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March 19th is set to see the debut of a new Tea Room Experience — located inside the Grand Floridian’s newly renamed Garden View Lounge — after just about 6 years missing since the previous versions disappeared from Walt Disney World, and this long-awaited experience is bringing a new dress code with it! Garden View Lounge Afternoon tea has been a part of the Grand Floridian for decades, with both an adult-oriented afternoon tea party and the “Perfectly Princess Tea Party” for younger children and their parents being hugely popular with guests, often selling out months in advance. However, the parties shut down due to the COVID pandemic, along with the rest of Disney World, in March of 2020. However, when the Grand Floridian reopened that September, the tea parties were nowhere to be found… until now. According to Disney, the new experience will be “a proper British afternoon tea experience” featuring “premium Twinings tea selections paired with delightful scones, small bites and exquisite pastries” all themed to Alice in Wonderland. How will guests be expected to dress for this visit to Wonderland? Well, Disney has a specific dress code ready to go. ©Disney According to the experience’s page on Disney World’s website, since the tea room offers “fine dining with a distinctly magical flair”, guests are “expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic.” They specify that clothing should be “clean, neat and in good condition”, and that swimwear won’t be allowed. So, in other words, you won’t be able to jet over directly from the Grand Floridian’s Beach Pool into the lounge’s Victorian environment. A look at the updated lounge Reservations for the experience — which costs $79 per adult or $49 for a Children’s Afternoon Tea featuring “adorably delicious bites” — opened on February 19th, a month before the experience is scheduled to debut, and have already become some of the hardest to get in Disney World. If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, we’d recommend trying as far into your vacation as possible once your 60-day window opens. ©Disney A brand new afternoon tea is finally returning to the Grand Floridian after 6 years, and bringing a “sophisticated and upscale” dress code with it. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the new Tea Room. 11 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney World Restaurants in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the return of afternoon tea? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

🔊 PLEASE STAND CLEAR 🔊 It’s Monorail Day! #DisneyParks #EPCOT #WaltDisneyWorldView the full article

A plaque has been placed on the downtown Orlando building where Walt Disney made history with the 1965 announcement that included his development plans for Central Florida. Folks strolling around Lake Eola can make a slight detour to see the marker describing the day the Disney’s Florida Project – what became known as Walt Disney World – was unveiled. “The Disney brothers didn’t just announce a theme park, they announced a partnership with our community that was ready to dream bigger about its future,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said during a brief ceremony Thursday evening. “And there’s no denying that that partnership changed the trajectory of Orlando forever, growing a quiet Central Florida town into a global destination, now known worldwide for imagination, innovation and opportunity,” Dyer said. The unveiled plaque commemorates the 1965 announcement of the 'Florida Project' by Walt and Roy Disney at the Cherry Plaza Hotel in downtown Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) On Nov. 15, 1965, Walt Disney, his brother Roy and Florida governor Haydon Burns, walked into the Egyptian Room within the Cherry Plaza Hotel for a news conference. It concluded a whirl of mysterious land purchases southwest of Orlando and a swirl of speculation. The nine-story building, wedged between Central Boulevard and Lake Eola, now houses MAA Parkside apartments, World of Beer and other businesses. It was the largest press gathering in Florida history at the time, Steve Vagnini, Walt Disney Archives manager, said Thursday. “Walt was getting phone calls from all over the country, ‘Can we get our own Disneyland?’ And Walt said there’s never going to be another Disneyland,” Vagnini said. “But eventually he started to think, what if a Disneyland-style project could be a catalyst for something much bigger, and that had a site looking for an area that had a lot of land available, a place that had a great climate, a place that had great tourism.” The company archives have some relics from announcement day, including media distribution material and film, he said. “Few people realize that when Walt was participating in this conference, he had not yet stepped foot on the Walt Disney World property,” Vagnini said. “He knew it from overhead, and yet, look at the confidence that he and Roy had,” he said, referring to flights above the property. “It wouldn’t be until the next morning that he actually got to see that on land,” Vagnini said. “And we do have some actually pieces from that, those very early days of the property, things like a no trespassing sign from Bay Lake Property.” Cherry Plaza’s Egyptian Room previously had hosted community gatherings such as proms, political rallies, spelling bees and fashion shows produced by LaBelle, a furrier still operating on Orange Avenue. Its capacity varied between 600 and 1,200 people, according to reports. The space was inside the hotel’s convention center, which has been gone for decades. The hotel also was notable because President Lyndon B. Johnson had stayed there while campaigning in 1964. “I believe that Walt, Roy, Gov. Burns would all be proud of what we’ve done here together,” said Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle before revealing the plaque with an assist from Mickey Mouse. “I hope that this plaque not only serves as a celebration to our history, but it serves as a reminder as to what we can accomplish when we have a bold vision and we work on it together,” Vahle said. The plaque incorporates a photo of the brothers at the news conference and mentions Roy’s role in continuing the plans despite Walt’s death about a year after the announcement. Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and now has about 80,000 employees in the area. The plaque will be seen near an entrance on the east side of the building. The project was a partnership between Disney and the Thornton Park District, a part of the Orlando Main Streets program. “As a relatively young city, it’s important that we pause to celebrate and preserve the moments that shaped us,” City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said. “The story of this site and what was announced here is part of the foundation of who we are today.” dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

For years, just about all my picks in this category have been at full-service venues. At Walt Disney World. This year, the Spit Fyre Grill is taking a win for Universal. This Epic Universe fast-casual, located in How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, blew my mind with its plates piled high. Greens and grains are gorgeous, and the flame-seared salmon with those beautiful blistered tomatoes? By far one of the very best theme park meals I’ve had with disposable cutlery. So magical, I might believe it was dragon-fired. And I can even pair it with mead. More reasons to add a Viking helmet to my hat collection. Critic’s Choice Winner: Spit Fyre Grill at Epic Universe, 1001 Epic Blvd. in Orlando Runners-up: Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Readers’ Choice Winner: Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 775 Werikhe Way in Orlando Runners-up: Biergarten Restaurant at Disney’s Epcot and Voyager’s Smokehouse at SeaWorld 2026 Foodie Awards: Click here to see all the winners! Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group. View the full article

Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle and other guests celebrate with Mickey Mouse at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, second from right, does the honors, with, from left, Mickey Mouse, Orlando commissioner Patty Sheehan, Robert Soviero, executive director of the Thornton Park district, and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, left, and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle celebrate with Mickey Mouse at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Mickey Mouse celebrates the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, second from right, celebrates with, from left, Orlando commissioner Patty Sheehan, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, Mickey Mouse, and Robert Soviero, executive director of the Thornton Park district, at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Mickey Mouse celebrates the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Mickey Mouse waves goodbye after helping unveil the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Mickey Mouse waves goodbye after helping unveil the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)The unveiled plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)The unveiled plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle attends the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle attends the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle delivers remarks, with, from left, Robert Soviero, executive director of the Thornton Park district, Orlando commissioner Patty Sheehan and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, right, and Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle talk at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 13Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, second from right, does the honors, with, from left, Mickey Mouse, Orlando commissioner Patty Sheehan, Robert Soviero, executive director of the Thornton Park district, and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer, at the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the announcement of the “Florida Project” by Walt and Roy Disney in 1965, during a ceremony in downtown Orlando, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

