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Alright, who’s ready? It’s time to EAT. Columbia Harbour House We eat in Disney World nearly every single day of the year, and we’ve been reviewing restaurants across the property for more than 15 years, so if you’re looking for suggestions for where to eat on your vacation, you’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing our annual list of the best quick service spots in Disney World, so get out your fork and spoon and let’s DIG IN. Resorts Gasparilla Island Grill Last but not least, we’ve got to mention some standouts at the hotels. If you’ve been around for a while, you know we’re a fan of Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Like many other resort spots, they serve a little bit of everything — bowls, flatbreads, burgers, chicken, and salads. But our favorite item? The mac and cheese! Disney might be the only thing better than cheese and carbs, but it’s close! The mac and cheese here is creamier and more delicious than other quick-service mac and cheeses in Disney World, and we’ll stand on that! Plus, their bakery case often has delicious sweet treats like the Mickey Chocolate Choux that we love. See Our Review of New Menu Items Here! The Mara Last but not least, we have The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House. This spot puts an African-inspired spin on some classic quick-service eats, and we’re not mad about it at all. Plus, it’s home to the absolutely iconic Zebra Domes. A lovely meal at The Mara We’ve often found even the basic quick service items here to be better seasoned than some of the other hotels, and they have a few more unique offerings like the South African Vegetable Bowl and Signature-blend Cheddar Burger. Check Out the Review Here! WHEW, that was quite the list! We’ve dined at all these places recently, and we’ll be going back again in the future to keep making sure they’re up to scratch. In the meantime, stay tuned to the blog to see more reviews of new food items and old favorites. If you want more food recommendations throughout the year, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter! We’ve dined at EVERY restaurant in Disney World, and we return frequently to each spot to give updated reviews. See Our Guide to Disney World’s Table Service Dining 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 Which of these restaurants have you tried in the past? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Happy Valentine’s Day weekend, DFB readers. Now, if you’re in Disney World, we’re imagining you’re spending some time enjoying some great food at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts (and pro tip: here are our favorite food and drinks there) or maybe you’re seeking out some of the Valentine’s Day treats that have landed all over the resort. ©Gideon’s Bakehouse However, there’s one Valentine’s Day treat that is exclusive to THIS WEEKEND ONLY, and if you’re wanting to get your hands on it, you’ll want to run to Disney Springs NOW. This weekend only, Gideon’s Bakehouse is offering a special cake, the Valentine Trinity Cake, which features a layer of strawberry cake, chocolate cake, and Italian cheesecake with strawberry buttercream, chocolate buttercream, and marshmallow buttercream. Yes, this cake is EXTRA. This cake slice, though, is ONLY available today, February 14th, and tomorrow, February 15th. You are limited to two slices per person, and it’s only available while supplies last. ©Gideon’s Bakehouse Note that Gideon’s does make a few notes about the cake slice. First, you need to keep it cool. Also, cheesecakes can release moisture in varying temperatures, but you can just give it a little dab to return it to normal. What’s most interesting about this cake, though, is that it comes with a story. Before Gideon’s actually existed, the owner of Gideon’s, Steve Lewis, would sell cakes with a cheesecake center. This recipe was passed down from Lewis’ Italian family. In 10 years, it has never been duplicated in a cake for the shop…UNTIL NOW. Steve Lewis Also, if you’re visiting the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, Gideon’s art director, Michael Reyes, will be there on Saturday from noon to 3 PM, Sunday from 4 to 7 PM, and on Monday from noon to 3 PM. He’ll have an exclusive 16 x 20 Dr. Tobias Brimstone print available (and yes, Dr. Tobias looks a lot like former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde). Other art pieces will also be available. ©Gideon’s Bakehouse We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news (and new snacks!), so stay tuned to DFB for more. How the New Restaurant Coming to Disney Springs Will Completely Change the Game for Orlando Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be visiting Disney Springs this Valentine’s Day weekend? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Are you a Disney+ subscriber? Did you know that you can get some free benefits with your subscription? ©Disney Disney+ just released two new perks in addition to some already great ones. Here are five of our favorite Disney+ perks happening right now! Disney+ subscribers can now get six free months of Calm Premium. Calm is the #1 app to help you sleep more, stress less, and live mindfully with a range of science-backed content and tools for daily mental health support. Activate it by September 10th to get one of the most popular wellness apps for completely free! Calm App ©Calm The second new perk was made for book fans! You can also enter to win a copy of New York Times bestseller Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft, along with its upcoming sequel, Wings of Reverie. Wings of Starlight follows Pixie Hollow’s young Queen Clarion as she prepares to become queen and starts a forbidden romance with Milori from the Winter Woods. In Wings of Reverie, frost fairy Periwinkle has prophetic dreams about the Pixie Dust Tree being destroyed, and she has to team up with sparrow man Weaver to save their home. It’s a young adult romance series perfect for every Tinker Bell fan! Wings of Reverie ©Disney Those aren’t the only perks available for Disney+ subscribers right now. You can also get six months of DoorDash’s Dash Pass for completely free. You’ll enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on restaurant, grocery, and retail delivery orders. ©Disney You can also enjoy a free 3 months of Spotify Premium. Listen to your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, all completely ad-free. Plus, you can enjoy dozens of exclusive Disney music playlists to add some magic to your day! ©Disney And for our last Disney+ subscriber perk, you can enter to win a free trip to Disneyland. You and three guests can attend Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration in style on the Mouse! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland There are so many awesome freebies for Disney+ subscribers right now. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for even more perks! Disney+ Announces Two NEW Shows Coming Next Month! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What perk are you most excited about? Comment below! View the full article

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Our Disney Food Blog team practically lives at Disney. We’re always testing out the newest gadgets to make our park days 10x easier! Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator If you’ve ever struggled with putting on sunscreen at theme parks, we have the product for you. The Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator is a refillable roll-on sponge that’s perfect for both kids and adults! The Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator is simple and easy to use – it’s perfect for kids! Fill it with your chosen sunscreen, shake, and apply. The roller ball ensures even distribution, while the sponge aids in smooth application. Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator It’s also the perfect size for on-the-go use. It holds 100ml or 3.4fl oz, and an indicator under the neck of the bottle helps you stay within liquid carry-on limits for flights. Once you reach your destination, it’s compact enough to fit in any size bag with ease. The Solar Buddies refillable sunscreen applicator is a travel essential! Solar Buddies We love that you can fill it with any sunscreen of your choice. It’s fully customizable, so you can ensure your preferred brand, SPF, or fragrance. Plus, while most roll-on sunscreens are single-use, the Solar Buddies is refillable, so it’s more sustainable and saves you money long term! It also has a replaceable head feature, so you can keep it for even longer. Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator We love the Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator for our face, and if you’re at the parks with kids. We bring ours to the parks every time we go! 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

Things are getting really exciting over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s only a matter of months until Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. Animation Courtyard is getting a glow-up to become The Walt Disney Studios (which we LOVE because it’s a throwback to the Hollywood Studios we grew up with). ©Disney Of course, we have to mention the new Monsters, Inc. land that’s coming to the park, too, which we might be the MOST excited about (y’all, we finally get a ride based on the doors scene!!!). Well, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the construction of that land, and we have a huge update to share with you. We recently visited the construction site of the new Monsters, Inc. land, which is located where the Muppets Courtyard used to be. Let’s take a look! We got a good look at one building, which will be The Glob Theatre, where we believe a new Monsters, Inc. show will be performed. Right now, Disney has stripped away the signs and marquee from the previous Muppet*Vision 3D building. According to the concept art for the new land, a new marquee and signage will go in those spaces. Marquee and signage gone Here’s a closer look at what the theatre will look like in the new land: ©Disney The new land won’t just have an updated theater, though. A new ride is also coming to Hollywood Studios, a suspended roller coaster (a first for Disney!) that will be based on the doors scene in the first Monsters, Inc. film. We’ve seen some progress being made on that ride and show building through aerial photos by @bioreconstruct. @bioreconstruct on X Construction seems to be moving at a pretty quick pace, so we’ll have to keep checking for updates to see how things are moving along. Disney has not yet released an opening timeline for the new land, but we’re hoping it’s sooner, rather than later. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on the Monsters, Inc. land, so stay tuned to DFB for more. We’ve Got Some Bad News About Disney World’s New Monsters, Inc. Coaster 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 new land so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

