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6 Things You Missed from “We Call It Imagineering” Episode 7 The newest episode of “We Call It Imagineering” is now playing on YouTube and for the first time, shines a spotlight on Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. At Disney, innovation is in our DNA, and we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to build even more immersive worlds and create richer, more memorable experiences for our guests and fans. Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development represents the very beginning of the development process, where Imagineers blend creativity and technology to spark ideas for the innovative Disney experiences of tomorrow. From next-generation Audio-Animatronics technology to innovative partnerships with leaders in the technology industry, we’re excited to give you a first glance at all that we’ve been working on to take our guests straight into their favorite stories, in ways they never thought were possible. Check out the episode to take a closer look at the minds and technology that are propelling our creativity and imaginations forward. Here’s a roundup of what we’re most excited about: 1. A First Look at Disney Research in Switzerland Step inside the Disney Research lab in Zürich! In the last few decades, Switzerland has quickly developed into a hub for AI and robotics, anchored by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology or ETH Zürich. Through close academic partnerships with ETH Zürich and other institutions, Disney Research is making even bigger strides in robotics, AI, hardware and software engineering and more. For decades, Disney has been a leader in entertainment robotics, beginning with Lucky the Dinosaur through present day with advanced robots like the BDX Droids. Disney Research builds on that legacy by continuing to make huge strides that not only push themed entertainment forward, but the entire robotics industry, too. Prototype-completed design varies 2. Olaf will soon greet guests in Hong Kong and Paris as an all-new robotic character The latest advancements in our entertainment robotics mean Imagineers are more equipped than even before to create beloved characters of all shapes and sizes, just as we know them from our favorite films and shows. First up? Olaf! From the way he moves to the way he looks, every gesture and detail of this next-generation robotic figure is crafted to reflect the Olaf audiences have seen in the films — alive, curious, and unmistakably himself. Our latest Olaf represents increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing our Disney characters to life through advanced robotics. Guests can meet Olaf for the first time early next year in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and at Disney Adventure World in Paris. 3. The development of our first aquatic robotic prototype With considerable advancements made to robots on land, Imagineers are expanding their horizons… to the sea?! Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development is expanding entertainment robotics to water-based robots – we’re calling this effort, ‘aquatic robotics’! These aquatic robots are controlled by a software system that allows them to operate almost autonomously through the use of onboard sensors, much like what you would find in self-driving cars and drones. Early-stage prototyping is underway for two different forms: a dolphin-like figure that both dives and jumps out of the water, as well as a manta ray-like figure that glides over the water’s surface. This new technology is only the beginning of future live shows and performances, where new characters come to life in never-before-seen ways. 4. The Introduction of Next-Generation Audio-Animatronics We all know about the growth and evolution of Audio-Animatronics figures, but wait until you see the latest innovation. Building on Walt Disney’s legacy, Audio-Animatronics technology combines real-time front projection mapping with streamlined mechanical design, to enable greater depth, emotion and expressiveness in our figures. Actions previously not possible like crying or blushing are now emotions in our storytelling toolkit and allow for a whole new level of immersive emotional connection for guests. Audio-Animatronics® technology also lets Imagineers bring beloved characters from the screens to our parks faster and more accurately than before and it’s especially transformative for characters who have traditionally challenging features to create like Mike Wazowski, Lightning McQueen, or Hades. 5. Exclusive chat with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Bruce Vaughn In the new episode, President and CCO of Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaugh sits down with Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA, to discuss advancements in storytelling enabled by Disney’s technological innovation, and how those advancements trickle down to revolutionize other industries, pushing forward society. The conversation highlights technology in service of the story, where the technology should be so advanced, it blends into the background, leaving guests only focused on having an emotional experience with the characters they care about. Disney’s close working relationship with NVIDIA further advances the fusion between AI, computer graphics and robotics to make our characters feel more alive than ever before. 6. More is on the horizon as strategic partnerships usher in a new age of innovation As Bruce and Jensen touched on, our technology and creativity go further and reaches its full potential through close partnerships with other leaders in technology. In addition to our ongoing partnership with NVIDIA, other work with industry-leading organizations like Epic Games, Google DeepMind, and Meta enable us to scale even bigger, to bring more emotive, expressive, and surprising characters to guests at our parks and ships around the world. Our collaboration with Meta using their Wearables Device Access Toolkit and AI glasses allows us to unlock a world of innovation and storytelling for Disney guests and Imagineers. This could include future visualization possibilities, like providing guests with real-time information about nearby offerings and products while in Disney parks, and Imagineers could also leverage this technology for behind-the-scenes design applications to enhance the ways they bring stories to life. And next year, guests will get to see first-hand the magic built through our partnership with Epic Games, in an all-new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Inspired by the upcoming film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, the new mission lets crews control their destinations for the first time with enhanced storytelling and controls only made possible with Epic’s Unreal Engine 5. Guests will get to experience it alongside Mando and Grogu at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort beginning May 22, 2026. Phew! And that’s just the start. Don’t forget to check out the full episode about everything happening within the walls of Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. To stay up to date on the new innovations making their way to Disney parks and beyond, check out Walt Disney Imagineering on Instagram and YouTube. The post 6 Things You Missed from “We Call It Imagineering” Episode 7 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

As the Magic Kingdom prepares to turn 55 in October of 2026, the park is set to have a game-changing year that will see not one, not two, but three classic attractions updated for a new generation of guests, all while two massive new lands rise at the back of the park. Walt Disney — A Magical Life Over the course of my 30+ years visiting Disney theme parks, I’ve seen the Magic Kingdom transform a great deal. However, few years match 2025, which saw the closure of the entire Rivers of America. With that iconic opening day area closed, what will 2026 bring? Well, let’s find out. Big Thunder Mountain Roars Back First off, there’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The iconic E-Ticket has been closed since January 2025 for a massive refurbishment project. Construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad According to Disney, the attraction is scheduled to reopen in 2026 with “new magic” including a fully refurbished track and a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns of Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. ©Disney Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Blasts Off On the other side of the park, Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th for a refurbishment. ©Disney The refurbished attraction will feature new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the parks original robot character named Buddy who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.” ©Disney Uncle Walt Comes to the Carousel of Progress At the 2025 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney made a surprise announcement that major — and long-awaited — changes were coming to the iconic Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. Carousel of Progress The show, which dates back to the 1964 World’s Fair, will see a Walt Disney animatronic — similar to the one that debuted at Disneyland earlier this year, though appearing with an Imagineering workshop as opposed to his office — will now be part of the attraction’s pre-show, and the entire presentation will be updated, likely with a new finale. This refurbishment is scheduled to begin and be completed in 2026. ©Disney While those are the big projects coming in 2026, two further MASSIVE additions — the Cars-themed Piston Peak in Frontierland and the Villains Land expansion coming “beyond” Big Thunder Mountain — are currently under construction at the park. While both are still years away, their impact is still being felt through construction walls and detours. ©bioreconstruct on X The Magic Kingdom is in the midst of a years-long transformation, with 2026 being the first step as the park enters its second half-century. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Walt Disney World’s evolution. Inside Disney’s Space Mountain: Everything You Don’t See When the Lights Are Out Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these Magic Kingdom updates are you most excited for? View the full article

