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shopDisney has been releasing a slew of collectible keys. We’ve seen an Ink & Paint key, a Star Wars key, and even a Pluto key. Woody says, “Howdy!” at Toy Story Land! Now, Disney’s latest collectible key is celebrating an iconic film’s 25th anniversary! The Toy Story 25th anniversary key will be released on shopDisney on November 22nd. This just so happens to be the day that Toy Story was released back in 1995. Pretty cool, right?! ©Disney These keys tend to be offered for a limited time and are typically free with a shopDisney purchase. So, you can pick up a few of the new Alien Remix toys and get your Toy Story anniversary key all at the same time. We will continue to keep you posted on all of the new shopDisney merchandise, so stay tuned. And if there’s something you’d like to see more of, please let us know! Read MORE about Disney’s new Alien Remix collection here! What do you collect from Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. Related posts: OoooooOooo Disney’s Aliens Are Back in Another Disguise! This NEW Inside Out Romper Has Us Feeling All Kinds of Interesting Emotions… Disney Just Released a Fly New Mickey Collection That’s Made With Recycled Plastic Bottles! View the full article

If you’re searching high and low for the perfect hat to protect yourself from the elements during your next trek through Adventureland… Jungle Cruise sign in Magic Kingdom … we think we found the perfect topper! Just get a gander at this new Jungle Cruise hat we found in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom today! At first glance, the wide-brimmed hat features a nod to both the Jungle Cruise attraction itself and the ride’s entrance as seen in Disneyland. Jungle Cruise Hat And with a twist, one of the river’s representatives is ready to greet you from the back. Jungle Cruise Hat But it’s a peek under the brim that reveals the true hidden treasures here! Iconic scenes from the attraction — along with plenty of the signature punny humor of the Jungle Cruise Skippers — complete the design! Jungle Cruise Hat It’s an adventure all its own just to find your favorite Jungle Cruise joke! You’ll find tons of the quotable classic gags: “We are now entering the Nile River. And if you don’t believe me…” (c’mon, say it with me!) “You’re in de-nial!” Jungle Cruise Hat And you can also use this hat to remember some sage Skipper advice, too: “Never get into an argument with a rhino! He’ll always get his point across… in the end!” We found this fabulous adult-sized hat at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar (also known as the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop) in Adventureland for $39.99, and a cast member predicted it would sell out quickly. So act fast, because the new Jungle Cruise hat will likely be gone faster than you can say “THE BACKSIDE OF WATER!” Until next time, HATS OFF to you, our fellow adventurers! We’ll see you back here in Magic Kingdom soon! Would you like to pick up the new Jungle Cruise hat? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: These New Disney Baseball Hats Are Inspired By Two Classic Attractions! Calling All Skippers! A Jungle Cruise MagicBand Has Sailed Into Disney World! News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World! View the full article

Her Universe has truly opened up a whole new world of fashion for fans of Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, and more. Ahsoka Tano Ear Headband ©shopDisney We’ve even seen speciality Minnie ears inspired by Ahsoka Tano make their way into our galaxy. If you’re a fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars or The Mandalorian, then you’re going to love this all new LIMITED EDITION merchandise. If you’re not familiar with Her Universe, it’s a fashion company founded by Ashley Eckstein, who was the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. You can watch all of the episodes of that series right now on Disney+! Ashley Eckstein Thanks to a fantastic collaboration between Ashley Eckstein of Her Universe and CEO and Designer Allison Cimino of RockLove, Star Wars fans can now get some beautiful new jewelry. But, this is not just any ordinary merchandise. The jewelry from this set is inspired by some of Star Wars‘s most empowering female characters — Ahsoka Tano, Leia Organa, and the Armorer. ©Her Universe & RockLove | Star Wars For those looking to remind themselves of the bravery and sense of endless hope held by some of the classic Star Wars characters, the Medal of Yavin Necklace is a perfect fit. This piece is inspired by the medals given by Princess Leia to Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope. You can truly be inspired to act bravely and be the hero of your own story with this beautiful necklace. Medal of Yavin Necklace | ©Her Universe & RockLove The necklace is sculpted in artisan brass and plated in yellow gold, and hangs from a yellow gold-plated brass cable chain. The back of the necklace has the phrase “Give my love to Leia” engraved on it. Whether you’re a fan of her hair or her fighting spirit, if you’ve been inspired by the Princess/General, you’ll love this necklace. Medal of Yavin Necklace | ©Her Universe & RockLove You can get this piece on the RockLove website or Her Universe website for $85. Looking for more cool Star Wars merch? Check out these Leia bun designer ears! If you’re a fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Ahsoka Tano, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Ahsoka Tano Medallion Necklace. The necklace is made of sterling silver and features Ahsoka’s Montral pattern as well as her Togruta facial markings. It’s a beautiful design that is fashionable but really only truly recognizable to Ahsoka fans. Ahsoka Tano Medallion Necklace | ©Her Universe & RockLove The back of the necklace is engraved with a quote from Ahsoka — “a new day, a new beginning.” Ahsoka Tano Medallion Necklace | ©Her Universe & RockLove This is a limited edition item of 1,000 so if this is a must-have item for you or the Star Wars fan in your life, you’ll definitely want to act fast! Each necklace comes with an authenticity card autographed by Ashley Eckstein. Ahsoka Tano Medallion Necklace — Autograph | ©Her Universe & RockLove The necklace is available exclusively from Her Universe. It is currently still in stock on their website and can be yours for $99.90. Grab this cool Ahsoka Tano shirt to complete your look! Another piece inspired by Ahsoka Tano has also been released as part of this collection. The Ahsoka Tano Bangle is made of artisan brass and features Ahsoka’s iconic Montral pattern on it. The inside of the bangle is engraved with a quote from one of the episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It says, “Never give up hope, no matter how dark things seem.” Ahsoka Tano Bangle | ©Her Universe & RockLove | Star Wars This bangle is also a limited edition piece of which only 1,000 are available. Each bangle comes with its own authenticity card autographed by Ashley Eckstein. Ahsoka Tano Bangle | ©Her Universe & RockLove This bangle is priced at $99.90. But, it looks like this piece is currently out of stock on the Her Universe website. Click here to check out more Disney-inspired merchandise from Her Universe! Fans of The Mandalorian will recognize the inspiration behind this next item. The Armorer Ring really captures the unique look of the helmet worn by the blacksmith and leader of the Mandalorian warriors. The Armorer is a strong, powerful leader, and fans of her character can carry a reminder of that strength and determination through this ring. The ring is sculpted in sterling silver and plated in yellow gold. The Armorer Ring | ©Her Universe & RockLove The band of the ring also features the famous Mandalorian phrase — “This is the way.” The Armorer Ring | ©Her Universe & RockLove This is another limited edition item so you’ll definitely want to jump to lightspeed and grab one of these before they’re gone. You can find this ring on the RockLove website for $85. All of these new pieces are awesome! We’re definitely hoping to see more collaborations between Her Universe and RockLove in the future. We’ll keep our eyes open for more fun Star Wars merchandise and definitely let you know what we find! Click here to check out even more awesome Star Wars merchandise! What do you think of these new pieces? Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below! Related posts: Look Like a Galactic Hero Wearing the New Ahsoka Tano Shirt from Disney X Her Universe! A New Animated Series Called ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Will Be Coming to Disney+ in 2021! The First Look at the Star Wars Rival Run Medals for 2020 Has Blasted into Disney World! View the full article

