic stars and angels, this Cinderella Castle Christmas tree topper is our new favorite thing! Hallmark’s Cinderella Castle tree topper will release this July during the Keepsake Ornament Premiere, both at your local Hallmark Gold Crown store or online at Hallmark.com. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney merch! The 11 Best Disney Bag Charms From Amazon, Target, and BoxLunch Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new tree topper? Comment below! View the full article

Disney accessories have gotten seriously good, and bag charms are one of the easiest ways to show off your park pride without overhauling your entire wardrobe. ©Disney Whether you’re heading to Magic Kingdom, carrying your favorite Loungefly, or just want to add some personality to your everyday bag, a great bag charm does a lot of heavy lifting for a small price. We’ve rounded up the 11 best Disney bag charms available right now from Amazon, Target, and BoxLunch, and there’s truly something here for every kind of fan. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Your Bag Is Begging for a Snack Disney Mickey Mouse Food Themed Bag Charms If you’re a Disney Parks food fan, you already know that Mickey-shaped treats are basically their own love language. The BaubleBar Disney Mickey Mouse Food Themed Bag Charms bring that same energy right to your everyday carry. Each charm features Mickey’s iconic silhouette reimagined as a sweet treat: think pink donut, chocolate donut, cupcake, lollipop, pizza, popsicle, or snow cone. They’re playful, instantly recognizable, and made for Disney fans who take their snack game seriously. Pick your favorite treat or grab a few to mix and match. view ON AMAZON You Won’t Know What You’re Getting Until You Open It ©Pop Mart Part of the magic of Disney collectibles is the thrill of the hunt, and blind boxes deliver that in the most satisfying way. The POP MART Mickey Family Cute Together Keychain Series Blind Box lets you pull a random figure from a lineup that includes Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Chip, and Dale, with a rare secret edition featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie tucked in at a 1-in-96 chance. Each box ships with one figure, and genuinely nobody knows what’s inside until you crack it open. It’s a great grab for yourself or a fun low-stakes gift for any Disney collector in your life. view ON AMAZON This One Is Going to Make Every Pooh Fan Stop You ©Amazon Winnie the Pooh fans have strong opinions about merchandise, and this one lives up to the hype. The MINISO Disney Winnie the Pooh Farm Animal Series Blind Box features a mini vinyl plush pendant dressed in an adorable farm animal costume, with 8 regular designs plus one hidden style in rotation. The soft-touch materials and cheerful Pooh expression make these genuinely sweet to look at, and since each box is factory sealed and randomly selected, unboxing one is its own little event. Use it as a bag charm, clip it to your backpack, or display it on your shelf. view ON AMAZON Crystal-Covered Stitch? Yes, Always ©Target Some accessories are just built to attract compliments, and the Disney Stitch Pave 3D Bling Keychain is one of them. This keychain features everyone’s favorite little alien from Lilo and Stitch, covered in sparkling pave crystals, giving an already beloved character a glam upgrade. It hits that sweet spot between fun and polished, which makes it easy to style with basically anything. If you’re heading to a Disney park or just want a little extra sparkle on your keys, this one delivers. view ON target For the Fan Who Grew Up Watching Tinker Bell ©Target There are bag charms, and then there are bag charms that feel genuinely elevated. The Vera Bradley Disney Faux Leather Tinker Bell Bag Charm is the latter. Made with faux leather construction and featuring everyone’s most spirited fairy, this charm has a more refined look compared to most novelty keychains. It’s the kind of accessory that works just as well on a diaper bag as it does on a designer tote. view ON target The Breakfast Item That Belongs on Your Bag ©BoxLunch If you’ve ever had a Mickey waffle at Disney World, you already know it holds a special place in park history. The Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Keychain captures that delicious nostalgia in miniature charm form. It’s a fun, food-forward accessory that’s immediately recognizable to any Disney fan and makes for a great conversation starter at the park or in everyday life. Small detail, big personality. view ON boxlunch This One Is for the Muppets Fan in the Back ©BoxLunch Muppets fans are a specific kind of devoted, and they deserve bag charms too. The Kermit Dangling Charm Keychain from The Muppets features Kermit complete with dangling limb charms and a tiny banjo charm, which is genuinely one of the more charming accessory details we’ve seen in a while. It’s a great option if you’re looking to rep a slightly different corner of the Disney universe beyond the usual Mickey and princess lineup. view ON boxlunch She’ll Remind You to Believe in Yourself Every Single Day ©Disney Sometimes an accessory is more than just a pretty thing to hang on your bag. The Judy Hopps Plush Bag Charm from Zootopia features the crime-fighting bunny in her full officer’s uniform from the film, and the charm comes with a little message built right in: try everything. It clips easily onto bags, purses, and backpacks, and it’s the kind of thing that tends to brighten people’s days when they spot it. view ON disney store Mickey’s Name Has Never Looked This Good ©Disney If you want something colorful and a little retro-feeling, the Mickey Mouse Icon Keychain delivers exactly that. Faceted Mickey icons in bright colors dangle from a goldtone split ring, with letter beads spelling out Mickey’s name along the chain. The lobster claw clasp makes it easy to clip to a belt loop or a bag strap, and the whole thing has a fun, festive energy that suits a park day perfectly. It’s a classic Mickey look with just enough going on to keep it interesting. view ON disney store Dale in a Bear Suit Is the Most Adorable Thing You’ll Own ©Disney This is one of those products that genuinely stops people in their tracks. The Dale in Bear Suit Plush Keychain Bag Charm was developed by Disney Store Japan and features Dale dressed in a cozy furry plush bear suit, making him look soft, cuddly, and completely irresistible. As a bag charm or keychain display, it adds a level of charm (no pun intended) that you won’t find in most standard merch. Chip and Clarice are also available separately if you want to build out the full set, but honestly, Dale in his bear suit stands perfectly well on his own. view ON disney store A Charm That’s Also Secretly a Tiny Coin Purse ©Disney Storage on a park day is always at a premium, and the Mickey Mouse Icon Plush Coin Purse Bag Charm solves a small but real problem in the most adorable way possible. This soft plush charm is shaped like Mickey’s famous icon, complete with 3D ears, and features a zip closure that opens to store change or a spare key. A gold-tone carabiner clip makes it easy to attach to a crossbody, backpack, or any bag you’re carrying through the parks. It’s functional, it’s soft, and it looks great clipped to basically anything. view ON disney store Bag charms might seem like a small detail, but they’re one of the easiest ways to personalize your Disney style without spending a lot. From sparkly Stitch keychains to mystery blind boxes and plush coin purses, this list has something for every kind of Disney fan on every budget. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, looking for a thoughtful gift, or trying to level up your park look, any of these picks will do the job beautifully. We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Transportation company Mozio just ranked the most and least stressful airports in the United States, and we have thoughts! They analyzed the 20 busiest airports in the U.S. by passenger traffic and ranked them according to how frequently flights are delayed, how much it costs to park for a day, and how long it takes to reach the city centre from the airport. Orlando International Airport We expected the highest-stress airports like Chicago O’Hare, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, but we were surprised to see where our beloved Orlando International Airport stood on the ranking! The Orlando International Airport ranked eighth for the least stressful airports in the U.S.! MCO’s daily parking rate is only $24, and the airport is only 25 minutes from downtown Orlando. Plus, 75.3% of flights depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Overall, MCO’s airport stress score was a 4.39 out of 10. That’s not too bad! MCO TSA Precheck The full ranking of the least stressful airports in the U.S. is: 8. Orlando International Airport (4.39/10) 7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (4.21/10) 6. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (3.69/10) 5. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (3.68/10) 4. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (3.16/10) 3. San Francisco International Airport (2.98/10) 2. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (2.28/10) 1. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (1.76/10) San Francisco International Airport The top five most stressful airports in the U.S. are: 5. Denver International Airport (7.02/10) 3. Newark Liberty International Airport (7.19/10) 3. John F. Kennedy International Airport (7.19/10) 2. LaGuardia Airport in New York City (7.54/10) 1. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (8.42/10) LaGuardia Airport We’ve always had a soft spot for MCO, but now it’s officially confirmed as one of the best airports in the U.S.! This just feels like even more of a reason to check out the airport, especially as it’s working on adding tons of new updates. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more travel news. Your Next Flight Just Got Even MORE Expensive Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are the best and worst airports you’ve flown out of? Comment below! View the full article

Can you believe it’s gonna be May? (Forgive me, I couldn’t resist the joke). This year seems like it is absolutely flying by, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. Cinderella Castle Over in Disney World, it feels like things are changing all the time, some good change and some hard change. Things can change from month to month, so we’re detailing every Disney World perk you can find in May 2026! This is a use em’ or lose em’ situation, so get all of the information here! There are so many different rotating perks in Disney World these days, and we would hate for you to miss any of them! We are in the parks every single day, and trust us, May is going to be a BIG month in the parks. Magic Kingdom First, Disney’s Free Water Entry Perk begins! If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you can actually get access for free to one of Disney’s two water parks. This perk first started in 2025, but in 2026, it’s only for select dates! Starting on May 26th, Disney hotel guests get that free ticket so they can splash in the sun! The perk runs officially from May 26th through September 8th, so it’s just around for the summer months. Blizzard Beach May 26th is actually a very big date for a lot of reasons, so hold on tight because we’re going to mention it a LOT! Next up, Cool Kid Summer is back this May! This is another returning offering that we were seriously excited to see back. This summer event means more characters, activities, and fun for families. This year, the event includes Bluey and Bingo in Animal Kingdom, Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom, GoofyCore in EPCOT, and more. This perk is also available from May 26th to September 8th, 2026. It’s Cool Kid Summer! Cool Kid Summer is also ushering in several big changes! Starting in May, you can be some of the first guests to check out major new attractions and updates. On May 26th, Soarin’ Around the World is transforming into Soarin’ Across America to honor the United States’ 250th birthday. ©Disney Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is also getting new scenes starting on May 26th, featuring scenes from The Mandalorian and Grogu movie! Plus, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is also opening on that same day. That’s because The Magic of Disney Animation, the new land in Hollywood Studios, is also opening on the 26th! So if you happen to be in Disney World in May, you get the big perk of being the first to experience quite a few new changes! ©Disney If you’re an Annual Passholder, don’t forget that V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days are coming back in May! The Annual Passholder days kick off on May 1st, 2026, and come with lots of fun. You can find new Passholder merchandise, special food & beverage items, special discounts, a new magnet, and more! The passholder fun ends on July 31st. Disney World Annual Pass Don’t forget, Disney also has continued Extended Evening Hours and several hotel discounts in May! Sure, these things aren’t limited to the month, but we would be remiss to not remind you of how you can make the most of the month. Extended Evening Hours give select hotel guests extra time in the parks after they close when the day ends! It’s one of the best Disney World perks. You can see which parks are offering them in May: Monday, May 4th — Animal Kingdom, 6PM – 8PM Wednesday, May 6th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM Monday, May 11th — Hollywood Studios, 9PM – 11PM Wednesday, May 13th — Animal Kingdom, 6PM – 8PM Monday, May 18th — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM Wednesday, May 20th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM Monday, May 25th — EPCOT, 9PM – 11PM Wednesday, May 27th — Magic Kingdom, 10PM – 12AM Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours If you’re still looking for hotels, don’t forget you can save some money! From May 1st through October 4th, you can save up to 30% off your hotel room as long as your stay is for five or more consecutive nights. If you’re staying one to 4 consecutive nights, you can save up to 25% off. The discount is also dependent on which hotel you book. Art of Animation When it comes to these perks, you gotta use them, or you’ll lose them! While we don’t love how quickly time is moving, we are ridiculously excited about all of the big things coming just next month! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, reminders, and more. What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World in 2026? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us which perk you’re the most excited about in the comments! View the full article

