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Mizner’s Lounge in Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort has just closed to begin a refurbishment which will also result in an expanded space when it reopens this fall. Original Mizner’s Lounge sign But Grand Floridian guests need not face the spring or summer without a Grand Cocktail, as a temporary lounge has been established on the main lobby floor. Temporary Lounge It stands directly in front of the Garden View Lounge, where Afternoon Tea is served. Temporary Lounge There is seating in the lobby, of course, but guests may sit in the tea room once Afternoon Tea concludes for the day (and can even be seated with assistance if there are empty tables while tea continues). Garden View Lounge Mizner’s Lounge Menu The temporary Mizner’s menu still features Veuve Clicquot along with wines and beer. Mizner’s Lounge Menu The Florida Manhattan and The Grand Cocktail are listed under the Specialties. Mizner’s Lounge Menu Martinis include the Grand Cosmopolitan. Mizner’s Lounge Menu And a selection of Cognac, Bourbon & Whisky, and Single Malt & Blended Scotch remains as well. Mizner’s Lounge Menu Lounge Fare is available from 5:00 – 9:30 PM, with food provided from the Grand Floridian Café, and interested guests can find allergy info listed clearly. Mizner’s Lounge Menu And upstairs? Closed Off Mizner’s Lounge upstairs Closed Off Mizner’s Lounge upstairs Well, here is a peek inside the closed-off Mizner’s ahead of the refurbishment work. (Note that the neighboring Commander Porter’s shop has been closed as well to make way for the expansion to the space.) Closed Off Mizner’s Lounge upstairs Closed Off Mizner’s Lounge upstairs Looks like plenty of change is in store for Mizner’s Lounge! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be grabbing a drink at the temporary Mizner’s Lounge? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New at Disney World’s Monorail Resorts! What’s New at the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resorts in Disney World! DFB Video: Food Tour of Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort View the full article

The Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler — which made its limited-time debut at the park over the holiday season — is returning for another run this spring from April 12-22, 2019! Tasting Sampler Guide The Tasting Sampler — which is available for sale NOW — costs $50 and includes two digital value cards: one $50 card that can be used at over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations throughout the park (and does not expire), and a bonus $10 card that can be used at the following quick-service restaurants after 5pm from April 12-22, 2019: Restaurantosaurus, Pizzafari and Pizzafari Family-Style Dining, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Satu’li Canteen. (You’ll find instructions for purchasing at the end of this post.) Part of the fun of the Tasting Sampler availability is the addition of LOTS of extra treats and eats throughout the park! Chicken Dumplings at Mr. Kamal’s And note that these are available for any guests to purchase, whether you elect to buy the Tasting Sampler or not. We were quite impressed with the offerings during the last Tasting Sampler run, so we’re glad to know that some of the items will be returning, along with new additions to try! Here is a list of participating locations and their menu items: Kusafiri Bakery (Africa) Chicken Curry Shrimp Curry Chicken & Shrimp Curry Coffee Chicken and Shrimp Curry Caravan Road (Asia) Tuna Tataki Bowl Pork Bao Tasting Sampler items ©Disney Mr. Kamal’s (Asia) Fried Chicken Dumplings Kamal’s Fries with Dipping Sauces Trilobites (DinoLand U.S.A.) Scrooge McDuck’s Billionaire Bacon Caramel Sundae Scrooge McDuck’s Billionaire Bacon Caramel Sundae ©Disney Dino-Bite Snacks (DinoLand U.S.A.) Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwich Terra Treats (Discovery Island) Tomato and Cheese Pizza Meatball Slider on Focaccia Roll Sausage and Peppers Pizza Tasting Sampler items ©Disney Smiling Crocodile (Discovery Island) House-smoked Pastrami Slider Pulled Pork Street Tacos Chips and Queso Additional Participating Carts and Kiosks Africa Mahindi (popcorn, glazed nuts, beer) Tamu Tamu Refreshments (Pineapple Dole Whip Cup, ice cream treats, beer) Dawa Bar (specialty beverages, cocktails, beer) Harambe Fruit Market (fruit, pretzels, grilled corn) Asia Warung Outpost (pretzels, chips, margaritas) Drinkwallah (nuts, chips, frozen beverages) Chakranadi (pretzels, nuts, beer, fountain beverages) Anandapur Ice Cream Treats (soft-serve ice cream treats, fountain beverages) Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks (popcorn, ice cream treats, pretzels, cocktails, beer) Snack Cart near UP! A Great Bird Adventure (ice cream treats) DinoLand U.S.A. Dino Diner (chili cheese dog, corn chip pie, churros, beer) Corn-ivores (popcorn, bottled beverages) Corn Chip Pie Discovery Island Feeding Ground (popcorn, frozen lemonade, beer) Eight Spoon Café (macaroni and cheese with pulled pork or shrimp, pretzels) Isle of Java (coffee, pastries, chocolate donut holes) Snack Cart near Tiffins Restaurant (all-beef hot dogs, ice cream treats) Chocolate Donut Holes Pandora – The World of Avatar Pongu Pongu (pretzels, pineapple lumpia, specialty beverages) Beverage Cart near Pongu Pongu (chips, bottled beverages) Parkwide Ice Cream Carts (ice cream treats, bottled beverages) How to Purchase the Tasting Sampler Disney provides the following instructions and website for purchasing the Tasting Sampler: “Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler can be purchased through April 22, 2019 at noon and can be used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during regular operating hours. When you purchase the sampler, you’ll receive an email for each digital value card. Each email will have a barcode that can be added to your digital wallet on your mobile phone and scanned at most food and beverage locations throughout the park. For a full list of participating locations and menu offerings, visit any food and beverage location at the park. To purchase, visit Offers.Disney.com and use the code DAKDINEBONUS.” Note that Disney also provides the following information: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler $50 digital value card can only be redeemed at the participating locations indicated on the Tasting Sampler map, which will be available at any participating food and beverage location in the park. It cannot be used at Table-Service Restaurants or Quick-Service Restaurants and does not expire. Disney’s Animal Kingdom After 5pm Quick Service Bonus $10 digital value card may only be redeemed at the five locations above and is not valid for use after April 22, 2019. Guests must be at least 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please keep a valid form of identification on hand at all times to verify your age. All menu items and event experiences are subject to change without notice. $50 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler and the $10 Disney’s Animal Kingdom After 5 Quick Service Bonus are separate products and cannot be combined. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be participating in the Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Heading to Animal Kingdom Over the Holidays? Don’t Miss These Limited Time Tasting Sampler Eats! What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 FULL Review: The New Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora — The World of AVATAR View the full article

