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Walt Disney World has confirmed that its Frozen Ever After ride will reopen at Epcot on Feb. 12, sporting familiar (but updated) faces on the key animatronic figures of Elsa, Anna and Kristoff. The attraction has been closed since Jan. 26, and the effects area are currently being tested in anticipation of their debuts. “I was in awe and got chills seeing Elsa, because it’s literally like she stepped off the screen and it’s standing in front of you now. You will notice the improvement,” said Ken Ricci, executive creative development. He oversees show quality for Imagineering at Walt Disney World. The change for the heads of three of the attraction’s figures comes with advancements in technology, he said. “This is a more lifelike articulated head that has a silicone skin,” Ricci said. In the past, their faces were created with projections. “The technology advanced, and there was opportunity to improve the quality of the show and the guest experience,” he said. “As we saw these figures progress for [Disney parks in] Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong, we saw that as an opportunity to leverage that technology for Walt Disney World.” The look of the new figures is similar to the Tiana figure in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Magic Kingdom ride that opened in 2024 as a replacement for Splash Mountain, he said. There have been several animatronic developments at Disney World lately. A Clawhauser figure fronts the new “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a new figure has been revealed for the renovation of Magic Kingdom’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin ride. An animatronic version of Scooter has been announced for the upcoming Muppet makeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Frozen Ever After opened in the Epcot’s Norway pavilion in 2016. It is a remodeled version of the Maelstrom boat ride that opened in 1988 and closed in October 2014. The updating of the show control system was done while Epcot was closed, Ricci said. “Then we literally had to modify the figures’ necks to accept the change in the heads. And that took a few days, but we did a lot of pre-planning with technology and software to make sure that we were ready to port over these figures,” he said. The reopened ride maintains the same experience and story as before, echoing some themes and scenes from the 2013 animated film. “Anytime an attraction goes down, we take an opportunity to freshen up what we can,” Ricci said. “So, we touched up a lot and some show lighting so it should look refreshed.” Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

There are plenty of days when you should happily rope drop a Disney World theme park, stack Lightning Lane reservations, and bask in the awe of a brilliant fireworks show. But every once in a while, Disney Springs calls our name, and we won’t resist the urge to listen. Disney Springs Sometimes, the best Disney World day isn’t spent at the parks, but rather shopping and dining to your heart’s content in Disney Springs. This is especially true in 2026, since there will be several days — including three I’m super hyped for — that will demand attention from Disney fans around the world. Let’s talk about them! The Day Six Ravens Opens When a new big-time restaurant opens at Disney Springs, it changes the entire energy of the shopping, dining, and entertainment district — and Six Ravens is exactly that kind of opening. ©Six Ravens Created by the folks at Gideon’s Bakehouse, Six Ravens will open in The Landing, just a few doors down. The menu will feature exciting offerings like hand pies (that Six Ravens calls Coffyns) — housemade yeast rolls (complete with fillings created in partnership with other Central Florida chefs), and other items in a partnership with The Polite Pig. ©Six Ravens The restaurant will open later this year — and an opening date has yet to be announced — but there’s no doubt it’ll be buzzing with excitement. We’ll be there and covering the progress of this restaurant every step of the way! The First Day of the Holiday Season The first official day of Disney’s holiday season is extra special. While most people opt to visit the parks, there are plenty of perks to heading to Disney Springs instead. Disney Springs For starters, the parks can be slammed, and if you want to avoid crowds but still embrace the holiday spirit, Disney Springs will give you that opportunity. That first day is when decorations go up overnight, holiday menus quietly appear, and seasonal entertainment starts rolling out. Honestly, Disney Springs absolutely shines during the holiday season. Christmas Tree Stroll You get the Christmas Tree Stroll, specialty drinks, limited-time treats, live music, and way more room to breathe than you’ll find in the parks. It’s cozy, atmospheric, and it actually lets you enjoy the start of the holidays instead of surviving them. You have to come back at night An official date to the start of the holiday season has yet to be announced, but sometime around November 6th is a good guess if you’re in the early stages of planning. We’ll let you know when an official date is revealed. The Day Level99 Opens Level99 is one of those additions that instantly redefines what a Disney Springs day can be. LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience that serves as a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults –featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. Future location of LEVEL99 Found on the West Side of Disney Springs, this new offering will occupy over 45,000 square feet in a two-story space and will feature dining with a chef-crafted menu — including LEVEL99’s award-winning, Detroit-style pizza! Full spread at LEVEL99 at Natick, Massachusetts Trying to squeeze Level99 into a park day will be a rookie mistake. This is something you plan your day around, as you’ll want to explore, take breaks, grab food, and get the full experience. An opening date has yet to be announced, but Disney World revealed that this new dining and gaming experience is expected to open in 2026. ©LEVEL99 Disney Springs isn’t just a backup plan anymore — it’s a destination. In 2026, you’ll have plenty of reasons to make it a priority. Which Disney Springs offering are you most looking forward to in 2026? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World tips and updates! 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 What are your favorite ways to spend a day in Disney Springs? Lets us know in the comments! View the full article

