Disney4me

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2019 will bring along with it the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World on May 1st. And Disney has revealed a sneak peek at the 30th Anniversary Logo featuring Mickey and Minnie! Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Logo ©Disney During the live stream of the “Fantasy In The Sky” Fireworks on Disney Parks Blog for New Year’s Eve, the logo was presented. It’s to be one of several versions in celebration of the park’s milestone that we’ll see in 2019. So, Happy New Year AND Happy (soon-to-come) Anniversary to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be visiting Hollywood Studios in 2019? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Driving to Disney World’s Hollywood Studios? New Car Entrance Opens November 8th More Details Revealed for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: March 14, 2018 View the full article

It’s time to change out that 2018 calendar for a 2019, and we hope you’ve all got big Disney Parks (and Disney dining!!) plans for the coming year! Us? We’re resolving to eat more cupcakes (why not?!), drink more funky milkshakes, and bring you every tasty bit of news we can from the Disney Parks! But if you’re struggling with your New Year’s resolutions, may we suggest Disney resolutions? We resolve to see more of this! Here are Four Disney Resolutions to make for 2019: Do something new! The coming year is going to be epic with new rides, restaurants, resorts, and rad lands opening throughout the year! Expect to see Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy rev up in the spring, Coronado Springs Resort’s Gran Destino Tower (and dining!) open in July, and in the fall? Gran Destino Tower © Disney Please! That’s when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios along with Oga’s Canteen! And let’s not forget Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios Click here to read about 19 limited-time experiences coming to Walt Disney World in 2019! Doing something new on each visit to Walt Disney World — whether you go one or one hundred times! — keeps the Disney magic alive. Some things we’re looking forward to trying for the first time? Disney Springs’ NBA Experience next summer and Epcot Forever, the interim show that’ll bridge the gap between the end of IllumiNations and the beginning of Epcot’s brand new nighttime spectacular! New Epcot Nighttime Spectacular is on the way ©Disney Eat somewhere new-to-you! With the rate at which Walt Disney World dining has expanded as of late, this Disney resolution isn’t hard to keep! Eat someplace you’ve never been before, whether that’s because the restaurant itself is new, you’ve shied away from the cuisine, or you simply haven’t had enough dining time to get to it! Chicken Biscuits at Homecomin’ If you’re looking for a variety of new options, Disney Springs is always a safe bet. New-in-2018 restaurants include Wine Bar George, Wolfgang Puck Bar& Grill, and Terralina Crafted Italian. But seriously: the list goes on and on at Disney Springs! Local Burrata at Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill And some of our ‘old’ favorites might be new-to-you, too! Sanaa, Jiko, Tiffins, and Spice Road Table offer some of the more unique dining experiences in terms of flavor, while out-of-the-way spots like Grand Floridian Cafe continue to impress while they stay off the radar for most guests. Benedict Flight Eating somewhere new — like exploring a new ride or land — keeps your vacation interesting and gives you something to look forward to that might become a new favorite! Make new friends! Making friends while on vacation? Totally possible! You can try a new meet-and-greet to get to know the Disney characters a little better. We recommend exchanging sneers with the Evil Queen at Storybook Dining at Artist Point and checking out Vampirina in her new meet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Evil Queen at Artist Point Meet and Greet Vampirina at Hollywood Studios But making new friends at Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be confined to those in costume. Cast members are trained to engage guests, and many are downright chatty! Starting up a conversation with a cast member just might garner you some cool new insight into the parks you love so much! Cast Members directing guests Get out of your comfort zone! If the Disney Parks feel like a second home, why not step outside of your comfort zone while there? Walt Disney World offers plenty of opportunities to safely push yourself beyond what you might do in your real life. Feelin’ the rhythm in Harambe at Animal Kingdom? Dance like no one’s watching! Always dreamed of getting up close with the creatures of Kilimanjaro Safaris? Sign up for Caring for Giants, an elephant encounter, or Up Close with Rhinos! Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe Maybe you want to take flight on Disney Springs’ Aerophile so you can see the World from a new perspective, or you get picked to be That Guy on the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Live it up, even if it makes you feel a little wild! Aerophile in action! Let’s all just agree that Disney resolutions are the best resolutions, okay? And don’t forget: every time you uphold your resolutions, you get a reward! We recommend a Dole Whip or a Spirit Jersey. :p Check out the video below for 19 things you didn’t know you could do in Disney World to get a few ideas…  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your Disney resolution for 2019? Share with us in the comments! Related posts: 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! Tips From The DFB Guide: The BEST Tables To Request at Disney World Restaurants! View the full article

As we bid farewell to 2018 and welcome in 2019, we wanted to wish you an amazing new year. Designer Jeff Maurer created a special celebratory wallpaper with one of our favs … Mickey Mouse! Who better to ring in the fun? You can download this new wallpaper in either mobile or desktop versions. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers. View the full article