A light rain fell on the Star Wars Rival Run 5K on Friday at Epcot, but even the weather couldn’t have put a damper on the bright light that was Daniel “DJ’’ Roberts, the 11-year-old Orlando runner who had everyone beaming across the galaxy. “DJ’’ lost his right leg to cancer a couple of years ago, but his love of all things Star Wars drew him to the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox where he summoned the Force and participated in the 5K run through Epcot. In the process, he battled the light rain and overcame his own fears to complete the journey that few thought possible. When it was all over, he fell into a deep embrace from his mother and the many family members and friends who ran alongside him, including his Advent Health physical therapist Trevor Hicks. At that moment, no one around him was really thinking about the rain or the excitement surrounding this amazing race, but rather only about a little boy who displayed the type of courage, resilience and strength that we so rarely find – even in a galaxy far, far away. Check out this profile on “DJ’’ by ABC’s Good Morning America. If you’re inspired to sign up for a runDisney race weekend, you can get more information at runDisney.com. View the full article

Are you ready to take a tasty adventure through Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park? If so, then you’ll want to try out the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler, which is on sale starting TODAY! With this digital value card, you’ll be able to enjoy a delectable day of flavorful food and beverage as you taste your way around the park’s carts, kiosks, and after 5pm at quick-service restaurants with a bonus digital value card. The sampler costs $50 and includes two digital value cards: one $50 card that can be used at over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations throughout the park (and does not expire), and a bonus $10 card that can be used at the following quick-service restaurants after 5pm from April 12-22, 2019: Restaurantosaurus (DinoLand U.S.A), Pizzafari and Pizzafari Family-Style Dining (Discovery Island), Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island), and Satu’li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar). At each of the outdoor food and beverage locations, you can use the $50 card to purchase anything on the menus. Among these dishes are some favorites from last year’s Tasting Sampler as well as a whole host of delicious new bites. Here’s a list of all the new and returning eats and treats that you won’t want to miss. Kusafiri Bakery (Africa) Chicken Curry Shrimp Curry Chicken & Shrimp Curry Coffee Caravan Road (Asia) Tuna Tataki Bowl Pork Bao Mr. Kamal’s (Asia) Fried Chicken Dumplings Kamal’s Fries with Dipping Sauces Trilobites (DinoLand U.S.A.) Scrooge McDuck’s Billionaire Bacon Caramel Sundae Dino-Bite Snacks (DinoLand U.S.A.) Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwich Terra Treats (Discovery Island) Tomato and Cheese Pizza Meatball Slider on Focaccia Roll Sausage and Peppers Pizza Smiling Crocodile (Discovery Island) House-smoked Pastrami Slider Pulled Pork Street Tacos Chips and Queso Additional Participating Carts and Kiosks Africa Mahindi (popcorn, glazed nuts, beer) Tamu Tamu Refreshments (Pineapple Dole Whip Cup, ice cream treats, beer) Dawa Bar (specialty beverages, cocktails, beer) Harambe Fruit Market (fruit, pretzels, grilled corn) Asia Warung Outpost (pretzels, chips, margaritas) Drinkwallah (nuts, chips, frozen beverages) Chakranadi (pretzels, nuts, beer, fountain beverages) Anandapur Ice Cream Treats (soft-serve ice cream treats, fountain beverages) Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks (popcorn, ice cream treats, pretzels, cocktails, beer) Snack Cart near UP! A Great Bird Adventure (ice cream treats) DinoLand U.S.A. Dino Diner (chili cheese dog, corn chip pie, churros, beer) Corn-ivores (popcorn, bottled beverages) Discovery Island Feeding Ground (popcorn, frozen lemonade, beer) Eight Spoon Café (macaroni and cheese with pulled pork or shrimp, pretzels) Isle of Java (coffee, pastries, chocolate donut holes) Snack Cart near Tiffins Restaurant (all-beef hot dogs, ice cream treats) Pandora – The World of Avatar Pongu Pongu (pretzels, pineapple lumpia, specialty beverages) Beverage Cart near Pongu Pongu (chips, bottled beverages) Parkwide Ice Cream Carts (ice cream treats, bottled beverages) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler can be purchased through April 22, 2019 at noon and can be used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during regular operating hours. When you purchase the sampler, you’ll receive an email for each digital value card. Each email will have a barcode that can be added to your digital wallet on your mobile phone and scanned at most food and beverage locations throughout the park. For a full list of participating locations and menu offerings, visit any food and beverage location at the park. To purchase, visit Offers.Disney.com and use the code DAKDINEBONUS. Happy Snacking! PLEASE NOTE: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler $50 digital value card can only be redeemed at the participating locations indicated on the Tasting Sampler map, which will be available at any participating food and beverage location in the park. It cannot be used at Table-Service Restaurants or Quick-Service Restaurants and does not expire. Disney’s Animal Kingdom After 5pm Quick Service Bonus $10 digital value card may only be redeemed at the five locations above and is not valid for use after April 22, 2019. Guests must be at least 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please keep a valid form of identification on hand at all times to verify your age. All menu items and event experiences are subject to change without notice. $50 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler and the $10 Disney’s Animal Kingdom After 5 Quick Service Bonus are separate products and cannot be combined. View the full article

