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Season's Speedings from Radiator Springs🎄🚗 #DisneyUnscripted #Disneyland #BTS #CarsLandView the full article

Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game is coming to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! Whether you are a big fan of Disney Lorcana or just love admiring the art on the cards, we are super excited to see that the trading card game will be featured at the Festival of the Arts. ©Disney The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16th through February 23rd, 2026. During the festival, you can enjoy the Broadway Concert Series, eat your way through the Food Studios, admire art, and more. And new to the festival this year will be two activities related to Disney Lorcana. During the festival, you can pick up a Festival Questbook from the bridge between World Celebration and World Showcase to participate in two different activities. You can join a Collection Quest, where you get to open Disney Lorcana booster packs and trade cards in the Illumineer’s Lounge in the Morocco Pavilion. Once you complete the quest, you can redeem a limited-edition Magical Places promo card. Festival of the Arts You can also embark on the ‘Ink & Find’ adventure around EPCOT, searching for larger-than-life trading cards. Once you find a card, you can place a sticker on the complimentary Festival Questbook to receive an additional limited-edition Magical Places promo card. Disney Lorcana cards There will also be an Artful Photo Op featuring card art from the Fabled Disney Lorcana set. We are excited to see Disney Lorcana featured at this year’s Festival of the Arts. The festival runs from January 16th through February 23rd, 2026. Of course, we will be there on opening day to bring you full coverage! ©Disney Want to learn more about the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts? Check out our video covering last year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the EPCOT Festival of the Arts Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about Lorcana coming to the Festival of the Arts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

In collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation, Walt Disney World was once again honored to welcome families of fallen military service members to Walt Disney World Resort for the annual “Snowball Express.” This five-day healing retreat brings together hundreds of military families to bond with others who share similar experiences and find comfort during their journey of healing. Disney’s enduring support for active-duty military, veterans, and their families span over a century, beginning with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both contributed to war efforts during World War I – a tradition of respect and gratitude that continues today. At Disney, we understand that military service is a family commitment. Through programs like Snowball Express, we take pride in creating magical holiday memories for those who have lost their loved ones in service to our nation. A Fallen Hero’s Disney Wish In 2003, U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a heartfelt letter to his wife and children before deploying to Iraq. In it, he shared one simple wish to take their children to Disneyland as he would be with them in spirit. His son was just 5 years old when Jesse gave the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. That letter became a symbol of hope and inspired what we now know today as Snowball Express. Just a few short years later, Jesse’s wish came true when his family joined other Gold Star families for a special visit to Disneyland Resort in 2006, the official start of the Snowball Express. The following year, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise learned about Snowball Express and joined the mission. With his Lt. Dan Band, Gary performed for families at Disneyland Resort, creating unforgettable memories and marking the start of nearly two decades of support. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation officially brought Snowball Express under its wing, ensuring Jesse’s dream lived on. And in 2018, the tradition expanded to Walt Disney World Resort, where hundreds of families now gather each December for a holiday experience filled with hope, healing, and Disney magic. VoluntEARS Show Support for Families of the Fallen During a special sunrise event known as the “Walk of Gratitude” on December 9, hundreds of Disney VoluntEARS gathered in the Magic Kingdom to welcome and cheer on more than 1,600 children, surviving spouses and families of fallen military service members, and veterans as they embark on their journey down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle. The heartfelt gathering offers moments of remembrance, connection, and joy, offering these families a chance to celebrate the lives and legacies of their loved ones as they send their letters up to heaven for the fallen to read during a special Disney magic moment. Disney’s Avalanche of Kindness Since 2018, more than 23,000 children of fallen military and first responder heroes and their surviving parents and guardians have participated in Snowball Express at Walt Disney World. Gary Sinise Foundation has also expanded this annual program to include a second Snowball Express event at Walt Disney World for families of fallen first responders on December 13-16. Keep reading to learn more about last year’s event! December 12, 2024: 2024 Snowball Express This holiday season, we were honored to help the Gary Sinise Foundation bring some healing and happiness to families of fallen U.S. military heroes at Walt Disney World Resort as part of the organization’s annual “Snowball Express” program which took place on December 7-10, 2024. As part of this special gathering, the Foundation brought more than 1,700 family members from more than 90 cities around the nation and overseas, as far as Europe and Guam, to The Most Magical Place on Earth. During this five-day healing retreat, the families connected with each other and enjoyed the magic of Disney while honoring the legacy of their loved one’s service and sacrifice. The Walk of Gratitude Honors Military Families On the final day of Snowball Express, the families participated in the “Walk of Gratitude” at daybreak inside Magic Kingdom. As the sun rose on a brisk morning, Disney cast members eagerly cheered them on as they made their way down Main Street, U.S.A., towards Cinderella Castle. In a touching display of respect, nearly 1,000 Disney VoluntEARS, including many cast members who are military veterans, lined the streets before 5 a.m. to stand in reverence of these military families for their sacrifices. Letters for Fallen Heroes Sent to Heaven Upon arriving at the castle, personalized notes from each family to their fallen hero were placed inside a magical cauldron on the castle stage. The letters were then sent up to heaven for the fallen to read during a special Disney magic moment. Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise and Mickey Mouse joined in to make this special moment even more unforgettable. “While our hearts are heavy at the circumstances that brought these families together, I am grateful we can wrap our arms around them, that we can honor them while remembering their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” said Gary Sinise. “As we approach the holiday season, I am so glad that we are able to bring these deserving families together to create new and wonderful memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World.” Since 2018, more than 17,000 children of fallen military heroes, fallen first responders and their surviving parent/guardian have participated in the healing retreat and the program is one of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s four programmatic pillars to support veterans, first responders, heroes, and defenders, along with their families and those in need. The Origins of the Snowball Express The Snowball Express has a special connection to Disney Parks. This annual healing retreat began in 2003 when U.S. Army Private First-Class Jesse Givens wrote a letter to his wife before his deployment to Iraq, which included a wish for his family to visit Disney Parks if he didn’t return. This wish was fulfilled in 2006 when his family and others of fallen soldiers visited Disneyland Resort. Gary Sinise became involved in 2007, when he and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, performed for these families. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation took over the program, and the first retreat at Walt Disney World took place in 2018, starting an annual tradition for the families of fallen U.S. military heroes. Photo credit: The Gary Sinise Foundation For U.S. Army veteran Virginia Kiernan who serves as a Recreation Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, this annual gathering is something she and her family would not miss for the world. “I love the Snowball Express,” said Virginia. “As a veteran myself and a member of a large military family, I enjoy supporting military-focused organizations, but the Snowball Express is my favorite. Gold Star families hold a special place in my heart, so I’m honored to join fellow Disney cast members as we give back to those who have sacrificed so much.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teams involved in making this magical experience possible to recognize the needs of these military families, especially during the holiday season when the sense of loss is amplified. “Disney’s enduring respect for military service members and their families runs deep, beginning with our founders Walt and Roy Disney serving our country during the first world war,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We thank the Gary Sinise Foundation for all the work they do to support military families who have given so much. We’re honored to help them make happy new memories during their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.” Gary Sinise Foundation will host a second Snowball Express at Walt Disney World for families of fallen first responders December 14-17. Disney Welcomes Families of Fallen Military Heroes READ MORE Disney Celebrates America: Festivities for America’s 250 READ MORE Disney Joins with Gary Sinise Foundation to Honor Fallen Heroes READ MORE The post Disney Supports the Gary Sinise Foundation and Families of Fallen Heroes appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

I love me a good pickle. Straight out of the jar? Yep. In corn dog form? Uh-huh. Pickle martini? I’ve had a few. So, I was pretty darn excited when McDonald’s announced that McShaker fries were finally coming to the U.S. — and that they’d be pickle-flavored. ©McDonald’s In case you’re unfamiliar, shaker fries — or shake shake fries, as they’re sometimes called — are hugely popular in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Essentially, they’re French fries served with a separate seasoning packet that you shake onto your fries and then shake it all up in a bag. And pickled flavored ones?! Count me in. So, color me surprised when I, in fact, did not love the new McDonald’s shaker fries! The fries are served with dill pickle seasoning in a packet on the side, and customers can toss the fries and seasoning together in a McShaker bag to create the final product. They’re part of McDonald’s Grinch Meal, which includes: Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries A Medium Drink A pair of Grinch and McDonald’s themed socks (available in red, blue, yellow, and green) ©McDonald’s The Grinch meals have proven to be quite popular, so they may be sold out at your local McDonald’s. But if you ask me, that might be a good thing. While I love pickles — and I did love the experience of shaking them in the bag (what can I say? I like a little whimsy in my life) — I did not love the seasoning. ©McDonald’s It’s not that I hated the seasoning, it was…fine. But it tasted strongly of citric acid to me, and it was a bit much the more fries I ate. I actually preferred the fries with the least amount of seasoning on them. ©McDonald’s Maybe it was user error, and the secret is to be conservative with the seasoning packet — don’t just dump the whole thing in the bag all willy-nilly like I did. If there had been a little less of the citric acid flavor, perhaps I would be singing a different tune. But, alas, here I am, shouting into the pickle void. Do you like pickles? We’ll be on the lookout for more McDonald’s snacks to review for you. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney and food news! Where to Find the Cheapest Fast Food in Disney World Right Now 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 did you think of these McShaker fries if you tried them? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

