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Disney World is currently spending a lot of money expanding the parks, including adding brand new lands to three of its four parks, as well as adding an expansion to Magic Kingdom and upgrading rides. There’s a LOT of construction happening in the parks right now. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge However, it’s not just the parks that are getting some much-needed TLC right now. Disney World hotels are also getting huge upgrades. We’ve seen it recently with new lobbies, new rooms, and more. But now we know, thanks to The Orlando Business Journal, that Disney World is spending at least $30 million on projects OUTSIDE of the parks, and that includes some massive upgrades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. At least $30.6 million is currently going into projects outside of the parks at Disney World, according to records from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Those documents also showed that at least $24.4 million is being spent on interior renovations at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Earlier this year, guest rooms at Kidani Village at the hotel were refurbished, while refurbishment work is currently happening at Jambo House through January 2027. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge According to recent permits, the $24.4 million being spent at Animal Kingdom Lodge is for renovating guest rooms and common areas at Jambo House, including the “removal and replacement of finishes and fixtures.” Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s deluxe resorts and is unique in that it is surrounded by four savannas where many animals roam free. The Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge Those documents also showed an additional $6.2 million being invested in building the new Hurly-Burly music lounge at Disney’s BoardWalk. Hurly-Burly will offer family-friendly activities during the day and will switch over to a 21-and-over venue at night with live music, cocktails, and light bites. ©Disney While it hasn’t been confirmed, we can guess from the concept art that this lounge will be located in the old Jellyrolls building. This includes “demolition, new walls, floors, ceilings, and finishes, new kitchen and bar equipment, new restroom finishes and limited modifications to the existing windows and doors,” according to a permit filed for the location. Old Jellyrolls location Of course, these records may not include all the costs of projects that are currently happening in Disney World. According to The Orlando Business Journal, a Disney World spokesperson said, “This is part of the significant investments across Walt Disney World that we are making to ensure we continue to be the number one reason people visit Central Florida. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating new reasons to visit now and for years to come.” We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything We Know About the NEW Restaurant Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk 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 construction work? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The Elf on the Shelf just teamed up with Disney to make Christmas even better this year, so now your Elf can be decked out in Disney style, too! ©Elf on the Shelf Whether you’re a Disney-loving family or announcing a trip on Christmas morning, this collab is perfect for every Disney fan this holiday season! Preorder it right now on Amazon to get it delivered straight to your door on September 1st. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Pretty in Pink Party Dress is fit for a princess! ©Amazon This The Elf on the Shelf Disney Princess Pretty in Pink Party Dress includes a princess-print tulle dress featuring Cinderella, Belle, and Tiana with pink snowflakes and crowns, and an elf-sized tiara with an easy slip-on fit that stays in place even during the most creative poses. view ON AMAZON Your elf is ready for vacation with this Ready to Roll Travel Set! ©Amazon This Ready to Roll Travel Set features a 5-piece Mickey Mouse-themed travel set with an elf-sized rolling suitcase, mouse-ears headband, neck pillow, belt bag, and miniature passport. This set is designed for quick morning setups if you want a fun way to announce a Disney World trip this Christmas! view ON AMAZON This Olaf Warm Hugs Hoodie is a flurry of Frozen fun! ©Amazon This Olaf Warm Hugs Hoodie is an elf-sized hoodie modeled after the happy snowman Olaf from Frozen! You’ll find button and stick arm details, plus a hood printed with Olaf’s eyes and nose, and 3D hair and teeth details. Help your elf give the “warmest hugs” of the holiday season! view ON AMAZON This Mickey and Friends Scout Elf Carrier Set is so handy for traveling! ©Amazon This Mickey and Friends Scout Elf Carrier Set is a Disney-themed, “no-touch” travel-ready elf carrier case that ensures your elf never misses a moment of your vacation. This 5-piece elf transport set comes with a durable built-in handle for easy carrying, a colorful sheet of reusable Mickey Mouse stickers for custom decorating, and double-sided tags to leave “Mouska-notes” for the family, even while inside the carrier. view ON AMAZON This 2-in-1 Get Ready Dress Set is fit for a royal elf! ©Amazon This 2-in-1 Get Ready Dress Set features a shimmering two-piece dress infused with North Pole magic. It includes a MagiFreez standing skirt that lets your elf stand in place, a princess party dress featuring Belle, Tiana, and Rapunzel, an elf-sized tiara, and a miniature dressing mirror for your elf to get ready for the ball with! view ON AMAZON Get your elf ready for bed with this Royal Slumber Party Set! ©Amazon This Royal Slumber Party Set lets you throw a magical Disney sleepover with your elf. This set includes a holiday pajama set, a Sleeping Beauty hoodie, a sleeping bag, a pillow, a sleeping mask, and a cuddle buddy. view ON AMAZON Still haven’t found your new favorite Disney holiday find? Shop our full storefront with 130 of our Happiest Holiday Finds! 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

We’ve heard the Space Mountain rumors swirling, but what is actually confirmed and what is just talk? Space Mountain Space Mountain has been a Tomorrowland staple at Magic Kingdom since 1975. Lately, it feels like everyone has an opinion about whether the classic coaster is next in line for a major refurbishment. But we’re here to break down the rumors and what is true so far. It wouldn’t be shocking if Space Mountain saw a change. Disney has spent the last couple of years reinvesting heavily in Tomorrowland. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed for its own refurbishment, returning with new blasters, video monitors with real-time scoring, and a new scene featuring the robot character Buddy. That refresh alone has fans wondering: if Buzz got an update, is Space Mountain next? Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin So far, though, that’s all it is — a rumor. We reached out to Cast Members working at Space Mountain directly, and they told us they haven’t heard anything about upcoming changes to the attraction. Disney itself has not announced a closure date, a refurbishment plan, or really anything official regarding Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Until Disney says otherwise, it’s just a rumor. Space Mountain While Florida’s Space Mountain sits untouched for now, it’s worth remembering that Disney has already followed through on a total rebuild of Space Mountain on the other side of the world. Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain closed back in 2024, and Disney is currently constructing a brand-new version of the ride. The renovated attraction is scheduled to debut in 2027 with new special effects and enhanced performance. While the ride will maintain its original concept, it will bring guests a new experience and new thrills when it reopens. ©Disney If Disney did decide to move forward with a Space Mountain refurbishment at Magic Kingdom, we could be looking at a similar playbook to what we just saw with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. That attraction closed back in January 2025 for a full track replacement and a refreshed storyline, and it didn’t reopen until May 2026 — a construction timeline of well over a year. If Space Mountain were to undergo something similar, guests could see a lengthy closure rather than a quick refresh. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad As for when we might actually learn something concrete, all eyes are on D23 next month. Disney has historically used the event to make major park announcements, and with the new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, now in place, fans are watching closely to see what direction Imagineering takes next. If there’s any real update on Space Mountain’s future, D23 is the most likely place for it to happen — and we’ll be there to report on any news as soon as it breaks. ©Disney For now, the bottom line is this: the Space Mountain rebuild rumors are just that, rumors. We will keep checking in on these rumors and will report anything confirmed! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney news and information. We’ve Got a HUGE Construction Update on Magic Kingdom’s ‘Cars’ Land Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you like to see Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom see a change? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

You’re going to fall in love with this store’s new look at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort! Downtown Disney Earlier this year, the Pandora Jewelry store closed for a massive renovation. Now that the lengthy closure is over, the renovation is officially complete. Let’s take a look at the new changes that have come to the popular jewelry store. Disney put it best when they posted the store’s new look on Instagram — “New look. Same sparkle.” Pandora Jewelry has officially reopened in Downtown Disney, and you can now visit their beautifully reimagined space. Get ready to shop hand-finished necklaces, earrings, charms, bracelets, and so much more. ©Pandora From the post, the store looks amazing inside! It looks refreshed, elegant, and bright. We love the Pandora logo mirror on the back wall, and the setup is perfect for browsing. ©Pandora What we love most is the wall of Disney Princesses inside the store. The wall features rings and the Disney castle, as well as a hand-drawn art style of Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Cinderella, Snow White, and Tiana. Its design is absolutely unique and eye-catching. ©Pandora It looks like a lot of work was put into the renovation, and we can see why it took a few months to reopen the store. So, head on over to Pandora Jewelry when you’re walking around the Disneyland Resort shopping and dining district. ©Pandora Downtown Disney has been seeing quite a few changes over the past couple of months. Recently, a brand-new celebrity restaurant called Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby opened, and it’s been super popular! It has an outdoor terrace featuring great views of the fireworks, and it “brings the vibrant spirit of London’s legendary Carnaby Street to Downtown Disney with elevated British fare, inventive cocktails, and an energetic dining experience.” Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby If you’re planning a vacation to the “Happiest Place on Earth” soon, there’s no need to stress! 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. We’re always on top of everything happening at theme parks around the world! If you don’t want to miss a thing, make sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog! Why This Disney Popcorn Bucket Is Making A BIG Comeback 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 a Pandora Jewelry fan? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We’re trading the “not so scaries” for a night of full-on TERROR. If you’re planning on going to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights this year, here’s EVERYTHING you need to know. Check out our new video: 50 TIPS for Halloween Horror Nights Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

One of the things you can’t miss when visiting EPCOT is the nighttime show, Luminous, The Symphony of Us. However, nighttime shows have a tendency to get crowded, and unless you’re willing to stake out a good spot to watch the show early, you might not be able to get a good viewing spot. Luminous at EPCOT However, you can guarantee a good seat for Luminous by booking an EPCOT fireworks dining package. This package not only gets you a meal at your choice of a select group of EPCOT restaurants, but it also gets you a guaranteed good seat for the nighttime show. Now, you have a new restaurant choice for the dining package: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. That’s right. If you choose to book an EPCOT fireworks dining package, you can now choose EPCOT’s newest table-service restaurant, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya in the Japan Pavilion. The dining package at Shiki-Sai includes an appetizer, traditional sashimi, an extensive selection of sushi, an exclusive dessert, and beverages available only with the dining package. Shiki-Sai While you dine, you’ll enjoy views of World Showcase Lagoon (and the views from this restaurant are spectacular). Then you can watch Luminous the Symphony of Us in the comfortable a/c at the restaurant. The dining package costs $149.50 per person for ages 10 and up and $74.70 per person for ages 3 to 9. These prices include taxes and gratuities. Look at that view! Advance dining reservations are highly recommended and will open on August 27th. Same-day reservations may be available, but on a limited basis. You’ll also need to arrive at the restaurant at the designated check-in time, which is 60 minutes before Luminous, The Symphony of Us starts. The dining experience lasts around an hour and ends when Luminous ends. Luminous The small print you need to know about: there’s a 24-hour cancellation policy for this dining package. The full package price will be charged if you cancel within 1 day or don’t show up for the reservation. Also, note that fireworks are not guaranteed as part of the experience, as the show may be rescheduled or canceled, although this is rare. We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. We Ate Over $500 Worth of Food at EPCOT’s New Shiki-Sai Restaurant — Here Are Our Honest Thoughts Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you be interested in booking this restaurant for a fireworks dining package? Share your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

There are so many incredible sweet treats and fun desserts across Disney World. It can be hard to decide what you should grab on your next visit. Disney Springs Especially in Disney Springs, where there are LOTS of options to choose from. Which is why we always make sure to review any new items so you know what you should prioritize getting. We just tried three new Disney Springs desserts, so we are bringing you our FULL review! First up, we stopped by The Polite Pig to snag the Salted Caramel & Maple Pecan Bar for $8. This is a chewy bar topped with a thick layer of maple pecans and salted caramel. Salted Caramel & Maple Pecan Bar This was a lovely dessert that complemented the barbecue menu of this spot extremely well. Surprisingly, this was not overpoweringly sweet, which made it a much more balanced treat than we were originally expecting. This was incredibly soft and had a flavor very similar to a graham cracker. Salted Caramel & Maple Pecan Bar We did feel like something was missing flavor-wise in this dessert, and a maple bacon would have taken this to the next level and balanced out all of the flavors perfectly. This was also a great size for the price. Overall, if you are grabbing a meal at The Polite Pig, then this is worth a try, especially if you love caramel and pecans! Salted Caramel & Maple Pecan Bar Next, we took a trip over to Vivoli il Gelato to try two items, starting with the Strawberry Shortcake for $11. This is a thick buttermilk biscuit filled with a large scoop of vanilla gelato, strawberry syrup, and small strawberry chunks. Strawberry Shortcake A word of warning: this treat is MESSY. It melted almost instantly upon stepping outside into the Florida heat, so