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Our DFB reporters are in the Disney parks, and they are telling us the one Disney park essential they are seeing everywhere. Magic Kingdom Our reporters are in the parks every day, so they know a thing or two about the best things to bring to guarantee a successful trip. A great park bag to hold your essentials is important. When we asked them which specific bags they are seeing in the parks, they shared the top bags guests are carrying. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Rapunzel Loungefly Backpack! ©Amazon One of the most popular styles of bags we see is the Loungefly Mini Backpack! We love the many styles you can find in these, and even your favorite Disney movies and characters. Like this Rapunzel Stained Glass Loungefly, which is an Amazon Exclusive. These are big enough for your park essentials, but still compact enough to be comfortable to carry around. view ON AMAZON This Loungefly Convertible Backpack is so handy! This Loungefly is everything If you love Disney bags but wish you could get a little more space and versatility than a traditional Loungefly mini backpack, this convertible bag is a really solid option! The design centers around Sorcerer Mickey, and it definitely leans more toward a statement piece than a subtle park bag, but in a way that still feels wearable for everyday use or park outfits. We tested out this bag recently, so you can read more about it here! view ON AMAZON We love how easy a belt bag is at the parks! ©Amazon There’s no denying that belt bags are all over the Disney parks, specifically the Lululemon belt bags. If you’re looking for something small enough to hold your phone, wallet, and travel-size essentials, this bag is great. It also makes it easy to get on rides. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab Fjallraven Kanken bag! ©Amazon If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional option, then these Fjallraven Kanken might just be the perfect one for you. This bag is small but mighty, has enough space for the essentials, and is durable enough to last you through multiple park trips. I mean, we’ve been rocking ours since 2019, and it’s still going strong. view ON AMAZON For the parents, this one is the bag you need! ©Amazon Petunia Pickle Bottom District Backpack was created with the modern parent in mind. Our bag is spacious, lightweight, fashionable, and convenient to take with you for a quick commute or a planned day away. This bag is big enough for all the items you need for a magical day with your kids. view ON AMAZON Or, you can grab this Waterfly Crossbody bag. ©Amazon One step up from belt bags are slings. They are still pretty lightweight and convenient, but with a little extra space. Want to be able to pack a bigger bottle of sunscreen and a reusable water bottle? This bag is for you. Slings offer a similar convenience to belt bags but with a little more wiggle room. You can keep them light if you wish, depending on how you pack. Some of our reporters won’t head to the parks without a sling, so let’s see a few good options for them. view ON AMAZON And finally, this North Face mini backpack can hold the essentials. ©Amazon The North Face Borealis Mini is a water-repellent backpack that features a padded top handle and zippers that are easy to grab. The water-repellent feature makes it ideal for those summer storms in Florida. This bag can carry everything you need from park opening to closing. view ON AMAZON We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’re in Disneyland Paris to check out all the new Disney Adventure World has to offer, and we’ve been having a BLAST so far! Things are about to get even better, though, because we’re closing out the night with an amazing show. Disney Cascade of Lights One of the new additions to this park is a new nighttime spectacular called Disney Cascade of Lights. From the concept art we’d seen, we had a feeling we’d absolutely love it, and it would take our breath away, and we were RIGHT! Here’s everything you can expect from this spectacular new show. Disney Cascade of Lights officially debuts in the park on March 29th, but we were so lucky to get an early preview of the new show! It uses drones (regular and aquatic), pyrotechnics, choreographed fountains, and more to bring the story to life. This show is amazing! The show was designed so that it can be enjoyed from every angle, so you don’t need to worry about being in a bad spot. The use of drones is mind blowing! The show was said to really tap into your emotions, and every character in the show was selected specifically to do so. WOW! We got to see Mulan, Moana, Hercules, Judy Hopps, the Avengers, Carl from Up, and more, and let’s just say, yes, we did indeed feel a lot of emotions! All the elements are stunning To say this show is unlike anything we’ve seen before almost feels like an understatement. It’s truly spectacular and stirs a lot of emotion in the guests watching. The use of all the elements is stunning and leaves us in awe. Disney outdid itself with this one! It’s so beautiful! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World news to know how to prepare for your upcoming trip! EARLY PREVIEW of New Souvenirs Coming to Disney’s World of Frozen 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 this new show? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of Disney Cascade of Lights and Disney Adventure World. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

If you’ve ever wandered through Disney Springs and caught the enticing smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting out of Gideon’s Bakehouse, you know exactly why these cookies have developed such a huge following. Key Lime Chocolate Chip Cookie Massive, chocolate-packed, and very indulgent — Gideon’s cookies are one of the most sought-after treats in Disney World. So much so that the line is still very long years after opening. But once you’ve secured a box, there’s one big question left: how do you get those precious cookies home without ruining them, and can you bring them through airport security? Before you get worried about bringing home these treats, you can take a breath. The good news is that, yes, you can bring Gideon’s cookies through TSA when flying home. According to the Transportation Security Administration, food items are generally allowed in carry-on bags. However, travelers should keep in mind that food can sometimes slow down the screening process. MCO TSA Precheck TSA notes that “TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.” In other words, if you’re traveling with a stack of giant cookies, it may help to keep them easy to access in case security asks you to move them into a separate bin. Zootopia 2 TSA security bins Another important thing to remember is freshness. The cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse are fresh for up to three days from purchase, as long as they are kept in an air-tight package. Because of that, I always pack a jumbo-sized Ziploc bag in my suitcase specifically for cookie transport. The large bag keeps the cookies sealed and helps protect them during the journey home — whether they’re packed in your carry-on or tucked carefully into your checked luggage. MCO Airport Timing your cookie run can make a big difference, too. Since the cookies are only good at room temperature for up to three days, I usually like to head over to Disney Springs the day before flying home to grab my stash. That way, they’re as fresh as possible for the trip. Once I get home, I pack them in my Ziploc bag and pop them straight into the freezer. Stored properly, Gideon’s cookies can last for a few months in the freezer, which means you can keep that Disney magic going long after your vacation ends. Lemon Poppy Crumb Cookie When packing cookies in your suitcase, a little strategy goes a long way. Place the cookies flat inside your airtight bag and try to surround them with soft items like clothing to cushion them during travel. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the cookies, since their thick but delicate texture can still crumble under pressure. If you’re especially protective of your stash, placing the bag inside a small food container or reusable plastic box can add an extra layer of protection. Banana Box Pie Cookie Bringing Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies home from Disney World is totally doable with a little planning, and trust us, it’s worth the effort. For more Disney food tips, travel hacks, and park updates, be sure to keep following Disney Food Blog. I’ve Used Every Airport Transportation Service to Disney World and This One Wins Every Time 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 is one Disney treat you bring home with you? Tell us in the comments below. View the full article

A new character just moved into Magic Kingdom! Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is BACK! Now that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is reopening on April 8th, we need to tackle the elephant in the room – we like the ride’s new character just as much as Buzz himself! We had so much fun getting to know Buddy. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World updates! 7 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom in April 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 going to ride the new Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Comment below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

We’ve officially stepped inside the World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris; meanwhile, over in Disney World, the Grand Floridian Tea Room has finally reopened for the first time in 6 years. Magic Kingdom But that’s not all — Disney has a brand‑new CEO stepping into the spotlight, AND they just announced yet another cruise ship joining the fleet. All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now here on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Latest Disney News: We Saw World of Frozen in Paris, Grand Floridian Tea Room is Open & MORE! 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