It feels like every company is starting to use artificial intelligence (AI), and we’re all trying to figure out if this is a good or bad thing. ©Disney During an Earnings Call for Quarter 3, the Walt Disney Company spoke out about its use of AI currently and in the future. Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, mentioned that they’ve been in talks with AI companies to protect the value of their own intellectual property (IP) while seeking opportunities to use AI technology to increase consumer engagement. He also mentioned they’re seeking these opportunities not just to make processes more efficient but also with Cast Members, guests, and consumers. The Walt Disney Company headquarters in California One big project they’re working on is creating a one-app experience in which Disney+ serves as a portal to all things Disney. He went on to add that there would be opportunities for commerce and engagement for people to go to Disney Parks and on Disney Cruise Line, as well as an opportunity for games and partnerships with the Epic Games integration. ©Disney Iger specifically mentioned how he’s excited about AI providing users with engaged experiences, including the opportunity to create and consume user-generated content from others, including short-form. ©Disney While all of this sounds exciting, should Disney be using AI to achieve that? Experts say there are pros and cons to using AI, but one of the bigger concerns is its impact on employment. The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to layoffs, having laid off several hundred employees this year. Most years, there are some layoffs in a variety of departments, including Disney Parks, Disney Studios, and Disney Entertainment. Disney Cast Members In June, many of the laid-off employees were from Disney Entertainment Television, and in March, they were from Disney’s ABC News Group and Disney’s Entertainment Newworks Unit. The idea of using AI comes up often in movies and television, but with the employees being laid off, should Disney focus on increasing employment or efficient production? Of course, we also can’t forget about the 7,000 employees laid off in 2023. Disney Animation at D23 2022 The project also talks about an opportunity to create and consume user-generated content, including short-form content. That sounds a lot like social media, especially TikTok and YouTube, the two platforms that rely on video content. Incorporating this into Disney+ is certainly an interesting concept, and it sounds like Disney+ could feature Disney’s own content as well as content from other creators. It would be a one-stop shop where you could have everything in one place, including the option to purchase items. ©Disney || Disney+ AI feels like the future, but the Walt Disney Company itself has had issues with AI. The company has sued multiple AI companies before for using its intellectual property and displaying AI-generated images featuring its copyrighted characters. One of their concerns with an AI company, MiniMax, was that it’s “only a matter of time until Hailuo AI can generate unauthorized, infringing videos” that are “substantially longer, and even eventually the same duration as a movie or television program.” Movie theater The Motion Picture Association, another group that sued the AI company alongside Disney, said it was concerned that “copyright infringement, left unchecked, threatens the entire American motion picture industry.” The AI company has a tag line of “Hollywood studio in your pocket.” It seems like the Walt Disney Company is opposed to AI in certain situations but is okay when it’s behind the content. It will be interesting to see how the company continues to use AI across its various segments, including TV and movies, Disney Parks and Experiences, and more. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more updates. NEW PATENT REVEALS DISNEY ANIMATRONICS MIGHT LOOK EVEN BETTER SOON Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts? Should Disney use AI? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is well underway! The original Disney park has had a big year with a new attraction, limited-time snacks, and more. ©McDonald’s If you can’t make it to Anaheim to get in on the celebrations, no worries! Disney is bringing the fun to you thanks to McDonald’s. We just got a first look at the fast food chain’s newest toy collection, and let us just say, we will be running to McDonald’s next week! McDonald’s is getting in on the 70th anniversary fun! To celebrate the park’s milestone, Disney and McDonald’s have collaborated to release 70 toys for 70 years of the Disneyland Resort! Our text from McDonald’s Each Happy Meal will come with 2 of these limited-time toys, so you can get double the surprises. Over on Instagram, McDonald’s even gave us a full look at what characters you might get in your meal. There are tons of familiar faces like Snow White, Mater, Tinker Bell, Kylo Ren, and more! ©McDonald’s You can also grab characters like Maleficent, Iron Man, and even Sleeping Beauty Castle! ©McDonald’s Chip n’ Dale can be seen in a Mad Hatter tea cup, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps are stopping by, and Dory is ready to make a splash! ©McDonald’s There are even some theme park-specific characters like the Hat Box Ghost! Characters like Clarabelle are even sporting their Disneyland 70th outfits. ©McDonald’s The toys are inspired by different properties, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney! ©McDonald’s Even some of Disney’s most popular characters, like Anxiety and Sadness are included! They’re just too sweet! ©McDonald’s These new toys are debuting on December 2nd, 2025, and will be available for a limited time only. We can’t wait to collect them all! This is giving us serious throwback vibes to the Disney 100 collection with McDonald’s, which we also tried to collect. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more! Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you get one of these new toys? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

