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Authentic, unscripted, and brimming with nostalgia, your personal Disney Parks time machine is nearly here and ready to take you back to the earliest days of Disneyland. Releasing January 22 on Disney+ and Disney YouTube, Disneyland Handcrafted provides an intimate, first-hand look at the trials and tribulations behind the rapid construction of Disneyland leading up to its opening day in July 1955. With two weeks to go before the digital launch of this highly anticipated documentary, we’re giving you a front-row seat to the excitement with an inside look at the premiere event for the film on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. Tonight, join Peyton and Maura from the Disney Parks Blog team as we take you inside the premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted, the latest Disney-focused documentary film from Leslie Iwerks. Documentary Buff? Disneyland Superfan? Keep Reading. Here’s a peek at our first-hand, blue carpet experience at the premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted, featuring memorable stops and iconic snacks along the way. 5:30 P.M. – Arriving for the Disneyland Handcrafted Premiere Since opening day, Disneyland has been a place where people from around the world can come together to cherish lasting moments with family and friends and create new memories with your closest loved ones. Events like this not only honor this existing feeling and the enduring history of Disney Parks, but also bring fans from around the globe together to reflect on how this entire journey really began. Upon arrival at the Disneyland Handcrafted premiere event, we were met by friendly cast members and a pure excitement in the air for the release of the new documentary. We were excited to see a key part of Disney history come to life with an array of special guests, exciting surprises, and unique opportunities for all in attendance. Keep checking the blog for more updates throughout the night as we come together to celebrate Disneyland Handcrafted! ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’: Release Date and More Details READ MORE ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’: Trailer Revealed READ MORE Explore Walt Disney’s Legacy at Disneyland Resort READ MORE The post Cinematic Celebrations: Stepping Back in Time with ‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Hey there folks, it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for…the first Tiny Train Town update of 2026! We’re back! You know that this itty bitty city is always getting up to mischief, and of course, as the mayor it’s my duty to document that mischief and report back to you guys. So if you’re ready for some nonsense, shenanigans, and WILD stories, let’s go! First of all, I have to report the tragic news of another derailment! A passenger train slipped off the tracks during a recent trip through the village, which has led to a major safety investigation. People come to this town to ride our trains, and we can’t have scandals like this every few months. I’m determined to get to the bottom of it! A derailment! The good news is that many of the passengers were okay, though some in the car that slipped off the tracks had to be transported to the local hospital. Their medical bills will be covered by the city…we’re not barbarians over here! The passengers In other disastrous news, a patch of hidden quicksand has been found on the outskirts of the town. A local farmer was carting his produce to and from the town market when he made a wrong step and fell in the quicksand up to the waist! Thankfully, the man was traveling with his elderly mother, who was able to turn the carriage around, run back to town, and get help. Interesting I’m starting to wonder if this quicksand business is running deeper than we originally thought, too. Some of the lampposts in the town square are beginning to lean, and there’s concern from the town council that they could fall on residents or buildings. Is there something dangerous lurking beneath the literal surface of Tiny Train Town? Only time will tell! Town square That’s all I’ve got for you guys this time, but I’ll keep an eye out for any other news and reports. Follow along with more Disney news by subscribing to our newsletter and our YouTube channel! * The anarchy within is mostly created by natural occurrences, like giant squirrels, wind, rain, and relatively godzilla-sized lizards who frequent the town; but we find it fun and entertaining to make up fictional stories about what COULD be happening. We are grateful to the folks who create and maintain this Tiny Train Town for Disney World, as it’s one of our favorite parts of EPCOT and always has been. Check Out Another Tiny Train Town Update Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever visited Tiny Train Town? Tell me in the comments! View the full article

Every artifact tells a story of imagination, innovation, and magic ✨🏰 #DisneylandHandcraftedView the full article

Shanghai Disney turns 10 years old this June! Our baby’s all grown up! Who would’ve thought that the park that created the world’s largest Disney castle, opened our favorite thrill rides, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, would later make waves with its 100 millionth guest and expand with a new Zootopia-land less than ten years later? Shanghai Disney’s 2026 Fireworks To celebrate its decade anniversary, Shanghai Disney Resort had gorgeous New Year’s Fireworks to kick off the year-long celebration, along with adorable New Year’s Outfits for Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. But there was a huge announcement to follow! To our surprise, they announced their NEW birthday logo right on the castle! Shanghai Disney Resort’s 10th Anniversary Logo The logo features a gold “10” combined with a plus sign and wishing stars adorning the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle. The wishing stars symbolize the millions of dreams granted to guests of Shanghai Disney over the years. The plus sign represents both the Chinese character for “10” and signals there’s more to come for its birthday celebration. ©Shanghai Disney Resort Shanghai Disney is expanding even more in the next few months. Plans feature a Spider-Man themed land featuring a high-speed, immersive coaster with both forward and backward launches. There are two new hotels in the works – the closest being an Art Nouveau theme infused with Disney magic – plus a Disney shopping destination similar to World of Disney right outside the park’s main entrance. Shanghai Disney’s Zootopia-land In addition, new scenes, characters, and music inspired by Zootopia 2 are already appearing in Zootopia-land. And an expansion of Soaring Over the Horizon has us craving another ride! Will you be attending Shanghai Disney’s anniversary celebration? Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter to stay updated! Want to know more about Shanghai Disney’s expansion? Click here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which international Disney park is at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Love is in the air at Disneyland, and if you’re still looking for the perfect dinner date for your park partner, we’ve got you covered! Disney just released menus for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite dining packages to treat your Mickey or Minnie. Duo of Hearts Mousse Cakes at River Belle Terrace Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite dining packages feature special menus exclusively for Sweethearts’ Nite! With reimagined menus and exclusive Sweethearts’ Nite items at three iconic Disneyland restaurants, there’s a meal perfect for every visitor. At Blue Bayou, enjoy a romantic bayou scene with a view of everyone’s favorite ride, Pirates of the Caribbean! Blue Bayou in Disneyland The menu at Blue Bayou includes: Starters Crab Cakes – Remoulade Sauce and Petite Apple-Arugula Salad Chicken Gumbo – Tasso Ham, Andouille Sausage and Peppers with Steamed Rice Entrées Monte Cristo – Potato Chips, Stone Fruit Salad, Seasonal Preserves and Remoulade Prime Rib – Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Autumn Vegetables, Horseradish Cream and Peppercorn Demi-Glace Dessert Petite Sundae – Chocolate Pieces and Chocolate Syrup Sweethearts’ Nite Special Offerings Grapefruit Rose Martini – Grapefruit Vodka with Citrus and a splash of Cranberry Juice, garnished with a Rose Petal Cupid’s Pillow – Raspberry Mousse, White Chocolate Crunch and Brownie Filling with Raspberry sauce Reservations are available on Sweethearts’ Nites at Blue Bayou from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Carnation Cafe Dine at Carnation Cafe for classic comfort food – and some of Walt’s favorite dishes – right on Main Street, U.S.A. Starters Baked Potato Soup – Topped with Fried Potato, Bacon, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Sour Cream and Chives Fried Pickles – Hand-breaded Pickles served with House Sauce Entrées Chef’s Salad – Chopped Ham, Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Chopped Egg, Tomato, Cucumber, Pickled Onion, Avocado, Croutons and Ranch Dressing Chicken-fried Chicken – Served with Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable Dessert Peach Pie à la Mode – Warm Peach Pie served with Vanilla Ice Cream Sweethearts’ Nite Special Offerings Cold Brew Martini – Absolut Vanilla Vodka and Kahlua with Vanilla Foam Sweethearts’ Nite dinners at Carnation Cafe begin at 7:05 PM and end at 10 PM with both indoor and outdoor seating. River Belle Terrace Enjoy leisurely Southern-inspired cuisine at River Belle Terrace with a gorgeous view of the Rivers of America. Offerings include: Entrées Pork Chop and Three – Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Green Beans and Braised Bourbon Apples Cajun Shrimp & Grits – Smoked Cheesy Grits, Andouille Sausage, Peppers and Onions, and Shrimp Buerre Blanc Grain Bowl (Plant-Based) – Sautéed Garden Vegetables, Heritage Grains Succotash, Tofu and Herbed Vinaigrette Desserts Classic Red Velvet Cake Buttermilk Chess Pie – Custard Pie Filling, Graham Cracker Crust, Vanilla Chantilly Cream and Raspberries Blueberry Cobbler (Plant-Based) – Topped with Oat Streusel and Vanilla Ice Cream Kid’s Menu Mac & Cheese Chicken Skewer Meatballs Sweethearts’ Nite Special Offerings New York Steak & Crab Cake – Served with Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Tomato and Spinach, and a Mushroom Demi-glace Duo of Hearts – Two Hearts: one with Dark Chocolate Mousse, Berry Compote Filling and a Shortbread Cookie Base, and one with White Chocolate Mousse, Mango Passion Fruit Filling and a Shortbread Cookie Base, served with Fresh Berries Sweethearts’ Nite at River Belle Terrace offers reservations between 8 PM and 11 PM with both indoor and outdoor seating. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite is an after-hours ticketed event offered on January 22nd, 25th, and 27th, as well as February 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 12th, and 17th. The event is held from 9 PM to 1 AM, but guests can enter as early as 6 PM. Reservations open for these dining experiences on January 13th, so mark your calendars now! Pricing varies depending on à la carte selections, based on the Disneyland website. ©Disney Disney has also announced a new Celebrate Love Cavalcade Parade, a Once Upon A Dream musical show featuring Disney royalty, and a new Disney Duets at the Golden Horseshoe featuring Disney duet karaoke. Sweethearts’ Nite is bringing back iconic characters Mickey, Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, and some rare characters, including Milo and Kida, Cinderella with Prince Charming, Snow White and Dopey, and the new Madrigal Sisters! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney park updates! Already have Valentine’s Day plans? Check out Disneyland’s other After Dark events for 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 Will you be attending Sweethearts’ Nite? Comment what you’re most excited about below! View the full article

You know what they say — new year, time to get new Loungefly bags! Or is that just us that says that? Loungefly bags in EPCOT If you’re looking for a new Loungefly bag for that Disney trip you have planned for 2026, we put together a list of nine of the best-reviewed Disney Loungefly bags on Amazon! You’re sure to find at least one that you like. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Check out this Peter Pan Loungefly Bag! ©Amazon We seriously LOVE this Disney Peter Pan Second Star Loungefly Bag! The backpack is inspired by the Disney animated classic, Peter Pan. It features Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, and Tinker Bell. The front pouch shows a nighttime London setting, but our favorite is the sentence printed. It reads “Second star to the right and straight on till morning,” which is an iconic line from the movie. Get this for 8% off right now! View on Amazon This Hocus Pocus Loungefly is one of our faves ©Amazon Is this Hocus Pocus Loungefly Backpack not the cutest?! This bag is perfect for Hocus Pocus fans wanting to represent the witches during their next Disney trip. We love everything about the design of this bag. From the color choices to the character design, it really is a cute piece of Disney merch. View on Amazon We love this Aristocats Loungefly Backpack ©Amazon Speaking of cute Loungefly bags, yeah, this Aristocats Loungefly Mini Backpack speaks for itself! The bag features the three adorable kittens from Disney Animations Aristocats — Marie, Toulouse, and Berlioz. The bag is inspired by the iconic scenes of the kittens playing the piano. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Disney Princess Book Loungefly ©Amazon Readers and Disney Princess fans alike will love this Disney Princess Book Loungefly! The bag features a stack of books of some of Disney’s most iconic princesses — Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. View on Amazon Don’t forget about this Minnie Mouse Maroon Loungefly ©Amazon There’s also this Minnie Mouse Maroon Loungefly Bag! The bag comes in a sleep marron color with a quilted design. You’ll find 3D Minnie Ears and a black bow at the top. We really like the all-over Mickey head print on the bag. View on Amazon There’s also this Eeyore Loungefly ©Amazon This adorable Eeyore Loungefly Bag comes all the way from the Hundred Acre Woods! The bag features Eeyore looking over his shoulder. You’ll see his pinned-on tail that moves, as well as his ear up top. This cute backpack is a Disney must-grab! View on Amazon Get the Green Alien Loungefly Bag ©Amazon Do we have any Toy Story fans reading this? You’re going to love this Green Alien Loungefly Bag! The green alien is holding a Pizza Planet box, not to mention he also looks adorable. As if you needed any more reason to get this bag, it’s currently 5% off! View on Amazon We also love THIS Peter Pan Loungefly Bag ©Amazon This next Loungefly comes all the way from Neverland — take a look at this Peter Pan Glow-Clock Loungefly Backpack! The bag features Peter, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children, with a Nana zipper on the side. The best part, the clock glows in the dark. Oh, and it’s 10% off! View on Amazon And finally, there’s this Alice in Wonderland Loungefly ©Amazon This Alice in Wonderland Loungefly Bag has a very unique design to it! The bag features an all-over print of flowers and characters from the beloved Disney animated classic — including Alice, Cheshire Cat, and the White Rabbit. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’ve had our fair share of odd Disney World treats, but this one takes the cake — er, churro. Banana Cream Pie Churro Disney World churros are a controversial topic, often known as the lesser version compared to Disneyland’s. Some say it’s the humidity that makes them not as crisp and crunchy as others, but hey, can you ever really be disappointed by a cinnamon-sugar delight such as this? It depends on who you ask! And since you’re here, it looks like you’re asking us. Let’s find out if this new Banana Cream Pie Churro can redeem Disney World once and for all. We stopped by Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs to try the new Banana Cream Pie Churro, available for $7.99. This is a classic churro split in two, rolled in graham cracker crumbs, drizzled with banana cream, caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream. Sounds like a dream for banana lovers, right? Let’s find out how it tastes! Banana Cream Pie Churro Our reporters said the banana cream tastes pretty much exactly like the artificial banana flavor in a Laffy Taffy. They tasted some of the caramel flavor from the caramel drizzle and a bit of sweet creaminess from the whipped cream, but the most prominent flavor they tasted was the artificial banana. Inside the churros The churro was on the dry side, which Disney World churros can be — it tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. While we didn’t love this, if you like that artificial banana flavor of Laffy Taffy, you will probably like this. We probably wouldn’t get it again, as the churro was dry and the banana flavor was a bit overpowering. In theory, these flavors work together, but the artificial banana flavor really just threw things off for us. Lots of toppings We’ll be on the lookout for more unique churro flavors and snacks to review around Disney World. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond! Check out more Disney snack news at the links below! 4 Food Trends That Fans Are DREADING in Disney World This YearWe Love It When Disney World Listens!EPIC Disney World Snack Battle: Which Pizza Spring Roll Will Come Out On Top?Move Over Blue Milk! Pink Milk Debuts at Disney THIS WeekREVIEW: We Have To Say It… This Might Be The Best Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie at Disney Springs YET 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 running to Disney Springs to try this new churro flavor? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Bad day? Treat yourself. Good day? Treat yourself. Upcoming Disney trip planned? If you ask us, that’s absolutely a reason to treat yourself. They come in handy! We go to Disney World every single day, which means we know what’s worth tossing into your luggage or park bag — and what you can leave at home. We’ve even tested out a ton of products in the parks and hotels that can seriously make or break your trip — and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for you right here! Treat yourself to these products that will actually make your Disney trip MUCH easier. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the FuelRod MAX10 portable charger FuelRod MAX10 The FuelRod MAX10 comes fully charged, complete with adapters and cables for most smart devices. Easily swap for a fresh, fully charged unit at any FuelRod Kiosk nationwide — including around Disney World! Rechargeable via USB-C, it fits comfortably in your pocket, making it an ideal companion for any trip or staying charged on the go! View on Amazon This VentaPak backpack ventilation spacer is a game-changer VentaPak in Disney World Get the ultimate in support and durability with this mesh backpack ventilation frame made with a reinforced aluminum structure. This backpack ventilation spacer holds up to whatever adventure you have, no matter which Disney World park you’re heading to! View on Amazon We love this AMKEN waist fan for those hot days AMKEN Waist Fan This portable cooling fan is compact with an exterior that includes two small T-shirt clips to prevent accidental clothing entanglement during use. The fan combines six functions in a small package, including a small fan, a power bank, an LED light, an SOS light, and a warning light. Unlike other waist fans, this one features an aligned air inlet and outlet, maximizing the wind volume for efficient cooling. View on Amazon Don’t forget these silicone waterproof shoe covers They come in handy! This waterproof shoe cover is made of 100% high quality, non-toxic silicone rubber with safety, durability, and environmental friendliness in mind. The tight tread mechanism design of the sole provides better slip resistance than other shoe covers on the market. We’ve tested these out on rainy days, and while they may look a little silly, your feet will definitely stay dry! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Cool Kids’ Summer is making its return to Disney World in 2026! Earlier this week, Disney made a bunch of announcements about what to expect at Disney World this summer. As part of Cool Kids’ Summer, visitors can enjoy fun seasonal experiences, including Bluey & Bingo at Conservation Station, GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and Toy Story Pals at the Diamond Horseshoe. Woody in Magic Kingdom One announcement in particular got quite a strong response from our readers: Toy Story Pals at The Diamond Horseshoe. Disney announced that Jessie, Woody, and friends will be headed to The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom for some “energetic fun.” Jessie’s Roundup will be led by Jessie herself. You will be able to craft, dance, and yodel your heart out in this new western revue. It hasn’t been officially confirmed yet whether this will be a character dining experience or more of a dance party where guests can come and go. When we spoke with a Cast Member, they said it would be set up as a dinner show with The Diamond Horseshoe’s traditional offerings, but we haven’t received official confirmation yet. The Diamond Horseshoe However, lots of our readers were confused by this announcement — and we don’t blame them! The Toy Story Pals are coming to The Diamond Horseshoe in the Liberty Square area. It just seems…slightly out of place. Especially given that there is an entire land dedicated to Toy Story in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and even a table-service restaurant there that does not currently feature Toy Story characters — Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Jessie and Woody in Magic Kingdom Don’t get us wrong, we will take some Toy Story fun in Magic Kingdom, but we also understand the confusion. The Diamond Horseshoe is themed as an Old West music hall, so we see a bit of a correlation between it and this high-spirited Western revue featuring the Toy Story pals. The Diamond Horseshoe But many of our readers also expressed some confusion. In our comments, Bobby wrote, “You know what would be crazy??? To put Toy Story characters in their restaurant in Hollywood Studios.” Mindy also agreed, writing, “Why oh why aren’t these exact characters at Roundup Rodeo!?” Jenn also felt the confusion, writing, “Why? They need to be at Woody’s Roundup BBQ. That makes more sense.” It does seem like a much better fit, but we assume there is a reason Disney chose the Diamond Horseshoe over Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Roundup Rodeo BBQ We are still looking forward to seeing Jessie’s Roundup at The Diamond Horseshoe. Currently, Disney World’s website says to “check back soon for more details,” so we are eagerly awaiting more updates. Will this actually be a character dining experience, or will it be more like GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, where guests can simply walk in and join Goofy for fun games? No cost, no food, just fun! GoofyCore in EPCOT (2025) Based on the other offerings for Cool Kids’ Summer, we could see this being more of a come-and-go experience, but a Cast Member we chatted with did say it was expected to offer a meal or be a dinner show serving the Diamond Horseshoe’s usual feast offerings. The good news, though, is that if you were hoping to eat at The Diamond Horseshoe and this turns out not to be a character dining experience, you can still grab the same food over at Liberty Tree Tavern! We will continue to keep an eye out for updates and let you know as we learn more! The Diamond Horseshoe during the holidays We are in the Disney World parks every single day, and we are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news. We want to ensure you always have the most up-to-date information for your Disney World trip, so stay tuned to DFB! Disney Just Dropped 7 Huge Announcements That Will Make Your Next Disney Vacation Even BETTER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this Magic Kingdom announcement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

The newest, pinkest addition to Orlando Auto Museum was a definite fixer-upper. But now the 41-foot, guitar-shaped 1970 Cadillac Eldorado with an Elvis Presley connection is ready to be admired by visitors to the Dezerland attraction. It’s a novelty act, for certain, with frets and tuners and a seating capacity of one passenger. But current owner Michael Dezer, a South Florida developer and car collector, wanted the vehicle to be functional as well, Greg Osborne, project manager, said Thursday. There was damage and work to do when the car arrived in Orlando in September, he said. “It was getting old and brittle, so it had huge holes in it and starting to rust out everywhere, so we had to refresh the fiberglass on it,” Osborne said. Repair was done on the fender. The engine was seized, and one axle “wasn’t right,” he said, so “we had to rebuild the whole front of the car.” That work extended to the fins on the back, where taillights previously were merely decorative. The refurbishment process included a trip to Colorado for engine parts, and there’s a fresh surprise under the hood. Parts have been painted gold. “It needed to be, in my opinion, a gold glitter engine. So we got a gold metal flake engine in the car,” Osborne said. The 41-foot car was temporarily parked in front of Dezerland, but visitors can now see it inside at the Orlando Auto Museum. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) That’s the Elvis factor at play. The car’s history includes an appearance with Presley in Las Vegas, but also a stretch in Europe. It spent years in a junkyard in France. Now it will be displayed in a prominent spot in Orlando’s tourist district. The original modified car was designed by Jay Ohrberg, who has other models exhibited at the Orlando Auto Museum. “We kind of reinvented the wheel, so to speak, because the technique that Mr. Ohrberg had in the original car, it worked out OK for what he did with it,” Osborne said. “But what we’re going to do with it, we needed something a bit more dependable, more sturdy, so we put a whole new braking system in it. Because everything runs through the shaft of the car, right, all your cables, your wiring.” “1-Elvis” license plate on the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car, that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Mechanic Orlando Nuñez in the cockpit of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Mechanic Orlando Nuñez sits in the cockpit of the restored guitar-shaped car now at the Orlando Auto Museum. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Detail of the 450 horsepower V8 engine — Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Eldorado badge of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Cadillac badge of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)The 41-foot car was temporarily parked in front of Dezerland, but visitors can now see it inside at the Orlando Auto Museum. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Matching painted hubcaps on the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)A guitar-shaped car with an Elvis Presley connection is now part of Orlando Auto Museum, an attraction inside Dezerland Park on Orlando's International Drive. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Media preview of the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Autobody technician Richardson Sanabria poses with the restored guitar-shaped car now on display in the Orlando Auto Museum. Sanabria spent more than 30 hours painting the car during the restoration. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Left to Right, Greg Orborne, mechanic Orlando Nuñez, and auto-body technician Richardson Sanabria pose for a photo with the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 17“1-Elvis” license plate on the restored Elvis guitar-shaped car that is on display in the Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Expand Now it runs and can be moved from place to place. A worker drove it from outside the front of Dezerland Park to its designated spot inside the attraction Thursday morning. It has new sounds to go with its looks. “We went out and got a nice deep, throaty exhaust system put underneath of it and the engine,” Osborne said. It can move right along and handle corners, despite its length, he said. “We’re pushing just right about 400 horsepower. … So we got a lot of power. It’ll burn the tires all the way around the loop, if you want to,” he said. “Once you get used to the length, you can drive it anywhere you want comfortably.” Mechanic Orlando Nuñez sits in the cockpit of the restored guitar-shaped car now at the Orlando Auto Museum. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Dezer’s purchase price of the guitar car hasn’t been announced. His Orlando Auto Museum has more than 2,500 rare and famous vehicles, and they are reportedly worth more than $200 million. The collection includes big-screen star cars, international rarities, antiques, military vehicles and the world’s longest limo, an Ohrberg creation. The attraction has special pricing of $19.35 (think Presley’s birth year) on Jan. 8 and 9. Tickets are available online. On Jan. 10-11, visitors dressed as Elvis can receive a free ticket to the museum and can buy up to three more tickets for $19.35 apiece. Other Presley-inspired activities are planned for the latter two dates at Dezerland Park as part of its Rock & Roll Weekend. dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