be prepared to eat this one quick and be ready for a mess. Other than that, the vanilla gelato was rich and sweet yet wonderfully light. And the portion is fairly large, so if you can eat it quick this would be great to share. Strawberry Shortcake The strawberry syrup adds a nice layer of sweetness that is absorbed more into the biscuit than the gelato. The strawberries did not seem fresh and were most likely thawed frozen strawberry chunks, which means that while they contributed to the dessert’s texture, they did not carry much flavor. Strawberry Shortcake The absolute star of this treat had to be the homemade buttermilk biscuit! It was thick and fresh with a lovely fluffy interior. It soaked up the melted gelato and strawberry syrup to make for a wonderfully creamy bite. If you love a good biscuit, then we would definitely recommend trying this one. Overall, it was not the most accurate depiction of a Strawberry Shortcake that we’ve ever had, but it was a solid treat that’s worth a try! This biscuit is SO good! Last up, we grabbed the Crème Brûlée Bomboloni for $5.99. This is a thick, round fried bomboloni with vanilla pastry cream inside, coated in a hard caramelized shell. Crème Brûlée Bombolino The exterior is a crisp caramel coating that cracks when broken, just like a crème brûlée. This held its structure very well even in the heat, and the caramel was sweet and rich without being overpowering. The dough was thick, fluffy, and perfectly soft throughout. Crème Brûlée Bombolino The vanilla pastry cream added a nice creamy consistency and a little more sweetness, although it was a little sparse in the treat. This is a great portion size that could be shared by two people, and we think kids will love this one for both the sweetness and how it breaks apart! Crème Brûlée Bombolino We will continue to bring you reviews of new food and drinks from all around Disney World, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! REVIEW: This Disney World Dessert Confused Us… 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 grabbing any of these treats on your next visit to Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney World’s hotels have long been known for their perks, and one of the MOST popular is returning once again this August. Animal Kingdom During Extended Evening Hours Extended Evening Hours offer TWO extra hours to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Tier, Deluxe Villa, or any additional participating resorts after the park closes to the general public, and it’s BACK for NINE days this August! During August 2026, Extended Evening Hours will be offered at the following Disney World theme parks on the following days: Magic Kingdom (11 PM to 1 AM): August 5th, 12th Magic Kingdom (10 PM to 12 AM): August 19th EPCOT (9 PM to 11 PM): August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st Animal Kingdom (6 PM to 8 PM): August 26th The following attractions are scheduled to be available during Extended Evening Hours at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom: Magic Kingdom “it’s a small world” Astro Orbiter The Barnstormer Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Country Bear Musical Jamboree Dumbo the Flying Elephant Haunted Mansion Mad Tea Party The Magic Carpets of Aladdin The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Mickey’s PhilharMagic Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Peter Pan’s Flight Pirates of the Caribbean Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain Swiss Family Treehouse Tomorrowland Speedway TRON Lightcycle / Run Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room TRON Lightcycle / Run EPCOT Frozen Ever After Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Mission: SPACE Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Soarin’ Around the World Spaceship Earth The Seas with Nemo & Friends Test Track Spaceship Earth crowds during EPCOT’s Extended Evening park hours Animal Kingdom Avatar Flight of Passage Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Na’vi River Journey Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Pandora at night in Animal Kingdom If you’re planning to stay at a park that late, you’ll need to eat beforehand. Our Guide to Disney World Dining pulls it all together so you can stop stressing and focus on the fun without feeling like you’re missing a thing! Extended Evening Hours are available to guests at the following hotels: Disney Deluxe Resorts Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (The extended evening theme park hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only.) The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Riviera Resort Other Select Hotels Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin If you’re not staying at one of those eligible Disney World hotels or aren’t visiting the parks during their normal operating hours, there is ANOTHER way to stay at certain Disney World parks after closing time — After Hours Events! These separately ticketed events allow guests to enjoy beloved attractions with lower wait times for an extra TWO hours after the park closes to the public, plus include several complimentary snacks in the cost of this ticketed event. After Hours Events scheduled for August are as follows: Hollywood Studios (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM): August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th EPCOT (9:30 PM to 12:30 AM): August 6th and 13th After Hours Event at Magic Kingdom Guests staying at Disney World this August have two major ways to spend MORE time in the theme parks! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney’s offerings this summer. The Only 3 Disney World Hotels With This Lobby Perk 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 taking advantage of Extended Evening Hours this summer? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Okay, runners, where are you at? We know many of you come to Disney World for the official runDisney marathons and events that are held throughout the year, but did you know you can also participate in runDisney events at home? runDisney Yes, runDisney often has virtual races that you can enter at home, and use your own city or treadmill as your race course. Well, a NEW virtual race is coming SOON, and it’s going to make Halloween fans VERY happy…yes, a Halloween-themed virtual runDisney race is happening THIS year. So here’s what’s coming soon: the first ever runDisney Virtual Spooktacular! This is a brand new Halloween-themed virtual race that promises to be spooky and fun. The virtual race will take place from October 1st through October 31st, appropriately enough, and registration begins on August 11th. ©Disney If the teaser graphic is any indication, we expect to see medals themed to Haunted Mansion, characters in costumes, bats, and the Headless Horseman. Sounds spooktacular, alright! Now, we don’t have any further information on this race yet, but we’ll keep an eye out for more details. Headless Horseman In the meantime, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is coming up in Disney World on October 22nd through 25th, but if you haven’t signed up for that event yet, you’re out of luck — it’s all sold out. However, you can still sign up for the Post-Race Party! ©Disney That will be the final in-person event for 2026, but there are plenty of 2027 events to look forward to, including Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend on January 6th-10th, 2027, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend on February 25th-March 1st, 2027, and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend on April 8th-11th, 2027. You can check the runDisney website for more details about registration for each event. We’ll keep you updated on other runDisney events, so stay tuned to DFB for more. These NEW Disney Park Bags Are Perfect For runDisney Races and Beyond! 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 participating in the new runDisney virtual race? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

