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Loungefly bags are adorable, go easily with Disney outfits, but we’ll be honest — they’re EXPENSIVE. We love our Loungeflys! With that being said, when you spend your money on one, you want to be sure you use it often and take very good care of it, so you don’t feel like you wasted money. If you’re stuck in that place between wanting to use your Loungefly but struggling to find a way to organize it, but also not wanting to use it too much and wear it out, boy, have we got the three essentials you need! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Organize Everything Inside Your Bag! HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer We love Loungeflys, but their design often isn’t the best. They’ve only got one large zippered pocket; sometimes they have a front zippered pocket, but that’s usually about it (apart from side pockets and a smaller zippered pocket inside the main compartment). Thankfully, the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer Insert has made our lives WAY easier, and we no longer struggle to fit everything we need inside the backpack, and we also don’t struggle to dig around and find it. If you’re someone who prefers to be organized, this is a necessity! Grab it right here! When Your Ears Start Hurting Your Head Minnie Mouse Ear Holder We love wearing ears in Disney World as much as the next person, but what about when they start to hurt your head, or you have to take them off for a ride, and you’re afraid of forgetting them on the ride? That’s where the Mouse Ear Holder comes in, and we’ve used it SO many times in the parks. We often wear ears for the outfit, take photos in them, and then prefer to take them off and give our head a break. This way, they’re not getting smushed inside our bag, AND we don’t have to carry them! Grab it right here! Don’t Let Rain Ruin Your Parade ©Amazon If you know you’ll be traveling to Disney World during the rainy season, or you plan to go on lots of water rides and don’t want your bag (or anything inside of it) to be ruined, the Frelaxy Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover is a fantastic purchase. You can easily put it around bags of different sizes, and it folds up super easily to fit back in your bag when it’s not needed. Grab it right here! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news to help make your trip easier, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

Construction on Disney World’s next hotel is in full swing…but are there reasons to doubt whether or not it’ll be completed on time? Lakeshore Lodge Concept Art ©Disney It’s been a hot minute since Disney World opened a new hotel, but that’s about to change with Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge. Nestled between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, this new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) hotel will offer lake views, rustic elegance, and a whole new style of lodging at Disney World that already has us super giddy. But will it really open on time in 2027? If you’ve been keeping up with our updates, you’ll know that Lakeshore Lodge is definitely happening. In recent aerial and ground-level photos, the resort’s massive footprint is incredibly visible, sitting atop the former River Country site. ©bioreconstruct We’ve already seen multiple towering cranes, active crews, significant permanent structure progress, wings of the resort and cabins speeding towards completion, pool and recreation areas being built, and plenty of positive signs that the resort is coming together nicely. ©bioreconstruct These aren’t just a couple of sticks in the ground — this is SERIOUS progress. ©bioreconstruct So will the resort actually open in 2027? It’s easy to be pessimistic. There are a handful of recent projects around Walt Disney World that have had “creative” timelines, such as TRON Lightcycle / Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and some refurbishments that weren’t available to guests longer than expected. Disney projects — especially huge construction projects like Lakeshore Lodge — can drag on. It’s kinda like that friend who says they’ll meet you in 10 minutes and they haven’t even gotten dressed yet. Unfortunately, with Disney World projects, we’ve learned not to assume anything, really. You can only take the concrete evidence and run with it at this point. TRON Lightcycle / Run With that said, the concrete evidence — AKA our own eyes seeing all these construction updates — indicates that Lakeshore Lodge is currently progressing forward at a great speed. The sheer amount of visible progress is hard to ignore, and with how much is already done, and a full year ahead, it’s not hard to believe that this hotel will be done by the end of 2027. Disney has over a year to finish a project it is already heavily invested in. So yeah, as of right now, there’s no reason to panic. ©bioreconstruct Of course, things can change. Weather, budget issues, and other problems can pop up at any time. We’ll be covering all of it, though, every step of the way — filling you in on all the latest changes. And — hopefully — bringing you all kinds of in-depth coverage when the resort opens in (fingers-crossed) 2027. ©Disney Lakeshore Lodge is shaping up to be a gorgeous new addition to Disney’s hotel lineup. Boasting lakeside views, cabin-style rooms, and a vibe that’s “luxury meets nature retreat” all next to the Disney Parks in Florida, it’s impossible NOT to be excited. For all the latest project updates — and all the latest Disney World news — stay tuned right here at DFB! NEW LOOK at the Lakeshore Lodge Hotel Coming to Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you think Lakeshore Lodge will open on time? Share your thoughts in the comments below! View the full article

Eek! Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Disneyland is reopening February 6th after a major refurbishment, and we finally get to check out all the details inside. Napa Rose bar Reservations are available now for the opening, but we were able to get a sneak peek inside to see the renovations. Let’s just say: STUNNING! Right when we walked in, we were blown away. With the renovation, they wanted to make the area more cozy, and that’s definitely how we felt when we came in. I feel like I can bundle up with a good book and a glass of wine. Napa Rose The restaurant is themed around California’s wine-making history with natural textiles, French Oak flooring, and columns. You’ll also see artisan metal, as well as leather, and deep red cabernet tones. Inspired by California’s history of wine making There’s also a gorgeous chandelier that is also themed around California wine-making. Chandelier There’s a whole new bar for quick bites and a drink. It’s perfect for stopping in to catch up with an old friend or a relaxing space to hang out with your partner. For the bar and lounge, reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability. Napa Rose bar The main dining room will have a prix fixe menu with options to add custom wine pairings to the multi-course meal. They completely redid the children’s menu, and the whole space is so welcoming. We love the intimate seating options all surrounded by the restaurant’s 1,500-label wine collection. So many wines! For a night to remember, you can enjoy the Chef’s Counter, which offers up to 18 guests the chance to sit and dine in direct view of the kitchen. The Napa Rose chefs will personalize each course of your meal, based on seasonality and creativity. You can book online at NapaRose.com. Chef’s counter and kitchen There’s also a private dining room which sits up to 16 guests. If you want to book the private dining room, you’ll need to contact the restaurant directly. Private dining room There will also be a space for outdoor dining with a large fireplace where you can enjoy your meal in the stunning California weather. Reservations are highly recommended for the main dining room and outdoor terrace. We’re so excited to finally have Napa Rose back open, and we’re ready to dive in. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney restaurant and food news. FULL REVIEW! We Ate the BRAND NEW Menu at Disney’s Iconic Napa Rose Restaurant! 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 Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend their media preview of Napa Rose. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ Have you eaten at Napa Rose before? Tell us about your experience in the comments! View the full article