I visit Disney World every week for my job, and yet, I’m often still humbled by the difficulty of navigating the property. Fort Wilderness Traveling between parks, hotels, and Disney Springs often takes wayyy longer than you think it will, and it’s challenging to budget the right amount of time, energy, and resources for those travels. I was recently reminded of this truth when I — a person who literally goes to Disney World for her job — got stranded at Fort Wilderness Resort. A few weeks back, I visited Fort Wilderness to check out a few things on our news radar — monitoring construction, looking out for holiday season celebrations, yada yada. It’s not often that I get to visit this resort, so when I hopped on the boat from Magic Kingdom, I was gung-ho and ready to go! Boat to Fort Wilderness Early in my journey, I discovered a problem. In my excitement to get to the resort, I hadn’t swapped my FuelRod on my way out of Magic Kingdom, and my phone was dying fast. But never fear, I was already planning to hit multiple spots around the property and was sure I’d run into a FuelRod kiosk somewhere. FuelRod The first thing you should note about Fort Wilderness is that it has three main areas, all connected by multiple color-coded bus routes. The Settlement is the area closest to the boat dock where you’ll find Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Trail’s End Restaurant, a gift shop, the arcade, and Crockett’s Tavern. The lobby and parking lot for Fort Wilderness are on the opposite end of the resort at The Outpost. In the middle, you’ve got a pool and another gift shop at The Meadow. With all these different areas and complex transportation routes, it can be difficult for even seasoned veterans to navigate Fort Wilderness. Settlement Trading Post After checking off my to-do list items at The Settlement and scouring the area for a FuelRod station with no luck, I boarded the bus to The Outpost, thinking that for sure there would be a FuelRod station at the lobby (they’re close to or in the lobby at nearly all of the other resorts). I arrived at the lobby only to be told that no, the FuelRod station was in the one area of the resort I hadn’t checked — The Meadow Trading Post. Unfortunately, my phone was now DEAD. Meadow Swimmin’ Pool To make matters worse, I was 15 minutes from my check-in time at a dining reservation in Magic Kingdom. Bus and boat rides add up quickly, and cross-resort transportation can take quite a while between the waiting, boarding, and actual ride itself. I was left at The Outpost Bus Depot with a dead phone, relying on the physical maps to get me around, and that’s when I learned another important lesson — even though The Outpost offers buses to the other three Disney World parks, the only way to get to Magic Kingdom is to take a bus or boat from The Settlement area. Welp, that’s awkward. Wanting to get to my dining reservation as quickly as possible, I opted to continue traveling with a dead phone, boarding the bus AGAIN to go back to where I started. From there, I got BACK on the boat to Magic Kingdom, arriving at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant 55 minutes late for my dining reservation. But could I check in yet? Nope! Because as a Disney Food Blog reporter, I can’t go into a review with a completely dead phone. We’ve got to get those pics and vids, you guys! Disney bus By the time I swapped my FuelRod and charged my phone enough to continue on my day, I was well over an hour late to my reservation. Sadly, I’d far surpassed the check-in window. Thankfully, there was an opening for a party of one to dine, and I got to continue my job, accompanied by moderate levels of stress leftover from my Fort Wilderness adventure. Bus transportation sign Throughout this whole chaotic excursion, I learned a very valuable lesson. We often tell people to budget at least an hour when traveling from one area of Disney World property to another. But when it comes to Fort Wilderness? I would advise you to budget two hours! If you need to take multiple forms of transportation or more than one bus route, the time in your day is going to get eaten much faster than you’d expect. Fort Wilderness bus Don’t be like me. Charge your phone, plan your transportation wisely, and of course, try your best to be early to your Disney World dining reservations. If you want to learn how to master Disney World, subscribe to our YouTube channel and keep following us here on the blog! We share tips, tricks, and news EVERY single day. 5 Absolutely Maddening Problems I’ve Faced on Disney World Transportation 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 ever been to Fort Wilderness? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Believe it or not, Disney World can get cold. While the resort was built in Central Florida for weather reasons — and it can certainly get VERY hot in the summer — the winter months can get cold, which can in turn affect certain rides. Bayou Adventure in Winter Take Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, for example. The Magic Kingdom attraction is a refreshing relief in the middle of a Florida summer, but when you are soaked and walking around in cool weather, it can get rather uncomfortable. The ride offers plenty of thrills as you head down the 50-foot drop, but as you feel the cold water splash your body, you may regret your decision. Is there a secret to not getting soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Let’s find out! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure We gained some insight from a Cast Member at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World about the secret way to avoid getting soaked while experiencing the attraction. Contrary to what many people might believe, there is no way for the Cast Members on the attraction to “turn down” the splash, but the Cast Member we spoke to did provide one way to get less wet. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure They recommended requesting a seat in the back. The water cannons that go off when the log goes down the hill don’t actually get riders wet at all. In fact, the riders are getting wet purely from the momentum of the log hitting the water after the hill. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The main reason that some logs get soaked while others remain relatively dry has everything to do with the amount of weight in the log. The heavier the log, the more water will end up inside the log on the drop. That is why the Cast Member recommended requesting a seat in the back if you are hoping to avoid getting soaked. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Of course, sitting in the back won’t mean you won’t get wet at all. And depending on how much weight is in the log, you may still be wearing quite a bit of bayou water on your clothes. Be prepared to get wet! So, while requesting a seat in the back might result in you being less soaked after the ride, don’t count on it to keep you dry. Also, keep in mind that while Cast Members try their best to accommodate row requests, they won’t always be able to grant your request. Ask nicely and be prepared that the Cast Member may be unable to seat you in the back. If you choose to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you will want to be prepared to leave soaking wet. However, embrace the fun AND the wetness. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips, tricks, and news! Check out the biggest differences between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World vs. Disneyland! 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 is your favorite row to sit in on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