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2019 is going to be an amazing time at Walt Disney World Resort, with so many new and exciting things happening all year long. You’ll travel to a galaxy far, far away and experience zany fun aboard a runaway railway. You can MousekeDance yourself silly and play basketball like the pros. Or maybe you’ll want to take in beautiful views while you dine 15 stories high atop a new resort hotel tower or glide across the sky in a gondola. So let’s get to it! Here are 19 reasons to be excited for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019: 1. Anything Can Happen at Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration – Starting Jan. 18, Magic Kingdom Park is honoring those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, now, more than ever with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages. The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” will parade up Main Street, U.S.A. several times daily, while you can meet Mickey and Minnie together – wearing their new birthday outfits – in Town Square Theater. 2. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – On May 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is honoring this achievement all year with a new 30th anniversary logo and other fun and excitement (see below!). 3. Say a Fond Farewell to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, this nighttime spectacular will be ending in the second half of this year. Now, more than ever you’ll want to spend another evening around World Showcase Lagoon to celebrate this classic show that has entertained millions since its October 1999 debut. 4. Jaleo Cooks Up Fresh Tastes at Disney Springs – Chef José Andrés will bring the spirit and flavors of Spain to Disney Springs with his new Jaleo restaurant, opening this winter. The tapas experience will offer a lively setting befitting its name, which means “revelry.” 5. Party with Pixar Pals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Starting Jan. 18, celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary with The Incredibles, who will host a dance party at Pixar Avenue (where you can also meet the one and only Edna Mode!). A door to the monster world will open at Walt Disney Presents, where Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” will be greeting you. And Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang are ready to welcome you into Andy’s backyard at the new Toy Story Land. 6. Disney on Broadway Concert Series Expands During Epcot International Festival of the Arts – This celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts returns Jan. 18-Feb. 25. This year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will expand to seven days a week, so you can bask in live Disney magic more than ever. The festival also will feature 13 Food Studios, a variety of workshops led by professional artists, interactive exhibits and activities, and much more. 7. “The Lion King” Roars Again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated classic “The Lion King.” To mark this occasion, starting Jan. 18 Rafiki and Timon will lead you in dances and games during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island. 8. Take in the Topiaries During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Welcome spring’s arrival with this popular festival, which returns March 6-June 3. This year’s event will feature delectable bites at outdoor kitchens, as well as dozens of world-renowned, Disney-themed topiaries. In addition, the Garden Rocks Concert Series will include three shows a day for all 90 days of the event. 9. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios – When this new show experience opens this spring, you’ll come face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who will teach you about racing from his years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen! 10. H2O Glow Nights Return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – These evening beach parties happen Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30 through Aug. 17, transforming the water park into a new nighttime experience through special music, lighting and food. Come party with friends from Pixar’s “Toy Story” films during the 30th anniversary summer of Typhoon Lagoon! 11. New Cinematic Nighttime Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – As part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary, Wonderful World of Animation will debut May 1. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take you on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey. 12. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to Open New Tower – This summer, the resort will complete a total reimagining, including the new 15-story Gran Destino tower featuring a rooftop restaurant and 545 new guest rooms. A second new restaurant will be located on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, while all of its existing 1,800-plus rooms have been fully updated with new fixtures and furnishings. 13. NBA Experience Will Be a Slam Dunk at Disney Springs – This brand-new destination will allow you to participate in your own scouting report, take you through pregame preparations and let you step onto the court to make clutch shots and highlight reel-worthy slam dunks. By participating in 13 unique and innovative hands-on activities, you’ll feel like a star player. 14. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Will Spice Up Fall – The aromas and flavors of global marketplaces will welcome you to the 24th year of this renowned festival. You’ll have a chance to meet celebrity chefs, try new food and wine pairings, and listen to great music during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. 15. Major Youth Sporting Events Return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – The Jr. NBA World Championship will return to the complex, showcasing top boys and girls basketball teams from around the world. In December, the 63rd Pop Warner Super Bowl will bring hundreds of young football players to Walt Disney World to compete in national championship games. 16. Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Live your own Star Wars adventure when this deeply immersive land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall (and this summer at Disneyland Park in California). You’ll explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where you’ll find all manner of new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, characters and creatures from a galaxy far, far away. The land will also feature two thrilling new attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 17. Take a Ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. It will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, taking you on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an astounding multi-dimensional experience. 18. Glide Through the Air in the Disney Skyliner – Disney Skyliner will offer Tinker Bell views later this year as guests float in gondolas to either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios on roundtrips from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort. 19. Disney’s Riviera Resort Will Be 15th Disney Vacation Club Resort – Scheduled to open by the end of this year, Disney’s Riviera Resort will reflect an elegant early 20th-century design, inspired by Walt Disney’s travels to the Mediterranean. The deluxe DVC resort is slated to offer approximately 300 family-friendly vacation home units. View the full article

#DisneyParksLIVE: New Years Eve Fireworks 2019 | Walt Disney World View the full article

Happy New Year from Disney Food Blog! We’ve wrapped up another year of bringing you all of the Disney Food News as it happens all around the world! And, we can’t wait to see what 2019 brings! As we bid adieu to 2018 and ring in what we know is going to be a GREAT 2019, we want to thank you in the best way we know how — with HUGE SAVINGS just in time for your next Disney trip on our 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! TODAY — use promo code HAPPYNEWYEAR for 50% off our most popular Disney food e-book guide, packed with hundreds of color photos and expert tips! This deal won’t last long — so get your pre-order of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today, and make a resolution to start planning your next Disney trip right away! REMEMBER: This is still two books for the price of one! By pre-ordering today, you’ll get the 2018 Guide for FREE immediately (just updated in October!), and we’ll send you the 2019 guide as soon as it’s completed! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining includes over 700 pages of our best tips, suggestions, reviews, and recommendations — and over 500 color photos! There’s something for everyone! See What Our Readers Have to Say About the DFB Guides Wanna know more before you commit? See what other readers just like you are saying about our collection of DFB Guide Books at the DFB Store Reviews Page! Read MORE Reader Reviews HERE! As always, THANKS TO YOU for supporting Disney Food Blog! Happy New Year from YOUR DFB Team! Related posts: SPOOKY SAVINGS — Get 31% Off EVERYTHING at the DFB Store For a Limited Time! Our BIGGEST Sale of the Year is ON! Save 50% off All DFB Guides Right Now! Today is THE Day to Start Planning Your Next Disney Vacation with A HUGE Sale on the DFB Everything Bundle! View the full article