We all know the feeling — the heartbreak in your dog’s eyes when you’re packing for your next vacation, which then makes YOUR heart break. They’re Best Friends! But there’s actually a way you can avoid this dreaded feeling — just bring your pooch with you! Now, you can’t bring them on every vacation, but you CAN bring them to Dollywood! How does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about bringing your dog to Dollywood! Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and is known for its immersive attractions, southern dishes, and immaculate theming based on the one-and-only Dolly Parton. You won’t be able to bring your dogs INTO the theme park (unless they are documented service animals), but there are accommodations for them while you’re enjoying the park — Doggywood! ©Dollywood Located adjacent to Guest Services at Dollywood’s Front Gate, this space accommodates dogs in kennels and cottages during hours that coincide with Dollywood. Doggywood can start welcoming dogs 30 minutes prior to Dollywood’s opening time, and all dogs must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after park closing — no overnight boarding is allowed. Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended, and those without a reservation are not guaranteed a space due to availability. ©Dollywood There are some rules and requirements you’ll need to know before bringing your dog: Vaccination records are required. Guests will need to complete a Doggywood Waiver where proof of vaccinations can be uploaded. (All dogs will need to be up to date on their Rabies and Bordetella vaccines). You will need to provide your own food. You will need to walk your own dog as needed. Dollywood Hosts are not permitted to walk your dog(s). Doggywood only accepts dogs for Guests that are at Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country. They cannot board dogs while owners are off property. ©Dollywood So, how much does it cost and how many spaces are available? Well, there are 16 spaces available — 12 kennels and four cottages. The kennels are 4 ft. by 6 ft. and cost $25 per day, tax not included. The cottages are approximately 5 ft. by 5 ft. and cost $35 per day, tax not included. Dogs may share a kennel or cottage if they live in the same house, but a $5 fee will apply for each additional occupant. The total weight of the dog(s) in a single cottage must be 19 lbs. or less. ©Dollywood Water will be provided, so guests don’t have to worry about providing that. And if you’re a Dollywood Gold Passholder, there are available discounts! It’s important to note that Doggywood ONLY accepts dogs, so you won’t be able to leave your cat, hamsters, snakes, or any other pets you may have with them. They also have the right to refuse to board a dog that appears to be ill. ©Dollywood If you foresee any changes during your vacation, guests can receive a full reservation refund if you cancel your visit before 5 PM the day before your arrival. Cancellations made any time after are not subject to a refund. To receive a refund, guests can call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD and speak to a Dollywood Host. ©Dollywood So, that settles it — I’m bringing my dog with me on my next Dollywood vacation! For more theme park news, updates, tips, and tricks, be sure to follow us at DFB, so you don’t miss a thing! Why I Burned More Calories in Dollywood Even Though I Had the Same Step Count in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you bring your dog on vacation with you? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

You know that we’re avid Disney popcorn bucket lovers here at the Disney Food Blog! Disney World often gets some really cool exclusive buckets, but we all know you can’t find buckets quite like the ones you find at Disneyland Resort. King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket A new King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket dropped at Disneyland in May of this year, and it was themed after the iconic carrousel in Fantasyland. We were instantly obsessed with it and waited a long time in line to get it. It’s a Magic Keyholder-exclusive popcorn bucket, and you’re probably going to start seeing Magic Keyholder guests walking around with this bucket a lot more over the next couple of weeks! As great as Disneyland popcorn buckets like this are, they unfortunately can’t be used for popcorn refills. It’s not the end of the world, since the exclusive buckets are awesome collectibles to own, but it would be a great perk to come with grabbing one of these items. Magic Key King Arthur Carrousel Popcorn Bucket Well, that perk is coming to Disneyland for a limited time! From now through August 17th, Magic Key holders can keep their King Arthur’s Carrousel full of popcorn with $2.25 popcorn refills. Refills will be available at select Disneyland locations. We have a feeling you might start seeing people carrying these popcorn buckets around the parks again. Beautiful artwork We’ve seen a ton of popcorn bucket designs drop this year, and this one is by far one of our favorites. The bucket has a beautiful design, and it rotates and plays music. Bringing something like this ot the park can be stressful sometimes. The fear of dropping it, getting it scratched, or breaking it is totally valid. However, that $2.25 popcorn refill is looking pretty sweet. King Arthur Carrousel We’ve seen some pretty cool popcorn buckets at Disneyland this year, and with Halloween Time just around the corner, who knows what could be in store! We’re sure Disney is going to drop new popcorn buckets, alongside other merchandise, during the spooky season. Disneyland We’re always on top of all the latest Disney news and updates, so make sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog, so that you don’t miss a thing! NEW Disney Visa Perk Just Dropped For A Limited Time 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 own this popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Put on your chef hats and grab your park essentials, because it’s time to wine and dine in Disney style at the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! The festival runs from August 27th through November 21st, 2026, so you have plenty of time to prep for the best EPCOT fest. Spaceship Earth But in case you want to make your EPCOT day ten times more magical, we gathered our favorite EPCOT essentials we wish we bought sooner to help you beat the heat and dine in style! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Stay cool with the AMKEN Waist Fan! AMKEN Waist Fan The AMKEN Waist Fan is a clip-on belt fan with three powerful speeds. It’s conveniently hands-free and has two small clips for extra security, so you can keep your drink in one hand and your snack in the other while staying cool all day. The 24-hour battery life means it lasts from rope drop all the way to your car! view ON AMAZON This Minnie Mouse Rose Gold Ears Hat is the cutest sun protection! ©Amazon This Minnie Mouse Rose Gold Ears Hat is a sparkling rose gold baseball cap featuring an embroidered white Minnie signature, and topped with Minnie Ears adorned with glitter sequins on both the front and back! It’s made of 100% cotton for a super comfortable fit, and features an adjustable snapback for the perfect fit. view ON AMAZON This PinFolio Display Bag is awesome for pin trading! PinFolio Display Bag The PinFolio Display Bag is a high-quality compact pin display binder. You can store, display, and trade up to 40 1-inch pins with Stick’N’Go technology that keeps pins in place without the need for pin backs. It’s a must-have for EPCOT, because we all know that’s the best park to pin trade in! 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