We know, we know, it’s pretty exciting seeing Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, make the move to becoming the next CEO of the company and taking over after Bob Iger steps down on March 18th. D’Amaro is a parks guy, after all, and we all LOVE Disney Parks. Magic Kingdom Well, we know a new CEO could mean BIG changes for the company, including the direction the company takes moving forward with all of its business ventures, including Disney Parks, but y’all, we hate to say this, but we think some Disney fans have some unrealistic expectations of what D’Amaro as Disney’s new CEO can and will do. When we posted the news to Instagram about Disney’s new CEO, we got a lot of comments from Disney fans who have a lot of big requests for perks to return to the parks. Many of these perks went away in 2020 and have not come back to Disney World since. So many fans mentioned FastPasses, Magical Express, and even DinoLand, U.S.A. There was even a mention of that Ben Solo movie that many Star Wars fans are obsessed with. No more DinoLand! But these requests just aren’t realistic. Let’s take a look at free FastPasses. When Disney introduced the paid Genie+ service, which morphed into Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, it started raking in the $$$ as guests started paying to skip the standby lines in Disney World and Disneyland. Why would a company get rid of something that’s obviously bringing in the dough? Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane Then there’s Magical Express. Don’t get me wrong…I would LOVE to see the return of Magical Express, but Disney fans have been doing fine without it since 2020. The Mears Connect shuttle service is basically the same thing, except now you have to pay Mears for the service. It’s one less headache Disney has to deal with. Mears Connect at Orlando International Airport The DinoLand U.S.A. mention, well, Disney has already started on the new land replacing it, Pueblo Esperanza, and there is no way the company would halt construction and rebuild everything it’s already destroyed. So sorry about that, DinoLand fans. We know, we know, Disney fans hate change, although it’s literally what Walt Disney said he wanted for the parks. DINOSAUR is gone, y’all However, it’s even more important to point out that D’Amaro was in charge of the parks when all of these changes were made. He approved of getting rid of free FastPasses and charging for the various Lightning Lane services. He also approved of the removal of Magical Express for Disney World hotel guests. He would certainly have approved of the destruction of DinoLand U.S.A. So, all these decisions Disney fans want reversed? Well, it’s likely the guy who approved them isn’t going to change his mind. Josh D’Amaro at SXSW 2023 ©Disney But let’s take a look at other things he approved. First, Magic Kingdom is getting a massive expansion AND a new land for the first time in, well, FOREVER. Cars fans on the East Coast will finally get their very own Cars-themed rides, while Villains fans are getting the land they’ve been demanding for YEARS. Three Magic Kingdom rides will even be getting big upgrades. ©Disney But there’s more: Animation Courtyard is getting an update that takes it back to its Studios roots, while a new Monsters, Inc. land is on the way, featuring a ride that Monsters, Inc. fans have been demanding since the first film came out. Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally got an update to the old “It’s Tough To Be a Bug” show (and yes, it needed it), while the new land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. will be bringing an Encanto ride and an Indiana Jones ride. That’s A LOT. Pueblo Esperanza model Even Disneyland is getting some new things, including an expansion to Avengers Campus, an Avatar-themed land, and the first-ever Coco ride. The U.S. parks haven’t seen this kind of attention in a LONG time, and all of this was also done under D’Amaro’s eye while he ruled over just the parks. That means we might see the parks getting even MORE love and attention with the new CEO being so focused on them. ©Disney And, well, as to The Hunt for Ben Solo movie, I’m not the kind of person who “never says never,” but that film was scrapped, and we rarely see scrapped films brought back from the proverbial dead. Ben Solo is one with the Force now, y’all, and that’s okay. But who knows? Maybe the two new Co-heads of Lucasfilm will bring the Ben Solo movie back from the dead, and D’Amaro will okay it. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. “Of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders.” Josh D’Amaro Comments On Becoming Disney’s Next CEO 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? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’ve ever been to Disney World’s dining and shopping district, Disney Springs, you know that the number of options for places to eat is almost overwhelming. There are tons of delicious spots with different offerings, but we seriously think there is one that everyone needs to check out at least once! City Works Eatery and Pour House We recently went to City Works at Disney Springs, not only because it’s an underrated spot, but because they just got a NEW menu! We had to go and check it out, and ended up grabbing three of their many new menu items. Now, we’re bringing you our full review. City Works is located on the far West Side of Disney Springs, right near the M&M Store and Cirque de Soleil. The place is very similar to your usual sports bar and restaurant. It offers a chill atmosphere and lots of TVs to catch the game. Inside City Works! The place offers classic American food, including things like burgers, wings, and flatbreads. City Works also offers 80 beers on tap, including rare tappings. Its full bar also features specialty cocktails, wines, whiskeys, and more. However, what we really came for was some of their brand-new menu items! The menu! First, we grabbed the Blackened Chicken Caesar Wrap for $19.45. The wrap had blackened chicken, romaine, crouton crumble, parmesan, and ceaser dressing in a flour tortilla. This was DELICIOUS! The wrap is super moist, like not even a little dry. So, it’s super easy to put down (we ate it pretty fast). Blackened Chicken Ceaser Wrap The chicken was perfectly seasoned — it wasn’t overly spiced, but it wasn’t bland. The tortilla tasted really good as well, and it was crazy soft. The lettuce gave it this freshness, while adding a great crunch. The contrast between the crunchiness of the lettuce, the softness of the tortilla, and the chicken was a great mix. The wrap is so delicious! There wasn’t too much dressing in this, which we really appreciated, but it was enough to make it a good, moist wrap. We’re giving this a 10 out of 10, and would 100% recommend it. We also got fries as the side, and they were really good. They’re a little bit spicy, so just be aware. The waiter said that they’re known for their fries here, and we can see why. This was amazing After that, we tried the Grilled Lemon Seared Salmon for $33.95. This dish had grilled salmon, mashed potatoes, and grilled broccolini. The salmon was topped with lemon butter sauce and microgreens. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the salmon, it was a little cold. The only reason we’re bringing that up is that it was delicious despite it being a little cold, and normally we wouldn’t want to eat it cold, so that’s why we could tell it was just that good. Grilled Lemon Seared Salmon The lemon drizzle on the salmon and the sauce give it such a delicious taste. It gives it a little bit of a sweet and sour mixture. The salmon is super soft, super easy to cut into, bite, and eat. This is also seasoned very well. This restaurant just does a great job in terms of seasoning. So tasty! The mashed potatoes were also great, seasoned well, super soft, super fluffy, exactly how you’d want your mashed potatoes to be. The broccolini was grilled, and it had this barbecue taste to it. This dish we’d also highly recommend! Everything with this dish is just super flavorful; it tastes like it came right off the barbecue. Ugh…it’s so dang GOOD! Lastly, we grabbed the Shareable Trio for $23.95. The trio included pretzel bites with beer cheese sauce, queso dip with chorizo and Fresno chillies, and southern-fried popcorn chicken with ranch dressing. Let’s go into everything one at a time! Shareable Trio Starting with the Queso! We don’t wanna sound like a broken record, but just another delicious item at this restaurant. The chips are homemade, and the queso has chorizo and Fresno chillies in it. IT’S SO GOOD! The queso The chorizo adds a nice flavor, the queso is super creamy and soft, and the chillies give it a little bit of a kick to it. We had to get more chips, just so we could have more of the queso! We would honestly get the trio for this alone. Also, the homemade chips definitely make it fresher. Yep, we’re getting this again! Next, let’s talk about the Pretzel Bites! The pretzels aren’t overly salty, which is usually our number one biggest judgment on them. The cheese that comes with it is pretty hard and pretty thick, so the pretzels all stuck together pretty fast. Pretzel Bites We had to get extra cheese on the side to dip the pretzels into. We would definitely recommend dipping the pretzel bites into the cheese sauce on the side, rather than getting them drizzled with it. The pretzels were good Otherwise, they’re a little bit dry, but a good addition to the trio. The pretzels and the cheese getting hard is really only something to worry about if you let them sit for too long; otherwise, they’ll be fine. They’re a good addition Finally, the Southern-Fried Popcorn Chicken! We expected the popcorn chicken to be our favourite of the trio, but weirdly, it was our least favourite of the trio. The popcorn chicken was soft, but a little too soft. We expect a crunch when it has a breaded coating, so it threw us off a little bit. Popcorn Chicken The chicken was also underseasoned and a little dry. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just that we’ve had better. Out of everything here, it was at the bottom. There is ranch dressing to help make it less dry. The popcorn chicken was fine Overall, we’re giving this new menu a 10/10, and we’ll definitely be back to try some more (and get the same stuff). The atmosphere and service here are great as well, so make sure you stop by the next time you’re at Disney Springs. For more food reviews, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We have some Universal Orlando news! Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park, is going cashless at the end of this month. The water park will no longer accept cash transactions and will exclusively take credit, debit, or gift card transactions. Volcano Bay This move will not affect the Universal Orlando theme parks — for now. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe will still accept cash for payment for the time being. If you’re headed to Volcano Bay soon, here’s everything you need to know! ​​ Starting on February 25th, 2026, all locations at Volcano Bay will no longer accept cash transactions. This includes all dining, shopping, locker rentals, and photo purchases inside the water park. Guests who bring cash will be required to use Cash-to-Card Kiosks to load their funds onto a Visa Prepaid card, which can be used inside the park, plus anywhere major credit or debit cards are accepted. Volcano Bay Currently, Volcano Bay accepts the following cashless forms of payment: credit or debit cards by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay Universal Pay Universal Gift Cards Visa Prepaid cards View from the beach! The move to a cashless system will create a more seamless experience for guests, according to Universal Orlando Resort. Cash likely isn’t a very popular form of payment at a water park, so this move will streamline operations for cashiers there. Volcano Bay Entrance In other Volcano Bay news, the water park will be closed starting October 26th, 2026, with a current planned reopening on or before March 24th, 2027. The closure is for a seasonal refurbishment and maintenance to upgrade the park’s infrastructure. It will improve the park’s wave pools and ride launches, plus its water filtration and technical systems. Volcano Bay Nights We’re so excited to see Volcano Bay’s new upgrades next year. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park updates! Universal Orlando Announces NEW Fast & Furious Roller Coaster Coming in 2027 Will you be going to Volcano Bay soon? Comment below! View the full article