Anyone remember this crazy cute, super popular Sulley popcorn bucket that debuted for Pixar Fest in Disneyland earlier this year? It was previously exclusive to Disneyland, but guess where he’s popped up!!! Sulley Popcorn Bucket Yep! He’s now in Disney World! Thanks to DFB instagram friend @SpinningArrowCo who tagged us with their find, we’ve got pics of Sulley, from the Monsters Inc. film franchise, who’s shown up in Animal Kingdom! To our knowledge he’s only in Animal Kingdom right now, but we’ve heard he’s been spotted in multiple locations around the park. Sulley Popcorn Bucket Pricing You can get yours (while supplies last) for $16.00. He’s super adorable, but note that he’s SUPER big! Ha ha! Lots of popcorn, but kind of a hassle to lug around the park. Be prepared! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Related posts: News: Light-Up Lotus Popcorn Bucket Coming to Animal Kingdom and Updated Anniversary Buckets in Disneyland News: Pandora — The World of AVATAR Opens May 27th in Disney’s Animal Kingdom FULL Review: The New Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora — The World of AVATAR View the full article

What happens when you ask a Cast Member to “Spice up” your order at The Tropical Hideaway (Disneyland’s newest hangout in Adventureland)? “Spiced Up” Dole Whip @micechat You get whatever you order topped with candied BACON. And that includes Dole Whip! With thanks to @micechat on Instagram, we can share the picture above of their Pineapple and Raspberry Swirl Dole Whip topped with candied bacon. To the tune of 99 cents — and by using the secret phrase, “Spice Up” — you can top any item on the menu which also includes Bao Buns, Sweet Pineapple Lumpia, and more… like the Twisted Ambush! So make sure to SPICE UP your New Year using this new off-the-menu secret at The Tropical Hideaway! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Will you be ordering anything “spiced up” at The Tropical Hideaway? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: FIRST LOOK! Welcome to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland’s Adventureland — Grand Opening Friday! FULL Review! The Tropical Hideaway — Disneyland’s Newest Hangout in Adventureland! Disneyland Hack: Tajin Dole Whips View the full article

One of the things we’re looking forward to in 2019 is the opening of Ballast Point in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District. And we’re one step closer to the opening now that signs for Ballast Point are up! Ballst Point signs @micechat Many thanks to @micechat on Instagram for this picture! When it opens, Ballast Point’s Downtown Disney District location — the San Diego-based brewery’s first in Orange County — will offer an on-site brewery, tasting room, and outdoor kitchen. And we look forward to experiencing it all in the New Year! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Are you looking forward to the opening of Ballast Point in Downtown Disney? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: NEWS: Ballast Point Brewing Coming to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District Several Disneyland Restaurants Closing Soon to Make Way for New Resort Hotel “What’s This?!” Jack Skellington Pumpkin Cotton Candy in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney View the full article

We’ve enjoyed spotting the newest Starbucks ceramic tumblers around Disney World parks over the last few weeks. And today, thanks to @disneycrazy55 on Instagram, we have a look at the new tumbler arrivals at Disneyland Resort! Just LOOK at the Disneyland tumbler from the Market House. Disneyland Starbucks Tumbler @disneycrazy55 It’s chock full of attraction icons, the Monorail, an appearance by Mr. Toad, and a very Dapper Dan Mickey Mouse! Extra! Extra! Here’s the tumbler for Disney California Adventure from Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café with its own spin including nods to Cars Land, Cathay Circle Restaurant, and much more! Disney California Adventure Starbuck Tumbler @disneycrazy55 So stop by the parks’ Starbucks locations to grab one as your last souvenir of 2018… or your first of 2019! Cheers! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Do you collect Disney Parks Starbucks mugs or tumblers? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Photo Tour and Specialty Eats: Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort Holiday Eats at Disneyland Resort Review: BBQ Crunch Dog and Fried Bananas at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Happy New Year from BoardWalk Bakery at Disney World’s BoardWalk Inn! Happy New Year Cupcake @ShannonT This stunner of a New Year’s cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery comes to us thanks to @SHANNONT<3 on Instagram. A chocolate cake base is filled with chocolate mousse and topped off with frosting, a touch of glitter, and a chocolate celebration! Clearly this one will only be available for a very limited time, so grab one while you can! And we’ll wish it to you once more… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Oh, and speaking of Disney Cupcakes… Would you like to ring in 2019 with a cupcake? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: The Best Brownies in Walt Disney World Best Disney World Cinnamon Rolls Review: Cinnamon Roll from Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Bakery View the full article

Join Disney Parks Moms Panelists Linda and Jennifer L. as they explain how to take advantage of digital experiences that will help you make the most of your next Disneyland Resort visit. Their first tip is to download the Disneyland App, which has everything you need for your Disneyland Resort vacation. The app, which can be downloaded for free, provides wait times to attractions, show times and even GPS enabled maps to guide you through the parks. Guests can purchase park tickets and Disney MaxPass* through the app, and even take advantage of mobile food and beverage ordering from select restaurants.** The Play Disney Parks mobile app, which is also free to download, can be a real game changer for you and your family while exploring the Disneyland Resort. From playing trivia games to being able to access Apple Music® from within the app for curated playlists inspired by lands, attractions and characters,*** this app will have everyone laughing and smiling while waiting for their favorite attraction. For more great tips on planning your next Disneyland Resort vacation, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists. Panelists have been compensated for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission. *Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable and subject to restrictions. Visit Disneyland.com/MaxPass for details. **A debit or credit card must be linked to your Disney account. Mobile ordering is subject to restrictions and change without notice. ***Some features require Apple Music subscription and are only available on iOS devices. Separate terms and conditions apply. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. View the full article

