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Do you ever see somebody making a mistake, and it makes you want to scream because you already made it and know better?! Just me?! Loungefly bags in EPCOT That’s how I feel when I see Disney fans buying Loungeflys for full price in the parks! I get it — buying the newest designs while you’re immersed in the Disney magic is a powerful feeling. But if you’re like me and try to save a few bucks wherever you can, here are the cheapest Loungefly bags you can get online right now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Captain America Cosplay Backpack for under $35 ©Amazon It’s easy to get distracted by all of the new ones, but I love searching through for older backpacks that represent my favorite characters. That’s how I stumbled upon this Captain America Loungefly Backpack! Part of the Infinity Saga (and noted with a special plaque on the bag), this is a cosplay-style backpack. You’ll even find the iconic Captain America shield on the back and on the print inside the bag! View on Amazon This unique Pixar Loungefly is only $40 ©Amazon This next bag is exactly why we love Loungefly so much. How often do you see characters from Pixar Shorts on merchandise?! The answer is basically never. Along with the Luxo Ball on the front pocket and zipper, you’ll see scenes from different Pixar Shorts including Bao, Lava, and more. View on Amazon We’re shocked by the price of this Winnie the Pooh Loungefly ©Amazon Once a Hot Topic exclusive, you can now find this Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack on Amazon with a very reasonable price tag. The bees are after the honey, and Pooh looks like me when somebody tries to take a bite of my Mickey pretzel. We love that this bag can go with any outfit, and the honey dripping effect on the front pocket is just the cherry on top! 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

A Walt Disney World cast member was injured blocking the massive boulder prop from hitting the audience Tuesday at the Indiana Jones attraction at Hollywood Studios. Disney confirmed the employee was recovering and the iconic feature of the boulder scene in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular would be changed. “We’re focused on supporting our cast member, who is recovering,” according to a Disney spokesperson. “Safety is at the heart of what we do, and that element of the show will be modified as our safety team completes a review of what happened.” The incident was captured by several audience members who posted the video on social media. Video showed the boulder prop, which weighs 440 pounds and has a 12-foot diameter, bouncing like an oversized yoga ball, coming off its normal path down a ramp as a stunt performer tries to outrun it similar to the scene in 1981 film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The prop, though, bounced off the normal set and onto the open stage, bouncing to about 10 feet high as a cast member runs over to block it as it approached the audience. It bounces a second time to about 6 feet high before striking the man, who is knocked backward and hits the floor. The prop then safely comes to a slow stop. He is seen being attended to by other cast members, but was able to stand back up with help after the incident. The 25-minute show debuted in 1989 originally as part of Disney-MGM Studios theme park. It went offline for a couple of years before coming back in 2022. View the full article

It’s a great day to buy some LEGOs! ©Amazon You can find plenty of deals on Amazon while doing some post-holiday shopping — and those savings also include some awesome LEGO deals! Whether you’re looking for more Disney LEGO sets to add to your collection or want to take advantage of some awesome winter deals, these fan-favorite sets may scratch that LEGO itch. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. One of our favorite Pixar LEGO sets is currently on sale for 37% off ©Amazon The 598-piece LEGO Up Set is currently on sale on Amazon for 37% off and lets you build the famous house from the Pixar film — balloons and all! It even comes with minifigures of Russell, Carl, Dug, and a squirrel! BUY ON AMAZON Bring home this Encanto-themed set ©Amazon The LEGO Magical Madrigal House Set is currently 23% on Amazon and comes with 1,560 pieces. This set lets you build the house in 9 sections and includes several minfigures, including Abuela, Mirabel, Isabela, Dolores, Luisa, Camilo, Antonio, and 2 animals. BUY ON AMAZON Build Moana’s Wayfinder with this next set ©Amazon Save 20% off the LEGO Moana’s Adventure Canoe Set! This 529-piece set includes a buildable double-hulled canoe with a textile sail, removable deck, and under-deck living area. It also comes with 4 minifigures of Moana, Loto, Moni, and Pua! BUY ON AMAZON This Moana 2 set is another must-have for fans ©Disney Save 21% on the 572-piece LEGO Kakamora Barge Set from Moana 2! This set includes a buildable Kakamora Barge with interactive features such as a working catapult, secret hiding spots, a treasure chest, and a zipline. It even splits into 3 separate boats and includes a double-hulled canoe! The set also comes with figures of Moana, Maui, Heihei, Kotu, and 5 additional Kakamora characters. BUY ON AMAZON This Inside Out 2 LEGO set is currently 27% off ©Amazon The LEGO Inside Out 2 Mood Cubes Set is currently 27% off on Amazon and comes with 394 pieces. This set comes with 2 buildable cubes that each feature storage space, 9 mood plates, a display stand for the cubes, and figures of Joy and Anxiety. BUY ON AMAZON Build your own dragon with this next LEGO set ©Amazon Currently, 64% off on Amazon, the LEGO Maleficent Sleeping Beauty Set comes with a bridge section with towers, a bedroom, and a turning, spinning wheel. But that’s not all — you also get minifigures of Prince Phillip and Aurora, a Samson horse figure, and a posable Maleficent dragon with movable head, legs, tail, and folding wings. BUY ON AMAZON Bring home this discount toddler set ©Amazon The LEGO DUPLO Disney Mickey & Minnie Mouse Birthday Train Set is currently 20% off on Amazon and is ideal for young kids, coming with only 22 pieces. This includes figures of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto, as well as a buildable toy train that showcases some fun birthday props, as well as Mickey’s guitar. BUY ON AMAZON And there you have it! We’ll continue to update you with all kinds of Disney merch discounts, so keep it posted right here at DFB! View the full article

It’s time to start planning for those 2026 trips! There are tons of things you need to consider, like where you’re going to stay, what you want to eat, and which souvenirs you want to bring home. Mickey Mouse Before your trip even begins, you also need to consider what you want to wear! A bad outfit can ruin your family pictures and even your day if you’re too uncomfortable. That’s why we’re sharing our best Disney World outfit formulas so you don’t have to stress before the vacation even kicks off. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A bad Disney World outfit can give you blisters, rashes, and even a less-than-perfect picture. You want to look and feel your best on vacation, but not at the cost of your comfort. That’s why we like to keep things simple with a few outfit formulas. A Base Layer ©Amazon Starting off strong, we like to have a good base layer. For us, bike shorts fit that bill! They’re comfortable and make sure we don’t chafe during those long days. These are great to go with a big t-shirt (which we’ll get into in a moment) and even under dresses or skirts. They come in tons of colors, so you can represent any Disney character your heart desires. Shop Online A Shirt For Magic! ©Amazon Here’s that big tee we were mentioning! We love to wear an oversized tee for those hot summer days. It hides the sweat, keeps us cool, and makes sure we aren’t sticking to any unwanted fabric. This shirt features a coquette-style design with Cinderella Castle in the center. Along the sides, you can see details like Mickey’s Sorcerer hat, a teacup, Genie’s lamp, Minnie’s bow, and more. It’s perfect for those Magic Kingdom days! Shop Online Fit for a Princess! ©Amazon We like to have several options in our oversized tee department! That’s where this shirt comes into play. This shirt is inspired by Rapunzel from Tangled and is also a croquette-style design. Rapunzel’s silhouette is in the center, along with details from her film around her. You can see her dress, frying pan, tiara, tower, lantern, and more! This shirt comes in 10 different variations, so your favorite princess is probably included. Shop Online Dressing for Comfort ©Target Another formula we love is an athletic dress with crew socks and tennis shoes! This athletic dress is one of our favorites, and it’s made with a midweight fabric blend of recycled polyester and spandex for flexibility and comfort. It makes us feel extra cute in our park pictures! It’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking, so it can survive sweat and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It also comes with built-in shorts for extra modesty and comfort. You can grab a dress in any color for any character with your favorite tennis shoes. Shop Online Long Leggings for Cold Days ©Target On those colder days, leggings and a sweatshirt are a MUST. These are moisture-wicking and quick-drying for any unexpected spills or splashes. It’s also made with midweight fabric with spandex for comfort and stretch. We have several members of our team who wear leggings year-round, too! They prevent chafing and sunburns and can be worn anywhere and everywhere. Shop Online A Necessary Layer ©Amazon Finally, we always like to keep a sweatshirt with us throughout the year. For our winter formula, leggings with tall socks and a sweatshirt are the go-to every single time. This combo offers warmth, comfort, and much-needed ease during those busy days. This sweatshirt is perfect for any park or even at home to show off your love for the mouse. It’s vintage-inspired and will forever be timeless! Plus, it still gets a little chilly once the sun goes down, even in the springtime, so we pack a sweatshirt with us no matter what. Shop Online These classic items are the perfect way to pack with ease and comfort in 2026. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more outfit ideas and inspo! View the full article

