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Disney World is full of crowds, good snacks, and tons of change in 2025! Some of the change has been hard, and some of it has been SO exciting. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Now, one of the best Disney hotel perks is changing, and we think you’re going to like this. Disney’s Early Entry hotel perk, which gives resort guests extra time in the parks, just added a NEW attraction to its list! Disney World’s Early Entry might be one of our favorite hotel perks! It gives you an extra 30 minutes in the park before it opens, meaning you can be some of the first people on the most popular rides in the park. Each park has a limited list of attractions that are open during the time, but over at Animal Kingdom, they’ve added a NEW attraction to the list. Early Entry sign at Animal Kingdom Disney World’s newest attraction, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, has just been added to the early entry list! This takes the park’s offerings to a total of 5 attractions. They now include: Avatar Flight of Passage DINOSAUR Expedition Everest Na’vi River Journey Zootopia: Better Zoogether Zootopia: Better Zoogether Disney’s newest attraction opened on November 7th, 2025, and it left us with a lot of thoughts! Adding this attraction to the early entry list is a major upgrade to this hotel perk, especially because this park is going through so much change that it needs the extra love. Right now, the park has removed two attractions to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land. ©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom DinoLand U.S.A. is on the chopping block to make way for the new land, so the only ride that remains open is DINOSAUR in that area. DinoLand will formally close on February 2nd, 2026. Zootopia: Better Zoogether opening was a great addition to the park during this time of change. DINOSAUR We’re always glad to see a perk get better, especially during this era when we’re losing several classic attractions! As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates. I’ve Tried Early Entry at all Four Disney World Parks, And These Are My 5 Favorite Hacks 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 used early entry? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

It’s the sweetest time of the year as we celebrate Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and we’ve got a list of delicious ways to spice up your visit with everyone’s favorite treat – gingerbread! Our chefs have been busy baking up lots of cozy treats that capture the sights, smells, and spirit of the season – now available for a limited time for all to enjoy. Be sure to bring your appetite as you begin your jolly journey to discover all the gingerbread delights waiting for you throughout the resort. Gingerbread Food & Beverage Offerings (Available now through January 7) I can already smell the signature sweet and spicy aroma of gingerbread wafting across the resort this holiday season, and the source? These decadent drinks and desserts that highlight this festive flavor! Whether you prefer your gingerbread in cookie, cake, or churro form, there is a treat for everyone to try. Disneyland Park Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Mobile order available) Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction) Gingerbread-Cranberry Cheesecake Trifle: Layers of gingerbread cake, cheesecake, and cranberry compote topped with gingerbread crunch, white chocolate mousse, and a mini gingerbread man Market House Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction) Plaza Inn Gingerbread Cake with cream cheese filling and gingerbread crunch finished with buttercream, glaze, and a chocolate gingerbread cookie Red Rose Taverne (Mobile order available) Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train Gingerbread Churro: Classic churro rolled in gingerbread sugar dust The Golden Horseshoe (Mobile order available) Gingerbread Sundae: Gingerbread cake with vanilla ice cream and whipped topping Harbour Galley (Mobile order available) Gingerbread Cookies: Fresh-baked gingerbread cookies (Available in packs of six or 13 while supplies last) River Belle Terrace (Reservations highly recommended) Gingerbread Pancakes: Gingerbread sauce, spiced streusel, and vanilla chantilly cream with choice of bacon or sausage (Available until 1:55 p.m. PT) Disney California Adventure Park Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe Mickey Gingerbread: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie (Limit five (5) per person, per transaction) Outdoor Vending Locations Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles Hotels of the Disneyland Resort The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel (Mobile order available) Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Soft gingerbread Mickey cookie with sprinkles Chai Ginger Latte: Espresso, milk, chai syrup, white chocolate sauce, and gingerbread whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (Available hot or iced) Grand Californian Great Hall Cart at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Mickey-shaped Gingerbread Cookie: Decorated gingerbread cookie Holiday Cookie Box: Assorted cookies to include gingerbread, shortbread and sugar cookies Holiday Tea Cake Variety Box: Vanilla Bean, Double Chocolate, Gingerbread, and Orange-Cranberry individually wrapped tea cakes For a full list of holiday food & beverage offerings at Disneyland Resort, be sure to check out our Foodie Guide! Gingerbread Displays Spotting all of the Disneyland Resort gingerbread displays is always one of my favorite holiday traditions, and this year’s magnificent masterpieces are certainly a must-see. Baked, assembled, and decorated by a talented team of pastry chefs, these confectionery creations are carefully crafted and overflowing with festive cheer. Lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa This year’s glorious gingerbread display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is truly grand. The house’s facade mimics the architectural design of the hotel, specifically giving a nod to the new Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast character dining experience new this year at Storytellers Cafe. You can even spot characters like Scrooge McDuck, and 25 Hidden Mickeys are nestled into the piece! Using features of the American Craftsman style of design and the distinct color palette of brown and green earthy tones seen throughout the Grand Californian, the talented pastry team added elements like snow, bows, and wreaths to make the house truly feel like a holiday home. It took 520 pounds of gingerbread dough and 720 hours to produce this festive feat, which guests can now find in the hotel lobby. Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park This year’s gingerbread house inside the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction is an homage to the Raven, one of the mansion’s ghostly inhabitants who guides guests on their journey, but takes a holiday of his own when the residents of Halloween Town come to visit. Titled “A Murder Most Fowl,” the gingerbread house showcases 13 crows taking up residence in this haunting abode in his absence, and these feathered friends may be spotted moving from their perch, or watching you pass by with their glowing red eyes. A team of eight pastry chefs needed nearly 20 days and over 200 pounds of gingerbread to assemble this sweet spectacle, which stands at 13 feet tall. This is a must-see and smell item for your holiday bucket list, especially because the mansion ballroom does indeed possess the scent of fresh gingerbread. More Ways to Enjoy Gingerbread at Disneyland Resort The gingerbread fun doesn’t stop there! Chip ‘n’ Dale can be found gleefully greeting guests in their festive gingerbread outfits for a limited time in Town Square in Disneyland Park. And as part of the seasonal celebrations, guests can spot some dancing gingerbread cookies in “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” as these cheerful characters make their way down Main Street, U.S.A.*. In addition to these bites, beverages, and beautiful displays, don’t miss out on other sweet surprises – like the adorable gingerbread-themed merchandise from DisneyStore.com and at Disney Parks. With so many ways to enjoy gingerbread, the Holidays at Disneyland Resort is truly a feast for the senses. Never miss a moment of the magic this holiday season – keep an eye on the Disney Eats topics page and follow @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook for the sweetest food and beverage news. (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) (*Entertainment, experiences and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.) Foodie Guide to Holidays at Disneyland Resort 2025 READ MORE Disney Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Foodie Guide 2025 READ MORE 2025 Holiday Characters to Spot at Disneyland READ MORE The post Guide to Gingerbread at Disneyland Resort this Holiday Season appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Thanks to the combination of Holiday celebrations and school breaks, December is one of the busiest months of the year at Walt Disney World. If you’re planning on being one of the millions visiting the “Most Magical Place on Earth” this coming December, there are certain things you’ll NEED to know. The holidays are underway! In the 30+ years I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World, December might be my favorite time of the year to visit, thanks to the copious amounts of holiday decorations, snacks, and general feelings of jolliness that permeate the resort. However, to make the best of visiting during the month, there are certain things to keep in mind. Discounts If you’re planning a relatively last-minute trip to Disney World in December 2025, you can save BIG. Disney is currently offering up to 20% on rooms at select Disney hotels for stays most nights from November 23rd through December 25th. Christmas tree at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Early Closures Two of Disney World’s most popular holiday events are the after-hours, uncharge parties held at the Magic Kingdom (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) and Hollywood Studios (Jollywood Nights). However, if you’re planning to visit and not attend one of these parties — like say, going a day when tickets are sold out, be aware that the parks close early to regular guests on party night. Mickey and Minnie in Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration The Magic Kingdom will close to day guests at 6 PM on December 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 21st. Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios will close to day guests at 5:30 for December 1st, 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 20th, and 22nd. Powerline Max! Light Up the Night If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Walt Disney World over the New Year’s holiday, there are SEVERAL fireworks options… and not all of them are at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day! Happy New Year! The Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will take place at the Magic Kingdom on both December 30th and 31st at both 7:30 PM and 11:50 PM. EPCOT will stage Luminous: The Symphony of Us at 6:30 PM on December 31st, then Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration will be staged at 11:54 PM. A special New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show will take place at Hollywood Studios on December 31st at 11:57 PM. New Year’s Eve at EPCOT Hotel Restrictions Speaking of fireworks, if you plan to head to one of Walt Disney World’s hotels to partake in the revelry, be wary of some restrictions. These include certain resorts limiting parking to registered guests only, and others even restricting certain areas. For example, in the past, the Polynesian has allowed only hotel guests to watch the Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s fireworks from the hotel’s beach. Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display 2025 SNACKS! Of course, holiday snacks are also a MAJOR draw for Disney World guests in December. Whether you are attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, or EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, there are a slew of seasonal delights to sample. Some of our favorites this year include the Holiday Pot Roast Mini Corn Dogs at Casey’s Corner… Have a bite! … the Pomegranate Yule Float at Aloha Aisle… Pomegranate Yule Float … the Sweet Chili Cheer Chicken Slider at Backlot Express… Sweet Chili Cheer Chicken Slider … and the Bing Bong Candy Lemonade at Market. Bing Bong Candy Lemonade Lightning Lane Prices One final thing to keep in mind? Lightning Lane prices. The large crowds drawn to the parks in the month lead to higher than average prices and quicker sellouts (especially of in-demand attractions) for both Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lanes. Soarin’ Lightning Lane Anyone heading to Disney World in December needs to keep these things in mind to make the most of their Holiday visit. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney tips. “I Don’t Know Why I Didn’t Do This Sooner” – Experts Share Their Life-Changing Disney World Tips 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 heading to Disney World in December? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Blooper Reel: Ginnifer Goodwin Zootopia: Better Zoogether! | Disney's Animal KingdomView the full article