Tonight, Karina Banda, Migbelis Castellanos, Jomari Goyso, Omar y Argelia and Alan Tacher host “Countdown Feliz 2019,” from the Disneyland Resort starting at 9 p.m. PT on Univisión Network. While visiting the Disneyland Resort, Migbelis Castellanos and Jomari Goyso enjoyed many classic attractions in Disneyland park, while Omar y Argelia explored the sights of Pixar Pier with their kids in Disney California Adventure park. The New Year’s Eve special, “Countdown Feliz 2019,” will feature inspiring stories, celebrity appearances, heartwarming surprises and more than 20 star-studded performances—including Joss Favela, Lupita Infante and Mariachi Divas at the Disneyland Resort! Join the conversation on social media using #2019Conectados. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! View the full article

Happy (almost) New Year!! While we’re just hours away from welcoming 2019, we’re taking a look back with another DFB Video today, and we’re celebrating the BEST Disney Cupcakes of 2018! Mermaid Cupcake, Main Street Bakery Our love of cupcakes is no secret, so what better way to wrap up a year than by sharing this tribute to the cupcakes we loved most in 2018?! From Mermaid Cupcakes to cupcakes with “Surprise Sprinkles” inside to cupcakes in hues of the color du jour, it’s been a really fun year for one of our very favorite Disney treats! Take a look with us in our latest (and last of 2018!) DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What was your favorite Disney cupcake in 2018? Related posts: DFB Video: How to Master the Disney Dining Plan DFB Video: Tips for Eating Gluten Free in Walt Disney World DFB Video: 6 Hidden Disney Expenses You Need to Plan for NOW View the full article