If your plans include an upcoming Disneyland Resort vacation with preschoolers, you don’t want to miss these amazing tips for making the most of your day at Disney California Adventure park. Join Disney Parks Moms Panelist Tony as he checks out attractions and experiences perfect for little ones! What a fun day your preschoolers can have at Disney California Adventure park–from dancing at Disney Junior Dance Party! to taking a voyage under the sea with Ariel on The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. In addition, Cars Land offers endless giggles on Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree! For more great preschool tips, be sure you visit Disneyland.com/preschool for fantastic suggestions on attractions, character meet and greets, shows and more! And when planning your Disneyland Resort vacation, or for general Disney vacation questions, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for an answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists. Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. View the full article

Sneak peeks of Disney’s upcoming film “Aladdin” will begin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park on April 19. A preview of scenes from the film — a live-action remake of Disney’s 1992 animated film of the same name — will be shown inside the Walt Disney Presents attraction for a limited time.... View the full article

A whole bunch of Briar Rose Gold treats can currently be found across counter service locations in Disney World Resort hotels in celebration of the latest Disney color craze. Briar Rose Gold Cake And today we stopped by Contempo Café in Disney’s Contemporary Resort to check out the Briar Rose Gold Cake! This pretty individual serving-sized cake has such a beautiful presentation, I’d almost expect to see it presented at a wedding instead of tucked into a bakery case. Yet, here it is, available for $5.29 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit. Briar Rose Gold Cake in case It really is gorgeous, with its bottom rim of gold sugar and the cute, yet subtle, Mickey on top formed with rose gold icing. Briar Rose Gold Cake And the marbled buttercream rounding the cake is another lovely touch. Briar Rose Gold Cake It’s worth noting that this cake is described by Disney as being a raspberry cake filled with vanilla custard. But our actual experience with the cake was somewhat different. Our cake was pretty much a white cake base “filled” with… Briar Rose Gold Cake … ONE raspberry. And ours even had a small hole, which we’re thinking was intended for more custard? Ours only had a teeny bit of the custard up at the top. Briar Rose Gold Cake So, that was disappointing. It is also worth noting, however, that the cake itself was still delicious. And the additional flavors of custard and the fresh raspberry (as opposed to a filling) were really good, when present. If more were made of those elements, this cake would be truly memorable. As it is, it’s quite pretty and tasty… it just didn’t exactly live up to the flavor expectations. Still, there’s absolutely no shortage of delicious goodies — Briar Rose Gold or otherwise — in the Contempo Café bakery case! Be sure to check out more dining at the Contemporary Resort in our DFB YouTube Video! Would you like to try the Briar Rose Gold Cake? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: DFB Video: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Food Tour Review: New Bakery Items at Contemporary Resort’s Contempo Cafe (Did Somebody Say “Peanut Butter Pie”?) Review: Lunch at Disney World’s Contempo Cafe in Contemporary Resort View the full article

Shades of Green has announced their February Savings Special for 2020. This Special currently includes 2 adult breakfasts per day at the Garden Gallery Buffet. Dates: The current dates of this special are: 1 – 6 & 29 February 2020 Rates Category 1 guests $140.20 per night stay (E1-E6, Cadet) Category 2 guests $167.20 per night stay […] The post Shades of Green February Savings Special 2020 appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Ronto Roasters, the exotic meat stand coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now has a page on Disneyland’s and Disney World’s official websites, and with it we’ve got NEW DETAILS about the counter service spot! Ronto Roasters Disney describes the “intoxicating scent of grilled meat” that will fill the air, making Ronto Roasters “a favorite stop for crews prepping for their next mission.” We already know the specialty of the house, the Ronto Wrap, will consist of grilled sausage and roasted pork! Other known menu items include Turkey Jerky and Meiloorun Juice. Meiloorun Juice, Turkey Jerky and Ronto Wrap ©Disney Parks And now we know how those meats will be cooked — at least according to Disney’s Batuu lore. A pitmaster droid will turn a mechanical spit as a “hanging podracer engine [heats] up a spit of meats.” And just what is a “ronto”? It’s a “massive beast native to the planet Tatooine!” We’re not hungry, you’re hungry! And on May 31 at Disneyland and August 29 at Walt Disney World, we can finally sink our teeth into Ronto Roasters! Don’t miss out on any Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news! Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter today! Which Ronto Roasters offering will you try first? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: BREAKING! New Concept Art for Kat Saka’s Kettle in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — and MORE! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Cliffs Notes…Here’s What You Absolutely NEED To Know After The Galaxy’s Edge INFO BOMB Dropped Last Night! BRAND NEW Concept Art Revealed for TWO Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Shops! View the full article

This Wednesday will bring the debut of the new Disney Parks Wishables in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks Wishables ©Disney So, what are Wishables? Why, they are “soft and huggable friends inspired by iconic Disney characters, films, attractions and even snacks.” Disney Parks Wishables ©Disney This collectible line of mini plushies comes along with its own hashtag. If you bring a Wishable along on your next Disney adventure, Disney requests that you snap and share a pic using #DisneyParksWishables. Disney Parks Wishables ©Disney The line will include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends, and characters inspired by attractions like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney Parks Wishables ©Disney Iconic Disney snacks will be represented as well! Disney Parks Wishables ©Disney Wednesdays will bring releases of new Wishables moving forward, with the launch of the line on Wednesday, April 10th being celebrated at events on both coasts. Disneyland Resort will host an event from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District. Walt Disney World will host an event from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs. (Disney artist Maria Stuckey from Theme Park Product Design will be at the Disney Springs event.) Note that, even though the Disney World launch will take place at Once Upon a Toy, the Wishables will also be found at World of Disney and select merchandise locations around Disneyland Resort and Disney World. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be collecting Wishables? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Returning Favorites and New Holiday Cupcakes Arrive at Sprinkles! Here’s Where To Find A Double Stuffed Oreo Cupcake in Disney Parks… Design Your Own Bake Box at Sprinkles Cupcakes! View the full article