We don’t want to sound alarmist, but we think EPCOT is going to be a LOT busier in 2026. EPCOT A lot of people are booking those Disney World trips right now, thanks to some pretty great deals and discounts Disney recently dropped. That means that things are going to be busy throughout all four parks and Disney Springs. However, we have some reasons as to why EPCOT might be the most popular. Yes, for once, EPCOT might be Disney World’s most visited park (and y’all, we’re seriously here for it). So why do we think EPCOT is about to get more crowded? Well, we have our reasons. Let’s chat about it. People are skipping the other parks Now, it’s not usual for Disney World visitors to skip the other three parks just to visit EPCOT, but in 2026, EPCOT is the ONLY park that doesn’t have major construction going on. That means there’s more to do in EPCOT, but there’s also more space to walk around. Magic Kingdom has construction walls around what used to be Rivers of America, while Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are closed for updates. Plus, there’s more construction on a Villains Land happening behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. EPCOT remains mostly construction-free Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed down Muppets Courtyard to build a new Monsters, Inc. land, and Animation Courtyard is closed to be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios. DinoLand U.S.A. has closed in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to make way for a new land there, Pueblo Esperanza. That means all these parks have a lot of construction sights and noises. Meanwhile, EPCOT is pretty much done with major construction, making it a more enticing park to visit. New Frozen Ever After Animatronics Frozen Ever After is closed to make way for a big update. The projections on the characters in the ride will be replaced with animatronics similar to the ones in the Frozen rides in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Disney fans have been excited about this update, so when the ride reopens (which will happen soon), there will be a lot of people visiting EPCOT to check out the ride. Elsa in Frozen Ever After in EPCOT That means you can probably expect longer lines for Frozen Ever After, at least for a while after it reopens. This was a change many Disney fans are loving, and we have a feeling they’ll be riding it over and over. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure updates Another ride in EPCOT recently got an update. The 3D part of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has been replaced, and now the ride is all 2D, no 3D glasses needed. I, for one, welcome this update because the 3D version of the ride gave me serious motion sickness, unlike any other ride in Disney World! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure A lot of fans are like me and are excited about this update and being able to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure without the need to take Dramamine first. So you can expect to see some long lines at that ride for a little while longer. GoofyCore returning to Cool Kid Summer Disney World is bringing back Cool Kid Summer this summer, and that includes GoofyCore, an experience at CommuniCore Hall (which will be renamed GoofyCore). Inside, you’ll find games, DJs, entertainment, and Goofy ready to play with anyone who stops by to visit. LOTS of fun here! There’s even a themed food both in GoofyCore. This was such a popular offering last year, and with it returning, we can expect a lot of folks, especially those with kids, to flock to EPCOT to hang out and play with Goofy in an air-conditioned space. Cheaper concerts If you’ve looked at the price of concert tickets recently, you’ve probably had some sticker shock. Those prices keep going up, too. However, you can buy a ticket to EPCOT during the festivals and see your favorite band perform for a lot less money, AND get the opportunity to try some fun food and enjoy some festival-themed entertainment. Berlin at Garden Rocks 2023 EPCOT gets some pretty popular bands, too. The EPCOT Festival of the Arts features Disney on Broadway for Broadway fans, while the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is bringing in bands like Simple Plan, Sugar Ray, 38 Special, Air Supply, Queensrÿche, and more. You can also catch a concert series at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, while you can see celebrities narrate the story of Christmas at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. It’s the best park Okay, so we’re half serious here (okay, we’re lying, we are serious)…EPCOT is the best park. Isn’t it funny that when you’re a little kid, EPCOT is the park where you’re just like meh about it, and then as an adult, it literally becomes your absolute favorite place to be in Disney World? First, you’ve got amazing food from ALL over the world in EPCOT. You can drink your way around World Showcase. Then there are the festivals with even MORE amazing food and drinks, along with themed entertainment and activities. EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion Plus, where else are you going to learn about the history of communication (thank the Phoenicians) or take a chaotic ride with the Guardians of the Galaxy? Then there’s just visiting each World Showcase Pavilion…every country is unique with incredible theming…and SHOPS! EPCOT is one of the best parks, and we think folks are figuring that out. EPCOT is the best So, yes, we think EPCOT is about to become super popular in 2026, and that means more people in the park. But more people in EPCOT isn’t necessarily a bad thing. EPCOT is nice and spread out, which helps keep it from feeling super crowded in most spaces. And if more people visit EPCOT this year, maybe Disney will take a hint and add even more entertainment and activities to the park, and dare we say…bring back festival seminars and demonstrations to the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival (seriously, we’re still waiting for those to return). CONFIRMED: 3 EPCOT World Showcase Rules Disney World Is Enforcing in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Do you think you’ll see more people in EPCOT this year? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

On Valentine’s Day, love is an open door at Walt Disney World Resort, where enchanting, heart‑fluttering moments help celebrate those who, as Olaf says, “are worth melting for.” It’s time to plan a dreamy date night, a Galentine’s getaway, or a pixie‑dusted self‑care day, because the Most Magical Place On Earth is filled with heart‑shaped surprises waiting just for you. Magical Offers Made for a Valentine’s Getaway Save on select Theme Park tickets and Disney Resorts Collection stays—more reasons to love your getaway. In 2026, enjoy a FREE dining plan for kids 3–9 when you book a package with a dining plan for guests 10+ at Disney Resorts Collection hotels, adding extra value. Find all available offers in one happy place at DisneyWorld.com/offers to plan a trip full of heart-warming moments and unforgettable memories. Sweet Style: New Seasons of Love Collection Disney Style fans, you’ll fall head over heels for the new Seasons of Love Collection. From adorable accessories to pink‑and‑red Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs, this limited‑edition lineup is perfect for adding a festive touch to your day. And yes, there are new Valentine’s Day ears you’ll want in every photo. Fall in Love with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts At EPCOT, you can stroll hand‑in‑hand (or snack‑in‑hand!) through the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Explore colorful art, taste imaginative festival dishes, and capture whimsical photos around World Showcase. When evening arrives, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series fills the park with soaring Disney melodies, a perfect Valentine‑worthy soundtrack. Indulge in Heart‑Shaped, Love‑Themed Treats If your love language is dessert, you’re in for a heart‑melting season of sweetness. For a limited time, sweet shops and quick‑service locations across Disney World are serving up an irresistible lineup of Valentine‑themed treats. At Disney Springs, you’ll find brand new delights such as the Be Mine Éclair at Amorette’s Patisserie and the new Chocolate‑Strawberry Bar Box, along with the new Valentine’s Morello Cherry Sundae at The Ganachery. Around the parks and resorts, favorites such as the new Berry in Love Beignets at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and the returning Chocolate‑covered Strawberry Lunch Box Tart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios add even more ways to celebrate. For more seasonal sweets, check out Disney Eats on Instagram. Sip, Savor, and Say “Be Mine” at Theme Park Lounges Lounge hop your way around Walt Disney World theme parks, from the globetrotting charm of Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to the out‑of‑this‑galaxy fun of Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or chart a course for Disney Springs, where Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar serves adventurous sips in vintage style. Feel the love all year long at two brand‑new hideaways perfect for clinking glasses and soaking in the moment. Set sail for pirate‑themed, family‑friendly adventures at The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom or toast to a little romance and refinement at GEO‑82 at EPCOT, an elegant, adults‑only escape. Advance dining reservations are recommended. With family‑friendly options plus plenty of delightful non‑alcoholic sips and delicious bites, these lounges offer a magical way to raise a glass to love that goes to infinity and beyond! Romantic Rides, Skyliner Sunsets, and Waterfront Moments Even getting around Disney World feels magical at this time of year. Float above the treetops aboard the Disney Skyliner at sunset, drift across shimmering water on a ferry or water taxi, or clip-clop along on a horse-drawn carriage as you fall a little more in love with every moment. For an unforgettable night, you can book a private fireworks cruise or take a vintage Amphicar Tour at The BOATHOUSE for a one‑of‑a‑kind Disney date. Enchanting Indulgences Sprinkle a little extra pampering into your Valentine’s Day, Walt Disney World has you covered with experiences that feel straight out of a fairy tale. Cozy up with a Cupid’s Touch Massage for Two at The Grand Floridian Spa — complete with dreamy scents like chocolate or champagne rose and a decadent chocolate foot treatment that’s almost too sweet to believe. Over at Disney Springs, Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil and Disney dazzles with high‑flying artistry and heart‑tugging moments that make for a perfect date night. And if your idea of romance is an adventure, Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park lets you explore sweeping savanna views on a private safari, complete with flavorful bites and beverages inspired by Africa. It’s your chance to make magical memories that add sparkle to Valentine’s Day and every day in between. End the Night with a Little Fireworks Romance There’s no better way to wrap up your Valentine’s celebration than with a Disney nighttime spectacular. Watch “Happily Ever After” illuminate Magic Kingdom Park, experience the beauty of “Luminous The Symphony of Us” at EPCOT or dazzle your date at the nighttime musical spectacular, “Fantasmic!,” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Capture the Love with Valentine’s Day-themed Magic Shots Don’t forget to capture any of these moments with a Valentine’s Day-themed Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass, the perfect keepsake from your magical day. The limited-time photo effects, including Valentine’s Day balloons and confetti hearts, feature a special seasonal twist on standard Magic Shot offerings. For an extra-special keepsake, reserve a personalized 20‑minute photo session to commemorate your day. For even more ways to celebrate the season, you can discover the latest Valentine’s Day offerings and experiences at DisneyWorld.com. We Ate: Our Artists Critique Opening Bites at EPCOT READ MORE New 2026 Disney World Merchandise READ MORE EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Dates and Offerings READ MORE The post Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World: Sweet Treats and Magical Moments appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you’ve ever visited Disney World (and even if you have not), you’ll know that the most iconic thing you can see there is Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. The castle is ICONIC, and is probably one of the most popular spots in all of Disney World for photos. ©Disney Well, Cinderella Castle is currently getting repainted from its current pink color scheme to its original silver and white hues. However, if you love the pink castle, you don’t have to let go of it just yet. That’s because Loungefly just dropped a new Cinderella Castle Loungefly that will let you keep those pink castle memories FOREVER. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Cinderella Castle Light-Up Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Disney This gorgeous Loungefly has Cinderella Castle on it front and center, complete with its pink, silver, and blue hues. It has a beautiful appliqué of the castle on it. Of course, we can’t forget the fireworks that happen every night over the castle, so the bag also lights up to showcase those fireworks in a variety of spectacular colors. ©Disney The bag also features blue straps and the Walt Disney World logo surrounded by fireworks on the back. ©Diisney The inside lining also features the Walt Disney World logo with a pattern of fireworks. ©Disney There’s a front zip compartment with a battery pack inside with a switch to turn the lights on or off. The fireworks also pulse, flash, and fade. Buy at The 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