One question has repeatedly popped up with every new episode of We Call It Imagineering – why isn’t this on Disney+? You asked, we listened. All seven episodes of We Call It Imagineering are now streaming on Disney+, adding more ways to watch the flagship series from the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel than ever before. We Call It Imagineering invites audiences behind the closed doors at Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment to see how new lands, attractions, and entertainment experiences are designed and brought to life. Since the series was launched in April 2024, episodes have been focused on Audio-Animatronics technology, the music of Disney attractions and entertainment, the technology and innovations coming out of Research and Development, and we’re just getting started. New episodes of We Call It Imagineering are in production right now, and we can’t wait to share those stories with you soon. Here’s a look at the seven episodes currently streaming on Disney+: Episode 1: Audio-Animatronics Figures In this episode, get a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most revolutionary innovations that started with a simple bird mechanism that inspired Walt Disney to the cutting-edge figures featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Episode 2: Soundscapes In this episode, we take you inside recording facilities where teams are producing the music for Country Bear Musical Jamboree, “Disney Dreams That Soar,” and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Episode 3: Let’s Ride In this episode, we share how rides come to life in our Ride Studio with inside looks at the Stark Flight Lab attraction coming to Disney California Adventure park, a sneak peek at the Monsters, Inc. roller coaster heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a nostalgic look back at Disneyland with former Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr. Episode 4: On With the Show! In this episode, we highlight the work of Walt Disney Imagineering’s theatrical arm – Disney Live Entertainment – in the midst of the Disneyland 70th celebration, the Hong Kong Disneyland 20th anniversary party, and just weeks before the debut of the “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” parade. Episode 5: Building Castles In this episode, we take you around the world to showcase the different stories and unique aspects of the beloved icons that are a symbol of Disney storytelling, innovation, and artistry – the Disney Castle. Episode 6: Welcome, Foolish Mortals In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history and fandom behind one of the most beloved Disney attractions – Haunted Mansion – as well as the international attractions taking inspiration from the original, like Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Episode 7: Research and Development In this episode, discover how Disney uses robotics, AI, and immersive technology to bring stories to life thanks to the Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development team, including the brand new self-walking Olaf, BDX Droids, and cutting-edge attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We Call It Imagineering will look and sound better than ever before on Disney+ while giving audiences more flexibility in how they watch the series. New episodes of the series will continue to debut on Walt Disney Imagineering’s YouTube channel (like and subscribe – @waltdisneyimagineering!). All current episodes will remain on YouTub allowing viewers to be able to access the show for free. In addition to We Call It Imagineering, the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel has a robust lineup of content showcasing what’s happening inside Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment like Imagineer That! with Tom Morrow 2.0, Great Moments in Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment, and WED Walks. New ‘Imagineer That!’ – Dream and Design with Tom Morrow 2.0 READ MORE Go Behind the Scenes in Imagineering Video Series READ MORE New Updates to Audio-Animatronics Figures at Walt Disney World READ MORE The post Stream All Episodes of ‘We Call It Imagineering,’ Now on Disney+ appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If it seems like everything is changing in Disney World in 2026, well, it is! Sure, Disney World parks are getting all kinds of new things in 2026. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a newly reimagined area and a Muppets ride, while Magic Kingdom is getting an updated Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Disney Springs Well, Disney Springs doesn’t want to be left out in the cold, so you’ll be seeing some NEW things there, too, this year. So let’s talk about everything new coming to Disney Springs in 2026. So here’s what you have to look forward to in Disney Springs in 2026! Six Ravens Six Ravens is a new restaurant coming to Disney Springs that will be owned and operated by the team behind Gideon’s Bakehouse. The new restaurant will open later this year and will be “a fast casual celebration of savory.” The menu will include savory hand pies called “Coffyns,” homemade yeast rolls with fillings created in partnership with other Central Florida chefs. ©Six Ravens Other menu items will include potatoes, local draft beer, and, “of course, some tasty desserts.” You’ll find this new restaurant in Disney Springs’ The Landing. Learn more about Six Ravens here LEVEL99 Disney Springs is also getting a LEVEL99, which will be located in the building that was previously occupied by the NBA Experience. The experience offers “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults with physical and mental challenges, all set in artistic environments. Future location of LEVEL99 The Disney Springs location will be the largest Level99 to date and will feature over 60 challenge rooms and duels in a 45,000 square foot space with two stories. It will also feature a chef-crafted menu for dining, including LEVEL99’s award-winning Detroit-style pizza. The new experience will open sometime in 2026. Learn more about LEVEL99 here Lime Garage Closure This is more of an “in case you didn’t know” thing, but the Lime Garage at Disney Springs is currently closed. It’s expected to remain closed through February 11th, and then it will reopen for a bit. It will close again from February 17th through March 13th. Lime Garage Closed The other Disney Springs garages and lots are still open, but if you don’t want to risk struggling to find a parking lot, it might be easier just to take Disney World transportation to Disney Springs if that’s an option for you. More about the Lime Garage closure Empty buildings You’ll find at least two empty buildings in Disney Springs, too, this year. Sprinkles Cupcakes has already closed in the shopping and dining district, while Francesca’s seems set to close soon. That will leave two spaces in Disney Springs unoccupied. Sprinkles Cupcakes is closed However, there’s a good possibility that NEW businesses could move into those spaces this year, so we’ll be keeping an eye out to see if that happens. More about the Sprinkles closure So what does this all mean? What we’re saying is that you shouldn’t skip Disney Springs in 2026 because there will be even more to see, do, and eat there. And that’s something to get EXCITED about. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more big Disney World updates, so stay tuned to DFB for more. The Best Restaurants at Disney Springs 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 are you most excited to see in Disney Springs in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We won’t lie…when it comes to food, Disneyland has some of our favorite snacks and restaurants, and even more are on the way (we’re SO excited about this whole Downtown Disney renaissance that’s happening!). Napa Rose But Disneyland is no stranger to fine dining either, and one of our favorite fine dining establishments, Napa Rose, as well as its lounge, has been closed for a while to get a completely revamped look and menu. Well, Napa Rose is set to reopen on February 6th, but we got a chance to see the new lounge AND try some of the new food and drinks ahead of that. Atmosphere The Napa Rose restaurant and lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel has an entirely new look that is “a tapestry of California’s storied history of wine and winemaking.” So you’ll find lots of natural textiles, including French oak flooring and columns. Napa Rose bar You’ll also find artisan metals, leathers, and deep red colors throughout the new lounge. Napa Rose lounge Perhaps the most impressive piece, though, is a chandelier inspired by California’s Mission grapevines. Chandelier The restaurant itself will feature an exhibition kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work. Plus, the patio has been expanded to add more seating, featuring two additional fireplaces. COZY. Exhibition kitchen and seating There’s also a renovated private dining room, too. Private dining room But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu at the lounge?! Menu The menu at the Napa Rose lounge has been entirely reinvented with new food like Beef Tartare topped with caviar, Bone Marrow Custard, and The Laughing Tiger, which is a reimagining of Napa Rose’s previous Smiling Tiger Salad. Napa Rose bar And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats Before we had dinner in the main dining room, we were treated to some light bites in the lounge! The first light bite we had was the Lobster Tamale with Caviar. If you’re a fan of caviar and lobster, you definitely can’t go wrong with this. The flavors worked so well together, and the lobster was nice and tender, while the caviar added a saltiness to the whole bite. Plus, you can’t deny how creative this presentation is! Lobster Tamale with Caviar The Filet Mignon Tartare was another hit. The steak was SO tender with a great, meaty flavor. It was well-seasoned thanks to the onions and capers, and the egg yolk added a fantastic earthiness to the dish. It was rich without being overly so, and was just a really great bite overall. Filet Mignon Tartare Finally, we had the Tarte Flambé with Portobello Mushrooms. This had a wonderful earthy flavor thanks to the mushrooms, and that earthiness was complemented by the cheese. The flatbread itself wasn’t soggy at all, either — it was nice and crunchy, which provided great texture. Tarte Flambé with Portobello Mushrooms So, is the Napa Rose Lounge worth a stop on your next Disneyland trip? Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking to splurge a little on your trip. Napa Rose isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience, and that applies to the lounge as well. While we don’t have prices for the new menu yet, the lounge has been on the pricier side in the past, though not quite as pricey as the restaurant. You’re looking for a nice spot to have drinks and light bites. Napa Rose certainly fits that bill, with elevated appetizers and an outstanding wine list. You’re celebrating a special occasion. This would be a great spot to pop into for a celebratory drink or a lighter meal, no matter what you’re celebrating. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re trying to do Disneyland on a budget. The lounge can get pricey, and while it’s usually not as expensive as the restaurant, you’ll still find yourself spending a pretty penny. You’re traveling with kids. While kids are allowed to dine at both the lounge and restaurant, it’s more of an upscale experience that might not be best for kids of all ages. Save that for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures! You’re not looking for an upscale experience. Sometimes you just want to be able to eat at a sports bar with fried food and nothing fancy. This is definitely not that! Overall The Napa Rose Lounge is a great option if you’re looking to experience this restaurant without the full rigamarole of eating in the main dining room. We love the updated look of the restaurant, and you can’t go wrong with any of the light bites we tried on the menu. This is definitely a special occasion spot if you’re looking for something to celebrate! The staff works so hard! Advance dining reservations are available to book now on the Disneyland website and at NapaRose.com, so if you’re looking to enjoy the new menu at Napa Rose, be sure to make those reservations ASAP. Reservations are not required to eat and drink in the Napa Rose lounge, but you might have to wait a bit for a seat! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! REVIEW: There’s a Reason This Disneyland Restaurant Is a DFB FAVORITE! 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! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend their media preview of the Napa Rose lounge. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