If you’ve been wishing to see more from Disney’s all-new live-action adventure, “Aladdin,” consider that wish granted! Check out this special message from two of the stars of the film, Will Smith and Mena Massoud. For a limited time beginning April 19, you’ll get a special preview of scenes from “Aladdin” in sneak peeks planned for Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. At Disneyland park, the preview of “Aladdin” will be presented at the Main Street Opera House in Town Square, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include this advance look at a portion of the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction. A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”), who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August (“Dark Shadows,” “Big Fish”) and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the larger-than-life Genie; Mena Massoud (“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”) as the charming scoundrel Aladdin; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Jasmine, the beautiful, self- determined princess; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, the powerful sorcerer; Navid Negahban (“Legion”) as the Sultan concerned with his daughter’s future; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s free-spirited best friend and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as the handsome and arrogant suitor Prince Anders; and Numan Acar (“The Great Wall”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and captain of the palace guards. Here’s a look at the latest trailer for Disney’s “Aladdin,” which opens in theaters on May 24, 2019. View the full article

Spring has sprung at Disney Parks, and with the new season comes an all-new, totally adorable addition to our merchandise offerings. Launching April 10 at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are the must-have Disney Parks Wishables – soft and huggable friends inspired by iconic Disney characters, films, attractions and even snacks. There’s no limit to the ways Disney Parks Wishables can bring magic to life! These collectible plushies are not only cuddly, but also make an adorable addition to any photo. Take them on your next Disney adventure, snap a pic and share with friends using #DisneyParksWishables. This launch includes the likes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends, along with characters inspired by attractions such as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean. Even Mickey-shaped treats are part of the collection! Check back on Wednesdays for the release of new Disney Parks Wishables, the first set launching this coming Wednesday! Celebration events will take place on April 10. At the Disneyland Resort, join us from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District. At Walt Disney World, join us from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Once Upon a Toy in Disney Springs. Disney artist Maria Stuckey from Theme Park Product Design will be on hand at the Disney Springs event. Find Disney Parks Wishables at select merchandise locations, including World of Disney at the Downtown Disney District in California and Disney Springs in Florida. Follow along on social using #DisneyParksWishables and #DisneyParksWishablesWednesday. View the full article

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas? Disney World enthusiasts might think so as tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the after-hours, extra-ticket event at Magic Kingdom. The first Very Merry of 2019 is Nov. 8, and there are 22 more of the special event, stretching... View the full article

Hi, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing nine things we never thought we’d say in Disney World! “That was even more fun in the rain!” You envision one kind of trip to Disney World…and then something else happens entirely! Here are nine things you never thought you’d say on your Disney World vacation… and we know, because we’ve said them all, too. And you can hear them all in our latest DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What is something you never thought you’d say — but you did! — in Disney World? Related posts: DFB Video: Disney World Bathrooms! (Volume I) DFB Video: 12 Smartphone Apps You’ll Definitely Need in Walt Disney World DFB Video: New Disney Dishes That We LOVED (And One We REALLY Didn’t) View the full article

If you are still considering your plans for Easter Sunday, April 21st in Disney World, you may want to know about three Easter dining options in The Edison Complex in Disney Springs. Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Brunch with the Easter Bunny at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante will host a buffet Brunch with the Easter Bunny featuring classic Italian dishes from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Easter Sunday. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante The buffet menu — which you can see in full here — will include Mascarpone French Toast, Antipasti options, pastas, and a Chocolate Fountain among the offerings. The special guest will, of course, be The Easter Bunny! He will be available for a complimentary printed photo souvenir. Brunch with the Easter Bunny will cost $45 for adults and $20 for children. Click here to reserve online, or call 407-560-8466. Enzo’s Hideaway Seating will begin at 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday for guests to enjoy the traditional menu at Enzo’s Hideaway along with three specialty à la carte items including a Spicy Italian Breakfast Skillet with spicy Italian sausage, pancetta and potatoes, Nutella French Toast with brioche bread and fresh berries, and Frittata Rustica on ciabatta toast. Main Dining Area in Enzo’s Hideaway Click here to reserve online, or call 407-560-3696. The Edison Seating will also begin at 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday at The Edison. The Grand Staircase inside The Edison The Edison’s signature menu will be available along with a selection of three Easter à la carte specials: a stack of fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with whipped ricotta cheese, an Edison Egg Burger with brioche bun, bacon, egg & avocado, or a Smoked Salmon Frittata with roasted shallots, tomatoes & fontina cheese. Click here to reserve online, or call 407-560-9288. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be in Disney Springs on Easter Sunday? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: INSIDE the Edison and MORE — Opening SOON at Disney World! News: Reservations for The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney World Now on OpenTable A Hard Hat Tour Inside The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte! View the full article

Briar Rose Gold is popping up at Disney Parks on both coasts, and that means new snacks! We gave you a little preview here, but now, we’ve got a look at the real deal Briar Rose Gold Tart! Briar Rose Gold Tart This orange cream tart can be found at the Yacht Club’s Market at Ale & Compass and at the Beach Club Marketplace, and it is officially available today! Buuuuut the DFB is intrepid, and when we stopped in to try it yesterday, the cast member let us have one! (Further proof that it can’t hurt to ask at Disney World!) This square tart is covered in a marbled mirror glaze that perfectly suits the princess who inspired it. It’s edged in sweet buttercream, which adds the biggest hit of sugar in the dessert. Briar Rose Gold Tart The Briar Rose Gold Ears on top are comprised of white chocolate discs and bow, tinted rose gold (er, sorry: BRIAR rose gold) and dusted with copious amounts of edible glitter. Briar Rose Gold Tart Inside the tart is a thick vanilla custard that’s so dense as to eat more like a cheesecake. The orange cream comes in the (too) thin layer of orange custard on the bottom. Fans of orange won’t be thrilled that the flavor is so subtle, but if you’re in it more for the vanilla cream and the sweet pink color, you’ll be happy! Briar Rose Gold Tart Briar Rose Gold is really similar to the original Disney rose gold, and while this tart reads a bit more pink that you’d expect in the glaze, the ears and bow do capture the color trend pretty well. As for the flavor: it’s good! Not a destination treat but a fun one to try if you’re already at one of the resorts! Want to be the princess (or prince) of Disney Parks news? Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter today! Would you dig into this Briar Rose Gold Tart? Let us know with a comment! Related posts: Several Disney World Pool Bars Have Expanded Menus — But For How Long? Holiday Preview: The 2017 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays We’re Loving This Healthy, Icy Treat at Disney World’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts! View the full article