We’ve seen lots of news related to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort announced lately. Coconut Mug First, we shared that the resort would remain closed until 2021. Then, we learned that guest rooms there would be receiving a Moana-inspired makeover. Now, we’ve got some news about the monorail station at the Polynesian. Please stand clear of the doors. Taking a trip around Disney World on the Monorail? One entire Monorail station will soon be closing. Monorail We chatted with a Cast Member on the Disney World website earlier today who confirmed that, beginning in October of this year, the Monorail station at the Polynesian will be closed. Monorail at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort We were also able to find some further confirmation of this on the Disney website for the Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Screenshot from the Disney World Website The Cast Member we spoke to said that it looked like the Monorail station at the Polynesian may be closed for the rest of the year. Hi There, Monorail One of the big perks of staying at resorts like the Polynesian, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is having access to the Monorail. The Ticket and Transportation Center is a fairly short walk away from the Polynesian though, so guests would have access to the Monorail that way. Monorail While some spots in the Polynesian, like ‘Ohana, remain closed for now, other spots like Tambu Lounge and Kona Cafe are currently open. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are also open. We’re definitely keeping an eye out for closures and reopening around Disney World. We’ll keep you informed on the latest! Click here to check out a cool new Polynesian Resort pin! Have you ever stayed at the Polynesian and taken the Monorail from the Resort? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: News! Guest Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Will Be Getting a Moana-Inspired Makeover! Three Surprising Restaurants We’re Shocked Aren’t Open Yet in Disney World! Review and Photos: Is Dinner at ‘Ohana in Disney World Still One of Our Favorites?! View the full article