We have a lot of opinions on theme parks. Like, a lot, a lot. We have some popular ones and probably some that leave you scratching your heads (hey, we like the plastic cheese sauce and we’re not afraid to say it). Yak and Yeti When we saw Central Florida Favorites announce their “Welcome to the 2026 edition of Central Florida Favorites,” we knew we had to take a peek to see their rankings. Well, we’re glad that some are getting a special shoutout; we might be questioning some others. First up, we saw that Yak and Yeti in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom got first place for signature cocktails. If you know us, then you know we LOVE Yak and Yeti’s specialty cocktails, including a few secret menu items that we tend to share with you all. They deserve all the love because they truly make Animal Kingdom special. It’s a fruity one! Yak and Yeti also took best theme park restaurant. If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, definitely make a reservation here for some great dishes you’ll remember for years to come. Yak & Yeti Eats They also deemed Universal Orlando the best theme park, with Disney World being number two. We could probably argue amongst our team on what really is the best theme park, but we are called Disney Food Blog after all. Universal Orlando Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure won best theme park thrill ride behind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Velocicoaster. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Volcano Bay also won best water park, with Discovery Cove in second place. Volcano Bay Now this is making us a little confused. Pteranodon Flyers at Universal Orlando won best kids’ ride. Second place was Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and third was Slinky Dog Dash. While we do love Pterandon Flyers, it’s actually a super hard ride to get on! It’s under refurbishment a lot, and one member of the duo has to be above 36 inches and below 56 inches. Yes, there’s a height maximum! An accompanying adult does not need to meet this requirement, but to get on, you need one youngster within the height limit. Pteranodon Flyers Of course, it is a fun ride, but is it the best kids’ ride of the year? We’re not too sure. The ride was also closed from February to early July, so it wasn’t even open most of the year! Well, we’re glad someone got on and appreciated the ride this year, but don’t be surprised if you see us heading towards other rides during the day. ©Universal You tell us: what are your favorites in the theme parks? Tell us in the comments and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. I JUST TANKED THE 20 BEST RESTAURANTS IN DISNEY WORLD, AND THIS ONE’S A LITTLE CONTROVERSIAL Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

We get it, traveling right now can be VERY expensive. Between hotels, transportation, food, and flights, your vacation bill can get high quickly. Southwest Airlines at MCO Which is why we are always on the lookout for amazing deals that will allow you to travel and have amazing trips without breaking the bank, and Southwest just dropped another ticket deal you need to check out! Right now, Southwest is offering one-way fares for as low as $59! That would mean some incredible savings for your next flights. However, you’ll need to book soon because this deal can only be booked July 28th through July 30th, 2026. ©Southwest This deal will also not work on extremely last-minute flights since your flight must be 21 days from when you book the tickets. If you are looking to book a trip to Disney or anywhere else this summer, then book those flights soon with this low fare to help save some money. Southwest Airlines And if you don’t have set travel plans yet, that’s okay. Southwest offers these low prices fairly often, so make sure to keep an eye out to see if you can snag some cheap Southwest flights and save money on your next vacation. ©Southwest Airlines We will continue to keep you informed of any great travel deals, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Another Airline Just CUT Thousands of Flights 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 taking advantage of this Southwest deal? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Being a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member comes with its share of perks. Not only do you get the opportunity to stay at Disney properties ALL over the world, but you also get access to special events like Moonlight Magic in the parks, exclusive lounges, exclusive merchandise, and more. Disney Vacation Club Well, if you’ll be visiting Disney World as a DVC member in August, you’re also going to be able to get something even better than ALL that...an exclusive snack (because, let’s face it, food is why we’re all here, right?). Yes, an exclusive new snack is coming to Disney World…and it’s just for DVC members. If you’re a DVC member, you’re probably aware of “Welcome Home Weeks,” a celebration of DVC members that started on July 22nd and ends on August 26th. This limited-time celebration features lots of extra exclusives for DVC members, including treats, special experiences, and special discounts. Disney Vacation Club Well, it also includes the Welcome Home Weeks Donut at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs. This exclusive donut made just for DVC members is a vanilla-iced donut topped with vanilla buttercream, confetti sprinkles, and an edible DVC disc. It’s available every Wednesday through August 26th. You’re also limited to one donut per member, and you must provide your DVC digital membership card and ID to order it. ©Everglazed While you’re in Disney World, don’t forget that you can grab a complimentary ice cream treat at select locations, a special welcome home wakeup at your Disney World hotel, special character experiences, 40% off at select table service restaurants, a 20% one-time Mobile Order discount, special dining offerings at Disney Springs, and a free Welcome Home Weeks button. ©Disney We’ll keep an eye out for more exclusives for DVC members, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Learn More About Welcome Home Weeks 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 Are you a DVC member? Will you be picking up your donut soon? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we always make sure to keep you informed of all major theme park news. And while that usually means Disney and Universal news, today we are discussing Six Flags! ©Six Flags It was just announced that Six Flags Great Adventure is getting a brand new coaster, and we’ll be honest, it looks AWESOME! Bakunawa is officially making its Six Flags debut in 2027. This exciting new coaster is the replacement for Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, which used to be the tallest, fastest, and longest drop coaster in the world before it was permanently closed back in 2024. This new coaster is set to live up to the legacy and will be the fastest and tallest spinning launch coaster in the world. It will also be the world’s first floorless spinning coaster and the first upside-down launch. Bakunawa Six Flags has shared the Legend of Bakunawa: “According to legend, a mysterious sea serpent with purple, shimmering scales lives beneath the waves. Some say this mysterious creature hungers for the moon itself. Today, Bakunawa rises — those brave enough to face its fury can join the serpent on its skyward path.” Bakunawa They have also shared that this coaster is, “Inspired by Bakunawa, a legendary creature of folklore, this coaster reimagines the serpent’s coiling ascent as it attempts to devour the moon. Feel the pull of the eclipse as you launch through the world’s fastest inversion, reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour. After spiraling 382 feet into the air, you plummet back to earth, spinning to the shore as Bakunawa returns to the sea.” Bakunawa In total, this coaster will break SIX World Records: World’s Fastest Spinning Coaster World’s Tallest Spinning Coaster World’s Fastest Inversion World’s Longest Stall Inversion World’s First Floorless Spinning Coaster World’s First Upside Down Launch This coaster looks incredible and so unique! We cannot wait for guests to experience the thrill of Bakunawa when it officially opens next year. ©Six Flags We will continue to bring you all kinds of theme park news, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! Six Flags’ Record-Breaking Coaster Gets NEW Opening Date! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this Six Flags coaster announcement? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Everyone loves Disney pins! They’re fun to collect, and they’re fun to trade. So pin collectors will be thrilled to hear about new Disney pins online. Pins and more pins! Disney just released 12 brand-new pins on Tuesday, July 21st — but they sold out fast! We still think you should check some of them out because they’re cute, iconic, and glittery. Keep an eye out; they may come back in stock soon. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Yzma Pin ©Disney Store One that really stood out to us was this Yzma Cat Pin! If you’re a fan of the iconic villain from Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, then this is the pin for you. It’s covered in glitter, and despite her doing her evil laugh, it’s a pretty cute pin. Plus, she’s holding the poison…the poison for Kuzco…Kuzco’s poison. view ONline There’s also this Pascal Pin ©Disney Store Just like the Yzma pin, the Pascal Pin is decorated in bright green glitter! Rapunzel’s beloved sidekick pet from Tangled is a must-add to your collection. He’s just such a cutie, so hopefully it comes back in stock sooner rather than later. view ONline We love this Mickey and Minnie Pin ©Disney Store We can’t have you walking away empty-handed. So, even though this Mickey and Minnie Mouse Pin isn’t a part of the brand-new set that just dropped, we wanted you to take a look at it. This piece is themed after Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a great addition to your collection. view ONline Or, you can grab this Fox and the Hound Pin ©Disney Store There’s also this Fox and the Hound Pin online, inspired by the classic Disney film! For the 45th anniversary of Fox and the Hound, this spinner pin features Tod and Vixey on one side, and baby Copper with Chief on another. view ONline We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

If you’ve flown to Disney World, you’ve probably become familiar with Orlando International Airport, which is probably the airport that most people visiting Disney World fly into due to its location and convenience. That means you’ve probably seen just how busy the airport can be. MCO Airport Security In fact, we’re often warning you about how early you need to be at Orlando International Airport when you fly from Disney World back to your home airport, and we even encourage you to use TSA PreCheck or the free MCO Reserve. Well, Orlando International Airport has become even busier and has jumped in ranking among U.S. airports for the busiest. The Airports Council International, an organization that tracks passenger numbers at airports, has released its 2025 airport traffic report, and it shows that Orlando International Airport (MCO) has gone from the 9th busiest airport in 2024 to the 7th busiest airport in 2025. As before, MCO is also still the busiest airport in Florida, but is also now the 25th busiest airport in the world. Baggage claim at MCO A whopping total of 57,675,573 passengers flew into and out of MCO in 2025, with almost 8.5 million of those passengers being international passengers. The airport has seen a lot of international travel growth, especially after the opening of Terminal C, the airport’s new international terminal. However, new international routes were added in 2025, as well, including nonstop routes to Paris, Munich, and Madrid. Inside Terminal C at MCO Airport The airport is also continuing with expansion plans, with $550 million being recently approved for various projects at MCO. Those projects include constructing Terminal C’s aircraft taxiway expansions, improving terminal infrastructure, expanding food and shopping options around the airport, and building new and expanding existing back-of-house operations facilities. The airport is also working on adding 8,000 more parking spaces across Terminals A and C, as well as adding a new parking guidance system. Terminal C We’ll keep an eye out for more news about Orlando International Airport, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Three Things You Should ALWAYS Do As Soon As You Get to Orlando Airport 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? Does MCO seem busier to you? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

I actually can’t believe we’re already talking about going back to school — it feels like the year just let out! ©Disney With school nearly back in session, you’re going to need some supplies to start the year off strong. Luckily, Amazon has you covered with a SUPER SECRET Disney back-to-school store, and we’re covering everything you need to grab! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Go Back In Style With This Toy Story Backpack ©Amazon This Disney Toy Story Toddler Backpack made by Simple Modern is ideal for those little ones’ first days in school! Perfect for Kindergarteners, this design features characters from the classic film franchise, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Rex, and the Little Green Aliens! This bag features a padded tablet sleeve, a large zip-closure front pocket, a smaller zip-closure pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves on the sides, so they can hold everything they need without having to carry anything in their hands! view ON AMAZON Match Your Bag With These Toy Story Tupperware ©Amazon Featuring the same design as the toddler backpack above, these Disney Toy Story Tupperware Containers are great for bringing lunches to school without losing the theme! It comes in either a 3-compartment or 5-compartment size, which are removable for easy cleaning. These are dishwasher- and microwave-safe and include a lockable push-button to minimize leaks and spills! view ON AMAZON The Same Classic Characters, But In A Different Design ©Amazon This Disney Toy Story 2-Piece Backpack Set features a different design of your favorite characters from the film franchise and includes some of the more unique characters, like Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Forky, Slinky Dog, Bo Peep, and Jessie! This officially licensed set comes with a 16-inch backpack and an insulated lunchbox. With multiple zipper- and mesh-pockets, there’s a space for everything you’ll need to carry! view ON AMAZON These Pouches Make Eating More Magical ©Amazon Make eating food more fun with these Disney Reusable Food Pouches for Toddlers! Also made by Simple Modern, these pouches are perfect for yogurts, apple sauces, or any pureed foods. They are dishwasher- and freezer-safe, so you don’t have to worry about any princess designs getting ruined after each use! view ON AMAZON Your Sandwich Needs A Home, Too! ©Amazon Your yogurts and apple sauces can’t steal all of the spotlight! These Disney Frozen Reusable Snack Bags are perfect for carrying any other parts of your lunch, like a sandwich and chips! The 3-piece set includes three different sizes — small, medium, and large — and is machine-washable for an easy clean. view ON AMAZON Channel Your Inner Disney Princess With This Set ©Amazon For fans of Moana, this Disney Moana 5-Piece Backpack Set is made for you! This set includes a backpack, a lunchbox, a small clip pouch, a bag charm, and a carabiner! Channel your inner Disney princess and grab one before it’s gone! view ON AMAZON Another Set, But Make It Stitch! ©Amazon Lastly, this Disney Stitch 5-Piece Backpack Set includes a backpack, a lunchbox, a pencil case pouch, a water bottle, and a bag charm featuring the rambunctious Disney character. The backpack has a bottom zipper that fits your lunchbox perfectly, along with mesh pockets on the sides for your water bottle. 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

