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When it comes to being a Disney Adult in your 30s (guilty!), it can sometimes be hard to admit that age plays a role in what rides are included on your Magic Kingdom itinerary (also, unfortunately, guilty). Be prepared to get wet! Whether it’s due to commonly long waits, weather issues, or simply the… ahem… pain factor, these rides often don’t make the cut for those of us north of the big 3-0. Space Mountain Where else would we begin than Space Mountain? 50 years after its debut, this industry-changing indoor steel coaster still packs in massive crowds. Space Mountain However, it’s also Disney’s biggest gift to chiropractors not named The Matterhorn. Seriously, the older you get, the more blasting off from Spaceport 75 is liable to lead to back pain. Looks a lot more painful with the lights on. Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out Peter Pan’s Flight Peter Pan’s Flight doesn’t make our list for thrill reasons – though those suspended pirate ships are much higher in the air than you think – but rather wait times. This Fantasyland dark ride often commands long – we’re talking close to an hour or more – for what is essentially a short dark ride experience. While the ride has nostalgic appeal and is certainly a highlight for those traveling with kids, 30-year-olds on their own may want to use their time more wisely. Peter Pan’s Flight The Unspoken Rule You Should Follow in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Seven Dwarfs Mine Train From one of Fantasyland’s oldest rides to one of its newest, we have the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! This kid-friendly coaster has been massively popular in the decade+ since it debuted, with wait times to prove it. Which is exactly why many 30-somethings choose to skip it often. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train NEW RULES for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train That Disney Adults Are Begging For Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Like its predecessor, Splash Mountain, one of the best parts of riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the refreshing splash of water during the summer months. However, during the colder months of the world, walking around soaking wet is less than ideal — wet socks, eww — especially the older one gets. Bayou Adventure in Winter A Disney Cast Member Reveals the Secret Way To Avoid Getting Soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Tomorrowland Speedway The Speedway is always a thrill for young kids yearning for their first experience driving. For adults, um, not so much. And that’s not even bringing up getting in and out of the ride vehicles. Tomorrowland Speedway What’s Up With These Dark Windows in Tomorrowland at Disney World? Magic Carpets of Aladdin There are three spinner attractions in the Magic Kingdom: The iconic Dumbo, a Disney Parks experience so well known that one of its ride vehicles is in the collection of the Smithsonian; The Astro Orbiter, which sits atop Rocket Tower Plaza high above Tomorrowland, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, which sits directly under the hot sun in the middle of Adventureland. Which do you think tends to get skipped over most? Magic Carpets of Aladdin 8 Underrated Products for Thirtysomethings Who Want To Keep Their Disney World Trip Simple If you’re heading to the Magic Kingdom post-30, you might want to consider striking these rides from your to-do list. Stay tuned to DFB for more thoughts from our team of enthusiastic yet-exhausted elder millennial Disney Adults. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What Disney rides have fallen off your list as you’ve gotten older? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

In Disney World, things are about to get pricey (again)! The Disney parks are no strangers to price hikes, especially during busier times of the year. Lightning Lanes! As we head into President’s Day Weekend (and Valentine’s Day), the Orlando theme park is preparing for crowds. How do we know that? It’s about to get more expensive to skip the lines in Disney World. If you’re headed to Disney World this weekend, brace yourself! Holiday weekends tend to be a popular time to go to the theme parks, so it’s no surprise that Lightning Lanes are about to get more expensive in Disney World. If you’re unfamiliar with Disney’s Lightning Lane system, this is the park’s paid skip-the-line service that has three different tier levels. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Lightning Lane First is Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Multi Pass gives you access to most of the Lightning Lanes in Disney World. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you can book 3 Lightning Lanes 7 days before your day in the park. If you’re staying off property, you can book 3 Lightning Lanes 3 days before your park day. This is the option that people most often use (in our experience). You can book more Lightning Lanes as you use yours thoughout the day, but you can’t use it for the same ride twice. Lightning Lane The second tier is Lightning Lane Single Pass. This gives you access to the most popular ride in each park. Magic Kingdom offers two single passes. This pass lets you skip the line to a popular attraction one time! ©Disney Finally, Disney’s most recent addition to the service is Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This is the most expensive option by far, but it gives you access to each Lightning Lane in your chosen park without the need to book times. ©Disney Starting today, February 13th, 2026, all of these options are going to see some pretty big price hikes in preparation for President’s Day Weekend! On February 13th, prices for Multi Pass are: Magic Kingdom – $42 EPCOT – $32 Hollywood Studios – $37 Animal Kingdom – $22 Prices for Single Passes are: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run – $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – $22 Rise of the Resistance – $24 Flight of Passage – $17 Space Mountain On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, prices for Multi Pass are: Magic Kingdom – $42 EPCOT – $32 Hollywood Studios – $37 Animal Kingdom – $25 Prices for Single Passes are: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – $14 TRON Lightcycle / Run – $22 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – $22 Rise of the Resistance – $24 Flight of Passage – $17 Flight of Passage On February 15th, prices for Multi Pass are: Magic Kingdom – $42 EPCOT – $32 Hollywood Studios – $37 Animal Kingdom – $25 Prices for Single Passes are: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – $15 TRON Lightcycle / Run – $23 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – $22 Rise of the Resistance – $24 Flight of Passage – $17 Rise of the Resistance On February 16th, Multi Pass prices are: Magic Kingdom – $42 EPCOT – $32 Hollywood Studios – $37 Animal Kingdom – $25 Prices for Single Passes are: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – $15 TRON Lightcycle / Run – $23 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – $22 Rise of the Resistance – $24 Flight of Passage – $19 Test Track On February 17th, there is finally a break in those prices, and we see a bit of a drop. Prices for Multi Pass are: Magic Kingdom – $39 EPCOT – $28 Hollywood Studios – $35 Animal Kingdom – $22 Prices for Single Passes are: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – $15 TRON Lightcycle / Run – $23 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – $21 Rise of the Resistance – $24 Flight of Passage – $17 Cinderella Castle It’s no big surprise to see prices for the skip-the-line service get higher during busier times of the year, like holiday weekends, Spring Break, and summer break. If you’re headed to Disney World soon, we’re sending lots of pixie dust that this weekend will be full of snacks, and the crowds decide to stay home. (We can dream, right?) Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, tips, and more. February Prices CONFIRMED for Disney World’s Lightning Lane System Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever used the Lightning Lane System? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Star Wars fans, ready your galactic credits and make some room on your shelves as new toys and collectibles themed to the upcoming film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, have just been revealed! Ahead of New York Toy Fair, Disney Consumer Products just announced Star Wars: Most Wanted, a year-long program that will spotlight the most sought-after merchandise based on both new and classic stories from the Star Wars galaxy – including the upcoming film, The Mandalorian and Grogu. I’m excited to share a first look at some of the new action figures, toys, apparel, books, and collectibles fans won’t want to miss out on. New Black Series and The Vintage Collection Figures from Hasbro Just announced from Hasbro are new additions to the fan-favorite Black Series and The Vintage Collection action figure lines inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu. New additions include the Black Series the Mandalorian and Grogu figure, the Black Series Colonel Ward figure, The Vintage Collection IG-11 (Nevarro Marshall) figure, and more. All figures will be available for preorder starting February 13 at 1 p.m. EST. New The Mandalorian and Grogu-Inspired Sets from the LEGO Group Coming soon to a galaxy near you, new The Mandalorian and Grogu-inspired LEGO building sets will hit shelves. Star Wars fans and brick-builders won’t want to miss getting their hands on these new finds, including brick- built versions of fan-favorite ships and characters, such as: LEGO Star Wars AT-RT Attack building set LEGO Star Wars Anzellan Starship building set LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest building set LEGO Star Wars New Republic X-Wing Starfighter building set LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu: Allies & Villains building set Preorder the LEGO Star Wars Anzellan Starship set, the LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest set, and LEGO Star Wars New Republic X-Wing Starfighter set now at LEGO.com; the LEGO Star Wars New Republic X-Wing Starfighter will be available for purchase April 1, with the additional sets available on April 26. Fill Your Shelves with New The Mandalorian and Grogu-Inspired Pops! from Funko The new Mandalorian and Grogu– inspired Pops! from Funko are so wizard! Featuring fan-favorite characters including the Mandalorian, Grogu, Zeb Orrelios, and more, fans won’t want to miss adding these pieces to their Pop! Collection. The new The Mandalorian and Grogu-Inspired Pops! will be available for pre-sale on Funko.com and select retailers on February 14. Bring Home a Bounty of Cuteness with New Grogu-Inspired Plush and Toys Everyone’s favorite little green foundling is back and cuter than ever! Now, you can bring home their own bounty of cuteness with Hasbro’s new Action Buddy Grogu, available for preorder starting February 13. Looking for something more cuddly? Try the new Grogu Deluxe Basic Plush from Mattel, featuring a soft body for cuddling. Or take home my personal favorite, Hasbro’s new Furby Furblets Grogu – a fresh take on the fan-favorite character that includes interactive sound and movement perfect for nostalgic play, available for purchase later this spring at most major retailers. His size might be small, but his cuteness isn’t to be underestimated! Don’t miss the new Grogu Tiny But Mighty Series Figures from POP MART. This collectible figure series faithfully recreates Grogu’s classic on-screen looks in a miniature collectible form accompanied by an assortment of accessories – a perfect addition to any collection. Recreate Fan-Favorite Scenes with New Toys Take imaginative play to new heights with Jada Toys’ the new Star Wars AT-AT Walker R/C and the Star Wars Imperial Remnant AT-RT Walker R/C, inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu. Complete with dynamic movement, lights, and sounds, these new toys are perfect for display or any adventures your foundlings take on at home. Both Star Wars-inspired walkers are available for purchase starting March 22. Showcase Your Fandom with New Apparel and Accessories Available Now Suit up and don new apparel inspired by the galaxy’s favorite duo with new tees and accessories from Amazon. Whether you’re exploring the Outer Rim or just running errands on your home planet, showcase your fandom with soft and cozy tees featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu official movie logo or fun, playful artwork of everyone’s favorite foundling. Pair with a fashionable baseball hat also featuring the new movie logo or this cute Grogu-themed tote bag and you’ve got an outfit ready for adventure. Immerse Yourself in a Galaxy Far, Far Away…. with New Publishing Titles After a long day of adventuring, kick back and relax with new Star Wars titles. For fans of Star Wars Outlaw, crack open the new title from Mike Chen and dive into the galaxy’s underworld with Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon. Follow ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax as they descend on the galaxy’s underworld in search of answers and opportunity. Continue to dive into adventures across the galaxy with Star Wars: Sanctuary (A Bad Batch Novel) by Lamar Giles. Fans of the Bad Batch won’t want to miss Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Omega embarking on a new mission to help rebuild Pabu, with Phee Goena, self-proclaimed liberator of treasures. This thrilling adventure for the Bad Batch is a page-turner for any fan’s to-be-read list. Even more amazing new bounties inspired by the Mandalorian, Grogu, and more fan-favorite characters will be hitting shelves soon. Stay tuned for more news, reveals, and exciting product drops and be sure to catch The Mandalorian and Grogu, only in theaters starting May 22. Bring Star Wars Creations to Life with LEGO SMART Play READ MORE Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Soon Expands READ MORE Details for Mando and Grogu’s Millennium Falcon Mission Revealed READ MORE The post Discover New <em>Star Wars</em> Merchandise Inspired by ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It looks like we know where our next paycheck is going because Starbucks has tons of new treats! Starbucks Starbucks released a close-up of each of its six new pastries that dropped on February 9th, and we are all in. Once you get a look at these mouth-watering photos, you won’t stop thinking about them! On Starbucks’ Instagram, they showcased close-up photos of six new pastries, starting with this Cookie Croissant Swirl. It looks like a croissant swirl filled with chocolate. Maybe melted chocolate chips or just a chocolate glaze. The treat is topped with sugar, kind of like the chocolate chip muffins. Is it too soon to say we’re in love? This one definitely got people’s attention on social media…and we can see why! @starbucks via Instagram Then they showed off the Strawberry Mocha Loaf. This pastry has an interesting color mixture of green and pink, which clearly shows where both the mocha and strawberry are. We’re thinking this will have a stronger mocha taste, considering the majority of the pastry is green, so mocha fans will most likely enjoy this one! @starbucks via Instagram Then there’s the Dubai Chocolate Bite, which just looks DELICIOUS! Chocolate lovers are going to get this one over and over and over again. It looks like a chocolate pastry with a chocolate drizzle, and what seems to be maybe nut pieces. Regardless, we’re so here for it! @starbucks via Instagram The Yuzu Citrus Blossom looks the most interesting of the pastries. It looks like it would have a fruity taste to it. In the picture, we can’t tell if it has a jelly filling or if it’s honey, but it looks intriguing. Starbucks is clearly going all out with these new pastries, because it looks like they’re trying lots of new things! @starbucks via Instagram Since looking at the post, we haven’t been able to stop thinking about the Berry Blondie. It looks like it might be a mix of vanilla and raspberry, or maybe it’s a vanilla pastry with raspberry drizzle. One thing is for sure: we’re getting this one no questions asked. It reminds us of a Christmas cookie! @starbucks via Instagram Lastly, they showed off the Chocolate Pistachio Loaf. This one looks like it would be a delightful eat! It looks light and fluffy, and the pistachio mixed in with the chocolate is going to be a great blend. We know it’s just a picture, but this looks too tasty. We told you we were going to be spending money, because how could we choose to leave one out? @starbucks via Instagram We’re looking forward to stuffing our faces with these new treats! You know we love food here at DFB, so we’re always on top of all the Disney eats, with some Starbucks sprinkled in there. If you want to know what’s going on in the food world, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! DATE REVEALED For Return of Popular McDonald’s Treat 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 pastry do you want to try the most? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and as part of that celebration, Disney Imagineers brought a Walt Disney animatronic figure to life for the first time ever. Right now, Disneyland visitors can see this new animatronic as part of the Walt Disney — A Magical Life show at the Main Street Opera House that previously hosted Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Walt Disney — A Magical Life Now, Disney made it clear that the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show wasn’t going away, and that the new show would eventually rotate with the old show. Well, now, we know when that’s going to happen…and it’s WAY sooner than we think. In fact, the two shows will be rotating as of tomorrow. Beginning tomorrow, February 13th, Walt Disney — A Magical Life and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will rotate shows throughout the day so visitors have a chance to see both. According to the Disneyland calendar, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will show from park opening until 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, Walt Disney — A Magical Life will be showing from 2 PM to 8 PM. Walt Disney – A Magical Life That means that Disney will spend about 30 minutes switching out the shows every day (and honestly, that seems FAST). But the good news is that the classic Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln will be returning to the park. This version of the attraction originally debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair and was moved to Disneyland in 1965. So it’s also part of Disney history. I highly recommend checking it out! “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” The Walt Disney animatronic is also pretty cool to see, so if you can make time for both, I also highly recommend that, too. If you don’t have a chance to see it in Disneyland, though, Disney has plans to bring the Walt animatronic to Disney World’s Carousel of Progress. We’ll be keeping an eye out for other big changes in Disneyland, so stay tuned to DFB for more. You May Want to Avoid Disneyland on These 46 Dates in 2026 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Which show do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Spring is right around the corner, and we know a lot of folks are counting down the days until a very popular McDonald’s treat returns to the fast food restaurant. It’s a popular choice We’re talking about the Shamrock Shake, that green concoction that we just can’t seem to get enough of. Well, if you’ve been waiting for its annual