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We’ve heard some WILD stories from Disney World Cast Members over the years. Kali River Rapids Lightning Lane After chatting with former Cast Members on the team, we’ve learned that they’ve witnessed guests making some pretty avoidable Lightning Lane mistakes that ended up costing them valuable park time. The good news is that once you know what NOT to do, you can skip the headaches and actually make the most of your Lightning Lanes. Here are two of the biggest mistakes Cast Members have witnessed time and time again. Wasting Lightning Lanes on Rides That Never Have Long Waits This is probably the mistake that makes Cast Members shake their heads the most. They’ve seen countless guests burn through their Lightning Lane selections on attractions that consistently have wait times under 20 minutes. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Lightning Lane We’re talking about rides like The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, or Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Sure, these are great attractions, but you absolutely don’t need a Lightning Lane for them. Cast Members have watched guests skip right past a 10-minute standby wait because they had a Lightning Lane, while simultaneously missing out on the chance to use that selection for something like Test Track or Slinky Dog Dash. Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane The smarter move is to check the wait times in the app before you book your Lightning Lanes for the day. If something typically hovers around 15-20 minutes or less, save your Lightning Lane for the rides that actually need them. Your future self will thank you when you’re breezing past the 90-minute standby line at Flight of Passage instead of the 10-minute wait at Figment. Not Knowing You Can Modify Your Lightning Lane Reservations So many guests have NO idea that they can actually modify their Lightning Lane times and selections after they’ve already booked them. ©Disney Cast Members have witnessed guests showing up to attractions with Lightning Lanes at inconvenient times, complaining about the schedule, and not knowing that they could have easily made modifications through the app. Maybe your dining reservation got moved, or maybe you realized you’d rather hit a different attraction first. Whatever the reason, you’re not stuck with your original choices. ©Disney You can modify both the time and the actual ride selection as long as there’s availability. Just open up the My Disney Experience app, find your Lightning Lane reservation, and look for the modify option. From there, you can pick a different time slot or even swap to a completely different attraction if your plans change. Lightning Lane The key is being flexible and checking back frequently, as new time slots can open up throughout the day when other guests modify or cancel their reservations. At the end of the day, Lightning Lanes are supposed to make your Disney World experience better, not more stressful. Now that you know these two major mistakes to avoid, you’ll be way ahead of the game on your next trip. As always, stay tuned to DFB for more tips to help you maximize your park days! This Is Every Disney Fan’s FAVORITE Cast Member, Even Though They Have the WORST Job 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 What Lightning Lane mistakes have you made in the past? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

While the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival may be what comes to mind when you think of Food & Wine in Disney World, there is also another Food & Wine event that happens in Disney World! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will be returning in 2026 for its 17th year! 2025 Food and Wine Classic The annual event is two days of gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs, paired with fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. In addition to the delicious food and drinks, the event also features live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin just announced the dates for the 2026 event, so mark your calendars now if you want to attend. This year, the Food & Wine Classic will take place on November 20th and 21st, from 5 PM until 9 PM each day. There will also be tickets available for tastings and educational seminars. Food & Wine Classic A ticket to the Food & Wine Classic gets you unlimited food and drinks from themed areas across the Swan & Dolphin Causeway. You will be able to sample food from some of the hotel’s iconic restaurants like Bourbon Steak, Il Mulino, Kimonos, Amare, and more. Plus, there are additional booths offering even more food and drink options. Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Ice Cream During last year’s Food & Wine Classic, some of our favorite dishes included the Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib with Celery Root Espuma and Shallot Marmalade from Bourbon Steak, Chicken Wings from the Beer Garden, the Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Ice Cream from the Beer Garden, and the Shu Mein from Chinatown. However, there is LOTS of food to be enjoyed. Last year, there were 17 stands offering more than 45 dishes. Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib Mark your calendars for November 20th and 21st, 2026, for two evenings of deliciousness. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but we will update you once they are available! We are always on the lookout for the latest Disney World news to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Stay tuned to DFB for more! 10 HUGE Tips for the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic 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 attending the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

A trip to Disney World is MANY things: Magical, fun, memory defining… and without a doubt tiring. No matter how one loves the resort’s theme parks, most guests need at least one blast of caffeine to get themselves through the day (It’s me, I’m most guests), and that’s where soda comes in. Refreshing Disney magic is REAL, and it’s AWESOME, but it’s NOT gonna be enough to power me through my busy day of riding roller coasters, walking 10+ miles, and watching the fireworks with a DOLE Whip in hand. So I need caffeine, and LOTS of it. When I need my Diet Coke fix and know that I’ll want more than just one cup, I know exactly where I need to go to find unlimited refills in the parks! After a busy morning of rope dropping Slinky Dog Dash, hurrying off to Tower of Terror to try to hop in the queue before the line got too long, then rushing back to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, I found myself at Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for an early lunch and rest in the A/C. Backlot Express Here’s the thing about Backlot Express…the food there is OK. It’s fine. It’s nothing super amazing — mostly burgers and chicken tenders, like you’d expect to find in a theme park — but there’s one BIG reason why I almost always end up at this restaurant when I’m in Hollywood Studios: The self-serve soda refill stations! Soda refill station When I’ve had a long, tiring morning of rushing around the park, I know that I’ll need 2-3 Diet Cokes around lunchtime in order to have the energy to keep going through the afternoon (especially if it’s hot and sunny out — that Orlando sun drains my energy so fast!). Soda If you’re like me, then you need to hear this WARNING: Not every fast food restaurant in Disney World has unlimited soda refills! There are only certain spots that have self-serve refill stations, so I’ve compiled a COMPLETE list here to help you get your caffeine fix the next time you visit. Note that you can get refills on your soda if you order one at a table service restaurant, so that’s always an option if you have reservations somewhere. This list focuses on quick service (or fast food) spots. Unlimited Soda Refills at Hollywood Studios Backlot Express As I mentioned before, Backlot Express tends to be my go-to for soda at Hollywood Studios. I like to grab some French fries and cheese sauce for DIY cheesy fries as I sip my Diet Coke and chill for a minute. Backlot Express Some other tasty menu options you might enjoy with your caffeine include a Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Burger, their Cuban Sandwich, and a Wookie Cookie. Check out our recent review of Backlot Express here. ABC Commissary ABC Commissary has had quite the character arc in Hollywood Studios! It used to be on my “definitely nope” list, but after a pretty major menu revamp a couple of years ago, I like it a LOT better now. ABC Commissary I’ve enjoyed the Shrimp Tacos and Mediterranean Salad here, but my FAVORITE Diet Coke accompaniment is the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Check out our recent review of ABC Commissary here. Unlimited Soda Refills at EPCOT Connections Eatery Connections Eatery is a gem for many reasons, including the huge dining room with lots of seating and the plethora of outlets available throughout the restaurant. Don’t even get me started on the wireless charging stations at some of the tables! So this is definitely a great spot to grab a Coke and hang out for a bit, recharging yourself along with your electronics. Connections Eatery If you’re looking to dine here too, we’ve really enjoyed the Hand-breaded Chicken Sandwich (it reminds us of Chick-fil-A!), the pizza, and the French Bistro Burger here. Don’t forget to end with the tasty Liege Waffle for dessert! Check out our recent review of Connections Eatery here. Sunshine Seasons The soda refill situation at Sunshine Seasons is a bit weird because the refill machines are located beyond the cash registers, where you collect your food before you pay for it. Once you’ve paid, you go out into the dining area where you’ll find all the booths, tables, and chairs. However, you ARE allowed to go back into that area to get soda refills! Sunshine Seasons To pair with your caffeinated drink of choice, try the Oak-grilled Rotisserie Chicken, the Birria Tacos, or the Pepperoni Pizza Roll. And do NOT leave without trying the Turtle Brownie or Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie. Check out our recent review of Sunshine Seasons here. Regal Eagle Regal Eagle is located in the World Showcase’s American Adventure pavilion. It offers barbecue fare inspired by various regions of the country, and we love the eats here (even though we’re kind of mad at them for taking our beloved Loaded Burnt Ends Fries off the menu). Fill up your cup! Still, we’ll always be down to grab a brisket sandwich or some of those tasty onion rings when we stop by to get our soda fix. Check out our recent review of Regal Eagle here. It’d be weird to talk about soda in EPCOT and NOT mention Club Cool. So we’re gonna bring it up, just with a warning. Club Cool Flavors Club Cool is a soda-tasting experience where you can sample different drinks from around the world (watch out for Beverly — that’s all we’re gonna say about that). However, please remember that you’re meant to sample the drinks. If you’re super thirsty and want a full-sized cup of soda (or even a float), you can always purchase one at the counter in the back, to the left of all the soda-tasting machines! Unlimited Soda Refills at Animal Kingdom Restaurantosaurus Restaurantosaurus is the Backlot Express of Animal Kingdom, meaning it’s got burgers and chicken nuggets and fries and it’s all just fine. The free soda refills are definitely a huge perk and probably the only reason why I’d eat here. Drink refill station However, there’s a BETTER quick service restaurant in Animal Kingdom that ALSO offers unlimited soda refills…Satu’li Canteen! Check out our recent review of Restaurantosaurus here. Satu’li Canteen Satu’li Canteen in the Pandora land of Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite restaurants in the park, and I’d come here to eat even if the soda refills weren’t free (but lucky for me, they are). Get your drinks at Satuli Canteen! At this spot, you can build your own bowl! You’ll start with a base of red and sweet potato hash, noodles, rice and beans, or salad, then add a protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu), and then pick a sauce to top it all off. As if that weren’t enough to make me love it, Satu’li Canteen is also the home of Cheeseburger Pods, which are bao buns that are filled with ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheddar cheese. YUM. Check out our recent review of Satu’li Canteen here. Unlimited Soda Refills at Disney World Hotels You can get free soda refills at just about every quick service restaurant and food court located at the Disney World hotels. Refill Station at Pop Century Some of the pool bars have self-serve soda refill stations, too! Drink Station at Drop Off Pool Bar And what’s even better is that you can get free soda refills throughout your entire trip if you buy a resort refillable mug! Refillable Mug The mugs can be refilled at ANY hotel (not just the one you’re staying at), but note that they can’t be refilled anywhere in the parks. Learn more about refillable resort mugs here! Unlimited Soda Refills at Disney Springs There are a few spots at Disney Springs — Disney World’s shopping and dining district — that offer unlimited soda refills, too. D-Luxe Burger D-Luxe Burger, Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy, and Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza are a few of my favorites. Check out some of our favorite Disney Springs restaurants here. But What About Magic Kingdom? We’ve talked about Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, the hotels, and even Disney Spring. So you’re probably wondering where you can get your soda fix in Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, the most popular park is also the only one without any unlimited soda refills. Magic Kingdom At all of the quick service spots in Magic Kingdom, a Cast Member will fill up your drink for you behind the counter, so there are no self-serve soda machines. Can You Get Refills at Places that DON’T Have Self-Serve Soda Machines? Many quick service restaurants in Disney World don’t have self-serve soda machines, and instead, a Cast Member fills up your drink for you. But in those situations, can you just ask for a free refill from the Cast Members? Cosmic Ray’s We’ve asked about the soda refill policy at many restaurants and have been met with lots of different answers. Sometimes the Cast Members are totally fine to refill our drink, and other times they’ll tell us no. Once, a Cast Member said that they could give us one refill but no more. So it seems like there isn’t really a hard-and-fast rule or policy, and it just depends on where you go and who you talk to. It never hurts to ask about refills, but just be aware that the Cast Members may tell you no. I hope this helps as you’re planning out your Disney World caffeine strategy! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news and for tips as you plan your upcoming vacation. Click here to learn all about Disney World’s water bottle refill stations! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite place to get soda in Disney World? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

