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Disney4me

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  1. Disney World is changing a LOT these days. Magic Kingdom is getting a major park expansion, Hollywood Studios is adding two new lands, and Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to DinoLand. Harambe Market! Animal Kingdom’s land closure means we’re saying goodbye to Dr. Seeker and our beloved Iguanadon. It also means we’re saying goodbye to Restaurantosaurus, but luckily, another quick service is reopening early to take its place! Harambe Market is officially reopening on February 5th! The quick service, located in the Africa section of the park, will be open starting on the 5th from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. The restaurant was originally supposed to reopen on March 1st, 2026, so this is a big jump up. ©Disney Harambe Market has been closed since October 2025 to be refurbished and to create a new menu to prepare for the loss of Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand. The popular restaurant will close permanently on February 2nd, 2026, to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a new Tropical Americas-themed land. Restaurantosaurus Harambe’s new menu will include a lot of those classic theme park bites, like a Bacon Cheeseburger for $13.99. There’s also a Cheeseburger without bacon for $13.29. Both are served with lettuce, tomato, and French fries. ©Disney You can also find Chicken Strips available for $10.99, which we believe every theme park needs. ©Disney For a healthier bite, you can try the Savanna Salad, which is a salad of mixed greens, lentils, carrots, couscous, kachumbari, toasted almonds, and a citrus-harissa dressing for $11.29. ©Disney The Harissa Chicken Wrap will also be available, and it’s currently available at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery. It’s made with chilled tandoori rotisserie chicken with harissa mayo wrapped in a flour tortilla and served with French fries for $10.99. ©Disney For something sweet, you can try the Kubwa Cookie topped with chocolate cream, potato chips, M&M’s, and dulce de leche, for $5.29. This looks SO fun. ©Disney You can also get a Harambe Sunrise, which is Jungle Juice with wild strawberry and Corazon Blanco Tequila for $14.50. We need this ASAP. ©Disney We are pretty relieved to see that this quick service will be opening early, so there won’t be any big gaps in food throughout the park. Several of DinoLand’s famous snacks have found new homes, like the Buffalo Chicken Chips. Buffalo Chicken Chips We will sorely miss Harambe’s rice bowls that were previously here, but you can find similar options over at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery for lunch. While you’re there, we recommend trying the Coconut-flavored Iced Coffee! Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates from the people in the parks every day. See Harambe Market’s FULL NEW MENU Here Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us what you think about these updates in the comments! View the full article
  2. Black History Month is just around the corner, and that’s the perfect time to sprinkle a little soul into your Disney Parks adventure. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself into all the new offerings at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or create some family memories at Disneyland Resort in California, there are soulful experiences that await around every corner, cultural touches of music, art, food, and fun that create unique opportunities for you and your family to “Celebrate Soulfully’’ in a Disney kind of way. Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month at Disneyland Resort Here’s how you can experience Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland Resort: 2026 Celebrate Gospel Concerts at Downtown Disney Lighting up the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for the first time, the beloved “Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to Disneyland Resort for two weekends in 2026: February 20-21 and February 27-28. Grammy Award-winning gospel music performers will headline the two weekends, featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker on February 21 and Yolanda Adams on February 28. The soul-stirring annual event, which does not require park admission, also features community choirs from across Southern California for two exciting weekends of uplifting entertainment.  Vibrant Displays Honoring Black Leaders In celebration of Black History Month, a brand-new heritage trail of dynamic displays will debut across the resort, celebrating influential Black leaders, artists, and thinkers from the past and present. From Frontierland to Hollywood Land and various spots in between, each display will recognize how these inspiring individuals shaped culture and industries for generations. Keep your eyes peeled to spot these tributes, including Leah Chase at Tiana’s Palace, Martha Blanding on Main Street, U.S.A., Floyd Norman on Buena Vista Street, and more! See a complete list on Disneyland.com. Specialty Food for Celebrate Soulfully 2026 From savory classics to tasty favorites, continue the celebration with delectable dishes crafted to honor the rich stories of Black heritage. Here are a couple of this year’s limited-time food options: Tiana’s Palace (Mobile order available) (Available Jan. 30 through March 2) French Quarter Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Available Jan. 30 through March 2) New Orleans BBQ Shrimp: Cajun battered shrimp served with cheesy polenta, onions, peppers, celery and a New Orleans BBQ butter sauce Celebrate Black Heritage at Disneyland All Year Long Don’t miss the chance to experience this exciting slate of Celebrate Soulfully offerings in honor of Black History Month. Plus, explore an array of experiences that celebrate Black heritage and culture all year long at Disneyland Resort. Meet Princess Tiana in New Orleans Square and take a ride on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Bayou Country at Disneyland park. Soak in the soulful singer Dime and her jazz quartet as Five & Dime perform hits on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park or train with Black Panther’s personal guard during “Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje” in Avengers Campus. At select times in the afternoons and evenings, you may see Joe Gardner from Pixar Animation Studios’ Soul playing smooth jazz tunes in the lobby of Pixar Place Hotel. See more details and start planning your visit on Disneyland.com! There are even more ways to save and enjoy Celebrate Soulfully with special Disneyland Resort ticket and hotel savings available in early 2026, including the California Resident Ticket Offer and multiple hotel offers. At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida: Toya Johnson-Rushing Named Grand Marshal for Special Magic Kingdom Parade On February 9 at Walt Disney World, a special parade moment will make its way through Magic Kingdom and officially usher in Black History Month festivities at Disney World, led by Toya Johnson-Rushing as honorary Grand Marshal. Be sure to watch along the parade route — and down Main Street, U.S.A. — around 3 p.m. ET* for a joyful, high-energy celebration featuring beloved Disney characters, lively music, dazzling displays, and plenty of Disney magic. And while visiting Magic Kingdom Park, be sure to stop by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where Princess Tiana teams up with Naveen, Mama Odie, and jazz-loving Louis for a lively musical journey through the bayou as they prepare for her southern soiree. Art Abounds at EPCOT Black artistry shines again at EPCOT throughout February! For the second year, these artists are pushing the boundaries of creativity, inspiring festivalgoers with bold, beautiful and eye-catching work at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, a celebration of artistic expression in all forms. Yesenia Moises Ryan Riller Larissa Brown Mark Page These talented artists will make appearances on various days through mid-February. Be sure to visit the website as dates and times are subject to change. DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series DISNEY ON BROADWAY returns to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts with powerhouse performances of your favorite Disney songs! With incredible Black artists from shows like The Lion King and Aladdin, the stage at America Gardens Theatre comes alive with show-stopping vocals, dazzling energy and the unforgettable magic of Disney music. Jelani Remy (The Lion King) Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) – NEW! Kissy Simmons (The Lion King) James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin) For a full look at the lineup and performance dates, visit the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series website. Dance to the Beat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Feel the rhythm of the islands come alive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Viva Gaia brings an infectious Caribbean street party to Discovery Island with lively music and nonstop dance moves, while the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe fill Africa with powerful beats that will have you clapping and moving along. And guests can always interact with a variety of popular and diverse characters, such as Princess Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action movie The Little Mermaid and Frozone from Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios throughout February and beyond. Savor the Flavor! Enjoy savory dishes that celebrate Black culture at Walt Disney World with our limited-time offerings. Check out the bites and delights below that you won’t want to miss! NEW! Soulful New York Cheesecake Pop Cheesecake Ganache layered with Graham Cracker Ganache enrobed in 65% Dark Chocolate Available from February 1-28 at The Ganachery at Disney Springs NEW! Wakandan Mousse Coconut Mousse, Guava Gelée, Chocolate Sablé Available from February 1-28 Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs Vibrant Artwork at Disney Springs Even if you’ve walked the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression before, there’s always something interesting to see. Explore works by talented Black artists including Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar, Marci Swett, and Brandon Hill, and let their creativity surprise and inspire you all over again. Head over to Disneyworld.com and start planning your next visit. And even better – there are ways to save on Disney Resort stays. If you’re a Florida resident, check out the special theme park discounts available just for you with the Discover Disney Ticket. *Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type. Learn more at DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservations **Entertainment subject to change without notice. New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 READ MORE Dates and Details for 2026 Disneyland After Dark Events READ MORE Artists Coming to 2026 Festival of the Arts READ MORE The post Ways to Experience Celebrate Soulfully This Black History Month at Disney Parks appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
  3. The Anaheim Transportation Network is closing on March 31st, 2026. The ANT shuttles 8 million riders a year between resorts and tourist areas in Anaheim, California. ANT’s governing board will “conduct an orderly wind-down” until operations cease this March, per the Orange County Register. ©ART The ATN has services to the ARTIC station, Platinum Triangle, downtown Anaheim, and Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station. Its most notable route is the ART Bus, which serves Disneyland‘s park, hotels, and resort areas. Anaheim city officials have said that the ATN’s bus lines are critical for local tourism – but the city doesn’t have the funding. The ATN has recently faced deficits in its budget. The hotels pay into their system based on the number of rooms, in addition to rider fares. But it’s not enough to offset rising labor costs – more than 70% of ATN’s costs go towards labor. The network had 74 vehicles in its fleet, with 33 buses, but most were five-passenger micro-transit vehicles used for its Free Rides Around the Neighborhood service. The report said ATN employed 66 drivers between two shifts a day. Inside a Mears Connect Bus Hotels that use ATN are now looking at other options. Disneyland officials are “aware of the situation, [we] recognize the value and importance of resort-area transportation for guests and are actively exploring next steps.” Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland The Orange County Transportation Authority report found that 75% of ATN’s routes are also serviced by OCTA, and the other 25% are within walking distance of the current OCTA routes. The city will “continue to look at innovations in transportation and options to connect our transit center in the Platinum Triangle to the resort area. That exploration, while in early stages, is ongoing,” according to Anaheim’s city spokesperson Mike Lyster. Anaheim has considered implementing another form of transportation to offset demand, including gondolas, trams, and autonomous vehicles. ©Greyhound While we’re sad to see the ART buses go, we’re excited for the new transportation projects Anaheim is planning. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disneyland news! Disney CONFIRMS Dates and Details for Disneyland After Dark Events 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 used the ART buses? Comment below! View the full article