Beginning today through Earth Day, April 22, vote for your favorite Environmentality Art Challenge project, creatively made by Disneyland Resort cast members by repurposing materials. If more than 5,000 votes are received by guests and cast members, the Disneyland Resort will light the more than 10,000 energy-efficient LED lights of the Pixar Pal-A-Round attraction in green on Earth Day. Guests can vote via this blog post or in-person at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, where the top 10 finalists are on display through Earth Day. The annual Environmentality Art Challenge showcases the passion Disneyland Resort cast members have for the environment. Name: Muffin Junk Area: Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor Materials Used: Old cable company parts (e.g. filters and chips), CDs, glitter, foam, thumbtacks, puzzle pieces, screws, toothpicks, buttons and small metal plates Name: WOD Squad Area: World of Disney Materials Used: Cardboard, paper, chopsticks, wooden dowels, gift cards, plastic hangers, tape roll core, bottles, plastic apple boxes, straws, receipt roll ends, soda cans, water cups, plastic bags, Styrofoam, aluminum foil, polyurethane wrap, utensils, foam and bubble wrap Name: Pizza Planet Recycle Claw Area: Disney Floral & Gifts/Amenity Design Materials Used: IRC bin cording, IRC towels, green mylar balloons, blanket scraps, box foam, cardboard, a broken dowel, used pizza box, packing bubble wrap, used water bottles, clear furniture plastic, pen caps, ribbon scraps, used Starbucks cup, pipe cleaner and coat hanger Name: Upcycled Wine Barrel Chair Area: Distribution, Textile & Transportation Services Materials Used: Oak wine barrel, deck screws and water seal Name: Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse Area: Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel Materials Used: Wine corks from Steakhouse 55, reclaimed wood, bamboo, twine and raffia Name: WALL-E, Working All together to Look after and Love the Earth Area: Company D Materials Used: Cardboard, Styrofoam, biodegradable plant pot, plant, paper, plastic, hot glue, spray paint and acrylic paint Name: Saving Nemo Area: World of Disney Materials Used: Trash collected from the beach, plastic bottles, plastics bags, paint, cardboard, paper, hot glue and sand Name: Java the Cup Area: Facility Asset Management Materials Used: Scrap plywood, scrap wood, leftover screws, paint and 702 coffee containers Name: Happiest Place on Hearth Area: Disneyland Hotel Housekeeping Materials Used: Wine bottle corks and recyclable paper Name: Recycled G2-9T Area: Scenic Fabrication & Art Services Materials Used: Paint lids, plastic paint gun pieces, plastic deli lids, PVC piping, recycled wood and paint View the full article

Last week was packed with news for not one, but TWO, upcoming Epcot Festivals: the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Holidays. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Dates were announced for each Festival, and it was revealed that Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays would take place from November 29 – December 30, 2019. However, it appears that the Candlelight Processional, which is part of the Festival of the Holidays, will begin the day before the rest of the Festival. Candlelight Processional According to the Walt Disney World website, the Candlelight Processional will start on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, continuing the new tradition set last year when the Candlelight Processional began on Thanksgiving Day for the first time in the event’s history. Disney World website screenshot For those who are new to celebrating the Holidays at Walt Disney World, the Epcot Candlelight Processional presents the Christmas story told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the re-telling. You can find out more about it by visiting our Candlelight Processional page. Visit our Epcot Candlelight Processional Page by clicking here! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. And you can Pre-Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2019 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-Order your 2019 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! Plus! If you pre-order your 2019 guide now, we’ll automatically send the 2018 guide for FREE so you can get a jump on your planning! Two for the price of one! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Are you hoping to attend the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Holidays? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: 2019 Epcot Festival of the Holidays DATES and DETAILS! News! 2017 Disney World Candlelight Processional Narrators and Dining Packages Announced Candlelight Processional Narrator Change for December 24th and 25th at the 2018 Epcot Festival of the Holidays View the full article

It’s that beautiful time of year again, when flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the Easter Bunny is leaving his mark around Disney Parks! Easter is a wonderful time of year to surprise and delight your family with something to remind them how much you care and create a special memory for years to come. Here at Disney Floral & Gifts, we’ve created some new Disney-themed Easter baskets just for you. If you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort this Easter, you can surprise your loved ones with the classic Mickey’s (or Minnie’s) Easter Basket. New this year, delight the princess in your life with A Princess Easter Basket! Treat the whole family with a Disney Family Treats Tote, stuffed with plenty of goodies and surprises. These pre-designed gifts make wonderful Easter baskets during your stay with a variety of favorite Disney and holiday snacks. Not quite what you’re looking for? Our Custom Gift Builder is an exciting tool to help you create your unique Easter memories. Simply choose an Easter basket, tote, or cinch bag from our selection of containers and fill with your favorite Easter or Disney treats, balloons, and more. You can even personalize the gift by adding your name or the name of a loved one. You can also brighten your loved one’s day by sending a springtime floral arrangement to their Disney Resort hotel. Mickey’s Spring Bouquet, From Minnie’s Garden, Best Day Ever, and Thumper’s Spring Bouquet are popular options this season. To get started, visit our website or call a Dream Maker at (407) 827-3437 for Walt Disney World Resort, or (714) 781-4438 for the Disneyland Resort. We’re ready to deliver some Easter magic your way! View the full article