There are two kinds of Disney World hotel “hacks.” The first kind is smart. Efficient. A little smug, maybe, but in an earned way. These are the tricks that make you feel like you just outfoxed the vacation gods with a cold brew in one hand and a Lightning Lane in the other. Disney’s Beach Club The second kind? That’s where things start to wobble off the rails. And nowhere is that more obvious than the EPCOT area hotels. We’re talking Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin complex, all huddled around Crescent Lake like they know they’re the cool kids. These resorts have some of the best location perks in Disney World, and seasoned visitors know it. They’re close to EPCOT’s International Gateway, close to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, loaded with dining, and wrapped in that whole “I can casually stroll to a theme park” energy that makes other resort areas look a little jealous. Disney’s But with great location privilege comes great temptation to absolutely overdo it. So let’s talk about the EPCOT area hotel hacks people swear by, which ones are actually brilliant, and which ones have drifted into “please stop making Cast Members deal with this” territory. Hack #1: The International Gateway Advantage This is the big one. The platinum-level move. The crown jewel. The hack that launched a thousand overly confident group chats. If you stay in the EPCOT resort area, you are ridiculously well-positioned for EPCOT rope drop and evening park hopping. Beach Club, in particular, is about a 5 to 7 minute walk from International Gateway, and BoardWalk is also close enough that many guests treat EPCOT like their neighborhood food court with better landscaping. International Gateway That is a real hack. Being able to skip the front entrance chaos, waltz in through the back, and head straight toward World Showcase-side attractions or dining is a major perk. It is also one reason these resorts remain so popular. Where this gets out of control is when people start trying to use the hotels themselves as unofficial park-access staging grounds without actually staying there. International Gateway That includes trying to get dropped off there just to walk into EPCOT, treating resort lobbies like pre-park basecamps, or assuming a “quick look around” should automatically equal practical park access. The location is absolutely the perk. But it’s a perk for actual resort guests, or for day visitors legitimately there to dine, shop, or enjoy the BoardWalk area, not for everyone hoping to slip into deluxe convenience by proximity osmosis. Disney’s parking policy explicitly says day guest parking at resort hotels is for guests enjoying select dining, shopping, entertainment, or recreation experiences. International Gateway in EPCOT’s World Showcase So yes, the International Gateway advantage is elite. No, that does not make every EPCOT-area driveway a loophole. Hack #2: Walk, Don’t Wait Here’s a hack that is genuinely good and almost always underused by first-timers: walk. Seriously. Walk. EPCOT International Gateway Disney’s water transportation is available from this area to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, with FriendShip Boats serving BoardWalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, and Dolphin. That’s helpful, scenic, and very “vacation montage.” But it is not always the fastest option. BoardWalk is roughly three-quarters of a mile from Hollywood Studios on foot, and the walk takes about 15 to 20 minutes. EPCOT is even closer. BoardWalk This is the kind of hack people learn once and then become evangelical about. They come back transformed. They start saying things like, “We don’t boat anymore,” with the same energy as someone who started grinding their own coffee beans. And honestly? They’re not wrong. The walk can save time, especially in the morning or after park close when transportation lines swell into a cranky little parade of sore feet and family negotiations. Swan and Dolphin Hotel walkway to parks Where it gets absurd is when people start acting like the boat is for fools, the buses are for amateurs, and the only correct path is speed-walking around Crescent Lake like they’re trying to qualify for a Disney marathon. Sometimes the boat is lovely. Sometimes your feet are done. Sometimes the “hack” is choosing not to turn your vacation into a Fitbit vendetta. Use the walk when it helps. Don’t turn it into a personality. Hack #3: The BoardWalk Basecamp Problem Disney’s BoardWalk is one of the easiest places on property to enjoy, even if you’re not sleeping there. It is its own dining, entertainment, and recreation district, with restaurants, nightlife, and variety-act performers. That’s part of its charm. It feels lively. It feels open. It feels like you can wander in, grab something sweet, watch performers, and soak up the atmosphere without needing a reservation to justify your existence. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn That is, in fact, a good little hack. Especially on non-park days, arrival days, or those evenings when you want Disney vibes without theme park stamina requirements. But some guests have taken this and run directly into chaos. There’s a difference between enjoying the BoardWalk and treating it like your free personal lounge for half a day. Parking there because you want easier access to EPCOT. Taking up tables forever without buying much. Turning the common areas into a full family regroup station with three strollers, four refillable mugs, and the emotional intensity of a minor airport delay. Nearby seating The BoardWalk is designed to be enjoyed. It is not designed to be your stealth resort workaround. Again, Disney’s own parking guidance ties complimentary day guest parking to specific resort activities like dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation, not general park access. Enjoy it. Absolutely. Colonize it. Maybe let’s not. Hack #4: The Swan and Dolphin Loophole Everyone Loves Now here’s a hack that is a little dangerous, because once people discover it, they tend to become unbearably pleased with themselves. The Swan and Dolphin occupy a weird and wonderful niche in Disney World trip-planning. They’re not Disney-owned in the same way as Beach, Yacht, and BoardWalk, but guests still get major on-site perks. Official sources show Swan and Dolphin guests are eligible for Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, and the resort also advertises Disney transportation and 7-day Lightning Lane booking windows alongside Marriott Bonvoy benefits. Swan & Dolphin Resort That is a legit hack. For the right traveler, Swan and Dolphin can be the sweet spot between location, perks, and loyalty-program usefulness. It’s the loophole with a lobby. But the reason this hack gets “out of control” is because people talk about it like it’s a flawless cheat code when it absolutely comes with trade-offs. However, overnight self-parking charges for Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve, and the resort also lists a mandatory daily resort service package fee. Swan Reserve Entrance So yes, it can be a very smart move. No, it is not pixie-dusted free money. The real hack is understanding the math and deciding whether the perks work for your trip. The fake hack is pretending the fees do not exist because you are too busy admiring your Bonvoy points. Hack #5: Pool Hopping Fantasies, Also Known as “Please Don’t” Let’s get to the sandy, splashy elephant in the room: Stormalong Bay. Beach Club and Yacht Club share one of the most famous hotel pool complexes in Disney World, and Disney heavily markets it as a major resort amenity. It’s a 3-acre water wonderland for the aspiring mermaids and Nemos in your group. Stormalong Bay This has led to one of the most persistent EPCOT-area “hack” fantasies on property: finding a way into Stormalong Bay even when you are not staying at Beach Club or Yacht Club. Friends. No. Stormalong Bay Disney’s pool policy is very clear. Resort pools are for the exclusive use of guests staying at that resort, and guests outside the Beach Club and Yacht Club are not permitted to use those pools. And yet this remains one of those tips that gets whispered around online like it’s a secret tunnel under Cinderella Castle. Those seats fill UP in the summer! It is not a hack. It is just trying to use someone else’s deluxe pool. This is maybe the clearest example of the difference between a savvy Disney trick and plain old rule-bending. Admire Stormalong Bay. Book the resort if it matters to you. But trying to finagle your way in because your cousin’s neighbor once did it in 2017 is not a strategy. It is nonsense in mouse ears. Hack #6: Treating Crescent Lake Like a Bonus Park One underrated truth about this entire resort area is that it functions like a destination beyond the hotel room itself. You’ve got a walkable lake loop, entertainment at BoardWalk, access to multiple dining spots, boats, pathways, and a vibe that makes “let’s just wander” feel like an actual plan instead of what you say when your Lightning Lane schedule implodes. This is a great hack for rest days. Or partial park days. Or those evenings when your family can no longer agree on anything except maybe ice cream. BoardWalk Ice Cream’s Thundering Surf Sundae But even this one can go sideways when guests start treating the entire area like an unrestricted amenity buffet. Not every chair is a fireworks seat. Not every hotel space is a nap zone. Not every resort entrance is your personal shortcut. And not every nice lobby is an invitation to unpack your stroller caravan and stage a full-blown snack summit. Checking in! The EPCOT resort area works beautifully because it’s active, connected, and pleasant. The more people try to “game” it, the more that easy elegance starts to feel like a theme park version of rush hour. Hack #7: Use the Real Perks You Paid For This is the final category, and maybe the most important one. Many of the best EPCOT hotel hacks are simply about using the actual perks you paid for. Early Theme Park Entry is real. This perk is available for Disney Resort hotel guests and guests at other select hotels with valid admission. Extended Evening Hours are real, too, and Swan and Dolphin are also included in this perk list. Lobby at the Yacht Club That means the real power move is not trying to invent fake hacks. It’s maximizing the legitimate ones. Use early entry for a lighter first hour. Use the walkways to skip unnecessary waits. Use the BoardWalk area for a fun off-night. Use the FriendShip Boats when your feet are toast. Use Swan and Dolphin if the perks-and-points equation works for you. Use Beach or Yacht if Stormalong Bay is a priority. Disney World That’s the game. The trip starts to go off the rails when people stop using hacks to make vacation easier and start using them like they’re competing in the Disney Channel version of Ocean’s Eleven. When the “Hack” Stops Being Helpful The EPCOT area hotels really are packed with advantages. That’s not internet hype. That’s just geography doing some very expensive heavy lifting. You can walk to parks. You can use boats. You can enjoy BoardWalk entertainment. You can access major Disney guest perks from some truly prime hotel real estate. Officially, these resorts sit in one of the most strategically useful pockets of Walt Disney World, and that’s why they stay in demand. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas But the best hacks are the ones that make your vacation smoother, not the ones that turn you into a part-time loophole goblin. So yes, absolutely use the International Gateway advantage. Walk to Hollywood Studios. Spend an evening on the BoardWalk. Consider the Swan and Dolphin angle. Prioritize the perks that matter to your trip. Yacht Club Just maybe stop trying to park-hop, pool-hop, and finesse your way into every deluxe benefit on Crescent Lake like you’re auditioning for National Treasure: Resort Edition. Because at a certain point, it stops being a hack. And starts being a whole lot of extra. Check out more Disney World news at the links below! NEW Character Debuts in Disney’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger SpinThese 7 EPCOT Area Hotel Hacks Are Getting Out of Control7 Ways Your Disney World Plans Need to Change in Summer 20267 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next MonthWhy Is It Taking Disney World 8 Months to Refurbish Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? 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 stayed in an EPCOT area resort hotel? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

