Disney4me

According to WFTV9, Disney World has filed 15 lawsuits against Orange County over property tax assessments, claiming excessive taxation. Magic Kingdom The lawsuit alleges that the Orange County Property Appraiser, Amy Mercado, failed to comply with Florida law and adopted appraisal practices that resulted in assessments exceeding the market value of the properties. Disney states that the assessments “do not represent the just value” of the properties and “exceed the market value,” which they argue violates the Florida Constitution. It involves all four parks and several resorts. Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom According to the Orlando Sentinel, the appraiser calculated the following taxable values: $621 million for Magic Kingdom $794 million for EPCOT $639 million for Disney’s Hollywood Studios $495 million for Animal Kingdom $72.5 million for Blizzard Beach $53 million for Typhoon Lagoon A few resorts were also included at: $243 million for Caribbean Beach Resort $349 million for Coronado Springs Resort $91 million for Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground $2.1 million for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which is currently being transformed into a Disney Imagineering space Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser State law requires Disney to pay the 2025 property tax before it may challenge the tax assessment in court; the tax assessment exceeds $105 million. The Disney Company requests reassessments, refunds of any overpayments, and reimbursement of legal costs. Disney’s Beach Club Resort These types of lawsuits are not uncommon and are often filed annually by Disney World over tax disputes, in which they challenge the methodology and compliance of the appraisals and assert that they do not adhere to professionally accepted practices. The only case that has gone to trial was about the assessment of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. DISNEY WORLD GUEST FILES LAWSUIT FOR $50K AFTER WATER PARK INJURY Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

It’s official, this character has just made his way to a Disney park! ©Disney On November 26th, Disney released Zootopia 2 to theatres. It achieved great numbers during its opening weekend at the box office, with China being the place where the movie hit the biggest. Well, Disney took no time at all adding a brand-new character at Shanghai Disneyland — let’s take a look at who showed up! This animatornic peaks through the window to talk with guests, and we’re obsessed with it. It looks like it might be time to book a trip to Shanghai! ©Disney Now that Disney World just opened Zootopia: Better Zoogether in Animal Kingdom, maybe we’ll get to see Gary get introduced to that show eventually. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Elio’ Nominated For Multiple Golden Globes 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 seen Zootopia 2? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Hoping to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind during your visit to EPCOT? Yeah, you and 10,000 other people. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind This coaster is arguably one of Disney World’s most popular rides, beloved for its big thrills and awesome soundtrack. The line can get incredibly long during the day, and many people pay extra for Lightning Lane services to skip that wait. But can you ensure that you have a GOOD ride on Cosmic Rewind? You sure can try, and we’re here to tell you how! Be Careful About What You Eat Beforehand Our number one tip to make sure you have a good time riding Cosmic Rewind is to be cautious about eating and drinking beforehand. When in doubt? DON’T! We’ve seen many people get sick in the past when riding this attraction immediately after a large meal. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind The same rule applies to drinking alcohol. If you’re planning to “drink around the world” at EPCOT, this is NOT something you should ride after you complete that challenge. Hit Cosmic Rewind first, then take your turn snacking and sipping through the World Showcase. Our 13 Favorite Snacks in EPCOT! Request Your Favorite Row One thing newbies may not know when visiting Disney World is that you can often request a specific row when boarding attractions. Your request may not be granted if it’s busy at that time or not feasible for the Cast Member to grant it, but it doesn’t hurt to try! Cosmic Rewind loading area For Cosmic Rewind, our rows of choice are Row 1 and Row 9. Since the ride has both forward and backward sections, you can have lots of fun at the front or the back of the ride vehicle! The Secret to Getting the BEST Seats on Disney World Rides! Look for the Easter Eggs There are several fun Easter Eggs to check out when you’re in the queue and on the ride, so make sure to point these out to your friends and family! First, there’s a hidden Mickey on the model of Xandar in the queue, as well as a hidden Mickey on the moon mid-ride. Also, if you brush up on your Xandarian, there are some fun details at the exit of the ride since it is technically where the Xandarians come through for work at the pavilion (Exit to EPCOT on the sign, and the mirror has something along the lines of you like represent Xandar or something The queue If you brush up on your Xandarian before you visit, you’ll be able to translate some of the signage in the queue and at the exit. We’ll give you a head start — there’s a sign when you’re leaving the attraction that says “Exit to EPCOT” in Xandarian. How fun! 50 Amazing Things You Never Knew Were in EPCOT Ride With Your Own Music One person on our team used to work at Cosmic Rewind, and one of her surprising tips was to try riding with your own music! You’ll need to wear your own in-ear headphones for this one (at your own risk!), but it could be a fun way to mix things up if you’ve ridden before. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind And for those who’ve ridden a dozen times and STILL never heard “September,” this might be your way to cheat the system. It’s a win-win! What I Wish I Knew Before Riding Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT Feel Like a Kid Again! Last but not least, we’ve got a silly tip that actually works. Try riding the coaster and lifting your feet up throughout! You’ll be riding like you’re a kid again, and it really does increase the thrill factor when you’re going over hills and around spins. Cosmic Rewind Who knew that the kids had it better than we do?! Sometimes you just have to add a little extra whimsy to your day. Those are some of our best tips for making your ride near-perfect on Cosmic Rewind. We’ve done this attraction dozens and dozens of times, and it pretty much always hits! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips and tricks. Click Here to See Some of the Best Rides 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 Do you ride Cosmic Rewind when you visit EPCOT? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

One of the best parts of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the entertainment! This entertainment is exclusive to the after-hours party and requires an extra ticket (and an extra $190+) — until now! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is coming to Magic Kingdom during daytime hours, and you’ll be able to view it with your normal park ticket. This change is coming soon, so let’s spill all the details. Mark your calendars for Monday, December 22nd, for the first day to catch this parade during the day! It will run at 12 PM and 3 PM, and you can still catch Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the new nighttime parade which debuted this summer, at 7 PM and 9:45 PM the same night. Olaf The Festival of Fantasy Parade, which is Magic Kingdom’s normal daytime parade, is taking a break while Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs instead so the last day for a little bit to catch it will be on December 21st. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade will run at 12 PM and 3 PM until December 31st, so you even have time after Christmas to watch it. It’s so cool to see it during the day, too, since during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it plays at night. During the day, you should be able to see more details. Mickey and Minnie If you plan on watching the parade, here’s a heads up — it’s going to be BUSY. That time period, a little bit before Christmas until New Year’s, is a very crowded time for the parks, so be prepared for the parade viewing to be busy as well. Main Street, U.S.A. usually fills up first, but we like a quiet spot in Frontierland, where the parade starts. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is back! Even our quieter spots in Frontierland are probably going to be backed up, so if seeing the full parade with a good spot is a priority for you, you’ll want to get there well before 12 PM, and get ready to wait in your spot for an hour or longer. Since this parade is usually behind an additional paywall for a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket, many families watch it during the day. Crowds ready to see the parade! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks for your next Disney World vacation. FULL REVIEW OF ALL THE SNACKS WE HAD AT MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2025 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 seen this parade? Tell us your thoughts on it in the comments. View the full article

Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauties! French Toast We’re here to settle the score and find out WHICH Disney World Hotel breakfast is the BEST one of the bunch to make reservations for. Check out our video below:EVERY Disney Resort Breakfast — Best VALUE Ranked Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Get your paintbrushes ready — Disney World has just confirmed one of EPCOT’s most colorful celebrations is officially returning! Breaking news! EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts is set to brighten the park once again in early 2026, bringing with it a vibrant blend of creativity, flavor, and imagination. From stunning visual art to interactive experiences and fan-favorite entertainment, this festival transforms EPCOT into a playground for artists and dreamers alike — making its return one of the most exciting announcements going into the new year. Disney has officially announced the return of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and fans of all things creative can start counting down now. The beloved festival will once again take over EPCOT from January 16 through February 23, 2026, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts. 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Since its debut back in 2017, this seasonal event has quickly become a fan-favorite thanks to its unique blend of imagination and interactive fun. The festival transforms EPCOT into a living gallery, where every stroll between pavilions introduces new artistic experiences. And for the 2026 season, we can look forward to more than 20 Food Studios, each offering beautifully plated, art-inspired dishes that taste as impressive as they look (trust us, we’ve tried them all year after year!) Full Spread at Vibrante & Vivido In addition to the culinary offerings, you can enjoy returning hands-on activities like the popular Animation Academy, where you’ll be guided by a Disney artist step-by-step to draw some of your favorite animated characters… Animation Academy …the crowd-favorite Paint-By-Number mural that puts YOUR work into a part of the masterpiece… Interactive wall mural …and imaginative photo ops that place you directly inside famous works of art. Take your photo with the penguins from Mary Poppins! The park will also feature galleries showcasing pieces from both new and returning artists, many of whom will be available throughout the festival for meet-and-greets and artwork signings. Artist’s booth Here’s a quick rundown of some of the artists you might expect to see throughout the festival: Rosana Iarusso — NEW Darren Wilson Yesenia Moises Dave Perillo Jerrod Maruyama Dylan Bonner Josey Tsao Additionally, the beloved Chalk Art Galleries are confirmed to return in 2026, where artists throughout the festival will bring their chalk art to life along the sidewalks in some familiar and contemporary styles. Some of our favorites are even offered as a 3D art piece that you can snap a photo inside. Nate Baranowski making magic! Love the art of card games? Then you’re in for a magical treat. This year, the festival is introducing an exciting new offering for fans of the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game. Whether you’re a seasoned Illumineer or brand new to the world of Lorcana, this interactive experience adds a whole new layer of creativity and community to the festival. ©Disney Throughout EPCOT, you’ll be invited to take part in a Lorcana Collection Quest, where you’ll open booster packs, trade cards, and connect with fellow players. Head to the Illumineer’s Lounge in the Morocco Pavilion, the central hub for all the action, to swap cards, complete your quest objectives, and dive deeper into the enchanted world of Lorcana. Disney Lorcana cards Once you’ve finished the experience, you’ll be able to redeem a limited-edition Magical Places promo card — a collectible souvenir that’s sure to have Lorcana fans saying, “Oooh, ahhhh!” This brand-new activity is perfect for families, collectors, and anyone who loves discovering fresh forms of storytelling and art at EPCOT. Rounding out the experience is the Disney On Broadway Concert Series, which brings powerhouse vocalists and iconic Disney stage hits to the America Gardens Theatre. Their performances add a dynamic musical layer to the festival and are included with regular EPCOT admission. Something to Believe In No EPCOT Festival of the Arts is complete without a little help from everyone’s favorite purple dragon. Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt is returning, inviting visitors of all ages to explore World Showcase most imaginatively. In this playful adventure, Figment has slipped himself into famous works of art throughout the pavilions — and it’s your job to track him down! Front of Scavenger Hunt Map This hands-on scavenger hunt is a fantastic way for kids to learn about art while adults get just as swept up in the fun. To start your artistic journey, you’ll pick up a map and sticker set at either Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler. As you wander each pavilion, keep an eye out for Figment-themed picture frames cleverly tucked into the artwork. Spot him, match the correct sticker to your map, and watch your masterpiece come to life one pavilion at a time. And make sure you circle back to pick up your prize after you’ve finished! Don’t forget to take a peek at the stunning merchandise collections curated specifically for the festival! Festival of the Arts’ signature artist, Figment, has already crafted a few items we know that are sure to catch your eye. ©Disney With stunning visuals, delicious bites, and plenty of creative surprises, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts continues to be a highlight of the winter season — and its 2026 return promises another inspiring chapter. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news, menus once they’re announced, and of course showing you everything there is to see, eat, and do on the festival’s opening day! Be sure you’re following along with us right here at DFB so you don’t miss a thing. If You’re Driving to Disney World, Beware of This NEW Rule  MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FESTIVAL DAYS DFB's guide to the Festival of the Arts details everything you need to know to maximize your time, budget, and stomach space! Know what's worth it and what to skip with our full-photo menus of each booth, complete with DFB's Best of the Fest. It includes all the must-have information for navigating this colorful festival at Disney World, including: Booth & food photos, maps, and crawls with DFB's exclusive recommendations! The COMPLETE schedule of events (so you don't have to go hunting for all the dates!) All the details on special events, artist meet-n-greets, festival-exclusive merchandise, and more! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Festival of the Arts INFO! See the FULL LIST of Food Booths, Menus, and Photos from the Festival of the Arts Read ALL of Our Food Booth Reviews for the Festival Learn More About the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and Dining Packages Click HERE for All of the Latest News and Details About the Festival of the Arts! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Festival of the Arts news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be kicking off the new year with a trip to EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts? Tell us what you’re looking forward to most in the comments below! View the full article

There are some really great restaurants at Disney World. Are they all showstoppers? No, but you can definitely find quite a few that we will run back to over and over. Places like Columbia Harbour House for the Hushpuppies, Flame Tree Barbecue for some fries, and, of course, Garden Grill for the family-style dinners are among our favorites. Pulled Pork Fries While there are so many great options, there are a few that are pretty basic, even if they are popular. We’re talking puffy-crust pizza, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken strips. As much as we love several spots in Animal Kingdom for a bite, there’s one of these more basic restaurants that might be confusing about why so many Disney World fans are now running there ASAP. Restaurantosaurus serves up some good eats for the Dino Institute faculty and staff (and you, of course). You’ll find cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, Waffle Cone Chicken Strips, and even Black Garlic, Truffle, and Parmesan Fries. It’s a quick-service restaurant that will have you yelling, “This rocks!” (Sorry for the terrible geology pun.) Restaurantosaurus But if this prehistoric restaurant is serving up generic bites like cheeseburgers and hot dogs, why is it SO popular right now? That happens to have little to do with the food (though the food is good!) and much more to do with the holidays. Between now and December 24th, you can see Santa Claus on the patio at Restaurantosaurus! Santa at Restaurantosaurus But here’s the kicker: this will be the LAST year EVER that you can meet Santa at Restaurantosaurus! Every year, Santa has been a staple meet-and-greet at this DinoLand, U.S.A. restaurant, but come February 2nd, 2026, Restaurantosaurus will be extinct, along with this holiday meet-and-greet on the porch. Santa! Restaurantosaurus and the remaining attractions in DinoLand officially close February 2nd, 2026, with February 1st being the last day of operation, to make room for the new Tropical Americas land, Pueblo Esperanza. This new land will likely feature animals from the Tropical Americas, along with attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. Pueblo Esperanza Model While we’re excited for the new land, we’re also sad to see such iconic places like Restaurantosaurus go. If you want to see Santa one last time in DinoLand, you’ll need to hurry to get there soon. You have less than 20 days left to do so, and then it’s time to ride Dinosaur one last time. For more Disney news, keep following DFB! This Disney World Park Will Be EMPTY 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 Are you planning on visiting Restaurantosaurus before it’s gone? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

The EPCOT Festival of the Arts is my favorite festival at EPCOT, and I wait all year round to check out the different art booths, entertainment, and food. You definitely can’t forget about the merchandise, too. ©Disney My best friend is a Figment lover, so last year, I was waiting in line at Creations for the moment it opened so I could secure the Figment goods for her when she couldn’t go. While Figment is represented in many of the EPCOT festivals, he basically runs Festival of the Arts. Disney just dropped a new look at the Figgy souvenirs, and yikes, our wallets are in trouble. The colors for this new collection are so pretty and different. I love the darker hues that make Figment really stand out, and this spirit jersey is going to be a popular one. ©Disney Oh, the ears! Figment is drawing across them, and the bow in the middle has fireworks on it with a Spaceship Earth medallion. ©Disney Not a Mickey Ears person? Check out this baseball hat! Fun and practical. ©Disney Of course, there’s an ornament, too. It’s a great way to remember the family trip, and I love that it looks like Figment is painting the EPCOT sky. ©Disney LOOK AT THIS PLUSH! Figment is wearing a tiny beret. I repeat, Figment is wearing a tiny BERET! ©Disney The Loungefly is totally rad, too. You can wear it as a purse or a backpack, and if you look closely, you can see that the zipper keychain looks like a paint bottle. ©Disney There’s even a water bottle with the same design. It’s a Corkcicle, which is great for keeping your water cold all day long. ©Disney Finally, we need to give a special shoutout to this mug. Figment is literally the handle. Is there anything more we could want? ©Disney The festival runs from January 16th to February 23rd and will have experiences like the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and the ability to buy artwork directly from artists and have it signed. Seriously, this is my favorite festival because of the amount of color everywhere around the park, and to see all the different kinds of designs. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! THE 8 DEFINITIVE RULES FOR GOING TO THE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 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 View the full article