An upsided minifigure is one of the aliens that greets Legoland Florida visitors to Lego Galaxy area and Galacticoaster. The new indoor roller coaster opens Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The exterior of Galacticoaster includes a re-creationg of actual Lego playsets with space themes. The coaster opens at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The exterior of Galacticoaster includes a re-creationg of actual Lego playsets with space themes. The coaster opens at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Legoland Florida is preparing to unwrap an indoor roller coaster. Its entrance includes upsized Lego minifigures and structures based on toy sets. Galacticoaster opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)A Lego space flower appears to blossom in the play area of Galacticoaster, an indoor coaster opening at Legoland Florida theme park on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Alien Tourist, an upsided minifigure, stands in the courtyard as a photo opportunity for Legoland Florida visitors. The park's Galacticoaster is scheduled to open to the public on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Biff Dipper, a next-generation animatronic for Legoland Florida, greets theme park visitors as part of the queue for the new Galacticoaster. The ride opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Rosie Brailsford, senior project director for Merlin Magic Making, tours visitors through the queue for Galacticoaster, an indoor coaster opening at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Posters in one room of the queue for the new Galacticoaster show off digital options for the ride vehicle. The attraction opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The first lobby of the new Galacticoaster includes Lego spaceship models, some of which are discontinued and difficult to find. The indoor roller coaster opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The spinning ride vehicles for Galacticoaster include a lap bar that comes down over passenger heads. Visitors access the cars via a moving sidewalk. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 11An upsided minifigure is one of the aliens that greets Legoland Florida visitors to Lego Galaxy area and Galacticoaster. The new indoor roller coaster opens Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

Universal Orlando is seriously upping their food game. Universal Orlando So today, we’re exploring the WHOLE Universal area – across the parks, hotels, and shopping district – to show YOU just how exciting (and tasty) this place can be! Check out our video below: BEST Things to Eat in Universal in 2026 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

WINTER HAVEN – Final preparations are being made inside and outside Galacticoaster, Florida’s newest roller coaster, which is set to open at Legoland Florida theme park this month. Space-themed Lego models — rotating ride vehicles that are customized by passengers and a next-generation animatronic named Biff Dipper — are prominent parts of the indoor coaster. Near the entrance is a brick-by-brick and way-bigger-than-life model of Lego set 918, a spaceship introduced in 1979. It’s “a classic ship, but it’s got some extra flourishes that you only really find in the Legoland park,” says Rosie Brailsford, senior project director for Merlin Magic Making, the creative arm of Merlin Entertainments. About four years ago, Brailsford was instructed to work with Lego Group to develop an attraction that would work on a global platform, she says. “They have a line, kind of from the ’70s and various different iterations of that, which is what you will find in Lego Galaxy,” she says. “So, it’s kind of a merge of past and present and opportunity for future iterations as well.” Brailsford guided the Orlando Sentinel on an exclusive walk-through — no riding yet — of the attraction, which opens to the public Feb. 27. An upsided minifigure is one of the aliens that greets Legoland Florida visitors to Lego Galaxy area and Galacticoaster. The new indoor roller coaster opens Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The exterior of Galacticoaster includes a re-creationg of actual Lego playsets with space themes. The coaster opens at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The exterior of Galacticoaster includes a re-creation of actual Lego playsets with space themes. The coaster opens at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Legoland Florida is preparing to unwrap an indoor roller coaster. Its entrance includes upsized Lego minifigures and structures based on toy sets. Galacticoaster opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)A Lego space flower appears to blossom in the play area of Galacticoaster, an indoor coaster opening at Legoland Florida theme park on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Alien Tourist, an upsided minifigure, stands in the courtyard as a photo opportunity for Legoland Florida visitors. The park's Galacticoaster is scheduled to open to the public on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Biff Dipper, a next-generation animatronic for Legoland Florida, greets theme park visitors as part of the queue for the new Galacticoaster. The ride opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Rosie Brailsford, senior project director for Merlin Magic Making, tours visitors through the queue for Galacticoaster, an indoor coaster opening at Legoland Florida on Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Posters in one room of the queue for the new Galacticoaster show off digital options for the ride vehicle. The attraction opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The first lobby of the new Galacticoaster includes Lego spaceship models, some of which are discontinued and difficult to find. The indoor roller coaster opens to the public Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)The spinning ride vehicles for Galacticoaster include a lap bar that comes down over passenger heads. Visitors access the cars via a moving sidewalk. The ride debuts Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 11An upsided minifigure is one of the aliens that greets Legoland Florida visitors to Lego Galaxy area and Galacticoaster. The new indoor roller coaster opens Feb. 27. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Expand What’s outside The new coaster is on the site of the Flying School ride that was closed in August 2023. The exterior queue looks down at the park’s Driving School attraction. There are two entrances, including one from Legoland’s water park. The spaceship is surrounded by Lego characters, including photo opportunities. The Alien Tourist figure — outfitted in a floral shirt, red shorts, aqua hat and big old-school camera — takes snaps of a green and antennaed alien family. A Duplo play area dubbed Tot Spot and designed for the youngest visitors, includes a Lego Shuttle. (A shade structure is being added.) Nearby are large Lego space flowers and a robot dog. Early on, potential riders meet Capt. Olivia on screen. “She’s welcoming you to the Lego Galaxy, telling you about a little snippet of the mission that you’re going to go on,” Brailsford says. A large screen televises a 10-minute loop of details about what’s coming up. “There are little moments of backstory here, so that if you are milling around in the land, you’ve already started to absorb in your subconscious what’s going on,” Brailsford says. What’s going on? In the Galacticoaster universe, they are bracing for “the asteroid of probable destruction.” What’s inside The front lobby features a large blocky version of the Lego Galaxy logo, which is a bit interplanetary and a bit NASA meatball. Below it are actual assembled Lego models on display, some of which are vintage and difficult to find, Brailsford says. A series of halls and customized posters lead to a big Briefing Room with animatronic Biff Dipper, the chief engineer. He’s about 4 feet tall and standing on an elevated platform. His arms, legs and head move, and his face is animated below the visor of his space helmet. He greets future riders — there can be as many as 80 people in the room — and explains the goal. It’s us versus the asteroid. “Most of our minifigures in our Legoland are static, smooth minifigures. … Biff is essentially next generation of how we want to do that on a show basis,” Brailsford says. They partnered with Engineered Arts of Cornwall, United Kingdom, to create this figure, which sports 45 facial animations, Legoland says. Merlin is “working really closely with Lego to make sure all of that motion that they do is true to how a minifigure would move, and we’re not just making them do random things,” she says. Other on-screen characters give ride instructions and advance the storyline of how to deal with that asteroid. Plans A and B (one involving a giant net) were flops, and they need help with Plan C. It involves “separator swarms.” The room includes interesting visuals such as a blueprint for vehicle options and a sign that reads “Interested in time travel? Meet here last Monday, 2 p.m.” From here, Biff sends riders into a room where ride vehicle options are selected. Riders pick design features for wings, tail, nose and such. The choices range from practical to fanciful — add-ons such as hamburger wings and disco balls. The console allows 15 seconds for each selection, and then the total look is uploaded onto an RFID-enabled bracelet. There are more than 600 possible combinations. The idea, we’re told, is to make the spacecraft “so awesome that it grabs the separators’ attention like nothing else.” Also, don’t let them catch you. Next stop: the Galacticoaster loading bay. The ride stuff Passengers navigate a moving sidewalk to the in-real-life vehicles, which seat four passengers across and have lap bars that lower from overhead. The ride moves into an airlock space, and there “you’ll see yourself in your awesome creation,” Brailsford says. You’ll linger for about 10 seconds, “then you will launch, up to 40 miles an hour, off on your adventure,” she says. “And you have your kind of save-the-day moment on the ride.” The Sentinel walk-through did not include a ride-through. Brailsford said the experience is smooth and the launch makes it punchy, probably more intense than the Dragon coaster, its Legoland Florida sister attraction. The height requirement is 36 inches for riders accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied visitors must be at least 48 inches tall. “It’s not like terrifying or anything, but being indoors, we do feel like they’ll get a little bit more of that thrill factor as well,” she says. “Because it’s dark, you don’t necessarily quite know where you’re going.” The spinning is programmed, she said. “It’s not like a free spinning.” Legoland’s website says to expect “Special effects, synchronized lighting and surprise appearances from classic Lego Space characters.” Ride time is about 1 minute and 30 seconds, and, per theme park tradition, the exit is through the gift shop (official name: Orbital Outpost). Another Galacticoaster is under construction that’s set to open March 6 at Legoland California, and, in theory, there could be more. There are also Legoland theme parks in New York, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, Dubai, Japan, South Korea and China. “We have, like, a base story and land concept that we can adjust and tweak if we were to roll a version of it out,” Brailsford says. “It might not necessarily be this ride. It might be a different ride with another story from the world.” 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