News just dropped regarding the Interstate 4 construction in Florida, and an actual end date is in sight! We almost can’t believe it. Traffic on I-4 The ongoing construction happening on a section of I-4 is to fix the issue of the large amount of traffic delays that I-4 has seen in recent years. For the very first time since construction started, the Florida Department of Transportation revealed a timeline for “the series of $2.5 billion construction projects that began in January in the interstate’s busiest corridor in Osceola and Polk counties.” Let’s take a look at the details! According to The Orlando Sentinel, during a presentation to the Central Florida Expressway Authority board, Will Watts, FDOT Chief Operating Officer and assistant secretary, said, “The projects will be complete in the summer of 2031, hopefully bringing the area long-awaited relief from traffic backups.” ©ClickOrlando.com There are a total of five projects that are part of the larger “$4 billion Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative to advance 20 priority transportation projects across the state.” FDOT aims to improve 14 miles of the highway in Central Florida by adding two new express lanes going in each direction, from “west of U.S. 27 in Polk County to east of World Center Drive and State Road 536 in Orange County,” according to Yahoo! News. The construction will also “add ramps, connections to new highways, widen some local roads, and construct new road segments.” ©PIRG “The priorities for this program definitely were tailored around congestion relief,” Watts said. “As you all know, a lot of folks are trying to get north into the Disney area from Osceola and Polk County, and it is unbelievable the amount of delays that were happening because of the growth.” ©HDR We’re looking forward to the changes, as it will make driving to places like Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando a whole lot easier. There will obviously still be some traffic, but nothing like we have to deal with right now. The only tough part…waiting five more years. Magic Kingdom We’re going to keep an eye out for more news to help make traveling so much easier. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss anything! Flying With United Airlines Is Getting MORE Expensive! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to the changes? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When you’re looking for spots to eat in Disney World, it can feel a little overwhelming, but if you need to head somewhere with options all around, Disney Springs is the place to go! Drinks at Splitsville? Yes, please! Here, you’ll find all different types of cuisines, and some restaurants even have a large enough menu that you can find something for everyone. Splitsville Luxury Lanes is one of those, but when we headed over there recently, it wasn’t to eat — it was to visit their bar for a very special flight of drinks we hoped would be perfect for spring and summer! Atmosphere Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great mix of a classic bowling alley and a sports bar, in a way. If you’re looking for upscale pub food, this is the place to be. When it comes to the bar, Bamboo Bar, specifically, there’s lots of seating available that’s away from the bowling alleys, in case you don’t want to hear the THUNK of balls hitting the lanes over and over, which we appreciate. Splitsville Luxury Lanes Bar Did we mention there’s even an outdoor part of the bar, too? We love the versatility! Outdoor Splitsville Bar But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu at Splitsville is full of different options, but at the bar? Don’t worry, the menu of JUST drinks is almost just as long. There’s a section for frozen drinks, take flight (with three different drink flight options), resort classics, craft cocktails, beer, wine, and more! Bar Menu And now, onto the main event — the flight! Drinks We picked up the Frozen Flight for $28, which comes with a sampling of Splitsville’s famous frozen drinks: Piña Colada, Orange Crush, Rum Runner, and Big Wave Dave. Frozen Flight Starting off with the Piña Colada, this wasn’t as creamy as we thought it was going to be, but it was still decently solid, and we enjoyed the large pineapple wedge on the top. It wasn’t super bitter, but we did feel it was icier than it should be, which made it hard to drink. Piña Colada We really enjoyed the blue raspberry flavor of the Big Wave Dave, and it was incredibly smooth. We didn’t get any sort of burn, so it doesn’t taste as strong as it probably is. It’s a dangerous one, so keep an eye out for that! Big Wave Dave The Rum Runner almost tasted like Skittles to us! It was very candy-flavor forward, so much so that it was a little hard to distinguish all the different flavors. It was pretty strong, so you’ve really got to be a fan of sweet, strong drinks for this one. Rum Runner Finally, we had the Orange Crush, which was the simplest in terms of flavors. The orange flavor was very true to the fruit, instead of being artificial. The alcohol taste was pretty strong, but if you’re a fan of those flavors mixed with citrus, you’ll likely be a fan of this one! Orange Crush So, should you stop by? Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for a bar that often isn’t overly busy. While this spot is pretty solid, it’s often not one of the most crowded bars in Disney Springs. You’re looking for fun AND a good drink. What’s better than getting a drink and then going bowling just a few steps away? You want a quick drink before you continue to walk around Disney Springs. This is where the walk-up bar really comes in handy — while you can’t take it outside Disney Springs, this is a great way to grab a drink to walk around with. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re not a drinker. If that’s the case, we recommend dining at the restaurant itself to grab some of the dining options, or checking out some other bars in the area with more mocktails, as there aren’t too many on this menu. You like super elevated drinks. While the drinks here are solid, don’t get us wrong, they’re not the most upscale out there. You’re looking for a sit-down spot to dine AND drink at with a larger group. Thankfully, for this, you just have to go into the restaurant itself and sit down for a full meal — no need to go elsewhere, the bar itself just likely won’t be the best fit! Overall This is a solid bar in Disney Springs, and we love that it’s connected to such a fun activity so many groups can take part in (bowling, of course). It may not have the fanciest or most mind-blowing drinks out there, but it’s fun, it’s easily accessible, and usually not overly crowded. Splitsville In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World bar before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We’ve been able to use our airline points to get some pretty awesome freebies, like more flights, hotel rooms, and even Starbucks coffee, but this new airline loyalty program takes the cake. Luminous: The Symphony of US Air Canada’s loyalty program has a new perk where you can get a private VIP viewing of EPCOT‘s nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us! Want the best fireworks viewing spots in all of Disney World? Our team of Disney experts compiled our favorite places to make your fireworks night 10x more magical! To get the perk, redeem 1,000 Aeroplan points at least 15 business days before your selected date. You’ll receive an email with a VIP access code to present at check-in at EPCOT. The private viewing area is in the China Pavilion. Air Canada recommends arriving at the China Overlook 10 to 15 minutes before Luminous begins. You’ll need to show a valid photo ID and your VIP access code to enter the viewing area. China Pavilion Overlook The VIP experience is offered every Saturday from May 2026 through January 2027. May 2026: 9, 16, 23, 30 June 2026: 6, 13, 20, 27 July 2026: 4, 11, 18, 25 August 2026: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 