If you’ve been thinking about adding a new Loungefly bag to your collection, this is your sign to finally go for it because some of these Amazon deals are wild right now. Loungefly bags galore! We found 10 Disney Loungefly bags on sale for up to 53% off, and if you’ve ever shopped Loungefly before, you know that kind of discount does not come around often. These will not last, so let’s jump right in. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Loungefly Disney Minnie Floral and Lace Kisslock Crossbody Bag ©Amazon If you love a bag that feels like a vintage treasure, this one is the moment. The kiss-lock clasp gives it that old-fashioned charm, and the applique Minnie ears with polka dots are ridiculously cute. The embroidered roses and lace trim make it feel extra delicate and feminine, and the little pink 3D bow in the center ties the whole look together. It’s the perfect “grab it and go” bag for days when you want something pretty but not too bulky. View on SALE Loungefly Disney The Muppets Miss Piggy Mini Backpack ©Amazon Calling all fashionistas. Miss Piggy has entered the chat. This mini backpack captures her showstopping personality perfectly. The top flap even has an enamel charm of Miss Piggy herself, which honestly feels iconic. Whether you’re heading out for a day in the parks or trying to add a little diva energy to your outfit, this bag will absolutely do it. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Mini Backpack ©Amazon This bag is everything if you love Halloween. Minnie peeks out from behind a candy-filled jack-o’-lantern bowl that doubles as the front pocket. The pumpkin-and-candy-corn pattern shows up on the sides, back, and her bow, tying the whole design together. Plus, it glows in the dark and is candy corn scented. If you’re already planning your fall park outfits, this bag needs to be included. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Dumbo Star of the Show Mini Backpack ©Amazon The powder blue exterior mixed with the circus stripe front pocket gives this bag so much personality. There are adorable debossed Dumbo graphics, gold hardware, and plenty of space inside for your essentials. It’s whimsical, bright, and honestly looks like something straight out of a storybook. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Sleeping Beauty Princess Lenticular Mini Backpack ©Amazon This design is so detailed it practically tells a story. Aurora looks into a window that shifts depending on how you move the bag. One moment she’s dancing with Prince Phillip, and the next she’s pricking her finger on the spindle. The debossed flowers, woodland creatures, and fairy details make this bag feel super high-end. It’s dreamy, romantic, and perfect for any Sleeping Beauty fan. View on SALE Loungefly x Disney Mickey and Minnie Mouse Sweets Ice Cream Mini Backpack ©Amazon If you love Loungefly’s food-themed designs, this is a must. With dripping chocolate syrup details, rainbow sprinkles, faux leather appliqués, and a Mickey-shaped cherry on top, this bag looks good enough to eat. Inside, you’ll find rainbow sprinkle lining, and the gold-tone hardware adds a nice pop. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Minnie Sunflower Mini Backpack ©Amazon If sunshine were a backpack, it would be this one. The sunflower ears and white bow are adorable, and there are even more sunflowers scattered across the front pocket. It’s bright, cheerful, and perfect for spring and summer park outfits. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Cinderella 75th Anniversary Pink Bow Mini Backpack ©Amazon This bag is draped in soft pink satin-inspired details that mimic Cinderella’s gown. The 3D bows on the front add such a charming touch, and the whole bag feels elegant without being too formal. It’s the kind of Loungefly that works for the parks but also looks great for a night out. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Peter Pan Glow Clock Mini Backpack ©Amazon This one is loaded with special features. Peter Pan and the Darling children fly across Big Ben on the front, and the clock face glows in the dark. Its arms move, the windows glow, and there’s even a Nana zipper pull charm. On the back, Tinker Bell spells out “Just a little bit of Pixie Dust.” If you want a bag that sparks conversation, this is it. View on SALE Loungefly Disney Winnie The Pooh Gingham Mini Backpack ©Amazon Pooh is front and center, licking his lips with anticipation while hugging a red gingham heart. Bees buzz around him and they actually move. The bright yellow gingham pattern feels playful and nostalgic, and the back features the phrase, “I think the bees suspect something.” It’s adorable, standout, and perfect for everyday wear. View on SALE We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! View the full article

Disney’s Tangled is celebrating its 15th anniversary (yes, we’re all getting old), and the House of Mouse is teaming with Her Universe on a new collection in honor of the milestone! ©Disney The merchandise celebrates Rapunzel in all her stylish, if somewhat unkempt, glory, and is available on Disney’s webstore now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Tangled Cable-Knit Sweater ©Disney This cable-knit features Rapunzel “swinging on her long golden hair as it weaves around the letters of Tangled” while Pascal appears on the sleeve. The sweater features a V-neck, striped ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem, dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and a Disney Parks | Her Universe label. SHOP HERE Tangled Sequin Jersey ©Disney If you’re looking for something a bit more ostentatious, there’s this bright purple sequin jersey. The jersey features all-over multicolor sequins, including an embellished sequin front that spells out Tangled, and features the number ‘’10” (in honor of the year of the film’s release), Pascal, and a Disney Princess logo and a crown are featured as sequin embellishments on the back. Each sleeve also includes a sequin sundrop flower. SHOP HERE Rapunzel ”Wait…Let Me Overthink This” Sweater ©Disney Rapunzel’s… unique personality is on full display on this pullover sweater. The quote is paired with an image of the character wielding her trusty frying pan. The garment features an oversized fit, ribbed crew neck, cuffs, and hem with contrast stripe, dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and a fleece fabrication interior. SHOP HERE Tangled Spirit Jersey ©Disney Okay, so this last one is a bit of a cheat in that it’s not part of Her Universe, but we couldn’t resist including this Tangled spirit jersey. It features a puffy ink Pascal on the chest, puffy metallic ‘Rapunzel lettering on the back shoulder with sequined Corona sun symbol, Rapunzel screen art on the back midsection, heavyweight knit fabric, dropped shoulders, long, full sleeves, pieced yoke, a ribbed crew neck, a shirttail hem, a woven spirit jersey label at the side hem, and a Disney label at the front hem. SHOP HERE If you’re a Tangled fan celebrating the film’s big anniversary, get over to Disney’s web store ASAP! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney product reveals! View the full article

Picture this: You picked the location, the special drink you want to order, and when you’re going to shop up. You know it gets busy there ,so you arrive right when it opens to get there first and — BAM — everyone is already there sitting down sipping on the drink you wanted to get. The Enchanted Rose The hours for a popular lounge at Disney World just changed, and now they’re opening even earlier, so if you’re planning a trip to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa soon, here’s what you need to know before you show up. The Enchanted Rose now opens from 12 PM to 11 PM, where it used to open at 1 PM. See? Your plan to rope drop would have been ruined! Food options This lounge is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and is a beautiful space to grab a drink and some small bites after a fun day in the parks. There’s currently a lot of construction happening in the area, so you might see or hear some of the renovations while you’re in the lounge, but they only work on the hotel during daytime hours. Enchanted Rose Lounge While you visit the Grand Floridian, don’t forget to check out the Christmas decorations. Because of the construction, there’s no gingerbread house display, but there is a massive Christmas tree that you won’t be able to miss. Family photos, anyone? Grand Floridian Christmas Tree You can also check out The Perch, the new lobby bar that opened recently. They have beautiful cocktails and a variety of drinks to try. The bar is right by the tree, so you can have a sip while admiring the decorations. The Perch Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the Disney news you need to know before your upcoming trip. REVIEW: YOU DON’T WANT TO GO TO THIS DISNEY WORLD RESTAURANT BEFORE 5PM 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 Enchanted Rose? Tell us what you liked in the comments. View the full article