return, you’ll be happy to know that your wait will end soon: the Shamrock Shake is returning to McDonald’s on February 17th. The Shamrock Shake is a little controversial because some people love it, while others hate it, but it’s always one of the most popular spring items on the McDonald’s menu. It’s only available for a limited time, so folks rush to McDonald’s as soon as it’s available every year before it’s gone. Shamrock Shake The shake is known for its green color (giving off St. Patrick’s Day vibes) and minty sweet flavor. For those who love it, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a McDonald’s meal. That’s not all, though. The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will also return on February 17th if you want something that’s even more dessert-like and includes that classic cookies and cream flavor of Oreos. It’s made with McDonald’s classic vanilla soft serve mixed with Shamrock syrup and Oreo cookie pieces. ©McDonald’s So be sure to mark your calendars and get that McDonald’s order ready. We’ll see you at McD’s on February 17th! We’ll keep you updated on more food news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Is What McDonald’s Does Better Than 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 Do you get a Shamrock Shake every year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Ok, we know it might sound crazy, but we can’t tell you how many times we’ve gone on a Disney World vacation and panic bought shoes! Cinderella Castle There have been too many times when we forget to pack more until we’re sitting on the plane, looking down, and realizing it’s just our Toms/Crocs/flip flops on our feet. If you can relate, don’t worry! First, you’re not alone. Second, because we’ve been there too many times, we have a list of the go-to panic buys that you should grab BEFORE your Disney World vacation! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get these HOKA Clifton 10’s Lots of support! You know we love HOKA shoes, so we have to recommend these HOKA Clifton 10 Sneakers! We can’t stress enough how much comfort and cushioning this shoe has to offer. The sneakers deliver ultralight cushioning that has made the Clifton a fan favorite for us. Without even trying them on, you can tell the sole offers extra comfort. Even though they’re a little more expensive, we find they’re a good investment. View on Amazon These Avia Sneakers are perfect! Avia Women’s Athletic Jumbo Lite These Avia Women’s Athletic Jumbo Lite Runners are genuinely perfect! They’re basic running shoes, but have a nice slim fit to them and a cushioned heel for running support. The biggest pro to these has to be the comfort and how they will conform to your feet after you’ve worn them for a while. They’re very similar comfort-wise to the HOKA Clifton 10s that we adore, but these are cheaper! Seriously, when you see the price, you’ll be shocked — it’s why we always get them! View price online Sunscreen is so important! WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN! If we’ve had to panic buy shoes before, you can believe that we’ve had to panic buy other essentials as well. One of them is this Coppertone Every Tone Sunscreen! This moisturizing sunscreen blends in clear and stays clear on all skin tones, leaving behind no white residue. The SPF 50 sunscreen also works as a face sunscreen and is great for everyday use. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt ©Amazon Have we panic-bought Disney clothes, or are we just trying to find an excuse to buy more Disney merch? Regardless, sometimes Florida hits you with that cold spell out of nowhere (like it has been), and since you’re coming to Florida, you realize you didn’t bring a sweater. Amazon has some great options, including this Classic Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt! You can get it for cheaper here than at the park. View on Amazon Don’t forget about the FROGG TOGG Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Speaking of weather, the Frogg Togg Waterproof Poncho is the perfect Disney essential! We have ours in pink, but there are many color variations. When it comes to Disney World trips, we all know you can NEVER count out the chance of rain. We find that these ponchos always come in handy. It’s 100% waterproof and very breathable. It’s super easy to put on, and has a pull-over hood, which is great for those downpours! View on Amazon And finally, these Polarized Sunglasses ©Amazon We’ve all forgotten sunglasses when going to Disney World. Heck, we’ve forgotten them when going for a drive. If that’s you, order these KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses! They’re for both men and women, and are great for blocking the UV. You get two sunglasses in a pack at an unbelievable price — especially at 18% off! 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

EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival will be here before we know it — March 4th is just around the corner. The Flower and Garden Festival is almost here! EPCOT festivals are tons of fun, but they can also be a little stressful if you’ve never been to one before, or if it’s been a while. Believe it or not, there are some key essentials you’ll want to bring with you to this festival specifically. We know firsthand, because when we’ve forgotten them, we’ve regretted it pretty heavily. So, without further ado, here are the 12 essentials we think you’ve GOT to have with you for your upcoming festival trip! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Perfect Bag ODODOS Daily Sling Bag There are lots of great bags out there on the market, but the ODODOS Daily Sling Bag is one of the best, in our opinion. It’s a fantastic size — not too big to be overwhelming, but small enough to pack everything you need and keep it all organized. We also love that it comes in so many different colors! Grab it here! The Most “Spring” Loungefly There Is! ©Disney If you’re a big fan of Loungefly bags and want one that’s perfect for the springtime (AKA, right when the festival takes place), you cannot miss the adorable Minnie Mouse Springtime Sequins Loungefly Backpack. The base color itself is white, and you’ll find multi-colored flowers and leaves as the allover pattern. The bag is complete with a pink sequined front pocket and bow on top! Grab it here! Keep That Loungefly Organized HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer However, we’ll be the first to admit that Loungefly bags are often hard to keep organized. Not with the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer, though! This has so many pockets that make it easy to keep track of all you’ve got, including small items like chapstick and makeup, but it’s also got a large pocket to fit sunscreen, portable chargers, and more. Grab it here! The Portable Charger That Won’t Let You Down FuelRod MAX10 When it comes to portable chargers, there are TONS on the market, but why not grab one that will give you peace of mind every time you’re in the parks? The FuelRod MAX10 is powerful, easily attaches to your phone magnetically or with the included cord, and you can swap it out at any FuelRod station in the park when it’s dead at no additional cost. It’s made our lives SO much easier, and we think it’ll do the same for you. Grab it here! Combat The Heat AMKEN Waist Fan The heat is coming back to Disney World sooner than we’re all ready for, so it’s time to get prepared. This is especially true if you’re heading to the Flower & Garden Festival later in the year, closer to May, because then the heat is back in FULL force. We’ve tried lots of fans on the market, but the AMKEN Waist Fan is one of our favorites! It’s powerful, isn’t too loud, and can be worn many different ways, which we love. Grab it here! Need A Smaller Fan? LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan If you need a fan that’s smaller, or you don’t do well with fans that make a lot of noise, the LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan is not only adorable, but it’s compact and easy to carry around. It has three different speeds, is easily rechargeable with a USB cord, and we love easily being able to put it in our pocket or in a bag. Grab it here! Never Struggle For Utensils Again Reusable Travel Utensils Set Sometimes, you’ll grab food at a festival booth, only to find that they’re out of forks, knives, or spoons, and then you’ve gotta decide between waiting for it to be refilled or going to find more. Avoid all that by grabbing the Reusable Travel Utensils Set and bringing it along in your bag! One pack comes with four different ones, all with their own carrying case, so they’re easy to carry around the park. Grab it here! Never Deal With Paper Straws Again Sunseeke Silicone Straws If there’s one thing we cannot STAND in Disney World, it’s those darn paper straws that fall apart in our mouths just a few minutes after getting our drink — ESPECIALLY at festivals! We solve that problem by grabbing the Sunseeke Silicone Straws, because plenty come in a pack, and they’re easy to carry around in their special cases. Plus, if you’re feeling generous, you can share with friends! Grab it here! Keep The Sun (And Rain) Off Of You! BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella What’s better than an umbrella that successfully keeps the rain off of you? An umbrella that ALSO reflects the hot sun back to the sky! That’s exactly what the BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella does, and we can’t get enough. This is helpful on those hotter festival days, and we also love using it when we’re standing in a long line. Grab it here! Get A GOOD Water Bottle Stanley IceFlow Staying hydrated is ALWAYS important in Disney World, especially when it’s hot out, or you plan to be drinking alcoholic drinks around the festival. That’s where the Stanley IceFlow comes in! We love lots of different water bottles we’ve tried, but this is the best we’ve had with us. It’s easy to carry around, keeps your water cold, and trust us — it won’t let you down! Grab it here! Never Worry About Dropping Food Again ©Amazon We love using Trays around the park during festivals, because if you’ve grabbed multiple items from one booth, or want to grab a little something from multiple booths before sitting down, this makes them all SO much easier to carry. We can’t imagine festival days without our tray! Grab it here! Keep The Bugs Away ©Amazon We love how gorgeous the Flower & Garden Festival is, but there are flowers ALL over, and that means bugs are all over, too! We suggest grabbing some Off! Insect Repellent to bring with you into the parks to keep mosquitoes away. Every time we’ve forgotten this, we’ve regretted it, so learn from our mistakes! Grab it here! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest necessities you’ll want for your trip, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Disney World isn’t the only resort in the U.S. getting some serious updates. Disneyland is also about to get some new things, including an Avengers Campus expansion with two rides, a new Avatar-themed land, and a new Coco ride. Well, those things are going to bring in a LOT more people, but there’s a problem…where are all those folks going to park? ©Disney Well, last year, Disney announced it had plans to build a new parking and transportation hub that would take care of that problem. Now, we’re starting to see movement on that project. According to ThemeParkIQ on X, Disneyland just filed a permit for work on the new parking and transportation hub’s site. Disneyland just filed a permit to demolish a 70,732 sq. ft. office building, leaving behind only the foundation. The building is what is currently the Manchester Cast Member parking lot. This is all part of the new parking structure that will be part of a huge transportation hub on the east side of the resort. Current parking garage at Disneyland The new parking structure and transportation hub will add about 6,000 new parking spaces to the area, as well as new shuttle and rideshare areas, new security screening areas, and dedicated access for traffic off of Disney Way. The concept art also includes a pedestrian bridge to be built over Harbor Boulevard. Parking at Disneyland It’s unclear if any of the current construction will affect those visiting the park, but we’ll keep an eye out for updates to keep YOU updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more. This Transportation Change Could Make It Harder To Get to Disneyland DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What do you think of the new structure and transportation hub? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Being a D23 Gold Member comes with all sorts of perks and benefits! Now, there’s a new experience coming to EPCOT that D23 Members CAN’T miss — it involves food! EPCOT There’s an exclusive tasting event happening in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT for D23 Members, with a D23 Member-exclusive cocktail! You’re going to need to grab your ticket for the event, and we seriously wouldn’t recommend waiting on this. UPDATE: The event has already sold out! Stay tuned to DFB for updates on future events like this one D23 just released information about The Spirit of the Mexico Pavilion: A D23 Experience at EPCOT. The event will take place on March 11th, 2026, and it will only be available to D23 Gold Members. This is a unique opportunity for Gold Members to experience something they never had before! @D23 In order to attend, you’ll need a valid park admission, as neither the park nor parking is included in the price of the experience. So make sure you grab a ticket to EPCOT or reserve for March 11th if you are a Disney World Annual Passholder. Mexico Pavilion You will have to set some money aside, as tickets are $349 per D23 Gold Member. Remember, that’s NOT including park admission. Tickets are available as of 1 PM ET on February 12th! We’re assuming these are going to be popular, so make sure you’re ready. EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion A ticket to the event includes: La Cava Experience: A private guided tasting with Tequila Ambassador Humberto Soto of six premium agave spirits, ranging from blanco to aged tequilas, plus an artisinal mezcal, as well as chips and guacamole, a keepsake “Agave Connoisseur Club” pin, and a commemorative tequila cocktail glass with the La Cava Tequila logo etched by Arribas Brothers La Cava del Tequila: Get the chance to enjoy “The Aztec Eagle,” a D23 Member-exclusive cocktail, created in collaboration with The Walt Disney Archives, which pays tribute to when Walt Disney was honored by the Mexican government with the Order of the Aztec Eagle during a visit to Mexico City in 1943 San Angel Inn: Experience an incredible meal with a menu created just for this event, featuring some of the restaurant’s most beloved and popular items since its opening in 1982 — guests will select an appetizer, main course, and dessert from the tasting menu included in the ticket, plus a San Angel Inn margarita Guests will receive an event credential, as well as a replica of the original 1982 San Angel Inn menu Inside the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT There is a lot included, so it definitely is an experience that is worth it. For all the latest Disney news and updates, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing! This NEW Disney Patent Could Be a Game Changer for Future Park Expansions Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you interested in this event? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World is always changing…which means construction is inevitable during your next vacation. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge While ride refurbishments and theme park expansions dominate Disney World construction discourse, hotel projects hardly go unnoticed. Hotel construction affects where you’ll stay and what kind of lodging experience, after all. In fact, 13 hotels are already scheduled to undergo significant construction. Let’s go over which hotels will be affected and what kind of work will be done at each! In 2026, at least 13 hotels will receive varying levels of construction and refurbishment. The ones listed below are the ones we know about so far, but it’s safe to assume more projects will be announced as the year progresses. Bay Lake Tower/ Contemporary Construction will be ongoing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from September 2024 through late 2027. Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort Refurbishments will occur in phases throughout select areas of the resort, including the atrium and Bay Lake Tower. Cove Bar Additionally, from January 26th, 2026, through early May 2026, the Bay Cove Pool, the Cove Bar, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at Bay Lake Tower will be temporarily closed for maintenance. With that said, the Bay Lake Pool, the feature pool, the water play area, and the whirlpool spa at the regular Contemporary Resort will remain open for guests to enjoy. Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and its Copper Creek Villas & Cabins are currently undergoing exterior refurbishment through late 2026. Most amenities will remain available to guests while the construction is happening, however. Construction It’s also important to note that from January 12th, 2026, through early April 2026, the boat dock at the resort will undergo routine maintenance. All-Star Sports Resort From January 2026 until late April 2026, the Surfboard Bay Pool and the kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be closed for maintenance. Surfboard Bay However, the Grand Slam Leisure Pool will remain open, and guests are welcome to use the Calypso Pool, Piano Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, as well as the Fantasia Pool, Duck Pond Pool, and kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge From October 2025 through May 2026, guest rooms at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are being refurbished. ©Disney Following that refurbishment’s completion, refurbishment work will begin at Jambo House and last from May 2026 through January 2027. Most amenities should remain available throughout both refurbishments, however. Beach Club Disney’s Beach Club Resort is going to undergo tons of exterior maintanence through out the year, expecting to wrap up in late 2026. Disney’s Beach Club Work will impact views from various locations and may require alternate paths of travel. Additionally, between mid-January 2026 and early May, the Tidal leisure pool will be closed for routine maintenance. Yacht Club The neighboring Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is on a similar timeline with work lasting through late 2026 — also affecting views and travel paths. Disney’s Yacht Club Yachtsman Steakhouse is also set to close in May 2026 for a refurbishment, with a reopening date expected by August 2026. Yachtsman Steakhouse Crew’s Cup Lounge is another Yacht Club restaurant closing temporarily this year — closing on February 23rd, 2026, and reopening sometime in May 2026. BoardWalk Inn Refurbishment at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is continuing throughout 2026. Refurbishment will be ongoing in select areas of the hotel periodically. Disney’s Boardwalk Keep in mind that while you will probably see and hear construction during the day, most shopping, dining, and recreation options will remain open. Grand Floridian Construction at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is seemingly never-ending, and is currently scheduled to continue through early-2027. Updated Grand Floridian lobby Disney has promised that “efforts will be made to minimize disruptions—and most pools, dining and other amenities will remain