If you’re ready to live our your very own Star Wars adventure, then Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the place to be! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge But, if you won’t be able to make the intergalactic trip to Batuu anytime soon, there’s an awesome way to bring the excitement of the land into your home by going to Target. Earlier this year, it was announced that a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge collection would be coming to Target. Now, the collection is finally here! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost at Target | ©Target Today we’re taking you through our 10 favorite items. 1 — The App Before you even fill up your cart will all the cool merchandise, you should definitely check out the Target app. It’s got a whole area dedicated to Galaxy’s Edge with videos featuring Disney Imagineers talking about how they designed the land and its attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost at Target | ©Target There’s also a spot where you can download printable activities like an Aurebesh decoder, coloring sheets… Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost at Target | ©Target …and even recipes from the land! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Trading Outpost at Target | ©Target Be sure to check out all of the cool stuff on there! 2 — A BB Unit Looking for a new friend? This cool Hyperdrive BB Unit features a Galaxy’s Edge-inspired design and it lights up and can talk to you with its fun sound effects. He’s ready to roll off on all kinds of adventures with you. ©Target You can grab one of these for $99.99. Click here to take home your own BB unit! 3 — Lightsabers If you’ve ever wanted to build your own lightsaber, now you can with the new lightsaber workshop sets at Target. These come in a variety of designs including Peace and Justice for $29.99… ©Target …Power and Control for $39.99… ©Target …and Protection and Defense for $29.99. ©Target You can mix and match Lightsaber pieces with the Lightsaber Workshop sets to create a Lightsaber that is truly customized for you. While they’re certainly not as fancy (or expensive) as the ones from Savi’s Workshop, they’re still really neat! Click here to check these out! 4 — Funko Pop! Figures Funko Pop! collectors will love this CB-6B Funko Pop! The CB-6B unit worked with Poe Dameron while BB-8 working on a separate mission. ©Target This item is a Target-exclusive and pretty limited in terms of stock, so be sure if a store near you still has one available! You can grab it for $8.99. Click here to check out this Funko Pop! You can also get an M5-R3 Funko Pop! at Target to help you out on all of your missions. ©Target He’s available for $8.99. Click here to add him to your collection! 5 — Millennium Falcon Vintage Toy If you’re a fan of the vintage Star Wars toys, then you’ll love this Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run toy set with vintage-inspired packaging. The set comes with The Millennium Falcon, 2 action figures, and 6 Porg figures! ©Target You’re going to need quite a few galactic credits to get this toy though. It’s available at Target for $399.99. Click here to fly away with this Millennium Falcon set! 6 — Fabric Customizable Droids If you’re looking to build a comfier, fabric droid, you’ll love this Build-A-Droid BB-8 toy. It’s customizable and oh-so-cute! ©Target You can take home this BB-8 toy for $14.99. Click here to grab one of these! D-0 is also ready to head out with you on your next galactic adventure in this cute Build-A-Droid set. ©Target You can customize him too, which is great! Take this set home for $14.99. Click here to check it out! 7 — LEGO Set Get ready to build! This 932-piece LEGO Star Wars Resistance I-TS Transport Building Kit is sure to take you on some exciting missions (and may be quite the mission just to complete). The set includes the set includes 4 Star Wars characters: Lieutenant Bek and Vi Moradi, plus Astromech Droid and GNK Power Droid LEGO figures. ©Target You can get this from Target for $99.99. Click here to build up your LEGO forces to fight with the Resistance! 8 — Baby Yoda! Ready for MORE Baby Yoda merchandise? Of course you are! Check out this adorable Girls’ Baby Yoda Chenille Sweatshirt. It looks so soft and cozy, and Baby Yoda looks as adorable as ever! ©Target You can grab one of these at Target for $22.99. Click here to add this to your Baby Yoda collection! 9 — Mugs Mug collectors: rejoice! There are quite a few adorable Star Wars mugs now available at Target including this Jabba the Hut mug for $9.99 (who knew he could look so cute?!)… ©Target …and this R2-D2 mug for $9.99. ©Target Start your way the Star Wars way with these fun ceramic sculpted mugs. Click here to check out the Jabba mug, and here to take home the R2-D2 mug! 10 — DJ R-3X! If you’re looking to throw a good party then you’ll need the services of DJ R-3X! This DJ R-3X Toy Figure can help you jam out to the latest hits from around the galaxy. ©Target He’s really limited in terms of supply, so be sure to check the Target website to see if he’s available at a store near you. You can get him for $24.99. Click here to check him out! DJ R-3X is part of “The Black Series” toy figures set. Target has a whole bunch of other ones also available as part of this series. There’s also so much more Galaxy’s Edge and general Star Wars merchandise available at Target. From cookbooks to origami sets, be sure to check out all of the new items! And if you’re looking to bring more of the magic home, take a virtual ride through of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance! Click here to check out more awesome Star Wars merchandise! What item from this list is a must-buy for you! Let us know in the comments! Related posts: This Is Absolutely the Most EPIC Piece of Star Wars Merchandise You Could Ever Buy Target Is Killin’ The Game With These Star Wars Tiki Mugs! Check Out This Star Wars Tiki Mug Set Debuting At The Star Wars Celebration! View the full article

Well, we said we’d keep you posted when more restaurants were added to the new Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist feature on the My Disney Experience app for Walt Disney World guests, and today we’re doing exactly that! My Disney Experience app screenshot But first, in case you’re not yet familiar… Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist is a recently-added feature on the app which allows guests to check for Table Service restaurants that currently have availability to accept walk-up guests. Up until this point, the restaurants available to check via this new feature have all been located at Disney World Resort hotels. But now a restaurant that is located in a Disney World theme park can be found on the list. Guests in Disney’s Animal Kingdom can now find out if Tiffins is accepting walk-up guests with a tap on their phone! Tiffins This signature dining restaurant is the newest eatery on the list when you choose to “Check Dining Availability” from the app’s menu. Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist screenshot Don’t forget, since this is a new feature, the list of restaurants utilizing the Walk-up Waitlist is expanding frequently. Click here to see all of the restaurants that offer a walk-up waitlist on My Disney Experience! If a Table Service restaurant you are interested in isn’t yet included, you can always check with a Cast Member to see if they may be welcoming walk-ups. We’ll continue to keep you posted as the list of restaurants continues to expand. And, in the meantime, you can learn all about how the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist works here! What do you think of this new app feature on My Disney Experience? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Is Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Worth Two Disney Dining Plan Credits? What’s New at Animal Kingdom (Satu’li Menu Updates!) and the All-Star Resorts?? Review: Octopus and Chocolate Ganache — It Must Be Lunch at Tiffins in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom! View the full article

Last year, we opened the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, and this weekend marked the first anniversary of the grand opening of this incredible land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For the occasion, we’re sharing a special beverage recipe from Oga’s Cantina, one of the most popular spots at on both coasts! Oga’s Cantina is the heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost. It’s a place where you can share your own tales from around the galaxy while you enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels. One of these beverages comes in perhaps the cutest vessel of all – the Cliff Dweller. This adorable drink features citrus juices, coconut, hibiscus-grenadine, and ginger ale – and it’s served in a SOUVENIR PORG MUG! While you have to visit Oga’s Cantina to get your hands on this special mug, today we’re sharing the recipe for this fan-favorite non-alcoholic drink. Cliff Dweller Non-Alcoholic Beverage From Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts Serves 1 Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe! 3 oz. orange juice 3 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. lime juice 1/2 oz. hibiscus grenadine 1 oz. cream of coconut 1 oz. ginger ale Combine orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and cream of coconut in Boston cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour over fresh ice in a tall glass. Top with ginger ale. Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.  Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!  View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando plans modified versions of Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Celebration, plus Fun Card that lasts through '21. View the full article

