Disney4me

Are YOU getting set for a Disney trip this week? Spaceship Earth Well, we’re here to help! A BIG part of making sure your trip is easy and breezy is by making sure you pack for the weather. We’re not kidding when we say that Orlando weather is a fickle thing. From the precipitation to the temperatures, it can be hard to prepare! So, we’re diving into the weather conditions that you can expect on your trip to Disney World next week. Weather Forecast It’s still warming up a little bit in Disney World! Last week, we spotted the disappearance of the cold front with generally warmer temperatures — and it looks like they’re here to stay! But careful, that does n’t mean the evenings will be the shorts weather you might be expecting. December 13th Based on The Weather Channel, Sunday, December 13th is expected to be the warmest day of the whole week with an 81-degree high (WOW!) and a 63-degree low. Those are some pretty perfect temperatures, but you might want to keep a jacket on you at night if you think a sunless 63° might get a little chilly. ©The Weather Channel This is the warmest weather we’ve seen in a while and like we said, the warmest all week so enjoy it! With intervals of clouds and sunshine and a low 16 to 24% chance of rain, this just might be a GORGEOUS Disney day. December 14th On Monday, December 14th, you’ll see that weather plummet about ten degrees for the high and the low. This is definitely a day to LAYER. While you might be comfy at noon in that 69-degree weather, things could be a little frigid in the morning and the night. ©The Weather Channel The daytime also might bring a few showers in the morning, so be prepared with a poncho or raincoat. Pro tip! Bring an insulated raincoat and it can double as your layer in the evening. December 15th When we reach Tuesday, December 15th, we’ll see a rainless day and those temperatures should stabilize at around the same spot as they were the day before. ©The Weather Channel That low is gonna get a few degrees higher too, but that doesn’t mean you can leave the pullover at home. 53° is practically FREEZING for Floridians, and you might feel the same way during your visit. December 16th On Wednesday, December 16th, the high warms up just a few degrees… ©The Weather Channel …as does the low. Still no sign of rain during the day, but it’s a possibility in the evening and night. December 17th For Thursday, December 17th, the weather sticks around that high-60s, low-70s high and 50s low. ©The Weather Channel During the day it will be sunny and still a very slim chance of rain. Winds will be light so the breeze shouldn’t be enough to get you down. December 18th We pop back up into the 70s on Friday, December 18th! You might be able to ditch the light jacket during the day! ©The Weather Channel But get ready to shrug it back on just in case. We could see isolated thunderstorms and rain showers. Plus, that low is pretty LOW at 55 degrees. December 19th Saturday, December 19th is mostly the same as the day before but with a MUCH lower chance of rain. Yay for sunshine! ©The Weather Channel Keep in mind that humidity will be high in the evening. Hey, it is Florida after all! Overview of the Week Here is a full overview of the week according to The Weather Channel. You’ll spot relatively consistent temperatures except for that heat spike on Sunday. It looks like the most likely days for rain are Monday and Friday. Keep in mind though, Florida likes to hit us with those rainy curveballs! ©The Weather Channel Other websites like Click Orlando News 6… ©Click Orlando News 6 …and WESH 2 News have similar, if slightly warmer, forecasts throughout the week. ©WESH 2 News Hey, we’ll definitely take warmer! You probably won’t be sweating in Disney World this week but we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re comfy in a t-shirt every once in a while. Those low evening temps still mean layering, layering, layering! BUT, Weather Can Change! Remember, meteorologists aren’t perfect and the weather, especially in Florida, is ever-changing! These days could look VERY different from these forecasts so you’ll want to keep checking as your packing. Adventureland In fact, we recommend that you keep checking once you’re IN Disney too. You might feel like skipping the poncho in your day bag for extra space is a safe move, only to find the chance of rain has DOUBLED. Don’t get caught unawares, keep an eye on it! Looking for more Disney tips? Click here! How Should You Plan? If you are headed to Disney World next week, we’ve got a few tips on how to plan for the weather! Layer, Layer, Layer! Our BIGGEST tip for winter in Disney World is to bring LAYERS. Seriously, you can be overheating at 3PM and shivering at 6PM. Change happens FAST. So, bring a light jacket and a warm hat to be prepped for anything. Fuzzy Jacket Our favorite tip is to roll a scarf up in your bag. It doesn’t take up much space and you’d be surprised just how helpful getting something around your neck can be when that evening chill hits! Winter Magic Hat and scarf And, if you find yourself in the parks with a DECIDED chill, head on to the nearest merchandise store. Disney is stocked with warm items like pullovers and jackets just in case guests forget anything. You might drop a prettier penny than you would have liked, but at least you’ll be cozy! Bring That Sun Protection! Just because we’re seeing colder temps, doesn’t mean that you don’t need to worry about the sun. You’ll want to bring sunglasses or a hat, and PLENTY of sunscreen. Heart-Shaped Sunglasses Somehow, we feel like the winter sun feels a little bit brighter. We’re WAY more comfortable in the parks year-round when we have a cute and functional pair of sunnies on our faces. You don’t want to miss out on any of that good Disney sightseeing because you’re squinting away, do you? Pool Items And nope, cold temps DON’T mean your skin is safe from those UV rays! Lather up and lather up your kiddos because winter burns can be the worst of them all. We want our readers to be healthy and sunburn-free! Watch for Nighttime Crowds in Stores We gave this tip last week but we’re bringing it up again. Merchandise shops can get crowded in the chillier evenings this time of year. Why? Because they’re HEATED. Yes, it can be nice to seak some solace from the cold, but everyone else might have the same idea. Emporium If you’re hoping to go shopping with fewer folks in your path, head to the shops during the warmer daytime. Mouse Gear PLUS, social distancing is important during this time! Though the stores do have capacity limits, you might have a much easier time when you’re not contending with a bunch of other chilled guests. Click here to see pics from an at-capacity day in Magic Kingdom! So, use this forecast to inform your packing but be prepared for anything! We KNOW that Orlando skies like to throw us for some loops. Keep that park stash ready for anything — hot, cold, and YES, that stereotypical Florida storm! To see what wait times in Disney World looked like last week, 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you headed to Disney World next week? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World's Weather Will Be ALL OVER the Place This Week. Here's What You Need to Know! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Disney World Weekly Weather Update: Brace For Chilly Evenings! NEWS: Tropical Storm Eta is Headed Towards Florida Going To Disney World in February? Here’s What You Need To Know! View the full article