The diversity of visitors to Walt Disney World knows no bounds — and with those diverse visitors comes an infinite number of dietary preferences and requirements. We hear from loads of readers with different food needs, and we hear you loud and clear! And with 2019 beginning, we know a lot of you are looking to the popular keto diet to help keep your New Year’s Resolutions! You CAN eat Keto at Disney World! So we’re here with tips and recommendations for a ketogenic diet (commonly called keto). We’re going to offer some tips and recommendations so that if you’re following a ketogenic diet, you know how to attack the always-expanding world of dining in Walt Disney World! What is a Ketogenic (keto) diet? Eating a ketogenic diet means limiting carbohydrates and increasing fats consumed. There are different degrees of keto, which result in slightly different levels of carbs and fats (i.e. your macros), but the premise is the same. So what are you going to eat on vacation in a World where it seems every meal is packed with carbohydrates (sugar, refined flours, and otherwise)? Let the DFB help, of course! How can I eat keto at Walt Disney World? The trick to eating keto in Walt Disney World is really to advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or alternatives. And if you want to know what’s in the food you’re ordering — ask! Quick service and snack kiosks will have binders with ingredients and allergens listed, and table service spots will typically bring out a chef to discuss your options. Take photos with this Chef — but talk to the actual chef about dining needs! So here are a few keto diet tips for Disney World: You’ll want to request sandwiches/burgers without buns (or with alternatives for buns, like lettuce leaves). Ask to substitute those carb-heavy sides (like fries, other potato products, pasta, etc.) for some veggies — ideally with butter. OR order dishes without the sides. If you’re at a counter service location, this will actually reduce the cost of your meal purchase. When you find a great meal packed with proteins, ask about the ingredients in the rubs and sauces. Some may contain a lot of sugar, and you’ll want to steer clear of those or ask for your meat to be prepared without the sauce or rub. Stay aware of calories if you’re on a ketogenic diet for weight loss. If you’ve been doing keto for a while, you know how easily those high-fat snacks and meals can add up, calorie-wise. If you’re not doing keto for weight loss, you won’t have to worry about the calorie counting component. But if you are eating a ketogenic diet for weight loss and are counting calories, continue to keep that in mind in Disney World as many meat dishes are prepared with plenty of high-cal butters and oils. (And turkey legs ring in at 1000 calories each.) Finally, do your research ahead of time, and plan your dining with keto in mind. Some restaurants will offer far more appealing options than others. Creative salads and more for your keto dining pleasure! Let’s dive into some great keto snack, table service, and quick service options! Recommended Snacks Snacking on keto can be a bit of a challenge at Walt Disney World, but there are options in every park, in Disney Springs, and at the resorts. Look for friendly options like boiled eggs, which are often found in grab-and-go cases at resorts and in the parks (even at Starbucks locations!); massive dill pickles, which you can find in many of the healthier kiosks like Liberty Square Market in the Magic Kingdom and Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom; and mini wheels of Babybel cheese, which you can find all over the place thanks to Disney’s relationship with the company. Mini Babybel Snack Cheese 3-pack Finding more interesting snacks is, admittedly, difficult. For a time, Golden Oak Outpost offered Barbecue Chicarrons, which were a great option. Hopefully they’ll come back (or make an appearance elsewhere!). Also at Magic Kingdom are a Chicken Skewer and a Candied Bacon Skewer. (These debuted at Liberty Square Market, but have moved to Westward Ho. Ask a cast member where they can be found when you’re there.) The Candied Bacon has a sweet glaze and so is higher in carbohydrates, but the Chicken is a great option! Candied Bacon and Chicken Skewers Chip & Dale Snack Co. offers varieties that include nuts and seeds, including the Crunchy Spicy Mix and the Roasted Nut Mix. You’ll want to double check the ingredients to be sure there aren’t any hidden sugars! Meanwhile Zuri’s Sweets Shop in Animal Kingdom offers Krave Jerky, which is easy to throw in your bag for snacks on the go. Krave Jerky At Terra Treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can find some standard Buffalo Chicken wings that will quell those hunger pangs sans carbs! Buffalo Chicken Wings If you really want to go out on a limb, consider a stop into Mitsukoshi in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. Here you’ll find some unusual snacks that might work for you. Saki Ika Prepared Squid and Dried Crabs offer some satisfying crunch and few carbs. Saki Ika Prepared Squid Dried Crabs Of course, if you want to go really big (or get something keto that you can share with a fellow keto pal or, really, anyone), there’s always this guy. You’ll find Turkey Legs in many locations throughout Disney World. Jumbo Turkey Leg Recommended Ketogenic Table Service Table service dining while keto is the easiest because these meals are typically the most customizable. You can ask a server to substitute a carbohydrate-rich side dish for some appropriate steamed vegetables, or you can speak to the chef if you have any questions. One thing to bear in mind at table service locations is the use of rubs and sauces, which often contain sugar (even if they seem like they don’t!). Don’t be afraid to ask! Your go-to table service options will be steak, grilled meat, and barbecue (minus the sauce). So where can you get some stellar food that just happens also to meet your keto requirements? Ooh, we’ve got some goodies! ‘Ohana, the popular family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy spot located on the second floor of the Polynesian Village Resort’s Great Ceremonial House, offers delicious grilled meats as the centerpiece of the dinner experience. Grilled Steak And while we love the sides and the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding, this is one meal where you’ll find lots of built-in goodies that’ll leave you satisfied. The meal starts with a colorful salad (ask for the dressing on the side) and includes sides like Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings, Pork Dumplings (eat that tasty filling without the wrappers), and mixed stir fry veggies. Sides — Wontons, Lo Mein, Stir Fried Vegetables, Chicken Wings The main issues you’ll face with ‘Ohana are extra carbs in the glaze of the chicken wings, and, of course, the fact that you’re paying for a full meal and can’t eat the included dessert or the noodle side dish. So consider ‘Ohana a good option from the perspective of a meal your family will probably enjoy that offers several items that you’re able to eat on a keto diet. Another of our favorite spots to enjoy a table service meal is Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and with a little tweak, you can make your meal keto! One of our favorite meals is the Potjie Inspired which includes two choices like Butter Chicken, Spicy Durban Shrimp, and Paneer Tikka. Typically this comes with a small bowl of rice, but if you request some veggies instead, you’ll have a really flavorful meal and meet your requirements! Delicious Butter Chicken at Sanaa!! Tucked beside World Showcase Lagoon and the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, La Hacienda de San Angel serves up La Hacienda — basically a platter of Grilled New York Steak, Chicken al Pastor, and Chorizos with sides. Request low-starch vegetables in place of the beans and esquites, and you’ve got yourself a share-able plate of keto-appropriate food. La Hacienda Parrillada – Sirloin, Chicken, Chorizo and Veggies Of course, if you’re cool with ordering an appetizer as a meal, charcuterie and cheese platters are a great option! This combination of meats, cheeses, and (usually) cornichons is great for the keto diet. If you’re concerned about the bread and other carb-heavy accompaniments, you can ask for them to be omitted (or replaced with something appropriate), or get them on a separate plate for a tablemate! BaseLine Tap House Charcuterie And if you really want to guarantee you’ll have plenty of proteins, head to a steakhouse! Yachtsman Steakhouse, Shula’s Steakhouse, Le Cellier, and STK Orlando all offer copious meat options so you can keep things a little more interesting while staying on track. Plus, steakhouses often allow diners to select their own sides, which means you can opt for creamed spinach or steamed veggies that are to your liking! Cowboy Ribeye at Shula’s Seafood restaurants like Coral Reef, Paddlefish, Flying Fish, Narcoossee’s, and bluezoo are also terrific options for keto diners. Grilled fish and sauteed shrimp are always on the menu, and keto-friendly vegetables are also commonplace. Oceans Bounty Sustainable Fish — Alaskan Halibut Recommended Quick Service Quick Service keto eating is a little more challenging than table service simply because a quick service location likely has fewer options in the kitchen. But if you do a little research ahead of your trip, you can find spots that have a focus on meats and other keto-appropriate options. Here are some of our favorites! Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Resort just introduced a chicken wing entree with several sauce options. Stick with Buffalo or see if you can see the ingredients list for the other sauces to make sure there aren’t too many carbs in your choice. Hawaiian Tamarind Chicken Wings Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom is pretty well known for its meats. Smoked Chicken and Pulled Pork may suit your needs. You’ll want to skip the sauces here, which contain some significant sugars. But the smoked meat is so flavorful, you won’t miss it. (But since we know they have plastic cheese here, maybe they’ll give you a cup on the side for dunking!) As for sides: the beans and cole slaw likely contain sugars (ask to see the ingredient binder!), but the folks behind the counter will be able to help you with some alternatives. There’s also a good Mixed Greens Salad with Pecans and Chicken here, too! Smoked Chicken and Pulled Pork Also at Animal Kingdom is Satu’li Canteen. The bowls here are customizable, and if you go with the lettuce base and ask for the slaw and boba balls to be left off, the beef and chicken with a sauce make this super satisfying. (Ask about the carb content in the sauces, and make the selection that works for you! Better yet: get it on the side as well so you can control it!) Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl Disney Springs has several great options for quick service keto meals. You can get your burger on a lettuce bun at D-Luxe Burger, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza has some great fresh salad options, and The Polite Pig has a menu packed with proteins and creative salads (plus some mean veggie side dishes!). You’ll want to double check the carbs in sauces and rubs, but otherwise: enjoy! Barbecue Cheddar Sausage from The Polite Pig Over in the Magic Kingdom, you can find meat-heavy meals at a couple of quick service spots. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe over in Tomorrowland offers a Pulled Pork sandwich that would be tasty without the bun, and even the Secret Menu Pork Belly Burger is a great choice if it’s still available (minus the bun, of course). Pork Belly Burger And Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe has lots of meals where one or two omissions will make it keto-friendly. The Fajitas, for example, are delicious eaten without the tortillas (and with some veggies from the fixin’s bar!). Just ask for yours without the rice and beans (and be sure to see what they’ll replace them with!). And the Tacos 3 Ways offers some flavor variety (just nix the tortillas again). And don’t forget to order up some guacamole (or see if it can be subbed for the carbo-loaded sides!). Fajita Platter at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Sunshine Seasons, the perennial favorite in Epcot’s Future World, offers some meaty options like grilled salmon and roasted chicken, but you’ll want to be sure to hold the sauces and seek out stations with sides that will work for you. Oak Grilled Salmon Another favorite food court is Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation Resort, where there are plenty of protein options that will require only slight modification (typically of the sides). Mongolian Grilled Fish and the Asian Chicken Bowl (be clear about which vegetables you want!) as well as Burgers and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich (without buns!) would also be tasty options. Asian Chicken Bowl Eating keto at Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be a monotonous experience from plate to plate, and we hope these tips and recommendations will help to make your next trip not just fun but also delicious! Have you had some stellar special diets food at Walt Disney World? @DisneyFoodBlog on twitter or instagram so we can see it and share it! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you followed a strict keto diet at Disney World? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Related posts: Recommended Disney World Dining Plan One Credit Restaurant Values 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED View the full article