It’s official! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom has CHANGED…a LOT. ©Disney Now, we all know the ride has been closed since August,2025, and during its closure, it got a TON of new updates, including new ride vehicles, new scenes, new interactive targets, new blasters, and MORE. Well, we’ve had a chance to ride it a few times, and as we rode it, we began noticing that there were some things hidden in the ride that we might have easily missed. So we’re sharing all these Easter eggs with you so you can keep an eye out for them. Now, there are some things that aren’t so hidden, like targets that actually turn green when you hit them (FINALLY) and blasters that aren’t attached to the ride vehicles. These two things alone will make it so much easier to score those big points when you ride it. It’s SO much easier to shoot So it took us a few rides to notice all these hidden details, but we’re going to list them out for you, so you can find them yourself! There are some we have to talk about that were in the original version but are worth a good mention. The carts are battery operated since they’re technically toys. They look totally refreshed The Little Green Men on the wall have their own blasters, too. Do you think they’ve gotten Galactic Hero? They have two different colored lasers, too. We always love seeing these guys You’re going to watch for those flashing and white illuminated targets. They’re random throughout the ride and are worth more points than other targets. Get those points! A Cast Member also recommended that you use one hand to pull the trigger and hold the blaster, and use the other one to steady it for more accuracy. LGM showing us how it’s done You can also continuously hold the trigger down vs clicking and releasing to be able to hit as many points as possible. Point and shoot! You’ll also be able to see your score update on the screen of your vehicle as you continue to score more. It doesn’t explicitly say it, but we think the bottom symbols that move up as you shoot more are your ranking. While the iconic sign with the rankings and points is still there… Our screen …you’ll also be able to see it on your screen after you get your photo taken. We’re always checking out score When we asked about Galactic Hero and potentially getting a sticker or pin like they had before, there was some debate on whether you get anything for Galactic Hero since you can officially score about 1 million points. Previously, it tapped out at 999,999,999 because there were only nine number slots, but with the digital screen, you can score more. Buzz We can’t wait for everyone to experience this new version of the ride, and we’ll be covering even more Disney World updates in the future, so keep following DFB for more. If You Do This on Disney World Rides, You’re an Expert and We Love You 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 about these details? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We love a Disney merchandise item that is useful in your everyday life! Winnie the Pooh And we love Winnie the Pooh! He brings joy to any item, so when we saw this new Winnie the Pooh Kitchen Collection, we were excited. However, there’s something about it that’s a little strange… DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Winnie the Pooh Egg Slicer! ©DisneyStore This egg slicer is the main culprit of this collection that is weird, yet adorable! This sculpted handle kitchen tool will slice a hard-boiled egg through Pooh’s tummy in no time. Pooh looks so cute, but we also find it oddly satisfying to use this tummy to slice through an egg. We do love that it’s practical! view ON Disneystore This Piglet Vegetable peeler is adorable! ©DisneyStore Have you ever seen such a cute vegetable peeler? Our friend Piglet makes a great handle for this peeler. It even comes with a storage cover to keep it safe in your busy kitchen drawers! view ON disneystore We love these Winne the Pooh tongs! ©DisneyStore These Winnie the Pooh tongs are a great addition to your kitchen. You’ll find Pooh hiding in the beautiful daisy design. These are metal tongs with nylon covering. This is a great practical tool to add to any kitchen for a little touch of Disney. view ON disneystore 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

You can still save at Walt Disney World during military blockout dates—you just need a different strategy. For many military families, Spring Break and Thanksgiving are the only times that work for a Walt Disney World trip. Unfortunately, those are also the times when Disney’s best military deals are often blocked out. That includes not […] The post How to Do Disney World on Military Blockout Dates Using Shades of Green appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Disneyland Paris is a park like no other, and a reason for that is the food! I mean, French cuisine plus Disney? Say less. Merida! The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge is opening in the newly reimagined Disney Adventure World on March 29th, and we just got a sneak peek of the space. Let’s just say, we’re not sure any character dining is going to feel the same again. We have to start with the details. This is a Disney Princess character dining experience where you can meet princesses like Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Merida, Mulan, and Jasmine, but there is no guarantee for princesses, and you might see different ones on different days. Let’s go inside Disney’s new restaurant! What sets this apart from other Princess dining experiences is that the princesses are wearing their more casual outfits, like Ariel’s day dress. Ariel! Regal View is a table service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located on Adventure Way, which is one of the new spaces in Disney Adventure World. It serves international cuisine, and if you’re staying in a Disney Hotel, you can use the Meal Plan here. You’ll want to make advanced reservations for the restaurant side, but the lounge is available for walk-ins. Breakfast Menu Now onto the amazing space! The whole restaurant is decorated to be royal and refined with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, wood moldings, and murals of Disney Princesses. Just look at this gorgeous mural. We also love the velvet upholstery on the chairs. That mural, though Here’s another beautiful piece of artwork: SO pretty So much thought went into creating these Princess murals. STUNNING Even the lighting fixtures give off that whole Disney Princess royalty vibe. Lighting There are so many beautiful small details, too, like these silhouettes of Snow White’s bird friends and the gorgeous carvings of trees. Cindy’s birds! You’ll find classic silhouette portraits of the Princesses hanging on one wall. These remind us of the paper silhouettes you can get on Main Street, U.S.A. Silhouettes Seriously, the whole space is so beautiful, including the draperies. Gorgeous draperies Even the details on the plates go above and beyond and are inspired by Disney Princesses. They were handmade by Royal Deflt, the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer, and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. Plate On the lounge side, it’s the very first bar located in Disneyland Paris’s two parks. There are striking wood accents and gold everywhere. There is artwork on this side, but it’s focused on the animal companions of Disney princesses like Heihei, Pascal, and Mushu. We’ll be posting our full review of the restaurant, as well as covering even more about what Disney Adventure World has to offer, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. WHAT I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE GOING TO DISNEYLAND PARIS 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 ever been to Disneyland Paris? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Paris to attend their media preview of Disney Adventure World. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Disney’s water parks are loads of fun, don’t get us wrong, but there’s something you have to worry about there more than anywhere else, and that’s getting your phone wet. Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch Your phone can get wet in other Disney World parks, of course, especially if it rains or you choose to go on a water ride, but that’s a little different than going down waterslides and relaxing in the lazy river. If you’re worried about your phone getting wet and you know you’ll be heading there soon, we asked our team for the BEST waterproof phone case recommendations to make sure you have peace of mind! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch ©Amazon We highly recommend the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch for a few different reasons. It’s easy to use your phone screen through the case, and it’ll keep your phone dry up to 700 feet down! Yes, that means that this is one you can also take photos and videos with underwater, too, and not have to worry about your phone getting ruined. Check it out here! Newppon Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch newppon Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch The newppon Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch is one we’ve tried out in Disney’s water parks, and we use it frequently whenever we need to get coverage from the parks for the site here, or our YouTube Channel! It’s never let us down, and we love how one order comes with a pack of four, so you can share with the family. Check it out here! Case-Mate 2 Pack Soap Bubble Waterproof Case ©Amazon We’ve seen Disney sell the Case-Mate 2 Pack Soap Bubble Waterproof Cases on Castaway Cay for Disney Cruise Line guests, and we’re big fans of them! One of our reporters was literally able to take great videos while snorkeling with no issues, which was a great way to remember her trip. Check it out here! For Something Less Bulky ©Amazon Finally, if you don’t want something as bulky as a whole waterproof bag, then the Body Glove Tidal Waterproof Case is a good choice. The case has been drop tested from 6 feet, and it’s marketed as 100% waterproof. If you just want to protect it from a few splashes of water, this is a good choice, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend dunking it underwater. Check it out here! We’re always here to bring you the latest recommendations to help you plan your upcoming Disney vacation, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