Black Friday isn’t just for big-box sales and stocking stuffers. Several Orlando-area attractions are cutting deals on experiences and tickets during the holiday season. Some of these offers are already underway. As always, it is suggested that potential buyers read the fine print, especially about expiration dates. Look for the final sale dates, too, because sometimes they appear to be open-ended while others are available for purchase only this Friday. (Cyber Monday is also in the mix at some locations.) Here are items on our Black Friday radar: • SeaWorld Orlando is selling one-day theme park tickets for $49.99. There are also discounts for all-day dining, Quick Queue, animal experiences, summer camps, annual passes and the Fun Card, which allows unlimited visits for the rest of 2025 and all of 2026. More info: seaworldorlando.com • Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, offers single-day tickets for $49.99. It also has discounted all-day dining and Fun Card prices, as well as an Aquatica-SeaWorld ticket bundle. More info: aquatica.com • Discovery Cove, SeaWorld’s day resort, has half-price deals on its day packages for as low as $100, though buyers will have to wait until February dates to hit that mark. Some dates exceed the $220 level. There are deals on the add-on swimming with dolphins package, too. More info: discoverycove.com • Legoland Florida has single-day tickets between $49 and $99, depending on the date. The Winter Haven resort also has annual passes that include the water park, its new Sea Life Aquarium attraction and neighboring Peppa Pig Theme Park for as low as $124. More info: legoland.com/florida • Select tickets for “Drawn to Life,” the Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs, are discounted up to 30% off for performances through March 29. Prices vary with date, ranging between $69 and $97. More info: cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life • Gatorland’s annual passes will go for $45.99 ($34.99 for ages 3-12) starting at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Customers may also buy up to two Screamin’ Gator Zipline tickets for $80; those must be purchased online starting at 11:50 p.m. Sunday. More info: gatorland.com • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex annual passes, valid through Dec. 31, 2026, are now on sale for $129 ($100 for ages 3-11). More info: kennedyspacecenter.com • Fun Spot is offering season passes for $89.95 and its Ultimate season pass — which includes benefits such as guest passes, one day of its dining deal and one SkyCoaster flight — for $229.95. These prices are available online. The passes are valid at Fun Spot locations in Orlando, Kissimmee and near Atlanta. More info: fun-spot.com • Island H2O Water Park’s season passes are now $59.99 and come with a “free friend” ticket. Its platinum season pass is $69.99 with two “free friends” tickets, plus a souvenir drink bottle for discounted refills. The Kissimmee water park reopens for the season on March 6. More details: islandh2owaterpark.com • At Dezerland Orlando, there will be 50% discounts Friday through Sunday for the Orlando Auto Museum, Toxic Blast area, Pinball Palace, Brass Axe and Escape Reality. For Cyber Monday, eGift cards will have $10 added on to every $50 purchased. More info: dezerlandpark.com • Puzzle Corp. Escape Rooms is offering a single-player escape game experience for $49.99 that comes with a $25 gift certificate for the neighboring International Drive restaurants Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Cafe TuTu Tango. More info: puzzlecorpsescaperooms.com dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas to you! We’re days away from Thanksgiving, but we think it’s not too soon to talk about Christmas in Disneyland. Snow on Sleeping Beauty Castle The holidays already kicked off at the original Disney theme park thanks to the Festival of the Holidays and limited-time snacks and entertainment. Now, we finally have the confirmed dates for one of Disneyland’s most popular holiday events, the Candlelight Processional! Disneyland’s Candlelight Processional will take place on December 6th and 7th! The popular holiday event will take place twice on each night at 5:30PM and 7:45PM each evening. This show features a 600-member choir and a celebrity narrator as they do a musical retelling of The First Christmas Story. 2024 Candlelight Processional Last year, Kathryn Han was the celebrity narrator who is known for Marvel’s hit WandaVision and Agatha All Along shows, among her other amazing works. Unlike Disney World’s version of the events, Disneyland doesn’t release the name of the narrator until the show begins, but in previous years, narrators have included Brie Larson, Viola Davis, John Stamos, Van Dyke, Sterling K. Brown, Kurt Russell, and Lin-Manuel Miranda! 600-member choir This event is insanely popular, so if you want to stop by, you need to grab your park reservations ASAP! There is a reserved seating area in front of the train station, but it’s saved for invited guests, including VIPs and executives, community members, Club 33 members, and more. If you want to watch the event, you need to stake out a spot in front of the Main Street Railroad Station pretty early to get a good view! People literally stake out their spots hours before the event, sometimes even when the park first opens in the morning. People already staking out spots Throughout the show, you can hear songs like “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and more. This event is one of the most magical holiday events, and we can’t wait to see who the celebrity narrator is this year! For more holiday fun, you can enjoy the 60-foot-tall tree on Main Street, the holiday fireworks “Believe…In Holiday Magic,” and the “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. These are just a few ways the park really gets into the festivities! Disneyland Christmas Parade As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news, updates, and more. Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you ever been to the Candlelight Processional? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

How to Save on Dining at Disney: Military Discounts, Disney Visa Savings & Other Smart Strategies A trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort is always memorable — but meals and snacks can add up quickly. The good news is that there are real ways to save on dining, including military-specific discounts, Disney Visa […] The post Military Discounts on Disney Dining and Other Savings Tips appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

Sure, we love all the decorations, merchandise, and food we get to experience around Disney World during the holidays, but if you can’t make it to the parks, you can still celebrate! Christmas in Magic Kingdom Disney and ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular premieres on December 1st, and features a star-studded cast of hosts, performers, and a whole lot more. We got the lucky opportunity to attend the taping of this special, and we’re taking you with us behind the scenes! Hosted by Derek Hough, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular returns for its 10th year, featuring new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. We got the chance to check out some of the performances at Disney World, so you can trust us when we tell you that you’re in for a real treat! Good Charlotte performing in Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Watch The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on ABC Monday, December 1st at 8/7c or stream it the next day on Hulu, Disney+, or the Disney YouTube channel! The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular airs on Monday, December 1st, at 8 PM ET on ABC, and streams the next day on Hulu and Disney+. Ginnifer Goodwin will be narrating the special! Good Charlotte | Watch The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on ABC Monday, December 1st at 8/7c or stream it the next day on Hulu, Disney+, or the Disney YouTube channel! Performances include the following: Derek Hough – “We Need a Little Christmas” and “December” Aloe Blacc — “This Christmas” Good Charlotte — “Fairytale of New York” Coco Jones — “Silent Night” Lady A – “Wonderful Christmastime” Mariah the Scientist — “Santa Baby” Bebe Rexha — “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Nicole Scherzinger — “O Holy Night” Gwen Stefani — “Shake The Snow Globe” Iam Tongi — “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” Trisha Yearwood — “My Favorite Things” Coco Jones performing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Watch The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on ABC Monday, December 1st at 8/7c or stream it the next day on Hulu, Disney+, or the Disney YouTube channel! In addition to these performances, the holiday spectacular will also feature a special look at the new movie Avatar: Fire and Ash, along with a celebration of the new Zootopia 2 movie that recently premiered in theaters — introduced by the film’s star Ke Huy Quan. ©Disney Oh, and did we mention there will also be an inside look at the new 4D Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with actor Nate Torrence?! You’re not going to want to miss this! Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Watch The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular on ABC Monday, December 1st at 8/7c or stream it the next day on Hulu, Disney+, or the Disney YouTube channel! We’ll be on the lookout for even more holiday happenings and updates you need to know about at Disney World and beyond. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out more Disney World news at the links below! 3 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Magic Kingdom in 2026Have the Holiday Season Crowds Already Hit Disney World?3 Disney World Rides Will Be Closed for Refurbishment in DecemberThere’s Only One Way To Snag This Exclusive Figment Souvenir At EPCOT’s Festival of the HolidaysFINALLY! Disney Announces Something NEW for the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF HOLIDAY MAGIC Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including: The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat! Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT. GET YOUR GUIDE NOW MORE Disney World Holiday INFO! Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be tuning in to The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular? Let us know in the comments below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney to attend the taping of The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular. Note that when we attend events as media, we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ View the full article

The weather is getting colder, and I’m grabbing my blankets from the top shelf, getting ready to cozy up on the couch with a good movie and hot cocoa (and the hot cocoa is from Joffrey’s because that’s the world’s greatest and you can’t change my mind). ©Target If that sounds pretty great to you too, we found some comfy, cozy items that will make you cancel your plans, put in same-day PTO, and turn on that movie you’ve been thinking about for months. Maybe you’re not ready to jump into bed yourself, but these also make easy peasy gifts for our favorite people in our lives! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Mickey Slippers ©Amazon What says cozy more than slippers? These slippers are super fluffy and have Mickey Mouse heads. The brown they use looks like gingerbread to me, so I imagine baking in the kitchen wearing these. They come in a variety of sizes and have rubber on the bottom to keep your feet comfortable, too. SHOP NOW Mickey Satin Pillowcase ©Amazon We all know satin pillow cases are just better than cotton ones, and they’re definitely better when they have Mickey on them. Satin is great for your skin and hair, and also feels a little cooler, which is perfect if you sleep hot. These are currently 50% off! SHOP NOW Lilo & Stitch Pajamas ©Amazon STITCH! These Stitch pajamas are so cute. The set comes with a short-sleeve t-shirt and shorts and has our favorite blue alien in cartoon form all over the pajamas. They’re also pink, which makes it so much more fun, too. I love wearing shorts in winter because it means I get to use more blankets. SHOP NOW Disney Satin Eye Mask ©Amazon Another satin piece for the win! Eye masks are so relaxing, and we love this Disney Princess one, featuring multiple princesses. They’re all subtle, so they look like one, but if you look closely, you can see princesses like Aurora, Belle, Tiana, Cinderella, and more. SHOP NOW Marie Plush ©Amazon I think Marie would be the queen of cozy, and this stuffed animal just proves that. The white kitten from The Aristocats has her iconic pink bows and is oh-so-fluffy. The limbs are floppy, which makes it about 10x more adorable and cuddly, and I seriously just want to give her a hug. SHOP NOW Minnie Christmas Socks ©Amazon Minnie knows how to do the holidays, and you can channel her inner fashion skills by slipping on these cute socks. They have Minnie at the top of the socks, with snowflakes around her, looking like they’re knitted. These are super easy gifts or stocking stuffers! SHOP NOW Stitch No-Sew Blanket Kit ©Amazon You can now make your own blanket with this Lilo & Stitch kit. It’s perfect for a night in and the Disney movies running on the TV, and at the end, you get your very own blanket to keep on the couch. Kids will love making this craft, but it’s also fun for adults looking for a date night activity. SHOP NOW Winnie the Pooh Hat ©Amazon Stop the madness! This hat is SO DANG CUTE. The hat looks like Winnie the Pooh in all of his yellow glory, and it even has his tiny ears on top. I love the small Pooh tag so everyone knows your favorite character, all while staying warm and cozy. SHOP NOW Stitch Travel Set ©Amazon This kids’ travel set is perfect for those who are getting a Disney World trip for Christmas! These help make the drive or flight so much more comfortable with a neck pillow, blanket, and eye mask, all themed to our beloved Stitch. SHOP NOW Princess Castle Throw Blanket ©Target This collection by Pillowfort at Target will always hold a special place in my heart. It makes me a little bit jealous of little kids because this is a kids’ throw blanket with the castle from Cinderella on it. It looks SO soft and makes me want to watch classic Disney cartoons under a blanket fort. SHOP NOW Pascal Pillow Buddy ©Target Another part of the collection is this Pascal pillow! It’s perfect for little Rapunzel fans and makes it easy to turn a kid’s room into a princess-themed space. The decorative pillow is pretty big and currently 40% off, meaning it’s only $12. SHOP NOW Don’t be surprised if you see me getting 50 packages sent to my house with all the elements of a perfect, cozy winter. In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. View the full article