We may just be days away before U.S. citizens could begin receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccination. Pending FDA approval, states could begin distributing the Pfizer vaccine to its first round of recipients as soon as early next week. Disney World’s Health and Safety Signs Fox35 Orlando has reported that, in the state of Florida, vaccine distributions could begin as early as Monday or Tuesday. The distribution timeline will depend on when the FDA authorizes emergency use, which is in discussion today by their advisory panel. After the authorization is passed, “vaccine distribution would occur very rapidly,” according to Dr. Steven Smith. Health Signage Once approved, AdventHealth in Orlando will be among the first hospitals in the state to distribute the vaccine. The other hospitals that will receive the first round of vaccines are Jackson Memorial in Miami, Memorial Healthcare in Hollywood, and Tampa General – UF Health in Jacksonville. Advent Health Signage A vaccine is a critical step in the recovery process for Disney World. Analysts have pointed out that the parks would likely need a vaccine to be available and widely distributed before normal operations could resume. Click here to learn about where you can find your very own at-home COVID-19 test kit. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! When are you planning on visiting Disney World next? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: COVID-19 Vaccine Could Begin Distribution in Florida Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Marriott CEO Announced That He Will Not Take a Salary For Remainder of the Year Universal Sends Out Surveys About Potential Re-Opening Scenarios Orlando Hospital To Be Among First 4 In Florida To Get COVID-19 Vaccine 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. Traveling to Disney World can present a certain set of challenges due to the current global pandemic. Magic Kingdom At present, the CDC is recommending that anyone considering travel get a COVID-19 test before their trip. This also comes with challenges as many testing sites are generally booked up for days or have extensively long lines. However, you can now order COVID-19 tests online through Walmart and Sam’s Club. First, though, you will need to take an online health assessment — this is necessary to get a doctor’s order to take the test. The test kit will be shipped directly to your home, where you’ll do either a nasal swab or spit into a tube. You’ll receive results by email about 24 to 48 hours after the lab receives your sample. COVID-19 Testing Site at WDW Maingate Complex These at-home tests are not approved by the FDA but they do have emergency-use authorization by the organization. However, if you are experiencing breathing difficulties or other COVID-19 symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. Standard kits include free 2-day shipping. There are several options available, including the COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test. COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test ©Walmart Standard kits include free 2-day shipping. This test is $99. Click here to get the COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test You can also get the COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test with Express Shipping for $110. COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test with Express Shipping ©Walmart This includes free overnight shipping so that you can get your test results faster, if needed. Click here to get the COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test With Express Shipping For those who prefer a saliva test, which is less intrusive than the traditional nasal swab, there is a COVID-19 Saliva Test that involves spitting into a tube for lab analysis. COVID-19 Saliva Test ©Walmart This test is $99 and results are received online 24-48 hours after a lab receives the sample. Click here to get the COVID-19 Saliva Test The saliva test also has an express shipping option. The COVID-19 Saliva Test with Express Shipping is $110. COVID-19 Saliva Test with Express Shipping ©Walmart This costs includes overnight shipping so that test results are received faster. Click here to buy the COVID-19 Saliva Test with Express Shipping For those who need a test before returning home from a trip to Orlando, you can now get tested at Disney World — we outlined how here. Rapid testing might soon become an option at Orlando International Airport, too. What Happens If You Test Positive for COVID-19 On Vacation in Disney World? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you been to Disney World recently and been tested? Let us know in the comments. The post You Can Now Buy COVID-19 Testing Kits ONLINE! Get All the Details HERE! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: These Airports Currently Offer COVID-19 Testing Facilities (And Why This Could Make A Huge Difference For You) Like An Icy Blast, Frozen 2 Merch Is Sweeping Its Way Through Disney Parks and Stores Across the U.S.! Check Out These Crazy-Expensive 90th Anniversary Mickey Figurines on shopDisney! View the full article

Disney World and places all over the world put quite a few things into practice to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including mask requirements, more access to hand sanitizers and hand washing stations, sanitization of certain areas, and more. Face Mask Sign Now, one airport in Florida is stepping it up a notch and utilizing a ROBOT to kill germs in the air and on surfaces. CNBC shared a video today of a COVID-fighting robot in use at Key West International Airport, located in Florida. NBC Miami reports that the robot stands at 6 feet tall and weighs over 300 pounds. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau As the CNBC video explains, the robot uses ultraviolet-C light to kill germs both in the air and on surfaces, including coronavirus. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau The light that comes from the robot for the disinfection is so strong that it can only be used when people aren’t around. The robot actually has sensors on it that will shut its powerful lights off if it detects that a person is near, in order to protect guests from UV exposure. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau According to NBC Miami, the robot can move autonomously around the airport once it’s been properly programmed and has “mapped” spaces. A human operator will make sure people are away from spaces the robot is sanitizing and can monitor the robot’s progress through a tablet. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau The robot can actually disinfect the entire interior of the Key West International Airport in just 2 1/2 hours! ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau Richard Strickland, the director of airports for the Keys’ Monroe County, Florida, said that passengers should know that the airport is making every possible effort to protect them. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau Check out the full video of this cool robot below.  According to NBC Miami, Key West International Airport is one of the first airports to get one of these sophisticated units, made by UVD Robots, which provides non-chemical disinfection. The robot was demonstrated on Wednesday, and the manufacturer’s representatives should be done with programming and airport staff training by early next week. ©CNBC | Florida Keys News Bureau Airport officials will, however, continue to use other efforts like manual disinfection and mask requirements to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus. We’ll be interested to see if something like this starts being utilized at more spaces and airports, like Orlando International Airport, in the future. Orlando International Airport As the situation with the global pandemic continues to develop, we’ll be on the lookout for any key updates or changes which might impact your trip to Disney. Check back with us for all the latest! Orlando International Airport will begin offering COVID-19 rapid tests soon. Check out the details by clicking here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of this cleaning robot? Let us know in the comments! The post Video: A ROBOT Is Fighting Germs and COVID-19 at a Florida Airport first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Looking For a New Way to Entertain the Kiddos? Disney Stars Are Posting Story Times on Social Media! NEWS: Disney Stock Surges Following Promising Vaccine Report BREAKING NEWS: Hong Kong Disneyland is Closing for the THIRD Time This Year View the full article

HO! HO! HO! Don’t you know… We’re celebrating the Holiday Season in Magic Kingdom! Santa Claus in Magic Kingdom That means oodles of seasonal snacks, riding the Jingle Cruise, and seeing SANTA CLAUS (accompanied by reindeer, of course) in the park! And while the official holiday festivities will continue through this month, there is one place where it’s ALWAYS Christmas in Magic Kingdom… We’re talking about Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe! And our visit today reminded us of a lovely Magic Kingdom tradition that guests — both young and young-at-heart — can enjoy. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe This stop in Liberty Square is home to all sorts of merry decorations year-’round, with everything to deck the halls from stockings to ornaments… even with personalizing options. Ornament in Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe But did you know that you can send your letter to Santa directly from this lovely little Magic Kingdom nook? And I can’t think of a more perfect letter box from which to send it. Letters for Santa So if you — or your little ones — forgot to mail a wish list and yuletide greetings to ol’ St. Nick before you came to Walt Disney World, it’s not too late! You can send direct to SANTA from Magic Kingdom! Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe Now, for those who are long-familiar with this offering, we want to note: currently, supplies aren’t available, as they were previously, for guests to write their letters within the Shoppe. But the beautiful Letters to Santa box IS available, and it’s ready and waiting for you to bring your letter so your family can participate in this Magic Kingdom tradition! See ALL of the Holiday Season festivities happening in Disney World right here! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2020 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2020 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What's New!! chapter for the 2020 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we'll tell you where to eat! ;-D Click HERE to Order your 2020 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don't love it, you get your money back! MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! ALL the Holiday Treats in Disney World This Year (With Reviews!) Disney World’s 2020 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Has Been Canceled Photos! The Holiday Season Has Begun in Disney World! Disney World’s 2020 Candlelight Processional in EPCOT Has Been Canceled EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays Is Returning to Disney World This November! Disney World Will Have NO Gingerbread Displays in Hotels This Holiday Season! Check Out Cinderella Castle's NEW Holiday Projections For the Holidays! Here’s ALL of the Christmas Entertainment Coming to Disney World This Year! Photos! Check Out This Year's Christmas Tree Stroll in Disney Springs! We Reviewed the New Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Have you ever sent a letter to Santa from Magic Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment! The post Forget to Mail Your Letter to Santa?! Find Out Where You Can Send It in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: NEW Merchandise for The Haunted Mansion’s 50th Anniversary Arrives in Magic Kingdom! What’s New at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: it’s a small world Construction Walls, Crazy Forky Fun, New Baby Yoda Stickers, and a Dry Camel What’s New in Magic Kingdom — An Epic Sundae, New Jewelry, and Haunted Mansion Merch! View the full article