My favorite time of the year is the holidays … and today, I feel like I’m celebrating them! You can celebrate with me as we announce that now you can buy tickets for one of my favorite holiday events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The event transforms Magic Kingdom Park into a winter wonderland for the most magical 23 days of the year! Yes, this year, we are adding an extra day to the parties! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates: November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24 December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 Returning favorites include a special holiday-themed parade and fireworks display as well as magical stage shows such as “A Frozen Holiday Wish” where guests can get swept up in the holiday spirit when Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle with glistening ice. In addition to the wonderful, holiday entertainment guests can also ride Magic Kingdom Park classic attractions, savor complimentary treats and enjoy a magical “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A. You can buy early and save! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $99 for select nights after $10 advance-purchase savings. Buy tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party here or call the Disney Reservation Center at 407-939-1872. For more information on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog in the coming months. View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, our Disney artists take turns imagining what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. Today, artist Ashley Taylor envisions what Pegasus from “Fantasia” would do at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. According to her, Pegasus would fall in love with the flowers that populate the park at this time of year. “Epcot is so beautiful during the Flower & Garden Festival,” Ashley said. “The Pegasus family from Fantasia would feel at home among the gorgeous flower quilts and arrangements.” View the full article

It’s time to get a little merry… because dates have been released for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for 2019, and tickets are on sale NOW! Snow on Main Street, USA during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This extra-ticket event takes place on select nights in Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features special shows like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration and the Frozen Holiday Wish Castle Lighting. The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Holiday Fireworks are other highlights of the Party. Toy Soldiers During the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Access to Magic Kingdom attractions and photo opportunities with characters in their finest holiday garb are also included. And be sure to stop by all of the tasty cookie and cocoa spots offering complimentary snacks and drinks to enjoy throughout the party! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will run on the following dates in 2019: November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24 December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 Ticket prices vary based on dates throughout the run of the event, but start at $99 for adults and $94 for children if purchased in advance. Guests may purchase tickets by visiting the Walt Disney World website. Cinnamon Roll from Main Street Bakery And to kick off all your Party planning, be sure to check out our DFB YouTube Video guide with everything you need to know for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Are you hoping to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: REVIEW: All the Treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! (Plus Exclusive Merchandise!) 2018 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party AND Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets ON SALE Oogie Boogie Popcorn Bucket, NEW Hitchhiking Ghost Tiki Mugs, and MORE Lines To Get In This Halloween Season at Disney Parks View the full article

The first quarter of 2019 is complete, and it’s time to get down to business. Of course, we mean cupcakes and the business of our 2019 Cupcake Crawl! But let’s address the buttercream in the room: with only three months under our (cupcake-filled) belts, we’re going to need to come back in a few months with a some new additions — so be on the lookout for the summer’s updated crawl! Come along as we list cupcakes you’ve got to try (so far!!) in 2019! Firework Cupcake at Contempo Cafe Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake Our first entry in the Cupcake Crawl is a little loaded, and that’s because it’s an old favorite with a slightly new look (and taste!). The Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake (a/k/a the Butterfinger Cupcake) has been a DFB favorite for years. The chocolate cake filled with dense chocolate ganache and topped with peanut butter frosting and crushed Butterfinger really worked for our PB&C obsession. But in January of this year… the Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake disappeared from Trolley Car Cafe! (Read more about that here!) And when it returned recently, the cupcake had a whole new look. Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake Click here to read about the Saga of the Cupcake’s Return! Gone is the massive mountain of frosting covered in plentiful Butterfinger bits, replaced by a moderately sized pile of frosting covered in Butterfinger bits. Gone (maybe?) is the dense chocolate filling — now it’s more of a chocolate sauce filling. Gone (sort of) is the vanilla frosting — now having a slightly peanut butter flavor. But we’re pretty sure this one is still in development so we (and YOU!) must do due diligence and keep trying it. For research purposes, of course. Pineapple Whip Swirl Cupcake All-Star Music’s Intermission Food Court might seem like an unlikely place for a must-get cupcake, but honestly the All-Star Resorts have been killing it in the Disney cupcake world! The Pineapple Whip Swirl Cupcake is essentially a Dole Whip/vanilla swirl cupcake, and it’s awesome. It’s filled and topped with yellow-and-white vanilla frosting and comes with a pipette of super-sweet pineapple sauce. Squeeze a bit of the sauce on each bite, and you’ve got that classic frozen treat… in a cupcake! Dole Whip Cupcake Click here to read our review and see how that pineapple sauce gets up close and personal with the buttercream. Original Rose Gold Cupcake Rose gold might be seeing a revival in Briar Rose Gold (see what we’re talking about here!), but we still think the original Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake is a must! This beauty is a masterpiece of vanilla buttercream (a TON of it) and chocolate/vanilla marble cake. It’s basically a perfect Disney World cupcake: uber sweet, cute, and trendy. But since rose gold was several trends ago, maybe it’s now a classic? Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake However you categorize it, the Rose Gold Cupcake from Sunshine Seasons has made a lasting impression, and we say go get it! Find out more in our first review of this beauty! Master’s Cupcake The Master’s Cupcake at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom is a delicious way to try that fabled Grey Stuff! The cake is chocolate, of course, and it’s topped with the original Grey Stuff — cookies and cream mousse! While it’s not the best cupcake we’ve ever tried, it’s a must for any Disney cupcake or movie fan! Be Our Guest Master’s Cupcake Read our most recent lunch review of Be Our Guest Restaurant here! Contempo Cafe Cupcakes Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a mecca for cupcake fans — and you never know what you’ll find there! Offerings in the pastry case of this quick service spot are always rotating, so while you might find the awesome Monorail Cupcake today… Monorail Cupcake …it could be replaced with the (really, really) awesome Churro Cupcake tomorrow! Churro Cupcake Even cooler? For holidays (or Disney-created holidays like Villain-Tines Day), Contempo typically offers at least one super-creative cupcake option. It’s totally worth the trip ’round on the monorail to see what’s being offered! Cruella de Vil Cupcake Salted Caramel Cupcake Our final Cupcake Crawl recommendation is the Salted Caramel Cupcake from Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. This simple cupcake is rich in flavor due to that ubiquitous caramel, and the combination of sweet and salty is in terrific balance. It eats beautifully, offing a little more subtle sweetness than the typical cupcake, and we love that about it! Salted Caramel Cupcake See our review of the Salted Caramel Cupcake here! We love a Disney cupcake, so we’ll keep sampling all the cupcakes the World has to offer. And we promise to keep bringing you our picks for the finest of these sweet treats in 2019! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which of the Cupcake Crawl’s options would you start with? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disney Food Challenge: Can You Eat ALL 14 Of Disney’s BEST Cupcakes?! Wanna See Our 25 FAVORITE Disney Cupcakes this Year? DFB Video: Disney Desserts You MUST Experience! View the full article