If you’re traveling for the holiday season, it’s time to get ready! The festivities are drawing near, and that means millions of people will be taking a plane, car, bus, train, and more to be with their families and friends on those special days. Let’s fly! If you’re one of those people, you should know that AAA has predicted that end-of-the-year holiday travel will break records! We’re breaking down what that will mean for you right here. AAA – The Auto Club Group has projected that 122.4 million Americans will travel for the holidays. Over the 13 days at the end of the year holiday period, millions of Americans will travel more than 50 miles from their home, which is a 2.2% increase from 2024. Southwest Cabin This end-of-the-year period begins on December 20th and ends on January 1st, 2026. Debbie Haas, the Vice President of Travel for AAA, said, “People are eager to travel this holiday season. That’s leading to record numbers on the roads and in the skies.” She continued to say their best advice is to plan ahead! This includes booking your tickets early, allowing for extra travel time, and even considering travel insurance. ©AAA The total number of travelers is 2.7 million more than last year, and the average cost of a domestic flight is $890, which is 7% more than last year. International flights are averaging at $1,400, which is down 14%. AAA projected in their press release that 109.5 million people will travel by car during this period, so if you’re hitting the road, be prepared for traffic. 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips this year! Traffic in Disney World If you are driving, the good news is that gas prices on average are lower than last year. The national average has dipped below $3 per gallon for the first time in four years. To keep travel easy, AAA recommends checking your tires, batteries, and car fluids before hitting the road to prevent any issues you might run into. Driving in Florida AAA also predicts that a record 8.03 million travelers, a 2.3% increase compared to last year, will travel by air! This will be the first time this number is larger than 8 million ever. They shared that “travel insurance is essential, especially when winter weather and heavy travel demand increase the risk of delays and cancellations.” Southwest at MCO If you’re catching a flight, be sure to stay updated on your flight status for any updates as they come. Also, head to the airport early! Crowds and lines in the airports can throw you off your schedule. Packing smart is also super important. You need to keep your medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case you need them. Finally, AAA urges you to know your rights! During the craziness of this time, understanding an airline’s policies on rebooking and compensation can be super important if you need to advocate for yourself. MCO Airport Warm locations like Orlando seem to be the most popular during the winter months, so Mickey had better make some room! This past Thanksgiving was one of the busiest travel seasons we’ve seen in 15 years, so be sure to pack your patience. Be sure to keep following DFB for more travel news and updates. The Holiday Travel WARNING We’re Issuing for Orlando Airport Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Tell us if you’re traveling this year in the comments!mco, mco construction, mco tram, News, orlando airport tram, orlando international airport, other-news, travel, travel news View the full article

When it comes to getting a margarita in Disney World, it’s kinda’ a no-brainer to visit the Mexico Pavilion, which is also why a lot of folks start their World Showcase journey in EPCOT in Mexico. Churro Margarita We get it, not only do you have La Cava del Tequila, often frequented by celebrities, but you can also get some pretty good margaritas at the other dining spots in Mexico, including La Cantina San Angel, which is now offering a new drink, a Churro Margarita, and we’re going to give you our honest thoughts about it. The Churro Margarita is a frozen churro-flavored margarita served with warm churros for $18. Okay, so we’re already skeptical of churros in Disney World parks…they’re not always so great. Well, this drink kinda’ falls into that category. First up, if you love the taste of alcohol, you’ll love this drink. It’s…strong However, that’s about all you’re going to taste. We didn’t get any churro flavors at all, just tequila. We even tried stirring it up good, thinking maybe that would help. Nope. It still tastes like tequila. Even the poor churros on the drink didn’t taste like churros…they had soaked up so much tequila that they only tasted like alcohol. Plus they were harder because of the cold drink. This just isn’t the way to serve up churros. Churro We did appreciate the coldness of the drink, and it had a nice thickness to it until it melted a little. We can’t really see someone spending $18 on a churro-flavored drink that doesn’t have that classic cinnamon-sugar churro flavor. However, if you want a strong drink, well, this fits the bill and packs a punch. La Cantina de San Angel WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose, but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! So, once again, we’ve got a churro fail in Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: There’s a NEW Celebrity Drink at EPCOT and We Have THOUGHTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite margarita in Disney World? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

The Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is just months away from reopening after a long refurbishment, and that has us excited… and a bit concerned! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad The Magic Kingdom’s long-tenured E-Ticket has been closed since January 2025 for a massive refurbishment project. According to Disney, the attraction is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026 with “new magic” including a fully refurbished track and a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns of Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. All sounds good, right? Well… The Pressure of Expectations. By the time Big Thunder reopens in the spring, it will have been closed for close to a year and a half, which means some guests will likely expect MASSIVE changes to the attraction. They may feel shortchanged if the experience remains relatively similar from a guest experience perspective. Big Thunder construction Location, Location, Location Said expectations will likely only be heightened thanks to Big Thunder Mountain’s location, essentially right between the Piston Peak and Villains Land construction sites. While the Big Thunder refurb was unrelated to these projects, being the “first” project in this area to open will put even more expectations on it in the eyes of some guests. ©bioreconstruct on X Links to History One new element we know is coming to Big Thunder Mountain is a new Rainbow Caverns sequence, which is inspired by a similar element in the Disneyland version. In turn, those Rainbow Caverns were inspired by the beloved Rainbow Caverns section of the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, a long-running Disneyland attraction that the West Coast version of Big Thunder replaced. ©D23 In other words, this new sequence has deep ties to Disney theme park history, and as we all know, hardcore Disney fans (and I count myself among them) can be a bit… prickly when it comes to judging Disney’s moves to honor history. ©Disney “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is set to return to the Magic Kingdom soon. We just hope that the “new” Big Thunder Mountain can live up to the hype. We will be reporting on all of the changes. So make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for all of the Big Thunder Mountain updates! Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s evolution. Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for Big Thunder’s reopening? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Yesterday, The Walt Disney Company announced an agreement with OpenAI to allow the use of Disney characters in AI content. Before the announcement, Disney sent Google a cease-and-desist letter accusing it of copyright infringement. ©Disney According to Deadline, Disney sent the cease-and-desist letter on Wednesday, just before the company announced its partnership with OpenAI. Disney accused Google of copyright infringement on a “massive scale” for using Disney’s copyrighted characters in AI-generated content. The letter was sent to Google by David Singer, a Jenner & Block attorney representing Disney. Disney wrote that Google has been “intentionally amplifying the scope of its infringement, by making its infringing AI services available across so many channels to so many consumers, flooding the market with infringing works, and reaping enormous profits and other value from its unlawful, harmful, and damaging exploitation of Disney’s copyrighted works.” ©Disney Disney claims that its intellectual property has been “distributed without authorization,” and Google has copied copyrighted works in its training models for AI. Google Gemini, Google’s primary AI brand, has created content using Disney’s copyrighted characters like Simba, Nala, and Darth Vader. Disney wants Google to “cease further copying and distribution of Disney IP in its AI services, as well as to implement technical measures to ensure that no further outputs infringe on the company’s works.” As well as identifying the copyrighted works used to train its AI models and ensuring they are no longer used. Example of an image generated using Google’s AI included in the letter Disney claims it has been trying to engage with Google for months regarding the copyright infringement, but Google has not taken any steps to remedy the situation. A spokesperson for Google stated, “We have a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Disney, and will continue to engage with them. More generally, we use public data from the open web to build our AI and have built additional innovative copyright controls like Google-extended and Content ID for YouTube, which give sites and copyright holders control over their content.” Disney has also previously sent cease-and-desist letters to Meta and Character.AI and is also involved in litigation with NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery. The Walt Disney Company Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news! Disney Partners with OpenAI To Allow Disney Characters in User-Generated AI Content Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about the letter sent to Google by Disney? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View the full article