  4. Magic Kingdom’s massive expansion is finally coming to life! Villains Land and Piston Peak were first announced in 2024 at the D23 Expo, and we’ve been patiently awaiting updates ever since. Villains Land ©Disney Construction is underway for both lands, which means the park has lots of construction walls right now. Now, a new document reveals more of what we can expect from Maleficent and Lightning McQueen! New documents filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have potentially revealed where the buildings will be in Cars Land and Villains Land! Wastewater documents for a project titled Project SNK show where different utility buildings and show buildings might land in the new areas. ©FDEP The document also shows where the buildings will sit over the current layout of Magic Kingdom. Cars Land is replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, and it will rest near the Haunted Mansion. Villains Land will expand past Big Thunder Mountain, all of which Disney had previously confirmed. The documents clarify what we can expect from the walking layout of each land. Existing and Potential New Parade Path You can see several spots labeled “FACILITY” that are connected by utility lines on the documents. The plans also detail that utility lines will be connected to the existing Magic Kingdom buildings and utilities. The largest building looks to be in the Villains Land area and it’s roughly 70,000 square feet. ©FDEP To put it into perspective, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios is roughly 71,000 square feet. Concept art has implied that this land will have a large attraction, like an indoor attraction or potential coaster. The main concept art Disney has revealed does show what looks to be a roller coaster track, which you can see here. ©Disney The second building in the Villains Land looks to be roughly 48,000 square feet. This makes us wonder if there will be a second, smaller attraction. Disney has remained fairly quiet about the details in the land, so this could be a HUGE clue as to what to expect. There are roughly 4 buildings in the Villains Land area of the document. Architecture inspiration for Villains Land presented at Destination D23 2025 As for Piston Peak (the official name for Cars Land), there are a few more buildings to check out. There are 3 main buildings in the documents that we can see, which align with what Disney has shared previously. Disney has already confirmed that we can expect a Rally Race-themed Attraction. This ride will have you racing through the mountains on wild terrain along mountain trails as you dodge geysers and splash through mud holes. They’ve even shared that the queue for this ride will be housed in the visitor lodge area of Piston Peak National Park, which will be constructed to look like an A-frame mountain lodge. ©Disney They’ve also confirmed there will be a second attraction for “smaller racers,” but they haven’t given us any details on the land’s section attraction other than that. ©Disney We are really eager to see if this layout on the documents will be what the lands look like when they finally open. At the time of writing, Disney has yet to share opening timelines for either of the new lands. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates from the people who are in the parks daily! Magic Kingdom Expansion in Disney World — Everything You Need to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your thoughts on the new changes in the comments! View the full article
  5. A lot of really exciting things are happening in Disney World right now. Magic Kingdom is getting a new land AND a Frontierland expansion. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a reimagined area and a new land. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting a new land, and Disney has made a lot of progress on bringing that new land, Pueblo Esperanza, to life. @Disney The new land takes inspiration from the Tropical Americas and will feature the first ever Encanto ride, as well as a brand new Indiana Jones ride, among other things. There will also be a playground. Well, thanks to a permit Disney recently filed, we now know the layout of Pueblo Esperanza, as well as some new details about the new playground. Disney just filed new wastewater permit plans with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that show the general layout of where the playground will be located, as well as new details about it. The playground will sit on what was once the Cretaceous Trail, which is the path between Dinosaur and what was once Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. ©Florida Department of Environmental Protection The documents filed by Disney show that the playground could be similar to the former Boneyard playground (which has been demolished to make way for a carousel) in DinoLand, U.S.A. The documents show that it will have several slides, a climbing area, Tropical Americas-themed play spaces, and more. ©Florida Department of Environmental Protection Dinoland, U.S.A. has been closing in phases during the construction of Pueblo Esperanza, with Dinosaur and the rest of the land permanently closing on February 2nd. Disney will then convert the Dinosaur ride into the brand new Indiana Jones ride (which will differ from the one in Disneyland), as well as continuing construction on the Encanto ride and adding new shopping and dining spots. Model of the Encanto ride Disney has not yet confirmed an opening timeline for Pueblo Esperanza, but we’ll be anxiously awaiting more news to share with you, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything We Know So Far About Pueblo Esperanza Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this Animal Kingdom transformation? What else would you like to see in the new land? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  6. Character dining has been an essential part of the Disney theme park experience for decades, with the very concept of a character meal becoming synonymous with trips to the company’s resorts. These days, there are dozens of character meals spread across Disney’s worldwide properties, and it can be overwhelming to try to choose which to book. Dopey! We’ve scored all of Disney’s resorts worldwide — Disneyland, Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Paris resort, the Tokyo Disney Resort, the Hong Kong Disney Resort, and the Shanghai Disney Resort to pinpoint the most unique character dining experience at each of them. Disneyland: Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn Believe it or not, there is only ONE character dining experience located inside Disneyland. Yes, the Disneyland Resort overall has a few more at its hotels, but guests wanting to dine with characters inside Disney’s first theme park have only one choice: The Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Main Street. Minnie at Plaza Inn The meal includes a buffet filled with made-to-order omelets and Minnie waffles, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, fresh-baked pastries, and so much more, along with views of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Characters appearing at breakfast include Minnie Mouse — obviously — as well as a rotating array of Disney characters. Plaza Inn Buffet I Just Dined at One of Disney’s Cheapest Character Dining Experiences: Here’s What I Loved About It Disney World: Story Book Dining at the Wilderness Lodge’s Artist Point Due to its massive size, Walt Disney World features the most character dining experiences of any Disney Resort, including iconic spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, and ‘Ohana. However, the title for the most unique of these experiences goes to Story Book Dining at the Wilderness Lodge. Hi, Snow White! Dinner features appearances from Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey, along with a menu fit for royalty, including Royal Prime Rib Roast, Brother’s Grimm Herbed Chicken, Magic Mirror’s Slow-braised Pork Shank, Beef Stroganoff, Fish of the Day, and the vegetarian A Stroll Through Nature—featuring asparagus, leeks, arugula, and gnocchi. All of that is, appropriately, topped off by the “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, and the Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart and Miner’s Treasures. Desserts REVIEW: Is Story Book Dining the Best Character Meal in Disney World? Let’s Find Out! Disneyland Paris: La Table de Lumière at the Disneyland Hotel The Disneyland Hotel is incredibly unique in its own right, as the Main Street-themed hotel serves as the entrance to the Disneyland Paris theme park. It only makes sense that it would house the resort’s most unique character dining experience: La Table de Lumière. Disneyland Park Entrance Staged in a space “inspired by the iconic Hall of Mirrors in the royal Palace of Versailles”, this Beauty and the Beast themed meal features Disney Prince and Princess characters interacting with guests as they enjoy “a rich variety of fine-dining dishes inspired by the finest offerings of French cuisine and from around the world.” ©Disney Tokyo Disney Resort: Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship at the Cape Cod Cookoff at Tokyo DisneySea This experience isn’t a traditional character meal, as it’s more of a dinner and show concept. However, it’s absolutely a can’t miss unique experience given that it features Duffy and friends, including ShellieMay, ‘Olu Mel, StellaLou, and Gelatoni, who are preparing for a party by “harnessing their respective strengths to draw pictures, make decorations and more.” ©Disney Hong Kong Disneyland: Dragon Wind Character Meal at Disney Explorers Lodge Located at the Explorers Lodge hotel, this breakfast buffet offers a meal featuring Disney characters — including Mickey himself — decked out in traditional explorer gear. ©Disney Shanghai Disney Resort: Royal Banquet Hall in Fantasyland at Shanghai Disneyland Located INSIDE Shanghai Disneyland’s castle, this experience immerses guests in a fairy-tale world, where they can meet their “favorite Disney characters, and enjoy a feast of magic with your family and friends.” The restaurant offers five princess-themed dining halls themed to Cinderella, Mulan, Tiana, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, each of which offers dishes that incorporate “magical elements” which “treat every guest an amazing and unique culinary experience.” ©Disney Each of the world’s Disney Resorts offers its own unique take on classic character dining experiences! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s worldwide dining experiences. These Disney Adult Magic Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these unique experiences would you most like to try? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
  7. Here at Disney Parks Blog, we love to get creative. At the office, we brainstorm puns, edit photos, and discuss the cute design elements you see right here on the site. One of the best creative decisions we recently made was taking a field trip to the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to try everything at Opening Bites. I took Katie and Nicole from our Disney Eats team along with my Perfect Pairings cohort, Laura, to report on everyone’s first impressions of the unique food and drink on the menu here. Where is Opening Bites? I’m so glad you asked, because Opening Bites is positioned to be the perfect place to start your artsy day of discovery. This Food Studio is right next door to the CommuniCore Plaza stage where trumpets accompanied Latin music during our visit last week. And Opening Bites is truly a prelude to the performing arts. When you’re ready to continue browsing the fest, be sure to stop by the neighboring display of costumes and props at Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of DISNEY ON BROADWAY in CommuniCore Hall. Opening Bites Menu Our group ordered the full menu to offer our opinions on each bite and sip. We’re also recommending ideal pairings for the food items with the alcoholic drinks on offer. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find at Opening Bites: Food Items: Soft Shell Crab Slider: Green papaya slaw and mango ketchup on a sweet roll Enchanted Rose: Dark chocolate mousse rose Beverages: Crooked Can Brewing Company Fantasia Fusion IPA von Trapp Brewing Bohemian Pilsner Southern Tier Brewing Co. Caramel Cookie Bar Imperial Stout (New) Beer Flight Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne If you want to browse every menu for the fest, check out our 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide. And without further ado, I’m going to try softshell crab for the first time. A First-Timer’s Soft Shell Crab Slider Review This generous slider features green papaya slaw and mango ketchup on a sweet roll in a hefty size that leans more burger-ish than slider-ish. We need to address the crab in the room. Yes, you’ll notice the entire crab sitting right under the bun. Before this moment, I’d never had softshell crab before, so I was presented with a new foodie adventure championed by my friend Katie. Katie encouraged my first bites of softshell crab with her own glowing critique, “I really liked the flavor of this one. It reminded me of the flavors of crab cake and it’s really easy to eat. The slaw with onions is vibrant and complimentary to the rich flavor of the crab.” Emboldened, I tried it. And, well, it wasn’t the hurdle I thought it was going to be. The softshell crab slider was a lot like eating a crab cake sandwich, of which I’m a big fan. It was just like Katie said…easy to eat and really delicious. I’m all-in on softshell crab. It’s my new identity. And I’m definitely going in for another round when I come back to Opening Bites. We tried each of the beers in the available flight alongside the slider and decided that the light von Trapp Brewing Bohemian Pilsner was the best to pair with the savory flavors of the softshell crab and crisp notes in the slaw. Let’s explore the beer flight a bit more. A Beer Flight of Distinct Flavors The beer flight at Opening Bites includes all three of the specialty beers available here during the festival. It’s a great way to try all three beers on the menu before deciding to dedicate your sips to a 6 oz or 12 oz size. Crooked Can Brewing