2026 is going to be a big year for Universal Orlando! Universal Studios The resort has quite a few celebrations planned in the coming months, so if you’re hoping to make a visit, you’ll want to see the schedule ahead of time. So what’s on the docket? Let’s take a look at the calendar! First on the list is Rock the Universe, which is the biggest Christian music festival in Florida. It returns to Universal Studios Florida on January 23rd and 24th, 2026. Keep in mind that this festival often draws large crowds to the parks for the weekend. ©Universal Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is next! This year, it’ll take place from February 7th through April 4th. Universal goes BIG for Mardi Gras with food booths, special entertainment, performances by popular music artists, and of course, the iconic parade. Mardi Gras will be back before we know it! Harry Potter fans may want to plan their trips for August 1st through September 1st because then it’s time for Back to Hogwarts, baby! Or, maybe you’re more interested in coming from March 1st through May 31st — that’ll be Butterbeer Season. Butterbeer! Also, this fall, Dark Arts returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This celebration will include the projection spectacle “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” in Hogsmeade, and roaming Death Eaters in the streets of Diagon Alley. More details are to be shared at a later date. Hogwarts From August 15th through September 30th, Universal Orlando will offer Passholder Appreciation Days. They’ve shared that this event will offer perks “throughout the parks, hotels, and Universal CityWalk.” For more information, stay tuned to the Universal Orlando website. Universal Orlando’s past Passholder perks Then, one of the biggest events of the year is coming back…Halloween Horror Nights! In 2026, it will take place from August 28th through November 1st. Of course, there will be more spooky haunted houses, scare zones, entertainment, treats, and more. This year will be the event’s 35th anniversary. HHN 2024 Tribute Store Finally, to wrap up the year, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will return November 14th, 2026, through January 3rd, 2027. This will include the return of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas, and holidays in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We’re excited already! The Christmas tree! Universal also shared in these announcements that Volcano Bay Nights are returning for 2026, but no dates or details have been revealed yet. We’ll just have to stay tuned! So for more updates from Universal Orlando, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media! See the First Details Announced for Mardi Gras Here! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Are you going to Universal Orlando in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re looking for the punniest dad jokes around, there’s one Disney ride you absolutely cannot miss on your trip. Jungle Cruise at Disneyland The Jungle Cruise is an original Disneyland attraction, opening with the park all the way back in 1955, and it has remained a fan favorite to this day — and for good reason. Travel through multiple rivers on a relaxing boat ride with the help of a comedic skipper, while taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle. If you’re heading to Disneyland soon, though, make sure you plan for this upcoming Jungle Cruise closure! The Disneyland calendar was recently updated to show that the Jungle Cruise will be closed for refurbishment beginning on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. As of now, no dates are showing when the ride might reopen, as it’s listed as being closed as far as the calendar currently shows. ©Disney Disney has yet to officially announce this closure or what it might be for, so we’ll be keeping an eye on the calendar for any potential updates. It could be a brief closure, only lasting a couple of days or a week, or it could be a more extended closure. Either way, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on any changes. Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise Disney recently collaborated with a 3D printing firm to bring the first large-scale 3D printed prop to Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise. A 3D printing business in Florida, Haddy, has partnered with Imagineering to install its first 3D-printed boat in a Disney park, on the Jungle Cruise. While it won’t be the boats people actually ride on, it will be a prop canoe located on the banks of the river — and, yes, it can actually float. ©Haddy Imagineers are exploring the creation of set pieces for attractions in Disney parks outside of the Jungle Cruise, too. The products could also include pieces like the closet doors from Monstropolis, which could be used in the new Monsters, Inc. ride coming to Hollywood Studios. The Jungle Cruise It’s possible the Jungle Cruise closure could have something to do with the installation of this new prop, though we’ll have to wait and see. If you’re heading to Disneyland soon, make sure you’re aware of other closures that might impact your trip! “it’s a small world,” and Rise of the Resistance will also be closed on February 17th, with the latter closing for refurbishment on January 20th — making it a bit of a longer refurbishment. Oga’s Cantina will also close for refurbishment on January 20th. Rise of the Resistance We’ll be on the lookout for additional Disneyland closures you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news 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 Are you planning an upcoming trip to Disneyland or Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

For Star Wars fans, Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a destination in and of itself. Where else can you take a shot at flying the Millennium Falcon or going head-to-head with The First Order for the Rebellion? Where else can you see the Mandalorian and Grogu wandering about, along with Chewbacca? Fuzzy Tuantuan drink at Oga’s Cantina Where else can you grab a Star Wars-themed drink in a hive of scum and villainy? That’s what Oga’s Cantina is all about, but we’ve got some bad news about this popular bar: it’s set to close soon in Disneyland. We recently took a look at the Disneyland calendar, and as of January 20th, Oga’s Cantina is not showing any hours, meaning that the bar will likely be closed on that day. This closure seems to extend through January 24th. However, the bar is showing hours again for January 25th, so this seems to be a sort of closure, probably for some kind of maintenance or refurbishment. ©Disney However, note that if you were planning on visiting the bar during that time, it’s not showing hours for it, so you won’t be able to. Also, Oga’s Cantina stopped taking advance reservations last year and now has walk-up availability and a standby line. Pro tip: if you want to get in with a short wait, go earlier in the day, as in the morning. On most days, you’ll find mornings mean you might not have to stand in line at all. Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland If you are visiting Disneyland while Oga’s is closed, you can always pop into Docking Bay 7 for a Star Wars-themed drink, including the Cold Brew Black Caf. It’s not quite the same as the vibe at Oga’s, but it will do! Plus you can grab lunch or dinner there, while you’re at it. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more closures in Disneyland, so stay tuned to DFB to stay updated. Disney Fans in Their 50s Refuse to Ride These 5 Disneyland Rides  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you visit Oga’s Cantina when you go to Disneyland? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The world of flying with Southwest is about to change for good on January 27th, 2026, because the airline will now have assigned seating for all of its flights. ©Southwest Many people are still reeling over this change, and we know it’s going to take some time for us to get used to it as well. To help make the switch, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the new seating options. While there still isn’t first class or business class, there are now three different types of seats on your flight, and it’s important you know the difference between them so you can choose the best one for you! Standard Seat Starting on January 27th, when you fly with Southwest, you need to pick your seat, or it will be assigned for you. If you don’t want to pay anything extra, you’ll find yourself sitting in a Standard Seat. These are standard legroom seats located in the back of the cabin, mostly all behind the emergency exit rows. ©Southwest If you’ve flown with Southwest before, these are going to be most similar to the seats you remember sitting in. Now, depending on what fare level you choose, it will affect what seat is chosen for you/what seat you choose. Don’t worry — we’ll go over it in full later! Preferred Seats If you don’t need any extra legroom but you don’t want to be at the back of the aircraft, you’ll want to book a Preferred Seat. ©Southwest These will be located in front of the emergency exit rows (but not IN them), minus the first few rows of seats at the very front of the plane. These are great for people who don’t mind paying a little extra to get off their plane faster when they land. Extra Legroom Seat Finally, we’ve got the most expensive option, which is the Extra Legroom Seat. These seats 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. You’ll also get earlier access to bin space, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages. ©Southwest While Southwest isn’t calling this first class or business class, considering it’s the most expensive option and it comes with extra special offerings, it’s basically Southwest’s equivalent of those tiers. If you choose one of these seats, you’ll be seated in the exit rows, or in the first few rows of the aircraft. ©Southwest New Fare Bundles Southwest has also introduced new fare bundles: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. There’s a lot to go through here, but we’ll walk you through it tier by tier, starting with the cheapest and going to the most expensive. Basic With Basic, you will get the following: A Standard seat (all other seat types cost extra) You will board last, unless you’d like to pay extra for Priority Boarding A Checked bag will cost extra You will get 2X fare on Rapid Rewards points Your flight