D23 Gold members, listen up! ©FedEx We’ve got a GREAT wintertime deal for ya that’s perfect for gift-shopping for others (or maybe just yourself). Recently, we’ve found some great discounts and deals on Disney World Resort hotels and now we’ve got something to make shopping for home a little sweeter. Now through January 31st, D23 Gold members can receive a 30% discount on print orders from FedEx, in stores or online! Hmm…that’s giving us some gift ideas. D23 Gold Membership The discount applies to lots of great options including customized canvas prints, announcement cards, business cards, note cards and more! You. do have to be a D23 Gold member to take advantage of this offer, and you can head RIGHT HERE to get the code. “A Man and His Mouse” plush ©Disney What a fun deal! As always, stay tuned to DFB to learn the latest discounts from Disney and beyond! Click here to see some Disney discounts! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be picking up some prints from FedEx? Tell us in the comments! The post D23 Gold Members Get a BIG Discount on FedEx Printing! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Find Out How to Get a DISCOUNT On UNLIMITED Access to Marvel Comics! NEW Discount Feature Added to Disney Merchandise Pages! New Year, New Membership! Celebrate 2020 with a Discounted D23 Gold Family Membership! View the full article

It’s the holiday season at Disney World! Magic Kingdom Train Station You can bet we’ve spent much of our time strolling through a decked-out Magic Kingdom, and we want to take you along! We’re checking out all the updates in Disney World’s flagship park in food, construction, and merchandise! Before we jump in, we’ve got a few general updates! For one, it was SO cold yesterday that Splash Mountain only had a five-minute wait! It’s usually one of the longest in the park. Splash Mountain Wait Did you know some of the custodial Cast Members at Disney World are pretty darn talented? We passed by this Cast Member (Matt!) in Liberty Square who made some snazzy water art of Santa Goofy. Santa Goofy So cute! We can’t get over how perfect this drawing is! Click here to see more of the Santa Goofy water art! Magic Kingdom Food Updates Westward Ho On our last visit, we noticed that Westward Ho was open on a weekday. Today, however, it was back to being closed — potentially due to the lower crowds. Westward Ho Magic Kingdom Construction Updates Main Street Train Station The BIGGEST construction update was at the Main Street Train Station. Though the Walt Disney World Railroad has been unavailable for a while now, we haven’t seen much work on this particular station. The Train Station Behind Scrims Until now, that is! The whole station was surrounded by construction scrim. Hmm… To learn more about the train station construction, click here! Rivers of America Rivers of America is still drained and we were able to peek over at some of the construction equipment parked in the riverbed. We sure hope to see water flowing in these channels again soon! Rivers of America TRON Lightcycle Run As always, we took a peek at the progress of TRON Lightcycle Run. That canopy is really starting to take shape! From the back, you can see the form of it is almost fully intact. TRON Lightcycle Run Magic Kingdom Merchandise Updates Various Locations Several locations around Magic Kingdom including Fantasy Faire, Star Traders, Emporium, Uptown Jewelers, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, and Frontier Trading Post all were offering the 30% off holiday sale! And yes, discounts stack! Holiday Sale Emporium At the Emporium we spotted the new Soul Face Masks along with the other Soul merchandise we spotted recently. New ‘Soul’ Face Masks You can get a Soul Cat design or a Half Note Jazz Club design for $9.99. Want to learn more about the Soul masks? Click here! Frontier Trading Post Over at Frontier Trading Post, we found several new pins celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Tangled. There are these three Tangled pins for $19.99 each… Tangled Pins …and this JUMBO limited-edition Tangled pin for $64.99. Jumbo Tangled pin Plus, we spotted this sweet Dapper Mickey and Minnie pin for $17.99. Dapper Mickey and Minnie Pin Arribas Brothers If you’ve ever done some window shopping in Magic Kingdom, you’ve probably spotted this MASSIVE Arribas Brothers Cinderella Castle. Well, it got a price increase! You can now snag this baby for $49,000. WHEW. Arribas Brothers Cinderella Castle Silhouette Carts And there’s a super sweet update at the Silhouette Carts! Right now, they’re offering a fun plaid paper instead of just the usual black for Christmas! Plaid Silhouette And there ya have it! That’s everything new in Magic Kingdom. We’ll be back with more updates soon! Click here to see more of the latest news from Magic Kingdom! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 Magic Kingdom soon? Tell us in the comments! The post What's New in Magic Kingdom: Chilly Temps, Holiday Merchandise Discounts, and MAJOR Construction! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: What’s New in Magic Kingdom: Halloween Treats, Spooky Merchandise, and NEW Character Cavalcades! What’s New in Magic Kingdom: TRON Construction, Dole Whip Galore, and a Disneyland Shirt?! What’s New in Magic Kingdom: Madame Leota Sippers, a Rabbit Spotting, and MORE! View the full article

It’s no secret that we here at DFB LOOOOVE to snack! Fa La La La Funnel Cake Recently, we’ve been spending A LOT of time trying new holiday snacks! Everything from cupcakes to festive tacos to over-the-top milkshakes. However, as much as we’d like to consider ourselves snacking “experts,” it seems as though we’re nothing compared to the Marvel Superheroes! Yesterday, Disney+ and Marvel released a fun new video detailing the Marvel heroes’ musings on the art of snacking. Featuring scenes and characters from some of the best MCU movies, this compilation is pretty hilarious! Check out the video below! I mean, how can you not chuckle when watching that?! It seems as though we need to hire some of these guys for our team — how cool would it be to take The Avengers with us snacking around the World Showcase?! ©Marvel Now that you’ve got your daily dose of funny Disney characters, make sure you stick around as we here at DFB continue to cover all the breaking Disney news! Later today, we’ll be sharing all the updates from Disney’s Investor Day, so stay tuned! What to Expect From Disney’s Investor’s Day Today! 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 Marvel character is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post VIDEO: See the Marvel Heroes' Thoughts on Snacking in This Hilarious Disney Clip first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: You Totally Need These 20 Disney Accessories For Under $20! Is The Future Of Movies…On Demand? The 8 BEST Disney Instagram Filter Games to Play on Repeat This Weekend! (See What the DFB Team Got!) View the full article