If you’ve ever tried to budget for a trip to Disney World, you know one thing for sure: the cost for food can add up fast. Full spread Even for those of us who spend a lot of time inside the parks, including plenty of days wandering around Magic Kingdom, figuring out how to stretch your dining budget can feel like a constant puzzle. Prices change, menus rotate, and suddenly that snack you thought would be a quick $6 stop somehow turns into a $12 purchase. But here’s the thing: there’s a surprisingly simple trick that seasoned Disney adults use all the time to quietly shave dollars off their food bill. It’s not flashy, and Disney doesn’t advertise it, but it works more often than you might expect. And once you know it, you’ll start noticing opportunities to use it everywhere. Skip the Extras You Don’t Actually Want One of the easiest ways to accidentally spend more money on Disney food is by ordering items that come bundled with extras. Frozen Duck Duck Razz You’ve probably seen them before, drinks with glowing cubes, souvenir cups, or fun themed containers. They’re cute, they look great in photos, and Disney definitely knows how to make them tempting. But those little add-ons often come with a higher price tag attached. Watermelon Slush with Death Star Glow Cube If you’re ordering a specialty beverage or limited-time drink, it’s always worth asking if the drink can be made without the glow cube or souvenir item. In some cases, removing that extra piece can lower the price a bit. It might only shave a few dollars off, but if you’re ordering multiple drinks throughout the day, it can add up surprisingly quickly. Joffrey’s Coffee Chicory Cold Brew with Glow Cube A good example is the famous Lapu Lapu from Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Normally, this drink is served inside an entire carved-out pineapple, which definitely makes it memorable. But that pineapple presentation is part of why the price is higher. If you ask nicely, you may be able to order the same drink without the pineapple shell. The result? Same tropical cocktail, but with a slightly smaller bill. Lapu Lapu And honestly, if skipping that presentation saves you enough for another snack later, that can be a pretty great trade-off. The Quick-Service Side Dish Trick Another place this strategy sometimes works is with quick-service meals. Many entrées at quick-service restaurants automatically come with a side (things like fries, chips, or fruit). But here’s something a lot of guests don’t realize: occasionally, you can ask for the entrée without the side item. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe When that’s possible, the price may drop a little. This tends to work best at locations like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, where customizable orders happen pretty frequently. If you weren’t planning to eat the chips or fries anyway, skipping them could save you a couple of dollars per meal. All the eats There is one catch, though. If you’re hoping to try this trick, you’ll usually need to order in person instead of using the mobile ordering feature in the My Disney Experience app. Mobile ordering typically locks you into the standard menu setup, which means the side items are automatically included. Counters to order So if you’re trying to customize your order to save money, you may have to hop in the regular line and ask a Cast Member directly. It Won’t Work Every Time Here’s the important part: this isn’t a guaranteed trick. Disney menus and pricing structures vary a lot between restaurants, and sometimes the system simply won’t allow those adjustments. But plenty of experienced Disney visitors still ask because when it does work, it’s an easy way to reduce your spending without giving up the food you actually want. Columbia Harbour House The key is to always be polite and understanding when asking. Cast Members are following the system they’ve been given, so if the answer is no, that’s completely okay. But when the answer is yes? That little request could save you just enough for an extra treat later. And at Disney, that extra treat might be the best part of the day. As always, keep it right here at DFB for the latest tips, trends, and discoveries around Disney World. REVIEW: There’s a HUGE Perk to Dining at This EPCOT World Showcase Restaurant (Spoiler: It’s NOT the Food) 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 try any of these tricks on your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Our Tangled and Frozen dreams have officially come true, and we might have just dropped way too much on Disney souvenirs, but we couldn’t care less. Adventure World souvenirs! Disney Adventure World, the reimagined second gate at Disneyland Paris, is opening on March 29th, and we just got a sneak peek at the souvenirs. In the park comes a new World of Frozen, which is dedicated to our favorite sisters, and y’all, we seriously didn’t know souvenirs could be this great. Along this, you can find Adventure Way, which heavily features Tangled. Let’s just get right into the merch, because there are so many things we’re falling in love with! Fans of Tangled are going to be so happy to find items like this magnet, capturing the iconic moment when Flynn and Rapunzel see the floating lanterns. This magnet is so cute! Of course, you can’t have Disney merchandise without pins. Look at Pascal! Pascal pin There were Tangled keychains, like this one of Rapunzel, the floating lantern, and more. Rapunzel keychain This keychain, inspired by the brand-new ride, really stood out to us. This would be a cute souvenir to put on your keys, Disney bag, or purse. Raiponce keychain This Disneyland Paris picture frame featuring Rapunzel is a great way to display your memories from your trip! Rapunzel picture frame Some other adorable souvenirs included plushies, like this one of Pascal… Pascal plushie! …and Rapunzel. Rapunzel! They had all sorts of Tangled toys for kiddos in the store, like dolls, Barbies… Rapunzel dolls …playsets, and other things. Lantern toy For the wearables, these headbands had us going CRAZY! Look at this Pascal Headband, isn’t it cute?! Pascal Headband Same with these Tangled Minnie Ears, and yes, we did buy them! ‘Tangled’ Minnie Ears They had some clothes for fans of the iconic Disney Princess. We loved this hoodie with Rapunzel’s tower on it. It also featured lanterns and the phrase “Paint Your Story”. Rapunzel hoodie They had hats… Hats! …and t-shirts. Rapunzel t-shirts All of the Tangled stuff was in a store located by the Raiponce Tangled Spin ride. Raiponce Tangled Spin We’ll be getting a full look at even more merchandise at Disney Adventure World — including NEW Frozen souvenirs — so make sure you stay tuned as we update this article with more! Who doesn’t want to book a trip to Disneyland Paris right now? We’re already planning our next trip! In the comments, tell us which piece you like the best, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. DISNEY SHARES SNEAK PEEK AT RESTAURANTS COMING TO THE NEW WORLD OF FROZEN LAND 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 Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Paris to attend their media preview of Disney Adventure Park. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

If you’re looking for new Disney home decor, we’ve got you covered! Mickey Ear Hat Holder It’s almost fun to hide little Disney nods around your house in a way that’s more like “hidden detail” and not “overt Mickey Mouse colors everywhere.” Our team has quite a bit of Disney-themed decor in our homes, and today we’re sharing some of our favorite items! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this stunning Disney calendar! Thomas Kinkade Calendar If you’re a write-that-down person, a paper calendar is a must. One of four favorites is this Disney Dreams Collection by Thomas Kinkade Studios 2026 Wall Calendar. Each month has Thomas Kinkade artwork from our favorite films, and the pieces are STUNNING. view ON AMAZON This spoon rest is a fun nod! Mickey and Minnie Spoon Rests If you want a way to represent Mickey Mouse, but don’t want it to be a giant piece of decor, go for something more subtle, like kitchen utensils. One of our team members has this Disney Mickey Mouse Pant Figural Spoon Rest, and a matching Minnie one too! And with the Disney-themed teapot? I mean, how cute! view ON AMAZON We love the bookshelf additions! Lilo & Stitch Figure When you want to be a bit more “out there” with your Disney decor, a great place to start is the bookshelf. Several people on our team have themed character statues on their bookshelves, like this Enesco Disney Traditions Collection by Jim Shore Lilo and Stitch Hugging Figurine. Makes a great bookend! view ON AMAZON Or, you can theme the bathroom! Mickey Shower Curtain Another great spot to slowly integrate some Disney fandom is in the bathroom! A Mickey-themed mat, soap dispenser, or shower curtain helps add some whimsy. One member of our team loves this Jay Franco Disney Mickey Mouse Hello There Shower Curtain. view ON AMAZON Get the matching soap dispensers! Matching soap dispensers! And if you’re going with the themed bathroom, you might as well get soap dispensers to match. We love this pink and gold Jay Franco Disney Minnie Mouse Soap Dispenser. view ON AMAZON Or snag the Mickey version ©Amazon They’ve also got a Mickey version on Amazon. This is the Jay Franco Disney Mickey Mouse Soap Dispenser in matte black. They’re refillable with whatever soap you’d like! view ON AMAZON Don’t forget about the yard! ©Amazon Want something for the yard or garden? How about the Welcome Spring Decorative Garden Flag with Minnie Mouse designs? This is perfect for decoration on those sunny springtime days. view ON AMAZON This lamp is STUNNING ©Amazon For something that’s a bit more sophisticated but still a subtle Disney nod, this Gusnilo Vintage Aladdin Magic Lamp Genie Collector’s Edition is an excellent choice. The teal color reminds us of Jasmine, while the gold detailing is intricate and beautiful. This would be great to display on a table or bookshelf. view ON AMAZON Another cute Stitch figure! ©Amazon Okay, we couldn’t stop at just ONE Stitch figure! This Enesco Jim Shore Disney Traditions Stitch Mini Figurine is too cute to pass up, and at 3.875 inches tall, he’s perfect for sitting on your desk and keeping you company while you work. view ON AMAZON And finally, a mount for your Mickey ears! Mickey Ear Hat Holder Last but not least, we’ve got something special for those who own classic embroidered Mickey ear hats — an Owlgift Decorative Black Metal Vintage Style Wall Mounted Hat Display Rack. It’s the perfect size to put those cute Mickey ears on, so you can remember a special trip. 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