When I’m planning a Disney World vacation, my visits to Disney Springs are more of a luxury rather than something I focus a trip around. However, as Disney Springs keeps evolving and upgrading its offerings, it’s hard to ignore that the outlet has quickly become a destination location that deserves your attention — on top of a wild amount of strategy. Disney Springs If you haven’t been to Disney Springs in a minute, I need you to hear me out — things have changed. Which means that there are some NEW rules you need to know about — whether you’re checking out the new restaurant from Gideon’s or doing some vacation shopping. Trust me — nothing ruins a perfectly planned Disney day faster than parking in the wrong area, getting stopped at security, having trouble finding the right store, or realizing the vibe is very different from what you expected. The first time I visited Disney Springs, I wasn’t quite ready for… everything. Folks, this shopping and dining district is A LOT, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Fortunately, my team and I have picked up a lot of tips over the years that should help you RIGHT NOW as you make the trek over to Disney Springs in search of good food, plenty of fun, and memorable experiences outside of the Disney Parks. Embrace the “New” Death, taxes, and Disney Springs will continue to grow — these things are certain. AND THAT’S OKAY! Disney Springs Yes, there will be a lot of turnover, but there will also be a ton of new additions like the challenge-based entertainment venue/restaurant Level99 coming to the former NBA Experience location! Future location of LEVEL99 LEVEL99 is a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults, and Disney Springs’ location will feature over 50 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. ©LEVEL99 When I hear that it’s a futuristic arcade that offers a chef-crafted menu — including LEVEL99’s award-winning, Detroit-style pizza — my plans change dramatically. This is something worth being away from the parks for. This spot is expected to open in 2026. ©LEVEL99 Also debuting in 2026, Six Ravens — created by the folks at Gideon’s Bakehouse — will open in The Landing and will offer hand pies that Six Ravens calls Coffyns — housemade yeast rolls complete with fillings created in partnership with other Central Florida chefs. ©Six Ravens It’ll also serve potatoes, local draft beer, and some tasty desserts. These guys definitely get my love language, and I can’t wait to spend DAYS trying everything it has to offer! Arrive AT LEAST 1 Hour Early With all these cool things coming to Disney Springs, you should just accept that the district will always be packed. As such, arriving on time for your Disney Springs dining reservation can be a mistake. Our team recommends SHOWING UP 1 HOUR EARLY to save yourself some misfortune. Disney Springs Remember: Disney Springs is occupied by BOTH locals AND tourists. So parking can get tricky. Once you park, you’ll need to actually get through security checkpoints — which can get backed up with lines. Then — once you finally tackle parking and those checkpoints — you’ll need to walk to your destination. This isn’t a simple task, especially if it’s your first time in Disney Springs. This area is HUGE, and getting from A to B may take you up to 20 minutes or more. I don’t know about you, but me (personally), I’m too nervous to just show up and expect a restaurant to be close by. I’m ALWAYS going to allocate a bunch of time to make sure I can successfully navigate Disney Springs before my reservation. And if I show up super early? Maybe the restaurant can seat me early, or I can use that extra time to do a bit of shopping nearby. There is no downside! It’s a big complex! But hey — life happens. If you find yourself running late, you can always try modifying your reservation through the My Disney Experience app as long as you’re at least 2 hours BEFORE your scheduled time. It’s also a good idea to call the restaurant directly, especially if you can’t make a reservation through the app. In that case, you can also modify or cancel your reservation through OpenTable if you booked with that service! City Works in Disney Springs can be found on OpenTable It’s seriously so much easier and relaxing just to show up earlier if you can. And hey — isn’t the whole point of visiting Disney Springs rather than a theme park to take it slow? Give yourself the peace of mind! Get Familiar with Parking BEFORE Your Visit Disney Springs’ parking setup isn’t the most friendly, unfortunately — but at least it’s FREE. Lime Garage parking I try not to drive to Disney Springs when I can help it, but if you find yourself needing to park, here are some useful tips — starting with the Orange Garage! This structure is ideal for accessing locations on the West Side, like AMC Theaters and Cirque du Soleil. It has two entrances on both sides of the AMC, so note which one you parked in before leaving your car, or get ready for a struggle bus back to your car. Orange Parking Garage Our team has found that the Lime garage is great for when you want to visit restaurants in the Town Center, Landing, and Marketplace sections of Disney Springs! Disney Springs parking The Grapefruit Garage is located across the street and has an elevated pedestrian bridge to Disney Springs, but it may be limited to Cast Members ONLY during peak traffic times — so be mindful of that. ©DisneySpringsTwitter There are also surface lots that you can use on the West Side of the district — also known as the Watermelon and Strawberry lots! Their security line and entrance are near Cirque du Soleil, and you can follow road signs to these lots. Surface Parking for Disney Springs Speaking of security, back in the garages, checkpoints exist ONLY on the second floors of each garage. If you’re instinctively trying to get to the bottom floor to go through security, you’ll be disappointed to know you’ll need to turn around. You can’t even get out at the bottom, so save yourself the steps! Security line When in doubt, look at the map in the My Disney Experience App or even one on your phone to scout the garages and parking lots before your visit! See where you’d like to visit in Disney Springs and then prioritize a nearby lot or garage. Trust me, it’s better to do this bit of homework ahead of time so you’re avoiding an unnecessary walk at the end of your visit. Book Months In Advance As a Disney expert, I’m the 60-day reservation rule for restaurants INSIDE the Disney Parks…but did you know that this rule can also apply to Disney Springs restaurants? The BOATHOUSE You should also be aware that several restaurants use OpenTable INSTEAD of the Disney reservation system. In this case, you may be able to book even earlier — sometimes as far as 90 days out. But that’s not all! Some popular restaurants like Summer House on the Lake, Morimoto Asia, and Wine Bar George offer reservations through BOTH Disney and OpenTable! Wine Bar George As for which restaurants you should prioritize, we recommend Homecomin’, Morimoto Asia, and Wine Bar George. On the flip side, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Raglan Road, and Jaleo are usually reliable for same-day reservations. Know When to Go Finally, knowing when to visit Disney World can save you a massive headache. Disney Springs can get pretty busy! In our experiences, peak Disney Springs times often occur at night and on the weekend — thanks to an influx of local guests. If you’re a tourist wanting to avoid these rushes, we recommend heading over during weekday mornings. Locals are at work, and other tourists are in the parks — so this will be your best bet for lower crowds. Not only that, but Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are usually the quietest. But hey, sometimes I’m craving a lively environment, so weekend nights can be incredible! Disney Springs In truth, there are SO MANY great tips for surviving and thriving in Disney Springs, and they’re always changing because…well…Disney Springs is always changing! For the latest updates, tips, and hacks, make sure you keep it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog! A Ridiculously Detailed Guide to Disney Springs Parking Garages 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 Share some of YOUR best Disney Springs tips in the comments below! View the full article

HOP on over to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to experience "Mabel's Seek & Find" #HoppersView the full article