There is nothing quite like realizing you forgot something important for Disney World when you are already packing the night before your trip. Owala Water Bottle Buying Disney World essentials on Amazon has become the go-to move for a lot of travelers, especially as prices in the parks keep climbing. The tricky part is that not every Amazon deal is actually a good Disney deal. These unwritten rules can help you save money, avoid rookie mistakes, and show up to the parks feeling way more prepared than stressed. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Rule #1: If Disney Sells It, You Should Probably Buy It Before You Go Disney is amazing at a lot of things, but affordable necessities are not one of them. Items like ponchos, sunscreen, cooling towels, and bottled water cost significantly more once you are inside the parks. Sunscreen in Disney Springs Amazon lets you grab the same things ahead of time for less, and usually in better quality. Buying before your trip also means you are not wasting precious park time hunting for basics when you could be riding rides or eating snacks. Rule #2: Multipacks Are Your Best Friend Florida weather is unpredictable, and Disney days are long. That means one poncho and one portable charger are rarely enough. FuelRods Multipacks are almost always cheaper per item, and they save you when something gets soaked, lost, or stops working halfway through the day. This especially applies to ponchos, blister bandages, sunscreen sticks, and portable fans. It also definitely applies to your portable chargers, and you can get the FuelRod USB-C Portable Charger Kit, which comes with 2 FuelRods for about the same price as 1 in the parks. FuelRod chargers The kit comes with two chargers and all the cables you’ll need, including USB-C. Also, when one dies, you can exchange it for a fully charged one at a kiosk in the parks. View on Amazon Rule #3: Prioritize Comfort Over Cute We get it. Matching outfits and fun accessories are part of the magic. But comfort is what gets you through a twelve-hour park day without wanting to leave early. Cooling towels On Amazon, focus first on breathable clothing, supportive shoes, anti-chafe products, and cooling gear. You can always add the cute stuff later, but comfort is what keeps a great day from turning into a miserable one. Rule #4: Buy With the Weather in Mind First No matter when you visit, heat and rain should be part of your planning. Amazon has endless options for handheld fans, cooling towels, waterproof bags, and rain gear. Even winter trips can feel hot once you are walking miles a day. JISULIFE handheld fan If you have to choose between a trendy accessory and something that protects you from heat or rain, always choose the practical option. Speaking of which, if you want something that pulls double duty, you’ll want to check out the BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella! BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella Not only is it the perfect size for your park bag, but it’s also great for Florida’s sudden showers, AND it’s great protection against the UV rays. We’ve got firsthand experience with how much better it feels under this umbrella during those hot days. We think you’ll be really happy you brought this with you. View on Amazon Rule #5: Buy Items That Work Beyond Disney The best Disney essentials are things you will use again. Reusable water bottles, travel organizers, charging stations, and toiletry bags can all become regular travel staples. Owala Rapunzel Water Bottle When shopping on Amazon, look for items that make sense for more than just one trip. It makes the purchase feel a lot more worth it. 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

STOP right there if you’re in the market for some stylish new running shoes! ©Brooks/Disney Disney and Brooks running shoes have teamed up on some brand new designs that marry the magic of Disney’s iconic characters with Brooks’ industry-leading athletic equipment, and you can access them EARLY! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Sign up HERE to get early access to these shoes! Mickey Mouse Brooks Running Shoes ©Brooks/Disney This first pair will have you feeling like the big cheese thanks to their black, yellow, and red color scheme, which channels a certain Mr. Mouse to a tee. This limited edition design also features a tufted Mickey Mouse silhouette on the heel and even Mickey’s signature. SHOP HERE Chip & Dale Brooks Running Shoes ©Brooks/Disney A pair of shoes and a pair of chipmunks! One shoe for Chip and one for Dale, can’t beat that. These Ghost 17s feature cushion in the heels and forefoot. SHOP HERE Disneyland Brooks Running Shoes ©Brooks/Disney This special Disneyland Half Marathon design features vivid colors celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the “Happiest Place on Earth.” SHOP HERE Stitch Brooks Running Shoes ©Brooks/Disney You’ll run like a MONSTER in these Stitch Glycerin 22s, complete with Experiment-626 touches including a bright blue hue, bite marks, a faux signature, and even Stitch himself! SHOP HERE runDisney Brooks Running Shoes ©Brooks/Disney This special edition pair of Adrenaline 25s features a “gradient from blue to white across the whole shoe makes a bold splash, while subtle nods to Mickey Mouse and the runDisney motto add magical flair.” SHOP HERE If you want early access to any of these Disney x Brooks designs, all you need to do is sign up NOW! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the best Disney collaborations! View the full article

More updates are coming to Magic Kingdom! The popular theme park has been quite busy lately with tons of updates and new additions. ©Disney The park is currently working on new additions like Piston Peak and Villains Land, while popular attractions like Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are getting some TLC. Now, more updates are on the horizon because a new permit has been filed for a classic Disney attraction. Progress is coming! In a Notice of Commencement, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a new permit for the Carousel of Progress. The notice details work that will take place at 1205 Monorail Way, Bay Lake, FL 32830, which is the home of the attraction. Carousel of Progress The description of improvement details that the work will be to “Install FA/FP systems” at the location. An FA/PA system might sound pretty cool, but in reality, it’s just Fire Alarm and Fire Protection systems. This makes sense because the contractor on the permit is listed as Grunau Fire Protection. The Carousel of Progress The work will be complete by February 5th, 2027, but we would bet it will be done well before then. While this might not be the most exciting update, it does hint at changes coming to the attraction. In August 2025, Disney announced that the Carousel of Progress would be receiving a pretty big update by adding an animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself! The D23 announcement! The animatronic will be in a new opening scene and feature Walt in an outfit he wore in the early 1960s, around the time the ride was being developed and then later debuted. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an animatronic of the creator. Disneyland debuted a new attraction called Walt Disney – A Magical Life that features an animatronic of Walt Disney as well. Walt Disney — A Magical Life So yes, this permit is just for fire systems, but it could hint at more updates and changes coming to the attraction throughout the year. Disney has shared that more news will come regarding these changes in the future, as well as updates to John, Sarah, and the rest of the family featured in the attraction. They haven’t given a timeline on the updates at the time of writing. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more! Why We’re Anxious About the CHANGES Coming to Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom 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 what you think of the changes in the comments! View the full article