A long-closed Disneyland restaurant is finally reopening! Napa Rose We recently stopped by Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel to see what had changed about the restaurant, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere Napa Rose officially reopens today, February 6th, 2026. This premium dining experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is one of the most upscale restaurants you can visit during a Disneyland trip, and soon, you’ll get the opportunity to do just that yet again! Napa Rose Indulge in a thoughtfully composed menu of fresh seasonal flavors with a focus on wine country cuisine by Chef Andrew Sutton. Napa Rose also boasts one of Disneyland’s finest wine collections. The atmosphere abounds inside the dining room, which partially overlooks Disney California Adventure park. So many wines! The main dining room will debut a seasonal prix fixe menu, with the option to add custom wine pairings to a multi-course meal. A new and enhanced children’s menu for kids 9 and younger will also be available. Dining area The Chef’s Counter will offer up to 18 guests the opportunity to sit and dine in direct view of the dynamic exhibition kitchen, where the Napa Rose chefs personalize each course of your meal, based on seasonality and creativity. Chef’s Table For a private, more intimate, and curated experience, guests can also choose to celebrate a special occasion in the newly renovated private dining room, available for up to 16 guests. Guests can contact the restaurant directly for booking. Private room But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The Chef’s Tasting Menu changes seasonally, but Disney shares that it celebrates the legacy of wine country cuisine paired with global influences. These inspired offerings have multiple options per course, highlighting seasonal produce, enhanced by different textures and flavors. Come indulge your culinary curiosity during a memorable evening of dining. Our menu! You can also opt for Outstanding Wine Pairings. The Napa Rose wine cellars feature a robust collection of over 1,500 labels from across the world. This rare collection is carefully curated and ever-changing—with exceptional choices that will satisfy every unique taste. Choose from 3 different Wine Pairing Tiers and let our Sommeliers share new experiences with you that perfectly complement your meal. There’s also a Non-Alcoholic Pairing available as well! And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats After having some small bites in the lounge (our review on those is coming soon!), we started with the Amuse Bouche, which is their Signature Mushroom Cappuccino. This was delicious and like a very elevated cream of mushroom soup. It was earthy and flavorful, and had lots of delicious mushroom flavor. Amuse Bouche Next was the Sautéed Seasonal Fish on lobster toast and a lemon bubble. We love the char on the lobster; however, it was a bit drier than we would prefer, but it was perfect with the sauces. The avocado salsa and toast add a citrus flair, and we enjoyed that there are so many flavors that pair well together, from the gravy to the lemon bubbles and the lobster and salsa. It’s a pretty filling course, and overall very good! Sautéed Seasonal Fish Next up was the American Wagyu N.Y., which was thinly sliced Medium Rare with grape mustardo. This had great flavors and was cooked to perfection, but we would have preferred a bit more seasoning on the beef. The puree was very nutty and added tons of sweetness, and the garnish on top was a nice citrusy flavor. The radish was done very well, and the potatoes give you that starch you crave with meat and potatoes. If it had more seasoning, it would be a total winner in our book! American Wagyu N.Y The Sorpresine Pasta was next, and this has California Brab Broth and Pacific Uni. This was very salty and very “seafood-y,” so if you’re always craving seafood, this is the dish for you. The portion is large, and the presentation is absolutely stunning! The pasta was cooked to perfection, and there was a hefty portion of crab, which we appreciated. The broth by itself was a bit too salty by itself but we were so impressed when it was mixed all together how balanced it all way. Sorpresine Pasta Then it was time for our Entrées, and since we had two reporters, we were able to try them both! Beginning with the Sustainable Fish of the Day (Swordfish, in our case!), it’s served with Ancient Grains, Black Lentils, and Hijiki. This was the best swordfish we’ve EVER had, and didn’t have an overly intense fishy flavor at all — in fact, we’d even say there WAS no fish flavor. It was seasoned well, and the sauce it was laid on was a great pairing, as it had an earthy bean taste to it. We loved it! Sustainable Fish of the Day The other entrée is the Roasted Boneless Colorado Rack of Lamb served with Dried Fig-Orange Gremolata. This was gamey but seasoned well. We wished there were more vegetables on the plate because we adored them, though, and we loved the glaze, but again, we wanted more! We loved the glaze and the vegetables and would have loved it if more made it onto the plate. We loved the familiar flavors on the dish, and while this wasn’t as creative as other dishes, during such a long multi-course dinner, we appreciated the classic taste. Roasted Boneless Colorado Rack of Lamb For dessert, we grabbed the Elevated and Reminiscent Valrhona Chocolate Bar. This was delicious! It was like an elevated Twix candy bar, which we loved. The caramel was creamy, the wafer had a great crunch, and it helped to cut through the richness of the dessert. It was sweet but not overhwleming, and the chocolate and ice cream are almost a palate cleanser. In our book, it’s as close to perfect as a dessert can get! Elevated and Reminiscent Valrhona Chocolate Bar We also got two Parting Nibbles, which were Salted Caramel and Hazelnut White Chocolate. They’re tasty and safe, so while they’re nothing mind-blowing, they’re very reliable and better than normal mints or chocolate you get at regular restaurants. They look so dainty and pretty, too. Parting Nibbles Of course, we have to tell you about our wine pairings too! Drinks Let’s run through our Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Pairings and what we thought of each one! Beginning with the Alcoholic Pairing: First Course: Very light, slightly dry, and citrusy Arotz Second Course: This was one of the stronger-flavored drinks. There are citrus notes, and it’s very robust in flavor, so we felt like there was almost too much going on. Alban Vineyards Third Course: This was one of our favorites! It was fruity, crispy, and honestly tasted more like juice than wine. It wasn’t overly sweet, which we appreciated. The Terraces Chardonnay Fourth Course: While it was supposed to be paired with the fish, we saved some for the lamb entree and loved the flavors together! Marsannay Clos du Roy Fifth Course: Now THIS paired great with our swordfish! It was dry, crisp, and fruity. Chardonnay Barcaglia Lane Dessert: A solid choice that paired well with our dessert — we have no complaints! Icewine And now, for the Non-Alcoholic Wine Pairing! First Course: This was a very fun sparkling green tea with a very pleasant aroma and smooth aftertaste. Anyone who likes green tea will likely be a big fan. Sparkling Green Tea Second Course: We were served BLA by the Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company. This had a nice, subtle Jasmin flavor with great carbonation. It was fruity and soft, making for a really sophisticated sparkling tea. Third Course: This tasted like a light apple cider with no real bubbly. It was smooth like a juice and gives you that wine flavor without any booze. Kolonne Fourth Course: This drink had a more familiar flavor of grape juice, and while it wasn’t the most creative, we liked the flat and mild flavor to pair with our dish. Pierre Zero So, is Napa Rose worth a visit on your next trip to Disneyland? Nosh or Not This Disney restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for an elevated meal that’s really going to blow you away. This meal is hard to beat in Disneyland! You want a meal in a quieter atmosphere that feels very upscale. This is a great spot to go for special events like anniversaries, birthdays, and other celebrations. You’re a huge fan of wine and wine pairings and really want a restaurant that works hard to create the perfect pairings. We really could tell how much thought was put into creating this experience as a whole, and it was incredible. You should skip this Disney spot if… You’re not a big fan of fancy dining, or you want an experience that will get you in and out. If that’s the case, we don’t think any signature dining on Disneyland Resort property will be for you — instead, shoot for a quick service restaurant, or more of a casual table service restaurant such as Blue Bayou Restaurant, Plaza Inn, or Carnation Café. You’re not a wine drinker and aren’t interested in a carefully crafted meal with Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic pairings. That’s a big part of dining here at this spot, so if you know that’s not your thing, we think it’s best to look for another higher-end meal, such as Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure, or check out the dining options in Downtown Disney. You’re traveling with a group that has a pickier palate or appreciates simpler meals and offerings. The meals here are certainly for those who are a little more adventurous, or at least open to trying new things. We suggest dining here if you know you have a more sophisticated palate. Overall The reopening of Napa Rose will make Disney fine-dining fans rejoice again. The staff was absolutely incredible, and when the restaurant closed nine months ago, the entire staff was invited back to their jobs for the reopening, and 100% of them accepted! It’s clear that the Cast Members and chefs here really love their jobs, and it shows through their dedication to their craft. The attention to detail here is incredible, and the food was phenomenal and well thought out. The flavors were on point, and nothing was overlooked! The staff works so hard! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! 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 Disneyland restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disneyland to attend a media preview of Napa Rose. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Before Pixar, before digital animation, and before live-action remakes took over the big screen, Disney experienced what fans lovingly call its Golden Era. Snow White at Akershus This was a time when hand-drawn animation and timeless stories paved the way for everything Disney is today. Spanning the late 1930s through the early 1940s, this era gave us iconic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi. It’s no surprise that these classics continue to be fan favorites decades later, and right now, you can find these Disney Golden Era Loungefly backpacks on Amazon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Snow White Amazon Exclusive Loungefly ©Amazon Step into a fairytale every time you put on this Snow White mini-backpack from the Disney Princess Stained Glass Collection, an Amazon Exclusive. This bag brings the classic Snow White story to life with an enchanting stained-glass design that covers the front panel. The side pockets have stained glass images of the Evil Queen. View on Amazon This Walt Disney Archives Loungefly is a throwback ©Amazon This Amazon Exclusive Pinocchio mini-backpack from the Loungefly Archives series is a timeless tribute to Walt Disney’s beloved wooden puppet. The design features a standout 3D design of Pinocchio front and center, surrounded by familiar characters from the film, and even includes a sweet cameo from Jiminy Cricket on the back panel, making this piece feel like a wearable storybook. View on Amazon We love this light-up Fantasia Loungefly ©Amazon This magical Fantasia Light Up Mini Backpack brings the world of Fantasia right to your outfit with Sorcerer Mickey front and center. He is waving his hands amid shimmering stars that light up for a touch of nighttime enchantment. The design features crashing waves and the iconic magic brooms from the classic film. We love the detail of the waves on the shoulder straps as well. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Dumbo Loungefly ©Amazon This Dumbo mini backpack is a timeless classic for fans of Disney’s beloved flying elephant! The design features a soft powder blue exterior with circus-inspired stripes on the front pocket and a graphic of Dumbo. There are two side pockets as well as a front zipper compartment, giving you plenty of storage space for those long park days. View on Amazon Don’t forget this Bambi Loungefly ©Amazon This adorable Bambi Triple Pocket Mini Backpack brings the classic charm of Disney’s beloved forest friends right to you! Featuring beautifully detailed designs of Bambi, Thumper, and Flower on the front panel. The triple pocket design, with two front zipper pockets and side drop pockets, means you’ve got plenty of space to organize all your essentials while you’re out exploring or headed into the parks. 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