2026 is going to be full of LOTS of construction for Disney World, and that goes for multiple parks, hotels, and beyond. Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom has TWO lands under construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has one entire land incoming, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is about to undergo a massive retheme, Animal Kingdom‘s DinoLand to Tropical Americas really ramps up, multiple hotels have construction projects in progress, and we can’t wait for LEVEL99 to arrive in Disney Springs. Despite all that, there’s a NEW construction project happening on Main Street, U.S.A. that may just take the top spot for 2026, because Cinderella Castle is being repainted! At Destination D23 in August 2025, Disney announced that Cinderella Castle would be repainted to its original white and blue design, and the pink from the park’s 50th Anniversary will be going away. In the middle of December, right before Christmas, Disney confirmed that the castle’s makeover would begin in January 2026. Cinderella Castle The first step will be draining the moat around the castle, and then the repainting will begin. However, if you’re worried about getting photos in front of the castle without cranes in the way, all you’ll have to do is wait until midday, as the cranes will be down no later than 12 PM (noon) each day. While we don’t have a completion date just yet, it’s expected to be completed later in 2026. Cinderella Castle (2018) We know lots of Disney fans are very excited for this change, as blue and white/gray are much more associated with Cinderella, but there are lots of Disney guests who are bummed to see the pink go. However, we’re looking forward to seeing how different the projections on the castle will look during nighttime shows, as it’s expected that they will show up better on the white/gray than the pink. More Recent Magic Kingdom News! WARNING: Main Street, U.S.A. Will Look VERY Different in JanuaryYou Won’t Believe the Crowds in Disney World Right Now10 Dates to Avoid Disney World in 2026We Wish We Had Known These 4 Things Before Using the Disney World MonorailThis RARE Disney World Fireworks Show Only Happens Two Days A Year! Need some help planning your upcoming trip? Check out our friends at Small World Vacations! They’re incredibly knowledgeable, wonderful to work with, and it doesn’t cost ANYTHING to use their services. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news so you’re up-to-date on the latest news before your trip! The Best Things To Buy on Amazon Before the End of 2025 DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you looking forward to this makeover? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Disney World, get ready for some cold weather! Magic Kingdom We’ve been preparing for New Year’s Eve crowds and 2026 changes, but now it looks like we’ll have to face a cold chill before those big events! Now, it looks like Orlando is under a new weather advisory. According to WESH, a frost advisory is in effect for the Orlando area. From 11:15 AM on December 31st, 2025, until 9:00 AM on January 1st, 2026, the advisory is in place for temperatures as low as 32 degrees. Magic Kingdom on December 31st, 2025. This advisory is for Inland Indian River, Inland Martin, Inland Northern Brevard, Inland Saint Lucie, Inland Southern Brevard, Inland Volusia, Northern Lake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Southern Lake. Disney World is in Orange County and Osceola County. Get your sweatshirt for Disney World! The frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation and other plants. They could be killed if they’re left uncovered, so be prepared! The main steps that you need to take are to protect your plants if you’re a Disney World local or grab your jackets and gloves if you’re on vacation! Crowds for New Year’s Eve fireworks If you’re planning on being in the parks tonight to catch Magic Kingdom’s special fireworks or EPCOT’s end-of-the-year parties, don’t forget your warm gear, or you’ll be spending a pretty penny. It’s also important to grab a hot chocolate or warm drink to keep your fingers and insides warm while you wait for those evening spectaculars. Luckily, almost every restaurant in the parks should have something to keep you warm. Hot chocolate in Magic Kingdom! This advisory won’t be in place for too long, but those cold temperatures aren’t going away just yet. This week has seen temperatures into the 30s at night. It will start to warm up a bit tomorrow, January 1st, with a high of 68 and a low of 44. Then, it will be back up to highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s starting Friday, January 2nd. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more weather alerts in Disney World. This Is Your OFFICIAL WARNING for Visiting Disney World This Week Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

The truth of the matter is that not all Disney rides cater to everyone. Matterhorn Bobsleds Disneyland Park is often considered the model theme park — offering plenty of good eats, great rides, and an unforgettable experience. While there’s no ride we consider totally off-limits, there are some attractions that are less forgiving, especially when you get up there in age. We don’t take the bumps like we did when we were teens, and motion sickness, a lesser willingness to let a ride drench us, and different needs all begin to play very real factors in our Disney day itineraries. As such, there are some Disneyland rides that give us some pause and have us reconsidering our choices… With that in mind, there are 5 Disneyland rides that really stand out as attractions Disney fans ages 50 and above might want to have on their “do-not-ride” radars. All five of these attractions are incredible in their own right, and here at DFB, our apprehension certainly won’t stop us from riding. But each offers some obvious setbacks. Matterhorn Bobsleds We’re just happy this ride no longer uses lapsitting, as it’s already uncomfortable enough in its current state. Hailed as the first tubular steel roller coaster, Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds has been a pioneer in the thrill ride space since 1959 — but it’s shown its age in a very painful way. Matterhorn Bobsleds The ride puts you into low bobsled cars (similar to Disney World’s Space Mountain) and zips you through a miniature Matterhorn Mountain — evading the Abominable Snowman with tight turns and sharp dips. But that’s just the thing: this is a compressed coaster experience with a ride vehicle low to the ground. The dips aren’t smooth, so you’re slamming your behind, and the turns are so sharp that your shoulders and hips crash into the sides of the vehicle. Matterhorn Bobsleds It gets tougher and tougher to rebound from this beating each year. This is one of those rides where you might get off feeling like your spine was rearranged. Fun, but less tolerable the older we get. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The newest ride on this list, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is also the most unique. This ride has a couple of notable issues. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The ride logs aren’t exactly the most comfortable. You’re pretty loose and basically hanging on for dear life during the big 50-foot drop. If you’re a person who prefers to be strapped in when riding something with thrills, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure won’t put you at ease. Going down the bayou But here’s the bigger issue: YOU WILL GET DRENCHED. Now, there are ways to prepare for this. You can wear a poncho, pack a change of clothes, switch into flip flops, etc. But if you don’t plan ahead, it’s super easy for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to completely ruin your day. The several dips before the final drop will make you feel like you just took a bath, and that big drop at the end is just the icing on the cake. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The older we get, the less we’re willing to tolerate damp socks, soaked shirts, and drenched hair that stay with us for hours. Indiana Jones Adventure Is the Indiana Jones Adventure one of Disneyland’s best rides? Absolutely! Is it one of its bumpiest? You bet. Depending on how your body responds to ride vehicles throwing you around, you may need to be cautious about this one. Indiana Jones Adventure The ride vehicle itself is fine, as this jeep gives you ample space and security. But it’s a wild jeep ride, and the experience is bumpy — which is putting it mildly. There are also some sharp turns and a few small dips. Ultimately, you’re feeling quite a bit of inertia throughout the experience without many moments of peace thrown in between. Indiana Jones Adventure Folks with neck and back issues will want to avoid this ride like the plague. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin Okay, so this next addition does come with a disclaimer: like the Tea Cups, spinning is OPTIONAL with Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. If you’re a fan of the film and just want to experience the ride for the plot, you absolutely can — in which case, you can disregard this note. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin However, be warned: if you choose to spin your car, the ride can evoke motion sickness and disorientation. That is kind of the point, since the plot and set pieces are so chaotic to begin with. But if you’re at the point where you just don’t want to deal with this kind of discomfort, and/or you’re riding with someone you think will want to spin the car — maybe skip this one altogether instead. Detective Jessica Rabbit Animatronic! However, if your ride partner agrees not to spin the car or you decide to ride alone, this can be a very tolerable attraction, especially if you love Who Framed Roger Rabbit! Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadgetcoaster Staying in Toontown, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadgetcoaster is a junior coaster that offers just enough speed and thrill while still being family-friendly enough for young kids to ride. On the surface, it’s a pretty safe introductory coaster for kids interested in working their way up to the real thing. ©Disney However, it has two major issues. The first is that the ride experience is under a minute, and the wait time usually hovers around 40 minutes to an hour. It’s simply not worth waiting that long for. The second issue is that the ride cars are waaaay too small. It doesn’t matter your shape or size — if you’re a grown adult, you WILL feel uncomfortable sitting in this coaster train. It’s tight, too compact, and obviously geared towards kids. Mickey’s ToonTown What are some rides YOU refuse to ride at Disney World? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disneyland tips, tricks, and updates! Disney Uses 3D Printing to Create New Ride Elements Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