While there are many reasons to stay at a Disney World hotel, the exclusive perks that come with booking on-property are often the real game-changer for many guests. Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios One of the biggest advantages Disney hotel guests currently enjoy is early access to Lightning Lane selections. This benefit can dramatically shape your park days before you ever arrive at Disney World. This perk gives Disney resort guests a powerful head start over off-site visitors, especially when it comes to snagging hard-to-get attractions. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, why it matters, and how to use it to your advantage. What Is the Lightning Lane Hotel Perk? Disney World hotel guests can begin pre-selecting Lightning Lane experiences 7 days before the start of their vacation, starting at 7 AM Eastern Time. Even better, you can book Lightning Lanes for the entire length of your resort stay (up to 14 days) all at once. At the 7-day mark, Disney resort guests can pre-book up to three Lightning Lane selections per day while purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass. This allows you to lock in priority access for popular attractions well before you ever set foot in the parks. You can also book your Lightning Lane Single Passes (max 2 per day) and Lightning Lane Premier Pass for your full length of stay as well. Disney’s Riviera Resort In contrast, non-resort guests must wait until 3 days before each individual park day and can only book on a rolling basis. By that point, many of the most in-demand attractions may already be gone or pushed to late return windows. This early booking window is one of the strongest incentives for staying on-property, especially during busy seasons when Lightning Lane availability disappears quickly. Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane Breaking Down Lightning Lane Options Disney World currently offers three different Lightning Lane options, each serving a different purpose. Lightning Lane Multi Pass Multi-Pass allows guests to pre-select three Lightning Lane experiences per day in a single park. After you tap into your first Lightning Lane of the day, you can immediately book another, even in a different park if you have Park Hopper. Lightning Lane Single Pass Single Pass Lightning Lanes are purchased individually and are typically reserved for the most popular attractions in each park. These are not included with Multi Pass and must be purchased separately. Resort guests still benefit here because earlier booking means better return times. Lightning Lane Premier Pass Premier Pass is the most expensive option but includes one Lightning Lane entry for every eligible attraction in a park, without needing to schedule return times. Availability is limited, and resort guests once again get first access. These can sell out, even though they can cost $200+ per person, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas to New Year’s Eve week. Everest Lightning Lane Tiers by Park When booking Lightning Lane Multi Pass, attractions are divided into tiers at certain parks. You can choose one attraction from the top tier and two attractions from the lower tiers. Below are the current tiers, but these are subject to change as rides close and reopen from refurbishment. Be sure to check the MyDisney Experience app for the most up-to-date tiers. Magic Kingdom Tier 1: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Peter Pan’s Flight Jungle Cruise Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Tier 2: The Barnstormer Dumbo the Flying Elephant Haunted Mansion “it’s a small world” Mad Tea Party The Magic Carpets of Aladdin The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mickey’s PhilharMagic Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor Pirates of the Caribbean Tomorrowland Speedway Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid EPCOT Tier 1: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Frozen Ever After Test Track Tier 2: Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival Journey into Imagination with Figment Living with the Land Mission: SPACE The Seas with Nemo & Friends Soarin’ Around the World Spaceship Earth Turtle Talk with Crush Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tier 1: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Slinky Dog Dash Tier 2: Alien Swirling Saucers Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Toy Story Mania! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Understanding these tiers is crucial when planning which attractions to book first. Note that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not broken up by tiers at this time, so you can make any 3 selections. 12 Lightning Lanes That RARELY Sell Out at Disney World Tower of Terror How to Book Your Lightning Lane Selections Now that we’ve covered which Lightning Lane types and the tiers, let’s talk about how to book these. All Lightning Lane bookings are handled through the My Disney Experience app. At exactly 7 AM Eastern, eligible resort guests can begin making their selections. You’ll choose Lightning Lanes day-by-day, starting with your first park day and working forward through your trip. Disney allows you to modify selections later if availability opens up, but the earlier you book, the better your options will be. It’s critical to: Be logged into your My Disney Experience account ahead of time Make sure you are linked to all members of your party Make sure your hotel reservation and park tickets are properly linked Have your park days planned in advance Setting your alarm early and being ready right at 7 AM is essential because availability can disappear within minutes for top-tier attractions. Rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for Multi Pass and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Flight of Passage for Single Pass can fill up quick. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Why Booking Early Is a Huge Advantage The biggest perk of early booking is choice and flexibility. Resort guests often secure earlier return windows, more popular attractions, and better stacking opportunities later in the day. By the time non-resort guests can book, many top attractions may already be unavailable or pushed into the evening. Early booking allows you to build a more efficient park plan with less time spent waiting in standby lines. Flight of Passage Lightning Lane Booking Tips You Need to Know Timing and strategy matter just as much as access. Here are some expert tips to maximize this perk: Book the hardest-to-get Lightning Lanes first. Attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure should always be your priority. Set an alarm and be ready at 7 AM sharp. Availability can disappear in minutes, especially during busy seasons and holidays. Remember the rolling rule. After tapping into your first Lightning Lane of the day, you can immediately book another, even for a different park if you’re hopping, and you can also select another Tier 1 attraction. Be mindful of dining reservations. Disney automatically adds buffer time around dining reservations, which can limit Lightning Lane availability. If a dining reservation isn’t hard to get, consider dropping it temporarily to book your Lightning Lane, then re-book dining later if rides are a higher priority. Stack for the afternoon or evening. If you plan to rope drop, consider booking later Lightning Lanes so you can chain them back-to-back after lunch. Check availability frequently. Modifying Lightning Lanes can sometimes reveal better times as other guests cancel. Test Track With the right strategy, early planning, and a trusty alarm clock, this perk can save you hours of waiting and make your park days significantly smoother. If minimizing stress and maximizing rides is important to you, staying at a Disney World hotel and taking full advantage of this Lightning Lane perk can truly be a game-changer. Expedition Everest The DFB team is in Disney World every day, where we test Lightning Lane strategies and tips to give you the most up-to-date information for your vacation. Be sure to follow DFB for the latest in Disney news and advice. Disney World Just Dropped HUGE Hotel Discounts — Here’s How We’re Budgeting Differently in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you think this hotel perk is worth staying at a Disney resort? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article

Animal Kingdom has been the talk of the town lately! This Disney park has said goodbye to its dinosaurs, which had led to even more construction and changes around the park. New Annual Passholder magnet While it can feel like this park is skippable these days, there is an exclusive group that should be running to Animal Kingdom for a limited time! From now until March 15th, there are 3 things that are going to make this wild park a little sweeter. Now is the time to be an Annual Passholder in Animal Kingdom! The theme park is home to 3 different passholder perks that are giving us new reasons to head to the park while it serves as construction central. The first is one of our favorite returning perks, and that’s a new Annual Passholder Magnet! Nick and Judy! The latest addition to our magnet lineup features Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps standing back to back in their new outfits from Zootopia 2. You can pick up this magnet at Discovery Trading Company for free, but be sure to bring a government ID. You will also need to show your valid Annual Pass on your My Disney Experience App to grab the magnet. Riverside Depot Next up, you can try out the new Carrot Cake Sundae from Terra Treats! For $8.99, you can try this new sweet treat made with vanilla, ice cream, caramel sauce, roasted pecans, and carrot cake crumbs in a waffle bowl topped with birthday cake-flavored shell and chocolate carrot top. The Carrot Cake Sundae We were huge fans of this one! It didn’t have a heavy pecan flavor, but it did have a nice nuttiness to it. The shell was mainly a vanilla flavor, but it wasn’t overly sweet. The carrot cake was easily the star, though, with its amazing spices like cinnamon. You can read our full review right here! Look how delicious! Finally, there’s also a limited-time Passholder Exclusive Photo opportunity. This “paw-some” photo features a larger-than-life Pawpsicle from the Zootopia movies! You can hold up the prop and smile big, just like you’re in the films. The photopass prop! You can find this photo near the Tree of Life sign near Creature Comforts, as you walk towards the Africa section of the park. If you’re really into the Zootopia hype, anyone can check out the brand new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. If you’re still looking for more, you can also meet Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps near the Zoogether show on Discovery Island. Judy and Nick in Animal Kingdom We love these Passholder perks, but they won’t be around for long! They’re available from now until March 15th, 2026, so don’t miss out. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more. Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Program – What You Need 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 Tell us which passholder perk is your favorite in the comments! View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is getting a new CEO, and that appointment could come with some serious changes. Josh D’Amaro at Destination D23, 2023 ©Disney It was recently announced that Josh D’Amaro is set to take over the helm of the company from Bob Iger in March 2026. D’Amaro has been heading up the Disney Experiences branch of the company for a few years now, bringing his expertise and experience with Disney destinations around the globe to his new role. But on a more localized level, how will D’Amaro’s promotion affect Disney World? For a little bit of background on Josh D’Amaro, he first gained a good bit of popularity with Disney fans during his tenure as President of Disneyland Park, followed by his time as President of Walt Disney World Resort. When Bob Chapek was promoted to CEO of The Walt Disney Company, D’Amaro took over his role as Chairman of Disney Experiences. Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Josh D’Amaro at the 2023 Destination D23 fan convention. ©Disney The Disney Experiences division encompasses not only the theme parks worldwide, but also Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, merchandise, retail, and more. As a “parks guy,” many Disney fans have expressed their hope that D’Amaro will be able to “bring back the magic” to Disney World. But will that be able to happen the way they think? Josh D’Amaro at SXSW 2023 ©Disney Deadline notes that Josh D’Amaro will face many challenges as CEO, including many that will require him to turn his focus outside the parks. “Disney’s post-Iger leaders will face a number of headaches, including managing ongoing declines in linear TV, coping with the surging cost of sports rights, and refining the strategy in streaming. During Iger’s first stint as CEO, he spearheaded a number of moves, chief among them the $71.3 billion acquisition of most of 21st Century Fox, as the legacy media player committed to direct-to-consumer streaming.” Josh D’Amaro in EPCOT Some of Iger’s most notorious moves as CEO were acquisitions of other major companies and rights to media giants like Star Wars and Pixar. He then went on to focus a great deal of effort into cultivating those acquisitions — building franchises, putting out new movies, creating new theme park lands, and launching Disney+ to show off the company’s library of content. Now that Disney’s scope has grown, what will D’Amaro do with the array of assets he’s been given to wield? ©Josh D’Amaro Well, in terms of Disney World, one thing we DO know is that D’Amaro and the new chairperson of Disney Experiences (a role that is yet to be filled) will oversee a number of IP-based expansions in the Disney World parks in the coming years. The same fans who grew attached to Disney movies, characters, and franchises under Iger’s tenure will now get the chance to see some of those creations come to life in the parks. ©Disney Tropical Americas in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will bring us the village of Pueblo Esperanza, complete with attractions themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones. The Piston Peak expansion in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom will allow fans to explore the world of Cars on the East Coast. And the Monsters, Inc. movies will be made a reality in Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios. @Disney Beyond that, Villains Land in Magic Kingdom is a long-awaited expansion of the park, featuring some of Disney’s most iconic and most dastardly characters. All these projects have been in development and announced during D’Amaro’s tenure as head of Disney Experiences, and he’ll continue to see them through when he takes the reins as CEO. Villains Land ©Disney It’s hard to say exactly what will happen outside of what has already been revealed, but we do have some sad news for fans who are hoping D’Amaro’s appointment will mean the return of long-lost perks and attractions…it’s probably not going to happen. Just because he “levels up” in terms of leadership doesn’t mean he can magically bring back free FastPasses or Magical Express. The decision to cut those offerings was made during a time when the company needed to recover financially, and returning to the old ways would be a financial detriment. FastPass+ Kiosk that used to be in the park The same goes for old attractions and lands. As much as we’d love to ride DINOSAUR again, a new CEO doesn’t just mean that Disney will cancel plans for changes in the parks. These changes have been underway for a while, and the costs and value were carefully calculated before public announcements were ever made. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is that many of the changes in recent years were actually made WHILE D’Amaro was head of the parks…when he had even more direct involvement in Disney World than he will as CEO. DINOSAUR If you expect things to suddenly revert back to five or ten years ago just because a “parks guy” becomes CEO, then you’ll be disappointed. D’Amaro will likely bring new magic to Disney World in the coming years through the planned additions. It’s also good to keep in mind that a large part of his role is keeping the shareholders and board of directors appeased. That means making financially responsible decisions for the company while also keeping a robust fanbase of customers. ©Disney We’ll be interested to see what decisions D’Amaro makes during his first few months as CEO, and of course, we’ll report back with more important updates as they happen. For more Disney World news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Learn More About Josh D’Amaro’s Future as Head of the Company 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 View the full article