Earlier today, we shared with you that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would be delaying its reopening until 2021. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort We also learned that the delay has created an opportunity to finish some refurbishment work at Polynesian. Now, we’ve got some more details on a whole new theme that will be coming to the Polynesian as part of the refurbishment. What can we say except “You’re Welcome!” Elements inspired by Disney’s Moana will soon be coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! ©Disney According to the Orlando Sentinel, a spokeswoman from Disney World said that changes to the guest rooms at the Polynesian will include “a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disney’s ‘Moana.'” ©Disney Sounds beautiful! We can’t wait to see what aspects from the movie will be incorporated into the look of the rooms. Maybe we’ll see some swirling patterns in the style of those that are on the Heart of Te Fiti? Or maybe we’ll find touches inspired by some of the textures from Moana’s skirt? ©Disney We can’t wait to see what the renovated rooms will look like. Until the changes are complete though, we’ll just be sitting around, enjoying a refreshing drink and some amazing snacks over at Tambu Lounge in the Polynesian. And you know we’ve got to finish it off with a Dole Whip! Want to grab something delicious to eat at the Polynesian? Click here to check out our review of Capt. Cook’s! What do you think of the Moana-inspired renovations coming to the rooms at the Polynesian? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Three Surprising Restaurants We’re Shocked Aren’t Open Yet in Disney World! Review and Photos: Is Dinner at ‘Ohana in Disney World Still One of Our Favorites?! 6 Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip During Hurricane Season View the full article

Navigating the new Disney Park Pass theme park reservation system has been a whole new adventure. Hollywood Studios Annual Passholders especially have had to deal with booked-up days more than a month in advance. And with only three reservations available to Passholders at a time, that can get tricky. For other guests, however, reservations have stayed pretty open and available. Now, for the first time since the park reopenings, reservations are GONE for ALL FOUR theme parks this Sunday. We were checking in on theme park availability this morning when we noticed that September 6th is greyed out for every ticket category. That means that Disney is no longer accepting theme park reservations for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios — no matter your ticket category. Theme Park Tickets Guests Disney Park Pass Availability This is the first time since reopening that the parks have been completely unavailable. Typically, we see Hollywood Studios become unavailable the quickest and it’s a common sight to see all of the parks full for Annual Passholders — but not for theme park ticket holders and Disney resort guests. Disney Resort Guests Disney Park Pass Availability Of course, we have seen additional park passes added in the past, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for them. Still, Disney hasn’t explained the exact relationship between park passes and park capacity so there may not be any more room to add passes. Annual Passholder Disney Park Pass Availability Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates. We’ll be reporting in to let you know how crowded things are this weekend AND if Disney adds any more availability. Click here for the FULL breakdown of the Disney Park Pass System! Are you headed to the parks this Sunday? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Why Disney World Could Be Very DIFFERENT When It Reopens Character Interactions Won’t Be Planned or Scheduled — But Here’s Where You’ll Find Them When Disney World Reopens! A BIG Piece of NEW Disney World Planning Advice You’re Not Thinking About View the full article

It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since we first got the chance to live our very own Star Wars adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’ve explored the planet of Batuu, we’ve tasted galactic delicacies, shopped in Black Spire Outpost, built our custom lightsabers, and even found ourselves in the middle of an epic battle on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Now, we have a variety of new ways to bring the excitement of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge into our own homes. A few weeks ago we announced the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Trading Post, accessible only at Target, are on store shelves now! Earlier this week, D23 Inside Disney, the official Disney podcast, sat down with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Scott Trowbridge, Creative Portfolio Executive for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and he shared some exciting announcements about brand new ways we are expanding the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience for our guests. Listen in. Lucasfilm Animation recently released a series of exciting new animated shorts called “Galaxy of Adventures” inspired by the adventures found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on the Star Wars Kids YouTube Channel. See below to follow Chewbacca on an adventure through Black Spire Outpost, then head over to the Star Wars Kids YouTube Channel to watch the other two adventures! For video game fans, earlier this week EA and Lucasfilm announced a brand-new adventure to the edge of the galaxy with “The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu.” This game pack is coming to PC, Xbox One and PlayStation®4 systems on Sept. 8, offering players the ability to “play with life” and create their own, unique Star Wars adventure. Inspired by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Sims will experience the authentic sights and sounds of Batuu, including the Millennium Falcon and DJ R-3X’s interstellar hits at Oga’s Cantina. They’ll also embark on exciting missions, unite with iconic characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, and get their hands on their very own lightsaber and droid. Launching later this year is another experience of a completely different type: “Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge” will come to life in stunning virtual reality. ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s award-winning immersive entertainment studio, is developing the new action-adventure virtual reality experience exclusively for Oculus Quest. You play a droid repair technician who crash lands on Batuu after a pirate attack and, in typical Star Wars fashion, you’ll quickly get swept up into a grand adventure. Taking place on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost and expanding into the wilds of Batuu, the experience matches the look and feel of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. If you’re looking for something to stream on Disney+, we’ve got you covered there, too! Recently added to the service is the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Adventure Awaits” television special featuring Neil Patrick Harris, Kaley Cuoco and others exploring the land for the first time and living out their own Star Wars adventures. So, however you choose to live your own Star Wars adventure, inspired by your favorite memories at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you now have more ways than ever… in the park and at home! View the full article