Since 1991, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has made dreams come true for hundreds of thousands of wedding and honeymoon couples from around the world. To celebrate 35 years of love, we’re unveiling a series of surprise announcements each week in February – everything from a stunning new wedding venue to eye-catching fashion and a show-stopping engagement package. Be sure to bookmark this page to catch all the news. To kick off the excitement, we’re pleased to reveal a romantic new venue coming to The Happiest Place on Earth. February 4, 2026: Hauntingly New Venue at Disneyland Resort Couples today are looking for a destination wedding venue with unique storytelling so that it reflects their passions and interest. Beginning in July 2026, these mortal couples can say, “I do,” and tie the knot at the most spirited place at Disneyland Resort: The front steps of the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland park. With soaring columns and an eerily enchanting façade, the new wedding venue sits in the heart of the magic and provides a dramatic backdrop for couples who want an unforgettable destination for their intimate ceremony or vow renewal. Your happily ever after awaits… if you dare. Discover more details about this spirited offering right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Haunted Mansion Courtyard is available for early morning ceremonies before Disneyland park opens and can accommodate up to 25 guests including the couple. The wedding package includes a dedicated officiant, light décor, photography, and transportation to and from a Disneyland Resort hotel. With this addition, couples can now choose from more than a dozen inspiring settings at Disneyland Resort – from the classically beautiful Rose Court Garden at Disneyland Hotel to the awe-inspiring forecourt of Sleeping Beauty Castle. For more details on how to plan your own fairy tale wedding or vow renewal, visit DisneyWeddings.com. And remember to stay tuned each week in February for more announcements! 3 New Fairy Tale Wedding Venues Announced at Disneyland READ MORE 5 Unique Disney Wedding Villain Ideas READ MORE New Disney Wedding Gowns Shimmer with Romantic Hues READ MORE The post Celebrating 35 Years of Love with Disney Weddings appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

For decades, Disney fans have loved posing in front of the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland park. Beginning in July 2026, couples will be able to tie the knot here, too! For the first time, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons is adding Haunted Mansion Courtyard to its collection of more than a dozen wedding venues at Disneyland Resort. With its towering columns and eerily enchanting façade, this spirited venue offers a dramatic backdrop for couples seeking a destination wedding or vow renewal with a fun storytelling twist. Haunted Mansion Courtyard is available for early morning ceremonies before Disneyland park opens. The courtyard can accommodate up to 25 guests, and the package includes a dedicated officiant, light décor, photography, and transportation to and from a Disneyland Resort hotel. Couples can also exchange vows nearby at Magnolia Park Terrace, an elegant spot located just steps away with a different view of Haunted Mansion. Couples interested in a Haunted Mansion-themed wedding at sea can get married inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Destiny, a brand-new ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, starting in May 2026. This parlor is filled with eerie experiences and spooky design elements, including portraits that shift to reveal secrets of a ghostly sea captain and his captivating bride-to-be. Ready to plan your own hauntingly romantic wedding or vow renewal ceremony? Get started by visiting DisneyWeddings.com. Celebrating 35 Years of Love with Disney Weddings READ MORE Haunted Mansion Parlor: A Spirited Place to Say “I Do” READ MORE 3 New Fairy Tale Wedding Venues Announced at Disneyland READ MORE The post Live Happily Ever After… on the Steps of Haunted Mansion at Disneyland appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

There’s one Disney World hotel that is a hot commodity right now! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been through a major transition phase these past few years. With new dining, some updated rooms, and changes to the lobby, there’s a lot to experience here. So, should you join the trend and book a stay here? Let’s dive into some of the big updates. New Lobby One of the most noticeable changes at the Grand Floridian lately is the new lobby! In 2025, the lobby makeover was completed with new furniture, carpet, and paint. There’s also an entirely new check-in area. Grand Floridian Resort Perhaps one of our favorite new details about the lobby is the Grand Floridian mural at the top of the grand staircase. Post-refurbishment, the whole lobby has more of a Florida feel to it with brighter colors and outdoor-inspired patterns. New Dining If you haven’t stayed at the Grand Floridian Resort in a few years, the dining options have changed a LOT. First up, there’s now a birdcage-inspired lobby bar called The Perch. It has some really stunning architecture and a menu of sophisticated beverages. The Perch Coming soon to the Grand Floridian lobby is the newly renovated Garden View Tea Room. This dining experience has been closed since the pandemic, but will reopen on March 19th with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea menu. Garden View Tea Room A few years ago, Disney reopened the beloved 1900 Park Fare after a multi-year closure, now with new characters! The meal here now features Mirabel, Tiana, Aladdin, and Cinderella, and they serve a buffet for breakfast and dinner. It’s one of Disney World’s more popular character dining options. Mirabel So, adding these new options to the spots that were already fan favorites, like Victoria & Albert’s, Enchanted Rose Lounge, and Grand Floridian Cafe, there are SO many great places to eat while you’re staying here. Some New Rooms The other great reason it may be time for a stay at the Grand Floridian? A few years back, the Disney Vacation Club rooms at this resort were renovated with a Mary Poppins theme. They got new furnishings, floors, decor, and color palettes. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Room Keep in mind that the regular hotel rooms here have NOT been updated. So make sure you book a DVC room for the nicer accommodations. Grand Floridian is quickly becoming one of our favorite hotels to visit in Disney World, and many other fans share that opinion! If you want more hotel tips and tricks for accommodations in Disney World, subscribe to our YouTube channel and our newsletter. 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 stayed at the Grand Floridian? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | runDisneyView the full article