Christmas is almost here, and you know what that means. It’s the Most Magical Time on Earth in the Most Magical Place on Earth. Magic Kingdom Now, we know many folks dream about a holiday vacation in Disney World, but if you can’t make it, there’s a way to experience one of the best parts of Christmas in Magic Kingdom from home: the ABC Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Well, we got to see filming of the parade this year, but now we have all the details about how you can watch it at home. When and Where To Watch The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade will air on December 25th on ABC starting at 10 AM EST and on streaming at 11 AM EST on Disney+, Hulu, and the Disney YouTube channel. Parade filming The parade will be available to watch on streaming through January 4th, 2026. Celebrities You’ll also see a TON of celebrities during the parade. Alfonso Ribeiro will be returning as the host of the parade. Ginnifer Goodwin (Zootopia, Zootopia 2, Once Upon A Time) will be joining him in co-hosting duties. Along the parade route, you’ll see Maia Kealoha, aka Lilo from the live-action Lilo & Stitch. Ginnifer Goodwin and Alfonso Ribeiro You’ll also see performances from the following: Gwen Stefani – “White Christmas” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Coco Jones – “This Christmas” from Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Iam Tongi – “The Christmas Song” from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina Hawai‘i Lady A – “Winter Wonderland” from World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT Nicole Scherzinger – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Mariah the Scientist – “Please Come Home for Christmas” from Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Bebe Rexha – “Last Christmas” from Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom ©Disney What’s New During this year’s parade, you’ll also be able to catch sneak peeks of Disney and Pixar’s new movie Hoppers, as well as the live-action Moana, both releasing in 2026. ©Disney So be sure to mark those calendars and set your alarm for Christmas morning for all the excitement. Stay tuned to DFB for more. EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town REFUSES to Give Me a Holiday Vacation 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 Christmas Day parade? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most in the comments! View the full article

A new fantastic change has come to Disney+! ©Disney A subtle, yet fun thing we like doing on Disney+ is changing our avatars every once in a while. Whether we’re reflecting our mood, our personality, or the movies that we enjoy, we like to have our Disney+ avatar speak on those. Now, we have five new heroic options to choose from! You can now choose from any of the members of the Fantastic Four to be your avatar on Disney+ — Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, The Thing, and even Herbie. The characters are posed up in their new suits — it would be cool if Human Torch had a version where he was on fire. ©Disney+ Choose your character and stream the Fantastic Four: First Steps on Disney+. The summer Marvel blockbuster came to the streaming platform on November 5th, right in time for families to watch the superhero flick together over the holiday season. ©Disney If you’ve seen the movie on Disney+ already, that means you’re a Disney+ subscriber. We don’t want any of our Disney+ subscribers to miss Disney+’s 12 perks of Christmas! To celebrate the season, the first twelve days of December have brought Disney+ subscribers a new perk each day. ©Disney+ If you’ve seen us talk about the perks before, you’ve probably been checking in on the perks every day to “unwrap” the deal. Some of the deals themselves have been available for a longer period of time, so you can still go for them. Today is the 12th day, the final day, so you’re going to want to check in and see what it is! ©Disney There’s been lots of Disney+ news dropping lately, and these new avatars being added are a fun surprise. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog to stay up to date with all the latest Disney news and updates. In the meantime, we’re going to change our profile pic to The Thing! Disney+ Is Giving Away Discounted Movie Tickets to Subscribers Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which avatar will you be? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

If you’re like us, you probably have your favorite Disney World quick-service restaurants picked out that you return to over and over again for a quick and easy meal. If you’ve never been to Disney World, you’re probably thinking that fast food restaurants in Disney World can’t be all that great, right? Brisket Taco at Polite Pig Actually, some of our favorite meals come from “fast food” joints in Disney World! There are SO many hidden gems to grab a quick bite that are often overlooked and underrated, likely because they’re at the hotels or Disney Springs (out of sight, out of mind). Still, we want to bring your attention to FIVE overlooked quick-service restaurants you need to remember to add to your list for the next time you’re in Disney World! Chicken Guy! Located in Town Center in Disney Springs, you may overlook Chicken Guy! as just another fast-food chicken joint, but that would be a mistake. This chicken diner has fantastic chicken and sauces bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s known for its celebrity chef, Guy Fieri! Look at that beauty! You can get chicken sandwiches, chicken by the strips, and salads, along with a MASSIVE list of sauces to dunk it all in. There’s Special Sauce, Donkey Sauce, Garlic Parmesan, Nashville Hot Honey, and more. The sandwiches are made with two chicken strips instead of one patty, making them extra thick and juicy. We really like the Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ sandwich! You’ll want to try them all for a full Chicken Guy! experience. REVIEW: Disney World’s New Chicken Sandwich Is On The Money, Honey (Like, That’s Its Name) Pepe by José Adrés Also located in Disney Springs is Pepe by José Andrés on the West Side of the district. This brick-and-mortar location of the popular Washington, D.C. food truck serves up authentic Spanish comfort food. Pepe by José Andrés Pepe also happens to be the quicker and cheaper version of Jaleo, also by José Andrés. So skip the dining reservations and opt for Pepe! We recently stopped by and grabbed the Pepe Burger for $18. Pepe Burger with Patatas Bravas This burger is made with Brasstown beef, 100% grass-fed ribeye burger, American cheese, secret sauce, and piparra peppers. To say it was a hit would be an understatement! You do not want to sleep on this overlooked and underrated burger at Pepe. REVIEW: This Underrated Disney World Restaurant Might Be Home to Our NEW Favorite Burger Trail’s End Restaurant Did you know that Disney World has a campground? Yep, you can stay in a tent or RV at The Campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort. This obscure resort also has a mean quick-service restaurant that is often overlooked because it’s off the beaten trail. Two piece chicken meal Trail’s End Restaurant serves up a hearty meal with all the fixin’s. If you want some fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, and mashed potatoes with all the flavor but at a low cost, stop by this quick-service joint! You’ll find food stations offering pizza, cold fridges with pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, and desserts, and there are hot cases that have the chicken, mac and cheese, potatoes, and more. Everything comes prepared in shareable sizes, so the whole family can have a tasty meal together. EATS at Trail’s End! You can even get s’mores kits here for your campsite or the nightly campfire hosted by Disney! You don’t need to camp at Fort Wilderness to give Trail’s End a try. EVIEW: Trail’s End Just Reopened and Is Giving Serious Costco Vibes eet by Maneet Chauhan Eet by Maneet Chauhan is easily overlooked in Disney Springs. It’s located at the Marketplace in the shopping and dining district, but it’s really tucked away and easy to miss. But you NEED to put this hidden gem on your radar and list for your next trip. Mango and Guava Cheesecake! This little quick-service restaurant serves up fantastic food that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World. It’s also one of the few celebrity restaurants (Maneet Chauhan is a Food Network star) that offers quick-service eating. You can make advance dining reservations for guaranteed seating, but you still have to order at the counter. This is seriously one of the biggest overlooked and underrated restaurants in Disney World. Chicken Tikka Naan Pizza We love the Chicken Tikka Pizza and Tandoori Chicken Poutine. Of course, you can never go wrong with the bread service or one of the several options of naan. Truly, nearly anything you get here will be great! REVIEW: There’s a Gnome In Our Disney World Drink…And We’re Okay With It D-Luxe Burger D-Luxe Burger can be found in Town Center at Disney Springs. It is a ranch-inspired diner that offers classic and specialty burgers and chicken sandwiches. You can shake things up with a tasty shake, while getting saucy with hand-cut fries and a specialty dip. A previous specialty burger at D-Luxe Burger Grab a classic cheeseburger or opt for the Barbecued Burger, which includes two-pressed patties topped with a fried onion ring, Muenster cheese, bacon, lettuce, and barbecue sauce. This fast food restaurant gives you what you’re craving, but at a much higher quality than typical fast food joints! REVIEW: This NEW Disney World Burger Is ALMOST Too Much…But We Loved It BONUS: Table Service To-Go Really want to try a specific table-service restaurant, but you don’t want to or are unable to get a reservation, or you don’t have time for a whole sit-down meal? Mobile Order Table Service To Go is a dining feature on the My Disney Experience app that lets guests order food from a participating table-service restaurant and take it to go. ©Disney This option is available at participating restaurants in Disney World Resort hotels. You can order your food on the app, grab your meal, and head to another area of the resort to eat. You’ll select an arrival window, wait for the meal to be prepared (about the same amount of time as if you were to sit down at the restaurant), then pick up the order once you’re notified. Our return time for Table Service To Go Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on these five quick-service restaurants. It’s fast food at a WAY higher quality. Don’t let these stay overlooked; add them to your list now! And don’t forget about that sneaky Mobile Order Table Service To Go feature in the Disney World app. For more Disney news, keep following DFB! REVIEW: Dad Jokes and SECRET Cheese Bread — We’ll Never Stop Raving About This Magic Kingdom Restaurant 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 overlooked Disney World quick-service restaurant? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Another week means more ALDI finds are coming soon! Each week at ALDI, you can take advantage of special deals, discounts, and exclusive items. Who doesn’t love saving money? ALDI We spotted some great finds coming to ALDI from December 17th through December 23rd, and we knew we had to share them with you! Now is the time to peruse the offers and make plans to stop by your ALDI. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First up, we spotted some great, affordable charging stations! You can grab a foldable charging station or a standing charging station for less than $15 each. We think these charging stations are must-haves for your Disney World hotel stays! Outlets can fill up fast, and these will help ensure all your devices get charged. ©ALDI However, if you don’t feel like trekking out to ALDI just for a charging station, you can also grab one on Amazon and have it delivered directly to your door! Charging Station This charging station offers three charging areas and folds up for easy travel. Outlets can be limited in some hotel rooms, so we always recommend bringing items that provide additional charging space. Get this charging station here! We also spotted some affordable cleaning supplies at ALDI! You can grab a corded vacuum, a handheld steam cleaner, or a spin scrubber. ©ALDI Or you can stock up on a variety of storage items! We could always use a few more storage options, especially around the holiday season, and ALDI has some great ones. You can grab these storage ottomans for $20. ©ALDI There are also lots of festive storage options available next week, like these collapsible cubes, available in red and green. ©ALDI ALDI is also offering these ornament storage boxes. These sure beat piling ornaments in a box and hoping they don’t break before you take them out next year. ©ALDI As well as these adorable tree storage bags! You can also find gift wrap storage boxes, ribbon storage, baskets, latching boxes, and more. ©ALDI We also spotted these fun New Year’s Eve party kits! It is hard to believe it is almost the New Year, but these party kits will help make the evening entertaining and festive. ©ALDI You can also find a New Year’s Eve Party Kit on Amazon, and have it delivered directly to your door! No need to fight the cold weather outside to get to ALDI. ©Amazon The party kit from Amazon features a banner, fringe curtains, balloons, glasses, tiaras, cone hats, and squawkers to set the mood for your New Year’s celebration. 2026 here we come! Get these decorations here! Make sure to stop by ALDI from December 17th through December 23rd to grab these deals. Stay tuned to DFB for more ALDI finds! View the full article