For more than a century, Disney has remained at the heart of culture by continually evolving and meeting fans in the moments and spaces that matter to them. Sports are one of today’s most powerful touchpoints, and Disney is tapping into that passion with collaborations that blend its storytelling legacy with the excitement and scale of global athletics. “Sports remain one of the most unifying cultural forces in the world,” said Tasia Filippatos, President, Disney Consumer Products. “By infusing Disney’s storytelling into the energy of global sports fandoms, we’re creating experiences and products that connect with consumers in powerful new ways.” Disney’s latest consumer products collaborations underscore a strategic expansion that strengthens both its business and brand, deepening fan engagement and reinforcing its position as a cultural leader. Initiatives like Formula 1’s “Fuel the Magic,” MLB-themed trading cards, and Marvel x Adidas exemplify how Disney creates experiences that resonate across generations and geographies. These efforts not only drive consumer products growth but also ensure Disney remains the leader in dynamic lifestyle categories where fandom and creativity intersect. Formula 1 drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon from Team Haas show off pieces from the Disney x Formula 1 collection at the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock. Formula 1 drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon from Team Haas, met ultimate racing superfan Disney’s Mickey Mouse at the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock. Through strategic partnerships across leagues and teams, Disney is opening new pathways for engagement and expanding the ways audiences interact with our brands. Ultimate racing superfans Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto fueled the magic for fans on the grid for a special grid walk during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Disney and Formula 1’s “Fuel the Magic” campaign kicked off, bringing all-new products, trackside experiences, and digital content to the nearly 860 million Formula 1 fans across the globe. The iconic Las Vegas Sphere illuminated the sky with Disney and Formula 1 “Fuel the Magic” graphics throughout race weekend. “Fuel the Magic” connects Disney’s storytelling power with the excitement of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, elevating fan experiences and aligning F1 with a brand synonymous with innovation and magic. Disney x Topps unveil MLB-themed Disney trading cards Disney and Topps recently introduced the first-ever MLB-themed Disney trading cards that tap into sports heritage and nostalgia and showcase classic characters in authentic MLB uniforms representing all 30 teams. By featuring timeless characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck in official MLB gear, Disney bridges generations of fans with a fresh twist on a favorite pastime. For partners like Topps, working with Disney means leveraging a global entertainment powerhouse that can amplify fan connection, expand reach, and deliver experiences that celebrate both legacy and innovation. Marvel x Adidas x Real Madrid & All Blacks: A heroic collaboration Announced Nov. 18, Marvel, Adidas, Real Madrid CF and New Zealand’s All Blacks debuted a limited-edition apparel line inspired by an epic comic book narrative where football, rugby, and superheroes unite to create a bold statement for fans. This collection fuses signature comic-book creativity with the power of sports, reinforcing Disney’s ability to innovate beyond traditional entertainment and engage fans in new lifestyle experiences. Adidas and elite sports teams work with Disney because it’s a brand that commands worldwide recognition, drives consumer passion, and creates products that resonate across fan communities and markets. NBA x Marvel x Macy’s: Where fandom meets fashion In October, Disney launched a lifestyle collection that combines Marvel’s cultural influence with NBA fandom to create an immersive retail experience exclusively at Macy’s. The limited-edition Spider-Man-inspired line featured apparel, accessories and home décor, bringing together three influential brands in a bold display of cross-category innovation. These efforts reflect Disney’s commitment to shaping the next century of fan engagement, ensuring our timeless stories continue to inspire audiences wherever they gather to celebrate the teams and moments they love. The post Disney, F1, and the NBA: Transforming the Game through Strategic Collaborations appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Disney just announced that the new World of Frozen will be opening on March 29th, 2026, in Disneyland Paris. When this opens, it will also mark the official transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. ©Disney The new land will bring exciting rides, characters, and, of course, food, to the park, and we just got a first look at some of the food and restaurants coming to the new World of Frozen! Disney just revealed some exciting new details about the food and restaurants coming to World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris! We’re sharing everything we know so far below, so let’s get into it. ©Disney Nordic Crowns Tavern is a new quick-service restaurant that will be open for both lunch and dinner. It features decor “that tells the story of the kingdom through galleries of paintings and royal artifacts.” ©Disney At Nordic Crowns Tavern, patrons will be able to enjoy a customizable dining experience inspired by Nordic cuisine. The menu features 16 possible combinations that start with hearty bases like mashed potatoes or quinoa, paired with proteins like grilled salmon or Nordic meatballs, plus seasonal vegetables and tangy cranberry or creamy dill sauce. ©Disney In addition, Nordic Crowns Tavern will be home to “frosty desserts” like blue sorbet, vanilla ice cream with customizable toppings, delicate snowflake treats, and traditional pastries. Sign us up! ©Disney We also learned a bit more about The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, which is a new table-service restaurant coming to World of Frozen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will all be served here in a “refined atmosphere decorated with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wood moldings,” and murals of your favorite Disney Princesses. ©Disney Oh, and did we mention this is a Princess character meal?! Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Merida from Brave, Jasmine from Aladdin, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, Mulan from Mulan, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid will be featured at this new restaurant. ©Disney Disney shared that ornamental plates inspired by Disney Princesses were designed and handmade by Royal Delft, a renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer, for the restaurant. In addition, a canopy marks the entrance of the restaurant, featuring ironwork expertise dating back to the early 19th century from workshops in Alsace. ©Disney On the lounge side of the restaurant, you’ll find the very first bar located in either of the Disneyland Paris parks. It’s dedicated to the animal companions of Disney Princesses, including Heihei from Moana, Pascal from Tangled, and Mushu from Mulan. Unwind with signature cocktails and eats as you take in the views of Adventure Bay and World of Frozen — even during fireworks! ©Disney Disney also shared that there will be 14 brand-new food and beverage locations along Adventure Way. La Terrasse Panoramique will serve hearty bread bowls, New York rolls, and comforting hot beverages, while Café Luminosity will feature an original hot dog with four signature recipes, paired with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. You can also expect to see chalets and mobile carts with new eats like filled brioche rolls, stuffed potato waffles, and whimsical desserts inspired by Disney Princesses. We can’t wait! ©Disney We’ll be on the lookout for even more updates from the new World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris. In the meantime, you can check out our video on World of Frozen Hong Kong below — and stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney 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 the new World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

We recently got the chance to head over to Disneyland Paris to check out everything the resort has to offer, and that means we got to do lots of dining around the parks! Who’s ready to eat? We recently stopped by Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia at Disneyland Paris to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop on your next trip? Let’s find out! Atmosphere If you love Coco, this is THE restaurant for you, because Disney really went all out! Outside, you’ll find a large statue of Miguel, and inside, if you listen closely, you’ll hear traditional Mexican songs or Remember Me from the film. Time to eat! On nearly every wall inside the restaurant, you’ll find theming to the film, including alebrije designs (the spirit guides to the Land of the Dead), photos of Miguel and his family in the Sala de Familia, and pay close attention to the details, because many of them hint towards the family’s trade — shoemaking. The decor in here is incredible! Since the restaurant exists after the universe of the film, one of the dining rooms is a music room, like the one in the back of the Rivera house! You can sit right under the iconic guitar, which is pretty special. We love all the details! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu When it comes to the menu, it’s pretty straightforward here, since all of it is pretty basic Mexican cuisine. It actually reminded us a bit of Taco Bell, but in the best way possible! This makes it very approachable for a large number of people, especially those of us from the U.S. who love Mexican cuisine that isn’t exactly the most authentic, but still tastes great. The Menu! Here you’ll find multiple different types of burritos, as well as a Vegetarian Salad, Empanadas, Jalapeños with cheddar cheese, Onion Rings, Fries, and a few more sides. There are also numerous ice creams available as well, in addition to the Exotic Melody sponge cake. When it comes to drinks, you can snag a Frozen Margarita, a Frozen Slush, Coco Mug with a cold drink, as well as coffee and soda. Back of the menu And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats First up was the Jalapeños au cheddar (Jalapeños with cheddar cheese) for 5,5 €, or about $6.30 USD. Jalapeños au cheddar These had a wonderful gooey interior paired with a crunchy exterior, and were more cheesy than fiery, so it wasn’t a spice that would overwhelm you. It’s pretty hard to mess up jalapeño poppers, but these are pretty middle-of-the-road. We think they’re great to share or start your meal with if you know that you’re a big fan of them! Yum! The Frites (fries) are available as a side for 4€, about $4.61 USD, and while they’re not bad at all, they’re not a standout. They’re reliable and won’t let you down, but certainly don’t come to this spot just for them. Instead, grab them as a side to your Burrito or Empanada, and they work well together. Frites For those who love chicken nuggets, you won’t want to miss the Bouchées au poulet sauce à La Vache (Chicken bits and La Vache qui rit sauce) for 7€, or about $8! This is basically popcorn chicken with Laughing Cow cheese sauce, and since the sauce itself is mild, tangy, and nostalgic, it’s very kid-friendly. If you’re not a fan of Mexican food, this is a good option to grab at this restaurant for sure. Bouchées au poulet sauce à La Vache One of our main courses was the Burrito au bœuf (Beef Burrito) for 12€, about $13.82, which is made with spicy beef chili, rice, grated cheddar, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Burrito au bœuf While the lettuce was a little wilted, we loved how the beef was seasoned. It was warm and slightly smoky with a very mild spice, so it’ll be friendly for most palates. It was also a great size! Easy to share if you want a lighter meal, or enough to fill you up on its own with no issues. We enjoyed this a lot! We also grabbed the Empanadas de carne for 15€, about $17, which are empanadas with beef, rice, melted cheddar-jalapeño sauce, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. This was overall really solid! The jalapeño-cheddar sauce adds creaminess and mild heat that pairs very well with the beef. Now, it was a little greasy, and the crust was a little too stiff on the edges, which were our only complaints, but it gave us strong comfort food energy, which we loved. Empanadas de carne We HAD to grab the most gorgeous dessert on the menu, which was the Inoubliable Accord (Exotic Melody) for 5€, about $5.76, which is a sponge cake and exotic mousse entremet. Inoubliable Accord This was incredible! So much so that we really couldn’t stop eating it. Not only is it visually cute, but it’s also light and tropical, and we’d say it’s worth coming to the restaurant just to grab it. It’s got a subtle sweetness and nice mousse texture, which went very well together. It’s not too heavy, so it won’t weigh you down, but it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. We couldn’t get enough! We also want to point out that the Menu Mariachi is available for 22€, or $25. This includes a burrito (beef, chicken, or vegan), a side (fries or salad), and Inoubliable Accord dessert. It was a good value combo compared to à la carte pricing, and the burritos themselves are generous in size. It’s a great way to go if you’re a little confused on what to get and don’t want to spend forever deciding! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Frozen saveur Margarita avec alcool (Frozen Margarita flavor with alcohol) for 9€, about $10. Frozen saveur Margarita avec alcool This had a very classic margarita flavor, but was very light on the alcohol. It was slightly tart, but very refreshing with the heavier food served here, so if you’re looking for something fun to sip on, it’s a good choice for those who are able to drink, which is 16+ in Paris if you have a parent with you, and 18+ otherwise. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re a huge fan of Coco — trust us, the design here is incredible, and as there’s no other restaurant like it in a Disney park right now, it’s certainly a must-visit in that case! You’re someone who wants to eat something more familiar rather than branching out. It can be scary to find something to eat in a new country, especially if you’re a pickier eater, so this is a great option for those who are concerned about finding things they’ll like to eat. You want a quick service meal that you can easily grab and continue on your way throughout the rest of the park You should skip this Disney World spot if… You want a meal that will truly amaze you. There was NOTHING wrong with this meal at all, but it’s certainly not the best of the best you can find in Disneyland Paris. If you want to have meals that you’ll be talking about for weeks on end, this won’t be the spot for you. You prefer more authentic dishes that truly represent the culture Overall If you want something that is familiar and won’t let you down, or you’re a massive fan of Coco, this is a spot you cannot miss. If you don’t want to wander around the park aimlessly searching for something that won’t be completely new, and just want something to fill you up, this is a great restaurant to stop by. It won’t let you down! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disneyland Paris and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you eaten at this Disneyland Paris restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