Company Fantasia Fusion IPA& This brew hails from Winter Garden, Florida, and has a fruity flavor without a lot of bite on the backend, as you would expect from an IPA. If you like ciders and haven’t stepped into the realm of IPAs yet, this one could be a good choice to explore. von Trapp Brewing Bohemian Pilsner Yes, from that von Trapp family. Johannes von Trapp, the youngest son of Maria and Captain von Trapp built an Austrian-style brewery in Vermont. This delicate pilsner is bright and refreshing, with a hint of honey and hay. Southern Tier Brewing Co. Caramel Cookie Bar Imperial Stout (New) For those who want a drinks-like-a-meal beer, this stout from Lakewood, New York, is worth coming back for. It’s very cookie-forward, but not too sweet, like a smooth candy bar in beer form. A Delightful Enchanted Rose Potentially your first stop on The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, this delicate rose is a masterpiece of dark chocolate mousse. Laura and Nicole tried the Enchanted Rose to give their thoughts on the sweetly shareable treat. “When I took a bite, the rose petals fell away like a real rose; it was so enchanting,” Laura said. “When I lifted the lid, I felt like I was right in Beauty and the Beast, so that interactive element made it so much more fun.” Nicole said, “There’s glitter sprinkled on there to make it a bit more whimsical. The mousse isn’t too sweet; it’s light and easy to bite into, a good balance with the crisp cookie underneath.” Get Fancy with a Flute of Champagne Laura and Nicole paired the Enchanted Rose with the Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne, which made for quite a fancy scene. Nicole said, “The lightness of the champagne goes so well with the decadent chocolate. It feels very elevated.” Really, what else says ‘I’m perusing an art gallery’ more than toting around a flute of champagne? The Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne was lightly sweet and generously bubbly. Opening Bites is Worth an Encore Be sure to stop by CommuniCore Hall and Plaza to visit Opening Bites at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. With a fanciful dessert and an adventurously delicious softshell crab slider, this menu is the perfect intro to a symphony of flavors. Headed to Festival of the Arts? Get a full list of all the Food Studio menus, learn about some of the artists coming to the fest, and even see how you can embark on a Lorcana quest throughout the park. EPCOT DISNEY ON BROADWAY Performers Announced READ MORE 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Details READ MORE EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide READ MORE The post We Ate: Our Artists Critique Opening Bites at EPCOT Festival of the Arts appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
  8. We have been waiting for YEARS for the return of Disney’s Grand Floridian Tea Room, and it is almmooost time! The Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian will officially be reopening on March 19th, 2026. The tea room has been closed ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are so excited that it is finally returning. Earlier this month, Disney announced the official reopening date and gave us a peek at the new menu and prices. Garden View Lounge When we were at the Grand Floridian recently, we noticed that the construction walls around the Garden View Lounge had come down. There was a rope up at the entrance, but we were able to get a peek inside the refurbished restaurant! Now we are getting even more excited for the reopening of this experience. While the sign on the outside is the same as before, the inside of the Garden View Lounge has gotten a refresh. Here is a look at the sign in 2026. We can’t wait for its reopening! Here is a look at the entrance to the Garden View Lounge in 2019. It looks like new wallpaper was installed, but the sign looks the same. The gold railings are still there, and the plant looks the same, too! The Garden View Lounge (2019) However, the inside is looking bright and fresh. We spotted new furniture, including new tables and chairs. As well, the carpet has been updated. Garden View Lounge We also spotted some new booths amongst the furniture. Previously, the Garden View Lounge had a much redder color scheme. Here is a look at what the restaurant used to look like. Garden View Tea Room 2019 The outside of the tea room also got some updates! There are now three stained-glass features and new decor that welcome you to the restaurant. The space behind the windows is the tea room. This area is located to the right of the entrance. We are really loving the stained glass they have installed. Garden View Lounge Previously, this spot had white fencing, which you can spot on the right side of this picture. Tea Room in 2019 Going even farther back to 2010, this spot used to just be open to the lobby, and there was a large vase of flowers. Garden View Lounge 2010 Reservations for the Garden View Lounge will open on February 19th, and it will officially reopen on March 19th. When it reopens, afternoon tea service will be $79 per adult and $49 per child. It reopens on March 19th! We are in the Disney parks every single day to make sure you always have the most up-to-date information for your Disney trip. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news, tips, tricks, and food reviews! FULL MENU REVEALED For Disney World’s Newest 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 Are you excited for the reopening of the Grand Floridian tea room? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article
  9. Can you feel the love in the air? It is hard to believe we are almost to February already — didn’t we just ring in the new year? Well, Disney is already gearing up for February, and it just announced 13 limited-time treats coming to Disney World and Disneyland to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Airel and Eric Meet and Greet for Valentine’s Day 2025 Whether you are looking for a treat to share with your significant other or just want to treat yourself and celebrate love, these treats are perfect. Most of them will be available starting February 1st, but a few treats are already available if you are looking to get a jump-start. Let’s take a look at the treats! Disney World Resort Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Valentine’s Day Brownie (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Scat Cat’s Club – Cafe at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Berry in Love Beignets (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney BoardWalk Deli & Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Raspberry Macaron Heart – Starting February 1st ©Disney The Ganachery at Disney Springs Valentine Minnie Chocolate Piñata (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Strawberry Ganache Pop (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Chocolate-Strawberry Bar Box (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs Be Mine Eclair (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Valentine’s Entremet (New) – Starting February 1st ©Disney Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Chocolate-covered Strawberry Lunch Box Tart – Starting February 1st ©Disney Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs Valentine’s Morello Cherry Sundae (New) – Available Now Valentine’s Morello Cherry Sundae Disneyland Resort The Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park DOLE Whip Strawberry Sundae – Starting February 1st ©Disney Alien Pizza Planet at Disneyland Park Valentine-themed Alien Macaron – Available Now ©Disney Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Park Red Velvet Stuff – Available Now ©Disney We are always on the lookout for the latest Disney World and Disneyland news, plus we are in the parks every single day reviewing food items. Stay tuned to DFB for more! What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Disney World 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 Valentine’s Day treat sounds best to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article
  10. When it comes to Disney merchandise that pulls on our nostalgic heartstrings, we have a very hard time saying no. Loungefly Wall at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Well, if we’re being honest, we have a hard time saying no to pretty much all Disney merchandise, but especially when it reminds us of some of our favorite Disney films, characters, etc., from our childhoods. For those of us out there who specifically can’t get enough of the Disney films from the 1950s, these are the Loungefly bags you NEED to check out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For The Cinderella Fans ©Amazon What better way to celebrate your love of Disney than to represent one of the most iconic Princesses of all time with the Cinderella 75th Anniversary Lenticular Loungefly Mini Backpack? Not only does it feature our favorite characters from the film, but we love that the lenticular section in the middle switches between a scene of Cinderella herself and Cinderella dancing with Prince Charming. Grab it online here! Second Star To The Right! ©Amazon To everyone who always dreamed of staying a kid forever and never growing up, the Peter Pan Glow Clock Loungefly Mini Backpack is beyond perfect for you! Big Ben looks absolutely stunning, as does the night sky behind Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John as they soar to Neverland. The best detail? Nana is the zipper charm! Grab it online here! For All The Disney Villain Fans ©Amazon One of the most STUNNING bags we’ve seen recently is the Sleeping Beauty Maleficent Stained Glass Loungefly Mini-Backpack, which accounts for why it’s so expensive. It features Maleficent in all her evil glory in front of a stained glass window design, complete with green fire, Maleficent in her dragon form, and black thorny vines. Grab it online here! Celebrate Your Very Merry Unbirthday Every Day ©Amazon One of the most iconic scenes from Alice in Wonderland is none other than the tea party scene, which the Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Loungefly Mini Backpack depicts perfectly. It perfectly displays the wonderful chaos of the scene, and you can even move the White Rabbit across the bag to really make it look like he’s panicking about being late! Grab it online here! We’ve Never Seen Spaghetti The Same ©Amazon For those who have been obsessed with Lady and the Tramp for years, you won’t want to miss the Lady and the Tramp 70th Anniversary Loungefly Mini Backpack! We love where the front pocket is on this one, because it gives us a little more space for our items, and with the side pockets, you can easily fit your water bottle too. Grab it online here! As always, we’ll keep you updated with all the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article
  11. Did you grow up watching classic Disney movies like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty, or Pocahontas? Or maybe you discovered these movies as an adult and have become a huge fan? No matter when you fell in love with classic Disney movies, we just found a collection that you need to see! Pocahontas You can grab this collection online right NOW and it is the perfect way to show off your love for some of the classic Disney movies. Whether you wish you could ride a magic carpet or paint with all the colors of the wind, we think you need to add these items to your cart! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. BoxLunch has a beautiful collection of stained glass wall art, and you can find pieces of art inspired by some of your favorite classic Disney movies! Fly high with this Aladdin Magic Carpet Stained Glass Wall Art ©BoxLunch Starting off with this gorgeous stained glass art featuring Aladdin and Jasmine flying high on the magic carpet. This hanging wall art is made of glass and measures about 7 1/2″ x 11 1/4″. We love the vibrant colors, and we are already imagining where we will hang it on our walls! Get this wall art here! Waltz around with this Beauty and the Beast Stained Glass Wall Art ©BoxLunch I mean, look at those stunning colors! This piece of wall art is a bit smaller than the previous one — coming in at about 5″ x 7 1/2″, but we are loving the gorgeous stained glass. The art features Belle and the Beast dancing the night away under a red rose. In the background, you will also spot more beloved characters from Beauty and the Beast! Get this wall art here! Get this 101 Dalmatians Stained Glass Wall Art ©BoxLunch A stained glass window inside a stained glass wall art! Plus, it features Pongo and Perdita holding paws. It is such a pretty piece of hanging art and perfect for fans of 101 Dalmatians. This one also measures 5″ x 7 1/2″. We are going to have a hard time deciding on our favorite piece of wall art, that’s for sure! Get this wall art here! Be engulfed in flames with this Sleeping Beauty Stained Glass Wall Art ©BoxLunch If Disney villains are more your vibe, you are going to love this Sleeping Beauty Stained Glass Wall Art. Maleficent is front and center of this piece of art, and she is surrounded by fiery green flames. This one isn’t quite available just yet, but you can pre-order it to ship by July 31st, 2026. This art measures 7 1/2″ x 11″. Get this wall art here! Experience the colors of the wind with this Pocahontas Stained Glass Wall Art ©BoxLunch Last but not least, you can also grab this Pocahontas Wall Art. Pocahontas is surrounded by colorful leaves, and you will even spot Flit amongst the swirling colors. It is colorful and full of life! This one measures 5″ x 7 1/2″, so you can even pair it with some of the other smaller pieces on a wall. Get this wall art here! We are always on the lookout for fun Disney merchandise, so stay tuned to DFB for more! Plus, we are in the Disney parks every single day to make sure you always have the most up-to-date information. View the full article