We were just discussing what New Year’s Eve is going to look like for guests ringing in 2021 in Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World Entrance Today, though, we’re looking a little bit beyond December 31st with an update on Disney World Park Pass availability for early January 2021! There has been some replenishing of availability for the first full week of the New Year, which was showing more limited availability just yesterday. However, a look at the Disney Park Pass availability calendars is currently showing a lot more GREEN… and green means GO! Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance Yep, into the New Year, guests will be required to have a Disney Park Pass along with a valid admission ticket to enter any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Here’s where things stand for each of the three ticket categories as of now… Theme Park Tickets Guests The first full week of January shows open availability for all four theme parks for Theme Park Tickets Guests, with the only day in January with just “some parks available” being New Year’s Day. Hollywood Studios, which is typically the most in-demand park for reservations, is actually one of the open parks on January 1st. The park that is full, as of right now, is Magic Kingdom. Disney World Resort Guests The same thing holds true — right down to Magic Kingdom being the unavailable park on January 1st — for Disney World Resort Guests. park Pass Availability for Disney World Resort Guests for January 2021 As for the third group… Annual Passholders At press time, ALL FOUR parks are showing full availability for the entire month of January for Disney World Annual Passholders. Park Pass Availability for Disney World Annual Passholders for January 2021 As we’ve all learned, things can change quickly in regards to Disney Park Pass Availability, so you can bet we’ll be keeping you posted! And remember… January 1, 2021 is when Park Hopping becomes an option once again for guests who have Park Hopping benefits as part of their ticket! Wondering how, exactly, that works with regards to the required Disney World Park Pass reservation system? Find out here! Learn everything you need to know about the Disney World Park Pass Reservation System 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you visiting Disney World in 2021? Please let us know with a comment! The post Disney World Adds MORE Park Pass Availability for Early January 2021! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: News! Labor Day Weekend Park Pass Availability for the Disney World Theme Parks Has Changed…AGAIN! Disney World Park Pass Availability for This Weekend Has Changed! NEWS: Halloween Park Passes Are GONE for Disney World Annual Passholders View the full article

While some Disney attractions have withstood the test of time, not all rides stick around forever. Primeval Whirl Earlier this year, 3 Disney attractions were reportedly set to close permanently and Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was one of the rides on that list. We later saw the attraction vehicles themselves removed from the ride. Today these vehicles were out and about in Disney World again…on a trailer that appeared to be heading out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A huge thanks to our reader Julie Raad-Peay who spotted these ride vehicles, took some fantastic photos, and was kind enough to share them with us! Julie says she spotted the vehicles on Osceola Parkway, appearing to leave Animal Kingdom. Primeval Whirl Attraction Vehicles You can see the colorful and round ride vehicles stacked up on this trailer. We’re not exactly sure where these attraction vehicles are headed, but it seems that since Primeval Whirl has gone “extinct,” they are now being moved elsewhere. Primeval Whirl Attraction Vehicles Prior to the announcement regarding its reported closure, Primeval Whirl had been operating as a seasonal attraction for quite some time. We’re not sure what, if anything, will take the place of this attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but we’ll definitely be on the lookout for any news about the future of this spot. For now, it looks like it’s time to say goodbye to these vehicles — thanks for all the spins, whirls, and twirls you colorful bunch! Primeval Whirl Attraction Vehicles Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates about all the construction going on at the Disney Parks and news about future attractions and experiences. Click here to see a new kiosk that has appeared near Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Were you a fan of Primeval Whirl? Let us know in the comments! The post PHOTOS: The Primeval Whirl Vehicles Are On the Move in Disney World (and We're Kinda Bummed) first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: News: Disney Extends Park Hours at Animal Kingdom for One Day in September Your ULTIMATE Guide to the 2020 Halloween Season in Disney World! There’s One BIG Problem That Could Derail Your Disney World Trip This Year 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. The holidays are almost here, and if you’re not done with your online Christmas shopping, it’s time to GET TO IT! Magic Kingdom This is a reminder that today is your LAST DAY to get your Christmas gifts from shopDisney to guarantee that they arrive in time for Christmas! If you’re still needing some gift ideas, we’ve got a few things that might just be perfect, like this Candyland The Disney Theme Park Edition Board Game. It’s Candyland, but with a Disney Parks twist! And it’s fun for the whole family! Candyland The Disney Theme Park Edition ©shopDisney We’re obviously a little biased because it features Disney snacks and lets you travel through Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland on your way to the castle. You can grab it now for $22.99. Click here to buy the Candyland The Disney Theme Park Edition Board Game Is someone in your family really missing Mickey waffles? Well, here’s the PERFECT gift for them because it lets them make Mickey waffles AT HOME. The Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker is sure to put a smile on someone’s face! Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker ©shopDisney This $34.95 waffle maker can bring real Disney magic into any kitchen! And since you’re going to need it, here’s the recipe for Mickey waffles, too! Click here to buy the Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker The Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection has been a hot ticket item all year. Each release seems more popular than the last! The good news is, though, that some of the items are still available, including the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction — Haunted Mansion Pin Set! Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction — Haunted Mansion Pin Set ©shopDisney The pin set features a spooky Haunted Mansion-inspired Minnie, the Haunted Mansion Minnie Ears, and Madame Leota. So if you’ve got some foolish mortals on your shopping list, you can grab this set for $19.99. Click here to buy the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction — Haunted Mansion Pin Set It’s not too late to get an Advent Calendar, and if you’re looking for a great Disney-themed one, the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Plush Advent Calendar is a lot of fun! All you have to do is tuck the tiny gingerbread Mickey into each day to count the days until Christmas! Mickey and Minnie Mouse Plush Advent Calendar ©shopDisney This calendar also hangs on the wall, and the cool thing about it is that it’s reusable! So you can make it part of your Christmas tradition every year. And it’s on sale now for $26.99. Click here to buy the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Plush Advent Calendar If you’ve got a Star Wars fan to shop for, look no further than this The Child Plush (Or Baby Yoda, as we prefer to call him). Like who can embrace cuddling with this cute little guy? The Child Plush ©shopDisney This is the way…to make someone very happy this Christmas! And you can get it for $24.99. Click here to buy The Child Plush Do you know someone who loves Disney AND puzzles? They might just adore the Rapunzel Castle Puzzle by Ravensburger! This limited release puzzle features 1,000 pieces and is sure to keep puzzle fans busy, especially if they’re stuck at home during the holidays! Rapunzel Castle Puzzle by Ravensburger ©shopDisney Every single piece of this puzzle is unique, and its art is authentic to the castle design in Tangled. And you can nab it for that special someone for $24.99. Click here to buy the Rapunzel Castle Puzzle by Ravensburger One of the most iconic things at Disneyland is the Monorail that runs from Downtown Disney into Tomorrowland! And if you have any Disneyland fans in your life, the Disneyland Monorail Sponge might just be the perfect stocking stuffer! Disneyland Monorail Sponge ©shopDisney This sponge, which is $6.99, will also make cleaning time a lot more fun! Click here to buy the Disneyland Monorail Sponge We hope this gives you some great ideas for gifts, so head on over to shopDisney and get those orders in before the end of the day to get them in time for Christmas! Grab Even More Baby Yoda Disney Gifts From This HUGE Online Sale! 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 done with your holiday shopping yet? Let us know in the comments! The post This Is NOT a Drill! It's the LAST Day To Guarantee Your Online Disney Gifts Arrive By Christmas! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: The Holiday Shop Is Now OPEN on shopDisney! 🎄 The TOP 15 Toys for the 2020 Holiday Season According to Disney! REMINDER: Mando Mondays Are Almost Here! “Tune In” Tomorrow for New Deals! View the full article