Big Figment news!!! A brand-new Figment popcorn bucket is coming to the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. The beloved purple dragon returns to the festival-exclusive popcorn bucket once again, and it is SO cute! 2026 Figment Artist Popcorn Bucket ©Disney The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off tomorrow, January 16th, and runs through February 23rd, 2026. The festival celebrates three artistic disciplines: the Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts, and features Food Studios, artist showcases, live entertainment, interactive art activities, and so much more. You won’t have to stand for hours in a long line to get your hands on it either! Disney will be utilizing the mobile order feature for this adorable popcorn bucket. To order the bucket, on the day of your EPCOT Festival of the Arts visit, you will head to the My Disney Experience app and select “Order Food.” Select an arrival window for the “EPCOT Souvenir Release.” 2025 Figment Popcorn Bucket Once your arrival time arrives, head to the Odyssey Building (between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion) and tap the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button. You will get a notification when your order is ready, and you will head over to the mobile order pick-up area. Then you will have secured your very own artist Figment popcorn bucket! Guests can submit one mobile order per day for up to 2 popcorn buckets. Popcorn bucket pick-up Disney has been using this system for popcorn bucket releases for a while now to prevent long lines. We think it has made it so much easier, and also saves you a lot of time. Just don’t forget to place your mobile order in the morning! Time slots do run out, and we want to make sure you can get this bucket if you want it. Figment Popcorn Bucket Line in 2022; it was LONG! We will be coming at you live from the Festival of the Arts tomorrow, so check back for full coverage of this year’s festival. We are always keeping an eye out for the latest Disney World news, and we are in the parks every single day to make sure you have the most up-to-date information! Stay tuned to DFB for more. FULL MENUS ANNOUNCED for the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts 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 this new Figment popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back, with a wide swath of disciplines gathering. It remains a very visual event, but it’s also designed to entertain ears and taste buds. Returning to the theme park are sets of Broadway singers, the walk-in works of art, behind-the-scenes exhibits and creative cuisine served up at two dozen outlets. (One or two have Skittles products, which, we must admit, are colorful choices.) This fest, which debuted at Walt Disney World in 2017, is included with regular Epcot admission. It runs from Jan. 16 through Feb. 23. CommuniCore encore For the second year, “Once Upon a Stage: The Magic of Disney on Broadway” exhibit is set up inside CommuniCore Hall. Props and costumes from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast” are featured. “The focus really is for that walkthrough experience to be more of that behind-the-scenes aspects of our Broadway productions, and kind of getting that real peek behind the curtain, so to speak,” said Christopher Revetria, a producer with Disney Live Entertainment. “There’s going to be an exceptionally exciting element from ‘Aladdin’ that will be outdoors, actually, not within the space, that I think guests are really going to engage with,” Revetria said without being a spoiler. Also outdoors and nearby are musical acts on the CommuniCore Plaza stage. Among the instruments in use are violin, guitar, ukulele, sitar and saxophone. Returning are Benoit Lajeunesse and Don Black, and “we’re excited to be incorporating some new talent this year on that stage,” Revetria said. Jelani Remy, who played Simba in "The Lion King," will perform in the Epcot concert series. (Courtesy Joan Marcus) Broadway bunch A dozen actors are scheduled to appear in the Disney on Broadway concert series at America Gardens Theatre. That includes six newbies to the event. Newcomers are Isabelle McCalla (“Aladdin”), Sierra Boggess (“The Little Mermaid”), Anastacia McCleskey (“Tarzan”), Ainsley Melham (“Aladdin”), James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) and Susan Egan (“Beauty and the Beast.”) The six festival veterans include Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”), Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”), Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”), Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”), Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”) and Jelani Remy (“The Lion King”). Jacobs and McCalla kick off the lineup Friday. Showtimes each day are 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Food front The 2026 festival menu has 56 edible items, 30 of which are listed as new to the fest. Among the fresh options are Nashville hot chicken sandwich (sold at Connections Eatery) and steakhouse lobster Caesar salad (Artist’s Table). It’s also fun to say Plate of Impossible Bites, which is listed as roasted turkey breast, onion and bacon custard tart, cherry gel, brown butter toast milk foam and pineapple-toffee butter. It’s sold at the Fictional Victuals kiosk near the Disney Traders store. On the sweet side are deconstructed key lime pie (from Deconstructed Dish near Test Track) and color scheme cake — one that uses Skittles Pop’d, a freeze-dried candy — from Figment’s Inspiration Station within the Odyssey. On the beverage menu, there are 71 items, 27 of them new to the arts fest. Among them are a matcharita (from El Artista Hambriento in Epcot’s Mexico) and the nonalcoholic “grapey apple boba” from Goshiki in Japan. In the cards Disney Lorcana, a trading card game, is making its Epcot arts fest debut. In non-theme park play, the game revolves around Illumineers, glimmers, inklands, a lorebook and other buzzwords and actions that are important to players. It’s built upon Disney characters and locations. During the festival, participants get questbooks on the bridge to World Showcase and follow instructions to collect four specific (but “larger-than-life”) cards. This leads to three specific collectible cards: Rapunzel as an appreciative artist, Donald Duck being a pie-slinger and Stitch in rock star mode. Their roles represent the arts. Certainly the cards are imaginative. The Lorcana website refers to them as “mini masterpieces.” Also on the bridge to World Showcase is a new photo op based on a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse card from the game’s “Fabled” set. Festival of the Arts participants can help create group murals during the Epcot event, which returns Friday. (Courtesy Walt Disney Co.) Return engagements Many of the arts fest staples are again on hand at Epcot. Displays of artist wares, available for purchase, ring World Showcase and seep into other parts of the park. There are meet and greet opportunities with real, live human artists, Also back are chalk art experiences – both on the ground and on buildings – plus paint-by-number group murals and a Figment-based scavenger hunt. Animation Academy, where visitors learn to draw a character from a featured artist, is held at America Gardens Theatre at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. There will be seven Artful Photo Ops, those 3-D re-creations of famed artwork designed to insert visitors into the scene. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