Walt Disney World has confirmed the final day for the Aerosmith version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Its final bow will be March 1. The thrill ride, which debuted in 1999, will be getting a Muppet makeover and a tweaked name: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. Disney had previously announced that park visitors will be able to board that version in summer of 2026. The changeover was first announced in November, and it was part of a ripple effect of attractions at Hollywood Studios. The park is adding a land (and suspended roller coaster) themed to “Monsters, Inc.” in the area that has home to the longrunning MuppetVision 3-D attraction. Construction has begun on the “Monsters” area, although no completion date has been announced. The revised Rock ‘n’ Roller, Disney says, will include the Electric Mayhem characters, including Animal and Dr. Teeth, as well as Scooter’s uncle J.P. Grosse, who now owns G-Force records. A ride poster from Disney indicates special guests Miss Piggy, Kermit and Gonzo, while a rendering of the pre-show studio in the queue shows penguins — animals seen in MuppetVision — at work. The Muppets Electric Mayhem band —with Disney producer Bette Lombardi, left, and Disney portfolio executive creative producer Michael Hundgen — gave an update on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, during a an event at Epcot in August. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) The official Disney Parks Blog also makes reference to “a very fast limousine” a la the Aerosmith version. “The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinselson will feature a Muppet twist,” a blog post reads. The ride has three inversions and speeds up to 57 mph. The exterior will get a new paint job for its enormous guitar, Disney says. Work has already begun as the pre-recorded queue section that featured members of Aerosmith has already been removed. Hollywood Studios has another construction project underway. The Magic of Disney Animation — featuring the “Once Upon a Studio” short, Drawn to Wonderland playground and a photo opportunity area called Off the Page — will debut in summer 2026. Before that, the new adventure for the park’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, will debut on May 22. 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

HUGE news out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We now know when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closing for its refurbishment. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Disney has just announced that the current version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith will close on March 2nd, 2026, to make way for the new Muppets overlay! That means that your last day to ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is March 1st, 2026. Back in early October, Disney announced the opening timeline for this new version of the attraction, so we wondered if this news would be coming soon. Summer 2026 will bring the new version of this coaster to the park, which gives Disney only a few months to make this flip! While the ride system will be staying the same, which certainly helps with that timing, the theming as a whole is getting a massive overhaul, both inside and out. ©Disney Disney has already gotten a head start on the retheme before the roller coaster even closes. At the beginning of December, the iconic Studio C pre-show was blocked off, and now guests just walk through this area. It was a sad sight to see, but with such a quick turnaround for the attraction in 2026, we can see why Disney is getting started on this part earlier. Hey, where did the recording studio go? Disney also recently shared that a first-of-its-kind Muppet Animatronic will also be part of the attraction, and it’s none other than Scooter! Scooter, the band manager for the Electric Mayhem, along with the penguin audio engineers, will be working hard to get the band to their concert on time. They also hinted that Scooter may not be the only animatronic we see in the ride — we can’t wait to learn more at a later date. ©Disney Guests traveling through this reimagined version of the attraction will receive a VIP tour of G-Force Records, now under new management by The Muppets! It’s got a snazzy new look now that Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse, is in charge, so we’re looking forward to seeing what that looks like. ©Disney Based on the signatures on that poster, as well as the new poster recently released by Disney, it’s safe to assume that the whole Electric Mayhem band will be seen in the attraction, as well as Kermit, Miss Piggy, Scooter, and Gonzo (and more)! We can’t wait to see how they work in with the storyline. While we’re sad to see Aerosmith go, we’re thrilled that the Muppets will still get the recognition they deserve in the parks. ©Disney This day will be WILDLY busy in Hollywood Studios, so if you’re an Annual Passholder or someone without a date-based ticket who needs to grab a park pass reservation, we recommend doing so well in advance! If you’ve got no interest in the attraction and want to avoid the crowds, we recommend staying away from the park entirely that day. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB! 19 Critical Dates 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 How are you feeling about this retheme? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

The Tribute Store is back in business at Universal Studios theme park, and organizers have gone nutty for nutcrackers. The highly themed, seasonal merchandise stop known as the Holiday Market begins in a woodwork shop, travels through a wintery Harry Potter scene then past color-coordinated garland (pink for Hello Kitty goods, green for Grinch, etc.) in a town center scene and then, boom, it’s nutcracker mania. There are hundreds of figures, large and small, all manner of colors and designs, tucked away in the store section dubbed Earl & Gerg’s Nutcracker Lodge and Emporium & Museum & Car Wash. Phil Daley, project supervisor of the visual merchandise department, walked us through the nuttiness. A Universal Studios visitor checks out the hundreds of nutcrackers featured inside the Tribute Holiday Market, a seasonal merchandise store at the theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) Collecting nutcrackers In the store’s backstory, Daley says, “Earl the Squirrel and Gerg the Llama, our holiday characters for Universal, have pretty much gone around the world and collected all of these nutcrackers and collected them together in a roadside attraction.” In real life, Universal had large nutcrackers sprinkled amongst attractions as part of a scavenger hunt last year. “This year, we took all of those and just rammed them into this small space and added a copious amount of normal nutcrackers as well,” Daley says. “For that, we went shopping everywhere — the stores down the street, the antique shops downtown, online.” Visitors can spy framed photos of Earl gathering the figures from multiple places, including some fictional and forgotten locales. Dark corners One snapshot captures Earl in darkened Dark Universe — the monster-centric area of Epic Universe theme park — which debuted in May. It can be seen next to a green, 6-foot-tall Frankenstein nutcracker near the Tribute Store exit. There’s another, smaller shout-out to Epic incorporated into the store’s primary photo op. Among the figures — at least 100 there — is one for Ygor, a character seen walking around Dark Universe and in its signature ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It stands in the upper-right corner of the wall with the designation of “delightful freak.” Epic Universe's Ygor gets a nutcracker-style nod in the current Tribute Store at Universal Studios theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) Small world Among Earl the Squirrel’s attractions is an encased, miniscule figure touted as “the world’s smallest (non-functional) nutcracker.” There’s a built-in magnifying glass for viewing it. “It’s kind of a callback to your normal roadside attraction,” Daley says. “I mean, you always have the biggest of something, and we wanted the world’s smallest.” It’s the size of your pinky fingernail, maybe. “We actually have a calligrapher on the team that used to be a part of the Christmas calligraphy department, so we gave her just a small, tiny piece of electrical wire, and said, ‘Can you make this into a nutcracker?’” Daley says. “She succeeded. It’s wild.” Spin city Among Daley’s favorite ‘crackers in the shop is a distinctive two-sided one that’s traditional on one side and a clown on the opposite side. Universal has it on a rotating disc on a fireplace mantle. “That’s the thing that you only find when you’re, like, antique shopping,” he said. The mantle is built into a fireplace that’s an enormous nutcracker head. Its mouth holds the flame, which is really an old RCA television playing a VHS tape of a fire. “The fireplace was actually constructed by our team, designed and constructed in-house and painted,” Daley says. Flanking the two-faced nutcracker are several figures in gold, purple, beige and a headless aqua one. Another is decked out as Uncle Sam standing next to a drumming one. All are mustachioed, naturally. The photo op wall (aka Earl & Gerg’s Epically Curated Collection of Nutcrackers) across the room gets creative with figures that look like a snowman, a snow princess, a pirate, bears, mice, a sheriff (or hillbilly?) and a cow. That wall leaves space for people to stand amid the figures for photos. Universal Orlando recycled a Hello Kitty Statue for the new Tribute Store at Universal Studios theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) Hello, reborn Kitty The bulk of the market’s merchandise has seasonal theming, but it’s not totally about the nutcrackers. Other characters have moments there, including Hello Kitty, who appears as a a glittery white snow sculpture. “This specific statue is actually the original one that was used in front of the Hello Kitty store,” says Daley, referring to the area now dedicated to the “Wicked” films and merchandise. “She was posed to look like she had just pushed her hands into the concrete. Now it looks like she’s playing in the snow,” Daley says. (There’s also a snowy-effect Grinch that once stood at neighboring Islands of Adventure.) “The best part about our job and us working on this team, is that we really get to bring out our goofy side. There really is a lot of fun ahead in making new spaces,” Daley says. The Holiday Market remains open through Jan. 4. Previous Tribute Stores have been tied to the park’s Mardi Gras celebration (which starts Feb. 7), Halloween and summer movies. 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