Planning a summer trip to Disney World, or are you just looking to bring some Disney summer fun into your life? ©Amazon Either way, we’ve rounded up some of the newest essentials Disney has released that will keep your kiddo playing comfortably all summer long. From swimsuits to shoes to adorable outfits, we’re sharing some of our favorites! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Cars swimsuit for kids for your hotel pool day ©Amazon This Disney swimsuit lets kiddos enjoy swimming while immersing them in the magical world of Disney. Inspired by Cars, the bathing suit features Lightning McQueen paired with the number “95” and the phrase “LET’S RACE.” Crafted from soft, elastic, high-quality fabric, this one-piece swimsuit ensures maximum comfort. View on Amazon This pair of Cars slides is a perfect match, too ©Amazon These slip-on sandals showcase Lightning McQueen and let kids celebrate their love for racing, Cars movies, and fast-paced summer fun. Made with comfortable, durable materials, these Cars kids slides deliver cushioned support designed for toddlers and kids, keeping active little feet comfortable throughout the day. View on Amazon We love this Winnie the Pooh shirt and shorts set ©Amazon Your little one will be feeling berry cute in this shirt and short set! Featuring a t-shirt and a pair of elastic-waist shorts, it’ll keep them comfortable all day long. We love the Pooh and Piglet motif, surrounded by berries and fruit! View on Amazon Or, you can grab these Stitch slides ©Amazon Designed as lightweight water shoe sandals, these women’s slides feature a water-resistant build ideal for poolside lounging, beach walks, cruises, spa days, and vacation wear. Perfect for a pool day or a day at the water park! View on Amazon And finally, how cute is this hooded Toy Story towel?! ©Amazon Bring the adventure of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story to bath time with Woody! This fun design features Woody’s signature cowboy outfit—complete with hat, vest, and sheriff badge—set against a playful background of stars and boots. Perfect for little Toy Story fans! 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

We’re getting ready to set sail on a brand-new Disney cruise ship! ©Disney The Disney Adventure is getting ready to take its maiden voyage from Singapore, and we’re excited to hop on board and explore the entire ship! The design of this boat is unlike any other in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, including 7 different themed areas with beautiful scenery. How do we know they’re beautiful? Because Disney just shared a sneak peek! Are you going to sail on the Disney Adventure in the future? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Isn’t it frustrating when you visit Disney World, and things are closed? Yep, it seems like Disney World is just nothing but a sea of construction now, especially with all the construction happening in Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Even Disney World hotels are under construction, with some getting new lobbies and rooms. Pool at Old Key West However, regular closures for maintenance are also still happening at Disney World hotels, and that often means pool closures. Well, we’ve got a pool closure and water play area closure to warn you about. Over at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, the South Point Pool and Spa, the adjacent barbecue area, and playground will be closed for “routine maintenance” in late April. That means that hotel guests might see or hear construction noise during daytime hours. Those guests are also invited to use the Sandcastle Pool at the resort or one of the other two leisure pools, the Turtle Pond Pool and Miller’s Road Pool. Turtle Pond Pool at Old Key West There will be some construction happening at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, too. The Fuentes Water Play Area is currently closed for “routine maintenance” and is expected to be closed through early March (so it could reopen any day now). However, if you’re visiting the hotel soon, you may see and hear construction noise. The Fuentes del Morro pool will still be open. Fuentes del Morro Pool We know it’s hard to keep up with all the construction happening in Disney World, but we’ll do our best to keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more. You can also view a regularly updated list of all closures and refurbishments here. Why Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Might End Up Having One of Our Favorite Disney Hotel Pools 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 these closures affect your next Disney World hotel stay? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s certainly no secret that moms keep Disney trips running smoothly — but sometimes, even they need a little bit of help! Mom photo op in Disney Springs That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite essentials that make life SO much easier at the parks and beyond. The moms on our team have tested these items, and we can say that they really do make a difference. Make sure you shop these game-changing favorites before your next trip to Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Mickey Mouse stroller fan for hot park days J.L. Childress Disney Baby Mickey Mouse Stroller Fan Keep your kiddo cool with this lightweight, clip-on fan featuring 3 speeds and 360 rotation for customized airflow on strollers, in the car, and more. Silicone-covered legs securely grip stroller handles, car seat bars, and more — perfect for everyday use in the parks or travel; also stands on its own or can be handheld. View on Amazon This stroller organizer is a game-changer ©Amazon This stroller organizer features a detachable wristlet pocket to take your most needed items with you. You can also remove the entire organizer from the stroller and wear it over your shoulder using the included straps if you don’t want to leave it on your stroller when you head into the line for rides or restaurants! View on Amazon We love this stroller side sling, too ©Amazon Add valuable cargo space and storage to your stroller. For a day at Disneyland, Disney World, or just a stroll around the block, carry everything you need for your child’s comfort and fun. It fits most standard-sized strollers and has plenty of room for all the essentials you might need to keep handy! View on Amazon You can grab this magnetic phone holder for your stroller, too It’s so convenient! This magnetic phone holder easily straps onto your stroller handle with a stretchable rubber strap. The curved design allows the strap to snugly fit onto the bars, and it comes with a ring adaptor that can be used for non-MagSafe cases — but MagSafe cases can just attach right onto the holder! View on Amazon Don’t forget the sunscreen! ©Amazon We love this stick version of the sunscreen because you don’t have to worry about it spilling in your bag — and it’s WAY easier to apply on kiddos. The Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 safely shields from UVA/UVB rays using 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide. Perfect for travel, throw it in beach & diaper bags for quick sun protection at the pool and year-round. View on Amazon Get this 4-pack of Apple AirTags for peace of mind ©Amazon Disney World is a SUPER safe place, but for additional peace of mind, consider putting an AirTag into your kiddos’ shoes so you know where they are at all times! The simple one-tap setup instantly connects AirTag with your iPhone or iPad, so you don’t have to worry about any complicated setup. Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help. View on Amazon These AirTag holders are must-haves, too ©Amazon Just stick the AirTag into the silicone holder, and you can attach it to your bags, stroller, or even your little ones’ shoes! View on Amazon We love the Hoka Clifton 10s for walking 10+ miles in the parks Hoka Clifton 10 A trusted trainer for daily maintenance miles, the Clifton 10s are our go-to sneakers for Disney World. The ultra-cushioned sole keeps our feet comfortable all day long, and the chunky heel puts a little extra pep in our step. View on Amazon And finally, we love how comfortable this tennis dress is ©Amazon The open-back waistband design makes bathroom breaks a breeze while providing all-around coverage and freedom. Whether you’re heading to Disney World or holding a yoga pose, this tennis dress keeps you comfortable and stylish all day. The cut-out twisted design adds a breezy feel and a touch of style. 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