While 2026 is a big year for construction at Disney World’s theme parks, Disney Springs isn’t being left out! LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs Of course, change is a constant in the area, which has transformed from the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village of the 1970s, to the Pleasure Island revitalization of the 80s, the Downtown Disney era of the 90s and 2000s, before settling into its current Disney Springs incarnation in 2016. So, what’s coming a decade later? New Restaurant! Let’s begin with an expansion from one of Disney Springs most popular current locations, Gideon’s Bakehouse. Gideon’s Bakehouse After a few weeks of speculation based on construction permits for the former location of the Art of Shaving store in Disney Springs’ Landing area, Steve Lewis, the founder of the mega-popular Gideon’s, took to Instagram on January 16th – the anniversary of Gideon’s opening – to announce a new location: Six Ravens. Lewis wrote of the new concept, “What if we created a place that offered up savory delights in collaboration with some of our favorite Central Florida chefs? After all, I got my start at Disney Springs as a secret menu item at the Polite Pig. It’s important to pay it forward and bring more local flavors to the international crowds we meet every day. So with that, I introduce you to Six Ravens.” ©Six Ravens Lewis stressed that the new location would be focused on savory offerings, specializing in “Coffyns.” Described as an “old school hand pie”, the fluffy yeast bread pastry will be “filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars,” according to Lewis. The location will also serve savory potatoes, local draft beer, and, obviously, “some tasty desserts.” Six Ravens is scheduled to open at Disney Springs later this year. ©Six Ravens Level99 Down the proverbial road from Six Ravens in the West Side area of Disney Springs, work is ongoing on Level99. Built partially on the former site of DisneyQuest and later the NBA Experience across from the House of Blues, this new multi-story experience will be an interactive, social entertainment center featuring “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults, featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. Level99 The Disney Springs location will be the largest Level99 to date, featuring over 60 “themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts that will test your mental and physical prowess.” ©LEVEL99 According to Level99, the full breakdown includes: Rooms are cooperative games for teams of 2-6 players. Each room features a unique experience in either the PHYSICAL, SKILL, or MENTAL categories. Physical rooms test “strength, balance, and flexibility.” Skill rooms test “accuracy, timing, and reflexes.” Mental rooms test “memory, problem-solving, spatial thinking… and more!” Duels are head-to-head challenges found throughout LEVEL99. Art Hunts are “a low-key scavenger hunt involving the playful art found all throughout the space. Each piece of art contains a hidden Glyph. Completing Art Hunts is the surest way of seeing and exploring every inch of our bright and whimsical wonderland, so make sure to complete them while you’re ‘rehydrating’ in your downtime between games.” ©LEVEL99 If all that gaming sounds like it may make you hungry, fear not, as Level99 will also offer food and drink options at a 2-story bar, including “handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites—including LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizza.” Full spread at LEVEL99 at Natick, Massachusetts REVIEW and PHOTOS: Is This What We Can Expect When LEVEL99 Comes to Disney World? Possible Announcements These two hot spots may not be the only ones to open at Disney Springs in the near future, as two major pieces of real estate recently opened up for expansion: Disney Springs’ Sprinkles Cupcake location, along with its iconic cupcake vending machine, shuttered its doors on January 1st. This closure isn’t exclusive to Disney World, however, as every Sprinkles location unexpectedly closed at the beginning of the year. Sprinkles Cupcakes is closed Fashion retailer Francesca’s will be closing its doors, as the chain is currently in the midst of “liquidating our inventory and closing soon,” according to a statement. Currently, the store still has hours listed through the end of March. Francesca’s With all these changes coming to Disney Springs, Disney is also working on the property’s infrastructure to improve the guest experience. The complex’s Lime Garage in Disney Springs will be closed for refurbishment from January 12th through February 11th, reopen briefly from February 12th through 16th for Presidents Day crowds, then close again from February 17th through March 13th. Lime Garage Closed Two major additions are coming to Disney Springs this year, with more potentially following in recently closed spaces. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on what’s coming to Disney World. 4 Super Cringey Things That Make Me Rethink Walking Into Disney Springs Ever Again 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 Which are you more excited for: LEVEL99 or Six Ravens? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Frozen Ever After has officially reopened in EPCOT — and yes, there are brand‑new animatronics you’re going to want to see for yourself. Over at the resorts, a fresh wave of new refillable mugs has arrived, and people are already hunting them down. Frozen Ever After Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Disneyland’s once‑a‑year parade made its big return, and Disney just filed a wild new patent that could change theme park rides forever. All of the latest Disney and theme park news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Latest Disney News: Frozen Has Reopened, New Refill Mugs & MORE!  Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Rise of the Resistance is an incredible ride and one of the best attractions in the world…but it’s not flawless. Stormtroopers in Rise of the Resistance This popular trackless Star Wars ride is located at both Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Galaxy’s Edge. It often draws long waits thanks to its immersive storytelling, innovative ride mechanics, thrills, and unforgettable set pieces. And yet, the ride still has some issues that we’d like to see resolved. When it comes to Rise of the Resistance, there are several new rules we’d love to see Disney implement that would take the ride to the next level! Rule #1: Everything Must Work! We’d love to see a rule where every single piece of the pre-show and ride must actually work at the same time! Because of its complexities, Rise of the Resistance often operates in B, C, and D-modes. Broken Kylo From broken Kylo Ren animatronics to canons not moving to the lightsaber effects not always working…there can be several intended effects that don’t work at any given time. Rey With how long this ride will make you wake — B-mode or otherwise — it would be nice to get the premier version of the attraction every single ride-through. Updates on Disney’s Hollywood Studios NEW Rides and Lands Rule #2: Add to Lightning Lane Multi Pass We track the wait times every day in Disney World…and you would be surprised where Rise of the Resistance falls compared to other rides in the park! Even though this is one of the most mind-blowing attractions we’ve ever experienced, it’s hard to justify paying $25 per person to skip the line here. Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane Slinky Dog Dash and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster often have longer lines than the Star Wars attraction. Will Disney make this Lightning Lane swap when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reopens this summer with the Muppets? Or, maybe they will wait until Monsters, Inc. Land opens? It’s unclear at the moment, but we’re ready for it. New Look at ‘Monsters, Inc.’ Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rule #3: Poe Damerian Should Greet Us In Person As one DFB team member put it: ” I don’t just want Poe Dameron telling me I’m a fine-looking recruit behind the screen. I want him to come out here and SAY IT TO MY FACE.” Poe Dameron Hey, we’re never against adding more characters to a ride…especially this particular fighter pilot. Whether he’s giving us a pat on the back and comforting us before the big adventure or — as another DFB team member puts it — encouraging us “preferably while cradling my face in his hands”…there’s no denying that the ride would be better for it! ©Lucasfilm Even with its flaws (including a physical lack of Poe Dameron), Rise of the Resistance is still a world-class attraction that we’ve absolutely fallen in love with since it opened. We’re just asking Disney to tweak the ride in a few instances and to give the people what they want! 4 Disney World Restaurants in Desperate Need of Character Dining How would you change the ride? Which rules would you add? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney Parks tips, tricks, updates, reviews, and more! 6 Things That’ll Make Your Ride on Rise of the Resistance in Disney World 10x Better 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 Where does Rise of the Resistance rank among your favorite Disney rides? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Ah, Disney World. We know you’ve got a lot of exciting attractions on the way, but for right now? These closures are kinda crushing our vibe, especially when more and more keep being added! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort This isn’t just limited to the parks, either. Nope, we found out this week that a current construction project will now take us all the way into 2027 (after it’s already been going on for what feels like FOREVER), and considering it’s one of the resort’s most expensive hotels to stay at? Yeah, people aren’t thrilled. There is a bit of good news, though — a popular EPCOT attraction reopened EARLY following an animatronic refurbishment, and now we’re thrilled we won’t be creeped out when we ride it anymore. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area is expected to open in summer 2026 and will be a special nod to the Walt Disney Studios lot. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters. Most recently, we just saw Disney add some new trees to the interior here. @bioreconstruct on X This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area and the current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will be getting a makeover. During the transformation, you will still be able to visit “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents. Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Muppet*Vision 3D AND PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off so construction can begin on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th. Most recently, we got a look at the land as a whole, and we can see that almost all Muppets theming has been removed from the area, with the exception of the PizzeRizzo sign. ©bioreconstruct Don’t worry, the Muppets won’t be missing from Disney’s Hollywood Studios forever. The Muppets will eventually be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in summer 2026. Why Disney World Refuses to Add Characters to Roundup Rodeo BBQ EPCOT Refreshment Port Refreshment Port located near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is temporarily closed for refurbishment as of January 12th. Not so great news if you were hoping to snag a specialty poutine during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. The Refreshment Port is closed However, there will still be plenty of yummy snacks to grab! Disney hasn’t yet announced what will be done at Refreshment Port or when the stand will reopen. However, we will keep an eye and ear out for progress and keep you updated. Can You Bring Food to Disney World? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Since February 2nd, it’s been official that DinoLand U.S.A. is officially closed to make way for the new Tropical Americas land. Don’t get us wrong, we’re looking forward to what’s new, but especially since we just recently saw the DinoLand sign come down, we’re missing DINOSAUR and the rest of this uniquely themed land already! The DinoLand sign is gone! This new land is expected to open sometime in 2027 with three new rides, a new restaurant, shopping spots, a beautiful fountain, and more, so we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest! Your Favorite Disney World Counter Service Restaurant Just Got Pricier Disney Springs Lime Garage The Lime Garage at Disney Springs is closed for refurbishment from January 12th through March 13th, 2026. There will be a small break in the project for President’s Day Weekend, with the garage reopening from February 11th through February 17th. However, after the busy holiday weekend, the garage will be closed again. Lime Garage Closed There are still plenty of options for parking at Disney Springs, but if you are headed there during a busy time, you might want to give yourself a bit of extra time to find parking. Guests will be able to park at Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Strawberry Parking Lot, and Watermelon Parking Lot during the closure. What Is LEVEL99 and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location? Blizzard Beach Blizzard Beach has been closed since September 8th, 2025! While it has been wonderful having BOTH Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open at the same time this summer (which was the first time this has happened in YEARS), that has now come to an end. Blizzard Beach Have no fear, though, if you are looking for somewhere to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water, Typhoon Lagoon will still be open! Keep an eye on the weather, as Typhoon Lagoon will close when temperatures drop. Beginning February 15th, 2026, Blizzard Beach will be reopening, and Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment. However, it was just confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon will reopen again on May 12th, 2026, so for the majority of summer, we’ll have both water parks open again. Disney World May Be Changing a Popular Waterslide After Multiple Lawsuits Disney World Hotels Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa This hotel has been undergoing refurbishments all over for quite some time now, but we know that sections of the hotel — specifically the porte cochere — will continue to undergo refurbishment through early 2027 at least. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa We certainly hope it’ll actually be able to hit this timeline — we’re a little tired of seeing construction all over this beautiful hotel! Bay Cove Pool Area — Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort This week, the Bay Cove Pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will temporarily close for maintenance. From January 26th through early May 2026, the pool area will be unavailable. Bay Lake Tower During the closure, guests can still use the Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Leisure Pools — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are currently undergoing visible exterior maintenance. The maintenance could affect views and may require alternate routes at times. In addition, two of the resort’s leisure pools will close for routine maintenance. At Disney’s Yacht Club, the Admiral leisure be will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. Admiral Pool At Disney’s Beach Club, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for maintenance through early May 2026. During the construction, guests may see or hear construction work, but it will only be done during the daytime hours. Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, BBQ Area, and Playground — Disney’s Old Key West Resort Starting early January through early February 2026, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground at Disney’s Old Key West Resort will be closed for routine maintenance. Turtle Pond Pool at Old Key West During the closure, guests can head over to the Sandcastle Pool or one of the resort’s leisure pools. There are two different leisure pools available: the South Point Pool and Miller’s Road Pool. Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort From January 2026 through April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and Kiddie Pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. Don’t worry, though, if you are in the swimming mood, you will still have plenty of options for pools. You may just need to travel a bit farther. All-Star Sports Pool At Disney’s All-Star Sports, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will still be open. As well, you can also use any of the pools at the other All-Star Resorts. You can use the Calypso Pool and Piano Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort or the Fantasia Pool and Duck Pond Pool and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery will be closing its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more! Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated. The 5 Things I Do Before My Vacation To Make Life Easier When I Get Back 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 determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. New Data Reveals 3 of the BEST Hotels in Orlando Are in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The first weekend of June again will feature red T-shirts and multiple festivities for the LGBTQ community despite the absence of the GayDays Orlando group, longtime event organizers say. GayDays recently announced that plans for its parties are “on pause” for 2026. Some people may confuse GayDays Inc., an event promoter, with the more generic “gay days” terminology that casually and collectively refers to all planned activities for the weekend, including the traditional gathering at Magic Kingdom theme park. All those events are still planned for this year. “We’ve been trying to communicate what’s going on for 20-plus years — that we are not the same party,” said Ethan Suarez, producer of One Magical Weekend. “We are a different party, and we’re a separate event. … I’m very used to the confusion all the time.” His One Magical Weekend presents gatherings such as pool parties, DJ-driven dance parties, a drag brunch, a vendors expo and a nighttime outing to Typhoon Lagoon, a Walt Disney World water park. Last year, it drew about 10,000 participants, Suarez said, and ticket sales for the 2026 event are ahead of last year’s pace. “Our host hotels are almost sold out,” he said. “We were already announcing our DJs. We were announcing our party themes. We start planning over a year in advance of our next year. So we’re deep into production.” Alison Burgos is a co-founder of the Girls in Wonderland, a four-day event covering that June weekend. There is some confusion online about the status of this year’s events, given the GayDays announcement, but she feels her clients — predominantly women — are aware that the organizations operate separately. The Girls in Wonderland events will be at multiple International Drive venues with themes such as Sapphic Safari, Space Cowboy and Love Island. The gay day phenomenon dates back to a single day in 1991, when online friends agreed to meet at Magic Kingdom. They wore red shirts to help them spot one another. Its popularity grew, extending to additional days and theme parks and packed crowds at Mannequins, a now-closed nightclub at Disney’s Pleasure Island. The gatherings were not official functions of the attractions. Eventually, local nightclubs threw related parties and independent promoters started bigger events, for a price, at hotels and parks, drawing international audiences. “The informal tradition of guests visiting the parks and wearing red is a community-driven gathering and is not produced or managed by GayDays Inc.,” the organization’s website says, acknowledging that gay days is more than GayDays Inc. Burgos, whose South Florida-based Pandora Events company organizes events for lesbians, recalls attending the Magic Kingdom gathering as a patron years ago. “We were at Disney, walking around, and people saw us and knew that we held parties in Miami, and girls were walking up saying, ‘Oh, my God, are you guys doing a party?’” she said. “It was that light-bulb, epiphany moment. We looked at each other like, ‘Wow, we need to do a party,’” Burgos said. This year is 26th edition of Girls in Wonderland. In the announcement about this year’s GayDays pause, owners said a loss of sponsors and other broader, nationwide challenges were at play. “Over the past few years, many organizations have taken a more conservative approach to sponsorships, travel, and discretionary spending,” GayDays co-owner Josh Duke said in an email to the Orlando Sentinel recently. “That shift has affected community events across the country — and not just LGBTQ+ events, but festivals, conferences, and large gatherings in general.” Suarez says that two previous sponsors — both alcohol companies — of One Magical Weekend pulled out this year, pointing to budget cuts. The current geopolitical atmosphere also creates challenges, he said. “There is, every once in a while, in our comments, ‘Oh, well, we’re not going to Florida. Come to California, where it’s more liberal,’” Suarez said. “What I say to those people is that, well, there are queer people that live in Florida. We have to stand up and take action and show that we are here and we’re not going anywhere.” Florida is “a red state right now,” Burgos said. “And the industry itself, I think, is having a few challenges. But now more than ever, things like One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland and pride festivals are important, making sure we have safe spaces for the LGBT community to celebrate — and celebrate with joy in a safe place.” The weekend has always evolved with ownership, cultural and lineup changes. Relatively new to the scene is Pride Cup, athletic competitions organized by the non-profit KindRED Pride Foundation. Sports include basketball, kickball, pickleball, soccer and volleyball. “We are looking forward to having over 1,000 athletes this year,” said Burgos, who serves on the KindRED board. A broader array of activities shows the willingness to appeal to more people, said Ed Salvato, a New York-based LGBTQ marketing specialist. “I do think there’s a lot of room for growth and change in many of the LGBTQ brands that are out there,” Salvato said. “If you want to survive in this crowded, competitive marketplace, you have to keep inventing yourself and creating value for your customers and potential customers.” In its fourth decade of existence, Orlando’s gay days remain in the zeitgeist, Salvato said. “This is a very important historical event, but it’s also a relevant event,” he said. “Part of that is attributed to that broad acceptance. It’s not just rich, gay, white men. Really, everyone.” And with an uptick of gay and lesbian people with kids, a family-friendly theme-park atmosphere is appealing. “They feel very comfortable going there,” Salvato said. “They probably went themselves when they were kids.” dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