Disney has announced special offers for active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort for the New Year! Main Street, U.S.A., Flag These offers include theme park admission and resort stays for most dates in 2019. In fact, beginning January 1, 2019, multi-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets will be available for each location. Walt Disney World Tickets The Walt Disney World Military Promotional Tickets include four- and five-day tickets with Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option. (Park Hopper allows guests to visit more than one park in Disney World on each day of their visit.) Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Pricing and more information can be found on the Walt Disney World website. Disneyland Resort Tickets The Disneyland Resort Military Promotional Tickets include a three- or four-day Park Hopper ticket valid for adult or child admission. (Park Hopper allows guests to visit more than one park in Disneyland on each day of their visit.) Please note that there are blockouts on select dates in April. Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Pricing and more information can be found on the Disneyland website. Resort Stays Special rates are also available at select Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort hotels for active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military. The Walt Disney World Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through April 13, 2019, and April 26, 2019, through Dec. 19, 2019. The Disneyland Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec.19, 2019. Port Orleans Riverside Resort in Disney World Be sure to visit Disney World.com and Disneyland.com for full details including eligibility requirements and more. Happy New Year! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Do your 2019 plans include a trip to Disney World or Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: DFB’s Top 10 Disney Food News Stories of 2016 Valentine’s Day Treats in Disney World and Disneyland News: Joffrey’s Disney Coffee to be Sold in Grocery Stores Nationwide! View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Toy Story Land Attractions & Dining View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Toy Story Land Unique Experiences View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Disney California Adventure Park Planning View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Disneyland Park Planning View the full article

We have an exciting update to share as we ring in the New Year at Disney Parks. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are honoring active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military with special offers on theme park admissions and resort stays for most dates in 2019. And beginning tomorrow, January 1, 2019, multi-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets will be available for each location. Here’s a look at the details: At Walt Disney World Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include four- and five-day tickets with Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option. The Park Hopper Option with each ticket allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts on each day of their visit. For more details and pricing for the Walt Disney World Resort Military Promotion Ticket, please visit Disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-multi-day-tickets-2019/. At Disneyland Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include a three- or four-day Park Hopper ticket valid for adult or child admission with blockouts on select dates in April. The Park Hopper Option at Disneyland Resort also allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts. For information, including pricing, for the Disneyland Resort Military Promotion Ticket, check out Disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/military-3-day-tickets/. Also, active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel can take advantage of great rates at select Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort hotels.* The Walt Disney World Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through April 13, 2019, and April 26, 2019, through Dec. 19, 2019. The Disneyland Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec.19, 2019. Here are some other important details you should know: Offers are available only for Eligible Service Members. “Eligible Service Members” are active-duty or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets only by Eligible Service Members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use. May not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse. Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Disneyland Resort Military Promotional tickets are valid beginning Jan. 1, 2019, and expire Dec. 21, 2019. Blockout days of April 14, 2019, through April 22, 2019, apply. Tickets are not valid for Magic Morning early-entry admission at Disneyland Park. Subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. *Room offers are subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for these offers are limited. Eligible Service Members or spouse must present a valid military identification at check-in. If valid military ID is not presented, the non-discounted room price will be charged for the duration of the stay. Offer is non-transferable, and Eligible Service Member/spouse must stay in the room. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. The Walt Disney World Resort room offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, campsites, Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Additional per adult charges may apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than 2 adults per room. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply. Disneyland Resort room offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. View the full article