Daily Orlando Sentinel Now podcast: Orange County tax district siphons millions for I-drive corridor, tourism industry could get more. Also: Holiday at Gatorland. View the full article

Disney’s Christmas telecast to be hosted by Julianne Hough and Tituss Burgess and feature musical acts Becky G, Maddie & Tae. View the full article

When Disney first closed down earlier this year, thousands of Cast Members were furloughed. Even though Disney World has since reopened, it has been challenging for Disney to recover, and they laid off 28,000 Cast Members in September. Cast Member at Transportation and Ticket Center This number has continued to grow. During this trying time, many people have stepped up to help these former Disney Cast Members in their time of need. We’ve seen food banks, benefit shows and albums, and so much more! Now, one of the food banks started by furloughed Cast Members is now in danger of closing — but there are ways you can help! The members of the UNITE HERE Local 737 union started a food bank for Disney Cast Members earlier this year, but according to Spectrum News 13, the food bank is currently struggling. Cast Members at the Boardwalk Bakery The food bank started out with 200 people in need of donations weekly, but has since grown to 1200. And the work continues to increase. The UNITE HERE Local 737 Trustee Sonja Flowers told Spectrum News 13 that the bank is seeing more people each week, and they’re in need of more help for Christmastime. They aren’t sure how much longer they’ll be able to sustain the food bank, as they’re currently spending $20,000 each week to feed their recipients. Cast Member Not only does the food bank need money donations, but they also need food donations and volunteers at their distribution location off of La Quinta Drive in Orlando, FL. Hundreds of families depend on this service weekly, and the union is asking for the help of the community to keep it afloat. Cast Members If you’d like to help out with this cause by donating food, money, or your time, then please contact the Local 737 at 407-851-0626. They will be distributing food again this Saturday at their office in Orlando — 1255 La Quinta Drive #212. Magic Kingdom Cast Members in Costume Disney’s Cast Members have had an especially challenging year, and we’re incredibly grateful for all the magic that they have created, and continue to create, for countless guests every day! For more information on the Cast Member layoffs and how you can help those affected, stay tuned to DFB as we share more resources! 15 Ways You Can Give Back This Holiday Season — Click Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! How will you be supporting laid off Cast Members? Tell us in the comments! The post Food Bank Started By Laid Off Disney Cast Members in Danger of Closing -- Find Out How YOU Can Help! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: These Are the Disney Cast Members We Are Missing the MOST During the Closures! Here’s How Disney Executives Have Been Responding to the Layoffs This Musical Podcast Created By Furloughed Cast Members is GREAT for Kids! View the full article

New lockers debuted at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, replacing tight quarters that held belongings since attraction opened 10 years ago. View the full article

Maybe you always overpack, or you’re worried you’re packing your Disney itinerary too full. Tree of Life Today, we’re breaking down my BIGGEST Disney World regrets so you can set yourself up for a much better trip before you drive under the Walt Disney World entrance sign! 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: What is your biggest Disney World regret?The post DFB Video: My 25 Biggest Disney World Regrets! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: DFB Video: 11 Weird Ways the Pros Spend Their Time in Disney World! DFB Video: The BEST Rooms in Disney World Hotels, And How to Get Them! DFB Video: Here’s What We Can Expect in Disney World in 2021! View the full article

It’s time to take a stroll around the shops and restaurants at Disney Springs! Everglazed Donuts & Coldbrew at Disney Springs We spotted some new merchandise and a drink special update! Take a look at what’s happening in the shopping and dining center of Disney World. Disneys Springs Food Update The Polite Pig The Polite Pig is home to an extensive whiskey bar. You can try the selection on its own or have it mixed in a cocktail. The restaurant recently received a new Woodinville Bourbon. You can buy a Limited Edition Port Cask for $18 or a regular glass for $12. The Cast Member said the limited edition bourbon is super smooth with a nutty flavor. Sounds like a great choice for bourbon drinkers! It’s not on the menu yet so ask a Cast Member if you’re interested in trying it! The Polite Pig Drink Specials Disney Springs Construction Update M&M’s Store We’ve been keeping up with all the updates for the new stores and restaurants coming to Disney Springs. The M&M’s Store is set to open in 2021 and construction is pushing forward. The building has a coat of yellow paint and windows installed. M&M’s Store We’ll continue to check back on the store’s progress! Read more about the M&M Store here! Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Construction has been moving quickly on the Everglazed donut shop that will be opening soon. Our last update showed that the construction walls had been removed and the painting was finishing up. More paint has been added and the Orange Parking Lot entrance near Splitsville Luxury Lanes is now open for entry. Everglazed Donuts Construction By the way, the Orange Lot entrance is usually less busy than the main entrance in the mornings! Read more about Everglazed construction here! Disney Springs Merchandise Update Art of Disney Art of Disney is home to a gallery of paintings, prints, and more art inspired by Disney characters and movies. Occasionally, you’ll catch a Disney Artist drawing sketches right in front of you! We noticed some lovely Christmas sketches for sale that were made by the artists! A custom sketch with one character, like the picture below, is $45. Christmas Sketch Ever After The Minnie Mouse x Kate Spade Collection was on display for holiday shopping! For the bags, you have a choice between handbags and a crossbody purse. Minnie Mouse x Kate Spade There were also various wallets, cardholders, and phone accessories! Minnie Mouse x Kate Spade Plus, the cutest Minnie Mouse and Clarabelle sweatshirt! In addition to the goodies, select items at Ever After are 40% off, including this selection! Minnie Mouse x Kate Spade World of Disney All three new Minnie Mouse Ears have arrived at Disney Springs. World of Disney has an expansive ear collection and it’s where you can find all your headgear needs! We spotted the new Cornflower Blue Minnie Mouse Ears… Cornflower Blue Ears at World of Disney …the Champagne Minnie Ears… Champagne Ears at World of Disney …and the Mermaid Ears inspired by Ariel! All three pairs cost $29.99 each. Mermaid Ears at World of Disney Columbia Sportswear The new Mandalorian collection has arrived at Columbia Sportswear. You can pick up these awesome Baby Yoda jackets for your little ones, a simple Mandalorian grey pullover, and more themed clothing! Mandalorian Collection That’s all for today! We’ll be back at Disney Springs really soon for more atmosphere, food, and merchandise updates! Check out what’s new at EPCOT this week! 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite place to visit at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! The post What’s New at Disney Springs: Baby Yoda Jackets, a Minnie x Kate Spade Collection, and ALL the Ears! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: What’s NEW at Disney Springs: The Her Universe Star Wars Collection, NEW Park Life Dooneys, and Rock the Dots Merch! What’s New in Disney Springs: Valentine’s Day Sweets, MORE Baby Yoda, and some MEGA Pricey Clothing! What’s New at Disney Springs: Homecomin’ Re-Opens, Disney Face Masks, and the Epic Brownie Masher! View the full article