Ready to upgrade your Disney park outfit without spending a fortune? ©Amazon We scoured Amazon for the best Disney tees priced at under $20, and the results are too good to keep to ourselves. From classic Mickey vibes to subtle Disney flair, these shirts hit the sweet spot between affordable and adorable, and they’re ready to make your next park day even more magical. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get in touch with Valentine’s Day with this Minnie Mouse XOXO Heart Tee! ©Amazon This cute Minnie tee is all about classic Disney charm with a heartfelt twist, perfect for Valentine’s or everyday Disney style. Lightweight and comfy, it’s an easy way to add a little magic to your outfit without breaking the bank! View on Amazon This Winnie the Pooh Valentine’s Day Tee is the apple of our eye! ©Amazon This tee is the cutest kind of corny (in the best way) with that “I love you beary much” vibe that feels perfect for February (or honestly, anytime you want cozy and sweet.) It’s an easy, comfy throw-on that works for a park day, a movie night, or a low-key matching moment without trying too hard. View on Amazon We love this Mickey & Friends Fireworks Vacation Family Trip Tee! ©Amazon This tee feels like the official shirt for your next Disney vacation — colorful, fun, and full of classic Mickey & friends fireworks vibes that instantly scream “family trip.” Comfy enough for park days but cute enough for pics, it’s the kind of shirt you’ll actually want to wear again and again (especially when those memories you make in it are just as bright as the design). View on Amazon Or, you can grab a Mickey Mouse Chinese Happy Lunar New Year Tee! ©Amazon This tee is like a little holiday celebration you can wear — Mickey bringing New Year vibes with a cheerful design that feels both festive and fun! Lightweight and easy to style, it’s a sweet way to add a bit of seasonal Disney flair to your everyday rotation without spending a ton. View on Amazon Don’t forget these Toy Story-Inspired Tees! ©Amazon This one is giving cozy, feel-good Disney energy, the kind of tee you throw on when you want something cute, casual, and instantly recognizable to fellow Disneyh fans. It’s simple, nostalgic, and honestly just a solid “park day or errands” shirt that still feels like a little wink of magic. View on Amazon We’re still swooning over this High School Musical Vintage Group Shot Tee. ©Amazon This tee is pure nostalgia if you grew up on High School Musical! The vintage-style group shot gives major “East High forever” energy without feeling too loud. It’s an easy, comfy throw-on that’s perfect for a park day, a casual outfit, or anyone who still randomly breaks out in song to belt “We’re all in this together.” View on Amazon And finally, this Oversized Castle Tee is adorable! ©Amazon This shirt gives total main-street magic with its retro Disney castle graphic, and it’s perfect if you want that classic park vibe without spending a fortune! Lightweight, comfy, and under $20, it’s the kind of tee you’ll happily reach for again and again, whether you’re headed to the parks or just showing off your Disney love at home. 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

Magic Kingdom is pretty much getting a big facelift this year. Cinderella Castle is getting a new paint job. There’s a massive construction project in the middle of the park to build a brand new Cars-themed expansion, Piston Peak. A Villains Land is being built behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is also currently under construction and getting a massive update. ©Disney In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also getting a bit of work done, and thanks to a new permit filed by Disney World, we think that it might be even more work than we initially thought. So let’s talk about this new permit. A new permit was filed by Disney World for “general construction” for the address associated with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The ride closed on August 4th, 2025, to get some pretty big updates, including new ride vehicles, new blasters, new target technology, and new scenes. So we aren’t TOO surprised that the refurbishment is going to be lengthy. However, the new permit has an expiration date of April 2nd, 2027. ©Disney Granted, that doesn’t necessarily mean the ride will be closed through 2027 (especially since the opening timeline is spring 2026), but maybe it’s just Disney covering itself just in case the refurbishment does take longer than expected. The contractor listed on the permit is Jon Richards Company, LLC, a company that specializes in show sets, scenery, props, themed lighting, and more. The company has worked with Disney before, too. ©Disney However, this could mean that Disney will be continuing to work on the ride after it reopens in spring 2026, so it might the updates might not be 100% complete if and when it reopens then. However, the permit could be just a few small additions like lighting, set pieces, or even themed signage. Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for updates on the status of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The One Frustrating Reason You Should Skip Magic Kingdom in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re not freaking out, YOU’RE freaking out! ©Loungefly Ok, maybe we’re freaking out a little, but that’s because TWO new exclusive Disney Loungefly bags just dropped! You know that here at DFB, we are obsessed with Disney Loungefly bags, so you’ll probably be able to picture our reaction when you take a look at these two. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Star Wars Padme Loungefly Backpack! ©Loungefly For all you ladies who adore the stories from a galaxy far, far away, this Star Wars Padme Exclusive Loungefly Bag is for you! The mini backpack is inspired by Padme’s lake dress from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. You’ll find light-yellow-to-purple ombre on the bag with debossed details, appliques, and a pearlescent enamel fill metal rivet. It’s the perfect bag for Star Wars fans, especially those who love the iconic character! VIEW ONLINE This Hercules Loungefly is AMAZING ©Loungefly No chance, no way, we won’t say it…at least out loud, we won’t say we absolutely ADORE this Exclusive Hercules Loungefly Backpack! Who knew that today, a Loungefly star would be born?! This bag will make your style go the distance. Ok, we’re done with the Hercules lines. On the front of the bag, you’ll find Hercules carrying a structure that holds Pegasus, Meg, Phil, Pain, Panic, and Hades. A medallion appears above in metallic detail, featuring a lightning bolt. There are so many more fun details on the top and sides of the bag, as well as the straps — so you need to check it out! VIEW ONLINE We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Disney just collaborated with Crocs on a new merch collection, and we need it ALL. You need to run to get these from Crocs’ site because they’re going to be Crocular! Crocs Mickey Mouse Collection These bags all have our favorite Mickey Mouse, plus spots for Jibbitz Charms to make them your own. They’re perfect for both everyday use and your next park day! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Mickey Mouse Classic Large Tote Bag Mickey Mouse Classic Large Tote Bag The Mickey Mouse Classic Large Tote Bag is a roomy tote bag that’s structured for supportive hauling with durable handles, an open top, and bottom tread. This limited-edition design features Mickey Mouse’s face and hands across the front that’s accented with red and yellow stripes on the base and straps, plus a special Disney|Crocs hang tag on the handle. You can personalize it with up to 84 Jibbitz Charms. View on Crocs We love the Mickey Mouse Classic Belt Bag Mickey Mouse Classic Belt Bag The Mickey Mouse Classic Belt Bag is perfect for days at the theme park or just running errands. An adjustable strap lets you wear it your way with a yellow top zipper for easy access and a rear zip pocket for extra storage. This limited-edition style has a red base with 12 Jibbitz holes and is topped with Mickey Mouse’s ears that include 12 extra Jibbitz holes. It’s perfect for personalization! View on Crocs 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