Is a Disney Springs staple restaurant headed for closure? Sprinkles Cupcakes Over at Disney’s shopping and dining district, it seems like Sprinkles cupcake shop might be closing permanently. With tons of closures already happening around Disney World, we’re preparing ourselves for the loss of our ATM cupcakes. We’re investigating what’s going on with the dessert shop here. Reportedly, Sprinkles Cupcakes is heading for closure around the country, including the Disney Springs shop. Rumors have been circulating online that the national chain will be closing permanently on January 1st, 2026, although the company has not made a comment. The popular dessert shop, which is known especially for its cupcake ATM, is no longer showing hours on the Disney website on January 1st, 2026. Oddly enough, the website does start showing availability again, starting on January 16th. ©Disney We contacted the Disney Springs store, where the Cast Member shared that they were unaware of any closures, but they confirmed the shop was open and operating today, December 31st, 2026. When we called the online orders number, an automated voice shared that the bakery was no longer taking orders. ©Sprinkles After searching through the website, none of the bakeries online are showing availability for orders on January 1st, 2026, or after. Orders can still be placed for pick up today, December 31st. ©Sprinkles We also reached out to the Tampa storefront, which confirmed they will be closing on January 1st. They also shared that they know they aren’t the only Sprinkles storefront closing, although they didn’t confirm how many were included. Sprinkles ATM It’s important to note that you can still order cupcakes for nationwide shipping right now. When we tested it, we were still able to make an order in January, for example. This leads us to wonder if they are just closing their storefronts and will still continue to operate online. We’re also curious to see if this is a temporary closure based on the online hours showing on Disney’s website. These sweet cupcakes will be missed if the rumors are true. We will be in Disney Springs first thing in the morning to check on the alleged closure. We will be sure to report back on the bakery’s status, so be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates. 10 Dates to Avoid Disney World in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Wait. Where did 2025 go? Surely we have a few more months, or weeks, or, nope, it’s the end, and we’re celebrating the new year the best way we know how — at Disney World! Happy New Year! Now, we’re not the only ones with this idea, so we’re expecting a lot of people, so let’s check out what the crowds look like at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT for New Year’s Eve and the day before! Let’s start at the first park, Magic Kingdom! We are in the parks all day today, and will update with the New Year’s Eve Crowds. These photos are from our last trip on December 30th, and they can give you an expectation of what you’ll see in the parks tonight. We can usually tell it’s going to be busy before we even get to the park. The Transportation and Ticket Center is where Magic Kingdom parking is, and y’all, it was packed. Magic Kingdom parking lot Yesterday, almost every parking lot was full when we arrived at 3 PM. If you’re planning on going to the park, don’t wait too long to arrive. Lines for security and for transportation were long as well. Would you choose the monorail or the ferryboat here? We have a debate about this all the time, and most people argue that the monorail is faster. Personally, I’m a ferryboat girl because it generally means you get a little bit more space and airflow, which I really value on busy days. It’s also a lot easier with strollers and wheelchairs! The ferry boat at Magic Kingdom Let’s scan in. Obviously, we were met with more crowds, all waiting to scan in. To speed things up, make sure your MagicBand is connected to your account, or everyone holds their physical card and knows which finger they scanned with. Now onto Main Street, U.S.A. This is usually where it’s easy to tell how busy it is, and to no one’s surprise, it was wall-to-wall people. Probably not the best time to take your favorite family photos in front of the castle. The hub was packed yesterday! What about the wait times? On December 31st, the highest wait time in the park was Tron Lightcycle / Run at a 130-minute wait time. The lowest is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at a 5-minute wait time. So, yep. It’s busy, but not terrible! TRON Lightcycle / Run Let’s check out what’s happening at EPCOT. EPCOT is well-known for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. There are sometimes dance parties at different pavilions, and sometimes they celebrate New Year’s Eve in the real country’s time zone. These are PARTIES! New Year’s Eve in EPCOT 2024 Gotta check the wait times too. Oof! In EPCOT, at the time of writing, Cosmic Rewind was the highest at 170 MINUTES, and Gran Fiesta Tour was the lowest at 5 minutes. Again, big variety here. Gran Fiesta Tour Based on our experience last night, if you want a good fireworks spot at either park, arrive at least 30 minutes early! Fireworks Crowds! Throughout Magic Kingdom, you’ll be able to find dance parties like this one in Frontierland! They have DJs, special lighting, and so many people. Frontierland Crowds If you have younger kiddos, you can head over to Tomorrowland, where they’re having a dance party. They even had friends like Pluto and Goofy make an appearance. The Tomorrowland party! Let’s see those moves, boys! These days are so much fun in the parks, but I won’t lie — you need to be prepared for the crowds! Now there is a chance that the crowds will hit capacity tonight (although our team isn’t super worried), but if you need to know what to do, we’ve got you covered here! Goofy at the party! While we’re waiting for the final countdown, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for everything Disney. DISNEY IS OPENING 11 NEW RIDES IN 2026. HERE’S THE FULL LIST. 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 celebrate major holidays at Disney World? Tell us how you like to celebrate in the comments. View the full article

If all goes according to the 2026 plan, Orlando-area theme parks and attractions will welcome updated animatronics, a new roller coaster, more Muppet mania, revived rides and a slew of sloths. Yes, sloths. But slow down a second. At Walt Disney World, expect multiple rounds of introductions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the opening of the Magic of Disney Animation area in the former Star Wars: Launch Bay building. It spotlights aspects of the company’s animation efforts using a short film, come-to-life portraits, sketching, photo ops, character greetings and an indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair art, called “Drawn to Wonderland.” Nearby, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” joins the lineup in summer, as does the revamped Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, featuring the Muppets and new settings. The park’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets an update centered on “The Mandalorian and Grogu” film as of May 22 (the flick’s opening day). The new mission includes a choice of destinations (Death Star wreckage among them) and an enhanced engineer position that communicates with Grogu. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will have new destinations and duties later this year. (Courtesy Walt Disney Co.) At Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster, shuttered for refurbishment since January 2025, returns, and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin reopens with new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, interactive targets and a robot named Buddy. Disney lists both as springtime arrivals. Meanwhile, Epcot’s Frozen Ever After gets updated animatronics of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff characters, starting in February. (The attraction’s last day before the closure to make the changes is Jan. 25.) Epcot also adds “Soarin’ Across America” as part of the company’s celebration of the U.S.A.’s 250th birthday. It’s set to premiere by Memorial Day. The Bluey character begins meet-and-greet duties at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. The interaction is set for the park’s Conservation Station. Perhaps the first major addition to arrive in 2026 will be Galacticoaster at Legoland Florida. The indoor ride — “a customizable Lego space adventure” — debuts Feb. 27. Also slated for February opening: Sloth World, with dozens of the slow-paced animals, providing a new educational / entertainment outlet on International Drive. Coming soon-ish Other anticipated additions include: • SeaWorld Orlando is building SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a suspended dark ride. An opening timeframe has not been announced. SeaWorld Orlando revealed the ride vehicle for its SEAQuest attraction at IAAPA Expo in November. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) • Icon Park has a trio of attractions under construction that are set to debut this year, including a theater for Blue Man Group, a multilevel Build-A-Bear Workshop and Ripley Crazy Golf. • The traveling “Animationland” exhibit lands at Orange County Regional History Center on Jan. 17. The downtown Orlando museum incorporates a section dubbed “Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida” that explores how the Central Florida-based studio contributed to films such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Mulan” and “Lilo & Stitch.” • Banana Ball – featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Party Animals teams – slides into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on May 29-30. • The major renovation of Orlando Science Center’s CineDome is expected to be complete in the spring. Expect new lights, speakers, screen and 8K digital projectors for very big-screen movies, laser shows and planetarium presentations. • LEVEL99, an interactive gaming venue, opens at Disney Springs sometime in ‘26. It takes over the space of the short-lived NBA Experience. • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is planning an immersive animal habitat named Lion & Hyena Ridge. Festival focus The bulk of the special events at our theme parks and attractions are returning, including 2025 first-timer Cool Kid Summer across Disney World. The firm dates we know for 2026 are in the first quarter: • Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Jan. 16-Feb. 23 • Rock the Universe at Universal Studios: Jan. 23-24 • Science on Tap at Orlando Science Center: Jan. 24 • Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios: Feb. 7- April 4 • Spark STEM Fest at Orlando Science Center: Feb. 13-16 • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: March 4-June 1 Last calls It’s last call for a few attractions this year. "Orlando Collected," an exhibit created by Orange County Regional History Center, includes signs from Ivey's Drug Store and Dandelion CommuniTea Cafe in front of a dress that belonged to Brownie Wise, the woman who revolutionized Tupperware sales techniques. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) • “Orlando Collected,” the exhibit tied to the 150th birthday of the city, wraps up its run at Orange County Regional History Center on Jan. 11. • The final day to experience Dinosaur, the simulator ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is Feb. 1. The attraction is being revamped with an “Indiana Jones” theme to go in the under-construction Tropical Americas land. • The Aerosmith version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster bows out March 1. The attraction, revamped with Muppet characters and theming, has been operating at Hollywood Studios since 1999. 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