We cannot stress enough how important it is to bring your own water bottle to Disney World. You certainly don’t want to drink the Florida tap water (trust us on this one), but you also don’t want to be paying exorbitant prices for bottles of water while visiting the parks. Bringing your own water bottle means you can fill it throughout the resort at water bottle refill stations. It’s important to stay hydrated! And we get it…not everyone really even likes drinking water, but it’s important when you’re visiting a state that can get as hot and humid as Florida. Dehydration is a very real thing, but if you need something that doesn’t taste so much like water, we’ve got you covered with our favorite hydration and flavor packets — and you can get them on Amazon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier in Popsicle Firecracker ©Amazon This could be the perfect flavor for a hot summer because it tastes just like those fun red, white, and blue popsicles we all loved as kids. Plus, this packet has electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated much faster than just water. It’s even got vitamins and minerals in it that will keep you going throughout a hot day. View on Amazon Buy the mio Lemonade Liquid Water Enhancer ©Amazon If you love the taste of lemonade, but still want to stay hydrated and drink water, just add this water enhancer that’s made with natural ingredients. You’ll get the taste of lemonade, but with the benefits of drinking straight water. View on Amazon Get the Pedialyte Electrolyte Drink Mix with Zero Sugar ©Amazon Pedialyte isn’t just for kids, but it’s also good for kids, and kids need to stay hydrated, too. These hydration packets can convince kids to drink more water, and they don’t have any sugar. Several flavors are available, too. 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

Flying into Orlando International Airport for a Disney World vacation is one of the most exciting moments of your trip, and it’s just the beginning! Mears Connect Bus You just landed, and you’re ready to get to Disney World, but there’s one decision that can seriously impact your budget: how to get there. Between Uber surge pricing, rideshare add-ons, and Disney-area shuttle services, the cost of simply getting to your hotel can be surprisingly high. Here’s what I wish I had known before paying $54 for Disney World airport transportation, and how you can choose the option that makes the most sense for your trip. While Disney fans try as hard as they can to bring Disney’s free airport shuttle, Magical Express, back from its death in 2021, there is no longer a free option to get from Orlando International to your Disney hotel. Now, you can choose from renting a car, using a ride share like Uber or Lyft, or taking Mears Connect transportation. Let’s break the latter two down to see which is best for you! Orlando International Airport Uber Uber and other rideshare services are often the first option people consider when landing at MCO. They’re easy, fast, and feel familiar, but the cost can climb quickly, especially for families. At 8:30 AM on a Sunday, here’s what Uber pricing looked like for a trip from MCO to Disney World: Uber (up to 4 people): $36.96 UberXL (up to 6 people): $52.98 Black Uber (up to 4 people): $116.98 Uber with Car Seat (up to 4 people): $53.93 And remember, that’s only one way. Double that for a round trip, and you could easily be paying over $100 just to get to and from the airport. Pros of Uber Door-to-door service directly to your Disney hotel Typically faster than shared transportation Flexible pickup times No waiting for other passengers Cons of Uber Prices fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and traffic Larger families may need UberXL or multiple vehicles You’ll need to provide your own car seat or request a special vehicle Surge pricing can make costs skyrocket unexpectedly Orlando International Airport Mears Connect Mears Connect is one of the most popular alternatives to rideshare for Disney travelers, especially since Disney’s Magical Express was discontinued. The biggest advantage? Predictable pricing. Standard Mears Connect Round Trip Pricing Adults: $33.60 Children (ages 3–9): $27.30 Children under 3: Free For families with young kids, that child pricing can make a huge difference compared to Uber, especially when you factor in round-trip costs. You also do not need car seats for Mears Connect. Mears Connect Express Pricing $250 round trip for up to 4 people $55 per person for groups of 5+ No child rate — all guests count, regardless of age The Express option is essentially a private transfer, but the price jump is significant compared to the standard shared service. There is no need to wait for others to join the bus, and there are no extra stops. It will take you directly to your resort. Pros of Mears Connect Fixed pricing with no surge surprises Budget-friendly for families with kids No need to install apps or request cars Luggage handled for you Cons of Mears Connect Shared service can mean waiting for other passengers Longer travel times with multiple hotel stops Less flexibility if your flight is delayed Express service is costly for smaller groups Mears Connect bus The Real Cost Comparison This is where things really clicked for me. A family of four using a standard Uber both ways could easily spend anywhere between $75 to 110 round trip, depending on timing and car type. Meanwhile, the same family using Standard Mears Connect could pay $67 to 122 total round trip, depending on kid’s ages. That predictability matters when you’re already spending thousands on a Disney vacation. Orlando International Airport Which Option Is “Worth It”? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If speed and convenience matter most, Uber may be worth the extra cost. But if you’re traveling with kids, want to avoid surge pricing, or just like knowing exactly what you’ll pay upfront, Mears Connect can be the smarter choice. If you’re just traveling solo or with another adult, Uber might actually be cheaper. Mears Connect Disney World transportation costs can sneak up on you, but a little bit of planning can save you. For more Disney planning advice, money-saving tips, and travel information, be sure to check out DFB. Why Flying to Disney World Will Be Easier 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 Which transportation would you likely choose? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

We got some big news for sports fans! ©ESPN Disney’s ESPN and the NFL are entering into a new type of relationship. It was just announced that the NFL is now becoming a minority owner of ESPN. What could this mean for the future of the NFL or ESPN? Will there be new experiences for sports fans? Let’s take a look at the details! According to Variety, the Walt Disney Company and the National Football League have officially closed a deal, giving the NFL a 10% ownership stake in ESPN as part of a much broader acquisition of media assets. The agreement marks a significant shift in how the NFL is packaged, distributed, and consumed on television and digital platforms. This is a pretty big deal considering how popular a sport it is in America! ESPN Wide World of Sports ESPN will gain full ownership and operational control of NFL Network, the NFL RedZone channel, and the league’s official fantasy football service. In exchange, the NFL receives a minority equity position in ESPN, which now gives the league a direct stake in one of the country’s most prominent sports broadcasters. ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World ESPN will integrate NFL Network into its existing platforms. Fans will soon be able to access football content in one place. On top of that, the NFL Network and RedZone are expected to remain available across cable and satellite providers as part of ESPN’s broader sports portfolio. So, there will be no shortage of football. ©NFL This will clearly give the NFL a different look at how its content is now presented on television and streaming. It was reported that ESPN will also license additional NFL games each season, and that they will maintain the NFL Network’s distinct identity and programming while taking advantage of ESPN’s larger direct-to-consumer reach. ©ESPN There is some room for ESPN to go back on this deal in the future if they so choose. It was reported that ESPN could buy back that 10% stake close to a decade in the future under certain conditions. As for right now, this is the deal they’re rolling with. ©Disney Essentially, NFL fans will now have an easier time accessing everything under one major sports media brand. This includes games, fantasy football — you name it. This deal will start off hot, as this will mark ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast under this new structure. Wide World of Sports We’re always keeping an eye out for all the latest Disney news and updates, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing! Former Disney CEO Has One Message for the New Leader: “Continue Bob Iger’s Strategy” Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on the new deal? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