Okay, who’s ready to go to ALDI with me? There’s a reason we visit ALDI every week because we are ALWAYS spotting great deals on Disney souvenirs, as well as Disney World essentials. ©ALDI That’s why we keep an eye on the ALDI website because we can get a sneak peek of what’s coming to stores soon. Well, get ready to plan an ALDI trip next week because some new Disney souvenirs and essentials will be arriving for the week of February 11th through February 17th. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 2-Piece Character Pajamas For Kids ©ALDI Your kid can take their favorite characters to bedtime with them with these fun pajama sets that feature a top and bottom. Characters include Bluey, Disney Princesses, Stitch, Spider-Man, and more. Kids’ Slipper Socks ©ALDI Your kids can keep their toes warm and fuzzy with these fun slipper socks, which also feature some of their favorite characters like Bluey, Disney Princesses, Stitch, Paw Patrol, and more. Wooden Puzzle Sets ©ALDI You can also get some fun wooden puzzle sets that are great for little ones. You’ll find a Bluey puzzle, a Stitch and Angel Puzzle, a Hot Wheels puzzle, and more. Pillow Buddy and Throw Set ©ALDI Your kids are going to love ALDI this week because there’s another fun thing they’ll want: a pillow buddy and throw set with characters like Bluey, Disney Princesses, Hello Kitty, Spider-Man, Stitch, and more. Reusable Travel Utensils Set ©ALDI We love bringing a reusable travel utensils set to Disney World because then we don’t have to hunt down plastic utensils (and these are better for the environment). The set even includes a reusable straw, which also comes in VERY handy. And it’s all for $3! Get The Kids’ 6-Piece Pajamas Set ©Amazon Can’t get to ALDI or don’t have one nearby? You can get a 6-piece pajama set for kids on Amazon right now. These also have their favorite characters like Disney Princesses, Anna and Elsa, Pixar Characters, and more. View on Amazon Get the Lilo & Stitch Slipper Socks ©Amazon You can get your own pair of Lilo & Stitch slipper socks, and these look super warm and comfy for lying around on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Choose from four fun designs. View on Amazon Buy the Bluey Wooden Puzzle Set ©Amazon Get five Bluey wooden puzzles with this set that comes with a holding tray, stickers, and more. Each puzzle has a different Bluey scene, too! It even includes a Zany Zoo Create-A-Face sticker book, Barn Bots stickers, and a Barn Bots door hanger. View on Amazon Grab a Nogginz Set ©Amazon You can also get this set that includes a pillow and blanket. Choose from your favorite characters like Bluey, Spider-Man, Groot, Inside Out characters, Mickey, Minnie, and more. View on Amazon And finally, you need this Reusable Utensils Travel Set Reusable Travel Utensils Set We actually own this set of travel utensils, and we love how you get four sets, so that everyone in your group can have their own. These also come in a handy carrying case, which makes storing them in your day bag so easy. 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

Disney World park bags are something of a personal discussion. That might sound silly, but it’s true! Your theme park bag holds all you need, from medication to chargers and all things weather gear. Our park bag! Only you can truly know what has to go in your park bag, but we do know one thing: your park bag is probably missing out on a huge essential that will make your vacation even easier. What’s the one essential? Comfort! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are many things that can make your Disney park bag more elite, but without comfort, you’re going to experience a tough day. The heat, rain, and physical toll that the theme parks bring can be made worse when your bag is weighing you down, but there’s one thing that we know can bring us comfort on any given park day. VentaPak Backpack Spacer VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer The VentaPack backpack spacer might be one of our most surprising and life-changing park finds. This spacer essentially hooks onto your backpack to create physical space between your back and the bag. It might not seem like much of a change, but trust us, it is! Before we tried it, we thought this product was neat, although a little silly. Now, we’ve been using it for months and don’t want to leave home without it! Look at that air flow! The spacer creates an airflow that can help ease the heat that heavy backpacks can cause. This has helped save not only our backs from the heat, but it has also saved our bags from absorbing dried sweat, which can cause wear and tear. If you’re someone who finds yourself sweating no matter the temperature, this will seriously ease your discomfort! VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer Not only can it help ease your sweating back (gross but realistic), but it can also help distribute weight more easily. We are people who keep a lot of essentials on hand, which can lead to heavy bags if we aren’t careful. Rather than weighing us down on our lower back, this spacer helps redistribute that weight, which has also helped to ease our pain. The spacer! This space creates the comfort we didn’t know we were missing in the parks, and now we can’t go without it. Get more comfort here! There are tons of items that can help make your Disney day easier, but this one is a real standout! Less back pain and sweat are all we needed to hear to put this on our permanent essentials list. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney essentials, news, and more. View the full article

Start your engines, because Universal Studios Hollywood just dropped a major update that thrill-seekers have been waiting for. ©Universal The park has officially confirmed that Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be roaring into action soon, bringing the Fast franchise to life in coaster form. With high-speed twists, immersive storytelling, and blockbuster-level excitement, this new attraction is already shaping up to be one of the biggest theme park debuts of the season. And the Fast & Furious excitement doesn’t stop in Hollywood! Universal Orlando is gearing up for its own version of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, slated to open at Universal Studios Florida in 2027. A similar new high-speed coaster will bring the franchise’s signature thrills to the East Coast and is part of a larger transformation of the park’s ride lineup. To make way for the new attraction, Universal has also previously announced that the existing Fast & Furious – Supercharged attraction, which has been a part of the park since 2018, will close permanently. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we learn more, but for now, be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB for all the latest news! NEW Interactive Experiences Announced for Universal Theme Parks — But There’s a Catch! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be one of the first to ride Universal Hollywood’s newest coaster? Leave your thoughts for us in the comments below! View the full article