With the new year approaching, it’s time to mark your calendar for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Returning Jan. 16 through Feb. 23, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort, the festival is a global celebration that blends culinary, visual, and performing arts to create an experience that is truly magical. Who Are the Artists This Year? Will Artists Be Signing Artwork? When and Where Can You Meet Artists? Will Any Artists Be Creating New Art Live at the Festival? What Other Art Experiences Are Happening at the Festival? Who Are the Artists This Year? This year’s festival will feature a lineup of artists that will immerse you in beautiful artwork filled with color, expression, and inspiration. I’m excited to share some of the new and returning talent coming to the festival and showcase some of their amazing art pieces: Rosana Iarusso – New in 2026! Rosana Iarusso was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York. Like most artists, her journey started the minute she could hold a pencil. Drawing in her Snow White-decorated room or creating art while watching her very worn-out VHS tape of The Little Mermaid, her love for Disney and art grew in tandem. Currently, she is working as a Senior Character Artist for Disney Consumer Products mainly drawing Disney Princesses and their sidekicks, Tinker Bell, Minnie Mouse, and many other beloved characters. When she isn’t working, she loves to try out new mediums. Disney Art Focus Ducks Mickey Princesses Darren Wilson Darren Wilson is a Senior Manager of Graphic Design for Disney Parks, Products and Experiences, and has spent 26 magical years with The Walt Disney Company, creating award-winning designs and creating exclusive works of art through the Art of Disney galleries. He is responsible for creating creative content for feature films such as: Disney and Pixar’s Coco, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales; live action films including Pinocchio, Peter Pan, The Lion King, and Aladdin. He currently designs for Disney Consumer Products and Disney Parks. Disney Art Focus Princesses Up The Lion King Yesenia Moises Yesenia Moises is an Afro-Latina author, illustrator, and toy designer known for her colorful picture books. After graduating from the internationally renowned Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Toy Design, she embarked on a journey to use her colorful and whimsical designs to create wonder and magic for young readers. Her original picture book has wowed readers around the world. Her trademark use of color, curls, and charisma creates a special brand of Afro Fantasy that she’s lent to publishers, toy companies, and television studios. Disney Art Focus Attractions Kingdom Hearts Dave Perillo Dave Perillo is an illustrator and designer based out of the Philly ‘burbs. With the help of a drawing book, and hours of cartoons, he doodled his way through school to college to study graphic design. His first position was as an illustrator in the glamorous world of medical publishing. After countless drawings of dancing kidneys and otoscopes, he felt a need to feed his creative juices and began to create his own pop culture inspired art. This path launched him into a world of comic conventions, art galleries, and freelance design. His retro art style developed from his love of the mid-century modern aesthetic and is inspired by numerous legends. Disney Art Focus Attractions Jerrod Maruyama Jerrod Maruyama is a freelance illustrator specializing in cute character concepts and design. He earned a degree in Illustration from San Jose State University and began his career as an art director in the children’s educational software industry. Since becoming a full-time freelance artist, Jerrod has worked for several industry leaders in the entertainment and toy world, bringing his distinct brand of cute to popular characters and properties. Disney Art Focus Parks Mix Dylan Bonner Joining the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for his sixth year, Dylan Bonner is an illustrator based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He started creating artwork when he was a child after being completely enamored with the Walt Disney Classic The Little Mermaid. Since 2017, he has worked on the Disney Princess property across several forms including comic books, toys, Consumer Products, and now, Fine Art. Disney Art Focus Princesses Josey Tsao Josey Tsao is an illustrator based in Los Angeles, California, creating artwork inspired by stories both real and imagined. From working as a Concept Designer for theme parks to a Background Painter in animation, she finds joy in using illustration to tell stories of people and places. She has had the pleasure of working with Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Yellow Shoes, Disney’s WonderGround Gallery, and more. Disney Art Focus Ratatouille Stitch Rapunzel Castles Will Artists Be Signing Artwork? Yes, a selection of artists will be signing their pieces throughout festival! Be sure to visit the Artist Portal for dates and timing. When and Where Can You Meet Artists? You can meet artists all around the park! For all the details about the many talented artists appearing at this year’s festival, be sure to visit the Artist Portal for updates. Will Any Artists Be Creating New Art Live at the Festival? Yes, there are over 200 new pieces of artwork being created for this festival – some of which will be created before your very eyes! Stop by CommuniCore Hall Plaza to see canvases come to life with the help of an onstage visual artist as they paint your favorite Disney characters. My Disney Experience App Check out your My Disney Experience App for Visual Art in Performance times. What Other Art Experiences Are Happening at the Festival? The fun never stops at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, with engaging, creative experiences happening around every corner! One highlight I’m especially excited about is the Animation Academy at the America Gardens Theatre. In this interactive session, you and your family have a front row seat as a Disney animator guides you step by step in bringing a beloved character to life! Another must-do, and one I never miss at the Festival is The Expression Section: A Paint by Number Mural. It’s such a fun way to be a part of something bigger. Once you’ve painted your squares, you’ll get to take a step back and see a beautiful scene that you helped create. And don’t forget to look down! The Chalk Art Galleries turn EPCOT’s walkways into living canvases, where artists bring incredible creations to life right before your eyes. Who knows, maybe your favorite character will be their muse. That’s just a handful of fun that you can experience! Visit the Festival page on DisneyWorld.com for all the elements on art-related offerings and more. For more information about all the visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts you can explore during the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts included in your theme park admission to EPCOT, check out Disney Parks Blog. Disney+ Subscribers Save with New 2026 Disney World Ticket Deal READ MORE 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: Dates and More READ MORE New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 READ MORE The post New and Returning Artists Coming to 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

It’s the most magical time of year at Disney World and today is a great time to book your next Disney vacation. There are so many NEW deals for you to check out! Christmas at the Grand Floridian There’s a lot happening at Disney World right now! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is happening now in Magic Kingdom, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs through December 30 in EPCOT, and over in Disneyland, the 70th anniversary celebration runs through mid-2026! Are you in? We’re in. Let’s go! Today, our friends at Small World Vacations have compiled all of the current Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney discounts for DFB readers, including a few new discounts that have recently been announced. Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Current Walt Disney World Deals and Discounts Free Dining for Kids in 2026 A new free dining offer has been announced for Disney World! When staying at one of the Disney World resorts, you can qualify for a free Disney dining package for kids aged 3-9 when you purchase a dining plan with your vacation package for other members of your party. Cosmic Ray’s in Magic Kingdom Dates for this deal are: January 1 – December 31, 2026. Click here to get all the details on the new free dining offer. Holiday Room Offer This new holiday season offer includes saving up to 20% on rooms at select Disney World hotels, and you can also receive a Shopping/Dining card of up to $100. How beautiful! The dates for this deal are most nights from November 23rd to December 25th, 2025. Click here to get more details about this offer! Early 2026 Offers Disney Visa Room Offer When you book a room at select Disney World hotels, you can score some major savings if you’re a Disney Visa cardholder! Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort The deal is valid for 2-night or longer stays (must be consecutive nights), most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4th to February 10th, 2026. Click here to get more details on this offer! Early 2026 Room Offer You can save up to 25% off rooms for most nights between February 22nd and April 30th, or 20% on stays Sunday to Thursday from January 4th to February 19th. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Click here to read more about this offer. Early 2026 Package Offer You can save $250 per night on a four-day, four-night room and ticket package. It’s for stays most nights from February 22nd to July 25th for Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels. Grand Floridian Click here to read more about this offer. Florida Resident Offers Florida and Georgia Resident Holiday Offer Disney World just unveiled a brand new discount exclusive to Florida and Georgia residents with hotel rooms starting at $129! The offer is valid most nights from December 12th to December 25th, 2025. Disney’s Pop Century Resort Click here for more details on this offer! Florida Resident Early 2026 Offer Florida residents can save up to 30% on stays most nights between February 22nd and April 30th, or 25% off most stays Sunday to Thursday from February 4th to February 19th. Click here to read more about this offer. Annual Passholder Offers Holiday Room Deal Annual Passholders can save up to 30% on hotel rooms during one of the busiest times of the year! The amount of savings you get will depend on the dates and the specific hotel that you choose for your stay. Annual Passholder This deal is valid on most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 12th to November 20th, 2025, and most nights from November 23rd to December 25th, 2025. Click here to read more about this offer! Annual Passholder Early 2026 Offer Annual Passholders can save up to 35% off hotel rooms in the spring. You can save up to 35% off most nights from February 22nd to April 30th, as well as 30% off most stays Sunday to Thursday from January 4th to February 19th. Click here to read more about this offer. Disney+ Subscriber Ticket Offer Disney+ subscribers can now get a special 3-Day, 3-Park ticket to select theme parks at Disney World starting at just $109 per day plus tax. Cinderella Castle The tickets are good from dates starting on January 12th through May 22nd, 2026. You must use your ticket within five days of your selected start date. Click Here for More Details on This Ticket Offer Military Offers 2025 Military Offers New pricing has been announced for the Disney Military Salute Ticket. These are discounted 4, 5, and 6-day tickets for U.S. military members and their families. These tickets can be purchased at military bases around the country or at Shades of Green Resort. Military members can also save on hotel rooms on most nights through December 19, 2025. Click Here for More Details on the 2025 Military Offers EPCOT Contact Small World Vacations for more details on room discounts for U.S. military members. Disneyland Offers Check out the latest deals for your next Disneyland vacation! Disneyland Fall/Winter 2025 Room Offer From now through December 19th, you can save up to 20% off on select hotels at Disneyland. Click here to read more about this offer!! Grand Californian Disney Visa Cardholders are eligible for an exclusive discount on their Disneyland hotel stays this fall. This discount could save 20% on hotel rooms for select premium room stays at either Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel from Sunday to Thursday nights through December 19th. Click here to check out the Disney Visa cardholder deal Disney Visa cardholders can also save up to 25% on rooms from January 1st, 2026, through May 21st, 2026. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Disneyland 2025/2026 Military Offers U.S. Military members can also save on hotels at Disneyland Resort! The deal is available on most nights from January 1 to December 27, 2025. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Disneyland’s 2026 U.S. military offer for savings on rooms is good from January 1st, 2026, through December 31st, 2026. Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney Discounts Our friends at Small World Vacations can also help you plan your next Disney Cruise Line sailing, a trip to Aulani, or even an Adventures by Disney vacation! Check out these deals. 50% Deposit Offer Disney Cruise Lines has just announced a new deal — right now, only 50% of your deposit will be due at the time of booking on select Disney cruises. All you need to do is book an eligible Disney cruise by January 18th, 2026 Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay The offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between March 2026 and May 2027. Click here to see more about this deal! Restricted Rates You can save up to 30% on Disney Cruises! Quiet Cove on the Disney Wish Sail the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and more without paying full price. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. U.S. Military Offer Members of the U.S. military can get a $250 on board credit on select sailings. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Aulani Deals If you’re looking to get away to a warmer spot for winter, you can save up to 25% on select stays at Aulani. The longer you stay, the more you save. If you book a stay of five or more consecutive nights, you can save 25%. If you book a stay of four consecutive nights, you can save 20%. This offer is valid on select rooms and villas for stays most nights from January 4th, 2026, to April 9th, 2026 (with checkout no later than April 10th, 2026). Click here for more details on the newest Aulani offers! Aulani Plus, check out the fall room offer — Save up to 25% on select rooms or Villas for stays of 4 or more nights or up to 35% on select rooms or Villas for stays of 5 nights from October 20th to December 23rd. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 30% on select rooms or Villas for stays of 4 or more nights or up to 35% on select rooms or Villas for stays of 5 nights from October 20 – December 23. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Adventures by Disney Check out the Last Chance Deal — Save up to $400 per person on select Land Adventures, River Cruises, or Escapes on select dates from September 29, 2025, to March 28, 2026. This deal must be booked by December 31, 2025. Contact Small World Vacations for more details. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. Spaceship Earth Let the agents at Small World Vacations compare discounts to find the best possible savings for YOU! When you feel ready to start planning your next Disney Vacation, Small World Vacation is happy to assist you with pricing and guidance. And there is no charge for their expertise and firsthand knowledge. You have questions…they have answers! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! The agents at Small World Vacations know what you need to know before you go. Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Exclusive Small World Vacations Limited Time Offer Considering booking a Disney World trip? If you want to save time and money, you definitely want to book with a Small World Vacations travel agent. And now is a perfect time! Small World Vacations has an exciting offer for DFB readers in DECEMBER! Book a new Walt Disney World Vacation Package (at any on-site, Walt Disney World hotel) valued at $3,800 or more and get one $25 DFB Store Gift Card emailed to you after final payment. The perfect time to stock up on DFB-exclusive gear and guides! Offer valid on bookings with code DFB1225 made with Small World Vacations between December 10 and December 31, 2025. Check-in between January 15, 2026 and July 25, 2026 to qualify. Previously booked reservations are not eligible. Substitutions may be necessary. No cash value. Cannot be transferred. If the reservation is canceled, or the price of the Walt Disney World vacation reservation falls below $3800, or dates are modified to non-qualifying dates, the offer is no longer valid. DFB Store gift cards! *DFB Store Gift Card is a digital card and will be emailed to guest at approximately 2 weeks prior to arrival. Small World Vacations is not responsible for lost or deleted e-Gift Card. Get a quote for your Walt Disney World Vacation and let your agent know that DFB sent you. Include code DFB 01125. Contact Small World Vacations for a no-obligation quote before these offers expire. If you are ready to begin planning your Walt Disney World vacation, simply fill out Small World Vacations’ no-obligation quote form! Small World Vacations is happy to share over 23 years of Disney expertise and extensive experience with My Disney Experience, discounts, dining, and reservations so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some Disney Magic! Small World Vacations is happy to help with your Walt Disney World Vacation. Learn below what they can do for you! Maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package valued at $3,000, you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, the Disney Food Blog Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World valued at $24.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! Small World Vacations is proud to be the preferred travel agency of the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Small-World-Square-Banner.png Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Small World Vacations agents have been to Walt Disney World over 2,500 times! We know what you need to know before you go. We’re Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (that’s the highest level, ranked by Disney!) who have been there, done that, and are going back. Learn how we can help you and what our guests are saying about us: “I am a very hands-on type of person and I’ve always planned our vacations. I decided this time to give Small World Vacations a try. Best thing I could have done. My agent was able to handle the booking part, which is the tedious part of the planning. Then she was able to get me free dining for my trip, which saved me a ton of money. She answered all my questions very promptly as well.” Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Are you planning to visit Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