If you’ve been following along on the Disney Parks Blog this month, you may have noticed some extra-festive happenings just in time for the swing of this sensational season. Whether it’s an assortment of dedicated holiday gift guides to make Disney holiday shopping even easier or an entire page devoted to all the wintry wonderlands across Disney Parks, we are ringing in the spirit of the season with an array of holiday-inspired activations for guests to enjoy. Looking for another Disney Christmas gift as we close out the final weeks of December? Read on to download festive backgrounds, and take a look here at all that you can experience across Disney Parks right now. WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop Gingerbread-Inspired Wallpapers for the Cookie Lovers We all love creating gingerbread houses with family members and stirring up some sweet holiday cookies (with extra icing) to pass out to neighbors, loved ones, and co-workers, so take your holiday game to the next level with these gingerbread-inspired wallpapers. With one wallpaper featuring gum drops, icing, and peppermint, and the other presenting an inviting candy cane trim, be sure to save this background to your desktop and show off your holiday spirit (and baking skills) with this especially tasty backdrop. WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop Toy Soldier-Inspired Wallpapers for the Dedicated Disney Fan Looking for a special gingerbread template to show off on your Teams calls this month? ‘Tis the season for passionate Disney fans to show off their holiday best with these toy soldier-inspired gingerbread designs, an oh-so-familiar and fantastic sight across Disney Parks over the years. Whether you’re a longtime fan who visits every winter or someone who is looking forward to your late-December holiday vacation this year, download these designs and get ready to plan your next trip to the parks. WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop WALLPAPER Download Desktop Desktop Peppermint-Inspired Wallpapers for an Extra Tasty Treat While chocolate and cranberry are certainly fan favorites during this time of year, I love the taste of peppermint during the holidays, especially in between gift-wrapping, ornament decorating, and plenty of at-home online shopping (with a hefty scoop of peppermint ice cream on the side, anyone?). With two wallpapers dedicated to the toy soldier-inspired format above (with a peppermint twist) and two others that will have you ready to buy a new box of candy canes, check out these peppermint-inspired wallpapers that will have you searching for new candy-inspired stocking stuffers to add to your holiday stash. WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch Pajama-Inspired Wallpapers for the Extra Cozy Day at Home Working from home and ready to snuggle up with a warm blanket, a hot coffee to take you through the day, and some comfy patterned pajama pants? PJs are always in season (especially when the chilly weather rolls around), so be sure to choose from our selection of pajama-inspired wallpapers to add some festive elements to your relaxing day at home. WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch WALLPAPER Download Phone Desktop Smart Watch Gift-Wrapped Wallpapers for Your Virtual Holiday Party Looking forward to the end of your work calendar so you can spend some extra time off with friends and family? Before heading out to a wintry ski resort or a tropical Christmas vacation, put a bow on your year at work with these gift-wrapped wallpapers in three different color schemes. Whether you are hosting a virtual team celebration to honor a successful year or looking forward to your 2026 New Year’s Resolutions, these wallpapers are sure to add some festive elements to your delightful December. Enjoy these jolly holiday wallpapers, and be sure to share your digital cheer with us on social media at @DisneyParks – happy holidays! Disney Wallpapers are Here to Spread Cheer READ MORE New Holiday Limited Edition Disney Gift Card Designs and Pins READ MORE New Disney Holiday Wallpapers to Kick Off December READ MORE The post Sweets, Treats, and Gifts: New Disney Holiday Wallpapers appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Happy Holidays. The holidays are extra special in Disney World, and you’re sure to feel merry and bright if you’re visiting during this time. Raglan Road Now, we know, you’re probably focused on the parks, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and maybe even Jollywood Nights. But don’t sleep on Disney Springs because not only can you participate in a FREE fun holiday activity, but you can enjoy five NEW and returning cocktails at one of our favorite restaurants, Raglan Road. These cocktails will be available for a limited time, so you’ll want to grab them as soon as you can before they’re gone. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: 2 Reasons You Need To Head to Disney Springs ASAP DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What’s your favorite holiday cocktail in Disney World? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