In a move that seems to juggle thwarting the practice of parkgoers who remove masks on rides and allowing those that follow the rules to receive their photos, Walt Disney World is reportedly digitally inserting masks on offending passengers on photos. View the full article

Who’s ready for cozy, home-cooked Italian meal? Mama Melrose’s We recently made our way over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to have just that. Other standouts in the park, like 50s Prime Time Cafe and The Hollywood Brown Derby, tend to be locations that pop to mind first when in this park, and one spot, in particular, has a tendency to be overlooked. It has been quite a while since we’ve dined at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano so we set out to see what has been going on in this cozy corner of Hollywood Studios. Though we’ve had mixed reviews in the past, we’re back to see how it has been holding up! Atmosphere Tucked away in the back corner of the park is Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. You basically hit a dead-end once you find it. Head to Muppet Courtyard, past MuppetVision 3D, past PizzeRizzo, and keep walking. There she is. The theming at this restaurant is pretty top-notch, but you have to look closely to get the full story. Mama Melrose’s The location is supposed to be a studio backlot (how appropriate!) with a Little Italy/NYC themed set out front. This eventually became the facade of the spot Mama Melrose decided to set up shop (more on that in a bit!). The outside is decorated with a fun portrait of the Mona Lisa (rockin’ some sweet shades) and some red, white, and green pennant flags — the colors of Italy (where else?!). Mama Melrose’s Exterior One of our favorite parts about this restaurant is the decor! In the waiting area and entryway, you can see photos of various celebs on the walls. Wanna know the interesting backstory on these guys? Well back in the day when (then) MGM Studios first opened, they had a special thing called the Star Today promotion. Basically, a “celebrity” (we’ll use that term loosely ) would be scheduled to be in MGM on any given day to meet guests and sign autographs…just like REAL Hollywood, get it?! The program only survived about a year, but when it was done, the story goes that Imagineers saved the photos the celebs would use when signing autographs and hung them on the walls as one of Mama Melrose’s mementos she had saved over the years. Mama Melrose’s A bit more about Mama Melrose and her mementos. The story behind this spot was years ago, a bright-eyed Italian girl moved to Hollywood to become a star. That…didn’t happen. Instead, she got bit parts in films and while waiting for her time to shoot each day, she’d cook her Papa’s classic Sicilian cooking for all the other extras on the film sets. Mama Melrose’s Her cooking was such a hit, even the film bigwigs took a liking to her food, eventually giving her the nickname Mama Melrose. She eventually set up shop in a studio backlot and opened an eatery to feed all her Hollywood pals. That brings us to the spot we see today! Mama Melrose’s Decor We absolutely love the decor on the walls! It may seem random, but these walls are full of things from Mama Melrose’s past and there are so many fun pieces to look at! You’ll see plenty of nods to her Italian heritage as well as loads of goodies she picked up during her time in Hollywood. Mama Melrose’s Decor You’ll notice that the walls are more crayon than brick at this point. In the decades this spot has been open, generations of kids (and probably adults) have taken to graffitiing up the walls. We’re not sure when or how this started, but for as long as we can remember there’s been scribblings on the bricks. It’s one of the few places in Disney World you’ll actually find graffiti NOT actively being removed! Decor Up close, you can see how much detail goes into these gorgeous grapevines all over the ceiling. Mama Melrose’s Decor Another one of our favorite items is the Melrose Ave sign. There are several California street signs throughout the restaurant, but this one honors Mama herself! Mama Melrose’s Decor Mama Melrose’s offers the use of Mobile Dine Check-In, which allows guests to check-in on the My Disney Experience app and bypass checking-in with a host. After you check-in, you’ll be notified your table is ready via text then you can head to the podium to be seated. Mama Melrose’s As you go past the arches in the entryway to be seated, you’ll pass the kitchen which is bustling with Cast Members. Mama Melrose’s Kitchen The seating in Mama Melrose’s is pretty standard with tables, chairs, and booths. There are two main dining rooms indoors, but no outdoor or bar seating here. Mama Melrose’s Tables We were seated at this table (yay booth seats!) and since we were against the wall, we had a great view of the restaurant while we ate. Mama Melrose’s Tables The atmosphere at Mama Melrose’s is charming and full of history and memorabilia, no doubt, but how did the food compare? Eats Mama Melrose’s has been inconsistent in the past, but generally, we tend to enjoy our meals here! It’s good in the same way Olive Garden or any other chain Italian eatery is good — it’s basic, simple, approachable Italian food. You can never look at the menu and still probably guess half the items served (think Spaghetti and Meatballs, Caesar Salads, basic flatbreads). The food here is relatively predictable, and that’s not always a bad thing. But in a (Disney) World full of so many unique options vying for your attention, it is often forgotten. That’s not to say they haven’t surprised us from time to time. There is an extensive drink list on one side of the menu with specialty drinks, wines, beers, and more. Mama Melrose’s Menu As far as food goes, the menu is a pretty traditional American Italian menu. Appetizers include flatbreads, soups, and salads while entrees include classics like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan. Nothing wrong with classic Italian food, but something to keep in mind if you prefer to be more adventurous with your eats. While many restaurants in Disney World have a limited menu following reopening, Mama Melrose has always been on the slimmer side, options-wise. That said, the menu is slightly trimmed down from where it was prior. Mama Melrose’s Menu Even though we were given a hardcopy menu, we also had a QR code that would pull up the dinner menu on our phone. This has become popular since Disney World’s reopening to lower the number of touchpoints. Mama Melrose’s QR Code Menu To start our meal, we ordered water and iced tea. The tea was just plain, unsweet iced tea so nothing special to note there. Water & Iced Tea With our drinks came a basket with a couple of bread