Summer 2026 at Disney World is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed seasons the resort has seen in years. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Between brand-new lands, long-awaited ride reopenings, and some seriously exciting character experiences hitting the parks all at once, this is genuinely not the summer to show up without a revised game plan. If you booked your trip based on what Disney World looked like even six months ago, your itinerary is already out of date. Here’s everything you need to rethink before you go. Add Animal Kingdom to Your Must-Do List If You’re a Bluey Fan Starting May 26th, Bluey’s Wild World officially takes over Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom, and it’s not going anywhere. This is a permanent addition to the park, which means if you’ve been sleeping on Animal Kingdom this summer, it’s time to wake up. Bluey and Bingo To get there, you’ll hop on the Wildlife Express Train for a behind-the-scenes peek at the animals from Kilimanjaro Safaris, and once you arrive at Conservation Station, the whole area is pure Bluey. You can meet Bluey and Bingo, play Butterfly Keepy Uppy with them, and catch a dance party. Wildlife Express Train The former Affection Section is also getting a glow-up, transforming into Jumping Junction, a petting zoo stocked with animals native to Australia, Bluey’s home turf. Think kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. It’s adorable, it’s new, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Animal Kingdom day. Factor in Big Thunder Mountain’s Comeback After a lengthy closure that started back in January 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to reopen sometime in early May 2026, and Disney has teased that it’s coming back with “a little bit of new magic.” That’s exciting, but it also means Frontierland has been in full construction mode for a while now. ©Disney Work on Big Thunder overlaps with some big projects nearby, including early construction phases for Piston Peak, the Cars-themed area, and plans to better connect the ride with both Villains Land and Liberty Square. If Big Thunder is a non-negotiable for your group, definitely confirm it’s open before you go, and expect the surrounding area to look a little different from how you remember. Get Excited for a Completely Upgraded Buzz Lightyear Ride Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be reopening on April 8th, 2026, with some seriously cool changes, and if you’ve already been to Magic Kingdom this year, you might be surprised by just how much has been updated. ©Disney The ride vehicles are redesigned with colors pulled straight from Star Command, there are now onboard video monitors showing real-time scores, and each cruiser comes equipped with handheld blasters that are way easier to aim. Those blasters have always-on lasers, vibration effects, and sound cues, so you’ll actually know when you’ve hit something. The classic static Z targets have also been replaced with interactive ones that light up and react when you score. ©Disney There’s even a brand-new character, Buddy, a friendly robot from Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar, who shows up in a new opening scene to help you prep for your mission. If you’ve been skipping this one in favor of other rides, it’s worth giving it another shot. Plan Your EPCOT Day Around Soarin’ Across America Soarin’ Around the World is getting a patriotic overhaul for the United States’ 250th birthday celebration, and the new version, Soarin’ Across America, debuts on May 26th, 2026. The updated film will follow the same beloved flight-style format, just with new destinations and that incredible sense of swooping over real-world landscapes with iconic scents and all. ©Disney To make room for the changes, the current version of Soarin’ closes on May 13th, so if you’re visiting between those two dates, you’ll want to have a backup plan for that part of your EPCOT day. Disney has noted that Soarin’ Across America is a limited-time experience tied to the 250th celebration, though they haven’t confirmed whether the Around the World version will eventually return afterward. Hollywood Studios Has a Whole New Area to Explore Animation Courtyard is no more. Starting May 26th, 2026, it’s being replaced by The Walt Disney Studios, a brand-new area inspired by the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California. The concept is that Disney Animation characters have essentially “leaped off the screen” and taken over the real studio. ©Disney The outdoor courtyard opens May 26th, and it’s full of lush landscaping, character surprises, and all the classic Hollywood Studios snack vibes we love. Later in the summer, The Magic of Disney Animation, the big indoor experience, will open inside the building that used to house Star Wars: Launch Bay. That experience is inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building and will let you explore six studio departments, from Story to Lighting and Effects, each with unique character meet-and-greet moments. Also launching on May 26th is Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, the new show replacing Disney Jr. Play and Dance. Walt Disney Presents and The Little Mermaid show both remain open throughout the transition, so those are still fair game for your itinerary. Galaxy’s Edge Just Got a Major New Mission If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios anywhere near May 22nd, 2026, the timing could not be better. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a brand-new mission that launches alongside The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, and it looks like a huge upgrade for a ride that’s already a fan favorite. New missions will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. The new mission gives riders the possibility of adventures in Bespin, at the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, or on the city-planet Coruscant. There’s also a new gameplay addition that makes the engineer positions significantly more important to the story by giving them a way to interact directly with Grogu. For anyone who’s felt like the engineer role was a little underserved before, this is great news. If Smugglers Run is already in your plans, this mission is a reason to be even more excited. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Is Becoming Something Completely Different The Aerosmith era officially ended on March 1st, 2026, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently being transformed into a Muppets-themed roller coaster that Disney says will open in Summer 2026. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster The story goes that the Electric Mayhem band is headlining the biggest concert of their lives, and you’ve scored VIP passes. Inside G-Force Records, you’ll find the band laying down tracks with the penguins as their audio engineers while Scooter desperately tries to get everyone to the venue on time. ©Disney The outside of the building is getting a full makeover, too, with the iconic guitar redesigned in colors inspired by Electric Mayhem’s van and a golden piano key added as a nod to Dr. Teeth. Disney has also teased that the attraction will feature a first-of-its-kind Muppet Animatronic, which has us absolutely buzzing. No word yet on the full track list, but if you were mourning the loss of the old version, this one sounds like it’ll be worth the wait. ©Disney The bottom line is that Summer 2026 isn’t business as usual at Disney World. Between returning favorites, brand-new experiences, and limited-time offerings, the parks are shifting in a way that can seriously impact your day if you’re not prepared. A plan that worked last year might not work now, and going in without adjusting could cost you time and experiences you were really looking forward to. As always, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead, so keep following DisneyFoodBlog for the latest updates, tips, and changes you need to know before your trip. 5 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in April 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 you most excited to experience this summer? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Universal Orlando has so many refurbs happening right now! Universal Orlando Six attractions will be closed this spring and summer across all three Universal Orlando parks. Here are all of the ride closures to know about for your next visit, including some newly announced ones! ​​ MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack at Universal Studios will be closed from June 1st to June 16th for short-term maintenance. The ride is an interactive laser shooting ride where you train with the Men in Black to take down aliens and save New York City! MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish will be closed for maintenance on March 24th and 25th, and will reopen the next day on Wednesday, March 26th. This aerial carousel ride is themed after Dr. Seuss’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish book and is located in the Suess Landing area of Islands of Adventure. ©Universal Orlando Another ride closure is Stardust Racers in Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. The ride has been closed since February 19th and is expected to reopen on April 5th. They’re performing routine maintenance and updates on the roller coaster. Stardust Racers An additional lengthy closure is the Jurassic Park River Adventure in Islands of Adventure. The water ride has been closed since January 5th and will reopen in the fall on November 19th. The ride will reopen with refreshed animatronics and enhanced sound effects in addition to routine maintenance. Jurassic Park River Adventure A different Jurassic Park refurbishment is happening currently, with Pteranodon Flyers being closed from February 17th to May 14th. This ride has you board a Pteranodon dinosaur and fly over the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure. ©Universal The last closure happening soon is Me Ship, The Olive. This is a play area in the Toon Lagoon section of Islands of Adventure. It will be closed from April 19th to 25th, and reopen on April 26th. ©Universal That’s every Universal Orlando closure announced for the spring and summer. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park news! 7 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next Month 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 ride? Comment below! View the full article