It may not seem like it, but what you wear to Disney World matters. That’s because you’re going to spend all day on your feet in what might be extreme heat and humidity, doing a lot of walking and a lot of moving around. Dead Men Tell No Tales Tee You’re going to want to dress comfortably, as well as for the weather. You’re also going to want to wear the best outfits and looks that will keep you comfortable all day long. Well, if you choose the following outfits, you may be an expert (and, hey, we’re sharing so that even if you aren’t an expert, you’ll know what to pack for your trip). DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Tops Don’t get judged by what shirts and tops you choose to wear to Disney World. Grab these expert-approved tops on Amazon. Get The Living with The Land Tee Living with The Land shirt! Okay, Disney experts KNOW that Living with the Land in EPCOT is THE best Disney ride, and no, we won’t be taking any arguments at this time. That’s why you’ll want to show off this knowledge with this Living with the Land T-Shirt. View on Amazon Buy the Dead Men Tell No Tales Shirt Dead Men Tell No Tales Tee Okay, this one is for you, Pirates of the Caribbean fans. This shirt has the Pirates logo on it, along with the “Dead Men Tell No Tales” line that you hear at the beginning of the ride. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me! View on Amazon Bottoms We’ve also got some favorite skirts, pants, and bottoms we prefer to wear when we’re spending long days in the parks. Get the Women’s Mini Tennis Skirts ©Amazon Tennis skirts look cute in the parks, and they’ll help you stay cool. These are great because they have shorts with a pocket underneath the skirt part. Plus, they come in a variety of colors. View on Amazon Buy the High-Waisted Leggings ©Amazon Okay, true story time: I owe like four pairs of these leggings, and I’ll probably buy more. These are the softest, most comfortable leggings you can find, and you just can’t beat the price. Grab a pair in every color. Also, THEY HAVE POCKETS. View on Amazon Get the Men’s Workout Shorts ©Amazon For men, you might want to consider some comfortable shorts to help you stay cool in the warm months. This is actually a 2-pack, so you’ll have two park outfits figured out right there. View on Amazon One-Piece Fits If you love dresses (and honestly, in the summer, we feel cooler in dresses than pants), you’ll need to pack the following for your Disney World vacation. Get the Oversized Tee Romper Yeokou Romper In the summer, this romper is going to save you a lot of misery by helping you feel cooler than you would wearing something heavier. It’s cute. It’s comfy. And it’s lightweight. View on Amazon Or, you can grab the Women’s Summer Sleeveless Skort Dress ©Amazon We also LOVE this skort dress because it’s a dress with shorts built right in. But it’s also stylish with its little skirt tie. It’s perfect for those hot Florida summer months. View on Amazon Shoes We can’t stress how important the right shoes are. If you wear the wrong shoes, you’ll know it pretty quickly with all the walking you’ll be doing. Here are the shoes we swear by. Get the Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe Brooks Ghost 17 We love our Brooks, and they’ve gotten us through HUNDREDS of miles in the parks. They also come in some really cool colors, so you don’t have to go with standard black or white. View on Amazon Buy the Hoka Clifton 10 Women’s Shoes Hoka Women’s Clifton 10 Another brand we swear buy are Hokas, and the Clifton 10s have passed the Disney World walking test. They feel so cushioned and put a spring in your step, which is what you need on that fourth day in the parks. View on Amazon Get the Hoka Men’s Rincon ©Amazon For men, the Hoka Rincon is a tried and true shoe that is up to the task of tens of thousands of steps per day. These will keep you feeling light on your feet throughout your Disney World vacation. View on Amazon We love the Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers These shoe covers might not be stylish, but they will keep your feet dry when one of those random Florida rainstorms pops up. And trust us, dry feet are happy feet. You do not want to be squelching around in wet sneakers all day. View on Amazon Socks The right socks can also protect your feet from long days in the park, as well as blisters and soreness. Here are some socks our team swears by. Get the Hylaea No-Show Running Athletic Anti-Blister Wicking Coolmax Socks ©Amazon These socks protect your feet against everything you might have to face in Disney World, including sweaty feet and blisters. These are no-show socks, too, so you can just pull them on before lacing up your favorite sneakers. View on Amazon Buy the Bombas Ankle Socks ©Amazon We know a lot of our team members go on and on about the Bombas socks that are well-fitting, comfortable, and have extra cushioning without being bulky. These will keep your feet comfy all day. View on Amazon Accessories You’ll need to pack some accessories for that trip, too. Here are some of our faves. Get the 2-Pack Castle Apple Watch Bands Apple Watch Bands If you’ll be wearing your Apple Watch while you’re in the parks, might as well Disney them up, right? These Apple Watch bands come in a 2-pack with two colors and castle designs with Mickey ears. View on Amazon Buy the Daily Sling Bag ODODOS Daily Sling Bag Not everyone wants to carry a backpack in the parks, but we’ve found this sling bag to be perfect for our park bag. It’s comfortable to wear, big enough to fit all our stuff in, and it comes in a TON of colors so we can buy one to match each outfit. View on Amazon Buy the Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings Okay, we don’t JUST wear these pretty earrings to the parks. We wear them EVERYWHERE. They’re hoops with Mickey ears, and they are BEAUTIFUL. These also make a great gift for anyone who loves Disney. View on Amazon Grab the Mickey Mouse Dad Hat ©Amazon You’ll want to have something to protect your face and eyes from the harsh sun in Disney World, so why not wear this cute Mickey hat to do just that AND look Disney fashionable? You can also get this hat with Goofy, Mickey, and Donald. View on Amazon You’ll need the Frogg Toggs Ultralite Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Yes, we talk about this poncho a lot because it really is one of the handiest things you can put in your day bag. It’s perfect for those rainstorms because once the rain is over, you can just tuck it into its own little carrying pouch and put it back in your bag without worrying about getting everything wet. It’s lightweight, too, which is important on those hot days. View on Amazon And finally, get the Magnetic Mouse Ears for Hats ©Amazon If Minnie ear headbands hurt your head (and they can, especially after a while), you can sport ears with a hat with these ears that you can attach to your hat with magnets. SO cool, right? 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