While there’s no doubt that Walt Disney World is “always busy”, not every day is created equal. Thanks to holidays, school breaks, and Disney events, certain days on the calendar are going to be more packed than others, including these 10 dates in 2026. Fourth of July Over my 30+ years visiting Walt Disney World, I’ve popped by the “Most Magical Place on Earth” during every season and can definitely attest to some being busier than others. WDW Marathon Weekend (1/7-1/11) Once the New Year’s Holiday concludes, the first busy dates at Walt Disney World in 2026 come just a week later as the annual runDisney marathon is staged across the resort. ©Disney While runDisney aficionados and competitors will rightfully love the weekend, for those simply looking to visit Walt Disney World, it means large crowds of runners in the parks and potential road and infrastructure closures. Festival of the Arts Opening Day (1/16) EPCOT’s first festival of the year kicks off on January 16th, and opening day will — as is usual with the park’s festivals — likely be slammed. The festival runs through February 23rd, so you’ll definitely have time to pay a visit without dealing with those first-day crowds. Festival of the Arts Presidents’ Day Weekend/Week (2/13-2/22) The first major school holiday of the year comes in February with Presidents’ Day. The weekend around the Holiday (which falls on February 16th) is always busy, as is the week after, which often serves as a winter break for many school children, especially in the northeast. Hall of Presidents Flower & Garden Opening Day (3/4) EPCOT’s next festival launches on March 4th, and as tempting as it may be to try to soak in the spring vibes as early as possible, it may be better to wait. EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Figment Topiary The Flower & Garden Festival runs all the way until June 1st, meaning there’s plenty of time to go with lower crowds and more spring-appropriate weather. Memorial Day Weekend (5/22-5/25) As the unofficial start of the summer season, Memorial Day weekend is always a crowded one at the resort. On top of that, Disney has a habit of debuting new or refurbished attractions during this period (which this year could potentially include the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, or maybe even the new Muppets take on the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster). The Dapper Dans in their Memorial Day outfits 4th of July Weekend (7/3-7/5) Walt Disney World always goes BIG for the Fourth of July, complete with massive patriotic fireworks shows and massive crowds. 2026 will likely be even bigger than usual, considering it will mark the 250th birthday of the United States. Fourth of July! Labor Day Weekend (9/4-9/7) If Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, then Labor Day is its end. The weekend is often a busy one at the parks as many guests visit for one last gasp of summer before the fall season truly begins. Hollywood Studios on Labor Day Festival of the Holidays Opening Day (11/27) Jumping ahead to the Holiday Season, Black Friday (which falls on November 27th in 2026) marks the official launch of EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, complete with Christmas treats, international Holiday traditions, and of course, the iconic Candlelight Processional. Given all that, plus its proximity to the Thanksgiving holiday, opening day is usually JAMMED. Festival Passport Christmas (12/25) Believe it or not, Christmas Day is one of the busiest days at Walt Disney World as many guests choose to spend the Holiday on property. Catch this parade during the day! New Year’s Eve (12/31) And finally, we’ll circle all the way to the end of the year, as MANY revelers choose to ring in the new year at Walt Disney World, especially at EPCOT, which is renowned for its fireworks presentation. EPCOT on New Year’s Eve BONUS: *Food & Wine Festival Opening Day (Roughly the End of August, Based on 2025 Date)* Okay, so this one is a bit of a bonus. Disney hasn’t announced the start date for the 2026 Food & Wine Festival, though going by recent years, it will likely be sometime in mid-late August. Given that Food & Wine is EPCOT’s premier festival, there’s no doubt that opening day will be SLAMMED. The line for the Italy Booth If you’re planning a 2026 Disney World trip and want to avoid huge crowds, we’d recommend skipping these 10 dates if possible. Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on making the best of your trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” 5 Most Critical Months for Disney World Fans 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 When are you planning on visiting Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Have you ever headed to Disney World and, when you got there, suddenly wished you had known about a secret path, a hidden gem, or a very important tip that everyone else seems to know? Sometimes you can plan and plan and still wind up not knowing something, simply because there is SO MUCH to know at Walt Disney World. Trust us, we’ve made plenty of mistakes in order to learn from them and become the Disney experts we are today. Monorail at EPCOT Transportation around Disney World is one of the most efficient things at the resort, but it can also be challenging to know all the ins and outs. Plus, as Disney World changes over the years, the rules can suddenly change, too, especially on the Monorail. Mistakes can and do happen. That’s why we want you to know about these three Monorail tips before your next trip to the parks. Don’t Expect a Magical Experience in the Morning Monorail line We really do love the Monorail and all the magic that it makes us feel as we take the highway in the sky to Magic Kingdom. It’s a wonderful feeling pulling up to the park and seeing Space Mountain, Main St, U.S.A., and Cinderella Castle out the window, knowing you’re about to have a great day. Monorail entrance However, the Monorail is not so magical right away in the morning, and we want you to be mentally prepared for the lack of magic first thing as you’re headed to Magic Kingdom. Right away in the morning, the Monorail is super CROWDED. There are so many people trying to board the train that it gets to be like packing sardines in a can. Each car is full of bodies, strollers, and heat. Monorail crowds If you’re hoping for a better Monorail experience, try going later in the day to Magic Kingdom. If You Get Overwhelmed by Crowds, Try the Ferryboat The entrance to the Ferryboat If being packed into the Monorail for rope drop sounds terrible to you, we suggest trying the Ferryboat! Typically, fewer people opt to take the boat to the park, making it a more comfortable ride. Plus, it’s open and airy, making it feel way better, even if there are a lot of people. Heading onto the Ferryboat We’ve actually timed a trip to Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center via Monorail and Ferryboat, and it’s about the same amount of time! So either transportation option is great for getting you there first thing in the morning. You Can Get On and Off the Monorail at the Resorts The Monorail at the Contemporary Resort There are two Monorails that can get you to Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center: the Resort Monorail and the Express Monorail. We have come to really enjoy taking the Resort Monorail and hopping off at each of the three Magic Kingdom Resorts. Monorail at the Polynesian You can stop at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Resort to dine, drink, or shop. This has become one of our favorite non-park day activities! This Sneaky Hidden Stairs Hack Monorail at Magic Kingdom Alright, listen up, folks. This is a hack you’re definitely going to want to know. As the overcrowded Monorail approaches Magic Kingdom, you’re going to want to beat the crowds, not get stuck in them, and this hack will help you do it. Find the “Hidden Stairs” at Magic Kingdom off the Monorail When you hop aboard the monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center to reach Magic Kingdom, make sure you find yourself in the right-side monorail queue. Walk all the way to the end, specifically gate 12. As the monorail arrives, aim to be the last one to board, positioning yourself closest to the door. Monorail Then, when the doors open upon arrival at Magic Kingdom, take a sharp left and swiftly descend the “hidden stairs.” You’ll go right past the giant crowd of people trying to get down the ramp and be out of the gaggle, striding up the gate as the magic of the park surrounds you. Magic Kingdom from the Monorail We learned these things the hard way, so you don’t have to. We hope you can make the most of your time at the parks, and being prepared for the Monorail will help you do that. Take advantage of the Resort monorail when you can, and remember, the monorail isn’t always as magical as you might hope it to be. We go to the Disney World parks every day and experience every magical and not-so-magical aspect in order to bring you the most up-to-date information. So keep following DFB for more tips and tricks! I Learned a HARD Lesson in Disney World: This Outfit Mistake Left Me Stranded in Magic 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 What is your favorite Disney World transportation hack? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