Epic Universe at Universal Orlando has been open for over a year, but Super Nintendo World still remains super popular with Nintendo fans…and for good reason. Super Nintendo World portal Where else can you go and live out your best video game fantasies by stepping into the games that have been loved by generations? We all have fond memories of playing Super Mario games, and if you love Super Mario as much as we do, well, some new Super Mario experiences will be coming to Super Nintendo World (and Universal Studios Hollywood) soon! A limited-time experience is coming to Super Nintendo World and Universal CityWalk to celebrate the release of the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This new experience launches on March 10th (aka MAR10 Day), and will continue through April 13th. You’ll be able to get in on some exclusive limited-time offerings, as well as special photo ops. Super Nintendo World For starters, you won’t just get a chance to ride Yoshi’s Adventure in Super Nintendo World, but you’ll also get a chance to MEET Yoshi at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Epic Universe in Orlando. Yoshi’s Adventure New movie-themed snacks are also coming to both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Epic Universe, including the Rosalina Cupcake, a blue velvet cupcake filled with blueberry cheesecake, and lemon buttercream, topped with a chocolate crown and star. You’ll also be able to get Galaxy Popcorn, a multicolored berry-flavored popcorn with edible glitter, which will be available later in the experience. Did someone say new snacks? Both parks will also have limited-time merchandise inspired by the movie, including first-of-its-kind interactive shoulder pals themed to Luma in the movie in both blue and yellow. These will feature light and sound and will even interact with other shoulder pals. At Universal CityWalk Orlando and Hollywood, you’ll be able to get some great photos with a new photo op inspired by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Universal Orlando CityWalk Of course, you’ll also be able to see The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at Universal Cinema at Universal CityWalk Hollywood and Universal Cinemark at Universal CityWalk Orlando, starting on April 4th. So if you’re a huge Super Mario fan, you’ll want to make a visit to Universal soon! We’ll keep an eye out for more big Universal news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. You May Want to Avoid Universal Orlando on These 3 Dates in 2026 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think of these experiences? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If there’s one thing we know about Disney parents, it’s that the thought of losing a child in the parks is the stuff of nightmares. EPCOT crowds With thousands of guests packed into Disney World on any given day, the crowds are real, and the chaos is real. But one Disney World feature is doing some seriously heavy lifting in the safety department, and a recent comment on one of our posts stopped us in our tracks. sharihunt718 shared this on one of our posts, and we just had to talk about it. “On our most recent trip, my daughter got separated from us because she confused our stroller with someone else’s. While me, my husband, and two brothers frantically ran around Epcot searching for her a Cast Member saw her and recognized that she was lost and scared. They scanned her Magic Band, were able to pull up our reservation info and get my phone number from the resort and called me to let me know she was safely at a Guest Services umbrella. My daughter was able to to wait with them and they asked her about her favorite Disney movie until l got there. They even gave her a Stitch stuffie (her favorite movie) after we were reunited. I don’t know how long it would have taken to find her otherwise and they did such a good job at making it a minimally scary experience for her. I hadn’t gotten Magic Bands on previous trips because I didn’t want to spend the extra money, but now I’ll tell anyone that it was the best money I spent on our trip!” We’re not crying, you’re crying. What this story highlights is something a lot of guests don’t think about when they’re debating whether to spring for MagicBands: those wristbands are connected to your entire Disney reservation. MagicBand+ That means Cast Members can scan one and pull up contact information for your party in a matter of seconds. No frantic searching through pockets for a card, no trying to remember a phone number while panicking. It’s all right there. Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary MagicBand+ That’s a pretty remarkable safety net when you think about it. Disney’s Cast Members are genuinely trained to handle situations like this with so much care, and sharihunt718’s story is a perfect example of that. Cast Members are the best! Not only did they reunite her daughter with the family quickly, but they also kept a scared kid calm by chatting about her favorite movie and sent her home with a Stitch plushie. That’s not just good service. That’s Disney doing what Disney does best. EPCOT Cast Member Now, MagicBands do cost extra, and we totally get the instinct to skip them and save a few dollars. But stories like this one make it really hard to argue against them, especially if you’re traveling with little ones. The peace of mind alone might be worth every penny. Princess MagicBand+ If you’ve got kids coming with you on your next Disney World trip, this is worth a serious conversation before you start packing. The parks are magical, but they’re also massive, and having that extra layer of built-in safety on your kid’s wrist? That’s a purchase you probably won’t regret. Until then, keep it right here for all the latest Disney news! People in Their 40s, 50s, and 60s Reveal the New Disney Trends They Hate, and Wow, They Did Not Hold Back 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 had a Cast Member go above and beyond for your family at Disney World? Tell us all about it in the comments below! View the full article

Each year, the EPCOT Festivals feature ‘additional locations’ — year-round EPCOT restaurants or kiosks that join the festival to serve up one or two special items. Come along with us as we check out some of this year’s bonus spots! EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival has officially started, and it has a LOT to offer. There are plenty of food booths with tasty items, unique topiaries to check out, merchandise to grab (of course), and even concerts to watch. But don’t let it overwhelm you, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. And now we’re heading to some of this year’s additional locations to give you the FULL scoop! Is it worth a try? Let’s find out! Block and Hans Block and Hans — the beer stand in The American Adventure — is joining the Festival this year with one drink offering. Block & Hans 2026 Menu The non-boozy Frozen Wildberry Limeade: Minute Maid Limeade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, and wildberry syrup with popping candy is $6.29. You can make this drink boozy by adding Tito’s Handmade Vodka for $16.50. Frozen Wildberry Lemonade We got the non-alcoholic version, and it had some good balance of flavors. The lime wasn’t too overpowering, and instead of a sharp citrus blast, the flavor leans more berry-forward, almost like a blended or slightly mysterious fruit mix. The popping candy is on the bottom of the cup, so you get them with your first few sips to provide a quirky explosive sensation as you drink. It’s a pretty color! This would be lovely on a hot day with the fruity flavors and chilled temperature. Sommerfest The popular quick service spot in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion has joined the festival with a couple of items this year. Sommerfest Menu 2026 First up is the hard-to-pronounce savory snack Zwiebelkuchen mit Spargel, which is a German onion cake with asparagus, caramelized onions, bacon, herbed goat cheese, and a savory custard. This is $9.79 and it’s a great value for the price. Zwiebelkuchen mit Spargel This was TRULY spectacular, you guys. It was cheesy and quiche-like, almost more like a breakfast dish to us. There’s a decent amount of egg, but it doesn’t ruin the texture or flavor by being too eggy. The veggies were baked perfectly into the custard layer, and the caramelized onions underneath added an amazing savory, rich flavor. This was one of our favorite items we ate all day! Looks delish! A boozy Blossom Spritz made with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Sekt Sparkling Wine, and soda water, topped with fresh mint and lime rounds out the menu here. We ordered this for $13.50. Blossom Spritz This was wonderfully balanced and tasted like a much fancier cocktail than something we ordered at a quick service stand. The sweetness melded well with the spritz flavor, and it ended up being very light on the palate. Our drink A really good showing from Sommerfest — don’t sleep on this spot! Canada Popcorn Cart The Canada Popcorn Cart returns to the Flower & Garden lineup this year with a new cocktail — the Blueberry-Ginger Smash made with Canadian Club Whisky, blueberry, lemon, and ginger. This is $14.50. Canada Popcorn Cart Menu This drink is HEAVY on the blueberry and light on the ginger, but we couldn’t taste the alcohol at all. It could be dangerous! It was quite delicious and very fruity, easy to drink. Blueberry-Ginger Smash We’d get this again, but you’ve got to pace yourself with this drink! Norway Beer Cart This Norway Beer Cart was part of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts this year, and has stuck around for the Flower & Garden Festival! Norway Beer Cart Menu 2026 The Flower and Garden special item is a Lemon Bolle, a Cardamom bun filled with lemon curd and meringue. You can snag this for $5.49. Lemon Bolle The meringue was a bit more marshmallow-forward than we were expecting with some extra stickiness and sweetness, but the lemon curd was DELIGHTFUL. It was bright and tart, and there was quite a lot of it inside the bun. The bun is soft and squishes nicely when you bite into it, followed by the gush of that lemon curd. Lemon Bolle Our one complaint here is that there wasn’t really a noticeable cardamom flavor. We’d like more of that. Yorkshire County Fish and Chips For the first time ever, this popular fish and chips shop in EPCOT’s United Kingdom Pavilion is joining the festival! Yorkshire County Fish and Chip Menu 2026 While the iconic fish and chips is NOT on the festival menu, you can grab some while you sip on the special festival cocktail, the English Garden, made with Fords Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, Minute Maid Apple Juice, and lemon juice, topped with a cucumber. This drink will cost you $17.50, so it’s on the pricier end. English Garden This was a very light and refreshing drink, mostly juice-forward without much noticeable alcohol flavor. We could really taste the lemonade and apple juice, and you get a lot of the cucumber scent with that because of the slice on the rim. This would be a great beverage for just walking around the World Showcase on a hot day. Looks springtime-y! Is it a must-grab? Maybe not, but it was pretty delightful. OVERALL It’s always interesting to check out the additional locations at the EPCOT Festival, and this year is no different. We’re definitely fans of that Lemon Bolle in Norway, and we’ll be going back to Sommerfest to snag those items again for SURE. Sommerfest Honestly, we weren’t truly disappointed by any of these additional locations this year. Way to go, guys! Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Flower & Garden Festival! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Learn about the Garden Rocks Concert Series and Dining Packages Check out ALL of the Flower and Garden Booth Menus And don’t forget to pick up our 2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival e-book! See more details about the book below. DON’T WASTE A BITE AT FLOWER & GARDEN The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is gorgeous — and overwhelming. Our DFB Guide shows you exactly what’s worth your time, money, and stomach space (and what to skip). Inside the guide: Full booth menus with photos + our Best of the Fest picks Smart booth crawls so you’re not zig-zagging the park Complete event schedules in one place Topiary locations, festival exclusive merch, and hidden extras Budget tips to help you prioritize the must-haves GET THE FLOWER & GARDEN GUIDE What items from this booth would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Black Tap CrazyShakes pop-up has opened at Disney Springs, and the biggest fans came out in force (some in matching outfits!) to be the first to taste these crafted Black Tap specialties at The Most Magical Place on Earth. The event will run for 90 days, through the end of May. Operating in the space formerly occupied by Sprinkles bakery, it’s the second pop-up for the space, which hosted a successful run with Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew over the holiday season. You’ll find it in the Town Center neighborhood of the complex, near Frontera Cocina and at the foot of the bridge that connects with the Landing neighborhood, near Ragland Road Irish Pub. “This is the debut of the Mickey Shake on the East Coast, which is huge,” says Heather McPherson, public relations and media manager for the CrazyShakes pop-up. “It’s been on the West Coast, at the Black Tap in Anaheim, for years. We haven’t had it here in Orlando, and it’s a big deal.” No surprise, the iconic Mickey Shake ($24) is the No. 1 pick out of the gate. This one’s comprised of strawberry ice cream with strawberry jam swirls, topped with whipped cream sprinkles and a cherry and dressed in vanilla frosting with Mickey sprinkles. The garnish: red-and-white rock candy sticks and a super-cute Mickey crispy treat. Right behind it is the colorful Bam Bam ($17), a Fruity Pebbles shake featuring cereal milk ice cream, with all the necessary toppings, including Laffy Taffy, a strawberry Pop-Tart and loads of rainbow-hued pebbles. The colorful Bam Bam Shake is another of the signature offerings here, but guests can order off a less ornate menu or create their own delights. The pop-up runs through the end of May at Disney Springs. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) The partnership was a natural one, said McPherson, noting the longstanding and successful relationship between Disney and Black Tap, a brand with global recognition. “We were already partners; there were already feet on the ground. It just made sense.” Cast Member Aria perfects the art of the Special Edition Mickey Shake at the BlackTap CrazyShake pop-up at Disney Springs. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) The limited menu is still formidable, designed for the quick-serve model. “Shakes are always made in the moment,” she explains. “The items chosen are the most popular, the ones selling well around the world, that also fit the setup.” Guests can order straight off the menu, modify existing shakes and DIY their own. And they couldn’t ask for better weather. McPherson thinks the 90-day timing is perfect. Folks in line on Day One enjoyed a daytime high of 77 degrees, sharing space affably. Toppings and mix-ins abound at the CrazyShake pop-up. Some, of course, are color-coordinated. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) Hopefully, many will share the shakes, too. They’re huge! “We encourage it,” she says. “It’s one of those really beautiful Instagrammable moments for your vacation or visit.” After weeks spent trying to peek through blacked-out windows, folks are happy to line up. “It’s CrazyShakes, but it’s simple!’ she says. “It’s a nice little Spring Break thing to come in and do.” amthompson@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