Disneyland Railroad Ambience | Sights & Sounds | 4K Grand Circle LoopView the full article

Disney’s Chief Executive Officer has been a hot topic of conversation lately. The company recently announced that Bob Iger would be stepping down from his long-time position for Josh D’Amaro to take over the role in March 2026. Michael Eisner (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) Unsurprisingly, there has been lots of online commentary about the changes. Ahead of the big announcement, Former CEO Michael Eisner sat down for an interview where he commented on Bob Iger, Disney pricing, and more. Former CEO Michael Eisner has a lot to say about the current state of the Walt Disney Company! In an interview with Graham Bensinger on YouTube, Eisner addressed a myriad of topics, including his current thoughts on management changes and theme park pricing. In this interview, filmed before Disney’s latest CEO announcement, Eisner notes, “I think change is good in management because it creates opportunity to go in a new direction.” ©Disney He has been outspoken about his support of Bob Iger over the last few years and even voiced his support for Josh D’Amaro once he was announced as the new CEO. In a message to D’Amaro, Eisner encouraged him to “continue Bob Iger’s strategy” as he takes over the role. Despite voice support, he did have a few issues with the current state of the theme parks, namely the pricing. ©Disney He continued to say, “I’m not wild about the fact that it is so expensive now to go to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.” Before his appointment as CEO, Josh D’Amaro defended the pricing of the parks in 2025. In May 2025, while discussing the park’s afforability, D’Amaro said, there is “literally nothing like it in the world. We’re always making sure that we’re delivering value to every one of our guests that comes into one of our experiences or theme parks.” Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney In addition to the general pricing, Michael Eisner also touched on the fact that he’s “not wild about the fact that it’s harder than ever to have everybody be a VIP at a Disney Park ’cause they’re selling certain things.” Despite his concerns with guest treatment and the parks afforability, he also noted that while he would do things differently, “I don’t think I would run it as well as Bob has run it.” ©Disney In addition to his thoughts on the theme park, Eisner also touched on his rocky last few years at the company. Eisner worked as the CEO for 21 years before he left the company due to intense pressure from shareholders. In regard to the end of his Disney career and looking back on that time, Eisner said, “There was a lot of change going on. I was stubborn. I did not want to buy Pixar for a price that was crazy.” Bob Iger would go on to purchase Pixar in 2006. ©Pixar | Disney He continued to say he had made choices that were probably bad political decisions, but the right ones. He also touches on leaders in the industry becoming his adversaries during this time. By the time the end came, he noted, “I was ready.” Despite a controversial ending, it’s impossible to disregard the major changes that Michael Eisner brought to the company. He focused on theme park expansions like the addition of MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom, as well as international theme park additions like Hong Kong Disneyland. Hong Kong Disneyland While Eisner has not worked for the company in over 20 years, it is always interesting to hear a former CEO’s point of view on the current state of the parks, especially one that is so notable in the company’s history. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. Former Disney CEO Has One Message for the New Leader: “Continue Bob Iger’s Strategy” Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Look, we all know that being a Disney Adult means you’re constantly finding new ways to bring the magic home. ©Amazon Whether it’s recreating your favorite park snacks in your kitchen or playing Disney trivia with your friends, there’s always something that makes you feel like you’re back at the parks. Well, we’ve got some Amazon finds that we’re pretty sure every Disney Adult is going to be snagging this weekend. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You’ll Want this Cookbook Collection ©Amazon If you’ve ever wanted to recreate those iconic Disney park flavors at home, this The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set from Ashley Craft is calling your name. We’re talking three full cookbooks packed with recipes from Walt Disney World and Disneyland. You’ll get everything from classic Mickey Pretzels to that addictive Dole Whip we all crave. There’s even a whole book dedicated to EPCOT’s food and festival offerings, so you can basically eat your way around the world without leaving your house. Plus, the third book covers all those table service and quick service restaurant favorites. Honestly, this set is perfect for anyone who wants to bring Disney dining into their everyday life. View Price on Amazon Snack on these Disney-Inspired Treats ©Amazon This adorable A Taste of Disney: Snacks: Bite-Size Recipes in a Snack-Size Book is packed with bite-sized recipes inspired by your favorite Disney films. We’re talking White Rabbit’s Garden Crudité, Bare Necessities Banana Muffins, and even Icicle Cookies from Frozen. The recipes are super simple and use everyday ingredients, plus the book has gorgeous photos and styling throughout. It’s small enough to fit anywhere but mighty enough to satisfy all your Disney snacking cravings. View Price on Amazon Sip Your Way Through Disney ©Amazon If the snack book wasn’t enough, there’s also this A Taste of Disney: Drinks: Sippable Recipes in a Pint-Size Book that’s equally adorable. It’s filled with nonalcoholic beverage recipes like the Lu’Au Blue Hawaiian and Tiana Mardi Gras Smoothie. The instructions are easy to follow, and you’ll be mixing up delicious drinks for all ages in no time. Beautiful photos and character appearances throughout make this one a keeper for any Disney fan’s collection. View Price on Amazon You Need this Game for Your Next Party ©Amazon We’re talking about The Original TAPPLE Disney Edition. This is the perfect game for showing off all that Disney knowledge you’ve been storing up over the years. You’ve got categories like “In Radiator Springs” or “Characters that Fly,” and you’re literally racing against a timer to tap letters and shout out answers. It’s fast-paced, it’s fun, and it comes with over 100 different categories on 36 double-sided cards. Your next game night is about to get way more magical. View Price on Amazon Get this Classic Magic Kingdom Tee ©Amazon Sometimes you just need a simple Disney shirt that shows your love for the parks without being too over the top. This Magic Kingdom T-shirt has a clean line art design of Cinderella Castle with a sweet Tinker Bell silhouette beside it. It’s the kind of shirt you can throw on for a casual day out or wear to the parks themselves. Simple, classic, and totally comfortable. View Price on Amazon These Moana Crocs are Too Cute ©Amazon If you’ve got a little one in your life who’s obsessed with Moana, these Crocs Unisex-Child Disney Moana Classic Clogs are an absolute must. They come with adorable Jibbitz charms featuring Pua, Hei Hei, and other fan favorites from the movie. Plus, they’re made with that lightweight Croslite material that Crocs are known for, so they’re comfortable and durable for all those adventures your kiddo is going to have. They’ll basically feel like they’re island-hopping with Moana herself. View Price 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

Two new Disney+ shows will come out this March! These preschool-geared series will premiere on Disney Jr. and stream on Disney+ the next day. BeddyByes and Magicampers Logos ©Disney These new shows look so cute — and they might be the perfect next watch for your little ones! Here’s everything you need to know. The first new show is BeddyByes. It’s a gentle series that promotes positive sleep routines for young kids. Viewers will join best friends MeMo and BaBa as they travel across Planet BeddyByes, where they meet new and familiar faces, ending with a journey to bedtime. The series is aimed at supporting healthy sleep habits and daily routines for preschoolers. BeddyByes poster ©Disney It will premiere on March 2nd on Disney Jr. with all 20 episodes streaming on Disney+ the following day. It stars Noah Melo Batista as MeMo, Phoebe Dalton as BaBa, and BAFTA Award winner Dawn French as Gramma Leeba. It’s executive-produced by Alan Shannon of The Goofy Movie. The second new show is Magicampers. It follows the adventures of Darly and Loomis at a day camp for magical creatures on a fantasy island. Every character is a mythical mashup – Darly is half-pig and half-Pegasus, and Loomis is half-donkey and half-unicorn! They learn that becoming a legend isn’t about mastering magic powers or winning the biggest prize — it’s about understanding yourself, accepting others, and working together with all kinds of friends. Magicampers poster ©Disney Magicampers stars Cassie Glow as Darly, Benjamin Mackey as Loomis, Mason Blomberg as Dracoon, and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba (The Residence, Orange Is the New Black) as nature spirit and camp leader Treena. The series premieres on Disney Jr. on March 23rd, and the first six episodes debut on Disney+ the next day. Magicampers Logo ©Disney And as an awesome sneak peek, Walt Disney Records released the Magicampers theme song, titled “We’re the Magicampers,” on all major digital platforms today! We’re so excited to watch these two new shows with our little ones once they come out! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! Disney+ Just Revealed A NEW Subscriber Perk 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 show will you be watching first? Comment below! View the full article