  12. If you have travel plans this weekend, you’re going to want to be aware of this weather warning! Flying to our next adventure! According to CNN, “a rapidly strengthening coastal storm is expected to develop this weekend and bring heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding to the Southeast amid an outbreak of deadly cold temperatures.” Let’s take a look at the full details so we can prepare accordingly. The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Right now, as the storm moves north, southeast New England is currently in the bullseye. However, the storm’s exact path is still coming into focus. CNN stated that, “computer forecast models are increasingly aligned on a low-pressure system forming off the Carolinas early Saturday and intensifying rapidly into a bomb cyclone.” ©CNN There is a chance for blizzard conditions on the southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina coasts by Saturday night, January 31st. There’s also the possibility of significant coastal flooding by Sunday morning, as the storm’s impacts will be amplified by high tides ahead of a full moon Sunday. How closely the storm hugs the coast as it moves north Sunday through the weekend will determine how much snow falls across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, if there is any snow. ©CNN CNN reported, “more than 20 million people are under winter storm watches in the Southeast, including Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Norfolk, Virginia, and Atlanta.” Last weekend’s winter storm saw tons of snow and ice that messed up travel plans and even knocked out power to some. From reports from CNN, it looks like you should be cautious about traveling this weekend and have some sort of backup plan. Southwest Airlines We’re always staying on top of all the latest travel news and updates, so make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. We’ll make sure you’re always prepared for wherever you’re headed! 3 Perks to the Controversial Seating Changes on Southwest Airlines DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Do you have any travel plans coming up? Let us know in the comments! View the full article
  13. One of my favorite things to do in Disneyland is attend one of the park’s After Dark events. These specially-ticketed themed events happen after the park closes for the evening, with special activities, character meet and greets, entertainment, and more. In 2026, Disneyland After Dark is going to be even MORE epic, especially with the addition of one NEW After Dark event, 70 Years of Favorites. Kim Possible and Rob Stoppable at Disney Channel Nite So if you want to attend one of these fun events for yourself, you’ll need to know the dates, right? Well, Disney just confirmed the dates for this year’s After Dark events, along with a LOT of new details. So let’s get into it. Disney announced all the After Hours events for 2026 back in November, along with details about Sweethearts’ Nite, which is happening on select nights right now through February 17th. ©Disney Well, we’ve now got dates and details for all the other After Dark events happening this year. 70 Years of Favorites Let’s talk about the NEWEST After Dark event, 70 Years of Favorites, which will be inspired by the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration. Disney promises a “walk down memory lane” that will honor the park’s history. Disney previously released the dates for 70 Years of Favorites: Tuesday, March 3rd Thursday, March 5th Tickets are on sale now for this event. ©Disney 70 Years of Favorites will include the “Sounds of Magic” riverfront serenade on Rivers of America, singing songs from things like “Animazement — The Musical,” “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee,” “The Lion King Celebration Parade,” and more. There will also be swing dancing at the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland, an 80s-themed Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, and line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe. Golden Horseshoe Photo ops will include nostalgic entertainment like “Mad T Party,” “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and Club Buzz, plus some favorite rides. Characters will also be meeting, including “Mother” and “Father” from Carousel of Progress, Merlin, Flik, Atta, and the Fantasmic! Monkeys. There will also be some special nostalgic food to dig into during this event, including: Mushroom Philly toasted sandwich (plant-based) and maple bacon cinnamon roll at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Birria mac and cheese in a bread bowl at Refreshment Corner Gaston Brew at Red Rose Taverne Blackened New York steak and prawns at River Belle Terrace Disney Channel Nite Disney Channel Nite returns for three nights this year to celebrate some of your favorite shows and characters from the Disney Channel. Here are the dates: Sunday, April 12th Tuesday, April 14th Thursday, April 16th Tickets will go on sale for Inspire Magic Key Holders on February 3rd, for all Magic Key Holders on February 4th, and the general public on February 5th. Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers at Disney Channel Nite Penny Proud from The Proud Family will be making her Disneyland debut at this event. ©Disney She’ll be joined by Kim Possible, Lilo & Stitch, and more. Then there’s the high-energy street show “High School Musical – ZOMBIES Pep Rally.” Practice your most wicked moves at “DescenDANCE” along the Rivers of America. “Disney Channel Rocks” is a concert-style show celebrating hit songs from the Disney Channel. You’ll also find a “Camp Rock Sing-Along” at the Golden Horseshoe. 2024 Disney Channel Nite Photo ops will include backgrounds from your fave Disney Channel shows, including a new High School Musical photo op. Go Wildcats! If you get hungry, some special food will also be available: Loaded dino nuggies at Red Rose Taverne, The Golden Horseshoe, and Stage Door Café Ice cream naco at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (New) Agent P churro at Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle, Churros near Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, and Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (New) Specialty menu available at River Belle Terrace Merchandise will include a light-up headband, hoodie, and trading pin. Star Wars Nite Star Wars Nite is dedicated to all things Star Wars and will happen on the following evenings: Tuesday, April 28th Thursday, April 30th Monday, May 4th Wednesday, May 6th Tickets go on sale for Inspire Magic Key Holders on February 3rd, all Magic Key Holders on February 4th, and the general public on February 5th. Star Wars Nite Ticket holders will get to see Captain Phasma and her First Order Stormtroopers in “The March of the First Order” in Tomorrowland. Learn how to wield a lightsaber at the Lightsaber Instructional. Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes, aka the Cantina Band, will make special performances during the evening on Rivers of America. Special character appearances include Darth Maul, an Ewok, a Jawa, Queen Amidala, and more. Photo ops include themed Star Wars planet backgrounds, Boba Fett’s throne, and more. Ewok! New food is coming to Star Wars Nite, too, including: Pizza five-blossom bread at Oga’s Cantina Galactic Bundt cake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Galactic Grill Banth-gogi at Edelweiss Snacks and Maurice’s Treats ©Disney Merchandise includes a zip-up hoodie, tee, hat, tumbler, and pin. Pride Nite This celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community happens on the following dates: June 16th June 18th ©Disney Dates and details haven’t been released about this year’s Pride Nite just yet. We’ll keep an eye out for more details about these Disneyland After Dark events, so stay tuned to DFB for more. ALL of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Limited-Time TREATS DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Which Disneyland After Dark events are you going to this year? Share with us in the comments! View the full article
  14. Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re Disney experts. We go to Disney World every single day to find out what’s new. So when we rode one of our favorite Hollywood Studios rides recently, we were surprised to see something new! Toy Story Mania Toy Story Mania is part ride, part shooting game that takes you through Toy Story settings. It’s all 3D, so you’ll get a pair of glasses before you hop on. But when we went to grab some, we noticed something from one of our favorite closed attractions that’s being given a new life. We spotted some new purple glasses among the classic yellow ones that Toy Story Mania typically uses! True Disney fans will know that purple glasses were exclusively at Muppet*Vision 3D, which closed permanently back in June. We were so excited to see them again! Toy Story Mania Glasses Muppet*Vision 3D was a show where you tour Muppet Studios with Kermit as they showcase their new 3D tech. Seeing these glasses felt like seeing an old friend! Muppet*Vision 3D Glasses After Muppet*Vision 3D’s closure, it was announced that The Muppets will be moving to a newly rethemed Rock n’ Roller Coaster, but we don’t have too many specifics yet. It’ll star the Electric Mayhem band and feature Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Scooter. It’s set to open this summer! ©Disney Muppet*Vision 3D, along with Muppet Courtyard, closed permanently in June to make way for the new Monsters, Inc land. The new area will transport you into Monstropolis and feature a Monsters, Inc themed roller coaster that takes you through the film’s swinging door scene along with Mike, Sully, and Boo. There will also be new shopping and dining destinations, but nothing official has been announced yet. It’s set to open sometime next year. ©Disney Hollywood Studios is going through a lot of exciting changes. We’re so excited for the new Muppets coaster and Monsters, Inc land. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World updates! NEWS! Close-Up Look at Disney’s NEW Muppets Ride Coming to Hollywood Studios 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 sad to see Muppet*Vision 3D go? Comment below! View the full article
  15. If you’re heading to Disney World with your family, especially if your family consists of younger kids, what you pack for your trip is going to be a LOT different than what solo travelers, smaller groups, or families with older kids may pack. Cinderella Castle If you’ve been feeling lost, don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve done the research for you and have created the ultimate list of what those traveling with families should be packed for your upcoming vacation. We’re covering backpacks, park bag essentials, rainy day must-haves, and so much more, so get ready! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Good Park Bag Large and Durable ©Amazon Since you’re traveling with your whole family, you’re likely going to need a larger backpack. Something durable, has lots of pockets to hold all your essentials, and one that’s also comfortable on your back all day. We recommend the High Sierra Loop Backpack! There are five different pockets just on the front and top of the bag, not to mention the pockets inside each of those, as well as the side pockets to help you organize all your essentials. Grab it right here! Keep Those Larger Backpacks Comfortable VentaPak If you’re concerned about your back when you carry around one of those larger bags, and you want to make sure you keep good posture, or perhaps you don’t want that uncomfortable patch of sweat that forms on your back on hotter days. In either case, we highly recommend grabbing a VentaPak and having it on your backpack for the duration of your trip! It’s made our days walking thousands of steps around the park way easier, and we know it’ll do the same for you. Grab it right here! Park Bag Essentials Keep Cool Without Taking Up Much Space JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan We talk about this one all the time, but it’s because we truly DO love it. The JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan is fantastic at keeping us cool on those warm days, and it’s small enough to easily fit in your pocket or into a small corner of your packed bag. Not to mention, it also acts as a portable charger if you find yourself in a bind, and there’s also a flashlight installed inside of it as well. Grab it right here! If You Prefer Cooling Towels Sukeen 4pack Cooling Towel If you know your family members will each want a way to keep cool and you want to avoid fighting, the Sukeen 4pack Cooling Towel is calling your name! You basically get four for the price of one, so everyone gets their own, and there’s no confusion on whose is whose since they’re all different colors. Grab it right here! Get That Cooling Right on The Pressure Points JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan If you don’t want to hold a fan, and you want it blowing on you constantly instead, the JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan is a great choice. It’ll keep the air blowing right on your neck, which is a powerful pulse point to keep the rest of your body cool. If you have long hair, while we haven’t dealt with ours getting stuck before, we do warn you to be careful! Grab it right here! Get a Good Reusable Water Bottle Rapunzel Owala It’s incredibly important to stay hydrated in Disney World no matter what time of year you’re traveling, but if it’s summertime, it’s also essential that the water stays as cold as possible to help keep you from overheating (and to be refreshing!). We’ve found that many members of our team absolutely love their Owala water bottles, and we think you will too! They’ll keep you water cold all day, they’re easy to carry around the park, they lock shut, and there are so many different colors and styles available, you’ll never have to worry about accidentally mixing