THIS IS IT, FRIENDS! 2026 is YOUR YEAR to go to Epic Universe! Epic Universe And if you’re ready to plan out the BEST FIRST (or maybe second… or third??) visit here EVER – then you’re gonna need to know about the BEST restaurants, rides, shows, and DFB advice! Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Universal Epic Universe 2026 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Things are changing almost every day in Disney World, but that’s why we’re here to help you keep track of it all and have the best vacation possible! Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Lightning Lane Lightning Lane rules are notorious for changing time and time again, but that’s why we pay VERY close attention to all those rules so you know exactly what to expect when you’re booking yours for your upcoming trip. If you’re heading to Disney World soon and are planning to book tons of Lightning Lanes to skip those long lines, these are the THREE rules you need to know! Okay, let’s get into the rules you need to know. You CAN Get More Than Three When you’re booking your Lightning Lanes for Disney World, you’ll notice that you can pre-book up to three, meaning you know FOR SURE you’ll be able to skip the line at those three rides. However, you absolutely can skip the line at more than three rides, and in fact, we’d go as far as saying that if you DON’T skip more than three, you’re really not getting your money’s worth. Kali River Rapids Lightning Lane This is especially true if you’re park hopping during the day. Let’s say you buy a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Magic Kingdom, your first park of the day, but then you plan on park hopping to EPCOT later in the day. You can 100% look into EPCOT Lightning Lanes to book, and you can even begin to book them BEFORE you park hop (as long as your park ticket or Annual Pass allows you to hop). While you can only hold three Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservations at a time, you could totally have two for one park, then one for another, or any combination of those numbers. The Rules for Lightning Lanes Are Changing at Disney World in 2026 Book The Most Popular Rides First You may have heard us say it time and time again, but that’s because it truly is SO important — Lightning Lanes will sell out QUICK for the most popular rides in each park, so if you know you’d like to skip the line, it’s important to book them as early as you can. As soon as you are able to grab a reservation (reminder: those staying at Disney World hotels, you can book your Lightning Lane reservations seven days in advance, while all other guests can book three days in advance), go for it! Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane We know that seems like a LONG time in between those booking days, but as long as you hop on as early as you can, three days before your trip is set to begin, you can often still grab Lightning Lanes for some of your favorite rides. If you’ve decided to book the day of, many of them may be sold out, especially if it’s a busier time of year. It’s absolutely still worth seeing what you can get — you may be surprised! I Tried the $66 Lightning Lane Hack That Disney Experts Swear By Don’t Give Up Hope! With that all being said, if you haven’t been able to snag the Lightning Lanes you really want, don’t give up — we can’t tell you the number of times we’ve seen our favorite rides all sold out of Lightning Lanes, but as we’ve checked back during the day, they pop up when we least expect them. ©Disney While it does mean you’ll need to be on your phone more often, we highly recommend continuously checking back for available Lightning Lanes during the day. It’s a great way to snag as many as you can, therefore making the most of the money you spent, and making the most of every minute of the day — there’s no greater feeling than grabbing a last-minute Lightning Lane for a ride that was previously sold out! Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane Lightning Lanes won’t be for everyone in Disney World, but if you’re someone who despises waiting in line, or you know that you’d prefer to pay a little bit more to skip the lines and have a more enjoyable day, then it’s likely going to be very worth it for you. However, it’s extremely important you really understand the system before you begin to use it, that way you don’t feel frustrated and/or confused in the park, or like you wasted your hard-earned money. Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid Want some additional help planning your Disney World vacation? Check out our friends at Small World Vacations! They’re totally free to use and will help you with everything you need to have the best trip possible. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on all the latest Disney World changes, including any and all coming to Lightning Lane, since we’ll be in the parks every day throughout all of 2026 and beyond, so stay tuned to DFB! Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes 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 How do you feel about Lightning Lanes? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is set to pay $10 million over alleged children’s privacy law violations. According to the BBC, the famous company is paying the lump sum over claims that it broke children’s privacy laws by not labeling YouTube videos as “made for children,” which allowed for targeted advertising. ©The Walt Disney Company Disney agreed to settle with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission back in September 2025, “to resolve an inquiry into its collection of children’s personal data.” Throughout the inquiry, the FTC argued that Disney’s failure to label the videos properly meant that children received targeted ads that led to children’s data being collected without parental notice or consent. The U.S. Justice Department announced on December 29th, 2025, that Disney has agreed to create a program within the company that will “comply with children’s data protection laws.” ©Disney Brett Shumate, an assistant attorney general within the Justice Department’s civil division, shared that, “The Justice Department is firmly devoted to ensuring parents have a say in how their children’s information is collected and used.” Disney confirmed that they have agreed to the terms that were first shared in September. The Walt Disney Company Disney has noted that this settlement only applies to some of its content on YouTube, and it doesn’t involve Disney-owned or operated digital platforms like Disney+ or the Disney Store. This overall agreement involves both Disney Worldwide Services Inc. and Disney Entertainment Operations LLC. This current lawsuit can be connected back to the FTC’s settlement with YouTube from 2019. ©YouTube TV In 2019, the FTC and YouTube’s owner, Google, reached a settlement that required YouTube to require creators on the platform to label if videos were directed at kids. This settlement created the rule to help avoid targeting advertisements towards children’s content that would allow personal data collection. The ads and data collection are banned under the 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). ©Google COPPA requires that creators who make children’s content for kids under the age of 13 must notify parents and obtain consent before gathering personal data. Regulators in Disney’s current predicament claimed Disney didn’t identify certain videos as being made for children, which violated the law. Several of the videos in question were uploaded to YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Walt Disney Company Since the pandemic, Disney has uploaded more than 1,250 videos to the platform, according to the Justice Department’s complaint. They described a majority of the videos as “extremely popular” and shared that viewership skyrocketed during the early months of the pandemic. According to the complaint, Disney has been aware of the labeling issue since June 2020. ©Disney At the time the issue was first raised, YouTube allegedly told Disney that they had changed the labels on more than 300 videos. Some of them included content from movies like The Incredibles, Frozen, and Toy Story. The lawyers for the Justice Department said Disney’s failure to label the videos correctly “results in YouTube collecting personal information and placing targeted advertisements on child-directed videos on Disney’s behalf.” ©Disney Disney is no stranger to lawsuits. In 2025 alone, they experienced lawsuits connected to copyright claims, infringement claims, injury claims, and more. Be sure to follow DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! View the full article

AJ Wolfe is hitting the road again for the “Disney Adults” book! In Grosse Pointe, Michigan, you can meet AJ of Disney Food Blog, grab a copy of “Disney Adults,” and get it signed. The event takes place at Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe and will be on January 23rd. There are two different time slots to choose from: one from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM and one from 6:15 PM to 7 PM. ‘Disney Adults’ by AJ Wolfe This is “an in-person event where you can meet AJ Wolfe, the creator of Disney Food Blog and talented author of ‘Disney Adults!’ Get your copy of ‘Disney Adults’ signed, take a photo with AJ, and enjoy the magical atmosphere at Coreander’s. Don’t miss the chance to connect with one of your favorite authors, bloggers, and ultimate Disney fans up close.” You can grab tickets to the 5:30 to 6:15 PM session here… 5:30 – 6:15 …and tickets to the 6:15 to 7 PM session here. 6:15 – 7 Disney Adults You’ll be able to purchase a book with your ticket, or you can bring your own copy from home. If you decide to purchase a book, you can pick it up at the event or grab it up to three days before from Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for 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 Have you read “Disney Adults” yet? Tell us your favorite part in the comments! View the full article

Happy New Year, friends! It’s finally time to say goodbye to 2025 and cheer our way into 2026. Whether you’re celebrating on the couch with snacks or dressed up for a big night out, it’s the perfect evening to enjoy dazzling fireworks and colorful explosions lighting up the sky. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Disney World’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are always a big deal, especially at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, and 2025’s sendoff is just as spectacular. Join us for a FIRST LOOK at the dazzling Magic Kingdom fireworks, helping us ring in 2026 in true Disney style! Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular, Fantasy in the Sky, is a once-a-year treat that only appears on December 30th and 31st — with shows at 7:30PM and 11:50PM on both nights. Naturally, we had to see this classic celebration for ourselves, and we’re bringing you along with us. We even joined the festivities a little early… along with what felt like half the park! Pro tip: if you’re hoping for a great viewing spot, plan to arrive well ahead of showtime. Fantasy in the Sky! We got our spot right in the middle of the Hub, a little bit in front of the partner’s statue. We grabbed our spot roughly half an hour before the show began, and it was packed! Let the show begin! This show is super colorful, bright, and vibrant. Throughout the show, you also hear Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy talking to the guests. SO GORGEOUS Once it gets close to midnight (and even at the 7:30 show), the characters and guests in the park all join together to start the countdown to the new year! We love that they do this at each showing, so if you or your kiddos can’t make it to midnight, you still get the fun experience. The countdown! At the end, you can even see the new year projected on the side of the castle! Welcome 2026! 2026! EPCOT also joins the celebration with its own New Year’s Eve spectacular, Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration, which lights up the sky at 11:54PM on December 31st. With a little planning, you can actually experience both Magic Kingdom’s and EPCOT’s special fireworks — just visit one park on December 30th and the other on New Year’s Eve. The big finale! We’re ringing in the New Year at Disney World and already thinking about our next trip in 2026! Stay tuned to see how the year starts out with the crowds, changes, news, and more — right here at DFB! If You’re Driving to Disney World, Beware of This NEW Rule 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 already have plans to visit Disney World in 2026? Tell us why or why not in the comments below! View the full article