One thing I absolutely love about my job is being able to say: DISNEY WORLD RELEASED A NEW POPCORN BUCKET!!! And yes, I want to scream it. New popcorn bucket has arrived New popcorn buckets and sippers are a big deal around here, and to me, it’s not a trip to the parks without a bucket of popcorn swinging off my backpack. A new one just dropped at Hollywood Studios, and it has me even MORE excited for the Monstropolis expansion being built. Is this a sign of all the good souvenirs we’re going to get once it opens? Meet the Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister Popcorn Bucket! It costs $28 plus tax. LOVE IT It’s currently available at Hollywood Studios, with a limit of two per person per transaction, but it’s also coming to Disney California Adventure at a later date. We love the details The top of the lid flips over, and you can store your popcorn in it. It’s probably one of the more practical popcorn containers we’ve seen. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the weird shapes, but it is nice to carry around a large amount of popcorn easily. Fill her up! I love the strap and how it has the different Monsters, Inc. characters in cartoon style. It also has the 40th anniversary Pixar logo on it. Such a fun strap Oh yes, it LIGHTS UP! That way, you can see how many screams are in the container (or popcorn, I guess?). It lights up, too Yep, we’re obsessed. We grabbed ours from a popcorn cart on the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard, but you can check around other carts for the bucket and the new Little Green Men Jetpack Sipper. Ready for popcorn Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of all the Disney news you need in your life. 2 WAYS DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS WILL BE TOTALLY DIFFERENT IN 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you going to get this popcorn bucket? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

There’s a secret soda flavor at Disney World…and it’s not in the parks! We found it! While everyone’s busy hunting snacks inside the theme parks, Disney has quietly tucked an exclusive soda flavor inside one of its newest hotels. And if you know JUST where to search for it, this drink is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details that feels very Disney, but we’re spilling all of its secrets! Disney World has no shortage of hidden gems, but this one is especially fun if you love tracking down exclusive food and drinks. Tucked away at a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine outside Wailulu Bar & Grill, you can find a quietly exclusive soda flavor you won’t see anywhere else on property: Island Time Fizz, plus a Zero Sugar version. Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines This is an exclusive Sprite-based flavor available only at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine located near Wailulu at Island Tower. You can grab it by purchasing a paper cup from Wailulu for $6.17 (we did this during breakfast hours), or by using a refillable Disney resort mug. Just a heads up: the Freestyle machine won’t dispense drinks unless it detects an activated chip, so you can’t use a random cup or water bottle — the machine has to read that chip before letting you select a beverage! Closer look Also, quick credit where it’s due, this wasn’t some big discovery moment on our end. We originally saw Island Time Fizz pop up on social media and immediately added it to our “must-try” list. Flavor-wise, both versions are essentially POG-flavored Sprite — passion fruit, orange, and guava layered into that familiar lemon-lime base. That said, the two versions tasted surprisingly different to us. Whether that was due to syrup ratios, carbonation levels, or just the machine having an off day is hard to say, but the differences were noticeable. Island Time Fizz The regular Island Time Fizz leaned much heavier on the Sprite side. It looked bubblier, stayed fizzy longer, and tasted more lemon-lime forward, with the tropical POG flavors sitting underneath as a subtle backdrop. It was sweeter overall and felt more like a classic soda with a tropical twist. The Zero Sugar version, on the other hand, flipped that balance. The carbonation faded faster visually, but tasted sharper and more soda-water-forward. This one was much heavier on the POG (especially the passion fruit and guava), with Sprite coming in at the end as a bright, citrusy finish. It was noticeably less sweet, almost like drinking POG juice mixed with sparkling water, which honestly worked really well if you like bold tropical flavors without the sugar! Island Time Zero Sugar If we had to choose, we slightly preferred the regular version, but if you’re a true POG fan, the Zero Sugar option might actually be your pick. It’s a little confusing (and could’ve been machine-related), but either way, it’s a fun, refreshing drink worth seeking out. 3 refills within an hour One last pro tip: if you buy the paper cup from Wailulu, it’s valid for three refills within one hour, which makes this feel like a pretty solid value (especially if you’re curious enough to try both versions side by side)! We’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney food and drink news, updates, and more. Be sure to stay tuned with us right here at DFB. Does This Popular Disney World Perk Apply to Disney Springs? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you prefer the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines at Disney World? Leave your thoughts on them in the comments below. View the full article

If you’re planning on visiting Disney World, there are a few things you need to know about staying in a Disney World hotel. Now, a Disney World vacation often requires a bit more planning than other vacations, and that includes things you’ll need to pack for your hotel room. Room at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Now, we’ve tried and tested a lot of products on Amazon that can help you during your Disney World hotel stay, and we’re sharing some of our favorites with you right now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip When you’ve got multiple people in one hotel room with multiple devices, you’re going to struggle to find enough places to plug everything in for charging. That’s where this power strip comes in handy. It gives you three outlets and four USB ports. View on Amazon This MagicBand+ Multicharger is a Must MultiCharger for MagicBand+ If you’ve got multiple people in a room and they all have MagicBands, you’re also going to have issues finding places to plug all those MagicBands in. This Multicharger, though, is designed to charge three MagicBands at once, and it even comes with four MagicBand protectors. View on Amazon We love the 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Devices Charging Station If you’ve got multiple Apple devices to charge, like an Apple Watch, an iPhone, and AirPods, you can charge all three with this station that has wireless charging for those. In other words, you can charge all three of those devices at once, but only use one outlet to do it. View on Amazon You can grab the Laundry Mesh Pop-Up Hamper ©Amazon You’re going to have dirty clothes while you’re on a trip. Now, you don’t want to mix up your dirty clothes with your clean clothes, so that’s why this hamper is so handy. It’s collapsible, so it’s easy to pack, but when you’re ready to use it, just pop it out, and everyone can throw their dirty clothes in there. View on Amazon Don’t forget the Dreamegg Portable Noise Machine Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine I gotta’ tell you, I just got one of these portable noise machines for myself, and it’s a game changer in getting a good night’s sleep. Bring this with you to your hotel room to block out any unfamiliar sounds and provide comforting white noise. It’s got different types of noises you can choose from, and it’s so small that it takes up almost no space at all in your suitcase. View on Amazon Or invest in a Portable Hanging Travel Shelf Portable Shelves This is one of those things you don’t think you need until you get one. First, you use it as packing cubes in your suitcase to help you organize your stuff. But then you can pull it out and hang it in your hotel room somewhere, and you have instant shelves with all your stuff already in it. BRILLIANT. View on Amazon And finally, you’ll love the BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag Traveling with toiletries can be bothersome, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have this travel toiletry bag, you can keep all your toiletries nice and organized and easy to get to when you’re ready to use them at the hotel. We are also seriously impressed with just how much you can get in this bag, too. 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