up who has which bottle. It’s also super easy to refill your water bottles at the Refillable Bottle Stations around the parks! Grab it right here! A Portable Charger That Won’t Cause You Stress FuelRod We’ve seen firsthand how much a FuelRod can save the day in the parks (yes, it’s saved us MANY times). While there are lots of great portable chargers out here, we appreciate the size of these, as they’re not too big, but you can also replace them with fully charged FuelRods at the stations around the parks for no extra charge. So, even if you run out of charge, no worries, there’s a fully charged one just a few minutes away, and the ease of that is invaluable. Grab it right here! Avoid Getting Sunburnt! ©Amazon Having sunscreen in the parks with you is WILDLY important, because even the most powerful sunscreen will NOT last all day. You’ll want to have some with you to reapply throughout the day, especially on your face. We personally really love the Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen since it’s made for sensitive skin, has aloe inside of it to keep skin happy, and is water resistant. Grab it right here! Reapplying Sunscreen For Littles is No Longer A Battle Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator Many parents know the struggle of trying to reapply sunscreen on their littles — it’s HARD. We’ve tried out the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator ourselves and really love it. It makes reapplication much easier for everyone, older kids and parents included, and you can fill it with whatever your favorite sunscreen is. Grab it right here! Never Worry About Getting Lost ©Amazon This one is optional, but Disney World is a BIG place. While Cast Members are fantastic about getting families back together, in case someone gets separated, for parents who are extra concerned, we do recommend grabbing an Apple AirTag to add somewhere into your child’s clothes, or into something like a stroller or bag you want to ensure doesn’t get lost. This way, you can look at the location of the AirTag at any time and know exactly where your child or item is! Grab it right here! Keep The AirTags Secure! ©Amazon And if you want a safe and cute way to keep the AirTags in place, especially if it’s on an item rather than a child (or you can put it on a lanyard or bracelet that they’ll wear at all times), the Silicone AirTag Holders are perfect. Plus, they’re shaped like Mickey and Minnie, which is beyond adorable! Grab it right here! Never Get Annoyed By Paper Straws A Sunseeke Silicone Straw inside our Frozen Coke! Here’s the thing — Disney World uses paper straws all throughout the resort to help reduce plastic waste. We love the idea, we really do; however, they are AWFUL to actually drink anything out of. They fall apart easily, which is then gross to have in your mouth, and if you want a different kind of straw, you’ll have to find a Joffrey’s location to grab one of their sugarcane straws (which we think are fantastic). However, if you want to avoid the issue as a whole, just grab yourselves a pack of the Sunseeke Silicone Straws! Grab it right here! Never Struggle to Find Utensils Again Reusable Travel Utensils Set While finding plastic utensils around the Disney World parks may not seem like it would be an issue, especially since they should be right close by where you’re dining, sometimes they run out of a particular type, and then you’re wandering around just looking for a fork while your food is getting cold. We love bringing the Reusable Travel Utensils Set along with us, so not only do we not have to worry about finding our own silverware, but we also aren’t feeling wasteful using plastic utensils just to throw away after one use. Grab it right here! A Good Pair of Sunglasses ©Amazon Disney World can be BRIGHT, even on a cloudy day, because you’ll never know when the sun may peek out from behind the clouds and blind you. That’s why having a good pair of sunglasses (that ALSO aren’t too expensive, in case they get lost) is essential to have in your bag. We love the Retro Oval Sunglasses online, especially since they come in a pack of two, so we can keep one in our park bag, and the other in our car, back at the hotel, in another bag, etc. Grab it right here! Keep Your Head Protected! ©Amazon Lots of people don’t realize how important it is to keep your head protected from the sun, too, and we love doing that with a cute hat like the Mickey Mouse Character Art Unstructured Baseball Cap! This way, you won’t get sunburnt, and it also helps keep your eyes protected from the sun a bit as well! Grab it right here! Quickly Fix Bumps and Bruises First Aid Kit We also really love bringing along something like the KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit to have in case someone in your group falls or otherwise has a small injury and needs a bandaid, something to clean the wound, etc. It’s small, everything is packed into one small bag, but with 130 pieces, you’ll be ready for nearly anything. You can always head to First Aid inside the parks as well, but sometimes if you’re far away, having one of these makes life a little easier. Grab it right here! Snacks That You Know Your Kiddos Love Goldfish are a great pick! We don’t have any particular links for this, since you know what your kids love more than we do, but it’s 100% important to get those snacks and have them in your bag. Yes, you may want your kiddo to try a Mickey Pretzel, or to eat their dinner at Chef Mickey’s, but you know how it is with kids — oftentimes, they don’t eat when you want them too, and they’ll be hungry later, likely when you’re in a line and can’t get anywhere. Avoid any potential issues by having those snacks in your bag for them when they ask for a little something! Carry The Snacks Easily ©Amazon Packing snacks that you know your kids love is SUPER important to avoid potential hangry-induced tantrums, and an easy way to carry them is with the Whiskware Frozen Stackable Snack Containers. It’s themed to an iconic Disney Princess, is easy to take apart inside the park, and you can also wash it easily in the dishwasher! Grab it right here! Keep Those Little Hands Clean Touchland and Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case It’s hard, especially since little ones are often intent on touching everything they can, but we also love to bring along the Touchland & Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer so that when they are eating those snacks, you can try and clean their hands at least a bit before they have them in their mouths. This easily clips onto your bag for easy access, and hey, it’s Disney themed! Grab it right here! Rainy Day Essentials The Perfect Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho When it’s raining outside, the last thing you want is to get soaked. Grab everyone in your family a FROGG TOGGS Poncho to make sure you all stay dry! The best part? They easily fold back up into the bags they come in, making it easy to bring them around and not get your other items wet. Grab it right here! They Have Youth Sizes Too! ©Amazon If you’re concerned about the poncho being too big for your kids, not to worry — FROGG TOGGS Youth Ponchos are on the market too, and they’re just as great in quality as the adult ponchos. Again, they fold up easily to go back in their bag, and you won’t have to worry about them ripping easily and needing to buy another one super soon. Grab it right here! If You Prefer An Umbrella BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella If you’re not a fan of ponchos and are more of an umbrella person, we recommend the BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella. Not only is it MUCH smaller than normal umbrellas, so it’ll fit into your bag way easier, but it also bounces UV rays back at the sky, so you can use it on a sunny day to keep yourself cooler as well. We love a product that we can use multiple different ways! Grab it right here! Don’t Let Your Stroller Get Soaking Wet ©Amazon There’s truly nothing worse than realizing it’s pouring down rain and your stroller has no way of being protected, so you’ll either need to wipe it all down before your kiddo gets in again, or they’ll just be sitting in a wet stroller for the rest of the day (gross and uncomfortable). Snag yourself the Graco Universal Deluxe Weather Shield to put over any time there’s even a CHANCE of rain, that way you know your stroller will be protected! Grab it right here! Reliable Shoes and Comfortable Socks The Time is Now to Grab Some HOKAs ©Amazon You’ve likely heard a lot about HOKA shoes, and while it’s most important that you just find ANY pair of shoes that’s comfortable, supportive, and has been broken in so they won’t cause blisters, we really recommend a pair of shoes like the HOKA Clifton 9s. We’ve heard RAVING reviews about these, as well as tried them out ourselves, and even if this particular design isn’t for you, the company has so many available, it’s worth it to check them out and see if they’re a right fit. Don’t let feet hurting after day one of vacation get in the way of having fun! Grab it right here! Kiddos Need Great Shoes Too! ©Amazon It’s also important that your kiddos have shoes that are comfortable and supportive for them, because they’ll potentially be walking more miles than their legs are used to as well! We love the New Balance Kids’ Rave Run V2 Lace-Up Running Shoes, not only because of their design, but because the brand has very rarely let us down. Grab it right here! Good Socks Are JUST As Important ©Amazon While good shoes are incredibly important for the parks, it’s also essential that you get good socks that will also support your feet. We love the BAMBOS Women’s Solid Ankle Socks because they come up high enough over your ankle to prevent blisters, and they also have reinforced toes and heels to avoid holes. Grab it right here! Stroller Essentials Keep Your Kiddos Cool in The Stroller ©Amazon When your kiddo is lying in the stroller, even if the sun isn’t directly on them, it’s entirely possible that they could still overheat. Avoid that with the J.L. Childress Disney Baby Mickey Mouse Stroller Fan! It can easily wrap around any section of the stroller that you’d like, and you can angle it to blow directly on them, which is perfect. Plus, no one has to hold it in their hand, so that’s another bonus! Grab it right here! Never Lose Track of Your Stroller ©Amazon Many strollers look identical in Disney World, especially as it gets dark in the park, so we recommend avoiding any possible issue by grabbing a Personalized Stroller Name Tag. You can have it say whatever you’d like, and this will keep you from accidentally grabbing someone else’s stroller, as well as avoid someone else grabbing yours! Grab it right here! Keep Everything Organized ©Amazon Sometimes, no matter how big your stroller is, you still don’t feel like you have enough room for everything. With the Momcozy Universal Stroller Organizer, you’ll know that you’ve got enough room for two drinks, your phone, and other items you may need to grab quickly. We love the different ways you can attach it to the stroller, or you can wear it over your shoulder if you need to bring it with you into a line. Grab it right here! More Storage Under The Stroller ©Amazon If you know you’ll need lots of space underneath the stroller, too, or on the back of it, the J.L. Childress Disney Baby Side Sling Stroller Cargo Net is something you’ll want to bring with you as well. This one won’t stay as organized, since it’s just one bit net, but it can be great for jackets, additional larger snacks, bubble wands, and more. Grab it right here! A Few Extras For The Parks Ask The Characters To Sign Something Special! ©Amazon Instead of just using a normal character autograph book (not that there’s anything wrong with that), you could ask them to sign something extra special, such as the Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Disney Little Golden Book! This one is especially fun for kiddos, since you can read it to them as a story after your trip and remember who signed the book. Grab it right here! Carabiners Can Fix SO Many Things ©Amazon Sometimes you need a little something extra to hook something onto your bag, such as your water bottle, an extra bag, or something else that just requires a little extra support, and that’s why we love the Aluminum Mouse Ears Ring Carabiners. You’ll find a use for them, we’re sure, whether it’s in the parks or back at home, and they’re cute as can be. Grab it right here! Avoid Expensive Ears ©Amazon If you know that those on your trip want a pair of ears, but don’t necessarily need them to be FROM Disney, we recommend saving lots of money and grabbing the Handmade Mouse Ears before your trip begins. These are only about $10, whereas most ears in the park are, at minimum, $35 — that’s $25 in savings per pair, and that adds up fast! Grab it right here! Don’t Drop a Fortune on Bubble Wands ©Amazon Similarly, if you know your little one will love the bubble wands in the park, save a ton of money and bring the Moana Light and Sound Musical Bubble Wand on the trip with you! It’s still Disney-themed, comes with a container of bubbles you can bring into the park with you, so you can refill in the park if needed at no additional charge. Grab it right here! A Good Stroller Strollers in EPCOT For little ones who are still in a stroller, it’s incredibly important to have a stroller that will hold your kid(s) comfortably and be easy for them to maneuver in and out of (or for you to get them in and out of). You’ll also want to pay attention to whether it’s easy for you to push around, as well as how easy it is to break it down if you plan to use Disney World parking trams or Disney buses. However, many people often underestimate that their older kids, ones who on a normal day don’t need to be in a stroller at all, often also get VERY tired walking around the parks, and it’s great to have a stroller for them. If you haven’t brought one to