A historic date for Europe’s number one tourist destination, which, upon completion of its transformation, will have roughly doubled the size of its second park, offering experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling. 125 days before Walt Disney Studios Park transforms into Disney Adventure World with the opening of Adventure Way — a majestic new main avenue featuring entertainment, a brand-new attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled, 14 new dining locations — and the debut of an immense lake called Adventure Bay, with a breathtaking nighttime spectacular. The highlight of this expansion, the impressive brand-new World of Frozen, will fully immerse guests into the heart of the iconic films. The Kingdom of Arendelle, recreated on a life-size scale, will feature a new family-friendly attraction, a daytime show, a royal encounter with queens Anna and Elsa, interactions with beloved characters including a true-to-size Olaf made possible thanks to next-generation robotic figures demonstrated today by Walt Disney Imagineering team, a tavern, and shops. This monumental expansion is set to captivate and amaze guests at every turn. While Disneyland Park® continues to evolve by bringing the magic of timeless stories and enchanted tales to life, the destination’s second park – now reimagined – will transport guests into the worlds inspired by Disney Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios films they love where they can experience unforgettable adventures. Renamed Disney Adventure World from March 29, 2026, it will welcome guests to three spectacular immersive lands: the new World of Frozen, the colorful Worlds of Pixar, and the epic Marvel Avengers Campus, which will later be joined by a fourth world inspired by the classic Disney Animation film The Lion King. The transformation of more than 90% of the second park’s offerings since 2002 illustrates the ongoing ambition of Disneyland® Paris to reinvent itself and enhance the guest experience. As Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland® Paris, explains: “March 29, 2026 will mark a historic milestone for Disneyland® Paris with the transformation of our second park into Disney Adventure World, and the opening of its spectacular new expansion, featuring World of Frozen. With this step, we’re pursuing the most ambitious transformation in our resort’s history, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and inviting guests to live their own adventures in the extraordinary worlds of Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel. This marks a new era for Europe’s number one tourist destination, filled with deeper storytelling, stronger emotions, and unforgettable moments. Supported by our €2 billion investment plan, this expansion reflects a bold creative vision, made possible thanks to the talent of Walt Disney Imagineering and the passion of our Cast Members who bring our stories to life through their dedication and creativity. Together, we’re reinventing how our guests experience Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel worlds, bringing to life the emotions that only Disney can inspire.” EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES AWAIT OUR GUESTS At Disney Adventure World, the greatest Disney Animation, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life. After experiencing the excitement of a Hollywood premiere in World Premiere – the new themed entrance unveiled last May – and celebrating these tales in the dazzling shows at World Premiere Plaza, guests can now dive into their favorite stories, becoming the heroes of their own adventures in the immersive lands of Disney Adventure World. A UNIQUE IMMERSION INTO THE WORLD OF FROZEN World of Frozen will push the boundaries of storytelling. Every detail has been designed to recreate the iconic scenes and locations of the Frozen films, one of the most popular stories ever produced by the Walt Disney Animation Studios. During their visit, guests will participate in a one-of-a-kind celebration: the Snowflower Festival, bringing the entire village of Arendelle to life, specially decorated for the occasion. “World of Frozen is more than just inspired by the film; it truly brings the kingdom of Arendelle to life. Working together across disciplines, our Imagineers combined creativity and attention to detail to craft a world that captures the spirit of the story and feels real and immersive. We’re very proud to see the castle, the village, and the North Mountain become reality, and we can’t wait for our guests to step into this world and be part of the story,” said Michel den Dulk, Vice-President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris. IMMERSIVE ARCHITECTURE Architecturally, guests will discover the majestic 118-foot-tall (36 meters) North Mountain, crowned by Elsa’s Ice Palace. At its base lies the village of Arendelle, with its lively town square framed by colorful Nordic-inspired buildings and sparkling water spots. Villagers, accompanied by a symphonic reinterpretation of the films’ iconic songs played throughout the village, will guide guests to Arendelle Bay, the Fountain of Friendship, or Arendelle Castle decorated with its iced decorations, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and brought to life by UK Loco, a British company specializing in immersive decor. Subtle floral motifs and rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian decorative art, will adorn facades and moldings with refined craftsmanship. Inspired by Scandinavian landscapes, the landscaping will contribute to storytelling with conifers, birches, beeches, and crocuses, recreating the atmosphere of the animated films’ settings. A NEW FAMILY ATTRACTION At the heart of the village, beneath the Clock Tower, Frozen Ever After attraction will take guests of all ages on a boat ride full of adventures alongside Anna, Elsa, and their friends. This journey, punctuated by beloved songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go” will reunite visitors with some of the kingdom’s most beloved characters: Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff. The ride will travel from the snowy forest to the Valley of the Trolls, through Elsa’s dazzling Ice Palace, before ending with a spectacular finale in Arendelle Bay lit by snowflake-shaped fireworks. Frozen Ever After will feature cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures delivering breathtakingly lifelike performances. Numerous lighting and sound effects, along with new immersive projection technologies currently being programmed by Walt Disney Imagineering, will provide a visually and emotionally stunning experience for all. INTERACTIONS WITH FROZEN CHARACTERS In World of Frozen, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa during a Royal Encounter* in Arendelle Castle. After passing through the famous Portrait Gallery, whose final decorative details are being completed in the coming weeks, they will join the sisters for an exclusive moment, with personal interaction and photo opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime. The festivities will continue in Arendelle Bay with A Celebration in Arendelle, a 15-minute colorful show, presented several times a day for the Snowflower Festival. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and villagers will take part in the celebrations aboard three majestic Viking longships, developed with Couach Construction Navale, a renowned French shipbuilder from the Bordeaux region. Boat decoration, has been entrusted to artisans who have long collaborated with Disneyland® Paris. Kristoff’s longship, for example, was painted by artisans from Prelud, a historic supplier based near Dijon. This participatory show will invite the audience to sing along with characters from Frozen to iconic songs from the franchise such as “Let It Go” or “Show Yourself”. Exclusively for World of Frozen at Disneyland® Paris, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the multi-award-winning songwriting duo, winners of the Oscar® for Best Original Song for “Let It Go”, have composed new music especially for the show presented on the Bay. They are also behind other iconic songs from the Frozen franchise, including “For the First Time in Forever” and “Into the Unknown,” which have been streamed billions of times worldwide. Throughout the village streets, guests may also encounter other beloved characters such as Oaken, the cheerful shopkeeper and sauna owner with his famous “Hoo-hoo!”, or Mossie, an adorable baby troll who is as curious as he is endearing. During a press conference held on November 24, 2025, at Disneyland® Paris, Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, unveiled a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen. This new Olaf character was created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in close collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Olaf will make appearances in the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland® Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. These advancements in robotics enable Disney to bring iconic characters to life at an unmatched level of believability, engaging with guests and other characters around them, just as they did in the films that won the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. To explore how this innovation came to life, take a look behind the scenes in the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” available now on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. THE GASTRONOMY OF ARENDELLE The quick-service restaurant Nordic Crowns Tavern will be the perfect spot to take a break and recharge after adventures throughout World of Frozen, while enjoying the warm and welcoming spirit of Arendelle. The decor will trace the history of the kingdom and its royal family through galleries of paintings and many decorative objects. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant will offer a customizable dining experience inspired by Nordic cuisine, with dishes guests can compose to their liking. In total, 16 combinations will be available: a base consisting of mashed potatoes or quinoa; a protein like grilled salmon or Nordic meatballs; seasonal vegetables such as carrots or peas; and one of two sauces to top it all off, tangy cranberry or creamy dill. Nordic Crowns Tavern will also feature a wide range of frosty desserts, from a blue sorbet to vanilla ice cream with customizable toppings, a snowflake dessert, and a selection of Nordic pastries. Gluten-free options and vegan alternatives will also be available, reflecting the diverse culinary offering at Disneyland® Paris. SOUVENIRS FROM ARENDELLE Arendelle Boutique, the village’s iconic toy shop, whose decoration and furnishings progress week by week, will offer, alongside must-have Frozen merchandise, an exclusive selection of creations inspired by Scandinavian craftsmanship. Guests will find wooden sculptures, clothing, and objects adorned with elegant rosemaling motifs. For those wishing to stroll through Arendelle in style, a collection reinterpreting Nordic dress codes will be available, featuring embroidered garments and accessories with floral patterns. Before continuing their adventure, guests will also be able to share their experience by sending a postcard from the village mailbox located beside the shop. BEFRIEND RÚNA BABY TROLL TOY Just steps from the boats moored in Arendelle Bay, the Fjord View Shop will feature a unique experience: meeting Rúna, an interactive baby troll toy. After a meeting ceremony, guests will acquire and head home with their new interactive companion. Equipped with the latest technology, Rúna will react to touch, blink its eyes, move its ears, light up, and communicate with other trolls it encounters. Exclusively in World of Frozen, it will also interact with the iconic locations of Arendelle, the villagers, and Queens Anna and Elsa. In this new shop, a special area will invite guests to get ready for the festival with themed make-up and hairstyles, the perfect way to wander the village in style and festive spirit. ADVENTURE BAY: A MAJESTIC 7.5-ACRE LAKE At Disney Adventure World, immersive lands such as World of Frozen will be set around Adventure Bay, the beating heart of the park’s expansion. This central lake will offer breathtaking vistas, and its shores, extending from Adventure Way, will come alive with unforgettable character experiences during the day. As night descends, the lake comes alive with reflections of light and color, inviting visitors to linger along its tranquil shores before it transforms into a dazzling open-air stage for a new nighttime spectacular. CHARACTER ACTIVATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY On the banks of Adventure Bay, the West Pavilion will provide a relaxing space inspired by early 20th-century architecture, where guests can meet Mickey or Minnie, dressed in their brand-new Victorian outfits currently being crafted by Cast Members at the Disneyland® Paris Costume Workshop. Shortly after its opening on March 29, 2026, additional Disney characters will join the lakeside fun, making this new space a place of enchantment both day and night. DISNEY CASCADE OF LIGHTS, THE SECOND NIGHTIME SHOW AT DISNEYLAND® PARIS At nightfall*, as Adventure Bay will fall into darkness, something extraordinary will awaken. Barges, quietly gliding into position, will set the stage for a brand new, never-before-seen nighttime spectacular: Disney Cascade of Lights. More than just a show, this spectacular is designed as an emotional journey – an invitation for every guest to believe in their own inner strength, to embrace wonder, and to feel the power of storytelling in a way only Disney can deliver. Designed as the grand finale to each day at Disney Adventure World, the show will deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Designed in a 360° configuration, with tiered viewing areas, it allows visitors to enjoy exceptional views from around the bay. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, the production will feature the world’s first integration of a revolutionary aquatic drone system along with next-generation aerial drones, creating breathtaking choreographies that unfold simultaneously across the sky and the water. This new production will invite every guest to step into the story and embrace their own heroic journey, inspired by the courage and determination of stories including Disney Animation’s Mulan, Hercules, Moana, and Zootopia, Pixar’s Up, and from the Marvel Universe. This show will combine immersive staging with cutting-edge effects to create an experience unique to Disneyland® Paris. Guests will enjoy unprecedented proximity to a wide range of elements, including water screens, choreographed fountains, large-scale projections, dynamic lighting, special effects, and pyrotechnics. At its centerpiece, a world-exclusive ballet of 379 drones, developed in collaboration with official technology provider Dronisos, will illuminate the sky and water with intricate formations and dazzling choreography. New aquatic drone technology has been created exclusively for the new show, in keeping with the resort’s continued focus on innovation in entertainment. The experience will be brought to life with a powerful soundtrack, recorded by a 90-piece orchestra. Featuring new arrangements of beloved Disney music, the score includes an original adaptation of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana as well as an entirely new anthem created for the show, “We Can Be Heroes.” Together, these elements will showcase an unprecedented blend of technology, artistry, and storytelling, establishing the production as a new milestone in Disney nighttime entertainment. In the coming months, the entertainment team will undertake extensive rehearsals to perfect the seamless choreography of aerial and aquatic drones, combined with cutting-edge special effects, ensuring a breathtaking experience from the very start of the expansion. ADVENTURE WAY: THE NEW MAIN AVENUE OF DISNEY ADVENTURE WORLD A true prelude to Disney Adventure World’s experiences, Adventure Way will link World Premiere Plaza and its many theatrical shows to the park’s various lands: Marvel Avengers Campus, Worlds of Pixar, and World of Frozen. This new main avenue will feature a brand-new attraction, a wide array of dining with 14 culinary experiences, lush green spaces perfect for relaxation, and a rich variety of entertainment. THE NEW ATTRACTION: RAIPONCE TANGLED SPIN Adventure Way will host Raiponce Tangled Spin, a brand-new family attraction inspired by the Disney Animation film Tangled. Designed for dreamers of all ages, this ride will bring to life one of the film’s most iconic moments: the Lantern Festival. Seated in finely sculpted gondolas, guests will whirl gracefully beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns, surrounded by frescoes depicting Rapunzel’s adventures. Accompanied by legendary music from the film, including “I See the Light,” guests will spin and twirl, immersed in the romantic atmosphere of the Festival. Mandy Moore, the original voice of Rapunzel, has specially recorded audio announcements for the attraction, adding an authentic touch. A CULINARY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DISNEY PRINCESSES Before continuing their adventures in Disney Adventure World, guests can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the new table-service restaurant located on Adventure Way: The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. This elegant venue will welcome guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined atmosphere, decorated with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wood moldings, and impressive murals illustrating Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Tiana, Moana and more. Guests of all ages will also have the chance to meet some of these Disney Princesses—such as Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Merida (Brave), Jasmine (Aladdin), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan (Mulan), or Ariel (The Little Mermaid)—to share unforgettable moments. Some Princesses, such as Aurora or Ariel, will be wearing stunning never-seen- before looks at Disneyland Paris. Every detail has been meticulously designed by Imagineers, such as the ornamental plates reflecting the world of each Disney Princess. These were hand-crafted by Royal Delft, the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. The magnificent canopy above the restaurant’s entrance was created by Schaffner workshops in Alsace, whose expertise in artistic ironwork dates back to the early 19th century. This new restaurant will also offer some tables with ideal views of Adventure Bay, making it a perfect spot to enjoy dinner while admiring Disney Cascade of Lights, the new nighttime show set to illuminate Disney Adventure World. The chef and culinary team are currently finalizing the menu to ensure it harmonizes perfectly with this exceptional new setting. THE FIRST BAR INSIDE THE PARKS The Regal View Lounge, the very first bar located inside either of the two Disneyland® Paris parks, will offer guests a relaxing break in a bright space adorned with royal-blue hues. An elegant wooden bar with golden accents will anchor the room, surrounded by paintings and illustrations honoring the beloved animal companions of Disney Princesses, such as Heihei (Moana), Pascal (Tangled), and Mushu (Mulan). Guests can sip a signature cocktail or explore a variety of drinks inspired by Disney Princesses’ personalities, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake and World of Frozen, accompanied by piano renditions of Disney classics. MORE FLAVORS TO DISCOVER At Disney Adventure World, guests will embark on a culinary journey of creativity, innovation, and discovery. The 14 food and beverage locations along Adventure Way will showcase new and exclusive offerings at Disneyland® Paris. La Terrasse Panoramique will invite guests to enjoy bread bowls, New York rolls, and a selection of hot beverages. Café Luminosity will debut an original hot dog concept with four signature recipes, complemented by sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. To round out the experience, three kiosks, five chalets, and several mobile carts will line the area, offering diverse creations such as filled brioche rolls, stuffed potato waffles, and whimsical Disney Princess-inspired desserts. POETIC GARDENS AND ENTERTAINMENT Adventure Way will also feature themed gardens celebrating some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved stories, blending nature and poetry. Guests of all ages can stroll through charming, landscaped areas such as the Tangled Garden or Toy Story Garden, the latter adorned with two monumental statues of Woody and Jessie. Trees and shrubs carefully trimmed into toy shapes will create playful scenery, naturally leading into Toy Story Playland. At The Gazebo Garden, guests will enjoy peaceful moments in an English-style setting, complete with bronze statues honoring Disney Animation films inspired by classic British stories such as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Throughout the year, this garden will come alive with music: Rapunzel and Flynn’s Musical Encounter in spring; Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band in summer; Miguel’s Fiesta Latina in fall; and, starting November 2026, character greetings with other Disney icons. The Disney Marching Band, a lively marching band led by Minnie Mouse and her 12 musicians on percussion and brass, will parade down Adventure Way, delighting guests with pop and modern renditions of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel songs, adding a festive touch to an already magical promenade. A BESPOKE SOUNDTRACK Upon entering Adventure Way, guests will be welcomed by a brand-new musical score composed especially for this promenade. This original 40-minute theme, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, will offer guests a truly magical interlude at the heart of Disney Adventure World THE FUTURE OF DISNEY ADVENTURE WORLD IS ALREADY TAKING SHAPE “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney Starting March 29, 2026, Disney Adventure World will offer guests a rich journey of adventures. But the story doesn’t end there: Disneyland® Paris is already preparing the next chapters, always guided by the ambition to continually enrich the guest experience. A NEW ATTRACTION INSPIRED BY UP Upcoming next, a family-friendly attraction inspired by Pixar’s Up will join Adventure Way. This flying carousel will add motion and energy to the promenade, offering families yet another whimsical experience to enjoy together. AN IMMERSIVE WORLD INSPIRED BY THE LION KING Later, Disney Adventure World will welcome the first themed area dedicated to The Lion King, one of Disney Animation’s most beloved films worldwide and especially in Europe. This new universe, whose construction began in fall 2025, will feature a major attraction combining water-based thrills with next-generation Audio-Animatronics® figures, plunging guests deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simba’s adventures, set to the unforgettable songs of the 1994 masterpiece. The post On March 29, 2026, World of Frozen – along with many new experiences – will open within Disney Adventure World, the reimagined second park at Disneyland® Paris appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