Hey friends! We’re back with another DFB Video, and today we’re talking about Disney World’s 9 BIGGEST controversies!!! Starbucks Get ready for some polarizing debates! Are you all for Starbucks in the parks? Do you wish we could go back to paper FastPass? Disney’s always changing, but that doesn’t mean everyone is always on board with that change. Which side do you stand on? We’re chatting about all this and MORE in our latest DFB video! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! Plus, you can get a full list planning cheat sheet for your Disney World vacation here!So check out the video and then let us know: What you wish would have never changed in Disney World. Related posts: DFB Video: 6 Reasons NOT to Stay in a Disney World Hotel! DFB Video: Disney World Hotels That…Need Some Explaining! DFB Video: The 7 Things You Really DON’T Want in Disney World Right Now! View the full article

Walt Disney World has pushed back the reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to summer 2021. The hotel has been closed since mid-March. View the full article

Heroes Weekend returns to Legoland Florida with Lego characters, safety tips View the full article

Disney World has been open for almost two months, but there’s still much of the property that remains closed. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Many Disney World resort hotels are open or have reopening dates set, some are partially open to DVC members, and some do not have a reopening timeframe at all. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, for instance, has availability at the DVC Villas and Bungalows right now but wasn’t set to fully open until next October. Now, that reopening has been delayed. Disney World announced this morning that the reopening date for Polynesian Village Resort will be pushed back from October 4th to next summer. The Villas and Bungalows will remain open during this time. Disney Website Screenshot The reopening has been delayed to create an opportunity to finish some refurbishment work at Polynesian such as enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and Guest rooms. Work on this project is expected to begin in October. Coconut Mug at the Polynesian For guests with impacted reservations, Disney will be reaching out to you and/or your travel professional to explain the change. Impacted guests will be accommodated at a different Disney World Resort hotel for no additional charge. If you had an upcoming reservation at Polynesian Village Resort, keep an eye out for an email from Disney. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort As with most situations right now, the dates and refurbishment plan for Polynesian Village are subject to change. Disney notes that they will continue to monitor the situation and impact of the global health crisis in Florida. As always, stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates! Click here to see what it’s like in the reopened Disney World hotels! Are your plans impacted by this change? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: REVIEW: New Bacon Covered Strawberry (?!?) In Disney World! The 12 Best Meals To Eat in Disney World…Without Leaving Your Hotel!! What’s New at Disney’s Monorail Resorts: NEW Cupcakes, NBA Updates, and MORE! View the full article

Aug. 29, 2019, is a day long remembered at Walt Disney World Resort, as it saw the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This past Saturday marked one year since the land’s debut, so I joined a crew that traveled to Batuu to see how visitors to this galaxy far, far away spent the day. We arrived before dawn to watch a beautiful sunrise over the Millennium Falcon, docked in the Black Spire Outpost spaceport. We met many travelers from across the galaxy. Some built their own astromechs in Droid Depot, while others stopped by the garage to check out some landspeeders, explored the outpost’s marketplace or found some fascinating items in Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. One young man even appeared to be sensitive to the Force … We also stumbled across members of the Resistance and the First Order who were in Black Spire Outpost. Kylo Ren was recruiting new members of the First Order over at Docking Bay 9. Rey and Chewbacca made connections with potential new Resistance members at the outpost’s garage. And Resistance spy Vi Moradi managed to find a good hiding spot to avoid being seen by First Order Stormtroopers. We also enjoyed just wandering through the land to soak in all its spectacular sights – both big and small. If you want to see more from Saturday at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, head over to @disneyparksblog on Instagram, where later today Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will be posting updates from her trip to Batuu this weekend. And in case you missed it, we recently posted special 360-degree views inside two of the most popular locales in Black Spire Outpost: Oga’s Cantina and Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. Check them out here. View the full article

Gatorland in Orlando is extending half-off admission for Florida residents through September and offering $30 off Screamin' Gator Zip Line all month. View the full article

Upon reopening, all of the Disney World parks are operating at reduced capacity, and guests are required to secure a Disney Park Pass reservation to enter. Walt Disney World For the most part, we’ve encountered manageable crowds and wait times at the parks, although Disney’s Hollywood Studios has regularly felt more crowded. But, spoiler alert, that’s NOT the park that stresses us out the most during the weekend. Here’s the one park in Disney World that we steer clear of on Saturdays and Sundays! Upon reopening on July 15th, EPCOT also launched the 2020 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. In previous years, we’ve regularly seen EPCOT crowds balloon on weekends during the festival as lots of locals visit the park on these days. 2020 Taste of EPCOT And it looks like the trend of hitting up the festival during the weekend has held steady because EPCOT has been pretty crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Which makes sense, since Disney has reported that locals have made up about 50% of their attendance since the reopening. So, if you don’t want to deal with longer wait times and crowds, then you may want to skip this park on the weekend. Spaceship Earth We stopped by EPCOT this Saturday to check out the newly opened Spain and The Alps festival booths. And it was pretty jarring to see just how much more crowded the park felt on Saturday compared to our weekday visits! The Alps Booth 2020 In Mexico, there is a cap on the number of guests that can enter the Pavilion’s pyramid in order to promote distancing. On our weekday visits, it’s been pretty rare for the pyramid to hit capacity, and when it does, guests have been asked to queue outside. Mexico Pavilion But on Saturday, the pyramid didn’t just reach capacity — it was so crowded that even the queue was full. Cast Members in Mexico were turning guests away from the line and told them to try back in 20 minutes. Even the Queue Hit Capacity! And the crowds didn’t disperse much even after we passed through Mexico. The line for the China Food and Wine booth was so long, we couldn’t even see the booth from the end of the queue! With the distancing measures in place, lines have been deceptively long — but even so, this is much farther back than we’re used to seeing the queue compared to our weekday visits. Line for the China Food & Wine Booth Inside the World Showplace — home to four festival booths — all of the tables were taken and we saw guests sitting on the floor throughout the building. Crowd Inside the World Showplace And it’s not just the Food & Wine booth queues that get inflated — the wait times for attractions at EPCOT have also been longer on the weekends. For example, on Sunday, August 30th at 4PM, the longest wait times were Frozen Ever After at 55-minutes and Test Track at 65-minutes. EPCOT Wait Times on August 30th at 4PM By comparison, on Wednesday, August 26th at 4PM, the longest wait times were Test Track at 20-minutes and Frozen Ever after at 30-minutes. So, it seems the weekend crowds aren’t strictly flocking to the Food and Wine festivities! After experiencing the mid-week crowds at EPCOT, it was definitely jarring to take a trip to the park on Saturday! With that being said, if you plan on visiting Disney World during the Food and Wine Festival, we recommend you try to visit EPCOT on a weekday and avoid the park on the weekends if at all possible. Trust us, we’ve been there! We expect that these crowds will lighten up once there’s no longer a festival taking place at EPCOT. But as of right now, the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival does not have a set end date. We will continue to keep you posted on the situation and please let us know if you have any questions. Here’s the ONLY spot you can snag a beer flight during this year’s Food and Wine Festival! Have you been to EPCOT since the park reopened? Share your experience in the comments! Related posts: Will Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Impact The Epcot Food And Wine Festival? Going to Disney World in January? Here’s What You Need To Know! How Could the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Be Different This Year? View the full article