Summer at Disney World means long days by the pool, magical evenings under the fireworks, and — let’s be honest — a serious need for treats to keep us cool and entertained between park visits. DIY DOLE Whip If you’re staying at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts this August, you’ll want to carve out some time to actually enjoy the hotel itself, because Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort is packing the month with activities, live music, and sweet deals that make staying “home” just as fun as being in the parks. Let’s start with the daily lineup, because there’s a LOT going on here. Kids (and kids at heart) can dive into Brena’s Arts & Activities and the Fun Team Craft Station, both running daily from 12PM-5PM for an additional fee. When the sun goes down, head to the beach for S’mores on the Shore and Cinema on the Beach — both happening every night at dusk, and both included in your resort service fee, so no extra cost there. There’s also Camp Dolphin running 3PM-10PM daily if you need a few hours to sneak away for a grown-ups-only dinner, plus Swan Boats (11AM-6PM), a water slide (10AM-7PM), and outdoor games (8AM-8PM) to fill out the rest of your day. The Dolphin Hotel If you’ve got little ones with you, don’t miss the deal at The Fountain — purchase a child’s entrée and get a complimentary kids scoop of ice cream thrown in, all month long. It’s a simple perk, but a sweet one (literally), and a great way to end a meal without breaking the bank. Cookie lovers, mark your calendars for August 4th. It’s National Chocolate Cookie Day, and Swan and Dolphin is celebrating with $3 chocolate chip cookies available at Java, Fuel, and Grounds. That’s a pretty great price for a treat we’d happily pay full price for anyway. Read Our Latest Review of The Fountain Here The Fountain Spread And finally, the biggest draw of the month might be the Summer Concert Series, happening August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. These free live music nights bring rotating culinary experiences to Cabana Bar and Beach Club and Splash, complete with themed food trucks, specialty cocktails, and plenty of good summer vibes. Whether you grab a drink and sway along or make a whole evening of trying different food trucks, it’s a laid-back way to spend a Disney vacation night without ever needing a park ticket. ©Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Between the nightly beach activities, the concert series, and the sweet treats sprinkled throughout the month, Swan and Dolphin is proving that a Disney World stay doesn’t have to be all about the parks. And as always, stick with DFB for the latest on everything happening around Disney World this summer! 2 Reasons to Switch Hotels on Your Next Disney World Trip Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

We love Disney World for all of its magic, but we’d be lying if we said the weather wasn’t a major concern most days. From the heat to massive storms to even just dealing with the humidity and sunshine, Florida weather is something you’ll want to be prepared for. Cinderella Castle According to Fox 35, a heat advisory has been issued for most of Central Florida with what “feels like” 110-degree weather in some parts of the area. A heat advisory is issued from 11 AM to 7 PM for heat indices in the range of 105 to 110 degrees. It covers most of Central Florida, including Disney World. ©Fox Afternoon highs will soar to the mid-90s, and once you factor in humidity, it can feel a lot hotter than it really is. There are also expected downpours, predicted to be around lunchtime every day this week, and while some areas might not get rain, the places where it does rain will be very heavy. ©Fox If you’re visiting Disney World this week, you’ll want to be prepared with lots of water and ways to stay cool. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up throughout the day. You can find free cups of ice water at quick service locations throughout the parks, or if you’re a bit picky with your water (and we are too), you can also buy bottles of water from most merchandise stores, quick service locations, and snack carts. Owala Rapunzel Water Bottle To stay cool, you might not want to spend the entire day at the parks, but instead come in the morning, go back to the hotel, and come in the evening when it’s a little cooler. This can be a great midday trip or time to hang out in the pool. It’s also an amazing time to check out all the activities your resort has to offer. Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century If you’re in the parks, we love to make a dining reservation for an indoor location in the afternoon so you know you have a planned break inside. Bonus points if you choose a character dining so you can meet a few different characters in the air conditioning without having to wait in line! Winnie the Pooh Make sure you’re staying cool and keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks to have the best Disney World vacation yet. 7 ESSENTIALS TO HELP YOU AVOID HEAT EXHAUSTION ON A SUMMER DISNEY WORLD TRIP Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Who does it better, DisneyLAND or Disney WORLD? The answer’s different depending on which rides you’re talking about – and we have some THOUGHTS Check out our new video: The Disneyland Rides That Are WAY Better Than Disney World Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What video do you want to see from DFB next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There are currently many new Disney projects on the horizon across the parks around the world and even at Disney Cruise Line. Disney Wish And we are thrilled that Disney has just released a teaser video about the next Disney Cruise Line ship set to join the fleet, the Disney Believe. We will continue to bring you all of the Disney Cruise Line news, so stay tuned with Disney Food Blog so you never miss anything! 5 Splurges That Are Always Worth It On Disney Cruise Line! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this new Disney Believe teaser video? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is one of the best times to visit the park. The 2026 festival runs from August 27th through November 21st, with Global Marketplaces spread across EPCOT and dishes inspired by six continents. That means dozens of tempting plates, drinks, desserts, and “we should try that too” decisions waiting between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase. EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Nobody is born knowing how to tackle Food and Wine. We have all overspent, ordered one dish too many, or stared at a festival map like it was an ancient nautical chart. Still, a few habits immediately tell us someone is making their first lap. Here are SEVEN Food and Wine moves that practically come with a rookie name tag. 1. Booking a Giant Meal A day during Food and Wine is not the day to schedule a character breakfast, a steakhouse lunch, and a prix fixe dinner under the pretext of “we have to eat somewhere.” The festival booths are somewhere. In fact, they are everywhere. Food and Wine booths galore A large table-service meal takes up time, money, and stomach space. You may leave lunch completely full, walk past six dishes you wanted to try, and begin bargaining with your digestive system by Germany. Germany Festival Booth But there are exceptions. An Eat to the Beat Dining Package can make sense when guaranteed concert seating is a priority. Otherwise, keep the rest of the day light. Grab a modest breakfast, split festival dishes throughout the afternoon, and save the serious dinner reservation for another day. This festival IS the meal. Treating it as the snack before your meal is where the rookie spiral begins. This Is the ONLY EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Trick You Need To Know About 2. Eating the Same Lunch You Always Eat Connections Eatery, Sunshine Seasons, and Lotus Blossom Cafe all serve a purpose. Sometimes you need air-conditioning, familiar food, or a meal that will satisfy a picky eater. But visiting during Food and Wine and automatically ordering the same quick-service lunch you could get during a non-festival week? That is unmistakably rookie behavior. French Onion Burger The 2026 event will feature more than 30 Global Marketplaces, including kid-friendly and plant-based choices. This is your chance to build lunch from several countries, one small plate at a time. Split something savory, grab a spicier dish at the next booth, and finish with a dessert you would never normally order. You can still carry the food into an indoor quick-service seating area when you need relief from the heat. Use the restaurants as shelter but let the festival booths handle lunch. 