There’s a criminal element hanging out in the middle of the Ripley’s attraction on Orlando’s International Drive. The walk-through museum has installed exhibits collectively known as “True Crime: Blood, Lies and Alibis.” The limited-time displays mix cold, hard facts and trivia with comedy and lighthearted matter. How else to explain a wall that features O.J. Simpson, Judge Judy and Scooby-Doo? There are jumping-off points for serious matters, as well, with physical displays that present Charles Manson’s prison shirt — which he signed — and furniture used by Lee Harvey Oswald at opposite ends of the room. Nearby is a pistol owned by outlaw Jesse James. (“He once shot the tip off his own finger … on purpose!” reads the Ripley’s display.) This is content-rich territory, some of it delivered in the traditional quippy style of Ripley’s cartoons that may make you ask, “Really?” One wall states “The inventor of the polygraph machine married the first person he interrogated.” Really? Modern animation is used as a backdrop in the Oswald corner, which includes the notion that the displayed items might have been used, passively, in planning the shooting of President John F. Kennedy. There’s a bill of sale for the furniture signed by the owner of Oswald’s boarding house in Dallas. On display is a section of fence from the famed grassy knoll where the assassination took place, plus the not-so-fun fact that Kennedy, Oswald and Jack Ruby — who killed Oswald — all died at the same hospital. There are other modern touches in the exhibit, including a touch-screen game to guess which choice is a real law in each U.S. state and more animation in the form of digital mug shots that banter. Pablo Escobar, Al Capone, and Bonnie and Clyde are presented a la the talking portraits in Hogwarts Castle at Universal Islands of Adventure. Perhaps for crime-and-punishment balance, displays include crime-fighting facts about the Secret Service as well as “America’s Most Wanted,” true-crime podcasts and a 1957 cold case revived by TikTok creators. Yet there are “breaking news” displays reliving “crimes that swept the nation.” Think Michael Jackson, JonBenet Ramsey, the Menendez brothers and Jeffrey Epstein. Florida is represented here by Casey Anthony and Joe Exotic (aka “The Tiger King”). The nearby serial killer section includes Ted Bundy and Aileen Wuornos, both put to death by the state of Florida. It’s … a lot. Certainly, true crime has its devotees and is worth exploration. But anything related to the electric chair — a back panel of one is showcased in the exhibit — kind of triggers me. Happily, the traffic flow of Ripley’s allows quick escapes to the rest of the attraction and its two-headed animals, Egyptian relics, outer space trivia and Florida-related follies. In the lobby I learned how much juice you’d get out of me if I were an orange. Believe it. POSTSCRIPT: A bit of research about the polygraph inventor reveals that William Moulton Marston also was a psychologist/author/comic book writer. His wife Elizabeth may have been the inspiration for Wonder Woman. Merciful Minerva! (But it’s even more complicated than that, so we salute Ripley’s boiling-down skills.) Looking back at Audubon, Cypress Gardens Made a double-dip trip to Orange County Regional History Center last week. First up was “125 Years of Audubon in Florida,” a pocket exhibit on the ground level. It has about 20 blurbs and photos that cover a lot of territory including conservation, the Everglades, roseate spoonbills and bald eagles. True crime alert: There’s also info about two murders tied to “wading bird poachers” in 1905 and 1908. In the small display case are items such as a great egret plume, tracking bands and an early 1900s feathered hat. The exhibit remains in place through Feb. 8. Round two at the downtown Orlando museum was a Lunch & Learn session about Cypress Gardens, the Winter Haven attraction that operated from 1936 to 2009. The land has been the home of Legoland Florida since 2011. Jeremy Hileman, assistant curator of collections, led the sessions and I had several takeaways. • Although Pope Sr. was the public face of Cypress Gardens at first, don’t undervalue Julie Pope, his wife. She was instrumental for her botanical knowledge as well as for launching the famed ski shows (partially to entertain military members) and Southern Belle motif. • Once upon a time, you could take a bus tour from the San Juan Hotel in downtown Orlando to Cypress Gardens and nearby Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Things were different then. A Cypress Gardens ad that Hileman displayed included the phrase “An hour you will never forget.” • It was a big deal when “Easy to Love,” a movie starring swimming sensation Esther Williams, filmed there in the 1950s. That led to creation of the 90-foot Florida-shaped pool that’s still on the Legoland property. • It was also a big deal when Johnny Carson did a one-hour TV special called “Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens” that aired on NBC. It’s mostly lost to the ages, but it drew an audience of 88 million viewers. 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