We know what you’re thinking, and yes, we know it looks a bit silly. But can you blame us when our hands get sore after holding our handheld fan all day? Outdoor Wide Brim Sun Hat This Outdoor Wide Brim Sunhat is your standard sun hat with two built-in fans. We wore it so much at the parks that our friends and family asked for one, so we bought two total! It’s great for the summer heat at the parks. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Say Hello to One of the Weirdest Hats You’ve Ever Seen The Outdoor Wide Brim Sunhat has two fans, which can blow simultaneously or alternate. The versatility was great for cooling us down and conserving the battery. The fans are also removable, so you can easily charge one while running the other. Don’t be surprised if you see us wearing this in the parks The fans are solar-powered or can be charged regularly. We charged them regularly at home, and the battery lasted all day! The fans are detachable, so you can charge one with a cord while running the othe,r which was convenient, but we wish they were more secure. We spent some days worried they might fall off! Look at that! We also felt like the fans weren’t too effective outdoors. Inside, the fans blew cold air from the air conditioning onto our faces, which was amazing. But in the outside heat, the fans don’t have a cooling system, so they just blow hot air onto your face. We love the concept, but wish it were a bit more high-tech for it to be one of our favorites. The fans! We also weren’t in love with the hat design itself. It’s amazing for sun protection, but if you want a park day in style, this isn’t the product for you. We did see a good number of people wearing these at the parks with us, so it might be the next new trend! View on Amazon If you’re interested in other cooling products to beat the heat, we’ve got you covered. The Neck Cooling Tube will keep you cool all day! Neck Cooling Tube This Neck Cooling Tube uses innovative liquid plant Phase Change Material to start freezing in environments below 64 ° F, which freezes faster and lasts longer than water. The outer layer is wrapped in thermoplastic polyurethane, so you won’t have to worry about frostbite on the skin. It’s reusable and lightweight – the perfect fit in your park bag! View on Amazon Get the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan! JISULIFE handheld fan The JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan keeps us cool from rope drop to fireworks. It also has a built-in flashlight and a power bank to charge your phone. It might be small, but this fan packs a punch even on the hottest Florida days. It barely takes up any space in your backpack, but when you need it, you’ll be so glad you grabbed it. Get it below by February 19th for a 15% off coupon! View on Amazon We love the Sukeen Cooling Towel! Sukeen Cooling Towel The Sukeen Cooling Towel is made of a hyper-evaporative, soft, and breathable mesh material that stays chilled for up to three hours. The unique cooling system uses moisture from the towel to draw the sweat away from your skin and keep you cool. Just soak the towel with cold water, wring it out, and you’re good to go! It’s perfect to cool you down during hot park days. Get a four-pack for only $3 per towel! View on Amazon Or, you can grab the AMKEN Waist Fan! AMKEN Waist Fan The AMKEN Waist Fan is a clip-on belt fan with three speeds. It’s conveniently hands-free and has two small clips for extra security. The 24-hour battery life means it lasts from rope drop all the way to your car. 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

Do you have a trip to Disney World coming up? We know EXACTLY what you need to bring! Cinderella Castle When it comes to a day at Magic Kingdom, there are certain essentials that we make sure we always have on us. Why? Because it makes our Magic Kingdom day THAT much better! We’ve put together a list for you on what those essentials are — so take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this FuelRod Max10 FuelRod MAX10 We seriously love the FuelRod Max 10! This is a HUGE Fuel Rod portable charger that’s been completely revamped from the form we once knew. We’ll be completely honest, it’s a little expensive. However, the huge advantage here is that you can swap it for free at Disney World, so you’re never without power. The key features of the product include multiple charging ports, a lit battery life indicator on the side, a button to turn power off and on, multiple chargers for different charging ends, and MagnaSafe so you can magnetically charge your phone. It’s 13% off right now, and we think it’s a must! View on Amazon This Pin Display Chest Bag is so fun! Pin trading is so fun! We’re seriously obsessed with our Kawaii Pin Display Chest Pack! This pin bag has a main big pocket, an inside pocket, an outside zipper pocket, and a clear pocket. The selling point is how perfect it is to display Disney pins. Pin trading is a huge part of any Disney World vacation, so show off your collection! View on Amazon We love the Disney Bitzee Bitzee If you’re looking for a fun and cute toy to pass the time while you’re waiting in line, check out the Bitzee Disney Interactive Digital Characters Toy! Bitzee Disney characters will respond to your swipes, tilts, and taps with cute sounds and reactions. Inside the Bitzee, you can collect 30 iconic Disney characters! As you interact and play, fill the Star Meter to earn Wishing Stars to attract more characters. There are also magical moments you can unlock — like Mickey Mouse putting on the Sorcerer’s Hat, Flounder escaping a shark, or Wall-E putting the plant in the boot. Once you collect all the characters, you’ll earn a special reward! For everything that this is, the price is shocking — and it’s 27% off! View on Amazon Make sure to grab the Touchland Disney Hand Sanitizer Touchland and Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case The Touchland & Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case is cute as sanitizer can get! The mist case has Mickey ears, and Mickey is on the front of the hand sanitizer itself. This is one fluid ounce of Wild Watermelon hydrating hand sanitizer, which has notes of jasmine petals and peaches. The case comes with a key ring that makes it easy to attach to bags, lanyards, and more. With how much you touch at Magic Kingdom, this is a great grab! View on Amazon Don’t forget about this Haunted Mansion Shirt ©Amazon If you’re going to the Magic Kingdom, you’re going to need a special shirt for a day at the park. You can’t go wrong with this Haunted Mansion T-Shirt! The shirt is inspired by the iconic ride that we know for a fact you’re getting on during your next Magic day — so you might as well rep it! View on Amazon And finally, these Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers Waterproof Shoe Covers! These Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers are perfect for keeping your favorite shoes dry and avoiding wet socks! The waterproof shoe cover is made of 100% high quality, non-toxic silicone rubber with safety, durability, and environmental friendliness. The tight tread mechanism design of the sole provides better slip resistance than other shoe covers on the market. Magic Kingdom can flood in some areas during a heavy downpour, and these have saved us more than we can imagine! 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