available for Guests to enjoy.” This was originally supposed to end in mid-2026, but has been extended through 2027. Polynesian Refurbishment in some areas of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will continue throughout 2026. New entrance! This refurbishment work includes “the reconfiguration of the front entrance roadway and bus area.” Dining, pools, and other amenities will remain open, but Disney warns that you should “allow for extra travel time when arriving at or leaving the Resort.” ‘Ohana Since January 15th, 2026, portions of the resort have started exterior maintenance — and views of the Seven Seas Lagoon from ’Ohana may be partially or completely obstructed. Pop Century From March 2025 through February 2026, select areas of Disney’s Pop Century Resort will feature some refurbishment work. Pop Century Most amenities will still be available during this time. Port Orleans Riverside Guest rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside will be undergoing a refurbishment through August 2027. Port Orleans — Riverside Work will be performed in select areas, and construction will be seen and heard during the daytime. Fort Wilderness Construction will take place near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds’ Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area through mid-2026. Meadow Swimmin’ Pool The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool will remain open during this time, though seating availability around the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool may be limited. Disney advises guests using complimentary bus transportation to follow posted signage to reach the pool area. Old Key West Disney’s Old Key West is having some work done in early 2026, with the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground closed for routine maintenance through early February 2026. During this time, guests can use the Sandcastle Pool, the South Point Pool, or Miller’s Road Pool. Old Key West And there you have it! As we previously mentioned, more hotel closures and refurbishments are imminent, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know! This Disney’s Hollywood Studios Construction Update Is Making Us NERVOUS 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 How will these scheduled refurbishments and closures affect your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We legitimately get excited when we see new food in Disney World. If we even get a HINT that a new food or drink has popped up somewhere, you can bet we’re racing to whatever restaurant has it, and we’re ordering it so we can taste it and get you a review. New cookie alert Well, we spotted a new cookie recently in EPCOT, and let’s just say our first impressions were totally based on how it looked. Well, we decided to go ahead and get it anyway, and we’ll just say that if you love chocolate, we just found your new favorite Disney World snack. Over at Sunshine Seasons, you can find the new Gianduja Chocolate Cookie for $4.79. Gianduja is a blend of chocolate that’s about 30% hazelnut paste, so it’s basically like a Nutella cookie. However, this cookie looks…well, questionable. The frosting design on top was a choice. But who are we to judge? We still miss eating animal poop candy in Animal Kingdom. Gianduja chocolate cookie The cookie itself is VERY dense (think Crumbl-like), and although you think it would be really rich with the frosting, we were surprised that the chocolate frosting is light. The cookie is baked perfectly, so you’ve got a little crunch around the edges, while the rest is soft. There are also chunks of chocolate throughout with a chocolate-hazelnut layer underneath the frosting. We really couldn’t taste much of the hazelnut flavor, though, so we would’ve liked more of it. It’s very dense However, if you love chocolate, this is a cookie you would certainly appreciate. We’ll keep an eye out for more new snacks in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: We Have BIG Thoughts About This $17 Cheesecake Slice 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 Would you try this treat in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Here at DisneyFoodBlog, you know we love our Disney food — it’s kind of our thing! Hi Mickey! When we aren’t able to get to the parks, or if we just want to share some of that delicious Disney Parks food at home with friends, one of our favorite ways to do this is using Disney-inspired recipes and cookbooks! We basically get to pretend to be Chef Mickey from our home (and it didn’t cost us a plane ticket!). Luckily for you, these three Disney cookbooks are on sale on Amazon! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook for 59% off! ©Amazon The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook is a great gift for the chefs in your life. With this book, you can bring the magic of Disneyland and Walt Disney World snacks right to your home. You can recreate favorites like the classic Dole Whip and Mickey Pretzels. Right now, you can get this for under $10, making it a great gift for a Disney-loving friend or yourself! View on Amazon This Taste of Disney Cookbook is perfect for a Disney movie night! ©Amazon Celebrate your love of Disney films with this adorable cookbook filled with the most delicious snacks from Insight Editions’ bestselling Disney and Pixar cookbooks. Enjoy White Rabbit’s Garden Crudité (Alice in Wonderland), Merida Cranachan (Brave), Bare Necessities Banana Muffins (The Jungle Book), Mug of Meat (The Emperor’s New Groove), Icicle Cookies (Frozen), and so many more delicious creations to munch on! We love the idea of choosing a recipe and having a movie night based on the recipe! View on Amazon We love the Official Disney Parks Cookbook! ©Amazon We’ve seen all the unofficial Disney parks cookbooks, but this one is OFFICIAL. It contains recipes straight from the Disney parks for classic snacks like Mickey Beignets, Flame Tree Barbecue’s famous sauce, and even the iconic Grey Stuff. If you want to get all the food secrets of Disney, this is the one you want! 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

It’s never fun when you visit Disneyland only to discover that your favorite ride is closed. That’s why we try to do our best to keep you updated on any ride closures we come across (and usually, Disney DOES give a little notice). Stormtroopers in Rise of the Resistance It’s definitely not fun when you’re a huge Star Wars fan, and you make your way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to discover Rise of the Resistance is closed, as it has been since January 20th. However, we’ve got some good news: Rise of the Resistance will reopen soon…as in TOMORROW. Rise of the Resistance closed for refurbishment in January, but the Disney World website is now showing hours for the ride as of tomorrow. So if you’ve been worried about missing out on this super popular ride, you’ll be able to ride it again VERY soon. ©Disney This ride is notorious for temporary closures throughout the day, so regular maintenance and refurbishment are necessary to keep it running as smoothly as possible. It does use some of Disney’s most advanced technology, which means that the ride needs a lot of love to keep it running so that everyone can ride it. Rise of the Resistance If you do want to ride Rise of the Resistance, though, we recommend you consider rope dropping it, or better yet, get a Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip what is often a long standby line for the shorter Lightning Lane. However, if you’re visiting Disneyland during one of its After Dark events, the ride is often a walk-on, so take advantage of that when you can. Rise of the Resistance We’ll keep an eye out for more ride closures and openings in Disneyland, so stay tuned to DFB for more. 7 Hidden Details You Can’t Miss At Disneyland DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO What do you think about this news? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

ALDI is wasting no time after Valentine’s Day to get into St. Patrick’s Day! ALDI ALDI just dropped the catalogue for what’s coming next week, and we’ve specifically marked what we’re most excited about! Take a look at some of these great ALDI finds — expect a lot of stuff for St. Patty’s. We’re getting right into it with the St. Patrick’s Day fun! ©ALDI Remember, you have to wear green, or else you may get pinched! ALDI has a few different green outfit options for toddlers and kids, and they’re at great prices. ©ALDI ALDI also has this 3-pack of St. Patrick’s Day bracelets, ready to complete any green outfit! ©ALDI Or, how about these St. Patrick’s Day accessories? You can get headbands, earrings, and buttons. These could make for fun things for your kiddos to wear at home or at school. ©ALDI You might need something for yourself as well, so check out these St. Patty’s pullover sweaters. We’re shocked at how cheap they’re going for! ©ALDI Are you a decor type of person? ALDI has some plush throw pillows that match the vibe of March. We’re loving the Lucky Charms pillow! ©ALDI There are also throw blankets that you can pair with the throw pillows. These ones have some pretty fun designs! ©ALDI Oh, and even MORE pillows! There are seriously so many for you to choose from, and at $10, why not get multiple?! ©ALDI For doors, windows, and walls, you may like these wreaths and gel clings. There’s so much to choose from, and they’re at such great prices! ©ALDI We told you…ALDI has TONS of decor! ©ALDI You could throw the perfect St. Patrick’s Day party with these kinds of items! You’ll have your whole house looking green and snazzy. ©ALDI Moving away from the St. Patrick’s Day stuff, we really liked the price of these suede slides. They look comfy and stylish! ©ALDI Speaking of comfy, we can already see ourselves in these Lux Lounge Sets! We might be tempted to get multiple colorways at the price that they’re at. ©ALDI Now we’re on the comfy trend — so we had to bring up these giant knot pillows! ©ALDI Oh, and these super soft bedsheets! ©ALDI We’re big fans of candles at DFB, so we were excited to see both these handcrafted wood candles and the wick candles. ©ALDI Normally, we’d choose one scent, but the $5 makes it easy to get them all! ©ALDI Looking for a new vacuum but can’t find one at a reasonable price? ALDI has the Cyclonic Stick Vacuum, and it’s a better deal there than you might find somewhere else! ©ALDI This Handheld Power Scrubber and these drill brush sets could come in handy. ©ALDI Staying with the cleaning supplies, this spin mop and spin sweeper are greatly priced! ©ALDI Of course, ALDI has some other helpful items for around the house! ©ALDI You also can’t deny the price of this air mattress! ©ALDI Lastly, whether you’re making dinner for yourself or cooking for others, buying beef tender at ALDI is the move! At $6.99 per pound, this is an amazing deal. ©ALDI We just love ALDI, so we’re always on top of all the latest drops and upcoming finds. If you love ALDI and shopping too, make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog! FIRST LOOK: Bath & Body Works Reveals NEW Disney Princess Collection…and It’s the Best One Yet! What are you hoping to grab? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Many people aren’t aware of how helpful a resort refillable mug can be in helping you save money on your Disney World vacation, but that’s where we come in! Resort Refillable Mug However, we’ve also got to admit that resort refillable mugs may not be the best choice for everyone out there, and some may end up spending money on something they end up not using often. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly how you can use them, WHERE you can use them, and how to make the most of one on each vacation. If you’re planning on grabbing one on a trip later this year, these are the five rules you need to know that Disney World is really enforcing. They Can Only Be Used During Your Trip When you purchase a resort refillable mug for your trip, you’ll only be able to use it throughout the duration of THAT trip to get the free refills. That means that if you bought it on your trip in April, you won’t be able to get free refills on your next trip, no matter how close it is. Disney World Resort Refillable Mug Now, you can bring the cup back to use as a fun cup around the resort, or as a water bottle in a way, but the technology embedded in both the cups themselves and the free refill stations will recognize that the trip you bought the cup on has come to an end, and won’t work for you. It’s pretty wild tech, when you think about it! No Refills in The Parks A lot of people don’t know this, and unfortunately, find out the hard way — you can refill your resort refillable mug at your hotel, or at other hotels if you’re hopping around for the day, because the technology inside the cup recognizes your stay at different hotels, but you won’t be able to fill it for free in the parks. Disney Refillable Mugs If you’re staying at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, but hop over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for a dining reservation, or just to check it out, you can grab a free refill while you’re there! This is a great perk, but lots of people are disappointed to find that the free refills rule doesn’t extend to the parks. What we recommend doing is filling up your mug at the beginning of the day with the drink of your choice, then refilling it again when you get back, that way you’re making the most use of it you can. If You Don’t Drink Specialty Drinks, It’s Not Worth It We say all the time that staying hydrated in Disney World is extremely important at all times of year, and that’s VERY true. However, you can get free cups of water and even refill your water bottle with ice and water around Disney World for free at select quick service locations, so getting a resort refillable mug when you’re someone who usually only drinks water isn’t likely going to be a great choice. Self-service Beverage Station If you’re going to grab one of these, we recommend making it the time in your life where you indulge in ALL the soda, lemonade, coffee, tea, etc., so you can really make the most of your purchase. Otherwise, we feel you’ll likely regret your decision. You’ll Get One With Your Disney Dining Plan If you’ve decided to purchase the Disney Dining Plan for your vacation, there will be no need to purchase a resort refillable mug, because you’ll get one for every member of your group who has the dining plan! This is a great deal, but again, you’ll want to make sure you’re really getting the most use out of it as possible to really make the cost worth it. Pricing Sign for Rapid Fill Refillable Mugs Since the refillable mugs usually cost about $23 each, and a fountain drink at the resorts typically costs between $3-$4, you’ll want to make sure you fill it about seven times to make use of it. If you’re filling it every morning and night, that’s only 3.5 days! If You Love The Design, Grab It! With all that being said, you often won’t find the same design that’s on the resort refillable mugs in the parks, so if you really love the one you see, we do suggest grabbing it, even if you’re planning to just use it back at home. We’re always keeping our eyes peeled for new designs, so when we spot one, we’ll let you know! Disney World Resort Refillable Mug Looking for someone to help you on your Disney World vacation, including where to stay, how many days to go, and if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you? Check out our friends at Small World Vacations! Whether or not a resort refillable mug is great for you and your party is totally up to you, but if you choose to snag one on your next vacation, we hope you love it. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news, tips, tricks, and more! The New Rules You Have To Follow in Disney World Hotels 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 How do you feel about resort refillable mugs? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney is always thinking ahead, especially when it comes to new technology. Most recently, we’ve seen new technology put into the Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT, which recently got updated animatronics. We’ve also seen some cool robotic tech put to use, including a walking and talking version of Olaf for World of Frozen. ©Disney New ideas come to Disney Imagineers all the time, which is why it’s really interesting when the company files new patents for ride updates. Well, Disney recently filed a new patent that could seriously change the future of its rides. The new patent is for a ride system that uses a ride that can move along a track, but is also attached to a movable arm. The arm could move a ride vehicle up, down, sideways, backwards, and more, while still on the ride track. So a ride could potentially move around on the track in a way we’ve never seen before. Here’s a diagram that makes it clearer how this could work. ©Disney According to the patent, the ride system includes a ride vehicle that can move normally on a ride track, but an arm is attached to the ride vehicle that can articulate to adjust the position of the ride vehicle relative to the track, “wherein the ride vehicle is movable separately from the arm.” Okay, mind blown. The arm is also extendable to move the ride vehicle towards and away from the track, as well as to change the lateral position of the vehicle on the track. ©Disney This ride system could provide a more “immersive and unique guest experience,” according to the patent. The ride system examples show how it could even allow ride vehicles to span gaps in the show floor and even allow for “jumping-type” experiences. Pretty much, the possibilities are nearly endless. Oh, and the patent mentions that this ride system could also allow for guests to control ride vehicle movement. ©Disney The patent shows multiple ways in which this ride system could be used, using ride vehicles shaped like boats, cars, and flying vehicles. So this doesn’t seem to be something Disney is considering for just one kind of ride, but maybe multiple rides. ©Disney Of course, patents that never get used get filed ALL the time, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see this on a future Disney attraction. But it just goes to show that Disney Imagineers are always thinking up new ways to make rides even more fun and immersive, and have ways of making that happen. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. A Former Disney World Cast Member Reveals The Secrets To Getting The BEST Seats on Rides 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? What kind of ride do you think this patent would work for? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Make-A-Wish kids Madison and Kylie first met in the hospital, where they were recovering from brain tumor surgeries performed by the same doctor just days apart. What began as quiet support between their families during the girls’ long treatment and recovery soon grew into a powerful friendship. They bonded over shared experiences, shared courage and a shared love of Disney… especially Stitch. Through every step of their medical journey, Madison and Kylie became each other’s ‘ohana: chosen family who offer support, joy and understanding when it’s needed most. So when it came time to choose their wish, the answer was easy. They wanted to experience Walt Disney World together and meet their favorite Disney character. Disney stories have always celebrated the friendships that make us stronger. From Buzz and Woody to Timon and Pumbaa, Mike and Sully to Stitch and Angel, each one is a reminder that life is better with a friend by your side. Madison and Kylie share that same spirit. As the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, Disney understands the lasting impact of these moments for wish kids and their families. A Disney wish is granted every hour of every day, and more than 170,000 wishes have been granted together by Disney and Make-A-Wish over the last 45 years. That commitment inspired Disney to create a special “best friends” surprise designed just for Madison and Kylie. When they arrived at Magic Kingdom, the girls were whisked away for a private meet-and-greet with Stitch and his best friend Angel. Madison and Kylie were smiling from ear to ear as they created a little bit of mayhem with this iconic duo. Most importantly, this moment was an unforgettable reminder of the joy and strength that friendship can bring. “I think it’s amazing that Disney and Make-A-Wish make all these wishes and dreams come true for children who are truly suffering with serious illnesses,” said Kylie’s mom, Celeste. “After something like this, we can see that there’s something happy at the end of every rainbow. Disney makes that happen. This is where magic happens, and it doesn’t just end with this moment.” To learn more about wish granting at Disney, visit Impact.Disney.com. The post Disney Celebrates ‘Ohana During Best Friends’ Make-A-Wish® Visit appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