Is there anything better than showing off your love for Disney in your daily life? From home decorations to accessories in your outfits, there are tons of ways to make your life even more magical. Rapunzel One of our favorite ways is with a designer bag or two! Luckily for us (and all Tangled fans), Dooney and Bourke just dropped a new collection for the film’s 15th anniversary. Let’s go shopping together! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We can’t believe Tangled is 15 years old! We’re feeling a little old remembering that fact, so what helps us feel better? Retail therapy! Tangled Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag ©Disney Is this not the sweetest bag you’ve ever seen?! Rapunzel can be seen gazing out of her tower as she watches the floating lights fly high into the sky. On the back, you can see the skyline with floating lanterns, the river, and the boats where she and Flynn Rider head to later in the film. It has a zip closure with a leather pull and stitched leather trim along the bag. On the base of the bag, the words ”I see the light” are printed. Shop on the Disney Store Tangled Dooney & Bourke Crossbody ©Disney If you need a smaller bag, you can also check out this new Tangled crossbody! It features the same scene and details, along with a zip closure with a leather pull and stitched leather trim. There’s also an interior key hook, zip, and slip pockets. The shoulder strap is adjustable, so you can make it just right for you. The classic Dooney and Bourke gold hardware also details the bag. Shop on the Disney Store We are obsessed with this new collection and are so happy to see Rapunzel getting some extra love on her birthday. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more online finds! View the full article

You need Hollywood Studios food tips and you need it FAST? Peach Cobbler This video’s gonna tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about dining around this park as quickly as possible! Check out our video below: The ULTIMATE Guide to Hollywood Studios in 2026 Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. View the full article

Attendance at IAAPA Expo remains on the uptick. The annual event, which concluded last week at Orange County Convention Center, had 43,840 registered participants for 2025, a new record. The five days of educational sessions, ride-vehicles reveals and other show floor activities are presented by Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. In June, the group announced plans to expand into the convention center’s West Concourse for the first time in 2026. Previously, it has been staged only within the North and South concourses. This year the 550,000-square-foot expo floor was sold out, featuring more than 1,100 exhibitors. Next year’s space will increase by almost 50%. IAAPA CEO Jakob Wahl talked with the Orlando Sentinel about the event and its future, including next year’s event which starts Nov. 16, 2026. Wahl on the trends for 2025: When you look around, we see the industry evolve further. We see technology being a stronger, vital part of everything that is done here. Technology in back of house, we see that going stronger, also technology enhancing attractions. I think accessibility is a huge topic in many different aspects. You see it at the Zamperla booth with that beautiful ride. You see it also in attractions or roller coasters being built, which are accessible from smaller size on. We’re not only talking about special needs, but how do we make sure that the broadest number of people can actually ride with us. And then we have this collaboration, which we announced today, with Licensing International, about intellectual property, the continued merge of the entertainment and the attractions world. … There’s so much out there from the sports world, from the gaming world. Minecraft is something that was announced here last year, and I think that continues to expand. Crowds fill the floor at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. There were more than 43,000 registered participants for the 2025 event. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) On the uptick in attendance: It is interesting because we see the largest growth actually coming from the U.S., American market. We see a decline from Canada, and we see decline from other regions. We have added expos across the world. We have the European expo, which was a record show this year. We have the Middle East expo now. So while we spread out in the regions, we might draw less international visitors [to Orlando]. I think you don’t see the full effect this year because everybody wants to see Epic [Universe]. There’s a certain percentage of people who are here this year because of Epic. On if the record was surprising: We forecasted it. I think the team has done a fantastic job. .. We work with the exhibition company, which does surveys of trade shows, and we are among the top 1% of trade shows in NPS – net promoter score – which, in marketing language, is the key indicator if you’re successful. So the people who come really, really, really like it here, and they want to come back. The second thing is, the team is doing an amazing job in innovating, in making sure the show is relevant, to do the Haunting Grounds, to do the live chef station. There’s a station where they do presentations, and the Halloween pavilion now they also have presentations to strengthen that merge between education and credit and vendors. … I would say it’s fair to say that we got concerned about what happened with the shutdown with flights and what the impact is because our people book late. But ultimately, I’m glad that the politicians could find agreement in some kind of way, and the numbers speak a clear language. On expanding the expo floor: We have 200 companies on the waiting list. … It’s hard to turn down a member, saying, “Well, we don’t have space for you.” Second of all, we want to grow the show. Every exhibitor, I’m not sure if you’re aware, is allowed to invite their customers to this expo. The more companies can exhibit, the more people will come as well. And that is where we see growth in other markets. The amusement parks know us, the water parks know us, the zoos know us. But, you know, we see more and more companies, museums and cruises in all those aspects of technology of running a business which are which want to be part of this. On the what will happen in the additional space: We are actually moving certain areas over there. We’re moving rides over there. But the thing is, every exhibitor can decide. We have created pavilions … if they follow it or not, it’s their call. We have done that to deliver the best experience for our guests, and we’ll see how it works out. … There will be many learnings after year one, but for us, it’s a fantastic opportunity. On the expo’s entertainment factor We will continue to see the path which you have seen over the years. I’m not sure if you saw the drone show. … There’s another example where we try to give an experience to our attendees in the same way they give experience to their guests. And it was fantastic because everybody was standing on the North concourse. The big [IAAPA] logo showed up and with fireworks with the drones. That is a pathway we will continue on. This is a top experience, which, first of all, you can’t miss because you see everything that is happening. Second, you learn everything that is happening. And third, because it’s a good event, where you kind of feel, “Wow, that was worth going.” dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