On your mark, get set, drive! More than 40 skilled Walt Disney World bus drivers revved up their talents during a friendly Disney Cast Life competition known as Bus Roadeo. Each participant tackled a 10‑minute challenge course designed to test precision, safety and skill to see who would be crowned the best bus driver on property. What Is Bus Roadeo? Imagine hands-on training fueled by pixie dust. Disney Transportation leaders design a course full of challenges – from tight turns to a sudden stop at 30 miles per hour – all based on real situations our drivers encounter every day while keeping guests safe. If you’re going to practice, why not make it fun? Bus Roadeo events have been held at Disney World since the late 1980s. In these photos, 2012 (left) and 2016 (right) Bus Roadeo judges and participants pose after a day of competition. The History of Bus Roadeo at Disney World Roadeos began with national transit groups in the 1930s and evolved from early truck‑driving competitions into widespread bus‑focused events. Leaning on those industry best practices, Disney World introduced Bus Roadeo decades ago as an opportunity to continue focusing on safety while creating a fun way to build camaraderie among bus drivers, trainers, and dispatchers. And yes, bragging rights are definitely part of the appeal. Disney World’s Best Bus Driver This year’s champion is Doc, a 10‑year Disney bus driver who crushed the course with an impressive time of 8 minutes and 26 seconds. “It’s overwhelming,” Doc said. “I had no idea I won, and I really wasn’t expecting it. There are so many good drivers, so it’s an honor. I’m so happy.” Safety is Doc’s number one priority on the Animal Kingdom bus team, and Bus Roadeo gave him the perfect stage to show it off. Competing At the State Level Winning Bus Roadeo comes with more than bragging rights for Doc. He’s going on to compete in the Florida Triple Crown Roadeo, presented by the Florida Public Transportation Association. Taking place right here in Orlando, the 2026 event starts tomorrow and will bring together top bus drivers from across the state. After working 25 years in public transit in Michigan and another five in Texas before joining Disney, Doc is bringing decades of experience to the state competition. “I’m bringing all the skills I’ve learned over the years, so I’ll be at the top of my game,” Doc said. Congratulations to all of the Disney bus drivers who competed in Bus Roadeo this year. We’re wishing Doc the very best of luck as he represents Disney at the state competition! Why Guests Keep Complimenting Disney Cast Members READ MORE Trivia and Teamwork at Goofy’s Mystery Tour 2026 READ MORE 2026 Disney Cast Member Service Celebration READ MORE The post Disney Drivers Shine in Bus Roadeo Competition appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