In January of 2026, Gideon’s Bakehouse founder Steve Lewis got our mouths watering with a major announcement about a BRAND NEW restaurant coming to Disney Springs. Disney Springs After a few weeks of speculation based on construction permits, January 16th — the anniversary of Gideon’s opening — saw Lewis share a message on Gideon’s social media channels announcing a new location: Six Ravens. Lewis wrote, “What if we created a place that offered up savory delights in collaboration with some of our favorite Central Florida chefs? After all, I got my start at Disney Springs as a secret menu item at the Polite Pig. It’s important to pay it forward and bring more local flavors to the international crowds we meet every day. So with that, I introduce you to Six Ravens.” So, what’s the menu at Six Ravens going to look like? ©Six Ravens Lewis stressed that the new location would be focused on savory offerings. According to the post, Six Ravens will specialize in “Coffyns.” Described as an “old school hand pie”, the fluffy yeast bread pastry will be “filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars,” according to Lewis. ©Six Ravens The location will also serve savory potatoes, local draft beer, and, obviously, “some tasty desserts.” ©Six Ravens ⁣⁣According to Lewis and Gideons and Lewis, Six Ravens is scheduled to open at Disney Springs later this year. Stay tuned to DFB for more on this upcoming Disney Springs location. 4 Game-Changing Updates Coming to Disney Springs in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for Six Ravens? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Disney has finally named its next CEO, Josh D’Amaro. After months (if not years) of anticipation, the Disney Company announced the news on February 3rd, 2026, ahead of Bob Iger’s contract end. ©Disney There has been lots of conversation regarding the big news, and now former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has chimed in. He has some big advice for the new company head, specifically to “continue Bob Iger’s strategy.” Former CEO Michael Eisner has chimed in on Disney’s latest announcement! Eisner served as chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company from September 1984 to September 2005, before he was stepped down and was replaced with current CEO Bob Iger. Michael Eisner (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) Eisner has been outspoken on changes regarding the company for many years, and he even welcomed Bob Iger back when he returned to the CEO position in 2022 after leaving it originally in 2020. In a message on X, Eisner shared his congratulations for Josh D’Amaro and Dana Walden, the company’s new Chief Creative Officer, along with some big advice. ©Disney He wrote, “Congratulations to Josh D’Amaro for becoming the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and congratulations to Chairman James Gorman for making such a wise pick as well as promoting Dana Walden to president and chief creative officer.” The new role of Chief Creative Officer was created for Walden as a “historic first for the company.” Walden will report directly to D’Amaro to “ensure that storytelling and creative expression across every audience touchpoint consistently reflect the brand, engage audience at scale, and advance core business objectives, while driving enterprise-wide initiatives and translating vision into action.” ©Disney As far as advice goes, Esiner continued to say, “My advice to Josh is continue Bob Iger’s strategy that creativity will handle profits, always protect the brand, and keep close the words of Walt Disney: “We love to entertain kings and queens, but the vital thing to remember is this—every guest receives the VIP treatment.” Good luck.” Bob Iger is actually ending his contract as CEO earlier than anticipated, after it was said he is ready to move on from the position. ©Disney Fans have also been asking for a CEO who focuses on the vision of Walt Disney for years now, so the advice to keep Walt Disney’s words close is unsurprising. For this same reason, fans often mentioned D’Amaro as their hopeful replacement when discussing the CEO search. Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Josh D’Amaro at the 2023 Destination D23 fan convention. As for Bob Iger’s strategy? It’s left an interesting history with the company. Iger first retired from the company in 2020 before returning in 2022 when Bob Chapek was removed from the position. Since returning, he’s ushered in some major changes, like Disney’s upcoming 7th theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, which raised concerns for many fans. As D’Amaro takes over the position, he will now be tasked with the consequences of these actions as well as decisions connected to them. ©Disney We’re eager to see what kind of legacy D’Amaro creates as he takes over the CEO role on March 18th, 2026. What we do know is that he has support from at least two former Disney CEOs, with Iger saying, “Josh D’Amaro is an exceptional leader and the right person to become our next CEO.” We are sure this leadership change will usher in a new era for the company, one that we will be watching closely. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. 5 Rules Disney HAD TO CHANGE 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 Tell us your thoughts on the changes in the comments. View the full article

Disney World is working on so many expansions right now, it can be hard to keep them all straight! Three of the four parks have active construction going on to build new lands, and while Disney hasn’t released too many details about everything happening, we’re starting to see more plans and aerial photos of the sites. ©Disney Piston Peak, the Cars-themed land, and Villains Land are coming to Magic Kingdom and taking the place of the old Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, plus the land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We’re starting to feel a little antsy about the construction, and we’re ready for more details, so let’s see if we can figure out everything that’s being built. Here’s a big overview of the area in Magic Kingdom from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) filed by Disney to show that some of the buildings will be for Piston Peak and Villains Land. These could be show buildings for rides! We’re thinking the larger facility spaces will have rides. ©FDEP We’re thinking this odd-shaped building could be the rally racing attraction. The concept art for the attraction looks like it will mostly take place outside, but there could be portions that run inside, including preshows, loading, and the queue (please, Disney, let the queue be inside). ©FDEP Here’s a look at the concept art. Looks like it will go inside at some point! Radiator Springs in Disney California Adventure takes place inside and out, and is also a racing ride, so it could be a similar setup. @Disney There will definitely be a fun outdoor section, though. It’s meant to be a road race through the dirt of a National Park, so we’re going to need some outside time to ride. ©Disney We’re hoping this other section is the family ride going to the space. We don’t have as many details on this attraction, but we do know that there will be a second ride geared more towards the younger riders of the family. It’s like the smaller buildings in the space will be restaurants and shops. ©FDEP This was the shared map of the whole space. It’s oriented differently than you can see in the parks, but those buildings to the left are the area from Liberty Square to Frontierland with Big Thunder Mountain to the right. Picture you’re standing on top of the Haunted Mansion. While the Rivers of America is being filled in, it seems like more water elements will be added. ©Disney Disney has been very quiet about Villains Land, and we really only have one piece of concept art to go on. Those buildings are likely going tobe attractions based on how large they are. The largest building is roughly 70,000 square feet, which is about the same size as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. ©FDEP The concept art is pretty vague for the land, but we do see some buildings and parts of a roller coaster. ©Disney It kinda looks like a wild roller coaster, too! We see the roller coaster in two separate parts, and while it might be two smaller ones, it’s likely it’s one bigger coaster, and somewhere else in the land, there will be a more family-friendly ride. Another building is around 48,000 square feet, which makes sense for the smaller attraction. ©Disney It looks pretty intense. Like most lands, we can also expect stores and dining locations, plus some character meet and greets. There are about four buildings in the area, according to the filed documents. Of course, things can change, but these are the records that are published. ©Disney These expansions are the biggest for Magic Kingdom and some of the biggest for Disney World. It will push the dimensions of Magic Kingdom back, making it even bigger. If you weren’t spending two days in Disney World before, you will definitely want to add a second day to your trip. Existing and Potential New Parade Path We currently don’t have any expected opening dates, but we’re hoping within the next few years. Pueblo Esperanza will be opening in Animal Kingdom in 2027, and we don’t have the opening dates for Monstropolis, but it’s looking more towards 2028 or 2029. We’re expecting Piston Peak to open first, since more information has been shared, possibly around 2028 or 2029, but Villains Land is feeling more 2030. Of course, that’s just our speculations right now. Disney can surprise us and open them sooner or even later! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. As the expansions continue to be built, we’ll continue finding pictures, documents, and all the details we can! FULL LIST OF WHAT’S OPENING IN DISNEY WORLD 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 Are you excited for the expansions? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

It’s about to be a VERY Muppety year! The famous friends are headed back to our television screens on February 4th in a new Muppets special featuring Sabrina Carpenter. ©Disney They’re also taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in summer 2026, so you could say we’re on the come-up. That’s why we’re focused on not just loving the Muppets on the inside, but also on the outside with these 5 Muppet t-shirts that we think everyone will be wearing. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’re a Muppets fan, you’re going to LOVE these new shirts. If you aren’t a Muppets fan, keep scrolling because we would bet you know a Muppets fan who needs a gift this year. Starting off strong with a shirt that we can already visualize in Hollywood Studios. The Muppets Nights in Concert ©Amazon Is there any better way to celebrate rocking out with the Muppets this summer? This shirt features Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem on their own concert poster. You can grab this shirt, which details their shoe dates as “Several Nights Only” from July 14th until ?, 1998. It’s made with 100% cotton so you can stay comfortable all day long. Shop on Amazon Miss Piggy Accessorize Tee ©Amazon You can’t dress with Muppets in mind without thinking of THE fashion icon! Miss Piggy is right about many things. She is the most famous pig alive, she knows all about fashion, and we should all accessorize over exercise. This cotton tee comes in 6 different colors, and we think it’s perfect for any of the parks or at home. Shop on Amazon Kermit Smile Shirt ©Amazon Could we really do a Muppets shirt round-up post without a Kermit the Frog shirt? No, no, we could not. This shirt really goes to show you, it isn’t easy being green, but with Kermit around, you can keep a smile on your face. There are 15 differnet color options for this shirt, so you can customize it to your preference. It’s 100% cotton for extra comfort! Shop on Amazon Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem! ©Amazon When summer 2026 rolls around, you can be sure we will be rocking this shirt — literally! You can show off your love for Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, and Lips all at once. It comes in 17 colors and is 100% cotton, so your entire group can coordinate while staying cool in the heat. Shop on Amazon Psychadelic Muppets Shirt ©Amazon If you’re looking for a little more color, this shirt is out of this world! This tee also features Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, and Lips as the Electric Mayhem Band, but with tons of groovy colors. The band and its logo are surrounded by tons of flower power, so even when you’re rocking, you can be all about peace. We think Janice would love that. Shop on Amazon This is the year to be a Muppets fan, so you can be sure we’re adding these to our collection ASAP! Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney tees, reviews, and finds online. View the full article