We LOVE Disney mugs! What better way to celebrate your love of the House of Mouse than by drinking your morning cup of coffee or tea out of your favorite mug?! NEW Starbucks tumblers If you ask us, a new Disney x Starbucks mug is even BETTER! If you agree, then you’re in luck because NEW Disney x Starbucks mugs and tumblers have just dropped online — but we have a feeling they won’t last long! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Blue Ribbon Walt Disney World Starbucks Tumbler ©Disney Made for hot and cold drinks, this Walt Disney World Resort stainless steel Starbucks tumbler is perfect for on-the-go refreshment. The bows add a touch of Cinderella charm with her majestic castle to remind you of all the unforgettable memories. view ONLINE This Pink Disneyland version is also a must-have ©Disney Top off your drink with a bow. This stainless steel Disneyland tumbler from Starbucks is fit for a princess with its all-over bow print, pearlescent glitter, and a charming illustration of Sleeping Beauty Castle. view ONLINE We love the matching Blue Ribbon Mug, too ©Disney Take a sip down memory lane with this Walt Disney World Resort souvenir mug by Starbucks. The design features Cinderella Castle, a bow handle, and matching bow decals for a whimsical reminder of The Most Magical Place on Earth. view ONLINE Or, you can grab the Pink Disneyland version of the mug ©Disney The Sleeping Beauty-inspired design of this mug features a bow handle and matching bow decals so you can celebrate your love of The Happiest Place on Earth every time you take a sip! We love the bow handle design. view ONLINE 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

April is about to hit Magic Kingdom like a confetti cannon with opinions. If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom in April 2026, there are quite a few changes to keep on your radar before you rope drop your way into chaos. We’re talking attraction reopenings, lingering closures, seasonal crowds, special events, and a holiday calendar that could make the park feel extra packed in the first half of the month. Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny The good news? There’s some genuinely exciting stuff on the way. A popular Tomorrowland ride is finally set to reopen, spring weather should still be fairly manageable, and if you plan carefully, April can still be a solid time to visit Magic Kingdom. But this is also one of those months where the details matter. A lot. So if you want to avoid getting blindsided by construction walls, holiday crowds, or a ride closure you forgot about three weeks ago, here are the biggest changes coming to Magic Kingdom next month. 1. Buzz Lightyear Is Back This is the big headline. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is scheduled to reopen on April 8, 2026, which means Tomorrowland is finally getting one of its classic family attractions back after a lengthy refurbishment. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin And this wasn’t just a quick tune-up. Disney has already shared that the refreshed version of the ride will include new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and onboard video monitors for a more updated interactive experience. In other words, Disney gave this attraction a shiny little space-age glow-up, and competitive families are about to become even more competitive. This reopening matters for more than just Buzz fans, too. Anytime Magic Kingdom gets a popular attraction back online, it helps spread crowds around the park a bit better, especially in a land like Tomorrowland that can soak up a lot of guests. ©Disney So yes, the lasers are returning, and frankly, that’s excellent news. 2. Big Thunder Is Still the Big Question Mark Now for the less-fun update. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is still closed for refurbishment heading into April. Disney has said the ride will reopen in spring 2026, but as of now, there is still no exact reopening date posted. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed That means Big Thunder is one of the biggest wild cards for Magic Kingdom next month. Could it reopen in April? Sure. Will it? Maybe. Should you build your whole touring strategy around that possibility? Absolutely not. Until Disney puts an actual date on the calendar, assume Big Thunder is still out of commission. That means Frontierland will continue to feel a little quieter than usual, while the park’s other thrill rides pick up the slack. Construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Basically, don’t let this mountain break your heart twice. 3. Frontierland Still Isn’t Fully “Back” Big Thunder’s closure isn’t the only thing making Frontierland feel a little incomplete right now. The Walt Disney World Railroad is still operating in shuttle mode between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland only, which means the full loop around the park is still not back. Frontierland remains left out of the railroad route for now. This is one of those changes that doesn’t always sound huge until you’re actually in the park wishing for a scenic sit-down ride and realizing your options are more limited than expected. Frontierland Railroad Station If you usually rely on the train for transportation, for a break, or just for that old-school Magic Kingdom charm, it’s worth remembering that the full-circle experience still isn’t available. Frontierland is very much still in its “under construction, please enjoy the vibes anyway” era. 4. Easter Week Will Be a Beast April 2026 begins with one very important little detail: Easter Sunday falls on April 5. And at Disney World, holiday timing matters. A lot. Happy Easter Because Easter lands early in the month this year, the first week of April is expected to be the busiest stretch at Magic Kingdom, thanks to the overlap of spring break travel and holiday visitors. If you’re visiting during those first several days, prepare for heavier crowds, longer waits, and that special kind of theme park energy where everyone seems one popcorn bucket away from a dramatic monologue. They’re so cute! This doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip and move into the woods. It just means you need to plan accordingly. Get to the park early, prioritize your must-dos, and maybe don’t expect a peaceful little wander through Fantasyland at noon. That’s not the version of April we’re working with here. Also, be aware that an influx of park crowds also means that Lightning Lane prices go up (substantially). Because of that whole capitalism/supply/demand system, the more people are in the parks, the more in-demand those attractions are, and the higher Disney can set the price on Lightning Lane access. Lightning Lane So, be sure to pack your patience pants or set aside some extra coin for those skip-the-line options. 5. Easter Snacks Now let’s discuss the important stuff: sugar. Disney often rolls out spring and Easter-themed treats around this time of year, and while we haven’t seen a full official 2026 Easter foodie guide for Walt Disney World just yet, it would not be surprising to see limited-time snacks or seasonal desserts pop up around the resort. Easter Cupcake That could mean themed cupcakes, cookies, candy-packed treats, or some kind of adorable pastel confection designed to be photographed for twelve minutes before anyone takes a bite. At the moment, though, Disney has not officially announced a Magic Kingdom Easter snack lineup for 2026, so this is one of those “watch this space” situations. Still, if you’re visiting in April, it’s worth keeping an eye out. Spring snack season tends to arrive with very little chill and a lot of frosting. 6. After Hours Returns in April If you’re looking for a lower-crowd way to do Magic Kingdom, April does bring another option. Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom is scheduled for April 13 and April 20, 2026. These separately ticketed events give guests extra time in the park after it closes, with event hours running late into the night and entry available earlier in the evening. Magic Kingdom After Hours For the right person, this can be a really appealing April strategy. You get shorter waits, nighttime vibes, and a break from some of the daytime crowd madness. In truth, the price for an After Hours ticket is a fraction of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass for Magic Kingdom, and it comes with free snacks. If you’re a night goblin and these dates work with your travel plans, you should seriously consider it as an option. Even if you’re not planning to buy a ticket, it’s still helpful to know these dates. Special events can affect how you plan your park day, and they sometimes change the rhythm of the evening for regular day guests, too. After Hours at Magic Kingdom So whether you’re attending or not, these are dates worth noting on your calendar. 7. runDisney Will Bring Another Crowd Bump Just when April looks like it might calm down after Easter, here comes another layer. The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is scheduled for April 16 through April 20, 2026, and while that doesn’t automatically mean Magic Kingdom will be slammed every minute of every day, it does add more guests to the Disney World bubble. ©runDisney Race weekends can affect resort occupancy, transportation, and early morning logistics, and they tend to bring an extra wave of people who are impressively awake at hours the rest of us consider rude. This doesn’t make mid-April impossible. Not at all. But it does mean April has kind of a two-part crowd story this year: Easter and spring break pressure early, then runDisney energy later. So if you were hoping for a sleepy little April lull, Magic Kingdom would like to politely laugh. What This Means for Your April Trip Magic Kingdom in April 2026 is shaping up to be a month of trade-offs. On one hand, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is reopening, which is a real win for Tomorrowland and for families who love interactive rides. On the other hand, Big Thunder is still closed, the railroad still isn’t running its full route, and the month includes both Easter crowds and a runDisney weekend. The Magic Kingdom Dapper Dans That doesn’t mean April is a bad time to go. It just means you need to know what kind of April you’re getting. Tomorrowland If you visit in the first week, expect heavier holiday crowds. If you visit later in the month, you may dodge the Easter rush, but you’ll still want to keep an eye on special events and resort-wide traffic. And if Disney drops any surprise snack news or a long-awaited Big Thunder reopening date, that could shift the whole conversation again. Just maybe don’t let your entire day hinge on one mountain and a dream. Check out more Disney World news at the links below! 