‘Tis the season of giving! A single toy can create happiness, spark imagination, and create memories that last a lifetime, especially when it’s inspired by beloved Disney characters and stories. During this special time of year, Disney Consumer Products is spreading holiday cheer by bringing unforgettable moments (and toys!) to kids, families, and communities across the country. Building on the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, Disney Consumer Products created holiday wonder for families who could use an extra sprinkle of joy this season through surprise Disney Store shopping sprees and an immersive toy distribution unlike any other. But the true magic is in what these gifts mean to the children and families who receive them – joy, hope, connection, and memories that last well beyond the season. Families Across the Country Unwrap Disney Joy What seemed like a regular cardboard box on doorsteps across the country turned out to be something extraordinary: a magical Disney surprise to make the holidays extra special this year. In collaboration with Good360, we reached over 100 families in need — located in all 50 states and Washington D.C. — surprising them with one-of-a-kind Disney Store shopping sprees. Each box was packed with care (and plenty of pixie dust) by Disney VoluntEARS. Inside, families found Disney Store holiday products and gift cards, continuing Walt Disney’s tradition of spreading happiness during the holidays. Because at Disney, the magic doesn’t stop at our parks, resorts, stores, or on our ships — it travels wherever joy is needed most. We loved seeing the spirit of the season come alive as families nationwide unboxed their holiday surprises! New York Families Surprised with Shopping Spree Two of these families visited Disney Store Times Square, where cast members surprised them with meaningful and memorable shopping experiences. Before the shopping began, the Del Moral and Martindale families each enjoyed their own private store-opening ceremony. Then came the surprise: each mom was presented with a box containing a gift card and some extra holiday goodies — a moment that brought smiles, laughter, and a few happy tears. Migdalia Del Moral, a mom of four, grew up loving Disney (especially Mickey Mouse) and now shares that magic with her children. Receiving this shopping spree was a joyful surprise, but for Migdalia, the real gift was seeing her kids’ smiles, because nothing matters to her more than their happiness. “This is going to change my holiday experience,” said Migdalia. “When do you get to go to a store and let your kids pick out whatever they want? As long as they’re happy, I’m happy. And they look really happy right now,” she said. Each family also received holiday gifts from Disney Store, along with the opportunity for the kids to pick out a favorite treasure to take home. As she and her kids went around the store with grins on their faces, picking their favorite Disney toys, Migdalia couldn’t help but reflect on the experience. “I think this is something very beautiful,” she said. “I’m usually the one giving, so for this to happen to me, this really means a lot.” Jewel Martindale and her two kids were ecstatic when they found out they were receiving this shopping spree. She shared that one highlight was a heartfelt moment with her son, Arlo, a huge Spider-Man fan who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. “The first thing he chose was Spider-Man. That was really sentimental to me, because even though he cannot talk, he can identify, and he knows what he wants,” Jewel reflected. A Memorable Holiday Experience for Families in Detroit We all know Stitch loves to create mischief, but this holiday season, he’s joining the Disney Holiday Magic Tour on a mission to celebrate the joy of giving and the powerful connection that countless people share with Disney during this time of year. As part of the tour, more than 120 families selected by Toys for Tots were invited to a first-of-its-kind event in Detroit, with a special surprise from Stitch. By bringing this magic to the middle of the country, we were able to extend the wonder of Disney far beyond our parks, ships, and stores. The event kicked off with a festive lighting ceremony where the kids helped Stitch brighten the holiday-inspired wonderland filled with Disney-themed play zones, experiences, and treats just for them. Stitch then revealed a “shopping” experience filled with toys and gifts, provided to families at no cost. “It’s just a godsend that this gets put on for families like us, that are struggling. We’ve had a wonderful time here. The smiles on [the kids’] faces made my day,” said Michael Dunigan, a local parent who attended the event. “Without you guys, there would be a lot of families without Christmas.” Wrapping up a day full of happiness and wonder, families also enjoyed a meet-and-greet with Stitch, making lasting memories. The toys and products the families received, as well as the activities they enjoyed together, helped create moments of happiness for this holiday season and beyond. This was just one of the many stops on Stitch’s journey, as he works to get off Santa’s “naughty list” by helping deliver toys, smiles, and Disney holiday magic around the world alongside Disney VoluntEARS. You can follow along with Stitch’s global adventure as he creates happiness for ohanas near and far at Disney.com/HolidayMagic. Join Us in Making Holiday Magic For nearly 80 years, the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive has brought in millions of toys to create moments of happiness for children and families in need. Disney’s relationship with Toys for Tots started in 1948 when Walt Disney and his studio artists created designs that would help drive awareness for the campaign. They would even design the Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today. Giving is part of who we are at Disney, and we’re thrilled to continue giving back to our local communities in new and meaningful ways. Fans can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by donating a toy now through December 24 at DisneyStore.com/ToyDrive, or in person at Disney Stores, the Disneyland Resort, or Walt Disney World Resort through December 14, 2025. To learn more about how to get involved, visit Disney.com/HolidayMagic. Shop Out-of-This-World Lilo & Stitch Merchandise READ MORE Unwrapping the Magic of ‘Icon Christmas Trees’ at Disney World READ MORE Guide to Gingerbread at Disneyland Resort this Holiday Season READ MORE The post Disney Consumer Products Delivers the Magic of Toys to Families in Need Nationwide appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Do you have a Disney World vacation coming up? Make sure you bring these items with you! Magic Kingdom There are some items that you can get at Disney World, but why wouldn’t you get them from Amazon for so much cheaper?! Take a look at the list of items we think you NEED with you at the parks. They are just so much cheaper to get now, rather than when you’re at the park. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Frogg Togg Rain Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho We seriously don’t go to Disney World without our trusty Frogg Togg Waterproof Poncho! When it comes to Disney World trips, we all know you can NEVER count out the chance of rain. We find that these ponchos always come in handy. It’s 100% waterproof and very breathable. It’s super easy to put on, and has a pull-over hood, which is great for those downpours! It’s currently 41% off. View on Amazon This JISULIFE Handheld Fan has been perfect! JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan Florida also gets pretty hot, and the need to stay cool is pressing for a good chunk of the year. That’s why we recommend getting a JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan for your next park day! You’ve probably seen us bring this up a few times, but we LOVE it! It’s a 3-in-1 USB rechargeable portable fan. It offers great cooling while you’re at the park, a power bank that can last 12-19 hours, and a flashlight. View on Amazon We love the MagicBand Multi-Charger! MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Trust us, this Kaizen Kreation MultiCharger for MagicBand+ has done us wonders! This is a must-have since the hotel rooms don’t have very many plugs, and you have to charge MagicBands now. This is great for big groups of family and friends who are traveling together. You can get it for less than $10. View on Amazon Or, you can grab the INIU Portable Charger INIU Portable Charger The INIU Portable Charger has to be our favorite portable charger! We bring this thing up all the time, and highly recommend it. Its slim build and power bank make for a perfect charger to keep your phone running throughout the day. It offers a USB-C connection, which means it has high-speed charging capabilities. It works with many different types of phones, and it’s 8% off! View on Amazon We have to recommend this Dreamegg White Noise Machine! Sleep More Sound The Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine is for anyone who wants a truly peaceful sleep or nap at their Disney World hotel! This thing is around $15 solo, bundled with a second in multiple color combos for around $30, and can even come with a zippered travel case for around $25. This is ABSOLUTELY worth it! This would make an ideal present for a new parent, college student, stocking stuffer, frequent traveler, small kids, those with insomnia or difficulty getting to sleep, etc. We love how portable it is! The key features of the product are, it’s so small it can fit in the palm of your hand, it has the potential to be hooked up to a charger or be enjoyed on a battery, and it’s got 35 different volume levels for such a tiny object. The Dreamegg comes in a variety of different colors to match practically any aesthetic, and 16 different sounds ranging from DIFFERENT kinds of fans and fan speeds, to standard white noise, soundscapes, waterfalls, rain, birds, lullabies, and beyond. It’s also equipped with a timer button that can be set to either 30, 60, or 90 minutes for intervals, or set not to cut off until you turn it off when you wake. Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine It uses the same USB-C charger that most newer phone models have switched to using, so you don’t have to keep up with an odd charging plug. Overall, the biggest pros have to be its size, battery life, versatility of sounds, and timer. The buttons can be hard to press in as sometimes, especially if you have long nails. However, that’s just us being nitpicky. Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine You need this for your trip, it’s made us feel much more rested and relaxed after trying it out. We will be using these as our go-to stocking stuffers and low-budget gifts to give this year for family, friends, kids, etc. If you’re annoyed at the idea of a sound machine because white noise and big fans sound aggressive, the adjustable volume and sounds are perfect on this thing. Set it to what you’d like to listen to at a comfortable volume that’s not distracting to your sleep or anyone else around you. Seriously, we give this a 5 out of 5 — and we didn’t even mention it’s 36% off! View on Amazon And finally, make sure to grab this Flat Power Plug Flat Plug Power Strip This Flat Plug Power Strip is portable and effective, allowing you to charge multiple devices while not taking up too much space. It has three outlets and 4 USB ports (two USB-C). We find it’s great for hotels, resorts, or wherever you’re staying. We can charge our phone, laptop, and whatever else we brought, while only taking up one outlet in the wall. We love the price you can get this at, and it’s 29% off right now! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Owala FreeSip There is one thing that we are constantly reminding our readers — if you’re going to Disney World, you need to make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking water while walking around tons in the hot Florida weather is so important, and it makes it easier if you’re carrying a water bottle with you. Looking for one? Check out these Disney Princess options! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get the Disney Princess Owala Rapunzel Owala We know every Disney Adult has a dream, and that dream is to get a Disney Princess Owala this Christmas! This Owala is themed after the iconic Disney Princess, Rapunzel, featuring her colors. The water bottle also has a little floating lantern on it. View on Amazon This Moana Owala is a must-grab ©Amazon It only makes sense that a WATER bottle would have a Moana theme, so how could you not get this Moana Owala?! It captures the spirit of adventure with its vibrant design. The wide opening makes it easy to add ice and clean, while the cup holder-friendly base ensures it fits perfectly in your car or bag. View on Amazon We love the Belle Owala ©Amazon It’s already hard to choose which Princess Owala to go with, and the choice gets harder with this Belle Owala! The water bottle has a level of elegance to it, with its rich golden yellow hue and red accent color. The convenient carry loop makes it easy to take your bottle anywhere, whether it’s to the library or on an afternoon stroll. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Tiana Owala ©Amazon The Tiana Owala has a vibrant green color that resembles the iconic princess’s dress! Owala bottles have you covered with cold sips and a leakproof design that’s ready for any journey. You’re going to have to dig a little deeper to avoid this water bottles charm. View on Amazon Don’t forget about this Ariel Owala ©Amazon Ok, it’s official, this Ariel Owala needs to be a part of our world! The green, purple, and red colors, resembling the iconic mermaid princess, work perfectly as a design. Like all Owala FreeSip bottles, it’s built with a super handy spout you can sip upright or tilt back to take a bigger swig. The push-to-open lid keeps things clean on the go, and the carry loop even locks the lid in place. This is going straight into our treasure collection! View on Amazon And finally, there’s the Cinderella Owala ©Amazon A dream must be a wish your heart makes, because we knew this Owala Princess collection needed a Cinderella Owala — we wished, and it’s here! The water bottle has soft blues as a nod to her iconic dress. All Owala bottles are BPA and phthalate-free, ensuring your drink stays pure, and while the bottle itself is hand-wash only, the lid is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Are you ready to defend Camp Half-Blood? Yesterday, I got to preview a new island filled with legendary sea monsters, challenging minigames, and I even found out which Greek god is my dad. This is the first time Percy Jackson and the Olympians has entered Fortnite, and you can log in today, December 9, to launch this incredible adventure. Once you’ve experienced the world of the gods first-hand, tune in to season two of the hit Disney+ Original series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, hitting Disney+ tomorrow. Let’s learn more about this new island and see if we can’t defeat the Minotaur (and, yes, in his underpants). Percy Jackson and The Olympians in Fortnite In season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Percy will take on the Sea of Monsters to find his best friend Grover and seek out the Golden Fleece. And in Fortnite, you’ll be entering these treacherous waters yourself. “Seeing Percy Jackson and The Olympians within Fortnite has been a dream come true for us,” said Dan Shotz, Executive Producer, Percy Jackson and The Olympians. “Players will be able to fully immerse themselves into our expanding world as they get claimed by an Olympian god, embark on an epic quests and fight iconic monsters from the Percy Jackson universe. Everything in Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters was built with such incredible detail to honor our series on Disney+ as well as book readers around the world. I hope fans have as much fun exploring this world, as we did bringing the series to life.” Explore the Island with Percy and Friends On your journey, you’ll have some help from a few veterans of Camp Half-Blood; Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood are all here to help. And keep your eyes peeled for moments and places you’ll recognize from the first two seasons of the show as you embark on multiple side-quests. Claim your bunk in the cabins and don’t miss out on striking up conversations with your fellow campers to learn more about the world and where you should quest next. The island map is relatively large, with lots of different areas to explore, from thick woods populated with wild boar and wolves to a perilous lava-soaked mountain. Get Equipped at the Armory and Train Up Your Skills Camp Half-Blood is all about training up the next generation of heroes, so you can bet you’ll be brushing up on your skills. Look all over the map for drachmas that you can use to buy weapons at the armory and level up at the forge. During our preview, I smashed my share of vases, searched chests, and found enough drachmas to get a bow and arrow. After a bit of time training, I took on a few bad guys at the beach, who not-so-gently reminded me that I needed to upgrade my weapons at the forge. A few more drachmas and I was ready to test my skills at sea. Fight Legendary Creatures In Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters, you’ll jump into the fray with boss battles that will test all that training and practice on woodland creatures. Our party boarded a ship destined for rough seas and fought with the likes of Scylla and Charybdis. It was a tough fight, but I eventually found my sea legs and our party was victorious (hint: find a cannon). Another boss we encountered was the Minotaur, caught in his underpants, as per usual. Fun fact: the developer and the team behind the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series worked closely together to make sure, for the sake all of us, that he appears in his signature tighty-whities. And if you linger long enough in the woods, you might find the Laistrygonian Giants camp, where they are not eager to make friends but certainly will say hello (with their fists). So, Who is Your Godly Parent? Ah, a question we all ask ourselves from time to time. Am I Poseidon’s kid or what? On the Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters Fortnite island, you’ll need to discover who your all-powerful parent is as part of a special quest. Depending on which god you most match up with, your divine ancestry will come to light. Replay and Revisit Camp Half-Blood This island was designed for replayability, so you’ll notice that repeating a boss fight can get a bit harder, and there are lots of weapons upgrades and surprises to find as you progress through your life as a demigod. Your progress on the island is saved, so drop in again and again to knock more quests off the list, (and be sure to check back at the Activity Board to see what’s next). There are so many minigames to explore, like facing off in the arena or scaling the climbing wall. The battle on the Sea of Monsters even has multiple difficulty levels which get significantly more challenging and evolve the fight, so see if you’ve got what it takes to survive stuck between Scylla and Charybdis. Jump into Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters by searching for Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters in Fortnite or by entering Island Code: 9135-6797-0922 in the search bar. Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+ Ready for yet another adventure? Season one of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is streaming now on Hulu and Disney+. And season two premieres tomorrow, December 10, on Disney+ and Hulu. Tune in to the two-episode debut to see what happens when Percy Jackson sets off on an epic odyssey into the Sea of Monsters … hey, just like you. This is not endorsed, sponsored or administered by Epic Games Inc. The post Level Up to Demigod with the Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters Fortnite Island appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