For 40 years, guests at EPCOT have been diving into a world where curiosity runs as deep as the ocean. Today, The Seas with Nemo & Friends celebrates four decades of inspiring explorers to discover the wonders beneath the waves. Let’s dive in and explore this incredible journey! The Past: How It All Began Originally opened as The Living Seas on Jan. 15, 1986, the pavilion offered more than just an aquarium — it was an immersive journey into ocean exploration. Guests began their adventure by boarding hydrolators, which created the sensation of traveling beneath the waves to Seabase Alpha, a futuristic undersea research center. Here, the experience unfolded through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities that made the mysteries of the deep accessible to everyone. Tom, Animal Policy & Content Director for Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, who helped open The Living Seas, explained that the goal was to transport guests to the ocean floor so they could experience marine research firsthand. “With no large aquariums like this at the time, we had to be creative in engaging guests,” Tom said. “It paid off — we were inspired by the vision to create something as beautiful as the ocean.” Did you know the pavilion featured the largest indoor saltwater environment in North America when it first opened? And today, it’s still among the largest aquariums! Creating this incredible space wasn’t easy – it took teamwork, creativity, and a whole lot of commitment. In fact, the early development pushed the boundaries of innovation, leading to breakthroughs in filtration systems, habitat design, and even a custom-made saltwater mix. The pavilion introduced incredible innovations like reverse-flow filtration that recycled 5.7 million gallons of water and curved acrylic windows offering breathtaking underwater views. And it didn’t stop there: a pioneering closed-loop water system set a new benchmark for sustainable practices that influenced aquariums around the world. In 2004, Turtle Talk with Crush made a splash, giving guests a fun, interactive way to connect with the ocean. Then in 2007, The Living Seas transformed into The Seas with Nemo & Friends — the name guests know and love today — bringing beloved characters and iconic Disney storytelling to the experience. The Present: Innovation in Animal Care and Conservation Today, the pavilion is home to over 2,000 animals, 90 marine species and a team of dedicated cast members, including veterinarians, nutritionists, educators, aquarists, divers and many more. Every day brings something new — whether it’s stingray feedings, surgery on a tiny fish, sea turtle training or efforts with cuttlefish that’s helping advance marine care and conservation around the globe. “All animals at Walt Disney World receive the highest standard of care,” said Dee, an animal care manager at The Seas. “Surgical procedures in fish or sharks are uncommon and often require innovative approaches. We are fortunate to have exceptional resources and a highly dedicated team that enables us to achieve outcomes that might otherwise seem impossible. No two days are the same, and I am continually learning from both my colleagues and the animals in our care.” The Seas plays a vital role in manatee conservation by providing short-term critical care to these gentle giants. Disney is one of several facilities nationwide participating in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) — a cooperative effort focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing manatees back into the wild. Fun fact: Disney has successfully rehabilitated and released 30 manatees! And more than 350 sea turtles have made their way to Walt Disney World — and back into the big blue! Rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured sea turtles is something Disney has long supported for years, and it’s not just vital for the species — it’s incredibly rewarding for cast members who are passionate about these animals. From the magic of The Seas with Nemo & Friends to the wonders of the real ocean… Beyond Florida, Disney scientists and researchers are working hard to give coral a second chance at life. Their efforts stretch far beyond EPCOT, reaching into the actual sea where innovation and conservation meet to protect fragile ecosystems. As part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas, the team focuses on outplanting coral fragments — helping them grow and create new habitats for fish and other marine species. It’s all about restoring balance and ensuring these vibrant ecosystems thrive for generations to come. The Disney Conservation Fund is celebrating 30 years of making a difference — with an incredible $132 million invested in wildlife and global conservation efforts! Of that, $24 million has gone directly to projects protecting marine species like manatees, sea turtles, and coral. The Future: Inspiring the Next Generation As EPCOT continues to transform, The Seas stays true to its mission – connecting guests to the ocean and advancing animal care. “When guests connect with these animals, something amazing happens – they start caring about how to protect them,” said Dr. Geoff, animal operations director at The Seas. “We’re impacting the next generation, and they’re the ones who will help us save our oceans. It all begins with a moment of wonder right here at Disney.” A Pavilion with a Legacy as Deep as the Ocean From its start as an engineering marvel to its role today as a leader in animal care and conservation, The Seas with Nemo & Friends has always carried EPCOT’s spirit of curiosity and connection. Here’s to 40 years of marine magic and unforgettable moments under The Seas! Interested in learning more about Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team? Follow Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment on Facebook and Dr. Mark on Instagram. The post The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT Celebrates 40 Years appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Alright, Annual Passholders, the whole reason you got your Disney World pass is finally happening. A new, free Passholder magnet is dropping soon! Annual Passholder magnet Okay, so you probably bought your pass to go to Disney World anytime you want, but getting a free magnet is also pretty awesome. It’s kinda like a Passholder right of passage! Disney is starting to hint at a new one, and we have a sneak peek. Disney posted this to the Passholder Buzz (the Annual Passholder section of the Walt Disney World app) that says “Sleuthing Gone Wild” along with “We have unidentified suspects on the dance floor. Have a hunch who it could be?” Of course, it had silhouettes of Zootopia characters. ©Disney Magnets are released a few times throughout the year for a limited amount of time (usually about a month or two), and lately, we’ve been able to pick up our magnets in Animal Kingdom. Considering the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show started in the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, it’s likely we’ll be able to pick up our magnet here. Zootopia: Better Zoogether So we think it’s Zootopia themed, but who will be on it? Judy Hopps? Nick Wilde? Both of them? Maybe Gary the Snake from Zootopia 2, which recently came to theaters (and hey Disney, when is it coming to Disney+? Please and thank you!). ©Disney Some magnets that have been released lately have been Crush, Stitch, Timon and Pumbaa, Hei Hei, and Maleficent. You also get a Minnie and Mickey magnet when you first get your pass, and if you’ve never received one, you can contact Annual Passholder Services through the Disney World website, which can help answer any questions about them. Sometimes, they send a holiday gift, and for 2025, it was a wall calendar! 2026 Annual Passholder Calendar We’re pretty excited for our new magnet, and in the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the up-to-date Disney World information you need in your life. From planning your next trip to feeling the Disney magic in between visits, we have everything you need right here. DISNEY DINING DISCOUNTS AND MORE FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS 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 an Annual Passholder? Tell us your favorite perk in the comments below! View the full article