When it comes to cruising, there are a lot of rules you need to know. You need to know what’s allowed on the ship, what documents you need to sail, and what on the cruise line’s banned item list. ©Royal Caribbean | Enchantment of the Seas (Left) and Mariner of the Seas (Right) Yes, that’s right! Cruise lines have banned item lists, so if you think you’re bringing it on board — think again! Royal Caribbean recently added a pretty popular item to its banned items list that might surprise some sailors. If you haven’t hopped on a cruise before, it might surprise you that you can’t bring just anything you want. Cruise lines are constantly updating what you can and can’t bring on board, like weapons, radios, extension cords, and more. ©Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean recently updated its banned item list to include a newly popular technology item. If you thought you could use Smart Glasses on board, that’s not quite accurate! That’s right, Royal Caribbean has put Smart Glasses on its prohibited item list. ©Amazon On its website, the cruise line wrote, “Smart glasses from any of several manufacturers that can record video and audio are not allowed to be used in certain areas onboard the ship, including, but not limited to, public restrooms, Youth Program areas, medical areas, as well as the casino.” This update isn’t a huge surprise once you read where the glasses are banned from. This step is one for safety and privacy for sailors on board the ship, although it might surprise anyone hoping to use their smart glasses. ©Royal Caribbean They also noted that guests with smart glasses that have prescription lenses are encouraged to bring a backup pair of glasses that aren’t “smart” enabled. This isn’t the first item prohibited on the cruise line, though! Other prohibited items include: Illegal drugs and illegal substances Weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiaries (including replicas and gun parts) Explosives and fireworks Flammable items or items with open flames and steamers Knives, sharp objects, and scissors (exceptions are noted in the next section) Tools (hardware tools, including screwdrivers longer than 7 inches) Martial arts and self-defense items and sporting goods (exceptions are noted in the next section) Disabling chemicals and other dangerous items Electrical extension cords, power strips, and multi-plug outlets (exceptions are noted in the next section) HAM radios and other transmitting devices (baby monitors not allowed under this policy) Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment (including satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, and any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity) Recreational vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, etc.) ©Royal Caribbean While most of these prohibited items aren’t surprising, items like the Smart Glasses and power strips might catch some off guard! If you do have these items, the cruise line will remove them from your bags before getting on the ship, and they will return them once you disembark (as long as they aren’t illegal). ©Royal Caribbean We are huge cruise lovers, so we like to stay prepared with our best tips, tricks, and rules. Be sure to keep following DFB for more cruise news, updates, and more! Disney Cruise Line Confiscates 9 Items Passengers Love to Pack 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 Which cruise line is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Anyone who has been to Disney World in the last couple of decades knows that MagicBands have become an integral part of the resort’s experience, serving as a ticket, checking in for Lightning Lanes and connecting with PhotoPass, and reacting to select Disney theme park attractions with special lighting effects. MagicBand+ Their usefulness is only going to increase in 2026, as Disney World continues barreling into the future with massive construction projects, refurbishments, and permanent closures. More Special Effects in Attractions and Shows One of the headline features of the latest iteration of the bands, MagicBand+, is their ability to interact with the parks in new and immersive ways. When it first launched, it would light up and vibrate during nighttime spectaculars, and even interact with specific rides and lands like Galaxy’s Edge. Playing Batuu Bounty Hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 2026 is set to see several attraction openings, including the updated Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s new rainbow caverns and the Muppet-infused take on the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. While MagicBand+ details haven’t been released for these updates just yet, we think it would be a missed opportunity for Disney to leave that out! Beyond 2026, the Cars-themed Piston Peak, Villains Land, and Monsters, Inc. Monstropolis all seem prime for MagicBand+ integration as well. ©Disney I’ve Tried Every MagicBand Hack in Disney World and I’m Sharing 3 of My Favorites Lightning Lanes With all that massive construction going on across the resort, it’s going to lead to longer lines at the rides that are still open, and in turn, mean more visitors will be looking for ways to skip the standby lines. That’s where MagicBand+ comes in. Tap Point for Lightning Lane entrance for Cosmic Rewind Lightning Lane Multi Pass (LLMP) is becoming a key tool for tackling Disney’s increasingly long lines, and MagicBand+ makes using it even easier. Instead of digging through the app or fumbling with your phone, you can just tap your MagicBand+ at the Lightning Lane entrance and go. Plus, with automatic PhotoPass moments built into some rides, your MagicBand+ ensures those photos get linked to your account without any extra hassle. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, getting comfortable with using MagicBand+ for ride access and photo collection is going to be more important than ever. Disney World Lightning Lane I Booked a Disney World Hotel Just for the Lightning Lane Perks…and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat Lockers Are Becoming More Common If you’ve ridden TRON Lightcycle / Run, you know Disney has introduced a locker system with that attraction that requires guests to store their belongings before riding. And while TRON is currently the only ride using this system, that may not be the case for long. As Disney continues to add new attractions with high-speed thrills and unique ride vehicles, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more locker systems appearing in the parks, especially at the aforementioned Monsters, Inc. Land, which will feature Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster based on the film’s iconic door chase sequence. ©Disney That’s where MagicBands come in. At TRON, all you have to do is tap your MagicBand+ to open your assigned locker. No need to remember a code or carry a key card. If this system expands to other thrill rides, having a MagicBand+ will make your day much smoother. No one wants to waste time dealing with locker confusion when they could be riding, and MagicBand+ helps streamline the process. Lockers at TRON This Disney World Locker Rule Will Change Your First Day in the Parks In 2026 and beyond, MagicBands look primed to remain a must-have accessory in Disney World, only becoming more essential as time goes on. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more. Map Revealed for HUGE Disney Park Expansion Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be using MagicBand+ on your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re a Disney fan, then you’ll remember last year’s hottest piece of Disney merch. Starbucks released tumbler cups for all six US Disney Parks and had two mystery pins to unwrap inside! Magic Kingdom Tumbler 2025 These were the biggest items of the year, and some of them sold out within the first few hours on the shelf. We’re so excited that TODAY, the Starbucks Mystery Pin Tumblers are back in stock with NEW designs! We have the links for all six parks right here for you – happy shopping! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. These are all high-quality double-walled acrylic tumbler cups. They’re 24 ounces, so it’s perfect to stay hydrated all day. The designs are all “sticker” style graphics with glitter accents inspired by attractions at your favorite park. Each cup comes with two mystery pins, with six options per park. These are official, tradeable Disney pins! Get the EPCOT Starbucks Tumbler! EPCOT 24 oz. Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney Rep the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow with this orange Starbucks tumbler cup covered in Spaceship Earth, Figment, and more! The pin options are attraction icons like Spaceship Earth, Soarin’ Around the World, Journey of Water, plus characters like the seagulls from Finding Nemo, Olaf, and Figment. View on Disney Store This Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler is magical! Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney This Magic Kingdom Starbucks Travel Tumbler has designs of iconic attractions like Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, “it’s a small world”, and more on the cutest pink cup. The pins are from attraction icons – there’s Madame Leota, a Jungle Cruise boat, a Mad Tea Party teacup, the “it’s a small world” clockface, Michael from the Enchanted Tiki Room, and a Lightcycle from TRON Lightcycle Run. View on Disney Store We love the Hollywood Studios Starbucks Tumbler! Hollywood Studios 24 oz. Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney The Hollywood Studios Starbucks Tumbler has the Tower of Terror with characters like Kermit, Mickey Mouse, Space Alien, Sebastian, and more! The pin options are attraction themes like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Monsters, Inc. closet doors, the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Wheezy from Toy Story, Chuuby from Runaway Railway, and treats from the park. View on Disney Store Or, you can grab the Animal Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler! Animal Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney We’re going wild for this Animal Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler in the cutest light green color featuring the Tree of Life, Simba, Nemo, and more! The mystery pins you can get are elephants, a safari jeep, an Avatar Mountain Banshee, Expedition Everest, Pride Rock, and Nemo! View on Disney Store Don’t forget the Disneyland Starbucks Tumbler! Disneyland 24 oz. Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney The Disneyland Starbucks Tumbler has the cutest pink color with designs of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Big Thunder Mountain, and Dumbo! The pin options are icons like Dumbo, Lightsabers, Space Mountain, a hippo from “it’s a small world”, a gargoyle from The Haunted Mansion, and Mr. Toad! View on Disney Store And finally, the Disney California Adventure Starbucks Tumbler! Disney California Adventure 24 oz. Starbucks Tumbler with Mystery Pin Blind Pack ©Disney The Disney California Adventure Starbucks Tumbler has park icons like the Incredicoaster, Monsters, Inc. closet doors, and Baymax! These pins are themed after the park’s attractions, including Soarin’ Around the World, Radiator Springs Racers, Grizzly River Run, Incredicoaster, Pixar Pier, and Baymax. View on Disney Store 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

If you’re travelling outside of the U.S., you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of the various travel advisories and warnings that are out there for your destination. Often, these advisories and warnings come from the U.S. Department of State. However, the CDC can also issue warnings due to illness. ©Visit Seychelles Well, the CDC just recently issued a travel advisory for a popular island destination, the Seychelles, due to a virus. So if you’re visiting that location soon, we’re giving you a heads up. The new travel advisory appears on the CDC website due to an outbreak of chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Travelers are warned to take certain precautions when visiting The Seychelles to lower their risk of infection. This includes protecting yourself from mosquito bites with insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on windows and doors. The CDC also recommends vaccination for travelers who are visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. ©Visit Seychelles Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin about 3-7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever and joint pain, as well as headaches, muscle pain, swollen joints, and rash. Most infected people recover within a week, but some will continue to have severe joint pain for months and years later. So it’s obviously something you’ll want to try to avoid contracting. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women reconsider visiting the islands, as mothers can pass the virus to their newborns. We’ll keep an eye out for more travel-related news, advisories, and warnings, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Pink Sand Beaches and 4 Other Amazing Things To See at Disney’s New Island Destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will this affect any of your upcoming travel plans? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

It’s almost time to celebrate the season again over at Raglan Road in Disney Springs, and we couldn’t be more stoked! Raglan Road In March, Raglan Road celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a BIG way, and we look forward to it every year. Now, it’s official — The Mighty Festival is coming BACK this year from March 13th-17th, and trust us when we say you won’t want to miss it! Not only will you get to enjoy the classic, iconic dining options Raglan Road has on the regular, but you’ll also be able to experience unforgettable performances by award-winning imported Irish bands, as well as the Raglan Road Irish Dancers. ©Raglan Road The restaurant has already released the FULL schedule for this year’s festival, though, so we can all prepare in advance. Each day of the festival will run either from 11 AM to midnight or from 10 AM to midnight, and each day, you can see performances on the Raglan Road Pub Stage, the Patio Stage, AND Hole in the Wall, so there are at least four performers you can see each day. Check out the full schedule below! ©Raglan Road A few of the bands you can see at this festival are: Strings & Things Plain Sailin The Consequences Men of Aran Hannah McNeill Joanna Boyle And More! Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival Raglan Road highly encourages making reservations if you know you’re going to be visiting during this time. You can make them on the Raglan Road website, as well as the Disney World website and the My Disney Experience App. However, there’s something very important you need to know about St. Patrick’s Day itself, March 17th — there will be a cover charge of $20 for guests 18+, and it’ll only be first-come, first-served; no reservations will be available on that day. Live music and Irish Dancers at Raglan Road in Disney Springs If you’re someone who loves good food and fantastic entertainment, this is one you cannot miss. We went last year, and you can check out our FULL review below! The ONLY St. Patrick’s Day Event You Need To Go to in Disney World More Recent Disney Springs News! Just Announced! You’ll Regret Not Going to This ICONIC Disney Springs EventWhat Is LEVEL99 and What Do You Need To Know About the NEW Disney Springs Location?This NEW Gideon’s Bakehouse x Loungefly Collab Is EVERYTHING2 Disney World Restaurants Drop Exclusive Valentine’s Day MenusWe Finally Know What Is Going in This Abandoned Store at Disney Springs We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest and greatest things happening in Disney World, so you can plan your trip to the fullest. Stay tuned to DFB! 8 Restaurants Disney World Pros SKIP in Disney Springs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you most looking forward to experiencing during this festival? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