the park, no worries — strollers are also available for rent at the parks! Disney World Rental Strollers They’re not the most comfortable, we’ll be the first to admit that, but they’ll do in a pinch! A single stroller will cost you $15 a day or $13 a day if you purchase it for the length of your stay, whereas a double stroller will cost $31 a day or $27 a day if you purchase it for the length of your stay. Hotel Room Essentials Make Sure You Keep Your MagicBand+ Charged MultiCharger for MagicBand+ MagicBand+ bands are very popular in Disney World for a reason, especially because they unlock some special experiences around the park, and they come in such cute designs. However, charging them all each night can be hard when you’ve got a limited number of outlets in the room, so grab the MultiCharger for MagicBand+ to consolidate space and keep everything charging in one place. Grab it right here! Even MORE Outlets in One Place! Flat Plug Power Strip We’re also really big fans of bringing along a Flat Plug Power Strip. We love that this only takes up one outlet, but turns it into a space to charge SEVEN different items, whether they’ve got a regular three-prong plug, a USB, or USB-C. It’s saved our butts many times, especially when traveling with lots of people, so we highly recommend grabbing one! Grab it right here! Charging For Apple Devices HICOBER 3 in 1 Charging Station If you’re someone who has lots of Apple devices and you want them to all charge wirelessly in one spot, the HICOBER 3 in 1 Charging Station is perfect for your vacation. It’s important to note, though, that your phone does have to be a later model to be compatible with wireless charging, so we encourage checking on that before you buy! Grab it right here! Never Worry About White Noise Again Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Traveling with the Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine is perfect for anyone who needs to have some background noise to sleep, but ALSO wants to drown out the sound of other travelers in rooms nearby (some of those Disney World hotels have THIN hotel walls). It’s got 16 different sounds to choose from, as well as 32 different volume levels to find what’s perfect for you. Grab it right here! For Little Ones Who Need Darkness to Sleep ©Amazon If you’re traveling with a kiddo who you know needs complete darkness to sleep, but they’re too young for a sleep mask, the SlumberPod may be a perfect fit. It easily folds up to fit in a bag, which makes it easy for travel, and it easily fits over the pack ‘n play that your kiddo will likely be sleeping in. Grab it right here! Organize Everyone’s Clothes BEFORE Each Day Portable Shelves Finally, we really love using the TABITORA Portable Hanging Travel Shelves to help organize our outfits for each day, but you can also use them to organize each of your family’s outfits the night before. That way, no one is confused about what they’re wearing come morning time, when you’re trying to get out the door to head into the parks. Grab it right here! And there you have it — our ultimate guide to packing the necessities you’ll need for your family trip this year. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest and greatest Disney packing news and tips, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article
  16. Refillable Mugs are kind of a big deal around Disney World — and there’s a NEW one in town. Well, sort of. Resort Refillable Mug Disney World Refillable Mugs (or Rapid Refill Mugs as they’re sometimes called) are available for guests to purchase and use for free refills at Disney World hotels throughout their vacation, and they can save you a TON of money if you’re a big soda, coffee, tea, or juice drinker. These 16-oz insulated coffee mugs sold at Disney hotels are popular, but this new design might just be the most popular one yet! A new Refillable Mug has rolled into Disney World hotels — and artist Jerrod Maruyama designed them! Maruyama is a freelance illustrator who has made a name for himself within the Disney community because of his unique yet adorable take on classic characters and icons that we all know and love. A brand-new Disney popcorn bucket designed by him was just released in the parks, and we’re thrilled to see this new Refillable Mug design of his popping up as well! via Jerrod Maruyama on Instagram Here’s the thing, though: the new design hasn’t rolled out to all Disney World hotels yet, which means they might be hard to find. Not only that, but the mugs that had previously been spotted at Pop Century Resort have since sold out — even though a Cast Member confirmed to us that they weren’t even supposed to be put out on the floor yet. via Jerrod Maruyama on Instagram So, we headed to Disney’s Polynesian Resort to see if we could find the new mugs there, and we struck out. They had been there, but they sold out here as well, according to Cast Members. Polynesian Village Resort We also tried the Grand Floridian, and struck out there, too… Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa …along with the Contemporary Resort. It seems as though this new mug design will be rolling out slowly but surely, so we’ll definitely keep our eyes out! Disney’s Contemporary Resort “Refillable mugs” are 16 oz. insulated coffee mugs sold at Disney hotels in the hotel’s primary Counter Service location. Guests are entitled to unlimited free refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea from participating beverage locations at Disney resorts for their length of stay up to 14 days. These mugs are enhanced by an RFID barcode, which enables the mug to deactivate when the designated time is complete, and they are available for one flat price of $22.99 for the length of resort stay of up to 14 days, no matter how many days. Disney Refillable Mugs We’ll be on the lookout for the Jerrod Maruyama Refillable Mug at more Disney World hotels; we’re at Disney World every single day, so if anyone can find them — it’s us! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond. EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Disney World Refillable Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be snagging one of these mugs on your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article
  17. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! When it comes to a full day in Disney World, starting your day off right with tasty fuel is SO important. While you may opt to have breakfast at your hotel before leaving, you can also find some tasty options for breakfast in the parks. Let’s have breakfast in Animal Kingdom! We recently stopped by Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for breakfast, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere We love stopping by Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes for a delicious, quick lunch or dinner — the Mini Mango Pie and the Chicken Fried Rice are among our favorites! But did you also know you can grab breakfast here, too? You can find Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes next to the table-service Yak & Yeti Restaurant. The two restaurants are both owned by Landry’s, Inc., but one is a table-service restaurant, and the other is a quick-service restaurant. They can both be found in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom, next to the Feathered Friends in Flight theater. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes At Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes, you will place your order at the register and then pick up your food from the window right after ordering. There are lots of outdoor tables nearby, some covered with canvas umbrellas and some under structures. Outdoor seating We love that there is plenty of seating nearby, and we have not usually had much trouble finding a table. However, all of the tables are outdoors, so if there is inclement weather, it would be hard to enjoy your meal. Outdoor seating You will also find a utensil and condiment cart to grab sauces, seasonings, utensils, and napkins. Condiment cart You can find a variety of options, including salt, pepper, ketchup, hot sauce, mayonnaise, soy sauce, duck sauce, and mustard. Condiments But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is short and sweet for breakfast! There are four entrees to choose from and three side options. ©Disney There are also two different options for kids’ meals. As well as a few beverage options. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats We started off with the Breakfast Bowl with Bacon for $13.99. You can choose from either sausage or bacon as your meat. The bowl also contains scrambled eggs, cheddar, breakfast potatoes, peppers, and onions. Breakfast Bowl with Bacon We thought the potatoes had a great crisp on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. They didn’t have any seasoning on them, though, and we feel like it tasted a bit bland as a result. The scrambled eggs reminded us of eggs you get on the buffet at a free hotel breakfast — a bit spongy and moist. On the other hand, the bacon was crispy with a great smoky flavor. It was in small pieces throughout the bowl. The peppers and onions were tender but lacked seasoning, and we wish there were more vegetables in the bowl. Breakfast Bowl with Bacon We did get our food on a fairly chilly morning, but we were a bit disappointed that the dish wasn’t served warm enough to melt the cheese on top. The cheddar cheese would have been so much tastier if it had melted into the bowl and gotten a little gooey. We did really enjoy the green onions, though, as they added a great bit of freshness to the dish. Overall, this dish was very underseasoned. You will definitely want to grab some salt, pepper, and sauces from the condiment cart for it! Breakfast Bowl with Bacon We also tried some of the sides, including the Yogurt Parfait for $9.99. It is made with low-fat yogurt and strawberry compote, served with granola. You get A LOT of yogurt with this option. It is $10, so we are glad there is a lot of yogurt, but we were surprised by how much yogurt we got. The meal comes with a tub of yogurt with strawberry compote on the bottom. Yogurt Parfait Then you get a separate, small cup of granola. Granola The yogurt is vanilla. It has a bit of sweetness, but it isn’t overly sweet. The strawberry compote at the bottom has larger chunks of strawberry, and it is a thick, sweet syrup. The strawberries are tender, and the compote added sweetness and freshness to the yogurt. Yogurt Parfait The granola is coated in a sweet glaze and contains raisins. We thought the raisins were a bit hard, and the glaze makes the granola a bit sticky as you bite into it. Reminds us a bit of a caramel that sticks in your teeth a bit. However, we thought the granola added a great crunch to the parfait, though we wish you’d gotten a bit more. It is only a small bowl of granola compared to the tub of yogurt. Yogurt Parfait We also got the Hash Brown Bites for $5.99. When we imagined hash brown bites, we were imagining small, bite-sized pieces of hash brown. The hash brown bites we got were much larger than expected, but all we really care about is the taste. Your order comes with three hash browns. Hash Brown Bites We thought these were nice and crispy, with moist, fluffy interiors. You get a lot of potato flavor, and these are a great size for a side dish or a lighter breakfast. We personally enjoyed ours with some ketchup, but you could definitely eat them plain or add a different sauce option from the condiment cart. Hash Brown Bites Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You are looking for a quick breakfast option in Animal Kingdom. This spot is quick and easy to grab a bite to eat in the morning. It probably won’t be the best breakfast you have ever had, but it gets the job done. You are craving hash browns. They were crispy and full of potato flavor. We wouldn’t necessarily call them bites, but they were a yummy hash brown. You want a lighter breakfast option, or you really want some vanilla yogurt. The yogurt parfait was huge and a great option for a lighter breakfast. We definitely think you could share it easily, too! You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want a super filling breakfast. You could combine a couple of items to make it more filling, but we think this is a better option if you are looking for a quick, lighter breakfast. Tusker House would be a great option for more filling options. You are looking for unique flavors or options. We were very disappointed in the seasoning on the breakfast bowl, and the hash brown and yogurt parfait are your classic flavors. We really enjoy the breakfast options at Satu’li Canteen if you are looking for another quick option. You want a variety of breakfast options. This is more of a grab-and-go kind of breakfast spot. You can get bowls, sandwiches, and parfaits, but if you are looking for other classic breakfast options, you will want to head elsewhere. If you are looking for lots of options, you could try Tusker House or Rainforest Cafe. We LOVE Tusker House here at DFB! Overall We definitely don’t think this is the best breakfast we have ever had at Disney World. The Yogurt Parfait was a great size, and we loved that it could easily be shared and was a lighter breakfast option. The Hash Brown Bites were classic hash browns, but the breakfast bowl was very underseasoned, and we really wish the cheese had melted on top. We would recommend Satu’li Canteen or Tusker House over Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes for breakfast. Breakfast at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes 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 Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article