5 Bags Perfect for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, All Under $25 3. Going on Opening Weekend We understand the temptation. Everything is new, the internet is buzzing, and you want to be among the first people to declare a sauce as surprisingly complex. Opening weekend is also when media teams, local fans, influencers, Annual Passholders, and curious vacationers descend on the same booths with the determination of birds spotting an unattended basket of fries. So many people! That can mean long lines, crowded walkways, and more time watching other people photograph their food than eating your own. Festival pros let the first wave roll through. Wait a week or two, preferably visit on a weekday, and use early reviews to decide which dishes deserve your money. The festival lasts nearly three months, and there is no medal for eating the first dumpling. World Showcase crowds Our team will brave opening day, so you do not have to. We will make that sacrifice for you. For the food and for the science! 12 Nights When EPCOT Will Be CROWDED During the Food & Wine Festival 4. Skipping the Budget Festival plates look small. Their prices do not always share that delicate spirit. And you’d be surprised how quickly one snack becomes three. Then someone wants a cocktail, or you find a souvenir cup. Suddenly, you have spent the equivalent of a full dinner while eating everything off cardboard trays near a trash can. Full Spread at Mexico Global Marketplace Set a budget before you arrive. Decide how much you will spend per person, whether alcohol and merchandise come from the same total, and which dishes are worth buying individually instead of sharing. Loading the amount onto a Disney Gift Card can help. When the balance gets low, you have a visible warning that the culinary carriage is about to become a pumpkin. You do not need to remove all spontaneity. Just give it a spending limit. How Much Money Should You Really Budget For the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 5. Arriving Without a Hit List You do not need a laminated itinerary, a color-coded spreadsheet, or a tiny headset so one family member can lead the group through World Showcase. However, you do need a plan. Study the menus (or check out all of our food booth reviews) before your visit and choose a handful of must-try dishes. Add a few backups in case a line is too long, an item sells out, or a food photo is doing more work than the actual plate. Let’s go! Without a must-buy list, people buy whatever is directly in front of them, or make impulsive decisions based on what aroma is wafting from the nearest food booth. By the time they reach the dish they truly wanted, they are full, over budget, or both. Pick your priorities, note where the booths are located, and leave room for one wildcard. The Festival Passport can also help you track locations and eligible food-stroll items, including the returning Emile’s Fromage Montage cheese challenge. Planning does not make the day less fun. It prevents a mediocre meatball from blocking your path to greatness. 2026 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Booths, Menus, and FOOD PHOTOS 6. Refusing to Share A festival plate may technically be one serving, but one person does not have to eat every bite. Sharing is the closest thing Food and Wine has to a cheat code. Two people can split several dishes, sample more of the festival, and avoid reaching the halfway point with the queasy expression of someone who just ate seven mini-meals and is now rummaging through their park bag for antacids. Braised Beef Poutine It is especially useful for richer items, unfamiliar flavors, or drinks. One taste may be enough to decide you love something. It may also be enough to decide the rest belongs to your travel companion. Share generously, except when you find the best dish. Then all agreements may need review by counsel. 4 Viral Food Trends That Just Won’t Leave Disney World 7. Trying to Finish Everything in One Day EPCOT is already a large park. Add more than 30 marketplaces, rides, shows, shopping, scavenger hunts, cheese dishes, and Eat to the Beat concerts, and one festival day can become a competitive eating event with a Lightning Lane problem. You do not need to taste every dish or complete every activity. You certainly do not need to sprint from a concert to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind while carrying piping hot cheese soup. One of our favorite festival eats! Choose what matters most. Maybe it is food and a concert. Maybe it is attractions in the morning and booths in the evening. Maybe it is one slow lap around World Showcase with an air-conditioning break and several glorious loops on Living with the Land. Multiple visits are ideal when your vacation allows it. When they do not, accept that you will miss something. EPCOT will survive and so will you (plus, an incentive to plan a return visit soon!). 8 Tricks the Pros Use to Tackle EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival Graduate From Rookie Status The difference between a rookie and a seasoned festival guest is not how many dishes they eat. It is knowing when to slow down, when to share, and when a regular quick-service cheeseburger can wait until tomorrow. Make a short list. Set a real budget. Skip the giant lunch. Give opening weekend some breathing room. Most importantly, remember that the goal is to enjoy the festival, not defeat it in combat. Get a food tray! You may still overspend by twelve dollars, fall in love with a dish you almost skipped, and eat one bite too many. That is not rookie behavior. That is simply EPCOT. And, trust us, we’ve been there, too. So, learn from our mistakes and read all of our reviews. But at DFB, we care about food festivals and have done the work to help you navigate each festival like a pro! I Have a Controversial Opinion About EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you committed any of these Food & Wine crimes during your visit? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

We’re big fans of saving money everywhere we can, especially when it comes to Disney World vacations, and we know a lot of you feel the same way. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge That’s a big part of our job — finding all the latest deals and discounts to help you not break the bank on your upcoming trips. If you’ve been thinking about staying on property at a Disney World hotel but have been shying away from the price tag, there’s a sale going on for this week ONLY that you can’t miss! Parade has reported that Priceline is offering up to 40% off stays at select Walt Disney World hotels in their Disney Resorts Collection if you book directly through Priceline. The catch? The deal is only available for ONE week, from July 27th through August 2nd! Disney’s Pop Century Resort While there are savings across the board, the biggest discounts are going to be at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. All of these qualify for the highest cut of 40% off. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort If you’re eyeing a Moderate Resort, such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and/or Port Orleans Resort, you’ll look at savings between 30-35%, while Value Resorts like Disney’s Pop Century and the All-Star Resorts will see savings of 25-30% off. All-Star Music It’s important to note that the maximum deals often also require a minimum stay duration, and that specialty accommodations like 3-bedroom villas, specialty suites, and bungalows are not included in this deal. Since you will need to book directly through Priceline instead of Disney World, we also recommend contacting Disney to confirm your reservation after booking, if you have any concerns about going through a third-party service. BoardWalk Inn Looking for more recent Disney World hotel news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Disney Hotel News! Save 40% on Your Disney World Hotel For ONE Week Only!4 NEW Construction Projects Hit Popular Disney World Hotels Next MonthThis Hotel Is Just a 17 Minute Walk From Disney’s Hollywood StudiosIs Sleeping in Your Car at Disney World Actually a Thing? Here’s What We Learned5 Big Changes Are About to Hit Disney World Hotels in August We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest deals and discounts around to help you save on your Disney vacation, so stay tuned to DFB! I Spent $25 For This at My Disney World Hotel, and I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat 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 Disney World hotel are you hoping to book with this deal? Tell us in the comments! View the full article