One of Walt Disney World’s most iconic Holiday events is almost here, and with it comes a veritable smorgasbord of delectable new Holiday treats. Spaceship Earth at Christmastime Kicking off on November 28th — the day after Thanksgiving — EPCOT’s annual International Festival of the Holidays features seasonal flavors from around the world, including several options debuting in 2025. NEW Festival of the Holidays Items for 2025 Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow – CommuniCore Hall Prototype Cookie: Sugar cookie with orange-cranberry icing and dark chocolate Ginger-Molasses Cookie with cream cheese icing Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s with whipped cream vodka Crooked Can Brewing Company Gingerbread Bock Gulf Stream Brewing Baking Spirits Bright Gingerbread Red Ale ©Disney Favorites of Festivals Past – CommuniCore Plaza Cigar City Brewing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Brown Ale Holiday Hearth Desserts – The Odyssey Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookie (Plant-based) Red Velvet Cake Pop with festive sprinkles BRLO Winter Hard Cider Keel Farms Yukon Maple Bourbon Hard Cider 3 Daughters Brewing Peppermint Hard Cider Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Cranberry Vanilla Wheat Ale Brewery Ommegang Gilded Noel White Chocolate Imperial Blonde Stout ©Disney Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Tostada de Carne: Braised beef tips slowly cooked Mexican-style atop a fried corn tortilla with black beans, crispy onions, and queso fresco Tamal de Pollo con Mole: Shredded chicken and mole in corn masa topped with mole negro, queso fresco, crema Mexicana, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with cinnamon sugar Chai-mazing Margarita: Chai-infused Dulce Vida Tequila Blanco, apple-ginger juice, and chai liqueur Horchata Margarita: Cinnamon-infused Ilegal Mezcal, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, agua de horchata, and cinnamon horchata rum ©Disney Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China BBQ Char Siu Pork Fried Rice with Chinese La Chang sausage, egg, yellow onion, green onion, and sesame Tiger Milk Tea with Assam black tea, whole milk, brown sugar syrup, and tapioca boba (Non-alcoholic) Refreshment Outpost – African Outpost Spiced Shrimp Stew with rice Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Florida Ginger Snap Lager Crooked Can Brewing Company Chocolate Mint Cookie Stout ©Disney Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Weihenstephaner Kristallweissbier Sommerfest – Germany Warm Apfel Cider with Jägermeister liqueur garnished with an orange wedge. (Served warm) Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Salsiccia e Peperoni: Sweet sausage, roasted peppers, and focaccia Pizza e Cioccolato: Fried house-made pizza dough with sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate Fife and Drum – American Adventure Apple Pie Sundae: Apple pie filling with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce topped with streusel Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue – American Adventure Frozen Gingerbread Eggnog with gingerbread syrup topped with nutmeg (Non-alcoholic; spirited version available with Thomas Tew Single Barrel Rum) Block & Hans – American Adventure Apple Pie Frozen Slush: Frozen Minute Maid Apple Juice with cinnamon syrup topped with cinnamon and sugar (Non-alcoholic) (Spirited version available with apple pie moonshine) American Holiday Table – American Adventure Chocolate Cookie featuring SNICKERS bar pieces and salted caramel Victory Brewing Co. Chocolate Cherry Stout Funnel Cake Stand – American Adventure Red Velvet Cookie Funnel Cake topped with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, cream cheese whipped cream, red velvet cookie pieces, mini chocolate chips, and chocolate syrup ©Disney Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen – Japan Strawberry Bun: Soft pink dessert bao containing sweet strawberry cream filling finished with a light coconut sauce Yuzu Refresher: Yuzu and passion fruit drink with Minute Maid Premium Lemonade and popping green apple boba pearls (Non-alcoholic) Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco 3 Daughters Brewing Golden Fig Hard Cider Keel Farms Frostbite Blueberry Ginger Hard Cider L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen Menu – Between Morocco and France Mickey-shaped Almond Black and White Cookie Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – France Macaron de Noël aux Épices: Large gingerbread macaron with spiced filling Dinde Rôtie, Sauce et Garniture, servi avec Patates Douces: Roasted turkey with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, turkey gravy, and roasted sweet potatoes Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé Vin Chaud French Mulled Wine flavored with orange and cinnamon spices. Served warm ©Disney Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookie with maple buttercream Collective Arts Brewing Brown Sugar Coffee Porter Refreshment Port – Near Canada Keel Farms Cinnamon Sugar Donut Hard Cider Swirled Showcase Menu – Between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate-Peppermint Mousse featuring M&M’S Holiday Mint Chocolate Candies Holiday Sweets & Treats – Near Point of Entry Festive Flight featuring Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s (Non-alcoholic): Christmas Sugar Cookie Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and sprinkles Gingerbread Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and a gingerbread garnish Cookie Butter Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and speculoos spice Stevens Point Brewery Whole Hog Hazelnut Brownie Porter Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen – Between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion Maui Brewing Co. Mango Stickee Rice IPA Nochebuena Cocina Menu – Between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion Pan de Jamón: Traditional Latin Christmas bread, rolled ham, raisins, and green olives ©Disney Sunshine Seasons – The Land Cookie Milk Shake: Spiced gelato with whipped cream, a cookie wreath, Mickey-shaped holly, and sprinkles (Non-alcoholic) Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Throughout the Park Holiday Cookie Latte: Espresso, caramel sauce, almond syrup, and choice of milk topped with whipped cream and merry sugar sprinkles (Spirited version available with Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur) ©Disney As you can see, there are A LOT of new options at the Festival of the Holidays this year, and that’s not even counting all of the returning favorites as well! Stay tuned to DFB for more as the festival approaches. These Disney Adult EPCOT Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these items are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

2025 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon | runDisneyView the full article

If you’re someone who goes to Disney World year-round, there are some things you need to prioritize during the holiday season. Something that needs to be on top of your “must-do” list is ride overlays! These are special twists on your favorite attractions that are usually only here for a limited time. The Jingle Cruise is back! The holidays bring fun overlays, some massive ride changes, and some small differences that might take you a second to catch. Here are the holiday overlays at Disney World! First up, we have the Jingle Cruise in Magic Kingdom! This is your holiday take on the Jungle Cruise, where the Skippers tell seasonal jokes and the queues, boats, and animals have decked the halls. The wait times for this ride can get super long, so you might want to grab a Lightning Lane or rope drop the attraction. Jingle Cruise Also in Magic Kingdom, you should take a trip up the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. The organ usually plays Christmas music instead of its usual tunes, and this usually changes around the beginning of December, so keep an ear out! Holiday overlay at the Swiss Family Treehouse Heading to Hollywood Studios, don’t skip Frozen Sing-Along. The show transforms into a holiday version, with Olaf coming out at the end to help celebrate the festivities. Of course, Frozen lovers will need to watch this, but it’s also a fun, 30-minute show where you get to sit inside for a bit. For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Holiday Ending Alien Swirling Saucers also gets a chance! They switch back and forth between Christmas songs and normal Toy Story songs, so you don’t know which one you’re going to get. Alien Swirling Saucers In EPCOT, this change is probably my all-time favorite. At Journey Into Imagination, Figment changes over his sweater to his Christmas one during the sound scene. Yes, it’s small, but yes, it’s adorable and worth the ride. It usually changes at the beginning of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, which starts on November 28th (ahhh, it’s so soon!!!). He’s very festive now Those are our ride changes, but you shouldn’t forget to check out some characters! We saw Chip and Dale in Hollywood Studios, wearing their caps and scarves. VERY excited for their new outfits DinoLand U.S.A. is in the middle of a major transformation into Pueblo Esperanza, so we’ll be slowly losing our dino fun. Last year, we were able to see some of our besties in their DinoLand outfits with a Christmas twist, and while we’re not sure this will happen this year, Mickey and Minnie in Adventure Outpost usually have Christmas outfits, too. Mickey and Minnie! In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for everything you need to know for your holiday visit to Disney World. FULL GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS AT DISNEY WORLD Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite part of the holidays at Disney World? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