You’ll never totally avoid crowds at Disney World, but some kinds of crowding are just straight up RIDICULOUS. A busy day in Hollywood Studios Is common courtesy dying at the Disney Parks? Maybe, but that’s a conversation for another day. However, there’s one trend happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that’s so annoying, we have no choice but to call it out. We’re, of course, talking about the “aisle lice” problem. Crowding at Hollywood Studios is bound to happen, but there is an unnecessary form of crowding called “aisle lice” that serves absolutely no purpose. “Aisle lice” is typically a term reserved for air travel, and chances are you know EXACTLY what they are. This phenomenon happens when folks leave their seat the second the plane lands and immediately crowd the aisle to grab their bags. ©Shutterstock This impatient behavior is disruptive, slows down the row-by-row deplaning process by blocking other passengers, and can lead to rude interactions that only cause further delays in getting off the plane. Unfortunately, this trend has made its way to Hollywood Studios. ©Getty Images You can especially see “aisle lice” at the park’s most popular shows: Fantasmic!, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. Theater of the Stars Each show can captivate an audience and cause them to be on their best behavior, but once the final act begins, good luck avoiding the “aisle lice.” You’ll notice folks walking past other guests, crowding the exits, and filling the aisles — all before the show even ends! Fantasmic! crowds They’re trying to beat the crowds exiting the show — but to what extent? You could be disrupting a magical moment for a child seeing their favorite characters on stage for the first time ever, or creating new traffic jams yourself. When done correctly, the curated process of exiting a show via Cast Member instructions is effective and much smoother than you’d expect — even if it seems overwhelming at first. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Going to a Disney show is a time commitment and communal experience that you simply have to be cool with. Pushing your way out and leaving early is a great way to ruin a visually stunning and powerful ending to a performance for you and everyone around you. It’s just not worth getting a couple extra minutes elsewhere in the park. And if you’re finding yourself in a time crunch as you try to make a reservation, consider checking the My Disney Experience app first to find a showtime that gives you ample time to enjoy the show. Time to Go to the Show! I’m not trying to suggest that you should never leave early, either. Sometimes life and emergencies happen that force us to take off, AND THAT’S OKAY. Maybe your kiddo is fussy, or you need to find a private area to make an important phone call. If you’re worried about the need to take off early, it’s a good idea to sit in the back. That way, the number of people you might disrupt is as minimal as possible. Kindness and courtesy are always king, and if you’re always taking others into consideration and practicing patience, I promise you that you’ll have a much more pleasant experience! Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, 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. Have you noticed more “aisle lice” at Hollywood Studios? What other Disney World trends would you like to see go away? Let us know and continue to follow us at DFB for all the latest Disney World tips, tricks, updates, and reviews! The Number One Travel Trend We’re Ready To See Die 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 have your experiences with “aisle lice” at Hollywood Studios been like? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We just went to a VERY special event in Disneyland — it’s a NEW after-hours event that’s only happening TWICE this year! We’re celebrating 70 years in Disneyland! We checked out Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites, a special new after-hours event that we’ve been looking forward to for weeks. There’s SO much to experience at this event, like meet and greets with ultra rare characters, check out special merchandise, and, of course, snack on some exclusive offerings. Is the food really worth spending time on, though, when the event is already so rare? Don’t worry, we tried out a few of the options, so you know what to expect! First up, we headed over to Jolly Holiday to try out the Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll for $10.99! This is a cinnamon roll topped with maple cream cheese, glazed bacon and pecans, and drizzled with white chocolate. Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll We really wanted to love this, but it just wasn’t anything special. The cinnamon roll was dry, which made the whole thing pretty “meh.” The frosting and toppings were the best part. There were hints of chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese, and maple in the frosting — basically a bunch of sweet flavors that mixed together well. The bacon added a savory and salty flavor that complemented the sweet and chocolatey frosting, but overall, we don’t think we’d get this again. Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll Over at Refreshment Corner, you can snag the Birria Mac and Cheese in a Bread Bowl for $12.99. This is mac and cheese topped with beef birria, salsa verde, cilantro, and onion in a sourdough bread boule, served with consomé. Birria Mac and Cheese in a Bread Bowl This salsa verde was no joke! Definitely one of the hottest things we’ve tried here. The salsa is just dumped right on top of the bowl, and our first bite had so many pepper flakes! After we mixed it in, the spice was fine, but the first bite had our reporter’s eyes a little watery. Everything was great except the bread bowl itself, which was kind of stale. The birria was tender with sweet and savory beefy flavors. After mixing it in, the salsa added more of a fresh or cool flavor, followed by a light spice. With all of the other flavors, we couldn’t make out the mac and cheese unless that was the only thing in the bite. There wasn’t anything special about the mac itself, but overall, this was a savory, spicy, and cheesy meal! We’d definitely get this again. Cheeeeeese Then we headed over to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree for the Gumbo Fries. You can get these for $14.99, and they’re Cajun-seasoned beer-battered fries, smothered with chicken gumbo, mozzarella, and green onion. Gumbo Fries These were the perfect mix of warm and hearty flavors! It was basically a gumbo poutine. The most prominent flavors were a light spice and chicken flavor from the gumbo. We got a nice melty cheese pull on the first bite, but other than that, the cheese could’ve been melted more. A warm, rich, and meaty snack — we enjoyed it but wouldn’t pay $14.99 for it again. The price was a little steep for what we got! Saucy! Finally, we headed over to Red Rose Taverne for Gaston’s Brew for $7.79. This was a butterscotch beverage with dulce de leche foam on top. Gaston’s Brew Our reporter wasn’t originally into this based on the description, but ended up really enjoying it! The butterscotch drink was lightly carbonated with a sweet caramel taste that was pretty light — not too sweet or artificial tasting. At first, it’s just a soda water flavor, and the butterscotch hits as an aftertaste. The dulce de leche topper added a rich and creamy caramel flavor. Best for caramel lovers! We’d get it again if it were always available. This one surprised us! We had SO much fun checking everything out at this event. See more news and updates from Disneyland below! More Recent Disneyland Resort News! REVIEW: Dear Disney, This Is Our Official Petition To Make These Snacks Part of the Permanent LineupNEW Look at Avengers Campus Expansion Coming to DisneylandSneak Peek at SIX New Treats Coming to Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival!Disneyland Officially Demolishes FastPass Structure (And We’re Still Crying)CONFIRMED: This Divisive Disney Snack Is Going Away for Good at Disneyland Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the news from this exclusive event tonight, and beyond! Check out ALL the Disneyland After Dark Events for 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What would you try at this event? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’re looking for the Frushi (Fruit Sushi) in EPCOT, this is where you need to go! Hanami Outdoor Kitchen The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is happening now, and believe us, there is a lot to do. You can grab a bite from the food booths, take in the beauty of the unique topiaries, spend your money on some exclusive merchandise, and even catch one of the concerts. Now, it sounds like a lot, but your friends at DFB got you covered with everything you need to know. Now, let us tell you our review of one particular food booth: Hanami! Menu You can visit the Hanami booth in the Japan Pavilion. Here you’ll find a variety of available items to try. Hanami Menu Now that we’ve taken a look at the menu, let’s dive into the food itself! Eats First up, we grabbed the famous Frushi for $7.50. This is a strawberry, pineapple, and honeydew wrapped in coconut rice and soy wrap paper served with coconut cream sauce and toasted coconut. This is a consistent favorite for many fans, including us! Last year, this was our favorite item at this booth. Frushi We loved this just as much this year! It’s SO fresh tasting, and while you might think the combination of fruit and rice is strange, it actually works really well together. The rice paper on the outside doesn’t have much flavor, and can be a bit odd texturally, but once you really bite into everything, it all comes together SO well. There’s a reason why this is one of the most popular dishes at the entire festival! Frushi Another returning item is the Ramen Cup for $8.50. This is a cold ramen noodle salad in a cup with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken served with yuzu-soy vinaigrette and chili oil. Last year, this one was a disappointment for us. The broth was not flavorful, and the noodles were a bit overcooked. It felt like nothing really worked. Ramen Cup in 2025 Finally, a new item at the booth is the Japanese Curry Bread for$6.75. This is a golden, crispy fried bread filled with a fragrant Japanese vegetable curry. If you like Japanese curry, this is a MUST. We were really excited to try this, and we’re happy to report that it exceeded ALL our expectations. Japanese Curry Bread The curry filling is very flavorful, while the outside has a solid crunch that was completely unexpected. This is one thing we’ll be returning to this booth for. Drinks In terms of drinks on the menu, we got the new Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade with popping strawberry boba, which is a non-alcoholic drink, for $7. This is standard Minute Maid lemonade, but we do like the added touch of the strawberry boba. It is a sour drink, although we kinda’ wished for even more tartness. The boba adds some nice texture, but it, too, is really sweet. Strawberry Lemonade Next up is the new Lavender Lemonade for $8. This is a sake with lavender and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade. The flavor of the sake is subtle, and this isn’t a drink with a typical alcohol burn. It’s smooth with a sour lemonade flavor balanced by sweetness. Lavender Lemonade There is also 3 Daughters Brewing Strawberry Ichigo IPA for 6 oz $5 or 12 oz. $9.50. You can grab the new Peach Momo Plum Wine for $9.75 or the new Sakura Beauty Sake for $11.75. OVERALL Hanami is a booth we’re always excited to visit, and the Frushi is one of those returning items we’ll get year after year. However, the new dish this year, the Japanese Curry Bread, also made this booth a must-visit this year, and the drinks offer some nice refreshment. Full spread That’s it for this booth, but there’s a LOT more where that came from! Click here to see FULL reviews of EVERY. SINGLE. BOOTH. at the Flower & Garden Festival! Trying to plan the PERFECT trip to the 2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival? We’ll be keeping you updated on all of the latest. Click our links below for the information you need to know: Learn about the Garden Rocks Concert Series and Dining Packages Check out ALL of the Flower and Garden Booth Menus And don’t forget to pick up our 2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival e-book! See more details about the book below. DON’T WASTE A BITE AT FLOWER & GARDEN The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is gorgeous — and overwhelming. Our DFB Guide shows you exactly what’s worth your time, money, and stomach space (and what to skip). Inside the guide: Full booth menus with photos + our Best of the Fest picks Smart booth crawls so you’re not zig-zagging the park Complete event schedules in one place Topiary locations, festival exclusive merch, and hidden extras Budget tips to help you prioritize the must-haves GET THE FLOWER & GARDEN GUIDE What items from this booth would you most want to try? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Inside Disney World’s Most Exclusive After‑Hours Party | Disney UnscriptedView the full article