We’ve seen some BIG changes in Disney World since reopening that have greatly altered the parks as we once knew them. Magic Kingdom Since Disney World has been continuing forward with its health and safety initiatives, high-touch surfaces have been reduced in the parks and capacity has been limited. Mask requirements, temperature checks, and more are completely new, but many of the newer features introduced to help guests have started to move towards a virtual format. Even though Disney is trying to limit the number of people going to the parks at a time, they’re still trying to accommodate as many guests as possible (in the safest way possible, of course). Hollywood Studios While we weren’t too surprised to see more of an emphasis on contactless payment methods or shorter wait times on My Disney Experience, we didn’t expect to see so many of these virtual updates that have COMPLETELY switched up our experiences in the re-opened parks! Walk-Up Dining Although quick-service spots have re-opened with Mobile Order, and Advance Dining Reservations are available at table-service locations, walk-up options weren’t available initially for restaurants when the parks first opened. However, a month after Disney World started to bring guests back, the resort slowly started to put walk-up dining in place. Screenshot from My Disney Experience Previously, guests would generally be able to go to the hostess stand at a restaurant to reserve a spot that day. Now, walk-up dining has moved to the My Disney Experience app instead. While some restaurants have come and gone from the list, there are new restaurants being frequently added to the mobile list. Sanaa Dining Room Right now, we’re up to 12 (!!!) walk-up locations (all in Disney World hotels), which is a great option for people who want to visit restaurants on a whim! Honestly, we’re kind of shocked this feature wasn’t introduced sooner! This is VERY helpful for families who don’t have a pre-planned table service meal and just want to decide on the fly! These are all the restaurants you can find on the Walk-Up Dining list! New Mobile Order Process Since Disney World is trying to make sure that distancing measures are used frequently throughout the parks, the process to visit quick-service locations is quite different from what we’ve seen in the past. In order to disperse lines so there aren’t large crowds, guests are heavily encouraged to use the Mobile Order option to purchase food and drinks around the parks. Ordering Area Although guests who have allergies, special requests, or looking to pay with cash are still able to place their order at the counter, the Mobile Order tool is the primary means of picking up meals and snacks around the parks now. After using the My Disney Experience app, guests can go to designated pick-up locations to receive their purchased food and drinks while maintaining distancing. Raspberry Dole Whip But, we’re happy to say that Cast Members are still providing cups of free ice water to guests so you can cool off from that Florida heat! Just be sure to tell the Cast Member at the entrance you’d like to get some free water. Free Cups of Water While we’ve been back to places like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe to experience lunch, many of our other favorite treats have started to pop up on Mobile Order as well. Even though the Cheshire Cat Tail has moved locations, fan-favorite Dole Whips like the Kakamora Float, Raspberry Dole Whip, and I Lava You Float are also (finally) back in the parks (so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test out Mobile Order ). Should Disney World offer discounts with the new Mobile Order? Here’s what we think! Mobile Dining Check-in We’ve been there before — you check-in for your dining reservation at a restaurant, and it takes still take ages for your party to be called. Since Disney World is leaning towards reducing the number of people gathering in one place at a time, Mobile Dining Check-in was put in place for a quicker and more distanced process in the re-opened parks. Check-In Guests are able to put all their information in the app during their virtual check-in (including party size, dietary restrictions, and more). After they’ve completed their process, Disney sends a text to the guests to confirm their check-in and call them back to the hostess stand when the table is ready. Mobile Dining Check-In Instead of waiting around near the restaurant to be called, the Mobile Dining Check-in lets everyone walk around the park or chill out while waiting to be texted. Plus, QR code menus are available to scan so guests can look at the menus ahead of time, which reduces contact with the high-touch surfaces of menus. Here’s everything you need to know about Mobile Dining Check-in! Disney Chat Feature Ahead of the original Disney Resorts’ grand re-opening, Disney announced that it would be introducing a new chat feature in the My Disney Experience app that would allow guests to contact the front desk without having to physically stand at the desk. Initially, we had HUGE problems with it taking hours for us to get a response within the app. Virtual Chat However, when it’s working, you’re able to ask questions about housekeeping, room check-in, and even ask for more toiletries or towels. Find out what unexpected dining feature has returned back to Disney Resorts! Rise of the Resistance Boarding Passes Since the ride debuted this past December, it has been crucial to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios early to snag a Boarding Pass to ride Rise of the Resistance, but this system has seen one of the biggest shake-ups in the parks following the reopening! Originally, the Boarding Groups were modified so guests weren’t crowding at the entrance of the park first thing in the morning (often HOURS before the park was scheduled to open!). Guests had three chances to join a boarding group at 10AM, 1PM, and 4PM. This was later adjusted to only offer two windows to score a boarding group — 10AM and 2PM instead. Rise Preshow Breaking the distribution up over multiple times throughout the day have been meant to reduce the number of people coming to Hollywood Studios first thing in the morning, but the groups are still going CRAZY fast — usually within a minute or so. If you score a group, My Disney Experience shows the estimated wait time before your group is called so you can hit up a few rides or grab a bite to eat with less worry your group will be called while you’re busy. Screenshot of My Disney Experience App But, that isn’t the only giant change that Rise of the Resistance has seen! We were TOTALLY caught off guard the other day when we spotted live Stormtroopers watching over transport vehicles inside (that we luckily escaped!). Live Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance We’ve been in the hangar room enough to be comfortable with the very much NOT alive Stormtrooper animatronics, so this was a fun surprise! Be sure to stay alert next time you’re on Rise of the Resistance — you never know who may be in there with you! These are the three Rise of the Resistance changes you need to know before you go back to Disney World! While we didn’t expect to see these changes in Disney World, most of these changes have actually improved our experience n the parks! While change might seem scary, it’s exciting to think that there is a whole lot in store for the future in Disney World (and we’ll be here to take you along for the ride with us)! We’re still surprised these Disney restaurants aren’t open yet in the parks and resorts! What has been your favorite new feature available through the My Disney Experience app recently? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: 5 Things Nobody Told Us Before We Went Back to Disney World NEWS: Mobile Order Is Getting an AWESOME Change in Disney World (And We Are SO Here for It)! DFB Video: 5 Things You Need to Know About Disney’s Riviera Resort View the full article