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World will officially open on August 29, 2019 (click here for all the details!!), way ahead of the “late fall” estimation Disney released last year. And the shortened timeline has really thrown a wrench into the plans of guests who had hoped to avoid the galactic crush of people exploding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios — particularly those with September reservations. Galaxy’s Edge Concept Art September has historically been a relatively quiet time of year to visit the World, and with Disney’s original prediction of a “late fall” opening for Galaxy’s Edge (plus free Disney Dining Plan offered through September 30!), loads of visitors planned to enjoy the last few quiet weeks of fall without tens of thousands of their ‘closest’ friends. Now those plans are thrown off. And we have heard from MANY readers and social media followers who are considering changing their travel plans (or upset that they can’t!). So we’re taking a look at the pros and cons of traveling to Walt Disney World in September, right at the height of the Galaxy’s Edge opening crowds — PLUS tips for surviving it all! Galaxy’s Edge Marketplace Cons: Get me outta here! So. Many. People. The first consideration of guests whose September plans are disrupted by the announcement is crowd levels. And there’s reason for concern. According to TouringPlans.com, when Pandora opened in Animal Kingdom, the new land essentially doubled the crowds in that park. Galaxy’s Edge certainly has the potential to do this — or more! — for Hollywood Studios. For many the appeal of September is the relatively low crowds, allowing them to snag Fastpasses and Advance Dining Reservations, avoid hours-long waits for popular attractions, and just have some personal space. For some this is a necessity; crowds can be highly anxiety-producing and overwhelming for people of all ages, and we totally hear the pain of those who feel this way. Galaxy’s Edge Concept Art © Disney There’s no sidestepping this issue. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will, in all likelihood, be a total madhouse. It may be orderly, with Disney doing what Disney does to control and direct crowds, but even with the best organization of queues and filtering crowds through in regimented ways, people are people. They will disperse everywhere. And if you can’t handle the crowds on a busy day, you’re really going to struggle with a Galaxy’s Edge day. But all hope isn’t lost. See our PROS below for an idea of when Galaxy’s Edge crowds might simmer down. Galaxy’s Edge… Phase One If you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World during Galaxy’s Edge’s big reveal, the least you could ask is for everything to be open and operational, right? Unfortunately, even if you battle the crowds to get in, you’ll still be missing out on one of the biggest draws to the land: Rise of the Resistance! INSIDE Star Wars Rise of the Resistance! Click here to see why Rise of the Resistance will be relegated to Phase Two! By all accounts this ride is out of this world, combining multiple ride experiences into a single, larger-than-ever attraction. But Rise of the Resistance won’t be rising to anything when Galaxy’s Edge opens in Disney World as it’s slated for a second phase. For many who are begrudging their opening month visit to the land, the inability to experience Rise of the Resistance is a huge disappointment. Perhaps crowds wouldn’t be so bad if only guests could spread across two major attractions. Perhaps Rise of the Resistance would make the Galaxy’s Edge fervor more tolerable. Guests who’ve stumbled into an early visit to Galaxy’s Edge won’t have that carrot to get them through the hard stuff. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ©Disney You only get one chance to make a first impression! If you’re a Star Wars fan, a Disney Parks fan, or both, you’ve likely been anticipating the opening of Galaxy’s Edge for years. If you’ve imagined your first visit during the relative calm way post-opening (perhaps in 2020 or beyond) and now find yourself in the mix for the moved-up grand opening, you may be feeling the let-down of your idyllic first Galaxy’s Edge visit. And that’s a bummer! Rather than planning ahead for a visit when crowds have died down, now you’ll be one of the tens of thousands exploring elbow-to-elbow, jostling for a Blue Milk and queuing up for Millennium Falcon (without a Fastpass!!). Entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios The potential for a relatively calm first impression seems entirely out of reach for those who will be experiencing Galaxy’s Edge well before they intended. And perhaps those who fall into this category will want to avoid the land altogether and put off their first visit to Batuu for another time. Pros: Deal me in! So many people… in Galaxy’s Edge! We’ve seen this question many times in the past few days: how will Galaxy’s Edge impact crowd levels in the other parks? It’s a valid question without a certain answer. What we can do is look at past precedent, and the closest we can come to a comparison is the opening of Pandora. Now, this is not a direct comparison, and past performance of crowds is in no way guaranteed to repeat in September. Galaxy’s Edge is likely to draw unprecedented crowds, so we can only muse about what’s happened in the past. ©Disney from @DisneyParks on Twitter But what’s happened in the past isn’t so bad! When Pandora opened at the end of May 2017, crowd levels in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot were actually lower compared to crowds the previous year — 4% and 6% respectively, according to TouringPlans.com. Magic Kingdom crowds were essentially the same from 2016 to 2017 (down only about 2%). So it may well be that crowds will favor Hollywood Studios when Galaxy’s Edge opens, meaning many guests will spend less time at the other parks. But it’s also worth noting that by mid-June of 2017 when Pandora was about 2-3 weeks old, wait times for popular Flight of Passage were regularly under two hours. Still a hearty wait but certainly down from opening day levels. Flights of Passage Queue When Toy Story Land opened on June 30, 2018, some guests reported waiting up to 2.5 hours just to get into the land itself — then faced queues of up to 4-5 hours for Slinky Dog Dash. But these numbers only really applied to the first day the land opened, and within a week, Toy Story Land wait times were settling down, with Slinky Dog Dash coming under 90 minutes by mid-July (TouringPlans reporting). This trajectory may also apply in Galaxy’s Edge, with opening day crowd levels coming down dramatically within 1-3 weeks. Slinky Dog Dash Something to note about the opening of Toy Story Land that may come into play for Galaxy’s Edge: Disney World opened for Extra Magic Hours every morning from 7-8AM from opening day through August 25 — frequently letting guests in around 6:30AM. Those Extra Magic Hours likely spread some of the crowd out, as guests not staying at a Walt Disney World resort couldn’t enter the park until after 8AM. Disney has confirmed that Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios will be accessible during Extra Magic Hours. It remains to be seen if they