I’ve seen a lot of Starbucks cups in my day and even have a few in my own collection, but I have never seen one break the internet as much as this silly little bear did. ©Amazon This Bearista Cup, one that I like to call the Honey Bear cup, sold out almost instantly across Starbucks locations, but now Starbucks is upping the amount of bears, and it will be the perfect time to snag this special cup. According to Good Morning America, from December 8th to January 4th, about 600 bear cups daily will be available as a prize for the annual Starbucks for Life holiday game. Have yourself a very beary Christmas This game is available for Starbucks Rewards members and is a virtual journey through Seattle, Milan, Tokyo, and New York City, alternating each week of the competition. The free Prize Play each week will have opportunities to win prizes just like the bear cup! Starbucks in Disneyland Paris! Members who play each week will be entered into a Starbucks for Life sweepstakes, too, and those who play during the week of December 22nd to 29th will be entered into a Starbucks for a Year sweepstakes. Sounds like a lot of free coffee to us! Starbucks at Disney Springs Make sure you keep an eye on the Starbucks app and double-check that you’re signed up as a Starbucks Rewards member. Starting January 6th, there’s also a menu refresh happening with new items. Personally, I’m looking forward to the Caramel Protein Latte. There’s going to be a matcha version, too. ©Starbucks The Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha are coming as well! We’re just going to be in Starbucks heaven. ©Starbucks Keep following Disney Food Blog for more food news. STARBUCKS ANNOUNCES NEW MENU ITEMS STARTING NEXT MONTH Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW View the full article

We all know the popular Christmas song “The 12 Days of Christmas”, but what do you know about Disney+’s 12 PERKS of Christmas?! ©Disney For the holiday season, Disney has been rewarding Disney+ subscribers with TWELVE new perks for 12 days! Let’s take a look at what you can win today just by being a loyal Disney+ subscriber — we have all the information. Disney+ subscribers can get some serious perks along with their subscription, and perks are dropping all the time. The deals run for a limited time, and right now, you can win $100! ©Disney This is your chance ot win a $100 Disney eGift Card. Now through December 19th, you have the chance and enter to win this huge prize. This would make for a great Christmas present, a great way to get someone a Christmas present, or a nice treat for yourself too (you deserve it)! ©Disney This deal is part of the streaming service’s countdown to the holiday! For the first 12 days of December, the streaming service is sharing 12 new deals for subscribers to celebrate the holidays. Make sure to check back in every day to see what new perks are available. ©Disney+ Some of the perks they’ve teased for the last few days include: Day 10 (December 10th): The magic of the season is taking the ice (Disney on Ice, we’re calling it now!) Day 11 (December 11th): Enter a universe of stories this holiday season (something with Marvel, that’s for sure, but we don’t know what it could be in relation to!) Day 12 (December 12th): Get ready to step into Disney history (ooh, this sounds SO intriguing — perhaps something with one of the Disney museums around the United States?) ©Disney You can review the terms and conditions here. Make sure to read all the details for the perks, as they will change. Don’t forget to keep following the Disney Food Blog for more news and updates. We’ll be keeping you up on all the perks! Heads Up! A NEW Perk Just Dropped For Disney+ 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 Will you be signing up for this perk? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Welcome back to another update from the rowdiest little town in Disney World! We’re baaackkk! I made a visit to the Tiny Train Town in the Germany Pavilion as their Madam Mayor, and they were up to their same old nonsense! (Seriously, you guys, it’s the holidays — I’ve got better things to do than chase down the ne’er-do-wells!) But alas, it’s my job. So I’m here to give you all the holly jolly (and not-so-jolly) happenings. First up, one of the worst things that can happen in our tiny town has happened again…one of the trains derailed! Thankfully, this was a cargo transport, and no passengers were injured in the accident. It also happened away from the civilian areas of the village. A Christmas miracle! A derailment! If you’ve been following recent updates, you know that I discovered the town’s Pharmacist was running an illegal restaurant with some questionable burgers (they caused a nasty bout of sickness in many townsfolk). We’ve begun a stakeout to keep eyes on his house and see what’s really going on over there. So far, I’ve noticed some suspicious large packages being dropped off…what’s going on here? I’ve got my eyes on you guys. In more festive news, the town is now decorated for the Festival of the Holidays, and our townsfolk are happily celebrating in the streets! Many locals have come out of their homes and businesses to welcome all of our seasonal visitors. There may be some criminals in this town, but they’re hospitable! It’s all gussied up! And finally, you know I needed to stop by and say hello to little Suzie! After many months of worrying about her safety, I’ve signed an executive order to install invisible barriers on top of the watchtower. The glass is SO clean and clear that you can’t even see them! Don’t worry, guys, I’m making sure our littlest citizens are safe. Hey Suzie! That’s all I’ve got for you today, but all the villagers and I wish you a happy holiday season, and we hope you’ll come visit us in EPCOT! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World updates. Check Out Our Halloween Update From Tiny Train Town Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever visited the Tiny Train Town? Tell me in the comments! View the full article

Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Destiny, has finally set sail! This ship is made for heroes and villains alike, thanks to the over-the-top theming, dining options, entertainment, and more. De Vil’s If you’re feeling more mischievous and looking for a spot for the villains, you might want to check out De Vil’s Piano Bar! This spot offers a show, drinks, and tons of fun. We’re bringing you along with us to give you a full review of the fashionista stop. De Vil’s Piano Bar! If you’re looking for style, villainy, and live performances, this is the spot for you. This lounge is located on the third floor of the ship, just off the Grand Hall. Throughout the lounge, you’ll find decorations inspired by the famous villain and the puppies that she… borrows. De Vil’s Menu This spot has tons of artwork, all inspired by the original concept art from the 1961 film, which we loved. There’s nothing like seeing an icon in her true form! The artwork! There are several types of seating, from small tables to bar seating and small booths. Gorgeous seating! In the center of the room, you’ll find a live performer playing lots of Disney tunes and other classics. The piano is modeled after those classic spots that Cruella loves so much. Eagle-eyed fans will notice a few hidden Mickey’s in the design as well. The pianist The bar also has tons of details, like her bright red bat phone and a small model of her infamous car. Look at all those details! Disney also gave a second nod to the car by making the drapery mirror the car’s shape. Turn your head to the right! You’ll see it. The molding! The menu offers tons of sips inspired by the classic villain, along with a list of white wine, red wine. and champage / sparkling sips. You can also grab a glass from the smolier bin, which offers a glass of wine for $14. This glass will be a surprise to you until you order it, which can be a seriously fun way to try something new. Inside the menu We are the Disney Food Blog after all, so you know we had to try the signature cocktails! Starting off with the Darling for $12. It’s made with Grey Goose Le Citron, Cointreau, Rose Cherry, Lime, and Cranberry. The Darling This was an elevated cosmopolitan! It was balanced well, while being cranberry and citrus forward. If you like a Cosmopolitan or a vodka cranberry, this is a good choice. It’s sweet enough for those who don’t want to taste alcohol, which can be important for some! The Darling Next, we had the Perfectly Wretched for $30. This was definitely the flashiest of them all! It’s made with Belvedere 10, Elderflower, Lime, Agave, Cucumber, and Strawberries. It’s also served with a side of Lipstick, Face powder, and Perfume, for a true fashion lover. The Perfectly Wretched! This is absolutely a girly-girl cocktail, and it knows it! We were obsessed! It comes with a perfume atomizer filled with lime–agave syrup and a compact of edible glitter. A quick mist over the top gives you bright lime on the nose before you take a sip. Even though it’s made with Belvedere 10, you can barely taste the alcohol. The elderflower has a floral note that almost makes it feel like a gin drink, even though it’s vodka-based. The flavors lean cucumber-forward, which helps cut the sweetness and keeps everything refreshing. The strawberry adds a light fruitiness without taking over. The perfume and the drink! The “lipstick” was a little tube of frozen strawberry gelatin! It was a fun addition, but the texture may not be for everyone. This drink was surprisingly well-balanced, especially by Disney standards. It was clean, refreshing, and far better executed than most Disney cocktails. A closer look at the lipstick The Henchmen for $12 was next on our list! This was made with Camus VSOP, Bushmills, Orgeat Lime, and Bitters. Our first thought was that this one was bitter. It was a fruit whiskey in a way. It almost wanted to be a margarita thanks to the lime, but the whisky holds it back from getting there. That being said, it might be one of our favorite drinks on the ship! It was super smooth and was definitely a strong cocktail, so be careful with this one. The Henchmen Next, we indulged in the I Live For Furs for $14! It’s made with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, Lemon, Raspberry, and Vanilla. This is bright, light, and refreshing. It has an interesting mix of fruit and vanilla flavors with an undetectable addition of gin. This would make a really good margarita if it were paired with tequila instead of gin! There is a gelatinous disc of dalmatian print floating on top, which didn’t have much flavor, and the consistency was slightly off-putting. I Live for Furs Luckily, that doesn’t take away from how delicious the drink itself is. If you like something where the alcohol is undetectable and you can’t decide between a fruit and a vanilla flavor, this gives you both. It’s sweet, but not ridiculously sugary or syrupy. It is a very well-balanced cocktail. Simple and tasty! If you’re looking for a zero proof cocktail, the Fearless Sir Galahad for $14 is it! It’s made with Free Spirits Bourbon, Bourbon Barel Aged Maple, and Bitters. You can add alcholic bourbon for $4 more. This drink came out smoking, literally! The cup is modled after a smoking pipe so this was very appropriate. Fearless Sir Galahand This drink was bitter, super on the nose as we sipped it. It was an amazing zero proof cocktail for anyone who wants the flavor of a bourbon drink without the after effects of alcohol. It was also slightly smoky in flavor which can be a big plus for some people. A closer look! Finally, we enjoyed the Love Bubbles for $18! This was made with Angels Evny Single Barrel “High Seas Edition”, Strawberry, Lemon, and Pommery Brut Royal. This one screamed “bourbon.” It was pretty strong but smooth with subtle fruity flavors. The strawberry and lemon were hard to find in the taste but true bourbon fans will enjoy this one. Love Bubbles! This spot isn’t just about the drinks though! There’s also the Treble Making With Cruella show. It’s an incredible little show! It happens inside the lounge. The boat’s storytellers come in and get the room singing the famous song “Cruella De Vil.” During the song, Cruella interrupts and tells us about how horribly mean the song is and how mean it was for Roger to write it. Honestly, we had never thought about it that way! The Storytellers! Cruella demands that they storytellers create a new, and complimentary song for her! She warned us that she would give us 10 minutes to come up with something but that the only way to keep the pianist around was with rope so she tied hime up! Poor guy. He’s tied up! The entire room gathered together to create a new song, accompinied by the pianist! The entire room practiced, danced, and worked together to please the villain. Once she returned, we sang it for her while she looked pretty put out. By the end, she declared it was WONDERFUL! She was super happy and said she couldn’t wait to see Roger’s face when he hears it. There she is! This show, along with the drinks, was SO much fun. They provided a super memorable and unique experience that we would consider a must on the ship. This lounge is perfect for anyone looking for a good cocktail and a good time. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, reviews, updates, and more. REVIEW: We Would Literally Move Into This Lounge on the Disney Destiny If We Could Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you stop by this lounge? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Finding breakfast at Disney World can be tough. When you’ve gotten up early, dealt with transportation and traffic to get to Magic Kingdom early enough to rope drop, after a ride or two, you’ll be looking forward to your first Disney snack of the day. For whatever reason, it can be hard to find a quick meal that will fill you up, is worth the price, and tastes good. Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich During another trip to Magic Kingdom, we were starving while waiting for our next Lightning Lane, and the sweet smell of fried chicken called us to Frontierland. Is this breakfast worth it? Let’s find out! Say hello to the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich at Golden Oak Outpost for $10.49. It’s served with egg, strawberry-jalapeno jam, and pepper jack, served with potato barrels (aka Disney’s version of tater tots). The sandwich Well, this wasn’t anything too special, but that’s not a bad thing. We thought it was a little dry, but that’s kinda a Disney biscuit thing. The chicken wasn’t anything to write home about, and we were really missing the flavor of the honey, which we were looking forward to. The biscuit is the main flavor we tasted, with the egg and cheese in the background, but let’s not forget about the jam! The jam was a fun addition that gave the sandwich some sweetness, but we just wish there was more. We might try to ask for an additional side of it next time we’re at Golden Oak Outpost. It’s a decent size The tator tots are a familiar side you’ll find across all of Disney World and have a crunchy exterior that’s a little greasy with a classic potato taste on the inside. Overall, this is a fairly basic chicken biscuit, and you might have better luck grabbing one from Chick-fil-A for half the price. That said, there is nothing wrong with a consistent snack at Disney that will fuel you without stretching your flavor palate. This can be great for kids and pickier eaters, or just someone who is tired of picking from an extensive menu and just wants something they know they’ll love. Inside We also wanted to note that this sandwich is only available from 9:30 AM to 11 AM, which is when most Disney breakfast ends, so if this sounds like something you’ll want, make sure you grab it easily enough. The menu What’s your go-to breakfast at Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of the best food reviews so you know what’s worth your time during your vacation. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST BREAKFAST 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 View the full article