The one thing that blows my mind is that when people plan a Disney World vacation, they’re not just paying for tickets to the theme parks, but they’re also paying for a hotel room that many folks rarely see, except maybe at night. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort I’m not one of those people, though. Now, I have certainly done the parks from rope drop to park close, but when I do this, I feel like I’ve wasted money on a hotel room I’m barely seeing. Oh, and I’m usually in pain…and I’m exhausted. So instead of making myself do that, I almost ALWAYS leave the parks around 2 PM to take a break in my hotel room that I paid good money for. I don’t just take a break, though. I go back to my hotel room, I crash out on the bed, and I take a nap. You see…I’m a napper. I need a little afternoon nap to keep going well into the night, or otherwise, I’m useless after 6 PM. This goes back to my early days of visiting Disney World, when everyone stressed the importance of the midday break. I took that advice to heart, and I’ve been doing it on every trip. See that bed? I’m going to use it It’s not that my body gets tired around midday, but I’m also a little overloaded on sensory input by that time, too. Disney World is designed to get all your senses going, and it can be a lot when you’re exposed to it for hours on end. There’s a lot of noise, a lot of people, and just…well, a lot. Disney World can be a lot sometimes So around 2 PM, I’ll hop on that Disney World transportation and head back to the hotel. There, I’ll kick off my shoes and socks to let my feet breathe (because by then they’ll be tired, too) and then lie down on the bed, close my eyes, and enjoy some peace and quiet. That usually involves at least a 15-20 minute power nap (I’m kinda’ an expert at this kind of napping). When I wake up, I feel refreshed, my body feels a million times better, and I’m ready to go tackle the rest of the day. Like Aurora, I’m a nap queen I might rest a little bit longer, just to enjoy some time to my own thoughts, but in an hour or two, I’m firing on all cylinders and ready to go back to the parks. This gets me through the end of the day, so I don’t feel awful by the time Happily Ever After starts. Instead, I’m “ready to begin.” (Yep, I went there.) Happily Ever After This is also a strategy I’ve put into practice when I’m doing other kinds of travel. I try to find a point in the day where I can get back to my hotel room for a break and a quick nap. This gives me the energy to keep going throughout the whole day and well into the evening. It’s only backfired on me once…I visited New Orleans a few years ago and ended up taking a 3-hour nap and missed a dinner reservation. Oops. So pro tip: set an alarm for like an hour or so…just in case. So consider that midday break advice that’s been circulating forever as valid. It really works, and you’ll have a much better trip because of it. If you’ve got kids, missing out on that midday break could mean some super cranky kids later (and I’ve seen it in Disney World). But then again, I kinda’ get super cranky, too, if I don’t get my nap. “Now I Have Guilt” — Are You Also Breaking This Unspoken Disney World Food Rule? Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you take a midday break in Disney World? Sound off in the comments! View the full article

Buying your first Loungefly sounds like it would be easy, but it actually takes more thought than you may think. Loungefly Wall You’ve gotta think about what design you like, as well as other questions like, do you want side pockets? Do you want a flat front pocket or a front pocket that sticks out? There are SO many designs out there, it’s hard to find one that is perfect and really feels like you. For me, I’ve got ONE Loungefly bag that I love deeply since it really feels like it combines my love of Disney and books, so when my friend asked me for recommendations for her first Loungefly, I knew this was a big deal and that I could only send her the BEST suggestions! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Perfect for Pixar Lovers! ©Amazon My friend really loves Pixar, and if that’s you as well, or you know someone who does, the Pixar Shorts Loungefly Mini Backpack is a fantastic choice. The front pocket AND zipper charm is the iconic Pixar ball; it has two side pockets, and the top of the bag features characters from some of our favorite Pixar shorts. You’ll find Geri, Luxo, and Luxo Jr., Bao, Tin Toy, and more! Grab it right here! Who Doesn’t Love Peter Pan? ©Amazon My friend and I also went to see a professional theatre production of Peter Pan, so I knew recommending the Peter Pan Second Star Loungefly Mini Backpack would bring up great memories! This one has the London skyline with “Second star to the right and straight on till morning” on the front pocket, and Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, and Tinker Bell flying over the city on top. Grab it right here! Minnie Mouse For The Win! ©Amazon You can’t go wrong with Minnie Mouse, right? That’s how my friend and I both feel, so I also recommended the Minnie Mouse Bow Faux Leather Loungefly Mini Backpack! I love that this one is almost all black, so it goes with everything, but those gems on the front pocket elevate the look a bit. And that bow on top? The perfect addition to tie it all together. Grab it right here! Cinderella Castle Loungefly? Yes, Please! ©Amazon If you’ve got someone in your life who loves Cinderella Castle as much as my friend and I do, then the Cinderella Castle Loungefly Mini Backpack is perfect for them. The front pocket here is “hidden” in a way by Cinderella’s carriage, while the top of the bag is taken up by the castle itself. On the back of the backpack, you’ll find Cinderella’s transformation scene depicted, along with the iconic phrase, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Grab it right here! For The Marvel Fans ©Amazon Two things my friend also loves? Marvel and shiny things, so the Marvel Shine Captain America Loungefly Mini Backpack is totally right up her alley. This is perfect for a Captain America cosplay, or just for anyone who loves the hero, since it looks just like his suit! Grab it right here! Can’t Go Wrong With Mickey! ©Amazon If Mickey is your tried and true, then the Mickey and Friends Classic Loungefly Mini Backpack is a fantastic choice — both my friend and I approve! I love that Mickey himself takes up the whole front pocket, that there are two side pockets for more storage, and that the bag itself is black, so it goes with more outfits. Grab it right here! Need A Different Style? No Worries! ©Amazon Sometimes you want a bag that doesn’t look like every other backpack out there, and that’s where we’re big fans of the Disney Princess Carousel Loungefly Mini Backpack! This will still fit all you need, like a backpack, but it’s a different style than normal. There’s only one main pocket, but the zippers on the side can help expand it, if needed. Grab it right here! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to DFB! View the full article

If you are anything like us, you could always use some more Disney World in your life! Whether it be taking another trip so you can stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., or meander around World Showcase, or you want to add some more items to your Disney souvenir collection, there is no such thing as too much Disney, right? EPCOT We don’t think the limit exists! We recently spotted some must-have items on Amazon for anyone who loves Disney World. Of course, we had to share them all with you, too. Let’s take a look! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First up, we have some of our favorite Disney essentials. These are the items that we don’t head to Disney World without! Grab our favorite FROGG TOGGS Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Depending on the season you are at Disney World, be prepared for rain, and LOTS of it. The last thing you want to be is stuck in Disney World in a torrential downpour without any rain protection. That is why we love our FROGG TOGGS Poncho. It is super compact and easy to throw into our park bag, and it does a great job of keeping you dry. We also think it is more breathable than other ponchos. Get this poncho here! Grab this FuelRod Max 10 Charger FuelRod Max 10 You will be using your phone a lot at Disney World! You will use it to check wait times, place Mobile Orders, take pictures, check showtimes, make Lightning Lane reservations, and so much more. We know we use up our phones’ charge super quickly, so we always have a portable charger with us. We love the new FuelRod Max 10. It has lots of capacity, plus you can exchange it for free in the Disney World parks! Get this FuelRod here! Charge up with this Multicharger MultiCharger for all your other devices, too! We always travel with a lot of devices that need charging: our phones, MagicBand+, portable charger, and more. Hotel room outlets can be pretty scarce, so we always bring along our Multicharger. The multicharger helps increase the number of devices you can charge at once, so you can be ready for the day! Get this multicharger here! We also spotted some fun Disney World finds on Amazon, too! Grab this Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Loungefly ©Amazon We are loving this Haunted Mansion Loungefly. It is perfect for lovers of the Haunted Mansion! The bag is inspired by the stretching room, and you can even “stretch” the paintings on the bag to reveal the rest of the portrait. Get this Loungefly here! Pick up this Dead Men Tell No Tales T-shirt Dead Men Tell No Tales Tee Deeaadd meennn tteelll nooo taaleess. Whether you are a fan of the movie or the ride (or both!), this Pirates of the Caribbean Shirt is a great choice! It is super comfortable, and we think it will look amazing in the on-ride photo. Get this shirt here! Live with the land with this Living with the Land T-Shirt Living With the Land Shirt We aren’t ashamed to admit we are huge fans of Living with the Land in EPCOT. It is peaceful, educational, and we always leave feeling happier. If a ride on Living with the Land is a must-do for you, then you need to grab this shirt! Get this shirt here! Test your Disney knowledge with this Disney Trivia Game ©Amazon Ready to test your Disney trivia? This Disney Trivia game features 1,250 questions spanning a variety of Disney and Pixar stories. Put your knowledge up against your friends, and see who knows the most about Disney. The game also features kids’ cards with easier questions and visuals so your whole family can join in on the fun! Get this trivia game here! Bring the parks to your kitchen with this Disney Parks Cookbook ©Amazon If you are looking for ways to bring the tastes of the Disney parks to your home, you need to grab The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook. It features 100 easy and delicious recipes inspired by Disney World. You can learn to make Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwiches, Caramel Popcorn, Ronto Wraps, and more. Get this cookbook here! Bring the magic home with these Disney World Park Map Posters ©Amazon Since living in Disney World still isn’t an option, we love decorations that can help bring a bit of the parks into the home. These Disney World Park Map Posters are so much fun! They are colorful, and we love looking at all the icons in the maps. Get these posters here! We are in the park every single day, and we love testing out products to see if they will help make your Disney trip easier! Stay tuned to DFB for more of our favorite essentials and Disney World finds. View the full article