  18. Walt Disney World Resort celebrated World War II hero Herb Maneloveg on his 101st birthday during a special Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park on January 25. Herb served as a Private in the U.S. Army’s 106th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded and later received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained there. A Historical Celebration Herb’s 101st birthday celebration began with a journey down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing Cinderella Castle with his family. They then enjoyed a special viewing of the legendary Festival of Fantasy Parade, where they got to see beloved Disney characters including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. “It’s a wish that is better than any wish I’ve ever had,” said Herb, after watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade. “To me, the important thing is family and they are here. It’s all I could ask for.” “My father is a great guy, he was a serviceman, but he was also a great father, husband, and grandfather,” said Herbert’s daughter, Susan. “Thanks to Disney and how they honored him. The parade was great, he got attention from everybody, which was so sweet.” As the American Flag retires every day in Magic Kingdom, it’s always a patriotic and reflective moment. It carries an even deeper meaning when we pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans like Herb. Our admiration for military veterans, service members, and their families carries on a legacy that began with Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during World War I. Not only did we witness a ceremony, but we witnessed history. Creating Magic for America’s Heroes Since 1955 at Disneyland and 1971 at Magic Kingdom, daily flag ceremonies have honored U.S. veterans and service members. Each day, a guest is chosen from among the park’s daily visitors. at Magic Kingdom to serve as “U.S. Armed Forces Representative of the Day” during the sunset ceremony. As America marks its 250th anniversary, we stand committed to sharing the remarkable stories and legacies of U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. We were honored to salute Herb Maneloveg and pay tribute to his military service to our nation. Please join us in wishing him a very happy 101st birthday! Disney Festivities Announced for America’s 250th Anniversary READ MORE Veteran Portraits by President George W. Bush Extended READ MORE Disney Supports the Gary Sinise Foundation READ MORE The post Disney Celebrates World War II Veteran’s 101st Birthday at Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
  19. Disney fans, get ready to revisit some classic video games: The Disney Afternoon Collection is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 26 for digital download, with physical copies launching at a later date. The games featured in this collection are based on several animated series that were part of The Disney Afternoon television programming in the 1990s. It’s a nostalgic moment for many of us who grew up during that time, hurrying home after school to watch some of our favorite characters on screen. The classic early 90s games featured in The Disney Afternoon Collection were originally released by Capcom and later chosen by developer Digital Eclipse to be re-released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Now, Digital Eclipse is finally bringing that collection to the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 with eight great games, which include the Nintendo Entertainment System classics: DuckTales (1989), DuckTales 2 (1993), Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (1990), Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 (1994), Darkwing Duck (1992), and TaleSpin (1991). Additionally, two Super Nintendo Entertainment System games that were not part of the collection before — Goof Troop (1993) and Bonkers (1994) — are only available for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. But it’s more than just classic games and iconic animated television series! Here are some of the things you can experience when The Disney Afternoon Collection launches digitally for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 26. Partner For Adventure Team up with a friend to enjoy two-player cooperative adventures in Goof Troop, where Goofy and Max explore the pirate stronghold Spoonerville Island in order to rescue Pete and PJ. In both Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers action platform games, friends can choose to be either Chip or Dale and work together to stop Fat Cat’s nefarious plans. Pogo To Riches In both DuckTales games, take on the role of Scrooge McDuck, who defeats enemies by pogo-jumping on his cane, scouring the whole world for treasure to bring back to Duckburg. Go Totally Nuts! In Bonkers, police officer Bonkers D. Bobcat is on the case to solve crimes across Toontown, while also locating and returning the three legendary Toon Treasures after defeating a series of enemies. Blast The Baddies Looking for some shooting action? In TaleSpin, jump into Baloo’s plane “The Sea Duck” and maneuver through the clouds to fend off incoming enemies and avoid obstacles. Buy upgrades for the plane to increase your chances of beating the boss enemy at the end of each level. Flap In The Night Get dangerous with Darkwing Duck! Six of Darkwing’s greatest enemies: The Liquidator, Megavolt, Dr. Reginald Bushroot, Quackerjack, Professor Moliarty, and Wolfduck have been hired to wreak havoc throughout St. Canard. Players must upgrade Darkwing’s Gas Gun as they complete each stage to subdue the enemy leading up to the final confrontation with Steelbeak, a member of F.O.W.L. (The Fiendish Organization for World Larceny). Rock Out to the Soundtracks These games have banger soundtracks, and players can experience them all in the custom music player. Listen to tracks like the “Moon Theme,” which famously made its way from the video game to the 2017 DuckTales animated series. Peek Behind the Curtain Explore four different behind-the-scenes exhibitions in the Gallery section. Check out the Pencil to Pixel section, which shows how Capcom’s original game artists drew inspiration from Disney animators’ sketches, or see original game ads, artwork, and even original vintage game boxes. Rewind to Save Your Tail Feathers! Fell in a bottomless pit? Took too many whacks from an enemy? Just press the all-new Rewind button to rewind the action of any game and try it again. Now players of all skill levels can complete these challenges. Time Attack Ready for a speedrun? Play through any of the six Nintendo Entertainment System games and try to set your best time, then upload your replays online and challenge your friends. Boss Rush Think you’ve got what it takes? Each of the six Nintendo Entertainment System games has a new mode, “Boss Rush.” Battle against every boss, one after the other, and try to set your best time taking down every Big Bad in the collection. You can now pre-order a digital copy before February 26 for both Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2. For Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, physical copies of The Disney Afternoon will come with a game cartridge along with two sticker sheets, eight retro milk caps, and three collectible cards. Pre-orders for a physical copy are now available and will ship at a later date. The Disney Afternoon Collection is a perfect gateway to beloved classic video games, for anyone who wants to relive their childhood or fans who are new to these games. Be sure to follow Disney Games on X, Facebook, and Instagram for more news and updates. Disney Lorcana News: The Latest Release Dates and Updates READ MORE Level Up to Demigod with Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters READ MORE Now Available on Mobile: Disney Magic Match 3D READ MORE The post Everything You Can Experience in The Disney Afternoon Collection on Nintendo Switch appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article
  20. I go to Disney World for my job, and I’ve tried a LOT of water bottles throughout my hundreds of visits. Rapunzel Owala I’ve tried plastic and metal, screw-top and straw tumblers, insulated and even just Dasani purchased from a gift shop in the parks. But my coworkers finally convinced me to try a DFB fave, and now I’m influenced for life! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A while back, our team did a water bottle throwdown where we tested a bunch of different brands in the parks. One of the ones that came out on top? The Owala FreeSip. I didn’t understand the appeal of this bottle until I got one myself for Christmas, and you guys, I’m SOLD. Get the Disney Princess version! The inside! There are a couple of reasons I love this bottle, but the big point is — the spout! The “FreeSip” technology blends a straw tumbler with an open spout water bottle, so you can drink either way. Then, when you’re done rehydrating, the lid closes to keep those germs at bay. No exposed straws here! We love our Owala water bottle! They also have several character-themed lines, like this Owala Disney Princess FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle designed to match Rapunzel! These are the perfect designs for the Disney World parks. View on Amazon This is the larger version! Owala 40oz We’ve also tested out the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle in a 40-oz size. This one is great for hydrating in large quantities, but works best if you have a large water bottle pocket on your backpack or just plan to carry it around all day (it’s a hefty one!). Our signed water bottle! We even took the white version of the bottle to the parks with colored Sharpies and had characters sign it. What a great souvenir from your trip this could be! View on Amazon With the closing lid, the FreeSip design, the easy-carry loop on top, and the incredible insulation powers of these bottles, I don’t think you’ll find me carrying much else in the parks from now on. I’m officially an Owala fan! Owala water bottle If you want more tips on what to bring to the parks, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. View the full article
  21. Sometimes your go-to Disney snack order changes, and this might be one of those times. New menu item at Wetzel’s Pretzels Pretzel bites are usually our default when hunting for a quick snack around Disney Springs at Wetzel’s Pretzels, but we decided to switch things up and try their newest item instead. What we found was a surprisingly hearty, cheesy snack that might just earn a regular spot in our Disney Springs rotation. If you’re looking for a filling, shareable snack while walking around Disney Springs, the new Mozzarella Sticks from Wetzel’s Pretzels are honestly one of the most surprising snack wins we’ve had there in a while. Mozzarella Sticks They come in an order of five for $12.50, with dipping sauces like marinara sauce available for an additional $2.50… Pizza Sauce dip …which does feel a little annoying since marinara sauce feels like it should be included. That said, once you actually taste them, it’s a lot easier to forgive the price! Menu card The biggest surprise here is that these don’t feel like typical mozzarella sticks at all. Instead of a crunchy fried coating like you’d get at a sports bar or bowling alley, these have more of a baked pretzel dough exterior. The outside isn’t crispy, but it has that really nice baked crust texture — soft, slightly chewy, and sturdy enough to hold all that cheese. The bottoms are covered in those little golden pizza crust-style seasoning bits (similar to what you see on really good pizza crust), which add extra texture and flavor…even if they do make things a little messy to eat. Great cheese in the center Inside, the cheese is where these really shine. The mozzarella is super fresh, insanely stretchy, and gives you that long, dramatic cheese pull you always hope for! These are wrapped in a way that almost lets you unspiral the dough from the cheese, making them feel closer to cheesy bread or pizza appetizers than traditional mozzarella sticks. If you told me these came from a sit-down pizza restaurant, I would absolutely believe you. Dipped in pizza sauce Portion-wise, these are hefty. Eating two to three feels like a full snack on its own, which makes this a great shareable item, or honestly, something you could call a light lunch if you paired it with a drink. A single mozzarella stick Overall, yes, they’re a little expensive. But they’re fresh, super filling, and absolutely something we’d order again (especially if you already love grabbing pretzel bites here). We’re constantly updating our Disney World snack reviews and trying out the newest eats you’ll find all throughout Disney’s parks, hotels, and more. Be sure to check out a few more of our reviews below, and stay tuned with us to see what we try out next! REVIEW: You Know A Disney World Breakfast Is Good When Fans Have Worked So Hard To Keep It A Secret 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’s your favorite Disney snack to pick up at Disney Springs? Tell us in the comments below! View the full article
  22. Even if you’re not into sports, you’re probably aware of the Super Bowl, which is the BIGGEST game of the year when it comes to American football (and American advertising, because many of us watch just for the commercials). For those who are playing the game, winning a Super Bowl Championship is a big cause to celebrate, and the players on the winning team are often asked what they’ll do after winning. Their answer? “I’m going to Disneyland.” Jalen Hurts and Mickey at the 2025 Super Bowl Parade in Magic Kingdom! Well, Disney also wants to celebrate that win, and every year, there’s a special Super Bowl parade that happens a day after the game to celebrate the winning team in either Disneyland or Disney World, depending on the host city of the Super Bowl. Well, this year, Disneyland has confirmed that the 2026 Super Bowl Parade will happen there on February 9th. Disneyland recently shared that it is looking to celebrate the champion of Super Bowl LX with its annual Super Bowl parade on Monday, February 9th. These parades generally feature some of the players of the winning team, meaning that if you can catch one, you can also spot a celebrity! ©Disney Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8th. The big championship will pit the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots to see who comes out on top and gets to be the star of the Disneyland Super Bowl parade. ©NFL We also learned that ESPN will be broadcasting LIVE from Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland on February 9th. The broadcast will include First Take with Stephen A. Smith, editions of SportsCenter, NFL Live, and a live interview with a player from the winning team. So if you can’t make it to the parade, you can still watch some of the coverage! Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland We’ll keep an eye out for more Disneyland news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Disneyland Is Opening 5 New Locations in 2026. Here’s the Full List  DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Which team are you rooting for this year? Share with us in the comments! View the full article