The next time you visit the AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24, keep in mind that you’re walking in the footsteps of Disney Legends, Imagineers, and Disneyland Handcrafted director, Leslie Iwerks. Via rare archival footage, the new documentary explores the days leading up to the opening of Disneyland in 1955, revealing the pressure of tight deadlines and the hands-on hard work it took to bring The Happiest Place on Earth to life. Disney Parks Blog caught up with Leslie, cast, and Disney Imagineers at the special-advanced screening to hear what they thought of the film. The Stars Arrive at Disney Springs Yesterday, a red carpet sprouted between theaters two and three, inviting a crowd of cast members and media, all buzzing to view Disneyland Handcrafted for the first time. Tuesday afternoon movie-goers shuffled by curiously and asked us more than a few times about what was happening in the typically quiet hallway. Old friends were greeted, laughs shared, stories swapped, and popcorn grabbed at the door. Creators and Imagineers alike posed for photos against a Disneyland Handcrafted backdrop, Leslie Iwerks may have pulled out the disembodied hand of Abraham Lincoln at some point, and our team was ready to capture the excitement before and after the show. Fresh off the heels of a star-studded Burbank premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted last week the excitement continued here at Walt Disney World. This special screening focused on sharing Walt’s vision with cast members, famous for enhancing the guest experience every day. Former and current representatives of the Disney Ambassadors, Imagineers, cast members, Leslie, and even a couple original 1955 Disneyland cast members, Tom Nabbe and Bill Hoelscher. Imagineers and Anticipation Before the Premiere So what else can be said about the grand opening of Disneyland? What haven’t we seen in the past 70 years? Those are the questions that Imagineer, Diego Parras, was looking forward to finding out ahead of watching the film. Diego previously worked with Leslie Iwerks on The Imagineering Story, a six-part docuseries that takes the viewer behind the curtains of Walt Disney Imagineering and the creation of Disney theme parks and attractions around the world. “Leslie is a master storyteller,” said Diego. “I can’t wait to see how she visually put together all these incredible stories that we’ve heard for years from our Disney legends.” He’s not the only Imagineer thrilled to see specific moments come to life. Imagineer Ash Brannon shared that he’s ready to see the birth of his favorite attraction. You might know which one that is based on this infamous quote: “And if you look to your left, you’ll see the backside of water.” If you guessed The Jungle Cruise, you’re correct. This beloved attraction is a favorite for many like Ash due to the comedic moments and unique atmosphere – and it’s one of many milestones that was accomplished within 12 months. A Standing Ovation As the film concluded and the lights slowly turned on, a crowd rose with cheers and happy tears as they began to applaud Leslie’s film. Leslie is the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks, Disney Legend and co-creator of Mickey Mouse, and daughter of Disney Legend, Don Iwerks. Following in the creative family footsteps, Leslie is an Oscar- and Emmy-nominated documentary director and producer. The crowd was eager to hear from Leslie and Michael Hundgen, Portfolio Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering during a Q&A session in the theater. Disney Ambassadors React to Disneyland Handcrafted Leslie was excited to see the cast be so moved by the film, “The fact that it just took such hard work on Walt’s behalf to risk everything and for everybody to mobilize around his singular vision to pull off the impossible. Everyone continues that DNA; they continue everything that he put in place on that dirt plot. And [cast members] continue the magic every day.” The very first Walt Disney World Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne came out of the theater with big feels about how the film captured the creation of Disneyland, “I was brought to tears about five times, it was so sweet! I hadn’t seen most of that footage.” Debby said the film reminded her of when she was hired as a Walt Disney World cast member in 1969 (before becoming the first Ambassador in 1970). As part of the Walt Disney World Preview Center, she was here for the very beginnings of Magic Kingdom, “It was just mud and big equipment … seeing Walt Disney World from scratch and then seeing [Disneyland Handcrafted]; it really got me so emotional.” We also caught up Michael Collier, former 2006 Walt Disney World Ambassador, who told Disney Parks Blog how he enjoyed the niche moments and surprises for even the most seasoned cast members, “As an Ambassador, we get the chance to hear lots of Disneyland stories. Those that cast members have heard, or Disney fans have heard. But this took us to some of the backstories of the backstories.” Shannon Smith-Conrad, former 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Ambassador said she got chills as she chatted about the film, “If you’re looking for a dose of motivation and inspiration to chase after your dreams, you have to watch Disneyland Handcrafted.” We spotted Kylee Withers and Phelicia Blake near the red carpet — who currently represent Walt Disney World cast members as part of the Ambassador team. Like the Ambassadors that came before them, Kylee and Phelicia shared the same emotion (and admittedly, a few tears). Phelicia reflected on the legacy of Disneyland, “Just to see where we all started, to where we are now. It was amazing to see. There were times where I was trying not to cry, honestly, because it was so honest and vulnerable.” And Kylee connected with the cast members on screen, “I love the title, ‘Disneyland Handcrafted,’ because this film really is a testament to how much Disneyland truly was a labor of love, and I think seeing this footage for the first time, you realize it’s handmade. Every single thing was a person that believed in what Walt Disney believed in to make that dream a reality.” How to Watch Disneyland Handcrafted Time to begin your countdown! We are only a few days away from Disneyland Handcrafted debuting on Disney+ and Disney YouTube. So, grab your friends and gather around the TV on January 22 to tune into this emotional look at the year-long creation of Disneyland in this uplifting tale that shows any dream is possible with a little magic and determination. Here’s a look at the trailer. Cinematic Celebrations: ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ READ MORE How to Watch the Debut of ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ READ MORE ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’: Release Date and More READ MORE The post Here’s What Everyone Had to Say About ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Heading to the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts? Make sure you’re doing it in style! 2025 Festival of the Arts No matter what you’re looking forward to most — the food, the art, the entertainment, or the merchandise — this festival has it ALL. The only thing it doesn’t have is the perfect shirt you can wear as you eat and drink your way around the world. Okay, okay, there will be shirts for sale at the festival, of course, but chances are they won’t be as affordable as the ones we just found online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Winnie the Pooh Hunny shirt ©Amazon If there’s one thing we know Winnie the Pooh likes, it’s eating! Wear this shirt to the EPCOT Festival of the Arts to invoke his bottomless stomach vibes so you can eat everything your heart desires. We know Winnie the Pooh certainly would! View online This Disney Villains shirt is giving Pop Art vibes ©Amazon Channel your inner Andy Warhol with this Villains shirt that’s giving total Pop Art vibes! It features the Evil Queen, Ursula, Shan Yu, Jafar, Lady Tremaine, and Maleficent. It also comes in multiple different colors, so you can pick which one you like the best! View online We love this Mickey sketch shirt ©Amazon Get your sketch on with this adorable Mickey sketch shirt! Animation is the heart of all things Disney, so what better way to celebrate the Festival of the Arts than with, well, art?! This one also comes in several different colors and is designed with a relaxed fit in mind. View online Or, you can grab this Cinderella shirt ©Amazon Our girl, Cinderella, is looking pretty in pink on this shirt with cartoon script. This design captures the whimsy and charm of this iconic Disney princess. Perfect for showing your Disney spirit wherever you go! View online Don’t forget about Figment with this paint shirt ©Amazon The Festival of the Arts is all about Figment, so what better way to show your love of the festival than with this shirt? Find the right pigment with your pal, Figment, as he paints on this colorful shirt. Just be prepared for lots of people to stop and ask you where you got it! View online And finally, we love this fine line Mickey and Minnie shirt ©BoxLunch This fine-line drawing of Mickey and Minnie is simple yet so sweet! It’s a baby t-shirt, meaning that it’s slightly cropped and meant to be worn a little bit tight. If you want an oversized or loose look, we recommend sizing up one or two sizes to ensure the right fit! 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