If you’ve ever felt like you needed a spreadsheet, a stopwatch, and a little bit of luck just to use Lightning Lane correctly, you’re not alone. Disney’s skip-the-line system has some major flaws, and this is our official plea for them to make these changes to make it better! Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane is meant to save time and reduce stress, but between confusing rules, structured timing, and constant app-checking, it feels like a lot of work. And while the system as a whole has its issues, Lightning Lane Multi Pass is where many of these frustrations show up the most. From planning headaches to day-of problems, these are the Lightning Lane changes Disney seriously needs to make ASAP. Lightning Lane has gone through several changes, and while Disney has made some improvements over time, there are still glaring issues that impact how smoothly a park day runs. The biggest problem? The system doesn’t always work the way guests actually tour the parks, especially families, first-timers, and anyone trying to balance rides with dining, shows, and attractions. Let’s break down the changes that would make the biggest difference. Main Street, U.S.A. 1. Disney Needs to Stop Blocking Off So Much Time for Dining Reservations One of the most frustrating Lightning Lane problems happens when dining enters the picture. A single table-service reservation can block off a massive chunk of time, making it difficult to book nearby Lightning Lane return times, even if the meal itself won’t actually take that long. Full spread from our meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table This becomes even more complicated if you have multiple dining reservations per day. When you go to book a Lightning Lane reservation, you’ll find a general 90-minute buffer window around your dining reservation. We wish Disney would shorten the time frame and, honestly, let guests be the ones to decide if they can make the time frame work. There is a way around this if you book your dining reservations AFTER you have a Lightning Lane reservation! While this is risky to be able to grab some hard-to-get restaurants, if your party cares more about the rides, it’s a great workaround to do both! Garden Grill 2. Let Guests Reride a Ride Again on the Same Day We get it, Lightning Lane is about spreading access around. But once-per-day-per-ride limits feel unnecessarily strict. Even allowing one single re-ride per day would go a long way. This would be huge for fan-favorite attractions, families with kids who want to ride again, or guests who had a less-than-ideal first experience. Space Mountain 3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Needs to Move to Multi Pass At this point, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train feels like an odd man out. It’s popular, yes, but it does not seem as popular as the other Single Pass attractions. For a ride that’s short and family-friendly, locking it behind a separate purchase feels like another way to spend money. Especially when you come to Slinky Dog Dag, which consistently has about the same, if not longer wait times, and it is offered as a Tier 1 Multi Pass option at Hollywood Studios. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 4. Add a “Next Available” Button Not every guest wants to micromanage return times and stay on the My Disney Experience app all day, refreshing for another Lightning Lane. A simple “Next Available” button would be a game-changer, especially for casual planners and first-time visitors. Instead of endlessly refreshing or debating time slots, guests could tap once and move on with their day. This would make Multi Pass far more approachable and reduce app fatigue. Dumbo 5. Allow Overlap in Advance Planning (Even Just 30 Minutes) Right now, when you book your advance Lightning Lanes, they are typically in hour blocks with very little overlap. If you’re getting on your first ride right as your window opens, you could be stuck waiting around for your next one. If Disney allowed Lightning Lanes to overlap by 30 minutes, guests would be able to move to their next one quickly. We do know that this would also mean that guests would be able to use more Lightning Lanes throughout the day, and it could harm standby wait times. Test Track! Why These Changes Could Matter At its core, Lightning Lane Multi Pass should help guests spend less time managing their day and more time enjoying it. Right now, the system can feel overwhelming. These changes could make it feel fairer, more intuitive, and more aligned with how people actually tour Disney World. Kilimanjaro Safari Disney World can feel complicated without Lightning Lane adding extra stress, and these changes would go a long way in making it actually work for guests. Be sure to follow DFB for the latest Disney news, tips, and planning advice to help you have the best trip possible. Disney Is Opening 14 New Restaurants in 2026. Here’s the Full List 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 changes would you love to see for Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disney World? Share with us in the comments below! View the full article

Christmas is known to be one of the busiest holidays at Disney World, bringing in tons of families from all over looking to celebrate a Florida holiday. Wait times go up, Lightning Lane prices increase and sell out, and transportation lines are long — or, it used to be like this. Christmastime Parade In the past few years, we’ve noticed that the crowds around Christmas aren’t as bad as we’re used to. That’s not saying that there is a small number of people, or that you’ll be able to walk onto any attraction you want, but the wall-to-wall people we’ve seen before? It’s not really there. Is Disney World still busy during Christmas time? Let’s find out. During 2020, crowds were different since there was a significantly lower number of people in the parks, even during the holidays, but once Disney World was able to allow more people in, we saw a huge increase in 2021. Some people called this “revenge traveling,” and it was their way of getting back the vacation time they weren’t able to use before. 2023 2022 and 2023 saw similar crowds. For example, the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you park to go to Magic Kingdom, used to have rows of people lined up long before park opening at 9 AM. 2023 CHRISTMAS DAY CROWDS Security line 2023 Here’s the same place in 2025. 2025 CHRISTMAS DAY CROWDS 2025 This year on Christmas, the lines to get into Magic Kingdom really weren’t bad at all. It looked like a typical day in Magic Kingdom! Scanning in 2025 Main Street, U.S.A., is a great way to tell, too. Here’s a look from 2025… 2025 …and here’s a look from 2023. 2025 was still pretty busy, but I feel like there were more people in 2023. When we captioned this photo in 2023, we said “Not TOO bad,” which means we’ve seen worse. Christmas Day at Disney World in 2023 Y’all. This is just the line for Starbucks. FOR STARBUCKS! Starbucks Line 2023 Okay, that’s photo evidence, but what about the wait times? Here’s a look at the highest in 2023: Haunted Mansion — 65 minutes Jingle Cruise — 75 minutes Meet Ariel at her Grotto — 75 minutes (uh, why is that so long?) Space Mountain — 80 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 85 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 95 minutes Tomorrowland Crowds 2023 For this year: Jingle Cruise — 55 minutes The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 55 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 55 minutes Space Mountain — 55 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 60 minutes Jingle Cruise 2025 Why is this happening? Of course, we’re not exactly sure, but some guesses we have are that everyone knows how busy Disney can be on Christmas, so they wait to go on another date. They could also be focusing on the time after Christmas and into New Year’s versus the time before. A quick check of the wait times on December 30th shows: Haunted Mansion — 70 minutes Space Mountain — 75 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 80 minutes Jingle Cruise — 85 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 95 minutes TRON Lightcycle / Run — 130 minutes Christmas Eve crowds 2025 All of those wait times are longer than Christmas Day this year and are more similar to 2023’s Christmas. People could be waiting till after Christmas so they can still celebrate the holiday at home with their Christmas tree and presents, and then later get the Disney magic for New Year’s. Guests waiting to ride Space Mountain on Christmas Eve 2025 You tell us: why do you think crowds have gone down at Disney World during Christmas? Tell us in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for everything Disney. We’re in the parks every day so we can give you the most accurate and up-to-date information you need before your next trip. 6 BIG REASONS DISNEY WORLD CROWDS COULD BE LOWER 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 View the full article