We just got details on the Disney Adventure World expansion at Disneyland Paris! ©Disney In 2024, as part of a MASSIVE overhaul of the park, it was officially announced that the park’s name would be changing to Disney Adventure World in conjunction with the opening of a World of Frozen land, and now we know more! On March 29th, 2026, World of Frozen will open, and Walt Disney Studios Park will be known as Disney Adventure World! Along with the opening date, Disney released a look at something brand new coming to the land — a roaming Olaf animatronic! ©Disney That’s not all! We have some more news about what’s in store for Disney Adventure World. Raiponce Tangled Spin is the name of the new Tangled ride that we’ve been obsessing over since we saw the concept art. The boats look identical to the movie! ©Disney The ride whirls you around beneath the floating lanterns, accompanied by the iconic “I See the Light” song. Also, Mandy Moore came back to voice Rapunzel exclusively for the recorded audio announcements on the ride! ©Disney Just beyond this ride is one of the 15 new dining spots called The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. It’s a Table Service restaurant that will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it really looks like royalty lives here! ©Disney Along with stunning murals of Disney Princesses, you’ll be able to meet Belle, Merida, Jasmine, Aurora, Mulan, and Ariel. The coolest part? Ornamental plates inspired by the Princesses were handmade by Royal Delft, AKA the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. Wild!! ©Disney This promenade, pictured below, will feature themed gardens and a variety of live entertainment. Relax in the Tangled Garden or Toy Story Garden, and watch seasonal entertainment like “Rapunzel and Flynn’s Musical Encounter in spring to Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band in summer, Miguel’s Latin Festival in fall and a variety of character greetings starting next November.” ©Disney Don’t forget to say hello to Mickey and Minnie in their new outfits! These are Victorian-inspired costumes, and Disney teased that even more characters will join them shortly after opening. ©Disney You’ll want to stay until after dark to see Disney Cascade of Lights! With hundreds of drones, pyrotechnics, choreographed fountains, and more, this 360-degree show is going to be a hit. ©Disney An opening date has not been announced for the upcoming The Lion King ride, nor the Up-themed swing ride coming to the park. ©Disney Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog to get updates on everything you don’t want to miss! ROOM TOUR: See INSIDE the ‘Cars’-Themed Hotel Rooms at Disneyland Paris 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 news? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