rolls. Rolls The rolls were served with an olive oil and Italian seasoning mix (yum city if you like dipping bread in oil!). Olive Oil For an appetizer, we decided to try one of the more unique items: Fried Calamari. We say “unique” here cause, compared to the other options like tomatoes with mozzarella or a meatball, this looks downright exotic. Calamari it is! The calamari was served with Sottaceto Misto, Spicy Aïoli, and Charred Lemon for $14. Fried Calamari We were intrigued by the Sottaceto Misto since it is pickled vegetables (including pickles themselves). We thought the pickled pickles sounded pretty wacky, but we actually enjoyed it! It accompanied the calamari very well and brought a little bit of sweetness and acidity. Fried Calamari The star of this dish was the spicy aïoli. Even though the calamari was fried really well, this sauce was a great addition. The charred lemon was also a must for this dish and enhanced the appetizer overall. We gave our calamari a good squirt with the warm lemon before digging in! Fried Calamari This was a big portion so it’s quite shareable. This is definitely one for the seafood lovers. Squid isn’t up everyone’s alley — it can be quite rubbery or fishy at times. This had a bit of fishiness to it, but nothing too strong. The calamari was good and the additions to the plate elevated it from the basic calamari you’d find in many eateries. Fried Calamari As our entree, we were torn between their actually REALLY good Charred Strip Steak or a pasta. We’ve had that steak a couple of times and genuinely still think it’s one of our favorite steaks at Disney, but we ended up choosing the Shrimp Campanelle. This dish features Sauteed Shrimp and Campanelle Pasta tossed in Four-Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Fresh Spinach, and Sweet Onions for $25. Shrimp Campanelle When we tasted it, we noticed it was VERY cheesy (which we didn’t mind). The pieces of shrimp were big and juicy and cooked very well. Shrimp Campanelle We personally loved the cauliflower, spinach, and sun-dried tomato in the entree. If you’ve had sun-dried tomatoes you know it can be like a “POW!” of tomato flavor once you bite down on a piece and there were PLENTY in here! For balance, we would have preferred if there were slightly less sun-dried tomatoes and more spinach instead. Shrimp Campanelle The veggies are marinated in white wine and if you aren’t a shrimp fan, you can substitute chicken. Overall we thought this was a solid pasta dish and it reminded us a lot of grown-up mac ‘n cheese (with sneaky veggies hiding inside, of course!). Not the best we’ve ever had, but we’ve certainly had worse. It’s on par, if not slightly better, than the pasta offered at some quick-service locations in Disney World hotels. Shrimp Campanelle This was a bit pricey for what you get, but most items on the menu are in this price range. If you are a pickier eater but looking to expand your horizons a bit, you will possibly enjoy this. Shrimp Campanelle And last but not least, we picked the Chocolate and Cherry Tort for dessert! This Instagrammable treat is made with Ghirardelli creamy chocolate, infused with Morello cherries, cherry coulis, and whipped cream for $7.50. Chocolate and Cherry Tort This dessert was fine. The chocolate mousse was very rich and creamy but at the end of the day it was just another dome of chocolate mousse. This needed much more cherry, in our opinion. That teeny little squirt of red is all the cherry coulis we got. Morello cherries have SO much flavor so we would have loved a WHOLE lot more of that in here. Chocolate and Cherry Tort Chocolate fans would enjoy this, but it was not a stand-out to us. The other dessert options were kind of boring and predictable — a cannoli, tiramisu, gelato, or sorbet. That said, one of the all-time cutest desserts here IS still on the menu: the Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake! While it’s on the Kids’ Menu, we’ve been able to order it in the past. This is way fun for kids and adults alike. Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake Unless you’re dead set on finishing your meal with dessert or one of the options here is really singing to you, we recommend, especially without the dining plan, grabbing a dessert somewhere else in the park. A lot of table service restaurants don’t have the best desserts and there are usually better ones a quick walk away at many quick-service locations. Nosh or Not You might want to dine at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano if… You want a sit-down meal in a theme park without a ton of options You love approachable, simple Italian food You enjoy looking at unique, kitschy decor You might not want to dine at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano if… You want a quick bite and don’t want to commit to a full meal. You are looking for something adventurous to eat. The food here is very simplistic and predictable. You want a more vibrant atmosphere. The decor is cute, but it still looks like a fairly generic eatery. Hollywood Studios has restaurants with fun atmospheres including 50s Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant where you can eat like you’re at a drive-in movie! Overall Although it has that hit-or-miss reputation, our latest meals here have been pretty solid. You’re not going to find those famed “Authentic Sicilian” recipes that Mama inherited from her Papa here — it’s honestly like a slightly more fun version of Olive Garden. This has rarely been our #1 spot in Hollywood Studios, but it’s certainly not worth disregarding. For those in the mood for Italian food, this will hit the spot nicely! This cozy little restaurant was good, but it’s up against some heavy-hitter restaurants and we’d probably pick those over Mama’s. That said, sometimes you just want a big bowl of creamy pasta with no pomp and frills, and Mama’s can deliver that plus a few surprises. Review! Is Tambu Lounge at Disney World Still a Hidden Gem? 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 Mama Melrose a must-do for you at Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post Review: Is Mama Melrose's Really Just a Disney-fied Olive Garden? first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: A Complete List of What Restaurants ARE and ARE NOT Open at Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks Right Now! Review: Never Underestimate the Power of Watching Movies While You Eat at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney World Disney Food Video: GET THIS at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Folks needing a little Christmas can find it at Orlando’s theme parks despite pandemic. But most attractions have downsized holiday blowouts View the full article