We’re super excited for the day we finally get to take our first ride on TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom! TRON Lightcycle Run Construction We’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress we can see from the ground while we’re visiting the park. And now, we’re checking in with another update on how the TRON construction is moving along! It looks like the TRON construction is coming along nicely, indeed! This photo shared by @bioreconstruct gives us a glimpse of the exterior of the TRON building which faces the Monorail. We can’t wait to ride this attraction when it’s finally complete! We’ll continue to keep an eye on the construction progress, so stay tuned for more updates! Click here to learn more about TRON Lightcycle Run! Which new Disney World attraction are you the most excited to experience? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: We’re One BIG Step Closer to TRON Lightcycle Run Opening in Disney World! What’s New in Magic Kingdom — Santa Donuts, Mischievous Candy, and a Marie MagicBand! What’s New in Magic Kingdom — Hitchhiking Ghosts, TRON Construction, and LOTS of New MagicBands! View the full article

As the plethora of new Halloween merch suggests, summer will soon be coming to an end! Mickey’s of Hollywood Display Fall flavors have already made their way to Disney World — if you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, now is your time to shine! But there’s still time to send off summer in style. And what better way than with a limited-time specialty cocktail?? Inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find The Wave…of American Flavors. You can head to this restaurant to raise a glass to the changing of the season with a limited-time drink debuting TOMORROW, August 31st! The Wave The End of Summer Splash is made with Hendrick’s Gin, St. Germain, Kettle One Grapefruit Vodka, and rose. You can snag this refreshing, summery cocktail for $15! End of Summer Splash But if you want to give this beverage a try, you’ll have to hurry! The End of Summer Splash will be available from August 31st through September 7th. So, head over to The Wave to sip on some summery flavors before fall officially takes over! Click here to check out our full review of dinner at The Wave…of American Flavors! Do you plan on stopping by The Wave to try this cocktail? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Here’s What to Eat at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort! BREAKING NEWS: These Disney World Restaurants Will Be OPEN Starting June 22nd! NEWS! Disney World Just Changed A LOT Of Menus, and We’ve Got The DETAILS! View the full article

The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival is all about the great snacks (melty cheese for days), but it’s also an excuse to try as many beer flights as possible in the park. A Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Since the Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, we’ve really been missing those flights since they haven’t been around at the booths. But, GOOD NEWS! We found the one place you’re actually able to get a beer flight during the festival (cue the Hallelujah chorus). Generally, Block and Hans is a kiosk that sells great beer and other sips throughout the year. The quick-stop location is still featured as an additional location during the Food and Wine Festival though. While the booths have been offering other types of drinks, beer flights have been rather impossible to find…until now. 2020 Booth The only beer flight we’ve been able to find during the Food and Wine Festival is now over at Block and Hans! (And, you can see how excited everybody else is for their sips with that long, socially distanced line!) Block and Hans Queue Although the beer flight has been at Block and Hans during previous years with the same beers, Disney hasn’t been featuring flights at other booths this year. However, the food booths are giving bigger pours than previous years with 6 or 12 oz drinks since flights aren’t being offered at most locations. 2020 Menu The menu at Block and Hans is featuring ciders, ales, IPAs, and a mead, along with a good ole’ Mickey Pretzels with plastic cheese. Block and Hans Beer Flight But, if you’re craving that beer flight in EPCOT (we are), the Block and Hans flight comes with an Ale, IPA, Orlando Brewing Blonde Ale, and Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider for $10.75. Block and Hans Beer Flight While we are still waiting for the Donut Box to open, the Spain and The Alps food booths have returned to EPCOT (and we couldn’t be happier)! As we keep returning to the park to check out all the upcoming merchandise coming soon and new treats, we’ll make sure to take you with us on our foodie adventures! Take a look at all the food photos and menus around EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival here! What’s your favorite beer to sip on during the festival? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: REVIEW! Our FAVORITE Cheddar Cheese Soup Has Returned to the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! REVIEW! Earth Eats Booth in EPCOT is a Lil’ Bit Food and Wine AND a Lil’ Bit Flower and Garden! Review! Here’s a Look at Regal Eagle’s Outdoor Bar in Epcot! View the full article