LET’S SAVE SOME MONEY!! The holidays are coming up quickly, and those present costs are adding up. Target! It’s no secret that this can be a seriously expensive time of year, so this is a great time to hunt down the best Black Friday deals. Luckily for us, Target has tons of Disney deals to help us get through this holiday season without breaking the bank. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’re looking to save money or even just need some holiday inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Target and Disney are saving us stress and money to get through the holidays. Judy Hops Cuddleez ©Target This novelty plush pillow is perfect for Zootopia fans! This pillow is insanely soft and perfect for nap time, bedtime, or even just time to relax. We have several of the cuddlez pillows, and at this point, truly can’t sleep without them! They’re comfortable and bring us so much comfort, no matter our age. Shop on Target Lightning McQueen Car Builder ©Target This next toy is perfect for Cars fans, specifically anyone who wants to race! You can build, change, and edit Lightning McQueen just like Guido from the movie. Can you hear us saying “pit stop”? It comes with 28 play pieces, including four wheels, four wheel covers, two spoilers, two exhaust pipes, one air filter bolt, one adjustable wrench, one spanner, one screwdriver, one socket wrench, and ten screws. Shop on Target LEGO 101 Dalmatians Puppies ©Target This LEGO set features 268 pieces so you can build Lucky and Penny from 101 Dalmatians! You can also build a bone and a TV for even more fun. These puppies feature movable heads, legs, and tails for creative positioning! They can stand up, sit down, or lie on the floor. It’s perfect for ages 6 and up. Shop on Target Melissa & Doug Food Set ©Target When we saw this set for the first time, we gasped! It features wooden versions of Disney’s most iconic snacks, like a Mickey ice cream bar, cupcakes, churros, donuts, popcorn, and more. It has 24 pieces and even features a card you can write on, as well as play money for tons of fun. Shop on Target Captain America Pillow ©Target Bring some Marvel into your daily lives with this adorable Captain America throw pillow! This is made from recycled polyester fabric and recycled polyester filling. It also features fuzzy detailing for extra comfort. It’s perfect for anyone looking to make each day heroic. Shop on Target Spider-Man Walkie Talkies ©Target Getting a set of character walkie-talkies is like a rite of passage in every kid’s life! These Spider-Man walkie-talkies feature light-up graphics and designs. You can send static-free messages with the push of a button over a range up to 500 feet. It’s easy to use and features kid-friendly controls. They’re great for ages 3 and up! Shop on Target The Nightmare Before Christmas Crochet Kit ©Target This set is great for anyone looking to get into new hobbies in 2026! This crochet kit, inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, features tools, materials, and instructions to make Jack Skellington and Sally, along with instructions to create 10 more characters and accessories. This kit is a great way to dive into something new without spending tons of money on materials before you know if you like it! Shop on Target Glow Racers Transforming Mack Playset ©Target This toy truck does double duty as a push-around hauler and a fold-out playset. Inside Mack’s trailer, you can find Guido, ready to tune up tires before the next race! The Mack hauler has glow-in-the-dark, detailed decor inspired by the movies. It’s a great way to bring your toys on the go while still having tons of fun. Shop on Target LEGO Bluey Playground ©Target If you aren’t getting anything Bluey this year, we will be shocked! The popular children’s show has been on our gift list for years, and this LEGO set is no different. This set is for kids ages 4 and up and recreates the colorful playground from the show! It has over 104 pieces and comes with a Bluey and Chloe figure! Shop on Target Lilo & Stitch Surf Showdown Marble Game ©Target In this game, you get to help Team Stitch surf to shore and save Stitch from Jumba! You can set up your characters at the top of the wave before you place a marble in one of the paths to strategically try to hit your friends. When you hit them, the character moves to the next available space in that color! You work to avoid villains and save Stitch. It’s made for 2-4 players ages 5 and up! Shop on Target Disney Villainous Unstoppable! ©Target Want a board game with even more fun for the family? Disney Villainous is it! In this game, you step into the shoes of one of four famous Disney villains — Maleficent, Ursula, Hades, or Scar! You have to use your special abilities to achieve your evil plan while stopping your opponents in the meantime. The first person to collect four tokens wins! It’s built for 2 to 4 players aged 7 and up. Shop on Target Frozen Roller Skating Set ©Target The cold is never going to bother us anyway in these roller skates! These Frozen junior skates are size adjustable and feature an easy velcro heel strap. They fit sizes 5-10 for anyone curious. They’re great for beginners because they have toe breaks and composite wheels for easy stopping and starting. The set also includes adjustable knee pads for extra padding! Shop on Target Winnie The Pooh Floral Set ©Target Whether you’re shopping for gifts or just looking to save a bit of cash, this set can provide both! This set is inspired by Winnie the Pooh, who you can see on the top and throughout the pattern on the pants. The set comes in a classic cream color and features a bow detail. Shop on Target Spider-Man Set ©Target If you need something for your older kiddo, this is it! This is a toddler boy’s pullover and bottom set in blue with designs of your friendly neighborhood hero. The pants also feature “Spider-Man” written down the side. It’s made with a soft midweight fabric for extra comfort! Shop on Target Bluey Bundle Playset ©Target We’ve got more Bluey on standby! The entire Heeler family is ready to hit the road with Turtleboy in this fun play set. It includes Mum, Dad, Bluey, Bingo, and Turtleboy, along with the family’s cart and two platset pieces. They can create memories from the show and their own stories for hours on end. Shop on Target Flounder Pillow Buddy ©Target Is there anything better than adding tons of princess details around the room? This Flounder kids pillow is modeled after the popular Disney sidekick from The Little Mermaid. He’s soft, plush, and a great way to add texture and cozy details to your nursery, office, or bedroom! Shop on Target VTech Bluey Drum Set ©Target It’s time to add some music to your home! This Bluey drumset plays songs from the show in different music styles. You can also hear some drum solos with fun acoustic, electronic, silly, and animal sounds and effects. It also lights up while in use. Plus, it even features memory games for a fun, educational experience. Shop on Target Mickey Scribble Oversized Shirt ©Target Not everything has to be a gift for someone else. Don’t forget to treat yourself this holiday season! This oversized tee features different sketches inspired by Mickey Mouse himself. It also has detailing like flowers, speech bubbles, and writing that says “The world-famous movie character.” Shop on Target Minnie Mouse Cuddleez Plush ©Target If Judy Hopps isn’t your cup of tea, Target also put the Minnie Mouse plush on sale! This adorable plush is inspired by our favorite feminine mouse, complete with her pink polka dot dress and bow. It’s comfortable, soft, and oh-so cozy! Shop on Target Little People Disney Princess Figures ©Target Finally, we have the Little People Disney Princess figures! These adorable toys feature figures inspired by Tiana, Ariel, Jasmine, Moana, Cinderella, Mulan, and Aurora. They’re designed for small hands to grasp and move, for lots of easy play. They’re great for travel, play at home, and more! Shop on Target We can’t wait to show our favorite people some big love during the holiday season thanks to these amazing sales! Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney online finds. View the full article

Uh Disney? Did you mean to post this? ©Disney Disney World is currently undergoing major transformations, including the construction of new lands and attractions over the coming years. Disney gave a very subtle hint about some animatronics we can expect to see, including one that wasn’t on my list! Disney recently spoke about the next generation of Audio-Animatronics coming to Disney Parks. They mentioned new emotions that these animatronics can do, like crying and blushing, which are now in their “storytelling toolkit.” Can you imagine an animatronic crying? ©Disney They also said that the new technology they’re working on lets them bring characters from the screens to the parks so much faster and accurately than before. Disney also mentioned that “it’s especially transformative for characters who had traditionally challenging features to create, like Mike Wazowski, Lightning McQueen, or Hades.” HADES! Mike in Disney California Adventure (he doesn’t move) Mike Wazowski is coming to Monstropolis, the land replacing the Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios. Whether they’re on the new hanging door roller coaster or the show, that’s going to be so fun to see the green monster in all of his glory. ©Disney Of course, Lightning McQueen is probably coming to Piston Peak, the Cars-themed land going on the old Tom Sawyer Island. Two attractions are coming to this land, including a family-friendly ride and an off-road racer rally. Likely, the animatronic they’re working on will go on one of these attractions. @Disney But Hades?!? Sounds like he will be going to Villains Land, which is going behind Big Thunder Mountain. Why is this such a big deal? Well, Disney had been pretty tight-lipped about the details of Villains Land. We’ve been given very little detail, but knowing that there could be a Hades animatronic is making the Hercules fan in me want to jump up and scream. Disney Villains is a pretty broad category, so we weren’t sure what villains we were going to see, and while it’s not confirmed, this is where it’s going; it’s a pretty good sign. Villains Land ©Disney Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog because we share all the Disney news you want to know about your favorite theme parks. FULL LIST OF WHAT’S OPENING IN DISNEY WORLD IN 2026 Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What villains do you hope to see in Villains Land? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Voilà! Coming Soon to Disneyland Paris World of Frozen: Step into Arendelle with a family-friendly boat ride, lifelike Audio-Animatronic figures, and a royal encounter with Anna and Elsa. The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge: A refined dining space with handcrafted Royal Delft porcelain and the first-ever bar at Disneyland Paris. Disney Cascade of Lights: A groundbreaking nighttime spectacular featuring the world’s first aquatic drone system integrated with aerial drones. Marvel Avengers Campus and Worlds of Pixar join World of Frozen to create a multi-franchise experience. A historic transformation is set to unfold at Disneyland Paris when World of Frozen opens on March 29, 2026, at Disney Adventure World. This milestone marks the beginning of a bold new era, nearly doubling the size of the second park upon the completion of its transformation, including a brand-new attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled, 15 new dining locations, and an immense lake with a new nighttime spectacular. The highlight of this expansion, World of Frozen, will feature a new family attraction, daytime show, royal encounter with queens Anna and Elsa, interactions with beloved characters, tavern, and shops. This transformation is more than a name change, it’s a complete reimagining of over 90% of the second park’s offerings since 2002. Step Into Your Favorite Stories At Disney Adventure World, your favorite Disney Animation, Pixar and Marvel Studios stories come to life like never before. After experiencing the excitement of Hollywood at World Premiere, the stunning new entrance unveiled last May, you can now dive deeper into these stories at World of Frozen, Marvel Avengers Campus, and Worlds of Pixar. Discover the Promenade of Adventure Way The journey continues through Adventure Way, a vibrant promenade that will feature lush gardens for relaxation, a variety of live entertainment, and 14 brand-new culinary experiences. The beautifully landscaped gardens are inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar tales, from the romantic Tangled Garden to the playful Toy Story Garden, where statues of Woody and Jessie stand among trees trimmed into toy shapes. At The Gazebo Garden, there’s an English-style retreat adorned with bronze statues inspired by Disney Animation classics such as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Seasonal entertainment will also bring the space to life from Rapunzel and Flynn’s Musical Encounter in spring to Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band in summer, Miguel’s Latin Festival in fall and a variety of character greetings starting next November. Adding to the magic, the lively Disney Marching Band, led by Minnie Mouse and her 12 musicians, will parade down Adventure Way with renditions of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel favorites. And that’s not all, on the scenic banks of Adventure Bay, the West Pavilion will offer guests a charming retreat inspired by early 20th-century architecture. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in new Victorian outfits crafted by the talented cast members at the Disneyland Paris Costume Workshop. Shortly after the opening in 2026, even more Disney characters will join the lakeside fun. The Best Day Ever Awaits on Raiponce Tangled Spin Adventure Way will also debut a new family attraction, Raiponce Tangled Spin, inspired by the beloved Disney Animation film Tangled. Here you’ll whirl around in a gondola beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns and accompanied by the iconic song “I See the Light.” Exclusively for the attraction, Mandy Moore, the original voice of Rapunzel, recorded audio announcements. Culinary Experience Awaits at The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge Just beyond Rapoince Tangled Spin, you’ll stumble upon the elegant The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. This table-service restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined atmosphere decorated with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wood moldings, and stunning murals of Disney Princesses. Speaking of Disney Princesses, you’ll also have the chance to meet a few, including Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Merida from Brave, Jasmine from Aladdin, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, Mulan from Mulan and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Every detail of The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge has been crafted meticulously with artistry in mind. Ornamental plates inspired by Disney Princesses were handmade by Royal Delft, the renowned Dutch porcelain manufacturer and official supplier to the Dutch royal family. Above the entrance, a magnificent canopy created by workshops in Alsace showcases ironwork expertise dating back to the early 19th century. Over on the lounge side, you’ll find the very first bar located at either of the two Disneyland Paris parks. This elegant space is decorated in royal-blue hues and features a striking wooden bar accented with gold. Adorning the lounge are artworks celebrating the beloved animal companions of Disney Princesses, including Heihei from Moana, Pascal from Tangled and Mushu from Mulan. Here you can unwind with signature cocktails, indulge at the barpersonalities of Disney Princesses. Both the restaurant and lounge will feature breathtaking views of Adventure Bay and World of Frozen, making it the perfect spot to watch the new nighttime show. More Flavors to Discover at Adventure Way With 14 brand-new food and beverage locations along Adventure Way, there’s even more offerings to savor. La Terrasse Panoramique will serve hearty bread bowls, New York rolls, and comforting hot beverages. Café Luminosity will feature an original hot dog with four signature recipes, paired with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls. Chalets and mobile carts will offer new bites such as filled brioche rolls, stuffed potato waffles, and whimsical desserts inspired by Disney Princesses. New Nighttime Show to Debut on Adventure Bay As day ends, at park close Adventure Bay will become the stage for a groundbreaking new nighttime spectacular “Disney Cascade of Lights.” This 360° show will serve as the grand finale each evening with a ballet of hundreds of drones, choreographed fountains, water screens, and pyrotechnics, all set to a powerful orchestral score. Inspired by stories from Disney Animation’s Mulan, Hercules, Moana and Zootopia, Pixar’s Up, and from the Marvel Universe, the show displays a dazzling celebration of courage and imagination. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, this nighttime spectacular will feature the world’s first integration of a revolutionary aquatic drone system alongside next-generation aerial drones, creating breathtaking choreographies across sky and water. It will also feature new arrangements of Disney classics and an original anthem, “We Can Be Heroes.” In the months ahead, the Disney Live Entertainment team will be hard at work perfecting the choreography of aerial and aquatic drones, blending cutting-edge special effects with seamless precision. Original Score Developed Exclusively for Disney Adventure World As guests step onto Adventure Way, they will also be greeted by a brand-new musical score composed exclusively for this promenade. This original 40-minute theme, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, creates a magical soundtrack that complements the lush gardens, elegant architecture, and vibrant entertainment along the avenue. The Gates are Opening at World of Frozen World of Frozen will open as part of Disney Adventure World, an extraordinary new land that brings the kingdom of Arendelle to life like never before. This expansion will feature stunning architecture, including the towering North Mountain crowned by Elsa’s Ice Palace, and a vibrant village square inspired by Nordic design. At the heart of the land is Frozen Ever After, a family-friendly boat ride that journeys through iconic scenes from the films, enhanced by lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures and cutting-edge projection technology. Discover a Royal Encounter with Anna and Elsa inside Arendelle Castle, or join in the festivities with “A Celebration in Arendelle,” a daytime show staged on Viking longships in Arendelle Bay. The land will also offer quick-service dining at Nordic Crowns Tavern, exclusive merchandise at Arendelle Boutique, and interactive surprises like meeting Rúna, a baby troll companion. Every detail, from handcrafted décor to new music composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, has been designed to push the boundaries of storytelling. Want to dive even deeper into World of Frozen? We’re exploring everything you need to know about the new land on the Disney Parks Blog. Olaf Breaks the Ice at Disneyland Paris During a press conference held on November 24, 2025, at Disneyland Paris, Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris unveiled a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen. This new Olaf character was created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in close collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Olaf will make appearances in the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. These advancements in robotics enable Disney to bring iconic characters to life at an unmatched level of believability, engaging with guests and other characters around them, just as they did in the films that won the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. To explore how this innovation came to life, take a look behind the scenes in the latest episode of We Call It Imagineering, available now on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. The Story Continues at Disney Adventure World And the story doesn’t end there! Construction is already underway on the first themed area dedicated to Disney Animation’s The Lion King. Set on Adventure Bay, this new land will feature a major attraction combining water-based thrills with next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures and unforgettable songs from the 1994 masterpiece, plunging guests deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simba’s adventures. Soon, you’ll also soar into the whimsical world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Up. This family-friendly, flying carousel will add motion and energy on Adventure Way. We can’t believe Disney Adventure World is just around the corner! Stay tuned as we continue to share more from the Disney Parks Blog. Go Behind the Scenes in Imagineering Video Series READ MORE Walt Disney Imagineering Debuts Next-Generation Olaf READ MORE Everything You Need to Know About World of Frozen in Paris READ MORE The post Step into Disney Adventure World on March 29 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