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has added two members to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD): Matt Ravenscroft and David Woods. ©Governor Ron DeSantis Website The duo marks the governor’s latest appointees to the board, which he essentially created in 2023 as a renamed replacement for the Reedy Creek Improvement District as part of a political battle with Disney stemming from culture war issues. Ravenscroft and Woods bring varied experiences to their new board positions. Ravenscroft is the Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando. Previously, he served as a Senior Vice President of Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. Ravenscroft attended the University of Central Florida and earned his associate’s degree from Valencia College. Woods is an attorney at Woods & Woods, P.A., working in real estate, wills, trusts, and estates. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and his juris doctor from St. Thomas University. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District According to the board, which is currently led by DeSantis’ former Senior Advisor and the Director of Legislative Affairs Stephanie Kopelousos, its purpose is to “support and administer certain aspects of the economic development and tourism within District boundaries.” This includes the responsibility of overseeing “land use and environmental protections within the District, and provide essential public services (e.g. fire protection, emergency medical services, potable water production, treatment, storage, pumping & distribution, reclaimed water distribution, chilled water systems, wastewater services, drainage and flood control, electric power generation & distribution, and solid waste and recyclables collection & disposal) and operate and maintain all public roadways & bridges.” Driving to Disney World Ron DeSantis has appointed two new members to the Florida Tourism Oversight District, which oversees the special district where Disney World resides. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Florida politics impacting Walt Disney World. Destination: Disney World! Flying To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO) Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on the latest CFTOD appointees? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

You may not realize how important it is to have certain items in your bag before you travel to Disney World, but trust us, when you get to the parks and decide that it would be best to have some of those must-haves, only to find that you’re without them, it’s a bad feeling. EPCOT Now, we’re also not fans of making purchases that we actually don’t need, because then we feel like we’ve wasted our hard-earned money on something that we will never use again. That’s why WE do all the testing and let you know what’s worth it and what’s not, so you don’t have to make those hard choices! If you’re heading to the parks this year, these are the seven products we think you absolutely need in your bag. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. FuelRods FuelRod We get it, you’re probably thinking, “Wouldn’t ANY portable charger work? Why do you keep recommending FuelRods?” The truth is that they’ve saved our BUTTS so many times in the parks, because you can trade out your dead FuelRod for a totally changed one at no extra cost. It’s GREAT to have that peace of mind in the parks! Grab it right here! The Best Poncho Out There Frogg Toggs Poncho There are lots of ponchos out there on the market, and we’ve experienced firsthand just how bad a lot of them can be. The Frogg Toggs Poncho, on the other hand? It’s never let us down, and we have MULTIPLE members of our team who use these all the time. They’re strong, durable, will cover your whole body, and are so waterproof that water basically falls right off of them. Now that’s impressive! Grab it right here! You Can Never Go Wrong With A Mini Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan We’ve been in the parks on a hot day, OR on a chillier day when the heat has been BLASTING in a ride queue or restaurant and quickly makes us uncomfortable, and have wished to no end we had something that would give us a bit of a breeze. That’s where the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan comes in! We’ve tried out a LOT of mini fans, but this one is 100% the way to go. It easily fits in your bag and pocket, and not only is it a fan, but it’s also a portable charger AND a flashlight. Grab it right here! No Harmful UV Rays Here BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella Despite how much sunscreen you put on, no matter what time of year it is, you can always benefit from keeping the sun’s harmful UV rays away from your skin. During the summer, though, it’ll also help keep you cooler, which is why you often feel relief when you step under shade. With the BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella, you can bring the shade around with you, because not only does this umbrella cover you, but it also bounces the UV rays back towards the sky! Grab it right here! Perfect For Any Time, But Especially Festivals! Reusable Travel Utensils Set When you’re wandering around Disney World, trying desperately to find a plastic fork or spoon to eat your meal with, but you also don’t want to keep walking around and around, not having any luck, and you just want to eat your food. Instead, bring along the Reusable Travel Utensils Set with you, and you’ll never be without silverware again! It’s easy to clean off, holds up well, and comes in its own traveling case, so it’s simple to carry around. Grab it right here! Paper Straws? We Love The Idea, Not The Execution Silicone straw set There’s nothing worse than a Disney paper straw completely falling apart in your mouth and making it impossible to drink your favorite drink. That’s why we prefer to bring along the Sunseeke Silicone Straws, because not only will they not fall apart, but they’re easy to clean, and you can put them in the carrying cases that come with the set. Grab it right here! Keep Those Hands Clean! Touchland and Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case There are tons of hand sanitizers out there on the market, but despite the higher price, we can’t ignore that the Touchland & Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer + Mist Case is not only adorable but also leaves our hands feeling clean AND nourished. It’s also easy to clip to your bag, which makes it easy to access throughout your whole day. Grab it right here! We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the best items we find to make your days in the Disney World parks easier, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

It’s hard to believe that 70 years old, one man’s dream became a theme park that eventually launched theme parks all across the world. But that’s exactly what Walt Disney did when he dreamed up Disneyland and created The Happiest Place on Earth, even against all odds. ©Disney Now, we’ve learned a lot from shows like The Imagineering Story about how Disneyland and its rides were created, but a brand new documentary about the creation of Disneyland, Disneyland Handcrafted, goes even deeper with “the sights, sounds, and first-hand accounts” of those who helped create this iconic OG Disney theme park. Well, we got some NEW details about that documentary recently at a media event. Disneyland Handcrafted takes a brand-new look at Disneyland’s creation. The movie uses archival footage and soundbites to give a “fly-on-the-wall perspective” of what it was like on the ground while Disneyland was being built. Disneyland Handcrafted At the media event, Disneyland Handcrafted director Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, talked about the film. One of the first things we learned is that much of the footage that was found didn’t have sound, so they had to add sound back in. Fortunately, when Disney made The Imagineering Story, it had a lot of those sound effects, etc., so the filmmakers borrowed from that. Leslie Iwerks The idea of the documentary is that the footage you’ll see is day-to-day footage of the people who were there as Disneyland was being created, so that viewers can live through the cameramen who were filming it at the time. One of the most surprising things when watching the documentary is that this is all old footage because it feels like you’re watching a movie that was put together with different angles and shots. ©Disney There’s also a really great soundbite in the film that Iwerks says is the most impactful piece. It’s where Walt explains that he has little regard for money, but also has plenty of regard for money, and how some people think money is to be stored up in big piles somewhere, but he always thought that it was meant for one thing: doing things. Doing things like building Disneyland. ©Disney You see, Walt was throwing something at an idea knowing that it could bankrupt him, and he worried about it. But you know what? He did it anyway despite being told by many people that it would never work. Well, joke’s on them 70 years later because Disneyland and Disney World are going strong, and Disney theme parks have been built around the world. ©Disney However, Walt didn’t deny that building Disneyland and opening it on time was a miracle, as you can see in this clip from the film.  Disneyland Handcrafted launches on Disney+ and on Disney’s YouTube Channel on January 22nd, so mark those calendars! We’ll keep you updated on more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more. “The Pressure Must Have Been Enormous on Everybody” — NEW Disneyland Documentary Director and Producer Leslie Iwekrs Spoke with Me About the Film 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 looking forward to this documentary? Let us know in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend their media preview of Disneyland Handcrafted. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

Calling all ’90s babies and Toy Story fans! We just found the perfect sweatshirt for you. Toy Story Land! Whether you’re planning an upcoming trip to Disney World (during the ~4 more days it’s probably going to be cold there this year) or are just looking for something cozy to wear around the house, chances are you’ll be able to find it at Target. And, if you’re a Toy Story fan, you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on this sweatshirt! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this amazing Toy Story Pizza Planet sweatshirt ©Target Bring a fun vibe to your casual lineup with the Women’s Pizza Planet Graphic Pullover Sweatshirt in Off-White. Made from soft, midweight fleece, this long-sleeve sweatshirt offers cozy comfort that’s perfect for everyday wear. The regular fit and at-waist length create an easy, relaxed silhouette, while ribbed cuffs and hem help lock in warmth and maintain shape. ©Target Finished with a classic round neckline and a bold Pizza Planet graphic on an off-white background, this pullover adds playful character to park visits, lounging, errands, or laid-back outings. View online at Target 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