Raise your hand if you can’t get enough Disney souvenirs and merch! ©Disney Whether you’re in the market for souvenirs to bring some of that Disney magic home with you, essentials that will make your park day 100x easier, or are looking for the perfect merchandise to bring along on your next Disney World trip, chances are you can find it all on Amazon. And what’s even better than shopping from the comfort of your own couch? Shopping for those same items on sale! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty obsessed with Disney Loungeflys. They’re the PERFECT size for bringing to the parks — big enough to hold all of your essentials, but small enough that they don’t feel bulky or hurt your back by the end of a long day. We found some on SALE on Amazon right now and have pulled some of our favorites, but you can shop ALL the Disney Loungeflys on sale on Amazon right now at the link below! Every Single Disney Loungefly On SALE NOW This Nightmare Before Christmas backpack is perfect for Halloween AND Christmas ©Amazon The body of the bag has a design similar to a holiday sweater, with pumpkin and ghost designs. The front pocket features reversible sequins. From one view, you can see Jack Skellington, and from the other, you can see a jack-o’-lantern! It’s a super cute go-to bag for anyone who loves all things The Nightmare Before Christmas. View on Amazon We also love the Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Loungefly backpack ©Amazon Welcome, foolish and fashionable mortals! This mini backpack has all the thrills worthy of a theme park attraction. Step into the dead center of the room, and you’ll find a gargoyle staring down at you from the front zipper pocket. With glow and light-up features to highlight this haunting design, this accessory is the perfect pairing for any Disney Parks fan. View on Amazon If you want to check out ALL the Disney Loungeflys on sale on Amazon right now, click the button below! Every Single Disney Loungefly On SALE NOW 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

We’ve covered some pretty wild Disney World news in the past several years, but one of the most bizarre and interesting events was the grand opening — followed shortly by the unceremonious closure — of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. A room on Halcyon! This hotel was as short-lived as it was fascinating. A unique experience where you could board a Star Wars ship for yourself and live out your own adventure with characters, missions, and space food. We were lucky enough to visit it multiple times during its short reign, and that just made its closure all the more disappointing. But thanks to Instagram, we’ve got a peek at what the building looks like now! Instagram user @bioreconstruct has shared some aerial photos of the former Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser building, located on Disney World property near Hollywood Studios. The first photos show a peek inside the former climate simulator. Via @bioreconstruct on Instagram The “climate simulator” was an area at the hotel that “simulated” the climate of Earth. This way, guests staying at the hotel could step outside and get a breath of fresh air during their visit, if they were getting tired of being stuck inside the building. Climate Simulator It looks like the greenery has been removed, though some of the Star Wars theming remains. The space was home to benches, plants, and rocks in the middle. Some of the interactive activities during your “voyage” were hosted here. Via @bioreconstruct on Instagram There was also a photo shared of the entire exterior of the Halcyon. The building is fairly large, and you can see where the various parts of the experience were housed based on its outline. Rooms on the left, common spaces in the middle, and the porte cochere for arrivals on the far right. This building is currently being converted into offices for Walt Disney Imagineering. Via @bioreconstruct on Instagram Will Disney ever do another truly immersive hotel experience like this? Only time will tell. While it was very enjoyable as a guest, it had some financial flaws from the beginning — that price was STEEP, making it inaccessible to many fans. It was ultimately only open for 19 months, so if Disney wanted to replicate it in a new way, there would need to be changes. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Atrium Of course, if we get any more details about the updates coming to this building, we’ll keep you in the loop. Stay tuned to DFB by following us on social media, subscribing to our newsletter, and subscribing to our YouTube channel! Learn Everything About This Failed Hotel Here! 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 Did you ever visit the Galactic Starcruiser? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The colder-than-usual winter for Florida has been a challenge to homeowner lawns and to horticulture teams at Central Florida’s theme parks. At Walt Disney World, it meant covering up elaborate topiaries with frost cloths overnight. At Legoland Florida, heaters were set up around the base of the park’s famed banyan tree, a natural staple since the property’s Cypress Gardens days. “We did do many things to help with our preparation, and we were able to save many things through covering with frost cloth to protect our tender bedding plants and some of our more precious plants,” said Michele Czerkies, a manager for Walt Disney World horticulture. Disney maintains on-property greenhouses, where some topiaries were stowed along with its flower towers, decorative stacks of blooms. The two rounds of extended freezing temperatures came as WDW prepared for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which is now underway. “You can’t cover all of Walt Disney World. So we just covered our critical points of service,” Czerkies said. The festival’s look survived thanks to floral vendors and a good plan, she said. “We make our topiaries, we make our flower towers, we make our floating gardens, but a lot of the color we purchase and plan out a year ahead, and it all delivered,” Czerkies said. “So that was a huge advantage after an event like this, to have all that careful, thought-out planning,” she said. Amid thrill rides and broad walkways, landscaping remains a hallmark of Orlando’s park and resorts. It ranges from basic flower beds and planters to scene-setting and theming for lush areas such as Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure or the tropical atmosphere of Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park. “We did see some browning and some discoloration of some of our vegetation in the park, but that’s normal,” said Cory Lytle, technical services director at Legoland Florida. “The vegetation in the park has been around for quite a long time, and this isn’t necessarily the first time a cold weather snap has actually hit the region,” he said. “So the gardens are still here. They’ve survived this long, I expect them to survive much longer in the future.” Among the survivors is the banyan tree that was planted in the 1930s, the early years of Cypress Gardens. (Legoland opened on the property in 2011 and has maintained the historic gardens.) “We take some special care with the banyan tree. We place heaters all around the base of the tree,” Lytle said. “We have teams that are gearing up days in advance to get everything ready to go for the banyan tree and to support its long life.” The sprawling tree has been measured at about 200 feet across. “The canopy of it is just so massive, there’s no wrapping, per se, that you technically do for it,” Lytle said. After the first round of cool weather, some replacement of young plants near the new Galacticoaster attraction was done at Legoland. “We have trimmed some. We’ve pruned some. We’ve replanted as needed,” Lytle said. “Our whole park is irrigated in some respect, so we’ve monitored that as well – turn it back if we need to, turn it up a little bit more when that’s necessary.” Damaged fronds were removed from palm trees near the Crystal Palace restaurant at Magic Kingdom after recent freezes. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) Disney World visitors might notice some pruning. For instance, palm trees near Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace restaurant and near the entrance of Epcot are almost frond-free. It’s a spikey look. “What’s left is the middle section of the palm, and that’s where the new palm frond is going to come out. They just took off the ones that were brown and freeze-damaged,” Czerkies said. “We saw some of them opening, because it rained a little bit this last week.” “All of us are excited because we feel we’re going to have a true spring. And as a native Floridian, that’s not something that we’re used to,” she said. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