With A Most Magical Christmas, Disney Consumer Products EMEA and Selfridges reimagined classic Disney storytelling for today’s audiences — spanning show-stopping windows, exclusive product collaborations, and innovative experiential moments across the UK. We spoke with Claire Terry, SVP, Disney Consumer Products EMEA, about the creative vision behind the campaign, the power of Disney’s brand heritage, and what’s next for consumer products in the region. How did A Most Magical Christmas with Selfridges come together? Why was Selfridges the perfect brand to help reimagine classic Disney storytelling? At Disney Consumer Products EMEA we are continually looking to raise the bar, and Selfridges is one of the most iconic department stores in the world. It is renowned for being a global fashion destination beloved by Gen Z, so it was an ideal collaborator. We began exploring the opportunity in 2023, originally with the concept of bringing Disney storytelling through a takeover of the store windows, that evolved into the 360-campaign we have now, A Most Magical Christmas — one of the most ambitious and aspirational campaigns we have ever done. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade It features an 11-metre Disney castle façade at Selfridges’ Oxford Street flagship to 30 windows inspired by Disney classics across the UK, bespoke Disney iterations of the iconic shopping bags, and more than 80 brand collaborations across multiple categories. It was driven by Disney Consumer Products and brought together teams across the entire enterprise, including Disney Theatrical Group and Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, Studios, and Disney+. This partnership also builds on a rich heritage as Disney and Selfridges have collaborated in the past — dating back to the 1950s through the 1970s, when beloved characters including Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck appeared at the store and even on the façade. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ façade What makes the holiday collaboration with Selfridges unique, and how does it reflect Disney’s approach to creating magical experiences for consumers during the holiday season? Millions of people visit Selfridges every year, and this holiday season A Most Magical Christmas is the iconic retailer’s first collaborative Christmas campaign and the largest façade its Oxford Street flagship has hosted in over 50 years. The Disney magic starts outside with a dazzling and quite literally traffic-stopping light and music show, then flows through a number of dazzling windows, each telling a classic Disney story with incredible craftsmanship, including an interactive Tinker Bell display powered by Walt Disney Imagineering. Inside, guests discover Disney on every floor, with over 80 brand collaborations and exclusive plush inspired by Selfridges’ iconic yellow. In addition, we had a pop-up Disney Store, which has been a huge hit with fans, including selling product usually uniquely found at Parks. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ corner shop There have even been special moments from Disney Theatrical Group like Genie from Aladdin making a surprise appearance, a Disney Classics afternoon tea, and curated film screenings. It’s a fully immersive experience that brings Disney storytelling to life for fans of all ages and has driven incredible footfall and sales to the store. Claire Terry, SVP, Disney Consumer Products EMEA How does Disney balance innovation with maintaining its iconic brand identity when developing new products and collaborations? Can you share any examples of how this approach has resonated with consumers in EMEA? At Disney Consumer Products EMEA, we’re at the cornerstone of Disney storytelling and reimagining what that means for today’s consumer and how we stay relevant for the next 100 years. Our product collaborations keep the brand integrity while surprising and delighting fans — as well as reaching new audiences — with fashion-forward, culturally relevant product moments. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ corner shop We ensure Disney’s magic resonates across a breadth of lifestyle touchpoints that connect with all generations by collaborating with leading designers across fashion, home, beauty, food & beverage, and more. We worked with designers such as Harry Lambert, Ahluwalia and Cole Buxton, giving each the freedom to create collections that felt personal and authentic to their brand. This creative approach unlocked products across 20+ Disney franchises, engaging Gen Z consumers who tell us that they value individuality and self-expression. Why do leading retailers and brands consistently seek collaborations with Disney? What elements of Disney’s storytelling and brand heritage make these partnerships so compelling? Disney’s brand heritage and emotional connection with consumers is a unique strength. At a time when people crave comfort, escapism, and familiarity, our storytelling offers exactly that, whilst remaining relevant across generations. A Most Magical Christmas, inspired by the iconic Disney adage, ‘you’re never too old to be young,’ is a perfect example as it taps into nostalgia and iconic characters, but brings them to life in fresh, innovative ways that resonate with today’s audiences. The balance of timeless magic, emotional connection and modern creativity is what makes Disney such a compelling partner that attracts families and fans of all generations. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window How is Disney Consumer Products crafting an innovative strategy to meet consumer trends where they are across EMEA? Experiential retail is a key way through which we balance innovation with heritage. Consumers today expect more than transaction, seeking immersive experiences that deepen their connection with a brand. With Selfridges, we delivered this on a scale that only Disney can do, by blending cutting-edge technology, theatrical performances, and curated retail moments all whilst staying true to our storytelling roots. From an interactive window featuring Tinker Bell to exclusive product collaborations inspired by classic Disney characters, the campaign honours Disney’s legacy whilst introducing fresh and unexpected ways to engage fans and shoppers alike. We’ve been blown away by the response and level of engagement we’ve seen through organic social content, engagement, footfall and sales across the region and beyond. The power of Disney is clear throughout this campaign; the combined strength of our ecosystem creates a truly authentic emotional connection with all consumers and the industry. A Most Magical Christmas is truly an example of us activating locally but influencing globally. ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ window What does the future hold for Disney Consumer Products in EMEA over the next few years? A Most Magical Christmas has shown what is within the art of the possible. We set out to do something extraordinary, and I am so proud of what our teams have achieved. It sets the bar for how we can connect with consumers across multiple touchpoints, from the largest façade to the smallest pin. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, I’m excited about our partnership with Formula 1, and how we can bring together Mickey & Friends with this phenomenally successful sport and create more products and experiences that meet our target audiences where they are. Ultimate racing superfans Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto fueled the magic for fans on the grid for a special grid walk during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Beyond that, we have so much more in the pipeline that will show Disney in new and unexpected ways. We have real momentum as a business and are planning even more opportunities to create happiness every day. The post Go Behind Disney and Selfridges’ ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

It’s the end of 2025, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how — with food! We love seasonal snacks, and Disney dropped a few for us to try, and we’re sharing all the details here with you. Countdown to Midnight Cake Bar We headed to Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs to try the snacks and ring in the new year. First up, we have the Happy “Root Beer” Float for $7.59 at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom. This is root beer with vanilla soft serve, chocolate cookie biscuit “sparkler,” and shimmery sprinkles. Happy “Root Beer” Float While this isn’t the most unique treat we’ve ever had in our lives, there is nothing wrong with a classic root beer float! This snack had familiar flavors with the creamy, smooth vanilla soft serve, and the root beer flavor that reminded us of the Dum Dum lollipops. The sprinkles were a fun touch, and the cookie “sparkler” tasted like a chocolate chip, which made it a bit more unique. We wouldn’t go out of our way to get it, but if you’re already looking for ice cream in the Tomorrowland area, this isn’t a bad choice, especially if you plan on sharing it with the family. You can grab it till January 3rd. Fun toppings We also grabbed the Countdown to Midnight Cake Bar for $8.75 at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. It’s chocolate chiffon with chocolate mousse and mini chocolate chips. Countdown to Midnight Cake Bar Before we get too far, let us say YUM! This thing is so dang good! Our reporter called it a Mickey ice cream bar without the ice cream. The chocolate tasted similar but a bit darker, where it was teetering on the dark chocolate side, but still had the rich, milk chocolate taste. The actual cake was like a cake mix before it fully firms, where it’s almost mushy but still easy to bite into. It held up well in the sun and heat (yes, it’s still warm in December in Orlando), and we seriously could not get enough. Everyone else felt the same because they were almost sold out, so if you’re going to grab this, go closer to when Amorette’s opens. It will be available until January 1st. The inside We’ll be at Disney World to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more details you need to know before your next Disney World vacation. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW YEAR’S EVE 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 How are you celebrating New Year’s? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition, and if gorgeous, floral-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units aren’t good enough reasons to convince you to tune in to the parade, maybe this announcement will change your mind! Disney just announced its participation in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade with its “Disney Celebrates America” entry. Disneyland Park The parade is happening in just a few days! On January 1st, 2026, Disney will participate with a vibrant entry designed as a “patriotic tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary.” We can’t wait to see this year’s parade and Disney’s entry! Disney’s procession will be led by a Disneyland vehicle carrying Mickey Mouse and friends. The car will be adorned with patriotic décor and red, white, and blue flowers. Mickey and friends will also be joined by more than 50 U.S. military veterans who are now Cast Members, along with their families! ©Disney Each of the flowers chosen for the car holds significance for military veterans. Red poppies, which are recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel, will be featured. As well as rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses to “express love, honor, and appreciation for veterans everywhere. ©Tournament of Roses Bob Iger said that The Walt Disney Company was proud to participate in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. “Both Disney and the Tournament of Roses Parade have long celebrated the spirit of America and the people who make it extraordinary — including our service members, veterans, and their families. By featuring our own veteran cast members, we’re excited to kick off the year at this iconic event and share the Disney magic that connects generations.” Disneyland 50th Anniversary Float (2019) ©Disney You can catch the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st, beginning at 11 AM ET on ABC. It will be a two-hour broadcast hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchors Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, and reporter John Naber. We are always keeping our eyes peeled for the latest Disney news, so you always know what’s happening! Stay tuned to DFB for more. 4 Disney World Rules That No Longer Work 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 Will you be watching the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st? Let us know in the comments! View the full article