As anyone planning to vacation in 2026 can attest, inflation is wreaking havoc on the travel industry’s prices, making it imperative to find a deal wherever you can. That’s where these latest deals from Southwest Airlines come in! Flying to our next adventure! Currently, Southwest is offering several big deals for travelers looking to book airfare. Let’s begin with the “From Bucket List to Boarding Pass” deal, which offers one-way fares for as low as $59. If you want to take advantage, you’ll have to act fast, as trips must be booked by January 15th at 11:59 p.m. PT. The deal is valid for continental U.S. travel only from February 3rd through May 20th. Tickets are on refundable, seats, days, and markets are limited, fares are valid on nonstop service where indicated, and points bookings do not include government fees from $5.60 per one-way flight. Additional fees may apply. ©Southwest For those looking to visit somewhere cold, perhaps for skiing. or snowboarding, the airline is also offering specialty fares to “some of the most popular spots for snow sports” in Colorado, Washington, Maine, etc. Get ready to traverse the mountainside and wind down with après ski fun on your next snow-bound vacation with Southwest.” ©Southwest If you’re not a snow bunny, Southwest is also offering “sun worshippers, beach bums, and bathing beauties” a discount on trips to popular beach destinations stateside and beyond, including spots in California, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and more “sun-soaked destinations.” ©Southwest Finally, keep in mind that each week, Southwest offers Wanna Go Wednesday deals on last-minute travel to major American cities. ©Southwest If you’re considering taking a trip in the next few months, get over to Southwest Airlines NOW for some big savings on flights before time runs out. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel deals! Destination: Disney World! Flying To and From Orlando International Airport (MCO) 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 planning on traveling soon? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Guys, this is NOT a drill! One of our favorite Disney Springs spots, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, just released a NEW limited-edition donut. To celebrate their 5th anniversary at Springs, they just launched this Disney World exclusive. It was the breakfast of our dreams! Everglazed’s Blueberry Pop-Tart Donut The Blueberry Pop-Tart Donut is $6.95. It starts with Everglazed’s signature glazed donut – a pillowy soft donut with a sweet hardened glaze. Then it’s topped with a white icing and rainbow sprinkles that are reminiscent of our favorite childhood breakfast. Piped on top is a blueberry-flavored buttercream frosting (which tastes exactly like the inside of a Pop-Tart!) that’s supporting whole blueberry Pop-Tart pieces. Then stuffed in the middle is a tart blueberry jam that evens out the sweetness. We’d recommend this donut to anyone who loves a good old-fashioned Pop-Tart. Everglazed’s Blueberry Pop-Tart Donut They really nailed the flavor with this one — it really tasted just like a Blueberry Pop-Tart! The jelly inside was SO good, and the blueberry flavor was intense. The donut itself was fluffy and fresh, and the blueberry buttercream frosting was a nice, creamy addition to the whole thing. Plus, how can you beat the Pop-Tarts on top?! If you need another reason to check out Everglazed, we love their chicken tenders – get a chicken and donut meal to have your own chicken donut sandwich with fries for the perfect brunch. For drinks, they make juicy refreshers and fun flavored cold brews. And if you’re feeling a plain Jane donut, we love their chocolate and strawberry frosted options. They have something for everyone! Need! Them! All! Everglazed is hidden in the back of Disney Springs – find it on Disney Springs’ West Side, nestled between Splitsville and AMC Theaters; it’s down the alley towards the Orange Garage entrance. Everglazed is known for its limited-edition flavors. Recently, we’ve loved their lemon-glazed donut and their holiday 6-pack. They’re always coming out with can’t-miss sweet treats, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for their next new donut! Check out our review of their permanent menu! 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 trying the Pop-Tart donut? Comment below! View the full article

Oh, the times they are a-changin’ over at Southwest Airlines, and passengers are paying more as a result. ©Southwest Airlines Starting on January 27th, 2026, Southwest is installing yet ANOTHER controversial protocol change after a year of questionable beloved feature removals. If you’re out of the loop but looking to fly with Southwest in the near future — or beyond — there are a couple of perks that were once free that will now cost you extra. Here’s everything you need to know… Let’s start with the most recent change. After more than 50 years of an open seating/first-come-first-served seating policy that rewards earlier boarding (which wasn’t completely based on fare pricing), Southwest Airlines is completely changing its protocol by whipping out a new boarding system on January 27th that is more the norm — replacing open seating with numbered seating instead. ©Southwest This massive change makes Southwest operate more like its competitors, especially with its new tiered seating options. Most folks will opt for the new Standard Seats — seats that don’t cost extra, but offer standard legroom and are mostly behind the exit rows. ©Southwest However, in an effort to maximize profits, Southwest is currently offering upgraded seats, including Preferred Seats near the front of the cabin and Extra Legroom Seats — which offer a “roomier experience with more legroom to stretch out, at the front of the cabin and near the exit rows, with up to five additional inches of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats,” according to Southwest. ©Southwest These new seat options are offered in fare bundles. They are as follows: Basic Bundle Standard seat Board last (unless you pay extra for Priority Boarding) 2X fare on Rapid Rewards points Flight credits expire after 6 months and are non-transferable Can only be refunded with a non-transferable Flight Credit Flight changes can only be made for a fare upgrade fee No cancel fees Free in-flight entertainment Southwest Cabin Choice Bundle Standard seat General boarding (unless you pay extra for Priority Boarding) 6X fare on Rapid Rewards points Flight credits expire after 12 months (transferable) Flight change fees may apply No cancel fees Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change Free in-flight entertainment ©Southwest Choice Preferred Bundle A Preferred or Standard seat you select at booking Early General boarding (unless you pay extra for Priority Boarding) 10X fare on Rapid Rewards points Flight credits expire after 12 months (transferable) Flight is refundable Flight change fees may apply No cancel fees Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change EarlyBird Check-in Free in-flight entertainment Priority Lane and Express Lane ©Southwest Airlines Choice Extra Bundle Any seat you’d like onboard, booked ahead of your flight Early boarding (Priority Boarding costs extra) 2 free checked bags 14X fare on Rapid Rewards points Flight credits expire after 12 months (transferable) Flight is refundable Flight change fees may apply No cancel fees Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change Priority Boarding, A1-A15 Free in-flight entertainment Priority Lane and Express Lane Premium Drink ©Southwest Costs between bundles will vary based on destination, flight length, airport, booking date, flight demand, and other factors. With that said, if you deviate from Standard Seating, you could easily add $30-$150 to your fare. To get an idea of costs, we tested out the bundles for a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Orlando (MCO) — to stay within the Disney spirit — and came away with the following conclusions (for one specific flight): Basic costs nothing extra, Choice costs $35 to $50 extra, Choice Preferred costs $75 to $100 extra, Extra Legroom added on to Basic costs $60 to $100 extra, and Choice Extra costs $100 to $200 more. ©Southwest With that in mind, A-List/Southwest credit card members could still get free seat selection or the ability to upgrade into premium seating without paying extra upfront, depending on membership status. Premium Seating on ©Southwest Airlines But now it’s time to talk about the perk change that NOBODY liked. In 2025, Southwest got rid of its “First 2 Bags Fly Free” perk, and now ONLY Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares receive two free checked bags. A-List Members and other select passengers receive one free checked bag, and Southwest credits one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Traveling soon? As for everyone else? Regular passengers are now charged $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second checked bag, and $150 for the third and subsequent bags. No matter the circumstance, all bags must still adhere to the 50 lbs/62″ limitations. Southwest Airlines at John Wayne International Airport These changes are still jarring, to be completely honest. But we’ll be flying with Southwest in the future to see how these perks — or lackthereof — translate and affect the travel experience. In the meantime, continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest travel updates and tips! “Hate the New Changes.” Fans Are NOT Ready for This HUGE Southwest Airlines Change 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 the Southwest Airlines changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below! View the full article