September 2026: 5, 12, 19, 26 October 2026: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 November 2026: 7, 14, 21, 28 December 2026: 5, 12, 19, 26 January 2027: 2, 9 Luminous at EPCOT It’s important to note that this perk does not include EPCOT admission – guests with VIP Access will still need to purchase their own park ticket to watch Luminous. You might also need to book a park reservation for every member of your party for the day of the event to get into EPCOT, depending on your ticket type. Children under three years of age do not require a ticket, theme park reservation, or event reservation. EPCOT Main Entrance Fireworks are not guaranteed. On rare occasions, Luminous may be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather or technical difficulties. If the show is cancelled, your Aeroplan points will be refunded to your account. Changes to your selected event date are not permitted after redemption. This benefit cannot be purchased, assigned, traded, exchanged, or transferred. It is exclusively available to Aeroplan members through Air Canada’s sponsorship as the Official Canadian Airline of Walt Disney World. Luminous: The Symphony of Us We think this is one of the coolest ways to spend your airline points right now. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! Your Next Flight Just Got Even MORE Expensive Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite way to spend airline points? Comment below! View the full article

Universal Orlando had a MASSIVE 2025 thanks to the opening of Epic Universe and its three corresponding hotels. Universal Orlando However, we’re not sure if there’s enough to carry the resort’s momentum through 2026. The New “Shine” is Wearing Off During 2025, Epic Universe and the resort expansion that came along with it were a “shiny new toy” in the Central Florida theme park landscape. There was heavy promotion, national commercials, a touring exhibition, and television specials. This year, that promotion has been dialed back considerably post-opening year. Speaking of which… Epic Universe Spacing Out Visits Many of the guests who did visit Universal Orlando for the first time — or the first time in a while — in 2025, thanks to Epic Universe’s opening, will likely space out their trips, not visiting again until there’s something “new” to see. That brings us to… Celestial Park Waiting for Hollywood Drift Universal is currently constructing a Fast & The Furious Hollywood Drift at the front of Universal Studios Hollywood, where Rip, Ride, Rockit formerly was. The coaster, which is a clone of the Universal Hollywood version that’s opening in the summer of 2026, will be a game-changer for the Florida coaster landscape when it opens next year, and many thrill-seeking guests are likely waiting for the new ride to debut. @bioreconstruct via X Travel Costs are Skyrocketing Of course, there are also factors outside of the Universal bubble that may cut down on 2026 visitors. Due to international diplomatic and economic factors, travel costs — airfare, hotels, gasoline — are increasing exponentially. At the same time, inflation is bringing up the cost of everyday goods, eating into the budgets of many families and even solo travelers. All of which together means that many simply aren’t able to travel as much in 2026. And those that do may look for a better “value”, which brings us to… ©JetBlue Disney’s Discounts Disney is offering up a slew of discounts on 2026 trips, including discounts on tickets, “free” nights with certain packages, included Disney Dining Plans, and a litany of perks for various types of guests, including Disney Visa Cardholders, Disney+ Subscribers, DVC Members, as well as members of the armed forces, and residents of states including Florida and Georgia. Cinderella Castle Universal had a huge 2025. Is that momentum carrying through 2026, or is the resort going to feel a lull before their new major addition opens in 2027? We’re eager to see. Stay tuned to DFB to find out. Why Fans Are Still OBSESSED with This Universal Orlando Ride 18 Years After It Closed Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you heading to Universal in 2026? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Spring is just around the corner, and we are on the hunt for some bright colors to usher in the new season. ©Disney Store We’re hoping to avoid florals for spring (ground breaking, we know), and luckily for us, Stoney Clover Lane is here to save the day. The popular brand has partnered with Disney again to drop a new colorful collection that we just know is going to brighten up your day! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The sun is shining! The house is clean (ish)! A new Stoney Clover x Disney collaboration has arrived! This is the combination for a perfect day. Mickey Mouse Icon Ear Headband ©Disney Store These are pastel perfection! These soft, padded ears feature several pastel Mickey icons in a pattern perfect for the rainbow. In the center, you’ll find a shimmery pink bow that subtly adds to the overall design. On the side, you’ll find the enamel ”Disney Parks | Stoney Clover Lane” logo label plate that lets the girls know exactly who made these gorgeous ears. Shop on the Disney Store Mickey Mouse Jumbo Hip Pack ©Disney Store If ears aren’t your thing but you still love the pattern, we have lots in store for you! This fanny pack has an all-over woven Mickey icon pattern in that same pastel color scheme. There’s a light pink strap around the back and a Fantasyland Castle icon on the zipper. This bag is big enough for all of your basic essentials and then some! This can be worn around the waist or around your chest. Shop on the Disney Store Mickey Mouse Icon Bag Charm Chain ©Disney Store If you want your bags to shine even more, this bag charm is for you! It has clasps on each end of the charm so you can string it across your bag or wrap it around the strap on one side. There are 5 Mickey icons that dangle off the charm for some extra glam. It has a gold-tone finish on top. Shop on the Disney Store Mickey Mouse Icon Crossbody ©Disney Store Do you like the pattern, but you’re not a fanny pack person? You need to see this crossbody bag! This crossbody is made for all of your on-the-go adventures inside and outside of the theme parks. In addition to the pastel Mickey pattern, the bag also has simulated leather trim and a detachable carrying handle and shoulder strap. It’s super versatile and can adjust to your vibes. Shop on the Disney Store Mickey Mouse Mini Pouchette Bag ©Disney Store It’s SO MINI! This is a micro purse that still makes a statement. This bag is for the bare necessities, or for any kiddos that want a perfectly sized purse. You can either carry it with its adorable straps or you can use the detachable strap that turns it into a crossbody. It has a zip closure and a tab fastener with a gold-tone Mickey icon magnetic snap. It’s tiny, and we love it. Shop on the Disney Store Mickey Mouse Mini Pouch ©Disney Store Finally, we have the Mickey Mouse mini pouch, which can be anything you want it to be. This fabric has an almost satin-like finish, so the pastel pattern really shines. On both ends, there’s a Mickey-shaped pull tab, so even the function elements are pretty. The zip closure has a Stoney Clover Lane charm zipper for even more detailing. You can store your wires, makeup, cards, snacks, or mini figures in this pouch. Literally whatever your heart desires! Shop on the Disney Store This entire collection is so cute, and kinda reminds us of a refreshing slushy. We can’t wait to grab the entire collection. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, finds online, and more. View the full article