Welcome to the second installment of the Shades of Green – Disney Resort Comparison Series. Also please see How does Shades of Green compare to Disney in Price and the other 2 posts in the series: Shades of Green – Disney Value Resort Comparison Shades of Green – Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison This is the second post on […] The post Shades of Green – Disney Moderate Resort Comparison appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

This year's Reindeer Run is still taking place but not at SeaWorld Orlando. Find out more about this and other holiday races taking place in Central Florida. View the full article

Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs is home to a lot of sweet treats and delicious coffees. Vivoli il Gelato The gelato shop has recently added a new, seasonal flavor, and is even offering a morning “happy hour” for all your breakfast needs! We noticed some changes to the menu and we’re here to share all of them with you! Let’s get started with the changes to the gelato flavors because duh — we’re talking about a gelato shop! Vivoli il Gelato Cart Not much has changed in this section of the menu. The gelato menu now includes a banana flavor! Coco, the coconut flavor, is no longer on the gelato portion of the menu but has been added to the sorbet section. Vivoli il Gelato A section of the menu has been changed from Milkshakes and Floats to Affogatos and Floats. The affogato additions to the menu include three choices! The first is an Espresso Affogato which includes your choice of gelato, with a shot of espresso and whipped cream for $10.50. The second choice is the Hot Chocolate Affogato, including your choice of gelato with hot chocolate and whipped cream for $10.50. Then, there’s the Cotton Candy Affogato for $11 which is the same as the Espresso Affogato, but with cotton candy!! Vivoli Il Gelato Sign We also noticed that some floats were added! You can now order a Fresco Float that features lemon and strawberry sorbetto, San Pellegrino Limonata, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for $11. In addition, there’s the Tropicale Float that incorporates coconut and mango sorbetto with San Pellegrino Arancia Rossa, whipped cream, and cherry for $11. ©Disney Now let’s get into the milkshakes! There are a few shakes that are no longer on the menu; these include the Spumoni Shake, the Italian Stallion Shake, and the Mocha Caramel Shake. There are also some new milkshakes! The Mint Cookies N Cream Shake blends mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream gelato, milk, chocolate sauce, and crushed cookies. There’s the Java Chip Shake with coffee and chocolate chip gelato, chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings. Vivoli il Gelato You can try the Strawberry Banana Split Shake that includes strawberry sorbetto, banana gelato, milk, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and peanuts. There’s also a Peanut Butter Caramel Shake with peanut butter and salted caramel gelato, milk, caramel sauce, and peanuts. Last but not least, there’s the Cake Batter Shake that incorporates cake batter gelato, milk, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles. Each of these shakes costs $12.00 and all but the Cake Batter Shake come with a cherry. Vivoli il Gelato The Sundaes and Sandwiches section of the menu is now named the House Specials. Here, you’ll find that the Waffle Sliders have been removed from the menu, along with the Double Chocolate Waffle Sundae, and the Matcha Affogato. Waffle Gelato Sliders You can now order a Truffle Brownie à la mode, that comes with a truffle brownie bar, your choice of gelato, sauce, and whipped cream for $10.50. Also, the iconic Spaghetti Sundae is BACK! It comes with vanilla and chocolate gelato and strawberry sauce and looks just like, you guessed it, a plate of spaghetti! It costs $12.00. Spaghetti Sundae ©DisneySprings We noted a few changes under the Paninis section of the menu. The Nutella S’mores Panini is no longer on the menu. However, the Nutella and Seasonal Fruit Panini has been added for $8, along with the Prosciutto and Cheese Panini for $10. Another addition is the BZT Panini with bacon, roasted zucchini, basil, roasted tomato, and buffalo mozzarella for $9.50. Vivoli il Gelato Cart Sadly, the ENTIRE Waffles section of the menu has been removed! We’ll have to say goodbye to any waffle and gelato creations for now. Vivoli il Gelato Waffle Added under the new Bakery section is a Cookie for $5.50, 4 Large Cookies for $16.50, a Truffle Brownie for $5.50, and a Cannoli for $6.50. This section has some price adjustments as well. The price of the 4 Mini Bombolonis has increased from $5 to $6. Additionally, the Truffle Brownie now costs $5.50, rather than $5. Cannoli And last but not least, the drinks! There are a handful of price increases here. The Espresso now costs $3.50 rather than $3.00. The Double Espresso has gone up in price, from $4.00 to $4.25. Both the Cappuccino and Caffé Latte cost $5.50, instead of $5. An Americano costs $3.50 rather than $3.25. The price of the Mocha and Caramel Lattes has gone up from $5.75 to $6. Hot Chocolate The drink menu now includes Hot Chocolate for $5.50, a Nutella Latte for $6, Simply Orange Juice and Lemonade for $5, and assorted canned beverages for $3.50. Vivoli il Gelato Cart And that’s ALL the changes to Vivoli il Gelato’s menu! Head over there if you’ve got a sweet tooth to try out some of their new desserts! Check back with us for more Disney food updates! Check out all the menu changes in Disney World from last week! 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! Use code WDW2021 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ready-to-shop-button.png Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you ever been to Vivoli il Gelato? Tell us in the comments! The post Here's the Scoop! There Are Major Menu Changes at Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: Disney World’s Latest Must-Have Milkshakes Are HERE! Review: There’s A New CAKE BATTER Gelato-Filled Doughnut in Disney World?! Sign Us Up! This New Tiramisu Bombolato in Disney World is the Ice Cream Sandwich of Our DREAMS! View the full article

Back in October, we got confirmation of reimagined Disney parks special, as well as a Disney Singalong. Christmas Decorations in Magic Kingdom While the Singalong has already premiered on ABC with a fantastic line-up, Disney has just released the performers that will be featured on the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration! After seeing stages in the Magic Kingdom, we’re thrilled to learn more about the filming! The show, which will premiere on ABC at 10AM ET and 9AM CT/MT/PT on December 25th, will be hosted by Tituss Burgess and Julianne Hough. It is described as a reimagined version of a Disney Parks special and will feature musical performances and sneak peeks! Disney recently announced the list of celebrities who will perform at the television event, and based on this list, this is totally how we want to spend our Christmas morning! The performers include: Hosts Tituss Burgess and Julianne Hough – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Becky G – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Feliz Navidad” Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Joy to the World” Jon Batiste – “It’s All Right” from Soul and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Keedron Bryant with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Someday at Christmas” Maddie & Tae – “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” Tituss Burgess – “This Christmas” Tori Kelly with the Florida A & M University Gospel Choir – “Let It Snow” Trevor Jackson – “The Christmas Song” Holiday Decorations Disney announced that the sneak peeks in the special would include a look at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, WandaVision coming to Disney+, and Disney/Pixar’s upcoming film, Soul. Keegan-Michael Key will also be there to entertain, as well as TikTok creator Alex Ojeda. Plus, we’ll get some insight on the Disney Dreamers Academy and highlights on Disney Cast Members! Gertie Although it will look different from Disney Christmas specials of the past, this looks like it will be a super fun holiday event! Tune into ABC on Christmas Day to see the full special! Take a look at this year’s Disney Singalong event 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 looking forward to this Disney holiday special? Let us know in the comments! The post Here's the Line-Up of Guests for ABC's Upcoming Disney Parks Holiday Special! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: PHOTO: The First Holiday Decorations Have ALREADY Appeared in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! PHOTOS: Christmas Decorations Are FINALLY Up in EPCOT! PHOTOS and VIDEO: The Holidays Have Arrived in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. It’s the season of gift-giving, which means it’s also the season for BIG savings! Soul Merchandise We saw tons of Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday sales, and other deals in between, and now another site is getting in on the savings with the lowest prices of the year! To celebrate the end of 2020 (bye, bye), and the beginning of a new year, Toynk is having the Bye, 2020 Sale! Even though there is very little time left to order gifts online in time for Christmas, we can’t pass up a good sale! ©Toynk Featured on the sale banner online, the Set of 3 The Child Mini Muglets are too cute to pass up! We’ve seen a LOT of Baby Yoda merchandise, but these are pretty unique. ©Toynk Each one is 2.5 ounces and features The Child in different poses. The set is currently $27.59 on sale. Purchase The Child Mini Muglets here Frozen 2 came out last year, but we’re still singing “Into the Unknown” on repeat. And one of the cutest characters in the movie is Bruni the salamander! With this Frozen 2 Bruni Mood Light, this little guy can be your sidekick! ©Toynk This adorable lamp is on sale for $14.93. Grab the Frozen 2 Bruni Mood Light here For original Star Wars fans, they’ve got the Darth Vader Lightsaber Lamp! This would make a great addition to any desk for those who prefer the dark side! ©Toynk This super unique lamp is $29.99 on sale. Purchase the Darth Vader Lightsaber Lamp here Chewbacca is one of the cutest Star Wars characters of all time, but you can bring him everywhere you go with the Chewbacca Talking Plush Clip-On! ©Toynk Not only is it adorable, but it makes Wookiee noises too! This clip-on is on sale for $8.02. Grab the Chewbacca Talking Plush Clip On here Although it seemed the biggest sales of the year were over, it looks like there are more! It’s hard to turn down a sale on Star Wars, Disney, and Baby Yoda merch! We’ll continue to update you on the latest merchandise sales. Order your DFB merch soon to get it in time for Christmas! 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! Preorder 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! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2020 Edition of the Guide! 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 was your favorite sale this season? Let us know in the comments! The post Grab Even More Baby Yoda & Disney Gifts From This HUGE Online Sale! first appeared on the disney food blog. Related posts: You’re Gonna NEED the Force to Resist This NEW Baby Yoda Merch Online! Our Wish Has Been Granted! “Baby Yoda” Merch is COMING…EVERYWHERE! Buy Me, You Will! The New Baby Yoda Animatronic Toy Has Already Started to SELL OUT Online! View the full article