From Elsa’s Ice Palace atop North Mountain to the bustling Arendelle Village, every detail is designed for full immersion. If the cold doesn’t bother you, get ready to experience: Frozen Ever After: A family-friendly boat adventure beneath the village Clock Tower, featuring state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics, advanced projection mapping, and dazzling lighting effects. “A Celebration in Arendelle”: The magic of Arendelle extends to its shimmering bay, where a brand-new show unfolds several times a day aboard three majestic Viking longships. Royal Encounters: Inside Arendelle Castle, meet Anna and Elsa enhanced by themed environments and personalized photo opportunities. Dynamic Characters: Familiar faces like Oaken and Mossie, plus new interactive elements throughout the village. Starting on March 29, 2026, step into the heart of Arendelle when World of Frozen opens at Disney Adventure World. The newly reimagined second park at Disneyland Paris will be home to this immersive land that brings Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen to life. Celebration of Storytelling and Immersion From Elsa’s Ice Palace perched atop the towering North Mountain to Arendelle Village, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to draw you into the beloved story. As you wander through the kingdom of Arendelle, you’ll encounter a family-friendly boat adventure, unforgettable royal meeting with Anna and Elsa and a lively celebration staged aboard Viking longships. Journey Through the Kingdom on Frozen Ever After Set beneath the village’s Clock Tower, sail on a boat ride alongside Anna, Elsa and their friends on Frozen Ever After. This enchanting adventure travels from the snowy forest to the Valley of the Trolls, and through Elsa’s glittering Ice Palace before culminating in a breathtaking finale over Arendelle Bay. Along the way, beloved songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go” fill the air, creating moments that feel straight out of the film. Cutting-edge technology brings the story to life with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures throughout. Immersive projection technologies, dazzling lighting, and sound effects are currently being programmed by Walt Disney Imagineering to deliver a visually and emotionally stunning experience. Meet the Residents of World of Frozen Inside Arendelle Castle, step into a unique opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa during a Royal Encounter. After passing through the Portrait Gallery, join the sisters for an exclusive moment with personal interaction and photo opportunities. Throughout Arendelle Village, you can also encounter familiar faces such as Oaken or Mossie, an adorable baby troll eager to make new friends. Brand-new Show Coming to World of Frozen The magic of Arendelle extends to its shimmering bay, where “A Celebration in Arendelle” brings the Snowflower Festival to life. Presented several times a day, the show unfolds aboard three majestic Viking longships, each crafted with extraordinary care. Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with a renowned French shipbuilder from the Bordeaux region to design and build these vessels. Their intricate decorations were entrusted to artisans who have long collaborated with Disneyland Paris. For example, Kristoff’s longship was made by a historic workshop near Dijon known for its exceptional craftsmanship. These authentic touches create a setting as rich and detailed as the story itself. You’ll also be able sing along to iconic songs like “Let It Go” and “Show Yourself,” enhanced by new music composed exclusively for Disneyland Paris by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the award-winning duo behind the beloved Frozen soundtracks. Prototype-completed design varies Olaf Breaks the Ice at Disneyland Paris During a press conference held on November 24, 2025, at Disneyland Paris, Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris unveiled a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen. This new Olaf character was created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in close collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Olaf will make appearances in the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. These advancements in robotics enable Disney to bring iconic characters to life at an unmatched level of believability, engaging with guests and other characters around them, just as they did in the films that won the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. To explore how this innovation came to life, take a look behind the scenes in the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” available now on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. Magical Moments with Rúna the Baby Troll At the Fjord View Shop, meet Rúna, a baby troll toy that reacts to touch, blinks her eyes, moves her ears, lights up, and communicates with other trolls she encounters. Exclusively available in World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, she will also interact with the iconic locations of Arendelle, the villagers and Queens Anna and Elsa. Taste the Flavors of Arendelle When it’s time to pause and recharge, Nordic Crowns Tavern offers the perfect spot to savor the warm, welcoming spirit of Arendelle. This quick-service restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner and features décor that tells the story of the kingdom through galleries of paintings and royal artifacts. Here you can enjoy a customizable dining experience inspired by Nordic cuisine. The menu with 16 possible combinations that begin with a hearty base like mashed potatoes or quinoa and paired with proteins such as grilled salmon or Nordic meatballs, seasonal vegetables, and finished with a choice of tangy cranberry or creamy dill sauce. To complete the meal, Nordic Crowns Tavern serves frosty desserts like blue sorbet, vanilla ice cream with customizable toppings, delicate snowflake treats, and traditional pastries. Shop Like a Villager Shopping in Arendelle is an experience all its own at Arendelle Boutique, the village’s signature shop brimming with treasures. Alongside must-have merchandise from the beloved films, discover an exclusive selection celebrating Scandinavian craftsmanship. Wooden sculptures, intricately detailed objects, and clothing adorned with elegant rosemaling motifs bring artistry to every piece. For those wishing to stroll through the kingdom in style, a line of garments reinterpreting Nordic dress codes features embroidered fabrics and floral patterns. Before continuing your adventure, share a piece of Arendelle with loved ones by sending a postcard from the village mailbox located just outside the shop. Prototype-completed design varies We can’t wait for the gates to finally open on March 29, 2026! World of Frozen is just the beginning, discover all that awaits at Disney Adventure World next year. Step into Disney Adventure World on March 29 READ MORE Walt Disney Imagineering Debuts Next-Generation Robotic Character READ MORE 6 Things You Missed from “We Call It Imagineering” Episode 7 READ MORE The post Everything You Need to Know About World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Let it go! Let it go! Can’t hold back this incredible information anymore! ©Disney Disney just announced the opening date for the World of Frozen coming to Disneyland Paris, and I’m ready to grab my sled, braid my hair, and book a ticket immediately. World of Frozen will be opening on March 29th, 2026, in Disneyland Paris. When this opens, it will also mark the official transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. World of Frozen, a land themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” will open alongside the debut of the park’s new name, Disney Adventure World, in 2026. The land coming to Disneyland Paris looks similar to the one at Hong Kong Disneyland, which literally changed our lives when we visited. We were blown away by the incredible atmosphere, attractions, and meet and greets. HE’S SO CUTE Frozen Ever After will also be coming to World of Frozen, which is already in Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and EPCOT in Disney World. Hong Kong Disneyland Animatronics Personally, I’m thrilled to see Elsa’s Ice Palace and the Arendelle Castle. I have no doubt they’re going to look gorgeous in the land and really bring it to life. World of Frozen ©Disney In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. BREAKING: MASSIVE CHANGES ARE COMING TO A POPULAR DISNEY HOTEL 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 excited for World of Frozen to open? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Nowadays, it can be hard to find gifts near $10. Whether you’re putting gifts under the tree, trying to find a White Elephant present, or looking for some stocking stuffers, we found a few Disney items around $10. ©Amazon The best part? They’re on Amazon, so if you have Amazon Prime, you don’t even have to pay for shipping. Score! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook ©Amazon Coming in at $8, this cookbook features 100 recipes from Disney Parks! You can get it in a hardcover, and some of the recipes include Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums, Mickey Pretzels, blue milk, and even DOLE Whip. Perfect for the chef in your life! SHOP NOW Disney Micro Munchlings Vending Machine ©Amazon We’re never getting over Munchlings, and this super cute vending machine is around $8. There are six surprise characters inside, scented and totally mini. The actual Munchlings are squishy and come in three treat containers. SHOP NOW Bluey Hide & Seek Game ©Amazon Okay, this is technically $12, but that’s pretty dang close to $10! This toy lets kids play hide-and-seek, where someone hides Bluey, and she talks and gives clues to help the seeker find her. When you find Bluey, you can go into dance mode! SHOP NOW Moana Ocean Mug ©Amazon This mug is just gorgeous! Moana is in on it, controlling the waves, and Maui is on the other side with his hook. It’s a beautiful blue and features elements from the movies, including the stars and Polynesian designs. SHOP NOW Hallmark Haunted Mansion Ornament ©Amazon If you know someone who recites the Stretching Room speech every time they ride Haunted Mansion, go ahead and add this $10 ornament to your cart. It features Made Leota floating in her crystal ball, her raven by her side. SHOP NOW Mickey & Friends Glass Tumbler ©Amazon To go next to your new Moana mug, you should get this Mickey & Friends cup! It would be great to have a morning iced coffee and be greeted by your favorite Disney friends. It comes with a lid and a matching glass straw for a complete set, too. It’s only $10! SHOP NOW Disney Doorables Micro Motion ©Amazon Yes, they’re adorable! These are mystery Doorables, and there are twenty different ones you can get. There are characters like Hercules, Mickey, Minnie, Simba, Alice, Tigger, and more. They’re $7 and I don’t know about you, but I want to collect them all. SHOP NOW In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