Ask any Disney cast member, and they’ll tell you exactly where they were when they received their Disney job offer — it’s a life-changing moment. Suddenly, all those cherished Disney memories come flooding back in a wave of pixie dust. Your heart bursts with excitement. You did it. You’re officially part of the magic. What that feeling means is unique to each person, but one thing is true for everyone — no matter where you start at Disney: the sky’s the limit. Whether your Disney journey begins in a quick-service restaurant, welcoming passengers aboard a Disney cruise, or designing tomorrow’s attractions at Walt Disney Imagineering, you’ve joined a company where the world’s greatest storytellers, dreamers, and magic-makers turn dreams into reality. Here, your passion can be your profession and your personal dreams are truly within reach. Sounds great, right? But what does that really mean? Being a part of Disney opens real opportunities for its employees — including those in entry-level roles — to build careers, pursue higher education, and achieve greater financial stability. Through training, mentorship, financial support, and leadership development, cast members, crew members and Imagineers around the world are building brighter futures not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. Let’s talk numbers. Combined, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort directly and indirectly support 403,000 jobs, and with expansion under way at both Disney theme parks, we anticipate about 10,000 more jobs to be created. As Orange County’s largest employer, Disneyland Resort is home to 36,000 cast members in hundreds of roles. At Walt Disney World, more than 75,000 cast members make up the largest single-site workforce in the U.S. Overseas, Disney’s international parks — including Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai — employ over 80,000 cast members. Disney offers diverse career paths and endless opportunities. You can move laterally to gain experience in different areas or upwards into management when ready and the opportunities are available. For those making the most of the resources and tools available, they can achieve meaningful growth — both personally and professionally. Investing in Dreams Take Beto Lopez Veloz, for example. Beto joined Disney in 2022 as a steward at Oga’s Cantina. His job — much like his last name (Veloz means “fast” in Spanish) — was fast-paced. At this Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge bar, Beto made sure bartenders had clean glasses for every Blue Bantha or Bespin Fizz. It was fun, and Beto was living his Disney dream. But another dream lingered. Beto had always wanted to work for Disney, but he also dreamed of earning a degree — something financial hardships had put on hold. “I could not afford to go to a four-year university due to not being eligible for financial aid,” he explains. Then he discovered Disney Aspire. Wish granted. Like Beto, thousands of cast members have taken advantage of Disney Aspire, which provides 100 percent upfront tuition coverage for a network of schools and universities. The program helps prepare cast members for future careers — at Disney or beyond. Beto’s goal is to stay with the company after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in legal studies with an emphasis in paralegal studies. “They believed in me enough to pay for my classes and my books,” he says. “I would love to stay with Disney and become a paralegal. To continue making magic with a company that’s been part of my life since I was a kid would be amazing.” As of August 2025, more than 5,900 Disney cast members have graduated from Aspire. The program currently has 9,800 active students, 50 percent of whom identify as people of color and 60 percent as women. It’s so successful that in the U.S., one in four applicants to hourly roles at Disney cite Aspire as a primary reason for applying. A Cut Above Aspire is just one of many educational programs at Disney. Through the Disney College Program, participants interested in entertainment, hospitality, communications, or business gain real-world experience at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. For aspiring chefs, the Disney Culinary Program offers professional training, networking, and personal growth opportunities for aspiring chefs and pastry artists. Gerald Supan’s Disney career began in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, working in Food Service. Over six years, his passion for culinary arts took him from Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort. Gerald participated in both the Disney College Program and the Disney Culinary Program — twice — to broaden his experience. Through these programs, Gerald learned culinary operations across diverse areas, preparing him for the Disney Culinary Leadership Internship. The first of its kind, the internship gave Gerald the chance to mentor a Food and Beverage team, refine his leadership skills, and learn from top chefs. Today, he’s a chef for banquets and festivals. “I feel very lucky,” he says. “My leaders have been selfless, making sure I grow with the company.” Elevating Cast Globally Overseas cast members also find dynamic career growth through Disney’s advancement programs. At Shanghai Disney Resort, Tina Dai began her Disney journey in 2006 as an intern with the International College Program. Today, she serves as senior manager of Business Integration in the General Manager’s office. Tina’s story is rooted in resilience. Her father, once a factory worker, started his own small business after his company was sold. Inspired by his determination, Tina brought that same spirit to Disney — gaining hands-on experience in merchandise, communications, and leadership development. In 2019, Tina joined the Leadership Accelerated Program (LAP) at Shanghai Disney Resort, a pivotal step in her career. Her adaptability, teamwork, and stakeholder management skills helped her grow into a trusted leader. “I began my Disney career as an International College Program student at Walt Disney World, then advanced to roles as an Imagineer, a Merchandise Manager, and integration manager of the General Manager’s Office,” Tina says. “Today, I serve as an Operations Development leader. I’m very grateful for the developmental opportunities our company has provided to me, including participating in the flagship leadership development program LAP, which have provided me a unique perspective that has shaped how I think, work, and lead.” Unleashing Potential Another inspiring career story comes from Hong Kong Disneyland, where Yannes Kwan has grown her career alongside the park since its opening. She began as a Lead in Entertainment in 2005 and has held a variety of roles across the Entertainment team, including Training Coordinator, Stage Manager, and Production Specialist. In 2024, Yannes graduated from Disney’s Unleash Your Potential (Up) program, where she demonstrated strong learning agility and applied her new skills both professionally and personally. Today, Yannes serves as Associate Manager, Planning and Development, in Entertainment, and was a key member of the World of Frozen project team. Notably, she helped craft the training program and was named one of the top 10 finalists for the Hong Kong Management Association Award for Excellence in Training & Development 2025—the most recognized training award in Hong Kong. This recognition holds deep meaning for Yannes, whose parents built their lives through hard work. Though their paths differ, the values of dedication, adaptability, and perseverance continue to guide her. Now a leader and mother of two, Yannes is known for her approachable leadership style and commitment to collaboration. She’s described as curious, resilient, and always ready to embrace new challenges—embodying a growth mindset and a passion for continuous improvement. “Valuing people who you work with is always more important than processes and tools.” Yannes says. “Giving your team breathing room fosters both trust and accountability.” A Path to Financial Stability A unique benefit to working for Disney is the exclusive financial services and support offered by Partners Federal Credit Union (PFCU). Whether someone is just starting their career or has been with the company for 30 years and is planning for retirement, PFCU is committed to helping employees live better lives with financial education and offerings that can increase economic stability. Matthew Jardins de Placido, who makes magic at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World, found himself in debt when he signed up for the Budgeting Essentials class at Partners Federal Credit Union to shore up his finances. “I was going through some financial struggles and wanted something more definitive so I could kick-start my financial freedom,” Matthew explains. During the session, he learned how to tackle his debt through consolidation, track his expenses, and lay the foundation for a more stable financial future. Motivated by what he learned, Matthew signed up for a one-on-one financial counseling session at Partners. “When I saw that the service was offered, I was like, ‘Sign me up!’” he recalls. “They saved me so much money, which is a ton of weight off my shoulders.” And this is just the beginning. Matthew now looks forward to applying for a car loan through Partners. “I feel so much more financially secure and confident,” he says. There are 179,000 members today, and because PFCU operates as a not-for-profit, they reinvest in services and offerings that directly benefit its members. From helping Disney employees get approved of an auto loan (a service inclusive of concierge-level shopping, buying and delivery), navigate the process of buying their first home, or securing emergency financial assistance, PFCU guides members toward resources they need to make a lasting impact in their lives. A Brighter Future Since its launch in 2012, Disney’s Heroes Work Here program has welcomed thousands of veterans and active-duty military personnel into the magic. Each cast member brings a unique story — including Juan Garcia, who fulfilled his dream of transitioning from the Disney Military Fellowship Program into a full-time role at the Disneyland Resort. While studying engineering in college, Juan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to gain hands-on experience and test his skills in real-world scenarios. His goal was to eventually secure a civilian role where he could apply both his education and military experience. Juan was selected to join the Disneyland Resort through the Military Fellowship Program, where he worked closely with the Facilities and Operations Engineering Services team. He also learned “the Disney way” — a new approach compared to military procedures. Encouraged by his manager, Juan joined the SALUTE Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), a community of cast members who are veterans, friends, family, and allies. “No one fully understands the military mindset like someone who’s lived it. That kind of support is important.” Today, Juan is proud to be working as an outside machinist at the Disneyland Resort, helping maintain beloved attractions. He’s especially excited to be part of new openings, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Paying It Forward At just 19 years old, cast member Amy Benson began her Disney journey with The Walt Disney Travel Company, unsure of where her career would ultimately lead. What started as an entry-level role doing something she loved soon became the gateway to discovering her true passion: cooking. Now, 24 years later, Amy has built a remarkable career as a chef, working across a variety of locations at the Disneyland Resort. Shortly after joining Disney, she enrolled in culinary school — but she credits the mentorship she received and the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in the business as the driving force behind her growth. Today, as an executive chef at the Disneyland Resort, Amy is committed to paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. “Now that I’m a chef, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Amy says. “My team makes everything easier — they’re incredibly talented, and they make me love my job ten times more.” Just as Amy’s journey was shaped by mentorship and opportunity, Disney continues to help future cast members find their own paths through innovative partnerships and programs. Dreams Set Sail Through Disney’s collaboration with LJM Maritime Academy, young Bahamians — typically ages 10 to 13 — can participate in a two-week educational program designed to introduce them to careers in the maritime and marine sciences. Through this inspiring program, students in Nassau gain hands-on learning experiences and real-world exposure, opening doors to opportunities they may have never imagined. Cadets from the academy, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue maritime careers, take part in immersive training and mentorship programs aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. For many, this marks the first step toward a future in an industry that once felt out of reach. Whether it’s touring iconic ships or gaining essential job skills, these students walk away inspired, confident, and ready to chase their dreams. For many, Disney’s support is more than just a career jumpstart — it’s proof that someone believes in their potential and is committed to helping them build a brighter future. As one cadet shared, “Disney didn’t just give me a job — they gave me a future.” This is the magic of Disney: transforming potential into purpose and inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves. Where Potential Meets Purpose The number one reason candidates said they applied for a role within Disney Experiences is for career advancement opportunities. From entry-level roles to executive leadership, from culinary dreams to adventures at sea, Disney empowers individuals to unlock their full potential. Through training and education, mentorship and leadership development, financial and emotional support, employees around the world are building brighter futures. Their stories are a testament to what’s possible when a company believes in its people. Because at Disney, passions can inspire your profession, and the opportunities from there are limitless. The post Career Opportunities: How Disney Helps Build Brighter Futures appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Disney World requires many things! First and foremost is patience, planning, and packing the right necessities. Let’s go to Disney World! Long gone are the days when you can walk into the park with nothing but a ticket and a dream if you’re hoping to do everything. That’s why our packing list is so important to us for our trips, because it makes them less stressful and it saves us money in the long run. That’s why we’re sharing the one thing you can’t survive without in Disney World! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. There are lots of things we have in our Disney World tool kit. Portable chargers, the right park bags, and sunscreen are just a few of the things that come to mind when we’re packing. At the top of our list of survival tools is the perfect water bottle. This isn’t just about having the best trip, it’s about taking care of your literal body in conditions you might not be prepared for! Stanley IceFlow Water Bottle Stanley IceFlow Not every water bottle is created equally, but we love everything about this Stanley IceFlow! The handle flips down on both sides for easy carrying, and the top has a very flush design, so it isn’t bulky. It features a slim design, but it’s still hefty enough to really keep your ice water cold for hours. It’s easy to clean and makes sure that we stay cool and hydrated throughout the day. Shop on Amazon Disney Owala FreeSip We love our Owala water bottle! If you’ve followed us for a while, you won’t be surprised to see our other favorite is an Owala water bottle! We have tested hundreds of water bottles, and the Owala has stayed a consistent favorite. It has a great design that comes in lots of different colors. It also has a soft close spout that locks to keep it spill-proof while you’re carrying it around or throwing it in your bag. It doesn’t sweat on the outside and keeps your drink and ice cold for several hours, even on some of the hottest days. Plus, they have Disney Princess designs. What more can we ask for! Shop on Amazon These two water bottles have stayed at the top of our favorites lists for years, and they will stay there until an even better option comes along. (We think that will be difficult!) Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney packing necessities. View the full article