credits will expire after 6 months (they are non-tranferrable) If you need a refund, you will get a Non-transferable Flight Credit You can change your flight if you pay extra for a fare upgrade There are no fees to cancel Free in-flight entertainment A premium drink and wifi will cost extra Choice With Choice, you will get the following: A Standard seat you select at booking (all other seat types cost extra) General boarding, unless you’d like to pay extra for Priority Boarding A Checked bag will cost extra You will get 6X fare on Rapid Rewards points Your flight credits will expire after 12 months that is transferable Changes to your flight are available, but a fee may apply There are no fees to cancel Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change Free in-flight entertainment A premium drink and wifi will cost extra ©Southwest Choice Preferred With Choice Preferred, you will get the following: A Preferred or Standard seat you select at booking (an Extra Legroom seat will cost extra) Early General boarding, unless you’d like to pay extra for Priority Boarding A Checked bag will cost extra You will get 10X fare on Rapid Rewards points Your flight credits will expire after 12 months that is transferable Your flight is refundable Changes to your flight are available, but a fee may apply There are no fees to cancel Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change EarlyBird Check-in is available Free in-flight entertainment Priority Lane and Express Lane A premium drink and wifi will cost extra Choice Extra With Choice Extra, you will get the following: Any seat you’d like on board, booked ahead of your flight Early boarding, but Priority Boarding will cost extra 2 free checked bags You will get 14X fare on Rapid Rewards points Your flight credits will expire after 12 months that is transferable Your flight is refundable Changes to your flight are available, but a fee may apply There are no fees to cancel Free Same-day standby Free Same-day change Priority Boarding, A1-A15 Free in-flight entertainment Priority Lane and Express Lane Premium Drink Wifi will cost extra Boarding Process With these new tiers, the boarding process has also changed for everyone on the airplane. It’ll depend on a few different factors, but this diagram below really breaks things down. Groups 1 and 2 (Earliest Boarding): must be in a Choice Extra seat, an Extra Legroom seat, an A-List Preferred member who selected their seat at the time of booking, and A-List Members who booked an Extra Legroom seat Groups 3-5: Choice Preferred customers, A-List members in a Preferred or Standard seat, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers Groups 6-8: Passengers in Choice or Basic seats ©Southwest Basically, if you want to be one of the first to board, you’ll need to spend extra money — if you don’t care when you board AND don’t care where you sit, a Basic fare in a standard seat is a good choice. Southwest at MCO Looking for more recent travel news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Travel News! Southwest Airlines’ New Seating Options Change Everything — Here’s What You Need to KnowHURRY! You Have Less Than 48 Hours To Score 30% Off on Southwest FlightsAmerican Airlines Starts HUGE Perk Today!A NEW TSA Rule Goes Into Effect Next Month — And If You Break It, It’ll Cost YouWhen Do the NEW Southwest Airlines Seating Rules Start? We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all these changes, and others that hit the aviation industry this year, so stay tuned to DFB! “What’s Up With This Butter?!” — This Shocked Me on My Last Flight 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 How do you feel about these changes? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you certainly don’t want to miss out on all the great entertainment you can find in that park. Our top recommendations include Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, and Beauty and the Beast — Live On Stage. Fantasmic! Of course, we also ALWAYS recommend Hollywood Studios’ nighttime show, Fantasmic! which is (in my opinion) one of the best shows in Disney World. However, if you’re visiting Hollywood Studios in the next few months, we have to tell you about a big change coming to Fantasmic! Fantasmic! will be changing its performance time, starting on March 8th. Right now, the show is currently being performed at 9:30 PM, but on March 8th, the show will go on an hour earlier, at 8:30 PM. So if you have plans on catching the show on or after that date, don’t miss out on thinking it’s at 9:30! Fantasmic! Fantasmic! features effects, stunts, pyrotechnics, projections, fountains, and music to create a HUGE show that showcases the battle of good vs. evil. It’s a must-see that includes some of your favorite Disney characters like Moana, Mulan, Anna, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Lion King, Mickey Mouse, and more. It also has a HUGE finale with Mickey battling Maleficent the dragon (our favorite part of the show!). Fantasmic! If you don’t want to wait in line to visit the show, you can book a Fantasmic! dining package at one of Hollywood Studios’ participating restaurants, which includes a meal and a voucher for reserved seating for the show. We’ll keep an eye out for other changes happening in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB to stay updated. 15 New Rules That Could Be Game Changers for Disney’s Hollywood Studios 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 Is Fantasmic! a must-do when you visit Disney World? Why or why not? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

It’s almost time for one of the most colorful events in Disney World… EPCOT International Festival of the Arts …that’s right, it’s the Festival of the Arts! This popular festival takes place every year in January and February, and it’s highlighted by Broadway actor performances, incredible chalk art, pop-up shops with paintings of all kinds, and stunning food dishes. If you’re attending the festival this year, we’ve got something you need to see! Here at DFB, we’re the EPCOT festival EXPERTS. We got to the first few days of every festival to try all the new eats, as well as many of the returning options, and share our reviews. We also cover the entertainment options, the merchandise, the activities, and any other celebrations each festival has to offer. EPCOT Festival of the Arts What do we do with all that information? We compile it right here on our blog so that it’s easy for you to read! One of our best resources is our menus page. It’s a webpage where you can easily and conveniently view all the menus for that festival’s food booths. It’s much simpler than visiting individual booth pages in the My Disney Experience app to check menus. Click Here to See ALL the Menus for the Festival of the Arts! As the festival happens, that page will be updated with links to the reviews for the food booths and photos of all the items. Festival of the Arts But that’s not the only resource we have for you! We’ve also created a map of the festival for you to use during your visit. It tells you where all the booths are located, so you can easily navigate your day of delicious snacks. Simply click on the “Download Now” button below! For all the live updates from the festival, make sure to follow us on social media and tune into the blog on January 16th! We’ll be there on the opening day of the festival to share our thoughts on the food and all the insider tips you need to know. We can’t wait! Deconstructed Dish spread 2025 For the latest news from Disney World and beyond, you should subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel. We share all kinds of magical content that you might enjoy! Honestly, catch me spending every day watching the chalk artists in EPCOT this Festival of the Arts season. They’re seriously impressive! Get All the Festival of the Arts Info Here! 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! Are you going to the festival this year? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

A NEW LAND themed to the Tropical Americas is coming to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park in 2027. We can’t wait to step into Pueblo Esperanza! Pueblo Esperanza construction This new land, inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and architecture of Latin America, Pueblo Esperanza will feature immersive theming and new attractions, including a highly anticipated Encanto ride that will serve as one of the land’s signature experiences, plus an Indiana Jones attraction. We’ve been keeping up with the latest construction changes, and we have an update. To make way for this transformation, DinoLand U.S.A. is closing in phases, with the entire land scheduled to close on February 2nd, 2026. Work has already started on part of the new land, including land clearing and steel framing. On our most recent visit, we spotted the steel framing — which has grown since our last visit — being installed by large cranes. Construction Before this, Disney had been working to clear away the remnants of part of DinoLand that sat where the Encanto ride will be, and while we had seen some of the framing installed already, seeing more is an exciting step toward this ride coming to life. There are construction walls up blocking our view of all the construction, but we’re still able to see what’s being built higher than those walls. Who knew we’d be so excited about random steel beams?! Here’s a closer look at the framing In addition to the Encanto ride, DINOSAUR will be turning into an Indiana Jones ride, and there will be a gorgeous carousel with tons of different Disney animals to check out. Not to mention restaurants and shopping, which we don’t have many details on yet, but we can’t wait to check them out. The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones. Walt Disney Imagineering also recently filed a permit for general construction at an address that matches up with the entrance courtyard of the DINOSAUR ride, which will eventually become an Indiana Jones dark ride. The work is set to begin in February 2026, which is when DINOSAUR is scheduled to permanently close. Based on this, it seems like Disney will be wasting no time getting this transformation started. Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom We’ll be on the lookout for more updates about Pueblo Esperanza at Animal Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Tropical Americas news at the links below: Disney’s New Encanto Ride Is One Step Closer To Becoming RealityWhen Is Demolition Day at DINOSAUR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom?Don’t Forget! This Animal Kingdom Land Closes PERMANENTLY Next MonthCHANGES Spotted at Disney World’s NEW ‘Encanto’ RideNEWS: Disney Files NEW Indiana Jones Permit for Animal Kingdom Expansion 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 the new Pueblo Esperanza land coming to Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Blue Man Group as set a debut date for its new Orlando show. The production will launch in its new theater at Icon Park on May 1, the group announced Thursday. Ticket go on sale for performances at the International Drive venue on Jan. 16. Pricing has not been announced. The live show — featuring a famed blue-skinned, apparently bald and mostly silent trio — will feature classic Blue Man Group routines plus new bits that will be exclusive to the Orlando production. The troupe is known for its unusual instrumentation, visual effects and humor. The new show, including the addition of a dedicated 500-seat theater, was first announced in June 2024. A 2025 opening date eventually was annouced but later postponed. The theater is under construction near the base of the Orlando Eye, on the Universal Boulevard side of Icon Park. A theater for Blue Man Group is under construction at Icon Park near the base of the Orlando Eye attraction. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) Blue Man Group previously performed in a prominent soundstage at Universal Orlando, accessed through Universal CityWalk, for 14 years. That show was discontinued in 2021. Blue Man Group started in New York City in 1987 and had continuing shows there as well as in Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin and Shanghai. It currently stages productions in Las Vegas and with traveling tours. In 2017, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group purchased Blue Man Productions. Cirque continues to operates a show called “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs. For tickets and more information, go to blueman.com. dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

We’ve been excited for After Hours events to return to Disney World in 2026 ever since Disney announced their return in August! EPCOT After Hours After Hours events do cost extra, but they’re a fantastic way to experience your favorite parks with lower wait times, fewer crowds, and the ability to be in the park much later than usual. This year, they’re returning to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios — here’s everything you need to know! Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of all the After Hours dates and times you need to know for each park this year! Magic Kingdom After Hours at Magic Kingdom runs from 10 PM to 1 AM each night, but you can enter the park as early as 7 PM. The dates this event will be offered this year are: January 12 January 19 February 2 February 9 February 23 March 2 March 9 April 13 Magic Kingdom After Hours April 20 May 4 May 11 May 18 May 25 June 1 June 22 June 29 July 13 July 27 Disney’s Hollywood Studios In this park, After Hours runs from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM (but the May 30th event will run from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM, and the September 12th event will run from 10 PM to 1 AM). It’ll be held on the following dates: January 14 January 28 February 4 February 11 February 21 February 25 April 29 May 6 May 14 May 30 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge After Hours June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 September 2 September 12 EPCOT This year, After Hours in EPCOT runs from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM on the following dates: January 22 January 29 February 19 March 5 March 12 April 2 April 9 April 15 April 23 EPCOT After Hours April 30 May 21 June 11 June 18 July 9 August 6 August 13 September 16 September 24 Tickets are available online right now for all guests. For Magic Kingdom, they’ll start at $175 per person, Hollywood Studios will start at $155 a night, and EPCOT will start at $155 a night as well. However, Annual Passholders and DVC members can get some pretty steep discounts, so don’t forget to look for those! Free snacks and bottled drinks at After Hours! Not only will you get access to numerous attractions in the parks with little to no wait, but you can also take advantage of FREE snacks like bottled sodas, popcorn, and Mickey Premium Bars. You can get AS MANY as you’d like throughout the whole night, and that’s a pretty sweet deal. After Hours At this time, no dates are sold out for these events, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on them all and let you know when dates begin to sell out! If you’re planning to attend one of these events, we recommend spending the rest of your day in a different park, or taking a non-park day to check out Disney Springs, have a hotel chill day, or just rest to make the absolute most of your evening. More Recent After Hours News! CONFIRMED: Popular Perk Returning to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT in 2026Every EXCLUSIVE Souvenir at Disney’s Jollywood Nights 2025Disney Announces 9 NEW Additions Coming to Hollywood Studios Starting November 8thDisney Announces NEW Characters Coming to Jollywood Nights 2025Don’t Go To Disney World in November Before Reading THIS Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news so you can help plan your trip to be the best it can be! Everything Included in the $185 Ticket for Magic Kingdom After Hours 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 to attend any After Hours events this year? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

It’s not uncommon for rides and attractions in Disney World to close for refurbishment. In fact, we see it frequently so that they can get safety updates and touch-ups. Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Now, it’s looking like a popular Disney World water slide is going to be added to that list. Why? Disney just filed a permit for construction on Humunga Kowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Humunga Kowabunga has been the subject of multiple lawsuits in recent years due to guest injuries. It’s a fast-paced slide with a steep drop, so it’s not exactly the tamest of Disney rides. But could Disney be changing it or toning it down? Humunga Kowabunga A notice of commencement for construction on Humunga Kowabunga was filed with Orange County, Florida, on January 6th, 2026. The notice has a company called Proslide Technology, Inc. as the contractor for the construction. Humunga Kowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon Disney hasn’t shared details yet about any changes coming to this ride, but Typhoon Lagoon is closing for its seasonal refurbishment starting on February 15th, 2026. During that closure, Blizzard Beach will reopen to take guests who are interested in a water park day. Typhoon Lagoon is set to reopen on May 26th, though, so if the ride construction is timed with the park’s closure, that’s only three months for the work to get done. Typhoon Lagoon signage We’ll be on the lookout for any announcements, so stay tuned to our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for any updates! Follow DFB for more Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more! Learn More About Typhoon Lagoon Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever ridden this slide in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