If you’ve ever wondered where to get a good burger in Universal Orlando, you’re not alone! We love heading to CityWalk’s Burger King Whopper Bar for our custom, one-of-a-kind burger at an affordable price. ©Five Guys Sometimes, we just want the juicy, greasy burger of our dreams, no park ticket required! So we were thrilled to find out that Universal Orlando will get a new Five Guys location – but it comes at a cost: Burger King Whopper Bar will be closing soon! ​​ Five Guys will take over the existing Burger King Whopper Bar location at CityWalk, which will close on April 21st, 2026. At the Whopper Bar, you can choose from over 20 toppings as your sandwich is assembled before your eyes, with unique options including add-on extras like guacamole and crispy onions. Get your personal Whopper fix before it’s gone! ©Universal The popular fast casual burger chain Five Guys will bring fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries to Universal CityWalk later this summer. We love Five Guys for their juicy burgers, crispy fries, and sweet milkshakes. You can’t go wrong with their classic cheeseburger! ©Five Guys Since the Burger King Whopper Bar is a similar concept to Five Guys, the restaurant itself will likely receive a quick facelift as the only major change. If you want to grab some fast food during the closure, CityWalk’s neighboring Panda Express and Moe’s Southwest Grill will remain open. ©Five Guys We’re so excited we can finally get Five Guys during our Universal days, but we’re sad to see Burger King go! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park food news. Everything You Need To Know About Changes Coming to Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Universal restaurant? Comment below! View the full article

If Starbucks exists on planets like Tatooine, Naboo, and Hoth, then this is definitely the tumbler that everyone is using out there! Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks just dropped a brand-new tumbler that every Star Wars fan will want to get their hands on. Plus, there’s a whole Star Wars Endor collection available on the online Disney Store! We would say to trust the force in your decision to buy these items, but as soon as you lay your eyes on them, you’ll just know you won’t be able to resist the power of the spending money side. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Star Wars Endor Tumbler ©Disney Store Every Star Wars fan will want this Ewoks Endor Stainless Steel Starbucks Tumbler! The tumbler features marching silhouette Ewoks and ”Endor” text. There’s no better way to stay hydrated as we get close to May the 4th. There’s also a lot of detail on the tumbler! view ON AMAZON Check out these Endor Minnie Ears ©Disney Store The Ewoks Endor Ear Headband is the next part of the Endor collection! Everyone loves Minnie Ears when going to Disney World, and you know you’ll want this green pair featuring ewoks. We can’t think of a better piece to an outfit when you embark on new missions aboard the Millennium Falcon with Mando and Grogu. view ON AMAZON Then there’s the Endor Loungefly ©Disney Store Speaking of adding pieces to your outfit, how could you not grab this Ewoks Endor Loungefly Mini Backpack?! The Loungefly has the same silhouette design as the other items in the collection of the Ewoks wandering the forest. We’re obsessed with Disney Loungefly’s, and we’ll throw this one in that list now. view ON AMAZON The Endor Spirit Jersey completes the perfect fit ©Disney Store Spirit Jerseys are a huge part of Disney merchandise, and now Disney has released an Ewok Pullover Spirit Jersey online! The Spirit Jersey features the forest moon and its Ewok inhabitants in puffy inks on both sides. A high contrast landscape logo art and Wicket Warrick (who you’ll find on the front) decorate this pullover made of mineral wash green slub fabric. view ON AMAZON Lastly, the Endor Baseball Jersey ©Disney Store Lastly, you can grab this Endor Baseball Jersey Shirt for your wardrobe! Become an athlete for the Forest Moon with this jersey inspired by Return of the Jedi. It features forest patterns and a Wicket Warrick patch on the sleeve. The large ”83″ appliqué on the back celebrates the year of the film’s release. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Can you hear us hooting and hollaring? Because we are shouting from the rooftops about the fact that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is finally reopening! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad After over a YEAR of waiting, the popular coaster is finally reopening in Magic Kingdom! Big openings like this one bring about excitement, crowds, and (without a doubt) changes. We’re breaking down some of the new rules and procedures we might see once the ride finally reopens. In case you missed it, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is finally reopening on May 3rd, 2026. The ride has been closed for a major refurbishment since January 6th, 2025, so this has been a long time coming! Ahead of the attraction’s big reopening, we have been thinking about what new rules and procedures might be in place starting on May 3rd. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The first rule we know that will be in place is that there is a new height requirement! Previously, you had to be 40” tall to check out the wildest ride in the world. Starting on May 3rd, the height requirement has been lowered to 38” tall. Disney confirmed that the changes to the ride allowed them to lower the height requirement, which we think is awesome. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The second procedure that we think will change is how strict they are with Lightning Lanes. Disney’s skip-the-line service, called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, is a paid service that allows you to save time by avoiding long lines. You can select your ride time, and then you have a 1-hour window to skip the line. Crowds at the Lightning Lane for Big Thunder Mountain before it closed Typically, if you’re running a little late, the Cast Members will do their best to get you in the line anyway. Now this isn’t a guarantee, but they will always do what they can. When new, popular rides open, though, the crowds swarm, and it makes it harder for Cast Members to get people through the line after their Lightning Lane time formally ends. While we won’t know for sure how strict they’re going to be, we would bet that it will be tight for a little while. Be sure to go during your Lightning Lane window and don’t risk missing it! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Lightning Lane Another change is one that will be in your planning procedures! When it opens back up, Big Thunder Mountain will be a Tier 1 selection on the Lightning Lane list. That isn’t a change; it was Tier 1 before it closed in 2025. While it’s always been popular, Big Thunder Mountain wasn’t always our number one choice when selecting our first tier in Magic Kingdom, but that will change. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad If you really want to skip the inevitably long lines that will be at Big Thunder Mountain with a Lightning Lane, we would definitely recommend selecting this attraction first. This might be a change to how you select Lightning Lanes, but we feel pretty confident that Big Thunder Mountain’s Lightning Lane times will fill up pretty quickly. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad construction Speaking of skipping lines, rope drop procedures might change on May 3rd! Any time a ride or new attraction opens, guests love to experience it as soon as possible. We see some seriously long lines during these times, and if you want to avoid them but not pay for Lightning Lanes, you’ll need to change how you rope drop. Construction from April 2026 Instead of heading for Tron or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train on May 3rd, you might want to head straight to Big Thunder Mountain. We’re sure the crowds will go with you, but this is one of the best ways to avoid long lines, especially during the middle of the day when it’s the hottest. Rope Drop crowds at Magic Kingdom Finally, another new procedure is that there might be a soft opening for the attraction! Heavy on the word might. Recently, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin also reopened in Magic Kingdom, and it’s given us some hints as to what we might expect for Big Thunder Mountain’s reopening. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Ahead of its official reopening on April 8th, Buzz Lightyear actually soft-opened for several days leading up to the 8th. Does this mean that Big Thunder Mountain could also open a little early? Well, we aren’t 100% sure. If a ride is ready to test with guests, Disney will open it ahead of time. Sometimes that’s just for Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews, and sometimes that’s for general guests in the park. Line for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft opening We can’t say for certain if Big Thunder will have a soft opening, but we can hope! We are making sure to keep our eyes peeled ahead of the opening, just in case Disney surprises us. We are seriously excited about these new updates. The big reopening is less than a month away, so hold on tight! We’re almost there! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. Disney World Shares Behind-The-Scenes Look at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Changes Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us what you think about the changes in the comments! View the full article

Hurricane season in Disney World can often cause more harm than good, especially considering storms can shut down outdoor Disney World rides, and hurricanes and tropical storms as a whole can shut down the parks if the threat is great enough (it’s rare, but it’s happened!). Storm season! It’s also important to remember that there’s hurricane season, AND a rainy season, and while they’re not the same thing, they often coincide with each other. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st through November 30th, while the rainy season happens to be most of the summer. If you’re traveling to Disney World during this time, we 100% recommend bringing a poncho or umbrella with you to use every day, even if there isn’t rain in the forecast, because it can change on a dime! It looks like we’ve got some potentially good news, though, from Colorado State University’s Seasonal Hurricane Forecasting — it’s possible this season could be LESS activity than normal. The CSU Hurricane Forecast for 2026 shows not only the predictions for this year, but also the average from 1991 to 2020. CSU’s original forecast for this upcoming season was released on April 9th, 2026, and from the numbers, we can see that the expectations for all categories, including Named Storms, Hurricanes, Major Hurricanes, and Accumulated Cyclone Energy, among others, are all lower than the average. ©CSU So, what does all this mean for your Disney World trip? Well, for one, it means that there’s less of a chance that your days in the parks will be severely disrupted by a major storm. For those who are local to Orlando, it also means that you may not have to worry as much this year about intense storms affecting your everyday life. That doesn’t mean they won’t still happen, so you’ll want to keep a close eye out for advice and warnings about big storms on the way. Magic Kingdom entrance the day after Hurricane Milton If you do find yourself in Disney World during a tropical storm or hurricane, the good news is that you’re in one of the safest places possible! Disney has been known to rebook guests into different hotels if the one they’re staying in isn’t as safe (such as camping or staying in the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort), and they often bring characters to the hotels to entertain guests and keep everyone calm as the storm rages outside. While Disney doesn’t like to close their parks, it will do so if it is unsafe for guests and the Cast Members. Yes, it may not be the vacation you were anticipating, but if it happens, you’ll get an experience not everyone gets to say they’ve had! Overcast skies after Hurricane Milton We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest hurricane and tropical storm news this year to help you prepare for your upcoming trips, so stay tuned to DFB! The Weird Cast Member RULE That Only Applies When It Rains in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to be in Disney World during hurricane season? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Progress is continuing with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster has a new look! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed earlier this year, on March 2nd, to make way for a new version of the ride featuring The Muppets. Immediately after the ride’s closure, Disney wasted no time making changes to the exterior, and that work has been progressing quickly! If you’re wondering when to plan your next Disney World trip, we’ve got you covered with a full calendar breakdown to help you figure it out! Check out our “A Year in Disney World: 12-Month Calendar” to check when the best times to visit Disney World are. We can’t lie, we keep making our way to Hollywood Studios to check in on what’s been happening with the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster building. If you haven’t been to the park recently or haven’t been checking our updates, Disney started painting the iconic upside-down car at the entrance as soon as the ride closed. One month later, and look at it now! Check out the car! The car is so vibrant and animated. We’re loving the change, despite how iconic the old car used to look. It looks like the car is pretty much complete! That’s not the only exterior work that’s been going on, because we also noticed that painting has started on the giant red guitar. Painting on the red guitar! We can’t get as good a look at this work because it’s covered, but we can get a peek to see that they started. When looking at the concept art for the ride, the guitar is really going to pop when all is said and done. We’re super excited to see what it will look like in person. ©Disney We’re super stoked for the new version of the attraction to open. It will feature animatronics of Scooter and the penguin audio engineers, who will be working hard to get Electric Mayhem to make it on time to their concert. ©Disney The concept is similar to the original ride, only Muppets style! We’ll be getting a VIP tour of G-Force Records, but under new management by The Muppets! We’ve also been told that G-Force Records has a new, unique look, as Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, has taken over. We’re patiently waiting! We’re going to miss the OG, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say all this talk on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets is getting us beyond excited! We’re always on top of all the latest Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing. Disney CONFIRMS Lightning Lane for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets at Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new ride? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Heads up, Amazon shoppers, each week, we scour Amazon to find the latest Disney merchandise and steepest Disney deals. Sunseeke Silicone Straws Amazon has some of our EVERYDAY theme park essentials available on SALE right now — including a MUST-HAVE go-to for drinks — if you act fast. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Silicone Straws — 33% OFF A Sunseeke Silicone Straw inside our Frozen Coke! Some guests may give you a second glance for breaking out your own silicone straws at the park, but it’ll be worth it when the paper straws Disney provides begin disintegrating. Sunseeke Silicone Straws This set of 12 reusable straws is available for $10 right now, and it comes with 4 pouches to store them in and includes cleaning brushes, and we really like having these to avoid that yucky feeling! SHOP HERE Reusable Utensils — 30% OFF Reusable Travel Utensils Set You can pair your straws with these corresponding reusable utensils. We are always testing products! Each set includes 4 sets of cutlery made of a wheat straw material, each cast in a different color. SHOP HERE INIU Portable Charger — 17% OFF INIU Portable Charger This is one of our favorite chargers on the market from a financial value standpoint. This wired charger is packed with power but thin enough to fit in a pocket, wallet, or fanny pack, which makes carrying it around the park much easier than some other bulky charger alternatives. SHOP HERE Frogg Togg Poncho — 33% OFF Frogg Toggs Poncho We have tried A LOT of ponchos at Walt Disney World over the years, and this is BY FAR our favorite, especially for the kind of rainy weather you may find in Central Florida. This poncho — available on Amazon in multiple colors, including this striking hot pink — had several features that we simply adored. The material allowed the rain to slip right off, and between that and the lack of sleeves, we didn’t feel steamed or hot underneath. Frogg Toggs Poncho On top of that, the poncho was large enough that our backpack was able to fit underneath it comfortably, while still keeping the bag and our backs completely covered from the rain. If all that wasn’t enough, the poncho even comes with a waterproof storage bag, meaning we were able to quickly pack it up and throw it in our backpack as soon as the storm ended without worrying about anything in there getting wet. SHOP HERE If you need any of these essentials for your next Disney World trip, make sure to get to Amazon ASAP, and stay tuned to DFB each week for our latest Instagram finds! View the full article

Champagne on Main Street, drone shows, and ROBO OLAF. Disneyland Paris Just expanded and opened a whole new land – and we were there!! Frozen Ever After We’re here to tell you everything we learned during our last visit, as well as, what we WISH we’d known before we got there! Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Disneyland Paris — Plus BRAND NEW World of Frozen Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

These days, when people think about visiting Universal Orlando, their first thought is pretty much all about Epic Universe, which makes sense because it’s still a relatively new theme park. Universal CityWalk However, if you’re making a trip to Universal and skipping out on CityWalk, you might be doing yourself a disservice. CityWalk is Universal’s shopping and dining district, and the best part about it is that you don’t need a ticket to visit. And soon, you’ll have even more reasons to visit CityWalk because a lot of new stuff is coming to the area! So what’s on the way? The Universal Legacy Store will be returning in late April. There, you’ll be able to buy some fun retro merchandise plus get some photo ops inspired by classic Universal Studios Florida attractions and Universal movies like E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future, and Universal Monsters. To make way for the Universal Legacy Store, the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center will be closing on April 13th to make way for the NEW shop. Epic Universe Preview Center Five Guys, which is a super popular burger restaurant, will be making its way to Universal CityWalk later this summer. It will be taking over the Burger King Whopper Bar, which will close on April 21st. Pro tip: order the Cajun fries and ask for the secret menu item, the Patty Melt. TRUST ME. ©Five Guys As we previously announced, country music star Luke Combs is bringing Luke Combs’ Category 10 to CityWalk. This will be a new location for the entertainment venue where you’ll be able to enjoy live music, food, and drinks. However, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for this spot to open its doors: it’s not expected to be ready until 2027. ©Category 10 Nashville So you will soon have even more reasons to visit CityWalk, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando. And we’ll keep you updated on everything NEW happening at Universal, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 3 Universal Orlando Hotels Fans Aren’t Booking in 2026 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Do you visit CityWalk when you visit Universal Orlando? Share with us your favorite things to see, do, and eat there in the comments. View the full article

These days, Disney World can feel more expensive than ever. While Disney has been consistently dropping discounts for hotels, dining, and more, price hikes are still coming to the parks. EPCOT Lately, EPCOT has been the victim of price increases. While we hate to be the bearer of bad news, we are here to tell you that more price hikes have come to the park. This time, prices have changed at a popular table service restaurant in the France Pavilion! Price increases are inevitable in Disney World, so be sure to keep following DFB for more updates, Disney news, reviews, and more. The ULTIMATE Guide to EPCOT Restaurants — Walt Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your favorite EPCOT table service in the comments! View the full article

Our team spends a LOT of time in the Disney parks, so we’ve tested out a few bags to hold our park day essentials, and there’s one that we feel like everyone is wearing. Loungefly organizer When we’re in the parks, we see a lot of guests carrying Loungefly bags. They are cute and practical. They come in so many different options with different sizes, giving guests a wide range of variety to pick from. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. All Disney Loungeflys that are on sale right now! ©Amazon One of the best parts about Loungeflys is that while you can buy them in the parks, you can actually purchase them ahead of your trip online. Actually, we’ll let you know a secret, you can find a ton of Loungeflys online for cheaper than you will find in the parks! We have a full page where you will find all of the current Loungeflys on sale right now on Amazon. We keep the page updated so you can save money! view ALL OF THE LOUNGEFLYS ON AMAZON This Minnie Mouse Loungefly is a classic! ©Amazon The standard Loungefly Mini Backpack, like this Minnie Mouse Faux Leather one, is a go-to park bag. With two side pockets, a front zipper pocket, and a main section. We find this bag to be big enough to hold everything we need for the day without it being too overwhelming to carry around with us in the parks. view ON AMAZON We love this Loungefly organizer for our bags! HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer Speaking of holding all of our essentials, this Mini Backpack Organizer is one of our favorite finds. We use this to slide inside our Loungefly Mini Backpacks to organize our items, making it easy to find what we need. We love that we can keep the organizer stocked with our items and simply move it to another Loungefly without having to reorganize a new bag. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this convertible Loungefly! Fantasia convertible Loungefly We love that this Fantasia Convertible Loungefly bag does double duty, with it being both a backpack and a tote. But first, we just have to show it off, because this is the PERFECT statement bag for someone who loves Mickey or maybe even someone who’s Disneybounding. The iridescent color scheme is stunning. We also love the embroidered Mickey design on the front against the blue crushed velvet fabric. We always get a lot of compliments when we have this bag with us. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s two classic Disney characters! ©Disney If you’ve ever wanted to see Peter Pan and Wendy fly off to Neverland, it’s time you head over to the Magic Kingdom! Disney recently announced that Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the park’s nighttime parade, has undergone a massive change. Luckily for us, this change is a pretty exciting one! When Disney first released concept art, it did look like Peter and Wendy might take flight, but we all know that concept art isn’t concrete, especially when it comes to new Disney projects. It’s so cool to see how this has come to life! The float looks just like the art now. ©Disney The nighttime parade is one that we absolutely adore in the park! If you want to see the characters take flight, you can catch the parade twice at night at 8:15PM and 10:30PM most nights. Starting April 13th, the parade will move to one show time at 8:30PM Monday through Thursday, and twice per night at 8:30 and 10:30PM on Friday and Saturday. Disney Starlight — Peter Pan Float The parade starts off on Main Street, U.S.A., before making its way to Frontierland, so it’s the reverse of Disney’s other parade, Festival of Fantasy. This parade features appearances from the Blue Fairy, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Mirabel and Bruno from Encanto, Moana, and more! Disney Starlight This parade is full of classic and new Disney characters, and it really does light up the night sky. We thought we couldn’t love it any more than we already do, but then Peter Pan and Wendy took flight. Call us happy parade people! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. Disney Starlight — A Nighttime Parade at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your thoughts on the big change in the comments! View the full article

This National Siblings Day, the story of three cast member sisters, is a reminder that Disney magic has a special way of bringing families together across generations. For sisters Kate, Brittany, and Rachel Hackett, what began as childhood visits to Walt Disney World has grown into a shared calling, rooted in family, tradition and a love for creating meaningful and magical moments for others. These days, each sister works in a different corner of Walt Disney World, but their paths all trace back to the same beginning. Their grandmother spent 27 years as a seasonal merchandise cast member and her love for Disney left a heartfelt and lasting impact. Through her stories and dedication, she helped define the sisters’ earliest Disney memories and sparked a connection that would eventually become a true family legacy. “We were very fortunate to spend so much time at Disney World as children,” Kate said. “Our grandmother really shaped those memories for us.” Those early visits planted a seed, and none of them could have predicted where it would lead. Their Disney story stretches back decades from childhood Christmas trips, to surprising each other during family vacations and traditions built on a little extra holiday magic at the Candlelight Processional. They’ve even carried on the legacy by performing in the Candlelight Processional Cast Choir together, a role their grandmother once held. Brittany was the first to take the leap, moving to Florida from New Jersy for school and picking up a part-time role at Walt Disney World. It didn’t take long for that decision to set something bigger in motion. One by one, her sisters followed, and eventually much of their immediate family found themselves a little closer to the magic that had always felt like home. Their jobs look different, but the pride they share as cast members is the same. Kate works in Food and Beverage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and recently completed culinary school with an interest sparked by her time in the kitchen. Brittany supports Entertainment as a scheduling specialist, helping coordinate smooth experiences for performers, attendants, technicians, costuming cast and more. Rachel works with the Disney Character Events team, bringing beloved characters to events across property and beyond. Now that they’ve forged unique career journeys, the sisters say working at Disney has brought them even closer. When their work paths cross, it’s extra special. Recently, all three worked at the same event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It marked the first time in more than six years with the company that they’d been part of the same project. “That was the first time we’d ever been able to run into each other altogether,” Rachel said. “It was such a fun experience to share all that we do with one another.” Each sister has found her own sense of purpose in her role. For Kate, it was Food and Beverage that opened the door to culinary arts. “I’ve discovered my love for this area, and it’s helped me move into the next steps of my career,” she said. Brittany found her place behind the scenes, supporting fellow cast members. “The cast are my guests,” she explained. “I love supporting them in all the magic they create.” For Rachel, the ever-changing world of character events is a constant source of inspiration. “Every day is a little bit different,” she said. “You get to see new things that fill your cup.” And the family’s Disney roots keep growing. Two uncles and an aunt also work at Walt Disney World, adding to a legacy built on creativity, connection, and care. So what would they tell other siblings or families considering a Disney career? Don’t hesitate. “Do it,” they said. “We have the sisterly bond, but we also have the cast member bond.” Working at Disney, the sisters say, has strengthened their relationships, opened new doors and given them a shared sense of purpose. “It just feels so normal that we’re all part of the magic,” Brittany said. “We have pixie dust in our veins!” National Siblings Day is about celebrating the people who know us best. Kate, Brittany and Rachel are shining examples of how shared dreams can turn into shared careers, and their story is just one of many across Walt Disney World Resort. “We are grateful to be a place where careers often begin with family and grow into long-term journeys rooted in opportunity and purpose,” said Michelle Stewart, manager of cast activities engagement and strategy. With more than 80,000 cast members at Walt Disney World Resort, an average tenure of 12 years and the lowest attrition rate in two decades, cast members like Kate, Brittany and Rachel reflect the meaningful, long-term careers Disney makes possible. The post Sisters in Pixie Dust: Disney Cast Member Legacies Decades in the Making appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article