The Walt Disney Company is always trying to innovate and utilize the latest technologies to make your experiences great — whether it’s inside or outside the parks. Do you use Meta glasses? During the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” Disney revealed new tech being developed by Imagineering, along with how Disney uses robotics, AI, and immersive technology to bring stories to life. Not only that, but we also learned a bit more about Disney’s collaboration with Meta’s AI glasses and wearable technology. The latest “We Call It Imagineering” episode is all about how Disney is using the latest technology to innovate and bring stories to life, and that includes the Mouse’s collaboration with Meta. ©Meta Walt Disney Imagineering was an early partner in helping bring Meta’s AI glasses to life. The company recently shared how it is always trying to create ever-more immersive stories and experiences. Disney also stated, “The use of Ray-Ban Meta glasses in our parks will help guests to remain fully present, augmenting the park, rather than distracting from it.” Disney’s Hollywood Studios According to Disney, this collaboration using Meta’s Wearables Device Access Toolkit and AI glasses allows them “to unlock a world of innovation and storytelling for Disney guests and Imagineers.” Not only that, but Disney shared that this partnership could include “future visualization possibilities,” like showing parkgoers real-time information about offerings and products while inside the Disney parks. ©Meta In addition, Imagineers could potentially use this technology for behind-the-scenes design applications “to enhance the ways they bring stories to life.” It seems clear that Disney intends to expand how Meta glasses can be used in the parks. Meta AI glasses have open-ear speakers, hands-free camera capture, and an on-the-go AI assistant that’s voice-activated. Imagine how this could change your experience in the park. We can imagine that the AI assistant alone could get you instant access to ride wait times and even show you the quickest way to get around the parks EPCOT The glasses also have an Alternate Reality function, which could be incorporated into the park-going experience as well. Disney Imagineering added, “We’re excited for the future opportunities this technology unlocks — and how it can inspire entirely new guest experiences.” Cinderella Castle You can check out the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering” in full below! We’ll be on the lookout for additional updates about this partnership and the latest technology Imagineers are utilizing to bring stories to life! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more. Will Disney’s New AI Project Make Things BETTER or WORSE? 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 use Meta’s wearable technology and devices? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

We are getting more and more excited for this huge ride change coming to one of our favorite Star Wars rides this May, and Disney just gave us a bit of insight as to what we can expect. New missions will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a new mission from The Mandalorian and Grogu movie on May 22nd, 2026, at both Disneyland and Disney World, and Disney just dropped some new details. On an episode of We Call It Imagineering, Disney’s YouTube series that takes us behind the scenes of upcoming projects, we got a better idea of what’s going on in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. They explained that there are five projectors that all work together, and that, with their new collaboration with Epic Games, Disney wanted to ensure the quality is the same from a single screen to the ride. ©Disney With the update, we’ll see a new scene with the Mandalorian and Grogu, and they also said we can expect higher-quality graphics. The scenes will also be more interactive, as they can render graphics in real time, making your flight feel more realistic. Tatooine on the new version of Smuggler’s Run ©Disney They also wanted to make sure every position on the ride has a great experience, so the engineer, who in the past had not had much to do, will be able to pick the location everyone travels to. We’re excited to see how we’ll be able to pick! Smuggler’s Run When adding the updates, Disney said it was like shopping through a library of assets. They were able to pick and choose scenes with Epic Games and be able to move them directly to the ride. It’s been more efficient and easier to bring the scenes to life. Millennium Falcon I don’t know about you, but I have May 22nd circled in my calendar as this update comes to both Disneyland and Disney World. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. READ MORE ABOUT THE CHANGES COMING TO SMUGGLERS RUN 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 Are you excited for this new update? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

Disney just stepped up their animatronic game, and y’all, we think you’re going to love this. ©Disney Wait till you see this walking and talking Olaf animatronic. You might just think he’s real! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news. FULL GUIDE TO DISNEY’S WORLD OF FROZEN IN HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about Olaf? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. View the full article

On Monday, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) released the latest episode of its hit series, “We Call It Imagineering,” taking audiences inside the global Research & Development efforts driving the next wave of Disney innovation. This group represents the very beginning of the development process, where Imagineers blend creativity and technology to spark ideas for the innovative Disney experiences of tomorrow. This team has worked on some of the most exciting advancements at Disney parks, including interactive attractions, innovative projection systems, and advanced robotic characters. And in this episode, WDI reveals its latest brand-new innovation — a real-life robotic character of Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen films. To unpack the latest exciting innovations coming from Walt Disney Imagineering, we spoke with Kyle Laughlin, SVP, Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. Walt Disney himself constantly strove for technological innovations that would service storytelling. How does WDI Research & Development today blend creativity with technological innovation to advance Disney storytelling? Like everything at Disney, we always start with the story. We think about how we want the guest to feel and what kind of emotional experience we want them to have. Our number one priority is always to build storytelling technology that empowers our Imagineers to truly breathe life into our characters. The technology should be advanced enough to make it invisible to our guests, so they aren’t thinking about all the work and tech that went into making something real, they’re just focusing on having an emotional experience with the characters they care about. The BDX droids were a significant step forward in advanced robotic character technology — what did you learn while creating them about what it takes to make a robot not just a robot, but a character? Disney’s roots are in animation — using motion to create the illusion of life. Walt did it with his early hand-drawn animated films, Pixar and Disney Animation Studios use it for computer-generated animation, and at Imagineering we bring physical characters to life through motion and emotion. A key technology in our platform is deep reinforcement learning that enables robotic characters to learn to imitate artist-provided motion in simulation. This has enabled us to iterate extremely quickly between mechanical design and animation. Because we can iterate so rapidly and bridge the gap between art and science with physical AI, we can achieve this unmatched level of believability. Tell us about the work you’re doing with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to create the simulation framework Newton. How does that allow for robots to utilize reinforcement learning? It takes humans years to perfect our motor skills for walking, and it takes additional years of practice to perform acrobatic motions that only a few of us can master. Deep reinforcement learning is a technology that helps robots acquire such skills in a shorter amount of time — for example, a BDX Droid or an Olaf learning to walk in a stylized way in the physical world. To make this technology scale well, we need fast and parallel simulation. Together with our partners at NVIDIA and Google DeepMind, we are working on a new open-source simulation framework called Newton. At the core of Newton are building blocks that enable the rapid development of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated simulators. One of our contributions to this framework is a simulator called Kamino, which will unlock the potential of reinforcement learning for robotic systems of unmatched complexity. This will help us take a huge step forward in our mission to build robotic characters that perform in-character, just as we know them from the films. Talk to us about the amazing Olaf robotic character. How does the robot utilize the breakthroughs made for the BDX droids, but then go beyond those innovations to create a character who isn’t meant to appear as a robot? The BDX Droids and our latest Olaf bring story and emotion to life through their movements and interactions with guests. However, BDX Droids in the films are literally robotic characters. Olaf is an animated character that is far more challenging to bring to life in the physical world. To get Olaf to move as authentically as possible, we’ve made fundamental additions to our reinforcement learning framework to boost the believability of the character by enabling motion at the limit of hardware. Olaf has a “snow” costume which deforms and moves differently from the BDX Droids hard shells, and he has the ability to fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and (removable) carrot nose. And, most of all, Olaf can speak and engage in conversations. What unique challenges are presented when creating robotic figures based on an animated character? How did you innovate to meet those challenges? When bringing an animated character to life through advanced robotics, the most important thing is that we stay true to the vision of the character created by the filmmakers. Translating these characters from the screen to the real world requires pushing the boundaries of not only technology, but also creativity. We want to bring these characters to life in ways our guests have imagined, but never seen before. Our latest Olaf is a fantastic example of representing an animated character as authentically as possible in the physical world — a challenging task because animated characters most often move in non-physical ways. For example, to make Olaf’s snowball feet move along his body, we paired state-of-the-art deep reinforcement learning with an artistic interface and advances in mechanical design. How do you see the breakthrough you made on Olaf being applied for future innovations? What’s so exciting is that we’re just getting started. The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now our latest Olaf all represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing our Disney characters to life through advanced robotics. The speed at which we’re able to create new characters — and get them in front of our guests — is unprecedented. We are working to scale even bigger, to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to guests at our parks and ships around the world. The post Walt Disney Imagineering Brings ‘Frozen’ Olaf Robotic Character to Life appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Disneyland Paris saw a groundbreaking moment today, where Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, introduced a next-generation robotic character representing Olaf, the beloved snowman from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen. This debut marks a new chapter in Disney character innovation, one where technology, storytelling, and collaboration come together to bring screen to reality. Prototype-completed design varies Innovation at the Core: From Screen to Reality From the way he moves to the way he looks, every gesture and detail is crafted to reflect the Olaf audiences have seen in the film — alive, curious, and unmistakably himself. As for his snow-like shimmer that catches the light just like fresh snow, this was enhanced by iridescent fibers. These details make Olaf one of the most expressive and true-to-life characters built, and he’s soon making his debut at Disney parks. Our roots are in animation with Walt Disney pioneering early hand-drawn films and today, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios continue that tradition. We collaborated closely with the film’s original animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios to ensure every gesture felt true to the character. This isn’t just about replicating the animation, it’s about emulating the creators’ intent. Prototype-completed design varies The Technology Behind the Magic Home to some of the best storytellers in the world, we’re continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology — in fact it is in our DNA. Like everything at Disney, we always start with the story, and our number one priority is to build storytelling technology that empowers our Disney Imagineers to breathe life into our characters. Prototype-completed design varies While the BDX droids — the Star Wars free roaming robotic characters that mimic movements in a simulation — have been interacting with guests for a while now, Olaf presents a far greater challenge: an animated character with non-physical movements. To make Olaf as authentic as possible, the team used a branch of artificial intelligence called reinforcement learning, pushing the limits of hardware to achieve the creative intent of the artists. It takes humans years to master walking and even longer to perform graceful motions. Deep reinforcement learning helps him acquire these skills in a fraction of the time. Prototype-completed design varies Olaf’s “snow” also moves differently than the hard shells of other robotic characters, and he can fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and removable carrot nose and arms. Most importantly, Olaf can speak and engage in conversations, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Innovation takes many forms across our parks, experiences, and products – all focused on improving the guest experience and bringing joy to fans around the world. And what’s most exciting is that we’re just getting started! The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now Olaf represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing Disney characters to life. The speed at which we can create new characters and introduce them to guests is unprecedented. We’re scaling bigger than ever, working to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to our experiences around the world. Prototype-completed design varies Where Guests Can See Olaf Olaf will soon venture out into the unknown, eager to see guests at: Arendelle Bay Show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris. Limited-time special appearances at World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Looking for a warm hug now? You can discover how Olaf, along with other exciting breakthroughs from Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, came to life at in the latest episode of “We Call It Imagineering.” The post Robotic Olaf Marks New Era of Disney Innovation appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article