will open Hollywood Studios early every day for several weeks as they did for Toy Story Land. And just out of curiosity, we took a look at the opening numbers of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which may very well end up being the best comparison in terms of fervor over a land’s opening. Of note is that when Wizarding World opened on June 18, 2010, the longest waits visitors experienced were to gain entrance to the land itself. At that time, folks reported waiting up to 8 HOURS to get into the world. Once they were in, visitors reported waiting two hours and under for the rides themselves. That said, when the Wizarding World expanded with Escape from Gringotts in March 2014, people waited 7+ HOURS for the ride itself. The wait time was around two hours even four months later. Universal Studios We’ve seen that Disneyland intends to create a virtual queue system to get into Galaxy’s Edge in California (kind of like when you’re waiting for a table in a restaurant — you’ll get notified when the land has emptied enough to allow you to join in). We’re not yet sure what will happen in Orlando. Galaxy’s Edge opening is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visiting Batuu and Galaxy’s Edge won’t be without its frustrations — particularly if you weren’t originally planning to be in the middle of the opening weeks’ action. But unless you’re planning to experience Galaxy’s Edge openings in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, visiting Disney World in September will be a completely unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ronto Roasters If you happen to be a Star Wars fan, this might be a big part of the excitement for your trip. And if you’re not a Star Wars fan, you may well find yourself caught up in the excitement of others. That opening energy, the awe of seeing something brand new for the first time, and the resolution of years of anticipation will be powerful forces. Maybe the force will be with you — fan or not!  All the NEW things! This one is, perhaps, the biggest pro for those who are disappointed in Disney’s advanced timeline: you get to see all the NEW things when they’re still NEW! Sure, it might be a challenge to take in all the details while making your way through the crowds, but if you have the chance and the ability to slow down, take your time, and explore Black Spire Outpost, you’ll be drinking in details never before seen in Disney World. From atmosphere and food to costumes and technology, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is bringing its A-game, and if you’re accidentally there for the opening, you’ll be part of history! Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Costume Reveal @SasakiTime Tips for Survival So what do you do if you choose to (or must) keep your September reservations? Have a plan of action. Plan your time wisely. Yes, that means making rope drop and utilizing Extra Magic Hours if you can. Not a morning person? You could also try waiting until the final hours of the day when many guests will retreat to their rooms to rest (and recover from that embattled journey to Batuu). Schedule your Fastpasses for later in the day — think: after lunch. Or, if you think you’ll need a full stop break from the crowds, plan to leave Galaxy’s Edge as soon as you’ve had your fill, and make Fastpass reservations for a different park entirely. The other aspect of using those early morning hours is trying to stay abreast of procedures for Galaxy’s Edge. Unless you’re going on day one, you should be able to find anecdotal information online about how Hollywood Studios cast members are directing guests and what time they actually allow guests to line up. Unofficial information isn’t 100% reliable, but it might help you wrap your head around what you’ll need to do to maximize the rope drop opportunity. Hollywood Studios Chinese Theater Be flexible. It’s entirely possible it will take more time than you think to explore Galaxy’s Edge. In addition to the hordes of people and massive queues guests are likely to encounter, there will also be tons of details you’ll want to take time to examine. Plus, you know, there’s the FOOD and DRINKS you may want to try, too. (Click here for the latest on dining in Galaxy Black Spire Outpost!) If you’ve got some flexibility in your schedule, carve out more time than you think you’ll need. This way, you might reduce some of your stress by not having another thing to run off to before you’re finished with Black Spire Outpost. Throw in the towel. Okay, so this survival tip is pretty drastic, but you know you (and your crew) better than anyone. If the stress of crowds is sure to kill the vacation vibe, you might consider rescheduling your trip. We know: it’s easier said than done and just not an option for many. But it’s something to think about if it’s an option for you. Our friends at Small World Vacations may be able to help you sort things out, and if you’re really on the fence, it’s worth touching base with them to see if there’s anything to be done. If you do end up changing your plans, think of it as an act of self-preservation. Some of us just can’t imagine embarking on a Walt Disney World vacation under the conditions of the Galaxy’s Edge opening, and that’s okay! You have to do what’s best for you — and the World will be there whether you reschedule for a closer date or a later date or you decide to make a go of it. Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Click here to read our full list of tips for surviving the BUSIEST days at Walt Disney World. There’s no way to know exactly how the crowds and crowd control will turn out when Galaxy’s Edge opens months before it was estimated to do so. And we sympathize with those of you who are reeling from a vacation that will likely be very different than you imagined. Whether the cons convince you to change your plans (or just validate how you’re feeling!) or the pros give you some hope (or also validate how you’re feeling!), there’s no doubt Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is poised to change Walt Disney World forever. Stay on top of all the Disney Parks news — including Galaxy’s Edge updates! Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter TODAY! Are you in or are you out? Let us know what you think about an early visit to Galaxy’s Edge or a September visit to the World! Related posts: How Do The 10 Biggest Disney News Stories This Year Affect Your Disney Trips in 2019? Find Out! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Cliffs Notes…Here’s What You Absolutely NEED To Know After The Galaxy’s Edge INFO BOMB Dropped Last Night! Will Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Impact The Epcot Food And Wine Festival? View the full article

Universal Orlando Resort has announced the 2019 continuation of their special ticket offer for current and retired military members. The offer consists of a 4-Day Park-to-park ticket good at either 2 or 3 Universal Orlando parks. Offer Dates: Tickets are available for use on ANY 4 days between date of purchase and December 31, 2019 with NO blackout […] The post Universal Orlando 2019 Military Discounted 4-Day Park to Park Ticket Offer appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article