Okay, get your calendars out because we have a new date that could be important for Disney fans to learn more about how the company is doing and what it has planned for the future. Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California The Walt Disney Company is having its first quarter 2026 earnings call at 8:30 AM ET on Monday, February 2nd. So why is this call so important for Disney fans? Well, first, the call comes with the Disney earnings report, showing how Disney did for the first quarter of 2026. That means we get to see how many people are spending money in the theme parks, paying theaters to see Disney movies, subscribing to Disney+ and other streaming services, and more. ©Disney However, that’s not the only thing we learn about during these calls. We also learn what the company has to say about its various departments, including possibly giving some updates about current projects, including theme park projects (like that Villains Land in Magic Kingdom), future movies, plans for streaming, and more. Villains Land ©Disney So it’s a great way to get the latest news on thc company. Make a note in your calendar! If you can’t listen in, though, we’ll be covering all the big announcements and news coming out of the earnings call, so be sure to keep an eye on the news here at DFB for all the updates. All the NEW Rides and Attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2026 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 What would you like Disney to announce during the earnings call? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

Disney World is known for its DOLE Whips, from classic flavors like pineapple to more adventurous seasonal flavors that rotate often. So when we were in EPCOT yesterday, we were so excited to see that they added a different DOLE Whip flavor! Yum! Refreshment Outpost in the World Showcase offers both permanent menu items and rotating festival sweet treats. EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts begins January 16th, and while we can’t wait for all the new goodies, we’re pretty sure this DOLE Whip will be taken over by a festival offering at the end of this week. The Raspberry Pineapple DOLE Whip Swirl was $6.29. The combination of classic pineapple and limited edition raspberry was complementary and refreshing. It’s the same creamy, fruity DOLE whip you know and love with a fun new twist. The waffle cone it was served in is your average waffle cone, and it stayed nice and crunchy even after our photo session. Isn’t she a beaut? The raspberry flavor isn’t new – it often pops up between EPCOT’s festival seasons – but to our knowledge, this is the first time it’s been served as a swirl offering with pineapple. This also isn’t an official menu item. We suspect that they rotate flavors between festivals to prevent product waste and keep things interesting. After all, we’re interested! Delicious We’d recommend this DOLE Whip to any dessert fan, but if you love DOLE Whips like we do, raspberry is a rare flavor that isn’t offered too often. It used to be offered at Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian Resort, but raspberry has been discontinued at most locations and is now almost exclusively offered during EPCOT festivals. We last saw the raspberry flavor at Refreshment Outpost’s Festival of the Holidays menu, but they were unable to swirl it with another DOLE Whip flavor at the time. We’re addicted to this new twist on a classic! Want even MORE new DOLE Whips? 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 getting this new, secret menu DOLE Whip? Comment below! View the full article

Here at Disney Food Blog, we love Bluey. What’s not to like about the cutest Australian blue heeler? And now that she’s coming to Disney, we can write about her all we want! (Just kidding… unless?) ©Bluey We’ve been longtime Bluey fans and have covered (more like stalked) the latest Bluey merchandise and news for our amazing, just as Bluey-obsessed readers. So imagine our surprise when a new Bluey popsicle was released! Here’s everything you need to know. Bluey has a new frozen confection bar by Popsicle, the makers of nostalgic SpongeBob and Spider-Man frozen treats. It’s a mixed berry flavor of strawberry and blueberry that comes from natural sources. They’re perfect for every Bluey fan, since they’re only 50 calories and 6 grams of sugar per pop. Bluey Popsicle box You can find Bluey Popsicles at most major retailers – they can be found at Walmart, Target, and Kroger. While they haven’t hit stores in our area just yet, Popsicle’s other cartoon character frozen bars retail around $6 a box. That’s about $1 a popsicle! ©Disney In other Bluey news, our favorite pups have been added to the Disney Wonder sailings for an exclusive meet-and-greet on Australian routes. Disney recently announced their plan to add Bluey to the West Coast at Disneyland, where guests can experience “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!“, an exclusive interactive show starting March 22nd, 2026, at the Fantasyland Theater. In addition to the show, there will also be meet-and-greets and themed food at the Troubadour Tavern next door. ©Disney On the East Coast, Bluey will be moving into the Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom. There’ll be meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo, in addition to games and dance parties hosted by them! Disney announced a release date of summer 2026, but we predict it will begin in late May or early June. Now we’re just curious if you’ll be able to eat a Bluey popsicle while meeting her? We just got a major update on Bluey in Animal Kingdom! 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 trying Bluey popsicles? Comment below! View the full article

I was not prepared for how good this new savory snack at Disney World would be. Le Bete de Crepe or The Beast Crepe There are EPCOT snacks…and then there are EPCOT snacks that make you stop walking, stop talking, and immediately plan your next bite. A new savory snack in EPCOT falls firmly into the second category. Tucked away in the France Pavilion, this galette surprised us in the best possible way, and we’re still thinking about it long after leaving! If you’re heading to EPCOT anytime soon and you love savory snacks, I need you to put La Bête de Crêpe (or the Beast Crêpe) at the top of your list, because this might be one of the best things we’ve eaten in the France Pavilion lately! The Beast Crepe You’ll find it at Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris (the quick service window offering up some of the most delicious sweet and savory snacks in all of Disney World) for $15.95, and honestly, it’s worth stopping for even if the line looks intimidating. This is a savory galette, and it’s filled with cheese, mushrooms, ham, and arugula — BUT the way these flavors come together is what makes it special! Crêpes à Emporter Let’s talk about the real star of the show first: the cheese. There’s a layer of cheese that gets baked right onto the top of the galette, creating this super crunchy, tangy crust that adds the most satisfying texture with every bite. It’s the kind of crunch you don’t expect, and once you notice it, you can’t stop thinking about it. Absolute perfection. Peek inside! Inside, the galette is warm, hearty, and rich without being too heavy. The mushrooms are used just enough to add that deep, savory umami flavor that balances out all the cheese. If you’re someone who’s sometimes on the fence about mushrooms, don’t worry, these don’t overpower the dish at all. They just quietly make everything taste better. The ham adds another layer of savory goodness, and then the peppery arugula comes in at the end to brighten everything up and cut through the richness. That little bit of freshness is exactly what this dish needs. A pinch of the crepe And can we talk about the size? This thing is huge!! Like, genuinely big enough to share (though we wouldn’t judge you at all if you didn’t want to.) It’s filling, comforting, and feels more like a meal than a snack, which is honestly a win when you’re spending a full day walking around World Showcase. A forkful! La Bête de Crêpe is one of those items that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “Wow, this is REALLY good.” If you’re craving something savory, warm, and packed with flavor, this galette is a must-order. Trust us — this is one EPCOT snack you’ll be thinking about long after your trip ends. Working up an appetite just thinking about this new Disney World snack? There’s PLENTY more where this review came from! Don’t forget to check out some of our most recent reviews below, our best tips and tricks to help you win Disney, and more right here at Disney Food Blog. REVIEW: No Notes for This New Animal Kingdom Appetizer – Just That We Want 10 More 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 Does this new giant crepe sound like something you’ll be picking up on your next Disney World trip? Tell us why or why not in the comments below! View the full article