Looking for some delicious BBQ in Disney World? The Polite Pig Then you’ll definitely want to check out The Polite Pig in Disney Springs. While their regular menu has tons of fantastic options, we just spotted a new Chef’s Special that just started there and it looks like an absolute delight! You’ll find The Polite Pig in the Town Center portion of Disney Springs, near the Lime Garage and across from Uniqlo. It’s a quick service spot where you can get all kinds of BBQ favorites, some fun sides, and a variety of beers and other drinks. Grapefruit Margarita from The Polite Pig As great as the regular menu is, this new chef’s special is calling our name. Introducing the new Smoked 1/2 Duck with a Cherry BBQ Glaze. WOW! It looks incredibly delicious. We can just imagine the smoky flavor of the duck balancing perfectly with that BBQ glaze. ©The Polite Pig via Instagram As with the other Chef’s Specials, this dish will likely only be available for a very limited time. If this is a must-try for you, we definitely recommend that you act FAST! If you’re looking for a fun dessert to finish off your meal, check out these not-so-secret menu items we found at another Disney Springs spot! Click here to check out what else is new around Disney Springs! Will you be making a special trip to The Polite Pig to try this dish? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review and Food Photos: KILLER CORN (And Some Other Stuff) at Disney World’s Polite Pig Maple Bourbon Eggnog at Disney Springs’ The Polite Pig Through December! Loading Up on Chicken Guy! Loaded Fries and Mac ‘N’ Cheese!! View the full article

There’s been a LOT of construction around Disney World since the parks re-opened, from the constant updates of the EPCOT Transformation to the TRON Coaster coming to life! Swan and Dolphin Resort We’re seeing plenty of hotel projects move forward as well, like the new addition to the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, a Marriott property situated within walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Disney World. We’ve been keeping our eye on the construction ever since the news dropped back in 2018 that the 14-story tower was being added. Today, a few updates have been revealed about the new hotel structure, which recently added its top floor!!, including a new name and an opening timeframe! A major milestone has been achieved on the tower with crews finally topping off the TOP floor. To celebrate, a steel beam carrying a tree and an American Flag (as is construction industry tradition) was added to the 14th story. But some changes have been made as well. As Disney moves forward into the next stages of the project, the tower has now been renamed from “The Cove” to “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.” ©Disney According to the area general manager for the Swan and Dolphin Sean Verney, they thought the new name was a better fit as it “represents the boutique, sophisticated and relaxing ambiance the hotel will provide guests.” The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve will have 349 guest rooms, including 149 suites that can fit large families of 6 to 8 people, and 2 presidential suites. Swan and Dolphin Construction The hotel will also have on site a signature restaurant and bar, lobby lounge, grab-and-go market, health club, and pool, featuring an elevated deck and fire pit. Guests who stay here will have access to the other amenities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, including 18 restaurants and lounges, four signature restaurants, Mandara Spa, five pools, and more. Artist rendering of The Cove ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is also designed to cater to those looking for convention and event space, and will be a good “executive track” location for larger conventions spread out amongst all three buildings. With 2,200 sq. ft. of function space, it could also be used by mid-sized groups. The high-end, top-floor event area will have floor-to-ceiling windows, boast theme park views, and serve as a good corporate event space for galas, but can also cater to magical weddings. Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort Although Disney has hit a milestone in the top floor, we’ll keep checking back to see the progress made on the newest addition to Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort! And, if you have any questions about what your upcoming stay at a Disney Resort might look like, let us know so we can find the answers! Find out how the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is happening in a new way! What’s your favorite Disney Resort to visit? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: There’s Still a Way to Book a Room on Disney World Property Right Now! Staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel at Walt Disney World? You’ll Want to Keep THIS in Mind! Going to Disney World Soon? Then Take a Look at This Swan and Dolphin Annual Passholder DISCOUNT! View the full article

We were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Chadwick Boseman yesterday after his courageous battle with colon cancer. ©Disney While many fans have loved him as Marvel’s Black Panther, Chadwick was truly a star both on and off the screen. Later tonight, ABC will be celebrating the legacy of Chadwick Boseman with a special presentation. Black Panther poster ©Disney Chadwick Boseman contributed in a special way to the film industry with his portrayal of several key figures including James Brown, Jackie Robinson, and Thurgood Marshall, as well as his role as T’Challa in Black Panther. He also gave back to others through his charity work. ©Marvel As a way to celebrate Chadwick Boseman’s life and legacy, ABC will be hosting a special presentation of Black Panther tonight. ©Disney Black Panther The movie will be followed by the ABC News Special: Chadwick Boseman — A Tribute for a King. The special events will all begin tonight at 8:00PM ET/7:00 PM CT. ©Disney Although we may have lost an Avenger, the impact he made on our hearts lives on. Be sure to check out the special tonight on ABC to celebrate Chadwick’s life. Wakanda forever. You will be missed. Drop your favorite Chadwick Boseman memories, moments, and quotes in the comments below. Related posts: NEWS! New Film Release Dates Announced For Mulan, Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, and More! The ULTIMATE List Of Disney Movie Release Dates for 2021! Create Your Own Home Movie Theater With This Disney DIY Onward Screening! View the full article