There’s just no better way to start the year than with some of your favorite Disney Friends! Enjoy these special photos, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service. When planning your 2019 Walt Disney World Resort vacation, be sure to explore how Disney PhotoPass Service can help you capture and cherish the memories with Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day! Happy New Year! View the full article

It’s time to visit the newly refurbished Naples Ristorante in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney. This popular table service restaurant is run by Patina Group, the same folks who run Via Napoli in Walt Disney World. And you know how we feel about that! Naples in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney Naples Ristorante is lookin’ sharp, y’all! The lovely new floors and bright interior is classic and simple — sort of. New Naples decor When you look up, it’s there you see the statement piece of the dining room: absolutely stunning light fixtures. New Naples decor Seriously, our Disneyland correspondent Heather (buongiorno, @DiningInDisney!) couldn’t get enough — and we agree. There’s something playful and fun about them which mirrors the tone of the restaurant itself. Naples Ristorante Lighting is ahhhhh! Table settings are simple with clean lines and smart, comfortable seating. Table Setting at Naples Ristorante Despite the obvious changes to the dining room, Naples Ristorante has stayed true to its roots with a menu that still contains crowd-pleasing Italian dishes and tasty drinks. The beverage menu includes mocktails, cocktails, wine (of course!), and more. Drink MenuD Diners find specialty drinks advertised on table-top menus. We like the sound of these! Drink Menu The menu is divided into traditional Italian categories: Piccoli Piatti (small plates), Zuppa (soup), Insalate (salad), Paste (pasta), Secondi (Entrees), several Pizze. Naples Ristorante Menu The meal starts with bread and olive oil (with a drop of balsamic). This is a classic combo, and it’s done well here. Italian Bread and Oil Pizza, of course, is considered the star here. And the menu, with its many pizza options (half the menu!), showcases plenty of variety. The Neapolitan Pizza — 10″ individual — is Naples’ delicious tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and dough made with flour from Naples. It’s everything you want in a simple pie…and very reminiscent of Via Napoli in Epcot. Neapolitan Pizza The Individual Pepperoni is likewise delicious. There’s actually a decent amount of small pepperonis on the pizza, meaning you do get a bit in every bite. Pepperoni Pizza Secondi include several entree options, include Salmone — Pan-seared Salmon, Roasted Tomato, and Green Beans. The bright colors and flavorful salmon are a terrific, healthy option that have a little Italian flare. Salmone The Gnocchetti are lovely pillows of Handmade Potato Dumpling with Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, and Parmesan Cheese. So classic, so flavorful. If you love a gnocchi, you’ll love this. Gnocchetti If you’re looking for something with a cheesy sauce, order the Garganelli. Garganelli features quill shaped Pasta (so cool!), Chicken, Broccoli, Cream, Chili flakes, and Parmesan. This is a tasty combination that’ll satisfy those who don’t care for tomato sauce but also like a little spice. Garganelli Spaghetti is fantastic — with plenty of little meatballs that are packed with flavor. The lightly dressed pasta carries a lot of tomato flavor. You can’t go wrong with this one. Spaghetti with Meatballs If you’re not into the meatballs, get the pasta Spaghetti anyway! It’s delicious on its own, too! Spaghetti without Meatballs Looking for another classic that’ll keep you fueled for plenty of park fun? Naples’ Lasagna is massive, covered in cheese, and full of meat sauce and beschamel. Lasagna But here’s Heather’s tip: ask them to make you a dish with ‘pink sauce’, like this Penne con Pollo. Pink sauce is essentially a creamy tomato sauce — and it’s awesome. We’ve loved it ever since our first visit almost a decade ago. Still terrific. Penne con Pollo Ooh, that’s us leaving on a high note. Naples Ristorante has freshened up the dining space and maintained the same great quality of food — and it’s worth a visit the next time you’re in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram! What’s your go-to dish as Naples Ristorante or her east coast cousin Via Napoli? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Taste of Downtown Disney Returning to Disneyland Resort in September! PREVIEW! Disneyland Salt and Straw Ice Cream Location Opening SOON! Review: Thanksgiving Flavors at Disneyland’s Salt & Straw (Yup, There’s TURKEY ICE CREAM!) View the full article