If you’re a Disney Visa cardmember, there are lots of ways for you to save that you may not know about! Our Disney Visa! The Disney Visa website is frequently updated with new perks, discounts, and special offers exclusive to cardmembers. Some of them can help you save on your vacation, while others are available from the comfort of your home. So let’s dive into the full list available currently! Disney World Resorts Offer The first big offer on the table is savings at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The offer states, “Use your Disney Visa Card and enjoy special rates on select Disney Resorts Collection hotels for 2-night or longer stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4th to February 10th, 2026.” Disney’s BoardWalk The special offer includes the following rates for hotel rooms: $99 per night Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – Standard Room $199 per night Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Village – Standard Location $299 per night Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Cars Family Suite $399 per night Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – standard Savanna View $429 per night Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 1 Bedroom Villa $449 per night Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Resort View That’s a steal! Click Here to See Other Hotel Discounts for 2026! Disneyland Hotel Offer However, if you’re hoping to squeeze in a vacation to the other coast, there is an offer available for Disneyland Resort as well! With your Disney Visa card, you can save up to 25% on select stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel. The Disneyland Hotel This deal is available for select premium rooms for Sunday-Thursday night stays. You must travel between January 1st and May 21st, 2026, and book before May 7th. Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Disneyland Hotel Other Special Offers But those aren’t the only deals available to Disney Visa cardmembers right now! You can get a Cardmember-exclusive bundle when you purchase a National Geographic or Nat Geo Kids holiday subscription bundle. That sounds like a great Christmas present! ©Disney If you’re shopping on DisneyMusicEmporium.com, you can enjoy savings on select purchases when you check out with your Disney Visa. Also, there’s a specialty deal with Joffrey’s: buy 3 bags of Disney Parks coffee blends and get a complimentary bag of Joffrey’s 2025 Holiday Blend. Joffrey’s at EPCOT And finally, you can save up to 30% on select stays when you use your Disney Visa Card to book a getaway to AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa. Your stay will need to be sometime from January 4th-April 9th, 2026. Mickey at Disney’s Aulani Resort We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with more offers. If you’re a Disney Visa cardmember, keep checking the Disney Rewards website to stay up to date on what’s available! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney updates. See More Disney Discounts and Deals Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these offers will you be using? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Packing for a Disney World vacation is basically an art form, especially when you’re staying on property. Luckily, our DFB team has lots of experience with staying at a Disney resort, AND we’ve figured out what products make it easier. Wilderness Lodge Disney hotels are great, but they also come with their own set of quirks — limited outlets, tight spaces, early mornings, and lots of gear to keep charged, organized, and ready for full park days. After countless trips (and plenty of trial and error), we’ve learned that the right products can make your stay smoother, more comfortable, and way less chaotic. Below are the six best items we tested that genuinely made a difference during our Disney hotel stays by keeping us rested, organized, and fully powered up from rope drop to fireworks. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this MagicBand Charger to make your life easier! ©Amazon If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, this MultiCharger is a small but mighty essential that saves you from the late-night panic of realizing your MagicBand+ is dead. Having a dedicated charger that works seamlessly with MagicBand+, standard MagicBands, and even FuelRods is game-changing, especially when you’ve got a full family of bands to prep for rope drop. It keeps everything in one spot, eliminates cable clutter, and ensures your MagicBand+ lights, haptics, and features work all day long in the parks. For convenience, compatibility, and peace of mind? This one earns a permanent spot in our Disney travel bag. View on Amazon This Flat Plug Power Strip solves your problems in seconds! Flat Plug Power Strip Disney hotel rooms are great, but…they’re not known for having the most accessible outlets. This Flat Plug Power Strip instantly fixes that. Its low-profile plug fits neatly behind beds and furniture, which means no more lifting heavy headboards! It has multiple outlets and USB ports that let you charge everyone’s devices at once — phones, iPads, fans, camera batteries, MagicBand chargers, you name it. It packs small, travels easily, and reduces the nightly charging chaos that can happen when four people are fighting over two wall outlets. If you’re a family with lots of electronics, this is a must. View on Amazon We love a good night’s sleep with this machine! Dreamegg Portable Travel White Noise Machine The Dreamegg Travel White Noise Machine is hands down one of the best hacks for peaceful sleep at Disney, especially in value resorts where the walls can be… let’s say “community-oriented.” This tiny device blew our tester away (a self-described skeptic!) with its 35 volume levels, 16 soothing sound options, surprisingly long battery life, and USB-C compatibility. It’s small enough to fit in your palm but powerful enough to drown out hallway noise, late-night neighbors, or those early-morning toilet flushes from above. The timer settings, portability, kid-approved sound options, and under-$30 price point make it an instant favorite. View on Amazon This 3-in-1 charger will save you luggage space! Charging Station For Apple families or anyone juggling multiple devices, this 3-in-1 foldable charging station is a total Disney lifesaver. Instead of packing three separate chargers, this compact gadget powers your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously — cutting down on clutter and freeing up precious outlet space in tight hotel rooms. The foldable design makes it incredibly easy to pack, and the blue charging indicator ensures everything is aligned and actually charging (because nothing hurts like waking up to a dead phone on Genie+ day). It’s durable, lightweight, surprisingly affordable, and even more versatile than expected — our tester found it could charge an iPad on the AirPods pad. For convenience and organization alone, this one is worth its weight in gold. View on Amazon Don’t forget something to make packing easier! Portable Shelves If you want to feel instantly organized the moment you check into your Disney World hotel, this hanging organization bag is a dream. The built-in shelves let you unpack in seconds without ever touching a drawer, and the compression-style design lets you squeeze in a surprising amount of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Our tester fit two pairs of ears, two pairs of shoes, a week’s worth of outfits, a sweatshirt, and still had room to spare. While it’s bulkier than standard packing cubes, the convenience and visibility it offers are unmatched, especially if you tend to move rooms or resorts during your trip. It’s an easy, enthusiastic yes from us. View on Amazon And finally, this perfect toiletry bag does exist! BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag This spacious makeup and skincare organizer is perfect for anyone who travels with a full routine and wants everything protected, easy to access, and neatly stored. The quality is exceptional, the compartments make it simple to separate products, and the spill-resistant lining adds peace of mind. No more worrying about a leaky serum ruining your clothes or suitcase. Even better, it fits far more than you expect (our tester didn’t even have enough products to fill it!), making it ideal for longer Disney trips or for families sharing one toiletry bag. If you love organization and want your beauty routine to stay intact while traveling, this is a standout pick. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

We’re soarin’, flyin’. ©Disney Parks The Orlando International Airport (our beloved MCO) is adding a new flight that is making a trip to Tokyo Disneyland look even more appealing. Four new nonstop charter flights from Orlando to Tokyo will operate from February 23rd to March 20th, 2026, and are now open for booking on ZipAir Tokyo. Eek! ©ZipAir Tokyo When we heard about this flight being added, obviously, we were missing Tokyo Disneyland. This park is a Disney lover’s dream come true. One of our favorite sections was Fantasy Springs, which is a stunning expansion with properties like Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Fantasy Springs It came with four new rides, including Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies, which made us super nostalgic for Pixie Hollow. Cheese the Mouse And the FOOD! I don’t think we’ll ever get over the food. We tried some truly incredible snacks that we think of longingly as we stare at our Mickey Premium Bars (just kidding — I love those things!). Arendelle’s Royal Set You can also dine at the Snuggly Duckling, just like in Tangled. Yes, we did want to sing “I Have a Dream” all day long. The Snuggly Duckling Did that convince you? We love Disneyland and Disney World with our whole hearts (and probably a little more), but there’s something so special about the international parks that makes us love Disney even more, which is hard to believe. Literally, where else can you buy these? Ready to visit for yourself? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Okay, while I’m dreaming of Tokyo Disneyland, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks to make your next Disney vacation the best one yet. Don’t forget to book that flight, too! MYSTERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT MADE AHEAD OF POTENTIAL DISNEY THEME PARK EXPANSION DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you been to Tokyo Disneyland? Tell us your favorite part in the comments. View the full article

Disney just scored a double surprise at the 2026 Golden Globes — and fans of Zootopia and Pixar are about to lose their minds. ©Disney 2025 turned out to be a banner year for The Walt Disney Company, with animated films like Moana 2 and, most recently, Zootopia 2 drawing wide audiences and putting Disney’s storytelling back in the spotlight. Now, as 2026 begins, Disney is looking to translate that momentum into awards recognition. With fresh films on the slate, the studio’s blend of blockbuster appeal and creative ambition might just set the stage for a huge win on the awards circuit (several times over). The 2026 Golden Globes have officially unveiled their nomination list — and there are some wins (already) for Disney to celebrate. Both Zootopia 2 and Elio have secured nods in multiple categories that could position them to bring home a Golden Globe. ©Getty Images In fact, both films have been announced as contenders for the Best Motion Picture — Animated category, underscoring Disney’s continued strength in animation. Zootopia 2’s nomination recognizes it as one of the year’s standout animated films. In addition to the Animated Feature category, the film also appears in the newly revamped Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category — a nod to its impressive commercial success and cultural impact. ©Disney Given Zootopia’s legacy, this nomination signals hopes that the sequel can live up to, or even surpass, its predecessor in both quality and audience reach. Meanwhile, the sleeper hit, Elio — a bold, sci-fi-tinged animated film from Pixar — is also up for Best Animated Feature. This nod acknowledges Disney’s willingness to push genre boundaries within animation and highlights Elio’s creative ambition. ©Disney Just being nominated for a Golden Globe is a HUGE honor within the entertainment industry, and for Disney to have TWO films up for potential wins across multiple categories could set them up big going into the new year. Each of the categories the films are nominated for is super competitive; however, having two Disney films nominated in one of those doubles Disney’s shot at a win and shows the variety of its animated offerings. A win for Zootopia 2 would reinforce a return to franchise strength, while a win for Elio could mark a breakthrough for more experimental animation within the Disney/Pixar universe. With the Golden Globes ceremony scheduled for January 11th, 2026, it will be exciting to see whether audiences and voters embrace nostalgia, spectacle, or innovation to allow these films to bring home the gold! We’ll be keeping you updated as the wins come in, so be sure to check back with us to see which films came out victorious in their nominations. The 4 Tips You NEED To Know Before Heading to This Disney Lounge 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 of these Disney movie award nominations are you pulling for the most? Leave your picks in the comments below! View the full article

Hold UP! Before you just dive right into the Animal Kingdom snacking and dining scene, there are some IMPORTANT things that you need to know FIRST. Animal Kingdom has to get into the spirit, too What’s closed, what’s new, and what’s tripping guests UP when it comes to dining and snacking around Animal Kingdom? Here’s a QUICK update on what you need to know about eating (and drinking) in Animal Kingdom before you go. Check out our video below: What You NEED to Know Before You Eat in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article