  23. Heads up, Disney+ subscribers, there’s a perk offered with Disney’s streaming service that you really need to be taking advantage of! ©Disney In 2025, Disney introduced the Always-on Perks program, which offers fans “rewards ranging from access to one-of-a-kind experiences and limited-time sweepstakes to everyday savings and special discounts” to subscribers. Some of the perks currently available to subscribers are huge, including one that every Disney fan should take advantage of. Free D23 Gold Membership That’s right, Disney+ subscribers receive a complimentary Gold Membership in Disney’s official fan club. The D23 Gold Member Monthly Plan includes: Digital Gold Member Card (accessible in the D23 app). Access to the digital Disney twenty-three publication. Access to D23 Gold Member Events, including access to D23 Ultimate Fan Event tickets. Access to D23 Gold Member Offers and Discounts. The FanFare Newsletter. Access to D23 General Events. Access to sweepstakes. Access to purchase special merchandise. ©D23 As if that’s not enough, Disney+ Members also have access to the following perks: 6 months of DashPass, which grants guests a range of DashPass-exclusive benefits including $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, 5% on-demand Lyft rides, and 10% scheduled rides to the airport every month, exclusive menu items and special offers, and savings for on-demand grocery delivery for your essentials and more. 3 months of Clear+, a membership service that allows you to “speed through airport security nationwide in (their) designated CLEAR+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints.” 30% off on adidas shop and adidas app. 15% off select products monthly on Funko and Loungefly’s online stores. Disney+ subscribers have access to a special WDW Ticket Discount Offer featuring “a special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket from $109 per day + tax. Total Price from $325 + tax. ©Disney Disney+ has access to a lot of perks through their streaming subscription that they really should take advantage of. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney fan tips! These 2 Southwest Airlines Perks Used to Be Free: Here’s What They Cost Now 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 take advantage of these Disney+ perks? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article
  24. Some of the best Disney finds happen when you least expect them. ALDI ALDI’s rotating Finds section has become a quiet favorite for shoppers who love scoring quality products at low prices, and Disney fans have started noticing when magical items pop up there, too. Whether it’s something for your home, your next trip, or everyday life, these finds are fun while they last…if you can grab them in time. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’ve ever shopped at ALDI, you’ve probably heard of ALDI Finds, the store’s rotating selection of limited-time products that show up for a short window and are usually priced way below what you’d expect. These can include everything from home goods and seasonal décor to travel accessories, toys, and clothing. And if you’re a Disney fan, you probably already know the real magic: from time to time, Disney-themed items pop up in the ALDI Finds aisle, often at prices that feel almost too good to be real. We’re talking Disney kitchen items, kids’ accessories, travel essentials, and fun home pieces that are perfect for everyday life, park trips, road trips, or adding a little Disney magic around the house. ALDI Finds Let’s look over a few of the best ALDI Finds that will be on sale next week, from February 4th to 10th. We spotted several kids’ jewelry sets and accessories like these various Bluey offerings… ©ALDI …and Minnie Mouse ones! ©ALDI We also spotted these adorable Disney character brushes… ©ALDI …and several LEGO playsets! ©ALDI If your little one likes to color, these Magic Ink sets are a huge win for parents looking for minimal mess clean-up! ©ALDI And for the home, there’s even a Mickey popsicle maker… ©ALDI …and these adorable Disney character water bottles are made for even toddlers! ©ALDI The tricky part with ALDI Finds is that they’re exactly what the name suggests — finds. Inventory can vary by location, and once something sells out, it’s usually gone for good. Your local store might carry slightly different items, or popular pieces can disappear before you even get a chance to browse the aisle. And if you don’t live near an ALDI, it can be even harder to snag these deals. The good news is, we’ve spotted several similar Disney-inspired products available online (especially on Amazon), often at comparably low prices. So if you miss out on an ALDI drop (or just prefer shopping from your couch), you can still score some affordable Disney finds without the treasure-hunt stress. Get these Bluey Butterfly Hair Clips on discount! ©Amazon These adorable butterfly hair clips are perfect for fans of Bluey who want to add a little playful, character-inspired style to their day. Whether you’re heading to the parks, watching your favorite episodes on Disney+, or just adding a pop of fun to an outfit, they’re a sweet way to show off your love for Bluey and friends. View on Amazon This pack of Minnie Mouse friendship bracelets is just the right accessory to gift or show off your own style! ©Amazon These Minnie Mouse friendship bracelets are a sweet way for Disney fans to share a little magic with their favorite people. Featuring colorful beaded designs and classic Minnie charm, they’re perfect for park days, bestie gifts, or adding a fun Disney touch to everyday outfits. View on Amazon We love these Disney Princess Wet Brushes! ©Amazon This Disney detangler brush is perfect for fans who want to bring a little character magic into their everyday routine while keeping hair smooth and tangle-free. Featuring a design inspired by Disney storytelling and ultra-soft bristles made to glide through knots, it’s a fun and practical accessory for park trips, travel, or daily use. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Disney Princess Magic Ink set. ©Amazon This Disney Imagine Ink coloring set is perfect for little Disney fans who love seeing their favorite characters magically appear as they color. Featuring mess-free invisible ink and beloved characters like Disney Princesses, Moana, and Minnie Mouse, it’s a fun, travel-friendly way to bring Disney storytelling into creative playtime. View on Amazon Take a trip to grab Ice Cream with Bluey and LEGO! ©Amazon This playset is perfect for little fans of Bluey who love bringing their favorite episodes to life through play. Featuring Bluey and Dad figures, an ice cream stand, and colorful pieces designed for small hands, it encourages imaginative storytelling and helps build early learning skills while kids recreate fun family adventures. View on Amazon We love this Disney Princess First Words Book for little ones! ©Amazon This book is perfect for little Disney fans who love interactive storytelling and learning with their favorite princesses. Featuring bright scenes, vocabulary-building sounds, and characters like Cinderella, Moana, and Rapunzel, it turns reading time into a magical, hands-on adventure. View on Amazon This Silver Buffalo Mickey Mouse Popsicle Maker comes as a set of 2! ©Amazon This Mickey Mouse-themed popsicle maker is a fun way to bring a little park-style magic into their kitchen, letting you create adorable Mickey-shaped frozen treats at home. With its easy-to-use tray and classic character design, it’s perfect for summer snacks, family movie nights, or Disney-themed parties. View on Amazon And finally, this kids’ Disney Character water bottle by Zak Designs is perfect for home and travel. ©Amazon This Disney Princess water bottle is perfect for young Disney fans who want to bring a little royal magic to school days, park trips, or everyday adventures. Featuring favorite princesses like Ariel and Jasmine, and a kid-friendly leak-proof straw design, it makes staying hydrated both easy and fun. 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
  25. A Disney World hotel room is basically your home base between rope drop and fireworks. A room at the Polynesian It’s where you crash, recharge, and try to convince your feet to work again. The rooms are themed and fun, sure, but a few smart add-ons can seriously level up your stay. We’re talking better sleep, fewer outlet arguments, and way less stress at the end of a long park day. If you’re heading to Disney World in 2026, these are the five things we never check in without. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. 3-in-1 Charging Station Charging Station Disney hotel rooms have improved over the years, but outlets can still feel weirdly limited once everyone starts plugging things in. Phones, watches, earbuds, portable chargers. It adds up fast. That’s why a compact charging station that handles multiple Apple devices at once is such a game-changer. This setup lets you power your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all in one spot while only using a single outlet. Everything charges wirelessly, so you’re not juggling cords across the nightstand. It folds down, too, which makes it ridiculously easy to toss into your carry-on without taking up much space. At the end of the night, you can drop all your devices in one place, plug them in, and actually relax instead of playing outlet Tetris. In a Disney room, that’s priceless. View on Amazon Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine Sleep More Sound Sleeping in a Disney World hotel hits different. Sometimes it’s hallway noise, sometimes it’s your brain replaying ride plans for the next day. Either way, falling asleep away from home can be harder than expected. A small white noise machine can completely change that. This one is super lightweight and small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack, but it still packs a ton of sound options. You can choose from classic white noise, fan sounds, rain, ocean waves, and other calming nature tracks. It helps block out random hotel noises and gives your brain something familiar to latch onto. Whether you’re a light sleeper or just overstimulated from a full park day, this is one of those things you’ll wish you’d packed sooner. View on Amazon MultiCharger for MagicBand+ MultiCharger for MagicBand+ If your MagicBand+ needs charging now, and if you’re traveling with family or friends, that can get chaotic fast. Disney hotel rooms don’t exactly come with a surplus of plugs, and nobody wants to rotate bands on a single outlet all night. This multi-charger lets you power up multiple MagicBand+ devices at the same time. You can charge up to four bands at once, or mix and match with your phone if needed. It uses USB-A ports, so it works with the charging cords that come with your bands and most phone cables, too. For larger groups, this is a total lifesaver. Everything charges in one place, no arguments required, and you’re not waking up to a dead band right before heading to the parks. Check it out here! Collapsible Mesh Pop-Up Hampers ©Amazon Living out of a suitcase sounds fine in theory, but by day three at Disney, it can quickly turn into chaos. Socks on the floor, park outfits draped over chairs, and that one pile you’re pretty sure is clean but don’t want to risk. That’s where a collapsible pop-up hamper comes in clutch. This one folds completely flat in your luggage, then pops open the second you’re in your room. Suddenly, all your worn clothes have a designated home, and your room instantly feels less like a tornado passed through. The mesh design helps everything air out, which is huge after hot park days, and the built-in handles make it easy to grab when it’s time to do laundry or pack up. It’s lightweight, takes up basically no space in your bag, and solves a surprisingly annoying problem. Once you bring one, you’ll never want to do a hotel stay without it again. View on Amazon Poo-Pourri Holiday Travel Spray ©Amazon Let’s be real. Disney World hotel rooms usually mean shared bathrooms, and that can get awkward fast. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or kids who have zero shame, a small bathroom spray can be a total lifesaver. This travel-sized spray works before you even do anything, trapping odors instead of trying to cover them up after the fact. The holiday version smells fresh and cozy, with notes that feel more like a resort lobby and less like, well, a bathroom emergency. It’s compact enough to toss into your toiletry bag or park backpack, and it doesn’t scream what it’s for, which we appreciate. It’s one of those things you might laugh about packing at first, but once you have it in your Disney hotel room, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it. Your roommates will quietly thank you. 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
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