There have been some fun and interesting food trends on the internet recently. Many are great, while others could disappear, and we wouldn’t be mad about it. Disney World often catches on to these food trends and brings them to the parks; however, they don’t always make it in a timely fashion. A meal at Tiffins featuring an ube drink It’s time for some of these food trends to be out and new ones to be in. Fans are really hoping that Disney World doesn’t bring these four trends into 2026. They can stay in 2025 forever, and many would be happier for it. Ube Ube (pronounced oo-beh) has become popular around the world, mostly for its color. Ube is a vibrant purple yam from the Philippines that has recently become a food craze. Anything ube is added to becomes the beautiful purple color. As for flavor, it has a sweet, nutty, earthy, and almost a hint of vanilla taste, but people go crazy for the Instagrammable foods thanks to how gorgeous the items are. Tropical Ube Cocktail We saw ube at Disneyland, Disney World parks, Disney Springs, and Epic Universe in 2025. We got the pizza with ube crust at Celestial Park… Pizza with Ube crust at Celestial Park …an ube cold brew at Animal Kingdom… Ube cold brew …a liege waffle with ube filling at EPCOT… Figment’s Liege Waffle with ube filling …and many other items in 2025, all beautified with ube. The Ube Tiramisu Pop at Vivoli il Gelato Yes, it’s beautiful, but many fans are hoping it goes away. It seems that ube has become overdone, and many people would love to see new colors in their food. Sure, ube is a great natural food coloring, but there are so MANY of those, and we would love to see them utilized around the parks. Dubai Chocolate Dubai chocolate might be the chocolate that ends all other chocolates. Almost anywhere you go nowadays, you’ll likely find a Dubai chocolate offering. Interestingly, Disney didn’t hop on this trend immediately in 2025 like we might have expected them to, but near the end of the year, we started to see it creeping into the parks. @joffreyscoffeeandtea on Instagram October brought us Dubai chocolate coffee from Joffrey’s, and many fans are really hoping that’s the only thing Dubai chocolate we’ll see at Disney World. Sure, the chocolate may be liked by some people, but if you don’t like pistachio, this treat isn’t for you. ©People Dubai chocolate is chocolate that’s filled with kadayif and pistachio-tahini cream. It was created in 2021 by two chefs, but then exploded on TikTok, causing many imitations of the luxurious real thing that was only available in Dubai. It has become overdone and overused, and now fans are hoping it stays in 2025. Matcha Some people love matcha and will die on that hill, while others would rather not drink the green tea. Either way, this creamy green tea latte became SUPER trendy in 2025, even being topped with colorful and fruity cold foams like banana, strawberry, and more. Plus, places were making EVERYTHING matcha flavored, including ice cream and ice cream cones. Matcha Cone Starbucks is probably one of the biggest reasons matcha became so popular. On almost every seasonal list, there was a new variation of matcha with a new cold foam topping. And in 2026, we’re about to get a Valentine’s Day iced matcha drink from the coffee corporation. ©Starbucks But now Disney fans are hoping that matcha stays at Starbucks, and not everywhere else at the parks. Quick-Service Parmesan Garlic Parmesan garlic sauce has become very popular as a chicken wing topping, and we’re totally on board with it. But what many fans are hoping doesn’t continue in 2026 is the Disney World quick-service version of Parmesan garlic sauce. This sauce is everywhere in Disney World, but fans say it isn’t done well. Undead Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips If Disney is going to have Parmesan garlic sauce (which they should, it’s a great idea), fans would love to see it perfected instead of the sad quick-service stuff we’ve been getting recently. Foods Fans Want To See More of! Loaded Fries and Loaded Chicken Tenders While those are a few things fans are hoping to NOT see in 2026, we gotta give some love where it’s due. We’re hoping to see MORE loaded fries and loaded chicken tenders in Disney World this year! We gotta give it up for the fantastic loaded snacks that we were getting in 2025, like the loaded crab fries at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Loaded Crab Fries In September 20225, Disney World released NINE different loaded chicken tenders that were amazing. We want more of that vibe in 2026! Jerk BBQ Chicken Strips REVIEW: Disney Just Proved That Chicken Strips Are Far From Boring…in NINE Different Ways We know that not everyone agrees that these food trends need to stay in 2025. If you love your matcha, some Dubai chocolate, the vibrant ube, or the quick-service Parmesan garlic sauce, that’s totally fine. However, we know some fans are hoping Disney lets these trends die. It’s time for new and improved food trends with lots of flavor and fun! We at DisneyFoodBlog love Disney food like it’s an attraction all on its own. You can count on us to bring you real, honest reviews of everything new coming to Disney World in 2026, so keep following DFB for the latest food trends in Disney World. It’s SHOCKINGLY Hard to Find This Iconic Snack in the Disney World Parks 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 food trends are you hoping die in 2026? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Disney announced a live-action remake of Tangled was in the works back in 2024, and fans have been ravenous for details ever since. Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival at Tokyo Disney Speculation had been running wild about which actors would be tapped to play Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, especially after rumors emerged that Scarlett Johansson was in talks to be Mother Gothel (though she has since pulled out of the project due to scheduling conflicts). But now, the leads of Tangled have been revealed — and the internet has a lot to say. Teagan Croft is probably best known for playing Raven in the DC series Titans, while Manheim (son of actress Camryn Manheim) has shown his musical talents in the popular Zombies movies on the Disney Channel, along with his role as Seymour in a revival of Little Shop of Horrors. ©Disney Online, people were quick to share their excitement — or their disdain — for the announcement. One Twitter/X user wrote, “I can see it but Dove Cameron would be perfect” [for the role of Rapunzel]. Another joked about Manheim’s casting, stating, “Almost didn’t recognize him without the green hair.” ©Disney Others remarked, “I think it’s a great choice,” and “LETS GOOOOO” to share their approval of the casting. “Tangled live-action might actually work with this cast,” likely in reference to other Disney live-action remakes that some say have missed the mark. Speaking of which, another user said, “Let’s see if Disney can do a remake — even better than the original, without taking any of the magic away.” ©Disney Others still weren’t so sure, with one person commenting, “Idk how I feel about a live-action of Tangled,” and another simply saying, “Stop this madness.” One user wrote, “Let’s see if Disney can make it work.” There was even a request for Kathryn Hahn, who plays the iconic Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to play Mother Gothel — which we can totally get behind! Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dancing at Disney World Overall, it seems like the reception has been pretty positive to this casting news — and we have to admit, we’re excited to see how it plays out. Once Mother Gothel’s actor is announced, things will really be interesting — so make sure you check back here for the official news on that. ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for more Disney movie updates you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Disney movie news at the links below! “Let’s see if Disney can make it work.” Fans Are Freaking Out About This Huge Disney Movie AnnouncementWhy Every Disney Adult is Watching Disney+ on January 22ndWhen Can You Watch ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ on Disney+?JUST REVEALED! ‘Tron: Ares’ Is Coming to Disney+ Next WeekNEWS: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Earns $347.1 MILLION at the Box Office Opening Weekend Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this casting announcement? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

When it comes to finding budget-friendly Disney essentials, you don’t need to look any further than your local ALDI store. ©ALDI Sure, ALDI carries a lot of awesome — and unique — food items, but you can also find super inexpensive Disney souvenirs and essentials in the store’s aisles every week. Well, if you happen to be headed to ALDI between January 14th and January 20th, you’ll be able to grab some pretty epic finds, including a Disney essential that’s only $4! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Jelly Blox Newbie Kits ©ALDI If you’ve got a kiddo that’s too young to appreciate LEGO, Jelly Blox might be just what they need. This building kit features soft blocks that can be put together to create a variety of creations. Even better? These blocks won’t hurt when you step on them. Valentine’s Day Silicone Straws ©ALDI We always recommend bringing your own reusable straws to Disney World because not only are they good for the environment, but paper straws are so hard to drink out of, and you’ll get a lot of Disney drinks with paper straws. We’d much rather use somethig like these. Zak Designs Stainless Steel Tumblers for Kids ©ALDI We always stress how important it is to stay hydrated in Disney World, and that goes for your kids, too. Well, you can get these cute tumblers with their favorite characters, including Bluey, Mickey, Spider-Man, Nick Wilde, and more. Get the Jelly Blox Newbie Kit on Amazon ©Amazon Can’t make it to ALDI or don’t have a local ALDI store? We feel your pain, but you can grab the Jelly Box Newbie Kit on Amazon, too. You’ll get 11 colorful squishy blocks to create hours of construction fun for kids. View on Amazon Buy the Silicone Straws Set Sunseeke Silicone Straws You can also get a great set of silicone straws on Amazon. We use these A LOT, and we love that they come in their own handy dandy case. You’ll get four cases and 12 straws plus straw cleaners. View on Amazon Get the Zak Designs Toddler Cups ©Amazon Amazon also has some great character tumblers for kids, including cups with Winnie the Pooh, Bluey, Mickey Mouse, and more. These cups carry 12 oz. of liquid, making them perfect for toddlers. They also have a leakproof design, which is VERY important because kids can get messy! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article