A Disney World snack stand just LEVELED UP. Ice cream sandwich time! Terra Treats in Animal Kingdom just updated its menu, and you guys are going to be SO excited about what we found there! This spot is now home to hand-scooped ice cream and ice cream sandwiches, filling the void left behind when Dino-Bite Snacks closed a few months ago. Come with us to check out the new items! Terra Treats is located on Discovery Island near the entrance to Africa, across from Creature Comforts. This snack stand has been through a few different menu changes in recent years — it was formerly home to flatbread pizzas, and then it housed some Colombian-style hot dogs. Earlier this week, we noticed that it was mysteriously closed…but now it has reopened as an ice cream spot! Terra Treats The Disney World website has its hours listed as 10:30AM to 4PM, though that’s subject to change depending on the day of your visit. Today, we tried not one, but TWO new treats here. Annual Passholder Sundae In addition to a limited-time Annual Passholder Carrot Cake Sundae (read our review here!), the menu is filled with a few different hand-scooped ice cream flavors that you can order in cups or waffle cones, handmade floats, and a NEW ice cream sandwich. Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich When Dino-Bite Snacks closed, we thought we were saying goodbye completely to ice cream cookie sandwiches in this park, but now there’s a NEW option! The Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich was a delightful surprise on the menu when Terra Treats reopened. It’s a brownie layered with vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate chips and edible cookie dough for $8.29. Menu Now, this is not like the old Dino-Bite sandwiches in its composition. Those were typically a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies of some kind. The Cast Members we spoke to at the stand said the ice cream on top was hand-scooped (as opposed to soft serve); however, these were pre-made and handed out as they were ordered. You don’t actually witness them scooping the ice cream and assembling the sandwich. In the packaging The most prominent layer is that cookie dough on top, which is sugary and soft, with a bit of crunch from the chocolate chips. The cookie dough flavor really comes through and balances nicely with the vanilla ice cream. The ice cream is smooth and creamy and holds up fairly well inside the sandwich. The ice cream sandwich The brownie layer on the bottom is the least prominent, and it doesn’t bring as much fudgy chocolate flavor as we would’ve liked, but it makes a solid base. Ultimately, this is a great sweet treat and we enjoyed it thoroughly! Because of its soft texture, it’s a little easier to eat than the old cookie sandwiches, in our opinion. Inside the sandwich We can’t wait to see if they drop more ice cream sandwich flavors or sundae options here in the future! Of course, we’ll be back to try more if they do. For more snack reviews, subscribe to our newsletter and our YouTube channel! The Top 10 Disney World Snacks for 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you try these treats? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There are SO many options when it comes to transporting your family from the airport to Disney World. Mears Connect bus Ever since Disney World canceled its complimentary Magical Express service, visitors from around the world have struggled with the decision of how to arrive and depart their hotel. But today, we’re going to make that choice easier for you with a complete guide to your airport transportation options! Mears Connect The closest thing you have to Magical Express these days is the Mears Connect service. It’s a shared shuttle service that runs between the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Disney Resorts. It’s not free, but it’s a pretty good deal compared to other options. Inside a Mears Connect Bus There are two levels for Mears Connect — Standard and Express. Standard is a shared ride that may stop at multiple resorts, while Express is a more direct route to your hotel. Pricing varies, but it’s cheaper than booking a rideshare to your resort. It starts at $32 round trip for adults and $26 round trip for children. Mears Connect Car seats are not required on the motorcoaches, so that could make things easier for families traveling with small children. Booking is fairly simple as long as you know your flight information. The main con to this service is that you’re traveling with a bunch of other people, and it’s not direct if you book the Standard option. But overall, this tends to be very simple, easy, and affordable. The buses are clean, and there are even restrooms on board. Uber/Lyft If you’ve taken a rideshare service before, it might be an easy option to choose for airport transportation. You can book in advance or wait to order your ride until you land at the airport. Pricing varies greatly, though, depending on the time of day and how in-demand drivers are. Lyft pick-up It’s simple to book a private car and have direct transportation to your resort, but you may need to make specific accommodations if you have wheelchair users or children with car seats. Of the options available, this one is perhaps the most flexible and simple. Private Car Service One of the more expensive options for airport transportation is a private car service. This way, you get a chauffeur and can pay a premium for transportation however you’d like. The unfortunate thing is that this one comes with a hefty price tag! Orlando International Airport There’s something a little special about starting your Disney World vacation with a fancy car or limo ride, though, so we totally understand the appeal! This is definitely an option you need to schedule in advance if you’re interested, and there could be a bit of research involved. Rental Car Need transportation throughout your whole trip? The rental car is the way to go. You can choose your car type and, in some cases, rent car seats to use. Prices vary greatly depending on the rental car brand and type of vehicle, but this one is definitely a more expensive choice because you pay for not only your arrival and departure, but also your whole trip. Rental Cars at Orlando International Airport This might be the best choice, though, if you’re hoping to visit more off-property locations during your Disney World trip. If you’re going to Universal Orlando or SeaWorld, you’ll need transportation to get to those spots. And these days, hotel parking is free for Disney World resort guests. Lynx Bus The absolute cheapest way to go (besides having a friend pick you up and drop you off for free) is the Lynx Bus. This is a Central Florida transportation network that connects many locations in the area. Unfortunately, it can be pretty complicated to use if you’re not familiar with it. Lynx Bus It only costs a few dollars per person, but you’ll have to navigate several transfers, and you may end up having to take Disney transportation at the end…dragging your luggage with you all the way. Is it really worth the low price? Hotel Shuttle Last but not least, we’ve got to talk about one of the options for off-property or non-Disney stays. Some non-Disney hotels offer airport transfer services that are either complimentary with your stay or cost a variable fee. Orlando International Airport If you’re staying at a hotel that isn’t Disney-owned, you may want to check with the resort to see if they offer a service of this type. It could be a big perk, but you often have to reserve your spot ahead of time. No matter which way you travel, this is definitely a subject you want to research in advance, and you’ll need to budget for whichever option you choose! To get more tips for your Disney World vacation, subscribe to our newsletter and our YouTube channel, then follow us on social media! The Disney World Transportation Hack That Changed My Life 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 form of airport transportation do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World Annual Passholders sometimes get to have ALL the fun, but that’s just part of the perks of being a Passholder. Not only do you get into the theme parks, but you also get things like free magnets, discounts on shopping and dining, exclusive merchandise, and more. Carrot Cake Sundae However, Disney World Passholders often get their own exclusive snacks, and a new exclusive snack just arrived in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! All we can say is we’re sorry if you’re not a Passholder because this new snack is GREAT. Meet the Carrot Cake Sundae from Terra Treats, which blends carrot cake with an ice cream sundae, and y’all, it’s BRILLIANT. For $8.99, you get vanilla, ice cream, caramel sauce, roasted pecans, and carrot cake crumbs in a waffle bowl topped with birthday cake-flavored shell and chocolate carrot top. It’s also ADORABLE. It’s so cute For starters, this is hand-scooped vanilla ice cream, which we LOVE. You don’t get a heavy pecan flavor, but it’s still got some nuttiness. The birthday cake shell mostly tastes of vanilla, but it’s not too sweet. We also like that it adds a nice crunch to the sundae. The waffle cone is tasty and crispy, and adds another layer of texture. The carrot cake is the star, though, with the flavors of spices, predominantly cinnamon. SO good. There’s also caramel sauce hiding underneath the shell for a little surprise taste of extra sweetness. So many great flavors We know carrot cake isn’t something everyone loves, but we’re big fans, and it works so well with this ice cream sundae. If you’re looking for a cold sweet treat in Animal Kingdom…and you’re an Annual Passholder…we recommend giving it a try. But hurry…it’s only available through March 15th. Also, can we just say how happy we are that hand scooped ice cream and cookie ice cream sandwiches (yep, you can get cookie ice cream sandwiches here, too!) have returned to Animal Kingdom? When Dino-Bite Snacks closed forever, we weren’t sure if we’d ever be able to get that again. We’ll be eating ALL the new foods in Disney World, so stay tuned for more reviews. REVIEW: This NEW Disney World Treat Has 7 Layers, and You’ll Love Every One of Them 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 an Annual Passholder? Will you be trying this treat? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’ve often said that you can find some of the best Disney World food and drinks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and you don’t even have to walk very far in the park to find something good to eat and drink. Cheers! That’s even more true just with drinks because Animal Kingdom has some pretty solid bars with unique options you won’t find anywhere else. Well, we just visited one of our favorite bars in Animal Kingdom, Thirsty River Bar, to try out some cocktails, and let’s just say…one of them is perfect for a summer day (even if we drank it in the dead of winter). Thirsty River Bar is a walk-up bar and food counter where you can grab some tasty drinks and snacks. You’ll find it near Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom’s Asia. You’ll find some unique drinks here that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World, too, along with snacks like a Mickey pretzel and popcorn. But we’re here for the drinks! Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks The first drink we tried was the Himalayan Ghost for $16.50. It’s made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Guava, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade. The Cast Member who served us said it was the most popular drink there. Well, we know why. From the first sip, we tasted a deliciously sweet hard pink lemonade. YUM. BUT…then it was kind of weird. Some sips were very pink lemonade, while other sips were mostly vodka. We even stirred it up really well, and that didn’t help. But if you love pink lemonade, this drink will perfectly hit that spot. Himalayan Ghost The second drink we tried was the Khumbu Frozen Icefall, made with Bacardi Silver with Coconut and Raspberry Purée for $15.50.This is a frozen drink, which is great for a hot day, but we drank it even when it wasn’t hot (in fact, it was downright chilly in Florida!). With that being said, it’s nice and refreshing, although we’ll warn you to stir it first because that first sip will pack a punch if you don’t. The Bacardi gives it a nice zing, but it’s the coconut flavor that really comes through with a hint of raspberry. Khumbu Frozen Icefall This is the perfect drink for summer, though, and if you’re looking for a summertime drink in Animal Kingdom, THIS SHOULD BE YOUR PICK. Overall, we’ve always appreciated the drinks at Thirsty River Bar, and it’s a great spot to grab something a little different than what you’d find at other bars. Both of these cocktails are great picks if you’re thirsty (hence the name). We’ll keep trying more food and drinks around Disney World, so stay tuned for more reviews. REVIEW: This NEW Disney World Treat Has 7 Layers, and You’ll Love Every One of Them 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 stopped by Thirsty River Bar for a drink? What’s your favorite? Share with us in the comments! View the full article