7 Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom Next MonthWhy Is It Taking Disney World 8 Months to Refurbish Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?Heading to Disney World for Spring Break? Pack Your Patience!Does This NEW Disney World Permit Mean a Popular Ride Could Be CHANGING?7 Things That’ll Make Your Stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort 10x Better Will you be visiting Disney World in April? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Big things might be happening in Disney World and Disneyland, but Disney has been making some HUGE changes to its parks across the ocean, too. Disneyland Paris recently completely reimagined its Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World, and it’s bringing new rides, new lands, new entertainment, and more to Paris. Well, we got invited to visit Adventure World before it officially opens on March 29th, and we’re bringing you along with us to see, do, and — of course — EAT everything we can in the newly reimagined park. So, let’s go! Disney Adventure World features five distinct lands, with more on the way. There’s also a new entrance where you can step on the red carpet! We felt like movie stars when we entered the park! World Premiere Plaza is where Disney and Pixar stories are coming to new life through rides, shows, and special characters. We started our adventure, appropriately enough, on Adventure Way, where we rode Raiponce Tangled Spin, Disney’s first-ever Tangled ride. Raiponce Tangled Spin Speaking of Rapunzel, we also got to see Musical Moment with Rapunzel and Flynn, a show with…well…Rapunzel and Flynn in the Adventure Way Gazebo Garden. Musical Moment with Rapunzel and Flynn Then we saw ANOTHER musical moment: the Disney Marching Band. Here, Minnie leads the band as they play Disney songs. They were playing “Into the Unknown” and “Prince Ali” when they marched by us. The Disney Marching Band We were REALLY excited, though, to see the new World of Frozen, which is similar to the one we nerded out over in Hong Kong Disneyland. It looks a lot like the same world we saw in Hong Kong, but it’s still SO impressive. We’re in Arendelle! Of course, this is where you’ll find Frozen Ever After, the ride we’re sure we’ve ALL ridden in EPCOT. We haven’t had a chance to ride this one yet because it’s been down…but stay tuned because we’ll get you details when we do get to ride it! But look how beautiful the lake is! SO pretty Eventually, the park will also have a land themed around The Lion King, with a Lion King ride. That won’t be open for a little while longer, though. We did see construction for that land, though! We’ll be covering everything from Disney Adventure World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: If You Only Eat One Thing at Disneyland Paris, Let It Be THIS. 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 Will you be making a trip across the Atlantic to visit the new Disney Adventure World? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Paris to attend their media preview of Disney Adventure World. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Find the closest green pipe, and warp your way to McDonald’s! McDonald’s at Disney World McDonald’s just teased the release of brand-new Happy Meal toys, and they give you a little bit of nostalgia, a little bit of excitement, and a whole lot of desire to collect them all! This new set of Happy Meal toys is going to make you scream “LETS-A GO” in your best Mario impression, because these toys are awesome! This Happy Meal toy collection is on the way, and it’s inspired by the highly anticipated Super Mario Galaxy Movie! ©McDonald’s The collection comes with 12 characters, these being: Mario Luigi (in a frog suit) Mario (with the fire power-up) Bowser Jr. Bowser Jr. (with a mask on) Bowser Peach Yoshi Birdo Luma Toad Rosalina McDonald’s also teased that the new toys are set to release on March 26th. So you’ll have to make your way to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal next week! ©McDonald’s The Super Mario Galaxy Movie officially releases in theatres on April 1st, and we are PUMPED! The movie sees Chris Pratt return as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser. ©Illumination The movie also introduces a bunch of new and nostalgic characters that we love from the video game franchise. Characters including Rosalina (Brie Larson), Boswer Jr. (Benny Safdie), and everyone’s favorite, Yoshi (Donald Glover), will be brought to life by an expanded star-studded cast. The movie will also have Birdo, R.O.B., and others. ©Variety We’re super excited for the movie to release in a few weeks, and yes, we’ll be collecting the Happy Meal toys! For more movie and food news, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. JUST REVEALED: HUGE Changes Will Hit Epic Universe This Month 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 movie? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

And at last I see the light… Raiponce Tangled Spin Y’all, our dreams have come true. We finally get to relive the floating lantern scene from Tangled, and we couldn’t feel happier. Yes, we’ve dreamed about this since the movie came out in 2010, and 16 years later, we finally get to experience the joy Rapunzel felt when she saw the lanterns. Come with us to ride Raiponce Tangled Spin at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris. This ride opens to the public on March 29th in Disneyland Paris’s newly reimagined second park, Disney Adventure World. It’s a spinning-style ride where you get to climb aboard the boats and admire the lanterns flying overhead. Let’s go for a spin! It’s located on Adventure Way and is family-friendly with no height requirements. You can also grab Disney Premier Access, their version of Lightning Lanes or FastPasses. While this is just a spinner-style attraction, since it’s new and dedicated to Rapunzel, we’d imagine the lines are going to be long for a while. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the queue…you’ll see Rapunzel’s baking and painting. Rapunzel’s things Keep an eye out for Pascal! Pascal! Take a look at the boats! We love the painting along the sides. The boats If you love the paintings on the boats, make sure to look up! The entire covering is painted with Rapunzel’s artwork. There are various characters, such as Rapunzel, Flynn, Pascal, and Maximus, along with constellations and additional lanterns. SO pretty The ceilings are GORGEOUS. More of Rapunzel’s artwork Seriously, LOOK at this artwork! GORGEOUS We loved the lanterns hanging down from the top, too. They were so beautiful and really set the aesthetic for our ride. All the lanterns Overall, we thought the ride was cute, and we loved the Rapunzel voice-over (and it was OG Rapunzel’s voice, Mandy Moore). However, this ride is super short, so it’s over before you can really take it all in. We’re having so much fun here in Disneyland Paris, and we’re bringing you back all the details so you can plan the best trip ever. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more! THE RIDE CHANGE I WASN’T EXPECTING IN DISNEYLAND PARIS 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 about this ride? Would you go on it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland Paris to attend their media preview of Disney Adventure World. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Tomorrowland has a funny way of making the future look a little…retro. One minute, you’re battling Emperor Zurg like the galaxy depends on it. Next, you’re wrestling with a ride vehicle blaster that feels like it survived the Y2K scare, three presidential administrations, and at least one serious battery issue. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin And that is exactly why Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting a long refurbishment in Magic Kingdom. One of the ride’s long-running issues has been that first-time guests often have no idea what they’re doing. They board, start shooting wildly, and then exit the ride emotionally shattered because their seven-year-old got Galactic Hero while they somehow scored like 800 points. A training element could help make the ride more fun and less confusing right from the start. But adding a new character and interactive pre-show component also means more design, more programming, more installation, and more time. This Ride Is Older Than It Looks Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin opened in Magic Kingdom in 1998. Yes. Nineteen ninety-eight. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin That means Disney isn’t just refreshing a slightly dated attraction. It’s upgrading a ride that has been around for nearly three decades. And while Buzz has remained popular, theme park tech has changed dramatically since the late ‘90s. Guests expect more now. They expect smoother gameplay, clearer effects, more responsive technology, and attractions that feel polished from start to finish. Shoot the target in the left hand OVER AND OVER! Back in the day, simply getting to shoot at glowing targets inside a dark ride was a thrill. Now, the bar is much higher. Disney knows that, and this refurbishment feels like an effort to bring Space Ranger Spin up to more modern standards instead of letting it keep coasting on nostalgia. This Is Way More Than the Last Closure If this closure feels unusually long, that’s because it is. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has had refurbishments before, but previous closures were much shorter. This current project runs from early August 2025 to early April 2026. Closed for Refurbishment The timeline tells us something important: Disney is not treating this like standard upkeep. If this were just basic maintenance, it would not need most of a year. The length of the closure suggests a deeper rework of the ride systems, show elements, and gameplay features. Basically, Disney finally looked at Buzz and said, “Buddy, we need to talk.” Disney Appears To Be Refreshing Scenes, Too The announced gameplay changes are already substantial, but there’s reason to believe Disney is also refreshing some of the show scenes. Imagineering has previewed a refreshed hyperspace tunnel scene, and construction updates have pointed to changes in the attraction’s airlock area as well. The exterior has also seen noticeable work, including changes around the entrance and marquee. ©Disney That means this project is not just about what guests hold in their hands. It also appears to be about what they see around them. And once scenic work gets involved, timelines tend to balloon. Dark ride sets, lighting packages, effects, audio, and installation inside an existing attraction are rarely quick jobs. Even when the changes seem modest from a guest perspective, the work behind the scenes can be extensive. So yes, the new blasters are a big deal. But they may be only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Testing a Ride Like This Takes Time Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: interactive rides are complicated. It’s not enough to install a new blaster and hope for the best. Disney has to make sure the targets respond properly, the scoring system works, the ride effects sync correctly, the training elements make sense, and the whole thing operates reliably for thousands of guests a day. Waiting in line for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin That is a lot of moving pieces for one attraction. And because this is a high-capacity Disney ride, it has to work consistently. Not just once. Not just during a press preview. All day, every day, with families, kids, competitive uncles, distracted grandparents, and at least one person per ride vehicle who is absolutely just button-mashing in a panic. ©Disney The more interactive the attraction becomes, the more testing it needs. That alone could eat up a big chunk of this timeline. What About Politics, Patents, or Supply Chain Drama? Now for the spicier question. Could outside factors like politics, patent issues, supply chain slowdowns, or global conflicts be affecting this project? Tomorrowland In theory, sure. Any attraction refurbishment that relies on electronics, custom parts, fabrication, and specialty contractors could be affected by broader economic or global pressures. Delays can happen. Materials can get harder to source. Timelines can shift. Many of us remember the years-long delay waiting for TRON Lightcycle/Run to open. But based on what Disney has publicly announced, there is no clear public evidence that this specific refurbishment is being dragged out because of politics, war fronts, patent disputes, or some shadowy Tomorrowland laser conspiracy. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin There have been construction permits associated with the project, but the publicly reported scope has remained pretty generic. So while external pressures can always play some role in a project this size, the clearest explanation is still the most obvious one: Disney is doing a lot more here than many people first assumed. Disney’s Timeline Actually Makes Sense When you put all the pieces together, the eight-month refurbishment starts to look a lot less bizarre. Disney is working on: New ride vehicles New handheld blasters Reactive targets New gameplay effects A new interactive support robot Training elements before boarding Refreshed show scenes Entrance and marquee work Testing for all of the above That’s not a quick pit stop. That’s a pretty serious rebuild of a classic attraction. Aim for the top target! And because the ride opened in 1998, Disney is likely dealing with the complications that come with updating older infrastructure at the same time. Once a project like that begins, it tends to reveal even more things that need attention. That’s how a refurbishment grows from “a few months, probably” into “see you in the spring.” The Real Answer? Buzz Needed More Than a Tune-Up So why is Disney World taking eight months to refurbish Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin? Because Disney isn’t just repairing it. Disney is trying to modernize it. The company is overhauling the ride’s core gameplay, updating its interactive technology, refreshing parts of the show experience, and likely addressing aging systems along the way. When you look at the scope of the changes, the long closure suddenly feels a lot more reasonable. Hey there Buzz! Sure, eight months is a long time to lose a popular Tomorrowland ride. But if this results in a smoother, smarter, more satisfying version of Space Ranger Spin, it may be worth the wait. Because let’s be honest, Buzz has been charming for a long time. But charming and outdated often live in the same house in Tomorrowland. And when the ride reopens on April 8th, Disney is clearly hoping it won’t just feel restored. It’ll feel relevant again. Ultimately… This isn’t Disney dragging its feet. This is Disney finally giving Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin the large-scale upgrade it has probably needed for years. Between the new handheld blasters, reactive targets, updated vehicles, new pre-show elements, refreshed scenes, and all the testing required to make that work, eight months suddenly stops sounding outrageous and starts sounding necessary. Buzz Lightyear So no, Disney is not taking eight months just to fluff Buzz’s space helmet. They’re trying to turn a beloved but aging Magic Kingdom ride into something sharper, smoother, and a whole lot more fun for the next generation of Space Rangers. And when those new blasters finally come online? Family scorekeeping wars are going to get so much worse. Keep following DFB, and we’ll keep you updated on all of the news and updates on this attraction refurbishment, and everything else happening in Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando! See How the Ride Photo Has Changed for This Attraction HERE! Check out more Disney World news at the links below! Why Is It Taking Disney World 8 Months to Refurbish Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?Heading to Disney World for Spring Break? Pack Your Patience!Does This NEW Disney World Permit Mean a Popular Ride Could Be CHANGING?7 Things That’ll Make Your Stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort 10x BetterThe 2 Rules You’re Probably Breaking in Disney World Stores Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you excited to ride the new Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin when it reopens? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

We get it, it’s spring break, and everyone wants to use that time for a Disney World vacation. The only problem is, EVERYONE wants to use that time for a Disney World vacation! Magic Kingdom We never want to tell people NOT to go to Disney World, but we do like to advise that some days might not be the best for the parks. One of those times is spring break. We went to the parks multiple times during the week, and you won’t believe the crowds we’ve seen! It may not be your Christmas crowds, but you’d be shocked at how busy the park really gets during the week of spring break. It probably doesn’t help that we went to the park that is already always the busiest of the four, Magic Kingdom. Just take a look at the line to get to the entrance of the park! Spring break line at TTC The line for the monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center was just brutal. The ferry wasn’t any better, so it was really just a pick-your-poison situation. You can see how far the line really went for the monorail, and there were still people behind us. It’s been a WHILE since we’ve seen it this crowded. The line for the monorail is crazy Once you finally got into the park, Main Street, U.S.A. was even WORSE! We were basically shoulder to shoulder with people as we made our way towards the castle. Everyone loves getting pictures on Main Street, but it’s too difficult in the mornings to do so with crowds like this. Main Street during spring break Of course, a busy park means longer wait times for attractions. You have TRON Lightcycle / Run and your Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which are always longer wait times, but just extra long during this time. However, even the smaller attractions get surprisingly long…like Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. The line starts here at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Be honest, have you ever seen a line like this for this attraction? We haven’t — at least not for a long time! Look how long the line is! Lines for classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean can sometimes get long, and we get it. It’s a super popular fan favorite attraction, but this is just nuts! Look at the line for Pirates! If ride lines with seemingly lower wait times daily are getting this long, just imagine the more popular ones! Even Lightning Lane was pushed back. We’re moving! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. We totally get wanting to use dedicated break time to come to Disney World, and you totally should! Just be aware that the crowds can get pretty crazy. We’re always here to make your next Disney World vacation the best that it can possibly be, so keep following us at the Disney Food Blog for more! The 2 Rules You’re Probably Breaking in Disney World Stores DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you been during spring break? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney just filed a Notice of Commencement permit, which notifies the government of large construction projects, for our favorite Disney World drop ride, Tower of Terror. Tower of Terror At first, it didn’t look too interesting – just for general construction. But what we saw next spooked us! The permit is for general construction on the Tower of Terror with MLC Theming. Permits like these are typically used for maintenance. But – MLC Theming is a theming service for the entertainment industry, not a construction company! Their work includes scenic painting, aging of structures, facade fabrication, and rock work carving. MLC Theming is a frequent collaborator of Disney World, with recent updates to the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Harambe Market. Sunset Boulevard While Disney hasn’t announced what specific changes are coming to Tower of Terror yet, our team of Disney experts has some theories. The most likely option is exterior work. The Tower of Terror last had exterior updates in 2021, and Disney repaints and updates exteriors every few years due to Florida’s harsh weather. Currently, exterior work is happening on Cinderella Castle and the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom to ensure the buildings are looking nice and pretty for years to come. Repainting Cinderella Castle It’s also likely that the ride’s interior could be updated. While MLC Theming is known for its exterior work, they were tasked with the interior of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Trading Post in 2024. The Tower of Terror is known for its intricate queue line with hidden details that make Disney adults go wild (guilty!). It wouldn’t surprise us if the lobby is getting a fresh coat of paint, or if they’ll add even more easter eggs to the ride! Tower of Terror While Disney hasn’t announced a closure date yet, we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news! NEW UPDATE on Walt Disney Studios Coming to Hollywood Studios This May 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 Hollywood Studios ride? Comment below! View the full article

It was a real *growing* experience. 🌿 #EPCOT #FreshEPCOT #FarmerNickView the full article