SeaWorld Orlando has unveiled the bulk of its lineup for the concert series tied to its 2026 Seven Seas Food Festival. First up: Flo Rida on Jan. 31. The list identifies 25 concert dates, some with multiple performers. And there are five open slots in April and May that SeaWorld indicates will feature a “surprise guest.” “This is the biggest and most diverse concert lineup we’ve ever presented as part of Seven Seas Food Festival,” Jon Peterson, park president of SeaWorld Orlando, said in a news release. So far, the schedule includes both Bow Wow and Bow Wow Wow, Boys II Men and All-4-One, Beach Boys and Souja Boy. The lineup, subject to change, now includes: • Jan. 31: Flo Rida. • Feb. 1: Saliva. • Feb. 7: Bow Wow. • Feb. 14: The Click Five. • Feb. 15: Warrant. • Feb. 20: Jefferson Starship. • Feb. 21: Omar Courtz. • Feb. 22: Pop 2000 Tour, hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick (‘N Sync) and featuring O-Town, Ryan Cabrera and LFO. • Feb. 27: Ying Yang Twins and Paul Wall. • Feb. 28: Gene Simmons. • March 6: Smash Mouth. Maddie and Tae are set for SeaWorld Orlando performances in March. (Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images) • March 7: Maddie and Tae. • March 8: I Love the ’90s with Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC and Color Me Badd. • March 14: Connor Price. • March 15: Tiffany, Bow Wow Wow and Animotion. • March 21: All-4-One. • March 22: Beach Boys. • March 27: Soulja Boy and Baby Bash. • March 28: Fitz and the Tantrums. • April 4: Brett Young. • April 10: Chris Janson. • April 11: To be announced. • April 12: The Fray. • April 17: Uncle Kracker. • April 18: Trace Adkins. • April 25: To be announced. Boyz II Men return to Orlando for an appearance during SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival. (Orlando Sentinel file) • April 26: Boyz II Men. • May 1: To be announced. • May 2: To be announced. • May 9: Grupo Mania. • May 16: Proyecto Uno. • May 17: To be announced. The concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the theme park’s Bayside Stadium. They are included with regular SeaWorld Orlando admission, although reserved seating is available for purchase. The Seven Seas Food Festival runs from Jan. 30 through May 17. It features more than 25 food and beverages outlets and this year is introducing rotating menus that will include “fresh, limited time dishes throughout the event to keep guests coming back for new flavors before they’re gone,” the park’s official website reads. Specifc menu items have not yet been announced. For more information, go to seaworldorlando.com. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

We’re only a few days away from the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts, and we don’t know about you, but we are SO ready. This is easily one of my personal favorite festivals, thanks to its focus on ALL the arts, including the culinary arts. Festival of the Arts! The festival starts on January 16th and runs through February 23rd, and will bring new artwork, food and drinks, special performances, and more to EPCOT during that time. It will also bring special festival merchandise. Well, we now have a sneak peek at what the Annual Passholder merchandise will look like. Disney dropped a new photo on the Disney World Annual Passholder page of its website with a peek at the new EPCOT Festival of the Arts Annual Passholder t-shirt, as well as a zipper pouch and pin. The t-shirt is purple with artsy swirls behind the festival logo. Of course, Figment is on there, too! The zipper pouch is blue and white with the festival logo. The pin has a similar swirly design to the t-shirt. Take a look: ©Disney If you want to get your hands on this merchandise, you’ll need to head to Creations Shop in EPCOT (and make sure you have valid admission and a park pass reservation or you’re visiting after 2 PM or on a good-to-go day without a park reservation). You must present your valid Annual Pass ID and a valid government-issued ID to purchase these items. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll want to get to EPCOT as soon as you can once the festival begins to grab these special souvenirs. Creations Shop on a festival day We’ll be at the festival on day one getting you ALL the details, as well as reviews of every single food booth. Be sure to follow DFB to stay updated. These 2 FREE Tools Are Absolute Lifesavers at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS DFB's guide to the Festival of the Arts details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest. It includes all the must-have information for navigating this colorful festival at Disney World, including: Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations! The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!) All the details on special events, artist meet-n-greets, festival-exclusive merchandise, and more! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Festival of the Arts INFO! See the FULL LIST of Food Booths, Menus, and Photos from the Festival of the Arts Read ALL of Our Food Booth Reviews for the Festival Learn More About the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and Dining Packages Click HERE for All of the Latest News and Details About the Festival of the Arts! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Festival of the Arts news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be attending the EPCOT Festival of the Arts this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

So much is happening throughout Disney World that it’s hard to keep track of. There’s construction going on in three of the resort’s four theme parks, and several hotels also have some construction going on with new lobbies, room updates, and more. Disney’s Beach Club Well, we’ve got even MORE closures to add to the Disney World construction list. Two pools at two Disney World deluxe resorts will soon close for refurbishment. Let’s start over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Now, don’t worry…Stormalong Bay is open, and it looks like it won’t be closing anytime soon. However, if you want a quieter pool experience at this resort, you might consider spending time at the Tidal leisure pool. But the Tidal leisure pool will be closing from mid-January through early May for routine maintenance. That means that you will probably see and hear general construction in that vicinity of the resort during daytime hours. The good news is that dining and resort amenities will remain the same. Stormalong Bay and other pools will remain open Note that Disney’s Beach Club Resort is also undergoing some exterior maintenance through late 2026, so you’ll have to deal with that construction, too. This will impact some views at the resort and may mean you have to take different paths to get around Beach Club. Construction at the Beach Club Over at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, the Turtle Pond Pool, Turtle Pond Pool Spa, the BBQ area, and the playground will be closed from early January through early February 2026 for routine maintenance. During this closure, guests at the resort are encouraged to use the Sandcastle Pool or one of Old Key West’s two leisure pools. Again, this means you might see and hear construction during daytime hours at the hotel. Turtle Pond Pool at Old Key West We’ll be keeping an eye out for more closures throughout Disney World, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB to get all the updates. Why Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge Might End Up Having One of Our Favorite Disney Hotel Pools  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 these pool closures affect your upcoming trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disney World, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle-of-the-road and comforting? Yep, that too. And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you can find that as well. Connections Eatery We recently stopped by Connections Eatery at EPCOT to try a plant-based option, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Find out here! We picked up the General Tso’s Tofu Salad from Connections Eatery for $12.49. This is made with a Petite Kale Blend, Romaine, Broccoli Slaw, Red Bell Pepper, Mandarin Oranges, Edamame, Crispy Wontons, Warm Fried Tofu, and General Tso’s Dressing. General Tso’s Tofu Salad This is an unbelievable offering for a quick-service restaurant. Everything about it — the ingredients, the quality of those ingredients, and the sophistication of the flavor — feels elevated while still being irresistible to what I think will be a very wide range of eaters. This is a real ten out of ten! The salad comes already dressed, and the dressing is evenly distributed throughout. The tofu cubes are crispy on the outside but bouncy on the inside, almost like paneer. They’re somehow perfectly soaked in the General Tso’s dressing while still staying crisp, which honestly feels a little magical. A TON of flavor There’s sweetness in the dressing, but you also get bright hits of sweetness from the mandarin orange slices. The crispy wontons hold up despite being dressed. We never actually saw the broccoli slaw, though we did see fine strips of carrot; we didn’t see or taste the broccoli distinctly. The edamame was also hard to find at first, and the bell peppers were cut so small that we initially thought they weren’t included. We also got a bite of crispy wonton on its own that was extremely salty — a little shocking on its own. That said, the good news is that once everything is mixed together, it’s perfect. The flavors balance out completely. A really great plant-based option! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Bright suns, travelers! Disneyland is dropping MAJOR Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news, so get ready to grab your lightsabers and head to the spires. Galaxy’s Edge Starting April 29th, Galaxy’s Edge is getting store changes to integrate new timelines and storylines, and we have all the details right here. The First Order Cargo will transform to Black Spire Surplus. It’s based on a military salvage operation with artifacts from across the galaxy, including Imperial and Rebel items from the Galactic Civil War. There will be merchandise from different histories and timelines, meaning you’ll be able to get souvenirs from your favorite eras — no matter where they fall in comparison to Galaxy’s Edge. First Order Cargo Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will have one-of-a-kind items, including items from the past (special items from Star Wars history? Say less!). Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities Even Droid Depot is getting a few changes. An earlier generation of the Mubo family will now be running the place, and you’ll be able to find prototypes of the BB-style droids. Droid Depot in Disneyland Guests might even see Luke Skywalker have a few meetings with Savi to search for more knowledge, lightsabers, and the Force inside Savi’s Workshop. Luke Skywalker is coming back to Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland All of these changes are coming because Disneyland is welcoming multiple timelines in Galaxy’s Edge, including stories from The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka. We’re so excited to see all of our favorite characters from different movies in one place. We’ll be in Disneyland on April 29th, bringing back all the details here for you, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for everything you need to know before your next trip. BREAKING: DISNEY ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES FOR GALAXY’S EDGE Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the changes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article