We just found the BEST Disney deals on Amazon right now. We love our Loungeflys! From toys, Loungefly bags, FuelRods, and more, there’s something for everyone. These will make perfect, easy gifts, making Christmas shopping this year even easier than before. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. FuelRod Kit FuelRods We are literally obsessed with FuelRods. These battery packs are our favorite because you can swap your dead batteries for fully charged ones for free all around Disney World. While you can buy these at the park kiosks, it’s cheaper on Amazon, and this is a two-pack, so you always have a fully charged one ready to go. SHOP ON SALE NOW Sobel Pillow ©Amazon Did you recently sleep at a Disney World hotel and have the best sleep of your life with the softest pillows? Meet the Sobel Pillow, where you can get the same feeling (and hopefully sleep) back home. They’re currently 18% off, which will probably make it cheaper to buy the pillow than book an entire trip back to Disney World. SHOP ON SALE NOW Loungefly Miss Piggy Backpack ©Amazon Muppet fans unite! This backpack is dedicated to the fabulous Miss Piggy and is 50% off! We love our Loungefly bags, and these mini backpack sizes are our go-tos for a day in the parks. The bright pink is so fun, and the drawstrings add a fun look. SHOP ON SALE NOW Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Set JoyJolt Disney Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Cups Ready for a little Mickey fun at the bottom of your mug? These are so much fun for coffee because it’s a bit of Disney magic every time you grab a cup in the morning. From the side, it doesn’t look like anything special, but when you look on top, you see a Mickey head! SHOP ON SALE NOW MultiCharger for MagicBands MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Trust me, once you’ve tried to charge multiple MagicBands, battery packs, watches, and more, you’ll be desperate for more outlets in your hotel room. This charger is great because you can charge multiple MagicBands at once, and it doubles as a battery pack with sliders to keep your bands from falling off. SHOP ON SALE NOW Loungefly Organizer HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer If you love Loungefly bags like we do, you might struggle to find items inside your bag and have to switch everything around when you change bags. This organizer saves the day! You can slide this easily into the mini backpacks, so you don’t have to stick your hand into the blackhole, and then you can just move it over when you want to switch to your next bag. SHOP ON SALE NOW LEGO Grogu ©Amazon Baby Yoda (are we still allowed to call him that?)! This LEGO set is currently 50% off, and you can build Grogu and his hover pram. He fits inside the carrier or stands on his own. There are even dials on the back so you can move his arms up and down. This is the way. SHOP ON SALE NOW Kendra Scott Mickey Necklace ©Amazon This necklace is perfect for going on a Disney trip or for keeping the magic alive at home. The gold with white pearl is currently 30% off, and this is such an easy gift for the Disney Adults in your life or for stuffing your own stocking. SHOP ON SALE NOW Disney Bitzee Toy Bitzee Mickey! This little toy features 30 interactive characters from your favorite Disney movies. From Stitch, Mickey, Lightning McQueen, and more, they respond to swipes, tilts, and taps with different interactions and sounds. There are even iconic Disney movie moments in it. SHOP ON SALE NOW In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney finds for the holiday season. View the full article

We were so excited when Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (a Disneyland STAPLE) finally made its way across the country to Disney World in Florida. Now, we know that Blue Ribbon is notorious for creating corn dogs that are controversial (Pickle Dog…need we say more?). Meet the Salmon Dog Well, we think Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs at Disney’s BoardWalk might have just out-controversial’d itself because its new Corn Dog is probably going to divide a lot of Disney fans. We’re STILL confused about it. We give you…(drum roll, please)…the Salmon Dog. This is salmon and cream cheese fried in tempura batter, drizzled with Siracha mayo, topped with sesame seeds, and unagi sauce, served with a bag of chips on the side for $18. Y’all…we’re still confused by this thing. But it did surprise us because it was actually…well…tasty? The salmon is cooked and deep-fried with a chunk of cream cheese, and that’s always a good combo. We will say the salmon wasn’t really seasoned, but that’s what the sauce is for. There it is! So you’ve got the salmon and the ooey gooey cream cheese inside a light and crispy batter shell. All things considering, this thing also held up better than we expected. The unagi sauce is like a thick, sweet soy sauce. The sriracha mayo adds some creaminess and that bit of spice from sriracha, but it isn’t really spicy at all. The sesame seeds add a nice extra texture and sesame flavor. It’s good? Despite our confusion, we ate the whole thing, but we were very hungry. But honestly, it was fairly tasty, although it’s still a little weird it being battered and fried like a corn dog. However, don’t expect a classic corn dog flavor…this certainly tastes like salmon, so you’ll have to like salmon to appreciate it. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: This Disney World Cake Literally Looks Like a Gingerbread House (And Tastes Like It Too!) 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? Would you try this snack? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Black Friday deals are LIVE on Amazon right now, and you can save on so many items, it has our heads spinning. JoyJolt Cups We’re keeping our eyes peeled for all the latest and greatest Disney deals that are online for Black Friday, so you can make sure you’re getting the best deals you can. We’ve checked through all of them just today, and here are some of the BEST items we’ve found — you can save up to 70%! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. The Nostalgic Funko POP You Can Get For Less Than $5 ©Amazon Bring it back to the past, when Disney Channel was our favorite channel to throw on, with the Funko Pop Disney: Kim Possible! We’re not kidding, she’s literally under $5 right now, and that’s a HUGE deal! It won’t be around for long though, so grab it while you can. Check Price on Amazon Miss Piggy ANYTHING is A Win ©Amazon Saving on The Muppets Miss Piggy Loungefly Mini Backpack is a HUGE steal, because have you SEEN this thing? It’s adorable, perfect to fit all you need for the parks, and is a fantastic way to keep the Muppets alive in the parks until Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster switches themes in 2026. Check Price on Amazon A Bike For Christmas? Yes, Please! ©Amazon If you’ve got a little one who’s looking to begin learning to ride a bike this year, and happens to love Frozen, then the Huffy Frozen Bike is perfect! It’s currently 28% off at the time of writing, which is a pretty substantial amount — everything counts, right? Check Price on Amazon The Perfect Cup of Morning Coffee JoyJolt Disney Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Cups If you love your morning cup of coffee as much as we do, you’ll want to grab the JoyJolt Disney Mickey Mouse 3D Glass Cups Set while they’re on sale to have the best morning coffee you can. They’re double-insulated, so while your coffee will look like Mickey, you won’t have to worry about burning your hands on the sides of your cup. Check Price on Amazon A New Version of Clue! ©Amazon Clue is one of our favorite board games to play with family, and now you can bring Disney magic to it with the Clue: Disney Villains Edition Board Game! You can play as one of your favorite Disney Villains — Ursula, Mother Gothel, Gaston, Jafar, Lady Tremaine, or Dr. Facilier, and find out who is hiding something from the rest. Check Price on Amazon Kids Will Be Thrilled With This Tablet On Sale Amazon Fire HD Tablet Got a young one in your family who loves Disney and needs a tablet for educational games and fun? Check out the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet, on sale now at one of the best prices we’ve seen it! It’s half off at the time of writing, and considering it already comes with a case, that’s an amazing deal. Check Price on Amazon A Board Game For The Whole Family! ©Amazon The Ravensburger Disney Eye Found It Game is great for ages 4+, and can be played with 1-6 players, which means it’s great for the whole family. You can play as your favorite Disney characters, like Elsa, Moana, Mickey, and Belle, just to name a few. With a 6-foot board, you’ll never run out of fun. Check Price on Amazon Never Be Caught Unprepared in The Rain Again Frogg Toggs Poncho Rain in Disney World is pretty much inevitable, no matter the time of year, so grab yourself the FROGG TOGGS Poncho while it’s on sale! It covers your whole body, doesn’t make you feel like it’s sticking to you, and overall, we don’t go to the parks without it (and if we accidentally forget it, we regret it immediately). Check Price on Amazon Never Run Out of Outlets! Flat Plug Power Strip Disney World hotels are notorious for running out of outlets, especially when you’ve got a larger group traveling with you, which is where the Flat Plug Power Strip comes in to help. By using just one outlet, you can charge up to seven different devices with three different types of plugs! Check Price on Amazon Never Lose Items in Your Backpack Again HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer If you’re notorious for losing items INSIDE your backpack (like we are, oops), the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer is perfect for you. It fits right in your Loungefly and adds tons of pockets you don’t have otherwise. Trust us, you won’t want to use a Loungefly without it once you’ve tried it! Check Price on Amazon Keep The Sun Off Of You! BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella If you’re not a fan of using ponchos, then an umbrella is the next best thing. The BAODINI Travel Essentials Mini Umbrella will not only keep rain off of you and easily fit in your bag, but you can also use it to keep the sun’s UV rays off of you! You’d be surprised how much it can easily make it feel 10 degrees cooler under the shade it creates. Check Price on Amazon The Perfect T-Shirt for Pirates Fans Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales T-Shirt Looking for a great gift for the person in your life who loves Pirates of the Caribbean? Check out the Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales T-Shirt! It comes in seven different colors so you can easily find the one that looks best, but personally, the black feels the most authentic to us. Check Price on Amazon Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news, especially during Black Friday! View the full article