Recently, Disney has announced new lands, attractions, and entertainment headed to the theme parks, new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line, and so much more. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad One of the major projects going on in Magic Kingdom is the lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This iconic ride is getting a bit of a refresh in the form of a new track, in what Disney is calling a “mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment.” Needless to say, there’s a LOT of work being done here. Originally, Disney shared that the ride would reopen sometime this spring, but a new permit amendment has us thinking the refurbishment might be taking longer than originally anticipated. Disney World has filed a new amendment to a previously filed Notice of Commencement permit that extends the original spring expiration date through the end of August. While the permit doesn’t list anything more specific than that, it could mean that work is taking a bit longer than anticipated, and the ride won’t reopen in spring as planned. Lots of construction For now, Disney hasn’t made any sort of announcement about this change, and the website still lists spring 2026 as the expected reopening timeline for the ride. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad This isn’t too out of the ordinary — or unexpected. The ride is undergoing some significant changes, so it’s no surprise that things might be taking a little bit longer than originally anticipated. Disney has teased that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with what they’re calling “a little bit of new magic,” and they’ve already shared some details about what that means. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad construction One of the most exciting additions involves the underground portion of the ride. When the trains make their way into the caverns, guests are going to encounter phosphorescent pools along with shimmering, illuminated stalagmites and stalactites a la the Rainbow Caverns that were featured in Disneyland’s Frontierland back in the day. ©Disney The backstory of Big Thunder is also getting more of a spotlight. The lore centers on Barnabas T. Bullion, who struck gold in the Big Thunder region during the early days of America’s first gold rush and founded the Big Thunder Mountain Company. His ambitions, however, were no match for the mountain itself. Machines broke down, mines caved in, and no matter how relentlessly the miners dug, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. That’s the world guests are riding through, and it sounds like the refurbishment is going to make sure every inch of the experience reflects that story in a way it hasn’t before. ©Disney Not only that, but Disney is also working on some massive construction projects surrounding Big Thunder, with the upcoming addition of Piston Peak — the new Cars area, and the Villains Land expansion. These are both massive undertakings, and Disney has shared that this refurbishment will also help better connect Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with both Villains Land and Liberty Square. When you’re not just updating a ride but also weaving it into an entirely reimagined section of the park, the scope of the project grows significantly. ©bioreconstruct We’ll be on the lookout for more updates about the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment and Magic Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond! Check out more Disney World permit news at the links below! Uh Oh. Did Disney Just Drop a Hint That the Big Thunder Refurbishment Is Going To Take Even LONGER?Disney World Files 3 NEW Permits for Changes at Hollywood StudiosUpdates on Magic Kingdom’s NEW Rides and Lands2 NEW Permits Filed for CHANGES at Disney WorldDisney Files NEW Permit for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Changes at Hollywood Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about the Magic Kingdom expansion? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney World is home to a litany of iconic restaurants that are recognized the world over for their theming and placement at the resort. However, not all of these iconic eateries are created equal, according to these experts. Steak Frites From quick service offerings in the parks and table-service recreations of iconic film locations to live animal encounters and a once iconic hotel dining spot, seasoned Disney guests are skipping these once go-to dining destinations. Pinocchio Village Haus Located in Fantasyland, Pinocchio’s Village Haus provides one of the most interesting dining views at the Magic Kingdom with massive windows overlooking the loading area of “it’s a small world.” Unfortunately, from our experience, the food doesn’t live up to these unique views. Pinocchio Village Haus This is especially true of the plant-based “cheese” pizza, which is a letdown given the dearth of unique vegetarian quick service options. Plant-based “Cheese” Pizza If you’re looking for an alternative quick service plant-based option at the Magic Kingdom, head over to Casey’s Corner and grab a Plant-Based Hot Dog. You can even get it Chicago-style, complete with all the midwest fixins’! Plant-Based Chicago Dog Cosmic Ray’s So, this Tomorrowland eatery does have solid chicken tender options as well as animatronic performer Sonny Eclipse — and we LOVE us some Sonny Eclipse — however, it’s very lacking in the burger department. It’s Sonny Eclipse! Even with the relatively low bar that we judge quick-service Disney burgers by, Cosmic Rays have a certain hockey puck-quality to them. Cheeseburger at Cosmic Ray’s If you’re a craving a burger at the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe provides an alternative in the Double Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger, which offers two patties topped with American Cheese, bacon, and Coca-Cola Cherry Barbecue Sauce. Inside of the burger ‘Ohana There was a time when the Polynesian Resort’s ‘Ohana was hailed as one of the best dining locations on property. However, lately, things are a bit different. Inside ‘Ohana Recent visits here have been a whole lot more inconsistent. Sometimes, the food and service are still SPOT ON, just like the good ‘ole days, while other times we’ve found the quality of the items to be lacking, which is really disappointing for a dinner that costs $65 per adult. This inconsistency becomes especially hard to recommend when more reliable options like the Wailulu Bar and Grill or even ‘Ohana’s attached Tambu Lounge are available at the Polynesian. You can even get ‘Ohana’s trademark noodles at the lounge! ‘Ohana noodles at Tambu Lounge Pizzafari This Animal Kingdom eatery is just kind of there. Those who enjoy microwaved pizza may enjoy it. Even Disney Pizza deserves a good shot If you’re looking for a slightly more adventurous quick service dining experience at Animal Kingdom, head over to Satu’li Canteen, which offers fare that’s both unique yet familiar, like the Cheeseburger Bao Buns. All that yumminess in a Bao bun Coral Reef The main draw of the Coral Reef at EPCOT has always been — and will always be — the direct views into The Living Seas aquariums. If that’s a draw for you, then go for it. If you’re not a sea-life fan and are only looking for a meal, there are better options. Coral Reef While EPCOT has numerous restaurant options in World Showcase, a fun themed alternative sits nearly directly across the park from The Seas in the form of Space 220. While you’re there, get theBlue Moon Cauliflower. We never skip this starter, which is made with tempura-fried cauliflower, housemade hot sauce, and bleu cheese dust. Blue Moon Cauliflower Be Our Guest Look, there’s no denying that Be Our Guest is one of the best themed restaurants at Disney World from an environment perspective, and any hardcore Beauty and the Beast fan should see it at least once. However, once the novelty wears off, the $72 per adult price point is… ahem… hard to swallow, especially with no character dining. Be Our Guest ballroom While Cinderella’s Royal Table offers a near equally steep prix fix menu price, that restaurant does offer an arguably equally iconic environment (INSIDE Cinderella Castle) and a veritable army of Disney Princesses. Hi, Cinderella! While these Disney World restaurants may be iconic to some, our experts are skipping them on their next trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do at EPCOT and You Can’t Change My Mind 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 Disney restaurants do you avoid? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article