There’s a new obsession brewing at EPCOT’s China Pavilion, and honestly, we’re not surprised. China Pavilion Disney Adults have officially found their latest must-do experience, and it’s all about those adorable blind boxes tucked away in the China Pavilion. If you’ve been wandering through World Showcase lately, you’ve probably noticed more people than usual hanging around this particular pavilion, and we’re here to tell you exactly why that’s happening. The Blind Box Craze Has Found Its Home So here’s the deal. While Disney Springs has its own selection of blind boxes available, it seems like Disney Adults have collectively decided that the China Pavilion versions are where it’s at. We’ve been noticing more and more guests making a beeline for this spot specifically, bypassing other options entirely. House of Good Fortune The selection at the China Pavilion is just hitting different. There’s something about the variety and quality of what’s offered here that’s got people coming back again and again. We’ve seen several guests who’ve admitted to visiting here over any of the stores in Disney Springs just to add to their collection. Why This Location Stands Out What makes the China Pavilion the go-to spot instead of heading to Disney Springs? Well, for starters, you’re already in the parks. If you’re doing your usual World Showcase stroll, it’s incredibly convenient to just pop in and grab a few boxes without having to plan an entirely separate trip to Disney Springs. China Pavilion Plus, let’s be real, there’s something special about getting your souvenirs while you’re actively in the magic of the parks. The atmosphere is different, the experience feels more connected to your day, and you get that instant gratification of opening your finds right there. The Collection Mentality We totally understand the appeal. Blind boxes tap into that collector mentality that so many Disney Adults have. You never know what you’re going to get, which means there’s always a reason to come back and try again. It’s basically the same rush as pulling a rare trading pin, but in a tiny box format. Yellow Munchling Box The community around it has grown, too. We’ve seen people bonding over their shared love of these little treasures. It’s become its own mini experience within the EPCOT experience. Our Take Look, we’re not going to tell you whether or not you should join this trend, but we will say that if you’re even remotely interested in collectibles, it’s worth checking out what all the hype is about. Just maybe set yourself a budget before you go in, because these things are addictive, and your wallet will thank you for having some self-control. China Pavilion merch Next time you’re making your way around World Showcase, swing by the China Pavilion and see what’s available. Who knows, you might just become the next person we see carefully arranging their haul on a table outside the pavilion. Until then, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest updates! 6 NEW Unspoken Rules for Drinking Around the World at EPCOT 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 jumped on the China Pavilion blind box trend yet? Let us know what you’ve found in the comments! View the full article

BIG changes are happening all throughout Disney World. We’re getting new lands, new expansions, new rides, and SO much more. However, EPCOT already had its big transformation, but that doesn’t mean that things in EPCOT aren’t changing soon. EPCOT You see, EPCOT is about to look a LOT different with the end of the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, which runs through February 23rd. After that, everything related to the festival will be removed, and we’ll be in that weird holding pattern that happens before the next festival starts. Let’s discuss. How EPCOT will change When the EPCOT Festival of the Arts ends, all the food booths will go away, along with any festival-specific treats, as well as the photo ops, chalk art, the Lorcana activities, the scavenger hunt, and the Disney on Broadway exhibit inside CommuniCore Hall. EPCOT will revert back to what it looks like when a festival is NOT happening. EPCOT will just be regular old EPCOT (which we still love, BTW). EPCOT However, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 4th, so you’re likely to start seeing signs of that festival. The topiaries have already started appearing in EPCOT, so you can check those out early. Eventually, food booths and signs will go up, too. Take advantage of the quiet time The good news is that we generally see fewer crowds in EPCOT between festivals, so this is a chance to take advantage of lower crowd levels. Yes, all the festival extras will be gone, but you might be able to score shorter lines for rides, which we think is a good trade-off. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind You will still probably want to utilize Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass for those rides that are a must, so consider purchasing those, as well. Eat your way around the world During festival seasons, you probably don’t think too much about EPCOT’s restaurants, but when there isn’t a festival happening, you’ll want to take advantage of EPCOT’s restaurants. EPCOT has some of the best restaurants in Disney World, so make those reservations for the ones you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet. Via Napoli in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to drink and snack around the World, even without a festival. Take advantage of all the great food EPCOT has year-round. Visit the Pavilions Festivals bring so much entertainment and special activities to EPCOT that you might not have time to really visit all the pavilions. Between festivals, though, you’ll want to make your way around World Showcase and spend time in each Pavilion to learn more about its host country. Japan Pavilion Don’t miss out on the gardens in the U.K. Pavilion. Take time to have a moment of zen in front of the giant waterfall in Canada. Find some peace and quiet in Morocco. Get a view of the Eiffel Tower in France. It’s also a lot of fun to talk to Cast Members in each Pavilion who are ready to share tales of their countries with you. Don’t forget to check out the Kidcot Fun Stops, too. Finally, SHOP around the world…you’ll find lots of unique souvenirs from each country in the pavilions. Don’t forget to shop around the world So, you see, there’s plenty to do in EPCOT even when there ISN’T a festival happening. Not only are there plenty of rides and attractions, but there are a lot of dining opportunities, as well as things to see and do. We’ll keep you updated on ALL things EPCOT, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The Sneaky Reason You Should Book an 8PM Reservation for These EPCOT Restaurants 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 Do you prefer EPCOT during or between festivals? Let us know why in the comments! View the full article

In 2026, we’re ready to hit the skies! We already have plans to go to the Disney parks, see Harry Styles in concert, and travel as much as we can, but we need to find affordable flights to do so. Southwest Airlines Luckily for us, Southwest Airlines has a limited-time offer where we can earn free plane tickets! If you’re like us, you need to check out this deal before you book a flight in 2026. If you have been looking for a way to hack your flights this year, this might just be it! Right now, Southwest is offering its popular Companion Pass Deal! From now until February 28th, 2027, if you sign up for a Southwest credit card, you have the ability to earn this pass, which can grant you free flights. Southwest at MCO Southwest’s Companion Pass is a benefit that lets a friend or family member fly with you free of any airline charges! You will still have to pay taxes and fees, but that flight? FREE! The airline’s current deal requires you to apply for their credit card and spend $3,000 in the first three months to earn the Companion Pass and 20,000 points. Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport This is one of the airline’s best perks, so if you fly consistently with Southwest or are planning on flying as a duo in 2026, this is a great offer. The airline’s credit card also comes with other perks like a free checked bag, a complimentary standard seat, 10% flight discounts, and more. The free checked bag is one of our favorite perks when flying as cardholders ourselves. Baggage claim Southwest also doesn’t have any blackout dates for using points, no change fees, and your points don’t expire. The airline has changed quite a bit over the last year, including the removal of their bags fly free program and their open seating policy. That being said, this companion pass is hard to pass up. ©Southwest Airlines There is a $99 annual fee for the Southwest credit card, so be aware of that before signing up. The offer for the companion pass plus 20,000 points ends on March 18th, 2026. If you meet the qualifications, you can utilize the pass until February 28th, 2027. Be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news, info, deals, and more! 3 Important Rules You Should Know Before Choosing Your Seat on Southwest Airlines Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your favorite airline in the comments! View the full article