I honestly think Disney World might be built out of gingerbread at this point. From incredible displays at the resorts, to tons and tons of gingerbread snacks, I feel like the castle will start crumbling from the royal icing keeping it together! Gingerbread time! Over at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, we had our eye on a gingerbread treat we saw last time, so we knew we had to come back and give it a whirl! We tried the Gingerbread House Petit Cake for $24. It’s made with Gingerbread Chiffon, Marshmallow Mousse, Milk Chocolate Mousse, Salted Caramel Crispy Pearls, and M&M’s Milk Chocolate Minis. Gingerbread House Petit Cake First, we have to talk about how incredible this looks. We love Amorette’s beautifully detailed desserts, and this is no exception. It truly looks like this little gingerbread man lives in this house (wait, living in a house made of gingerbread? Is that weird?). More details When we took a bite, we tasted a light gingerbread flavor that wasn’t overpowering. The cake was a bit on the dry side, but it was still light and fluffy. Both the chocolate and marshmallow mousse added a creamy, smooth texture, but the milk chocolate had a stronger flavor, with the marshmallow peeking in at the end. Look at those layers The crispy pearls at the bottom were hidden beneath the mousse but added a fun crunch. It was almost a surprise because you can’t immediately see it! While this might not be a dessert you need to rush over for, if you’re at Amorette’s and want a fun holiday treat with a gingerbread flavor, this could be the dessert for you. Digging in We’re trying tons of holiday snacks this year, so you know the best ones you should try during your Disney World vacation. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more! ALL THE 2025 HOLIDAY TREATS IN DISNEY WORLD Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you like Amorette’s at Disney Springs? Tell us your favorite treat in the comments. View the full article

It looks like we’re getting closer and closer to some construction walls coming down in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and that day can’t arrive fast enough! It’s coming along! While the former Muppets Courtyard (becoming a new Monsters, Inc. Land, tentatively named Monstropolis) still has a ways to go, as does Animation Courtyard while it’s undergoing its large refurbishment, we’ve also been looking forward to the new snack stand coming to Toy Story Land for what feels like FOREVER now. It’s looking like things are moving along well, because we just got a GREAT updated look at the new spot! We don’t know exactly what the new snack stand is called, but we do know it’s shaped like a giant popcorn container tipped on its side. Based on the wording we can see on the building, it looks like it’ll serve popcorn AND some other snacks, though we’re not totally sure what they’ll be. Now it’s much easier to see! Previously, the shrubs around this project were VERY high, making it super difficult to see the progress. Now, though, the shrubs are much shorter, and it’s no secret that the snack stand is coming along very well. Disney hasn’t yet announced when this snack stand will open, but we’re crossing our fingers it’ll be sooner rather than later. It looks great! Something we really love is the details — it looks like toothpicks are holding the popcorn container in place, which matches perfectly with the theme of this land, because it’s all that Andy has made in his backyard! You’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy, so everything looks massive. Look at those details! Looking for more recent Hollywood Studios news? Check out our posts below! More Recent Hollywood Studios News! NEW Look at Toy Story Snack Stand Coming to Disney’s Hollywood StudiosThe 5 Attractions You Won’t Be Able to Ride in Disney World Next WeekREVIEW: We Tried the New Annual Passholder Exclusive Drinks at Disney World, and We’re Spilling All the DetailsA CHANGE Is Coming to This Disney World Hotel Perk in January 2026NEWS: Disney World Just Announced A New Fireworks Show For New Year’s Eve Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news and updates so you feel prepared for your upcoming trip! Disney Just Brought BACK Part of the Great Movie Ride! 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 hope this new snack stand will serve? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Did you know Amazon’s having a HUGE sale right now? By that, we mean that you can save TONS of money on some holiday gifts, home essentials, and everything in between. You can save on a great water bottle! However, not all of these savings are super obvious — in fact, lots of them are pretty secret, and you don’t know to look for them unless you’re watching close. That’s where we come in, because we’re doing it for you! If you want to save some money, don’t miss these seven Disney trip essentials that are on sale right now. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Keep That Phone Charged All Day FuelRod Don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a charger to keep your phone charged during your trip, or don’t want to stress about hoping the one you brought with you will get you through the day? Then grab yourself a FuelRod! What’s special about these is that since Disney has FuelRod kiosks all throughout the parks, you can replace yours no matter where you are to get a new one that’s fully charged — hooray for no more stress! Check it out here! Keep Yourself Organized All Day Long HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer There’s nothing worse than looking in your Loungefly bag for something and not being able to find it because there are too many items and not enough pockets. The HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer is the perfect solution to that problem! No more losing items inside your one giant pocket — instead, you can separate it out into smaller pockets and never lose your essentials again. Check it out here! Eliminate Back Sweat (Because We All Hate It) VentaPak We all know too well the feeling of back sweat during those hot Disney days when you’re carrying around a large backpack of everyone’s stuff. Now you can eliminate that for good with a VentaPak! This is something you place on your backpack and it gives you some great ventilation between your back and the back of the backpack, which gets rid of that sweat that forms from the close contact. We didn’t think we’d enjoy this tool, but alas, now we can’t imagine a hot park day without it. Check it out here! Speaking of Staying Cool AMKEN Waist Fan On those hot days, getting a cool breeze can sometimes make you feel alive again. The AMKEN Waist Fan is one of the most powerful we’ve used recently, while still not being overly bulky or too loud. Yes, the constant whirring might get on some people’s nerves, but for many, the relief it provides are well worth it. Check it out here! Never Run Out of Charging Ports Again Charging Station There’s nothing worse than being in a Disney World hotel room and realizing you don’t have enough charging locations for everyone’s devices. Make that easier with the 3 in 1 Charging Station, where you can charge three Apple devices by just using one outlet! While the icons indicate a phone, watch, and AirPods, we’ve learned that you can actually set any Apple device that’s compatible with wireless charging on them. Check it out here! Water Bottles Are ALWAYS Important ©Amazon We’ve tried many water bottles in Disney World, and one of our favorites is none other than the Owala FreeSip Twist Water Bottle. Owalas are high quality, keep your water cold all day, and with all those styles, you’re bound to find one you love! Check it out here! A Gorgeous Necklace to Compliment Every Outfit ©Amazon What’s better than one necklace? A Disney necklace that comes in multiple colors to help you decide which one is best for your style! That’s where the Kendra Scott x Disney Mickey Mouse Short Pendant Necklace comes in — there are four different colors available, so no matter what, you can find one to go with your outfit. Great for the holidays coming up! Check it out here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! View the full article