I’ve been staying at Disney hotels for decades, and one thing I learned is that not every Disney hotel is a good fit for every Disney trip. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney World has over 25 on-site hotels, and they’re all very different. Disney resorts are typically grouped into Value, Moderate, and Deluxe categories. While staying on Disney property has amazing benefits, I’ve learned the hard way that not every Disney hotel is right for every trip. These are the Disney World hotels I regret impulsively booking and what I would book instead. 7. Booking a Family-Forward Resort for an Adults-Only Trip Just because you can stay anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Resorts heavily geared toward families can feel loud, busy, and overstimulating when you’re planning a relaxing adults-only getaway. Look for resorts with multiple bars, quiet pools, and sit-down restaurants if relaxation is your goal. Better alternative:For adults-only trips, I’d choose Coronado Springs or Disney’s Yacht Club with lounges and signature dining. Disney’s Yacht Club With so many different hotels to choose from at Disney World, you are likely to find the right fit for you. For more Disney news and tips, be sure to follow us at DFB! 7 Disney World Hotels In Serious Need of Transportation Upgrades Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What is one Disney World hotel you won’t be staying at again? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

For those of you who want to bring the magic home with you and be reminded of your favorite Disney characters and stories every time you wash your hands, take a shower, or even use hand sanitizer, this new Bath & Body Works collection is absolutely something you need to check out. Disney Princess Bath & Body Works Collection at Walt Disney Studios Bath & Body Works just took us on a royal journey to check out their newly expanded Disney Princess Collection, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget. And the best part? These fragrances are now available for you to enjoy, too! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We had the amazing opportunity to go to the Walt Disney Studios to check out the Disney Princess Bath & Body Works Collection. We started our morning at The Walt Disney Archives and Ink & Paint to see how Disney has brought some of their most iconic Princess’ stories to life. Did you know they have paint specifically labelled for each princess? Paint for the princesses! We got to watch an artist at work, painting inside an outline of Snow White! He’s painting Snow White! Our next stop was Walt Disney’s Storybook Home, where we got to have a truly royal experience like no other! This is where we got to see the full Disney Princess Bath & Body Works collection. We got to look at the Disney Princess 7-piece Mini Fine Fragrance Mist Sampler, and it looked like the perfect kit for royalty! Disney Princess Fragrance Sampler Representing seven of the most iconic Disney Princesses, this set should last you for a while…not to mention you’ll have a scent for any occasion! View online They also had this candle scent called “Life’s a Fairytale“! It has fragrance notes of charming berries, floral fairytale, and kingdom woods. It truly is a warm, fruity, fanciful fragrance. “Life’s a Fairytale” candle They say it combines a bit of what we love about each Princess to create something beautifully unique. It comes in one-wick and three-wick! View online We couldn’t take our eyes off the Disney Princess Light-up Castle Pedestal, which is a three-wick candle holder! It is crafted of glass and resin and measures 9″ H x 8″ L x 7.9″ W. Disney Princess Light-up Castle Pedestal The white, glittery finish with shiny golden accents stands out anywhere you put it. It also lights up with the touch of a button. View online We weren’t expecting a Disney Princess Backpack to be a part of the collection, but we were pleasantly surprised! It has one large compartment, as well as two smaller compartments. We adore the details of the princess-inspired pattern, golden bow carry handle, removable charm bundle, and Disney Princess patch. Disney Princess Backpack Plus, each compartment has a secret message on the inside of the flap: the large compartment says “Ready for adventure”, while the smaller compartments say “Gadgets and gizmos” and “Courage and kindness.” View online We also fell in love with the Disney Princess Music Box! It’s a royal way to store your most prized possessions. It’s complete with a mirror inside the lid, and designed to hold things like lip gloss, fine fragrance mist, and some jewelry. Disney Princess Music Box This box plays a tune as well — just open the lid, twist the wind-up key, and let it play. View online We got to check out some other new fragrances as well. These are inspired by Aurora… Aurora fragrances! …Mulan… Mulan fragrances! …Rapunzel… Rapunzel fragrances! …and Snow White! The Belle and Tiana fragrances are also making a comeback. Snow White fragrances! Certain items from the Disney Princess Collection are available for members only online now, before the full collection becomes available to everyone online and in stores on February 13th. We recommend snagging them quick, because we have a feeling they may go fast! VIEW THE FULL COLLECTION We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to DFB! 7 Bath and Body Works Candles To Make Your House Smell Like 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 Which of these are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of the new Disney Princess Bath & Body Works collection. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Universal Orlando has become more popular than ever, thanks to the opening of Epic Universe last year, which has brought a lot of visitors to the parks. ©Universal Now, most who visit Epic Universe also end up visiting Universal’s other theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. If you’re visiting Universal Islands of Adventure, though, you might want to be aware that one ride and a Harry Potter experience will be closing soon. If you’ll be visiting Universal Islands of Adventure on April 19th through April 25th, you will not be able to visit Me Ship, The Olive during that time. This attraction is a play area designed to look like Popeye’s ship with three decks of things like passageways, slides, climbing nets, horns, an interactive piano, and more. It’s also where you can squirt those riding on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges with water cannons. ©Universal You also will not be able to pop into Ollivander’s Wand Shop in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Islands of Adventure on or after February 26th. The shop will be under refurbishment for a little while — Universal has not yet released a reopening date for the shop. This experience recreates the Ollivander’s scene from the Harry Potter movies, where one lucky visitor gets the chance to have a wand choose them. ©Universal Also note that the following closures are also still happening in Universal Islands of Adventure: Jurassic Park River Adventure is closed through November 19th Hogwarts Express is closed through February 23rd Hogwarts Express in Universal’s Islands of Adventure We’ll keep an eye out for more closures and reopenings, so stay tuned to DFB for more. EVERYTHING You Can See, Do, Drink, and Eat at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration  DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Will this affect your upcoming Universal Orlando vacation? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There are lots of “Disney essentials” online. Some go viral, but just because it’s viral doesn’t mean it actually works. VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer That’s why our team tests hundreds of Disney park products a year, so we know what actually works well and is worth the money! When my team dropped this new “Disney essential,” I honestly rolled my eyes. It turns out I owe them an apology. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. I am very particular about my Disney World essentials. They can make or break my park days, so yes, it’s very serious. When trekking through the heat, potential downpours, and crowds, I only want things in my bag that will actually help me and not just weigh me down. I really wasn’t sure about this Disney essential when my team dropped it online, but I was proven wrong! VentaPak Backpack Spacer VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer This is the VentakPak backpack spacer. You attach the spacer to the straps of your backpack to help support ventilation between your back and the bag during your park days. I really wasn’t sure if this would actually work, but after months of testing, the entire team agrees that this thing really works! Backpack spacer It might not look like this creates substantial space, but it really has made a difference during the hottest theme park days. This spacer has helped to create an airflow between my sweaty back and heavy backpack that is sorely needed! This helps save my clothes from becoming salty and stiff. It also makes sure that my bag doesn’t absorb said sweat, which can lead to mold and smells. VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer Not only does it help keep me cool, but it also helps to redistribute the weight of the items in my bag, which I didn’t expect! Not only did it help me avoid sweat, but it also helped with my back pain at the end of the park day. I recently took it off of my bag and noticed a big difference. VentaPak in Disney World If you have back problems, carry a lot in your bag, or seriously hate feeling extra sticky and sweaty in the theme parks, this is a true essential for you! To my team who I rolled my eyes at, I have never been so happy to have been proven wrong. Shop on Amazon Be sure to stick around because the team is always testing new park products, so we know if they truly work! Keep following DFB for a breakdown of our full reviews, recommendations, and more. View the full article

We BLINKED and suddenly Disney World’s restaurants were COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Cake Bake Shop So GET READY for a round-up of the LATEST changes – including the good, the REALLY good, the slightly upsetting, and the TOTALLY unexpected. Check out our video below: Surprising NEW Disney World Restaurant Changes 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

Today, we’re answering one of the most common questions people search online before going to Disney World. Magic Kingdom No, it’s not the cost of park tickets or how Lightning Lanes work. It’s not even what time the fireworks show in Magic Kingdom. The question we’re discussing today has everything to do with FOOD. And more importantly, can you bring food into Disney World? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Can You Bring Food to Disney World? The short answer to this question is a resounding yes! But it goes a little bit deeper than that. If you want to bring things like snacks, bottled beverages, breakfast items for your hotel room, and a variety of other eats and drinks, you’re welcome to do so. You can bring snacks in your park bag! You can have food and drinks in your hotel room as well as in your park bag for your theme park days. However, there are some more specific rules we need to go over to truly answer this question. How Can You Carry That Food? There are a couple of restrictions for transporting your food listed in the Disney World Resort rules. First, no glass containers are allowed outside of the Disney Resort hotels, excluding small containers such as baby food jars. Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney World Suitcases, bags, coolers, or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high, are not permitted in the theme parks or water parks. You also can’t have loose or dry ice in these containers — reusable ice packs are suggested instead. Fantasia convertible Loungefly Need suggestions for coolers or cooler backpacks to use? This Double Decker Backpack Cooler is designed to keep cans cold for up to 24 hours. It’s waterproof and leak-proof. ©Amazon It can hold 36 cans and 12 ice packs. It also comes with adjustable backpack straps for easy carrying. Great for packing a whole lunch! VIEW ON AMAZON HERE Or, if you’d prefer a more traditional cooler option, you could go with the Amazon Basics Soft Insulated Cooler. This one is 40 liters and can carry up to 50 cans. That’s a lot of storage! ©Amazon It can be folded flat for easy storage in your hotel room, and it’s designed with leak-proof insulation. VIEW ON AMAZON HERE Which Food and Drink Items Are Prohibited? When it comes to food and beverage options, there are some items that are prohibited. You can’t bring in alcoholic beverages, except at the Disney Resorts. Wine may be brought into Disney Springs to be consumed at select table service restaurants only; corkage fees apply — check the Disney World website for more information. Pinot Noir Marijuana, including marijuana enriched products, as well as any illegal substances, are prohibited. Tips for Storing Food at Your Hotel One great way to get some snacks and beverages while on your vacation is through grocery delivery. There are a few different grocery delivery services available in the Disney World area, and you can compare pricing ahead of time if you know the delivery address for your hotel. Grocery orders will be dropped off at Bell Services, where there is refrigerator storage. However, because storage capacity is limited, it’s important that you pick up your order promptly after it’s delivered. ©Amazon The other important thing to note about food storage is whether your hotel room has a real refrigerator or a beverage cooler. The following Disney Resort hotels come equipped with a small in-room beverage cooler: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Duo Studio rooms Disney’s Pop Century Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Disney’s Riviera Resort – Tower Studio rooms Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Beverage Cooler Villas at Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels come equipped with an in-room refrigerator, including: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Resort The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort Cooper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort – Villas and Deluxe Studio rooms Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Appliances in the Fort Wilderness cabins Knowing the food guidelines for Disney World can be particularly helpful if you have a picky eater, someone with dietary restrictions, or if you want to save money by packing your own eats. Follow all these rules, and you’ll have smooth sailing! For more Disney World tips, subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel for the latest! Here Are 9 Disney World Rules You Can’t Ignore Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever brought food to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Elon Musk’s tunneling firm The Boring Company was tapped Wednesday to plow connections among Universal’s Orlando theme parks. The board of the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District, a special purpose district encompassing Universal properties, voted to begin contract negotiations with Musk’s firm to design and build the infrastructure improvements, following a monthslong competition. The Boring Company was one of three bidders, alongside V2R and Sunshine Connection Partners. It is best known for its expertise in underground tunnels, having dug the “Vegas Loop” transportation network in Las Vegas, Nevada. A system of tunnels linking Universal’s popular properties could be as iconic in the 21st century as Disney World’s monorails were in the 20th century. But little is known about how The Boring Company intends to proceed, including how it might approach constructing tunnels given Florida’s shallow water table. The district sought bids from companies to design and build an innovative transportation system to provide connectivity between Universal’s parks and other assets. The idea was to link the parks, including the popular new tourist draw, Epic Universe, to City Walk and Universal-owned hotels, according to Brian Gettinger, an executive for transit company Glydways, which helped Sunshine Connection Partners make its bid. The district did not specifically define a mode of transportation. But The Boring Company, founded and owned by tech billionaire Musk, who also owns SpaceX, digs tunnels, and Gettinger said he assumes that will be their approach. The district board said it found the company to have made the most qualified proposal of the bidders. “Board members determined that The Boring Company’s proposal best addressed the District’s request for an innovative, future-ready, point-to-point solution,” the district said in a statement announcing the decision. “The District will now continue collaborating with local stakeholders while exploring the operational and financial feasibility of the preferred proposal.” The announcement posted on the district’s website made no mention of tunnels. The district did not immediately respond to a request Wednesday evening for copies of the proposals made by The Boring Company and its competitors. Nor has it responded to a public records request submitted by the Orlando Sentinel in December. Sunshine Connection Partners proposed an above ground, dedicated light rail system for “high capacity people movement” between Universal properties, said Gettinger. He said he was disappointed not to be the first choice, but offered praise nonetheless for Universal’s plan. “I think Universal/Shingle Creek deserves a lot of credit for considering alternative transportation technologies that are more cost effective,” he said. “All three teams that responded offered innovative, 21st Century solutions. They’re all different but they’re all in that transformative bucket.” The Boring Company’s website says its mission is to build transportation, utility, and freight tunnels to solve traffic and allow rapid point-to-point transportation. The Vegas Loop has already transported more than 3 million passengers through 8 stations, according to the site. However, it is not a true mass transit system, using Tesla Model Y cars to transport passengers through its below- and above-ground network. View the full article