Not only is it still the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Walt Disney World… it’s also still the BUSIEST Time of the Year! And this week is the BUSIEST! Magic Kingdom during the Holidays Crowds are so think it can be hard to walk in some areas of the park, and wait times get up to over 5 hours! 5-hour wait times for Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom And if your plans for 2019 include a trip to Walt Disney World during peak crowd seasons such as Spring Break, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, or even a long holiday weekend such as Memorial Day, then we’ve got some information that can help. Welcome to The Ultimate Survival Guide to SUPER Crowded Days in Disney World! Animal Kingdom Entrance during the Holidays! And, as always when the parks are busy, there’s no time to waste, so let’s dive in! Make the Most of Early Mornings And/Or Late Nights You may be surprised by how much you can get done in any of Disney World’s four theme parks by being among the first to arrive. A Beautiful Magic Kingdom Morning Even on the busiest days for the Disney World parks, the early birds who are already at the park for “rope drop” (the park’s official opening time) stand the best chance of being among the first in line for their choice of attractions. Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom Conversely, consider staying at the park as late as you can in the evening! In a vacation spot that’s especially popular for families with young kids, many groups need to leave in the early evening due to the stamina of their younger group members. Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life at night And remember, if you’re staying in a Disney World Resort, be sure to check which park is hosting Morning or Evening Extra Magic Hours throughout the week, as these are a benefit only available to Resort guests. Try a Mid-day Meal in a Resort When lunchtime hunger strikes for your group… well, it’s pretty likely that it’s striking for just about everyone else in the park at the same time ! The typical lunch time rush goes through the noon hour; however, in peak crowd times it can extend well beyond. Consider eating your lunch at a nearby Resort Hotel, which are typically much less crowded than the parks. Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary Resort You needn’t be a guest at a particular Resort to dine there (nor to use Disney Transportation to get there), and each park is located close to at least one or two Resorts with Counter Service restaurants (and, in most cases, with Table Service option, too). Monorail Orange at Disney’s Contemporary Resort This is especially handy advice for Magic Kingdom, where the Monorail can easily get you to the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian Resorts — and each of these have several restaurants to choose from. Use Mobile Order But let’s say you do find yourself at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café — or any of these select Counter Service restaurants — during a busy mealtime. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Sign Mobile Order (available within the My Disney Experience app) allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating Counter Service Restaurants around Disney World. Mobile Order sign at Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios Upon arrival to the restaurant, guests using Mobile Order can then bypass the ordering queue and go straight to a designated Pick Up Counter to get their food. Mobile Order Pick Up sign One DFB fan told us that she saw the counter service line wrapping around the building, but mobile order only had two guests waiting. See our step-by-step guide to using Mobile Order here! Advance Dining Reservations If you’d prefer to eat any of your meals at a sit down Table Service restaurant (as opposed to Counter Service), keep in mind that many restaurants are not able to accommodate walk-ups during these busy seasons. Be Our Guest Restaurant Avoid disappointment by making Advance Dining Reservations for Table Service restaurants throughout Disney World! The booking window for most Table Service locations opens 180 days in advance, so the further out you are able to make your reservations, the better your chances are for getting your top choice. But don’t be discouraged if you’re taking a last minute trip. You should be able to find an ADR for SOMEWHERE last-minute just about any time. You can find our guide to making Advance Dining Reservations here. FastPass+!!! FastPass+ is a service that allows guests to book up to three attractions for one day in one of the four theme parks in advance when tickets are linked to a My Disney Experience account (online or via the My Disney Experience app). Guests in the parks this week are telling us that with up to five hour wait times for rides, fastpasses have been a lifesaver…and many of them have shared with us that they’re just doing their fastpasses and then leaving. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Guests booked at a Disney World Resort are able to schedule FastPasses for linked tickets up to 60 days in advance, while non-Resort guests are able to book attractions for linked tickets up to 30 days in advance. Guests are able to choose a designated arrival window of time (in one hours slots) and bypass the Standby Lines for their chosen attraction. And these Standby lines are no joke during the holidays, my friends… Flight of Passage Standby Wait Time sign So even on the busiest of park days, you can have confidence that you’ll be able to enjoy at least 3 attractions. And remember, as long as you have a ticket that is linked to the My Disney Experience account, this service is free. Life is Better with Fast Pass T-Shirt Wondering how to best use your FastPass+ allotments? Check out this video!  After Hours and Early Morning Magic Add-on Experiences Over the past couple of years, several Extra Hours experiences have opened up for booking at three Disney World parks: Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Early Morning Magic at Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios These extra-ticket events — available for “Early Morning Magic” or “After Hours” — offer limited-to-no wait times at popular attractions in the parks due to capping the event at a low guest capacity. Jessie and Woody at Hollywood Studios After Hours And food is a definite bonus! Unlimited snacks and beverages are included for the After Hours events, while Early Morning Magic attendees enjoy a full breakfast! Fried Chicken and Cinnamon Sugar French Donut Bowl at Early Morning Magic — Toy Story Land While these events are enjoyable any time of year, they do come at a fairly high cost (especially for larger groups or families). But they also make a lot of sense when the parks are quite crowded. These super busy seasons are probably the most logical time to forego getting a regular park ticket and attending one of these events instead since you’re not managing fastpasses or insane crowds during the hard ticket events. Find out more about Early Morning Magic in our DFB YouTube Video!  Designate a Meeting Spot The parks are so packed with fun things to see and do… and they’re also packed with guests. All of these things contribute to making it easier than usual to lose track of your group due to distraction or even being accidentally separated by passersby. Hollywood Studios Chinese Theater Before your park adventures begin, pick a designated meeting spot that everyone in the group knows to go to in case your family gets separated, along with specific check-in times. If a check-in time comes around and you’re missing someone, head over to the designated meeting spot to find them. Let us know your tried-and-true tips to survive the busiest days of the year in the Disney World and Disneyland parks! We’d love to hear them in the comments! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Related posts: HOLIDAY Tips from the DFB Guide: Where to Dine When You Don’t Have a Reservation in Walt Disney World Tips from the DFB Guide: Five Beloved Food Items You WON’T Find in Disney World (And Should Bring From Home) Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tip: Make Your Own Custom DFB Food and Wine Fest Tray! View the full article

Now HERE’S one for your social media… if you are in Magic Kingdom TODAY (December 30th) or TOMORROW (December 31st), you can have your picture taken in front of Cinderella’s carriage! @DisneyPhotoPass on Twitter @DisneyPhotopass on Twitter notes that you will find the carriage in Fantasyland near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. The glass slipper, though? That’s up to you to provide . Have fun! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Will you be ringing in 2019 in the Magic Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: GIANT Dole Whip PhotoPass Shots Now Available at Magic Kingdom News: Figaro Fries Return as “Loaded Plaza Fries” at The Plaza Restaurant News: Tiana’s Riverboat Party and Ice Cream Social with Festival of Fantasy Parade Viewing Coming to Magic Kingdom View the full article