We can’t say we weren’t disappointed when Disney revealed that Muppets Courtyard would be going away forever at Hollywood Studios. ©bioreconstruct But that doesn’t mean we’re not excited about the new Monsters, Inc. land that will be replacing The Muppets! Disney has slowly been sharing information, and we’ve been getting sneak peeks behind-the-scenes, too. Disney recently filed new permits for this transformation, and we’re diving into the details. Disney recently filed new permits for the transformation of Muppets Courtyard to Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios. The permits appear to match up with the address of the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater, indicating that work is finally underway on the upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed show coming to this land. ©Disney The first permit lists the Jon Richards Company, FL, Inc., as the contractor on the work. This general contracting company specializes in themed scenery, specifically as it pertains to theaters and beyond. They’ve worked on Disney meet-and-greets in the past, along with work at Universal Studios. The work is for general construction, which doesn’t give us many specifics, but it does mean that some of the theming construction is expected to begin soon. ©Disney The second permit is also for general construction, but it lists Solotech Sales and Integration USA, Inc. as the contractor. Solotech is an audio-visual company, which means that work is also likely to start on the screen and speaker elements of the new show soon as well. ©Disney In addition to a new restaurant — Harry Hausen’s, Monstropolis will also be home to Disney World’s first suspension coaster, themed after the door chase scene from the Monsters, Inc. movie. This coaster will be part of an expansion into part of what was a Cast Member parking lot. ©Disney The story of the new land will pick up after the events of the popular Pixar film, and humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. Disney shares that here, “you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters” and even visit the Laugh Factory! ©bioreconstruct on X We’ll be on the lookout for more updates on Monstropolis you need to know about. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond. Everything we know about the Monsters, Inc. transformation at Hollywood Studios Check out more Hollywood Studios news below! NEWS: Disney Files New Permits for Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios4 Popcorn Buckets Set to Disappear From Disney World Next MonthEvery Restaurant You Can Find Christmas Dinner at Disney WorldFULL List of Everything Closed in Disney World Next WeekDecember Prices CONFIRMED for Disney World’s Lightning Lane System Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are you most looking forward to about the Monsters, Inc. land? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! What presents are you hiding this year? We’re only weeks away from finding out! Mickey Christmas Stocking This year, we’re getting closer and closer to the holiday, and we can feel the anticipation in the air. Our gifts are wrapped, and our stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Are your stockings still empty? Have no fear, we’ve got the best Disney deals to help finish up your holiday shopping ASAP! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Sometimes it’s the little things that make our Christmas the best it can be! The family time, the amazing food, and those little stocking stuffer surprises can often be the cherry on top of a perfect day. Not sure what little bits and bobs you still want this year? We’ve got you covered. MagicBand Multi Charger MultiCharger for MagicBand+ This multi-charger is going to be the best, most surprising gift for anyone going on a Disney vacation in 2026! It’s often something you wouldn’t get yourself, but something you will use a lot! This multi-charger features four USB-A outlets for your magic bands, phones, and more. We use this at home with all of our charging needs and at the resorts when we need more outlets. And trust us, you will need more outlets! Shop on Amazon Frogg Togg Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Next on our list is a little gift that we would be THRILLED to receive! We are huge fans of our Frogg Togg poncho for Disney World and even at home. This poncho is light and flowy while being super water-resistant to keep us dry during our park day. It also ensures we won’t be steamed during our trip, which can make us feel overstimulated in other ponchos. This poncho also comes with a carrying bag, so we can wrap it up post-storm and toss it in our bags without damaging our other items. Shop on Amazon Reusable Utensil Set Reusable utensils Another park necessity that we would love to see in our stocking is these reusable utensils. This set features a carrying case, spoon, knife, and fork for on-the-go eating around Disney World! Disney, of course, provides utensils at each dining location, but we love that we can reuse these to create less waste. We also love that once we’ve fought for a table during an EPCOT festival, we have our utensils on hand rather than fighting to grab those too! Shop on Amazon Flat Plug Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip Remember how we mentioned you will need extra outlets in your Disney hotel room? Yeah, we meant it! Especially if you’re traveling with a big group. Disney has gotten better at adding more outlets to their new rooms, but in the age of technology, we have a lot of things to plug in at the end of the night. Our MagicBands, cell phones, portable chargers, cameras, tablets, and more need that electricity at the end of the day, and we don’t want to worry about how we’re going to plug them in each night. This certainly helps with that, and it goes on every trip with us, not just our Disney ones! Shop on Amazon LACOVIA Mini Fan LACOVIA Mini Fan Is there anything better than a cooling fan on a hot day? We would say no! This fan is inspired by Mickey himself and even folds in half, so it won’t take up too much space in our bags. It has 3 adjustable speeds and comes in 4 different colors, so you can pick what’s best for you! You can also add water to it so you can mist yourself throughout the day. Shop on Amazon Silicone Straw Set Silicone straw set Finally, we have this silicone straw set that we are genuinely obsessed with! Several years ago, Disney made the switch to paper straws for environmental reasons, and we love that! Unfortunately, those paper straws tend to melt in our drinks faster than we can drink them, so that’s why we’ve turned to silicone straws. They’re reusable, and they come with carrying cases and straw cleaners. They’ve made our days easier, so we aren’t using multiple paper straws, and we can clean them, toss them in our bags, and reuse them again and again. Shop on Amazon These items are just a few small things you can toss into your stockings to get you ready for your next trip! We can’t wait to see what else Santa brings this month. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney finds online. View the full article

The holiday season has arrived, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is roaring with festive fun and wild excitement around every corner. Before you step inside, a towering 55-foot Christmas tree, packed with animal-themed ornaments, greets guests at the entrance. That’s more than the height of three giraffes stacked one atop another! But perhaps one of the park’s most enchanting holiday experiences awaits just beyond: the Merry Menagerie.   What is the Merry Menagerie? Merry Menagerie is a magical daytime experience that brings Discovery Island to life with artisan-crafted animal puppets. Carefully designed by Disney Live Entertainment, these life-size arctic creations – polar bears, reindeer, foxes, penguins, and more – are brought to life through skilled puppeteers who make them walk, blink and even soar above each guest.  “What makes Merry Menagerie special is how up close and personal it is. Guests aren’t just observers, they really can interact with these puppets,” said Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director. “When someone reaches out to pet a polar bear, even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment. Creating that believable interaction is a testament to not only the skill of our performers, but the power of puppetry.”  See These Animal Puppets in Merry Menagerie Guests can interact with these wintry friends for unforgettable moments you can only find at Animal Kingdom: Take a selfie with a reindeer Give a polar bear a gentle chin scratch Greet a playful penguin waddling around Say hello to a friendly fox Watch a baby seal dance and play Wave to a pair of seagulls Adding to the charming scene, skilled musicians like violinists and steel pan performers play festive tunes that sweep soundly alongside the puppet interactions.  When Does Merry Menagerie Happen? Merry Menagerie appears select times during the day on Discovery Island now through December 31 – just one of the holiday delights waiting for you and your family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.   The Merry Menagerie animals may vary, as they drift in and out to say hello. Find Merry Menagerie Merch at Animal Kingdom To remember your one-of-a-kind Merry Menagerie experience, stop by the Island Mercantile in Discovery Island to uncover exclusive merchandise. This year’s collection includes a wintry blue spirit jersey, T–shirt, collectible pins, and beautiful ornaments – all featuring the flurry of fun and the puppets in the park, while supplies last. Located just outside the shop, don’t miss artist Rob Kaz’s new piece, “Merry Moment,” a festive celebration starring Mickey Mouse and the Merry Menagerie animals in front of the Tree of Life.   “The puppeteers are truly so talented in making the moment between Guest and animal so special,” Rob described. “Wintry lighting and colors, sounds of the holidays… it’s just pure joy. That’s what I hoped to convey in Merry Moment.” “With Mickey representing each of us feeling immersed and joyful amongst the Merry Menagerie family, I used color and light, especially around the Tree of Life, to make us immediately feel the cooler air that is so often experienced this time of year. I truly hope this painting lets people take home and remember the warmth they felt during the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” See if you can spot Rob’s signature frog, Beau, hidden in the artwork. How Merry Menagerie Spotlights Conservation  As the Merry Menagerie adds magic to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season, Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continues its long-standing mission to work with communities to safeguard animals in the wild – including some of our friends that live in some of the chilliest areas of the globe just like the animals featured as whimsical puppets. For 30 years, DCF has been a leader in protecting wildlife and their habitats around the world.   Through past/historic support of organizations like Polar Bears International, DCF has helped protect polar bears, their cubs, and their sea ice home.  DCF also supported the National Geographic Society and the Global Penguin Society to advance penguin conservation across Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand.  Click here to discover ways to help wildlife at home and inspire action.  From towering trees to playful puppets, the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are full of wonder and wild beauty. Celebrate the season with magical moments, unique keepsakes, and even ways to help wildlife. Bring your holiday spirit and let the adventure begin. For more information on all the holiday happenings across the resort, visit DisneyWorld.com/holidays.  Details Announced for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade READ MORE Where to Meet Santa at Disney World This Holiday Season READ MORE Unwrapping the Magic of ‘Icon Christmas Trees’ at Disney World READ MORE The post Discover the Holiday Magic of Merry Menagerie at Animal Kingdom appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Okay, where are our popcorn bucket collectors at? Popcorn buckets are BIG business in Disney World, and sometimes it’s even hard to get your hands on the more popular ones (we’re still having flashbacks to the great Figment Popcorn Bucket Saga of 2022). Holiday popcorn bucket Well, holiday popcorn buckets are now a thing in Disney World, and if you want to get your hands on them, you’ll have to do so soon because these popcorn buckets will be gone come January 2026. First, let’s take a look at the holiday popcorn buckets you can get in Disney World right now. Magic Kingdom You can get the Holiday Christmas Tree Truck Bucket at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It’s an exclusive souvenir you’ll find ONLY during the party at various popcorn carts around Magic Kingdom. In the past, if there were leftover buckets, we’ve seen Disney sell them during the daytime, so be on the lookout for that. The final Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the season is on December 21st. Holiday Christmas Tree Truck You can also pick up the Santa Sulley Popcorn Bucket throughout Magic Kingdom at various locations. Sulley Holiday Popcorn Bucket at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (2024) The Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper is available now at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and Pinocchio Village Haus. Mickey Toy Soldier Drummer Sipper You can also get this sipper at the following locations outside Magic Kingdom: Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, and Fairfax Fare Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and Pinocchio Village Haus EPCOT: Connections Eatery and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue EPCOT The Mickey Elf Popcorn Bucket can be found at various locations throughout EPCOT. Mickey Elf Bucket This popcorn bucket was a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive in 2024. Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Gold Musical Rotating Tin is available at various popcorn carts throughout Hollywood Studios. This popcorn bucket also plays music (hence the “Musical” in its name). Gold Musical Rotating Tin If you miss out on these popcorn buckets, though, you should be able to find a Figment Popcorn Bucket as of January 16th during the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, which runs through February 24th. Disney has not revealed what the 2026 popcorn bucket looks like just yet, so we’ll have to wait and see. 2025 Figment Popcorn Bucket at Figment’s Inspiration Station Stay tuned to DFB for more. Learn more about Refillable Popcorn Buckets 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 Do you collect popcorn buckets? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Bluey is finally coming to Disney World — but we can’t help but feel a little worried about this new experience. Conservation Station In summer 2026, Bluey fans will want to head to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to meet and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Disney has yet to announce what will actually change at Conservation Station, but after speaking with Animal Kingdom Cast Members, our hopes are not very high. Conservation Station is a fantastic spot for kids and adults alike — with the Affection Section petting zoo and The Animation Experience. The addition of Bluey and Bingo hosting some popular games from Bluey episodes (including Keepy Uppy) with animal twists seems like it would be a welcome one, but it might mean the end of the current offerings here. Bluey and Bingo! Keep in mind that Disney has not officially announced anything, but we have spoken with some Cast Members at Conservation Station who have shared that it sounds like the Animation Experience and the Affection Section could be going away for good to make way for this new experience. Animation Experience While Disney hasn’t shared exactly where at Conservation Station the Bluey experience will be located, it would make sense for it to be located where the current Animation Experience — a Disney cartoon drawing lesson taught by a Disney artist — takes place. It’s a theater-like setting with a stage, and areas like this are usually where we find character dance parties. Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom We spoke to a long-time Animal Care Specialist in the Affection Section, who told us that while information has changed from the initial announcement, they have been told that all Animal Care Specialists will be moved from this area and sent to other parts of the park. They said that the animals will be relocated in the park to the best of their knowledge, but that this is a more aggressive takeover than what was suggested in the initial announcement. Essentially, is sounds like Conservation Station is getting a full Bluey takeover. Affection Section Another Cast Member who works at the Animation Experience shared some insight as well, and said they will be “done” as early as February. We also asked if the Animation Experience will move to Hollywood Studios — as part of the new Magic of Disney Animation land — and they said that once the Bluey takeover happens, there will be no live drawing demonstrations in the parks, and the only time animation will be offered is during Festival of the Arts in the America Gardens Theatre. ©Disney While we’re excited about Bluey finally making her way to Disney World, we can’t help but feel sad about the possibility that so many incredible experiences that make Animal Kingdom a unique park could potentially be leaving for good. Of course, this is all currently not confirmed and is based on Cast Member intel, but they likely have some insight as to what’s going on in this land. Animal Hospital at Conservation Station We’ll be on the lookout for more updates about Conservation Station and the Bluey experience coming to Disney World. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and beyond! Learn more about the Bluey experience coming to Disney World here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of these potential changes? Let us know in the comments. View the full article

Not all Disneyland restaurants are created equally — some have been around for DECADES! We’re about to bring you our review of a restaurant that originally opened at Disneyland in 1966. Cafe Orleans We recently stopped by Café Orleans in New Orleans Square to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? Find out here! Atmosphere Get a big taste of the Crescent City at this casual, yet stately, New Orleans Square cafe in Disneyland: Cafe Orleans! Cafe Orleans Decorated with vintage-style brass light fixtures, stained-glass panels, and details reminiscent of ‘the Big Easy’, you are sure to enjoy a satisfying meal whether you choose to dine inside or out on the umbrella-covered patio. Cafe Orleans patio But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu Café Orleans boasts some of our absolute favorite eats in Disneyland! The Monte Cristo Sandwich is a must-try, and you can also order Cajun favorites like Chicken Gumbo, Blackened Shrimp Alfredo, and Cajun Butter Roasted Chicken. ©Disney There is also a selection of plant-based eats and plenty of drinks, which only recently started in 2023. You can order wines by the glass, featured cocktails, beer, and some mocktails as well. ©Disney For kiddos, there are options like Chicken Strips, plus more exciting things like a Petite Filet and Sautéed Shrimp. ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats To start, we picked up the Cup of Chicken Gumbo Soup for $12. This is made with Tasso Ham, Andouille Sausage, Peppers, Tomatoes, and Steamed Rice. Cup of Chicken Gumbo Our only complaint with this is that we wish it were a bigger portion! There’s a warm, spicy Cajun flavor throughout the whole dish. The sausage had a richer, meatier flavor than the ham, which had a sweet, sort of honey taste to it. The peppers added to the heat from the Cajun seasoning, while the tomatoes didn’t add much and just blended in with everything else. A solid option For our entrée, we ordered the iconic Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich for $26. This is a classic Monte Cristo that features Sliced Turkey, Ham, and Swiss with Seasonal Preserves and a choice of Pommes Frites or Petite Salad — we went with the Pommes Frites. Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich This is a classic for a reason! The seasonal preserve this time was a fresh strawberry jam; the other sauce it came with is like a spicy remoulade sauce meant for the fries. The batter was sweet with a crispy outside and very doughy inside, but almost too much for our liking. There was too much of the batter; it took away from the other flavors in some bites. This is a classic for a reason The fries were amazing, and the sauce helped take them to the next level! There was a light garlic Parmesan flavor to them, while the sauce added a spicy kick with a light tangy flavor. The Pommes Frites are iconic And, of course, we had to order dessert, too! We grabbed the plant-based Crème Brûlée Tart, which you can get for $10. Creme Brulee Tart The vanilla creme had one of the most vibrant, flavorful, and sweet vanilla flavors we can recall. We were thinking after the first bite that it was one of the best vanilla desserts we’ve had in recent memory. The berries were fresh and made for the perfect complement to the vanilla creme. The tart shell was softer and chewier than we were expecting, but everything else made up for that! We enjoyed this! We had to order a drink to wash it all down, too! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Signature Bourbon Julep for $20. This is made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Citrus, and Mint. We enjoyed this, although we’re not sure it’s worth $20 for a premade cocktail — but that’s Disney cocktail pricing for you. At first, you get a sort of sweet taste from the bourbon. As opposed to the normal burn that follows straight bourbon, you get a tart lemony-citrus flavor. Signature Bourbon Julep The mint here is definitely less noticeable than in the regular, nonalcoholic mint julep from Mint Julep Bar. We do think this is worth getting if you don’t mind the price, but we don’t think it’s worth over double the price of the regular mint julep. What we liked most was getting the sweet bourbon flavors. So, does Café Orleans still deserve a spot at the top of your list? Nosh or Not This Disneyland restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for classic, Cajun-inspired eats that are reliable time and time again. You want to dine somewhere that Walt Disney did! Walt Disney himself spent time here back when Café Orleans was called the Creole Café. You want to dine somewhere that feels like you’ve been transported to another city. You should skip this Disneyland spot if… You’re not a fan of Cajun-inspired foods or are spice-averse. You want a quick-service place to eat so you can get back to enjoying the rest of the park. You want classic theme park food like burgers, fries, and chicken tenders. Overall Café Orleans deserves to be on everyone’s must-eat list at Disneyland Park. It’s an iconic part of New Orleans Square, and it’s hard to beat the classic Monte Cristo and Mint Julep on the menu. It’s also a great spot for people-watching if you sit outside! It remains one of our favorite restaurants at Disneyland for a reason. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article