We’ve got exciting news out of EPCOT, though it may NOT be what you’re expecting! The Land Pavilion We love seeing all the different Cast Member costumes around the parks, because depending on where you are, they change! We just got word that some iconic Cast Member outfits just changed over in The Land Pavilion, and we’ve gotta admit that we’re a big fan of the new look! Huge shoutout to one of our readers, Brandon Shahniani, for sending us this information from inside the park — he stopped by and noticed that Cast Member costumes had changed. Sure enough, these costume changes just debuted TODAY! ©Brandon Shahniani It looks like the new outfit is khaki pants/shorts paired with a green shirt with white swirls. It certainly reminds us of the outdoors, which is perfect for this pavilion. It sounds like this is the new outfit for the general Land Pavilion Cast Members, as well as those working at Living with the Land. From what we understand, the outfits for Soarin’ have not changed. Living with the Land Glimmering Greenhouses If you’re heading into the pavilion to see this new outfit, don’t forget to hop on Living with the Land to check out the holiday overlay, which is called Glimmering Greenhouses! It arrived early this year (we normally don’t see it arrive until closer to the beginning of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays), and it’s usually pretty popular, so you won’t want to miss it. Glimmering Greenhouses Looking for more recent EPCOT news? Check out our posts below! More Recent EPCOT News! New Cast Member Costumes Debut at The Land Pavilion in EPCOTThe 5 Attractions You Won’t Be Able to Ride in Disney World Next WeekEverywhere You Can Meet Santa In Disney WorldNEWS: Living With the Land Changes EARLY This Year To Glimmering GreenhousesThere’s Only One Way To Snag This Exclusive Figment Souvenir At EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! Why Dining at This EPCOT Restaurant May Get So Much Harder in January Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW How do you feel about these new outfits? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Back in October, Disney announced that it would be partnering with Formula 1 to be part of a special one-of-a-kind celebration at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The idea is that the two brands would combine to bring the thrill of racing and the beauty of Disney storytelling together. ©Formula 1 Well, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was held on November 22nd, and Disney closed out the event with an evening in front of the iconic Las Vegas Bellagio Fountains (if you’ve never seen the fountains, it’s sort of like World of Color with dancing fountains and water shooting up to the heavens to a musical soundtrack. The closing celebration for the Las Vegas Grand Prix included Mickey Mouse bringing some of his Fantasmic! moves to the Bellagio! If you’re living for this collaboration between Disney and Formula 1, you’ll also want to check out The Disney Store to stock up on some SWEET Disney x Formula 1 merchandise. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: Is The $35 Fantasmic! Dining Package WORTH IT? We Tried It Out! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think about this show? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

It’s time to saaaaaave, y’all, grab those wallets! What’s in your bag? Amazon has already started their Black Friday deals (yes, a week EARLY!), and we’ve been looking for all the best deals for you to take advantage of so you can save time. No matter if you’re looking for essentials for your next trip, for gifts for the Disney lover in your life (or yourself, of course), there’s something on sale for everyone, but you’ll want to grab them before they’re gone! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For The LEGO Fans! Little Kids Can Build LEGOs Too! ©Amazon If you’ve got a little one who loves building LEGOs AND loves Toy Story, then you can’t miss the LEGO Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Celebration Train! This is recommended for ages 4+ and is a total of 206 pieces, so it’s great for parents and kiddos to build together. Grab it right here! The Magic of Encanto ©Amazon For young ones who love Encanto, the LEGO Disney Encanto Mini House Building Toy Set is a great gift for the holiday season! It’s recommended for ages 5+ and is only 186 pieces, so younger kiddos may be able to build it mostly on their own! Grab it right here! For The Disney Adults The Perfect Book for Disney Adults ‘Disney Adults’ by AJ Wolfe What better way to feel connected to your fellow Disney adults than by grabbing the one and only ‘Disney Adults’ by AJ Wolfe? There is none — at least, not to us! This book is on sale right now as part of the Black Friday deal, and not only is it a great read for you, the Disney Adult fan, but you can also give it to the people in your life who don’t understand your Disney obsession — they’ll read this and THEN understand a bit better. Grab it right here! Make Sure Your Phone Stays Charged! FuelRod If you or someone you know is going to the parks soon and hasn’t grabbed a portable charger yet, a FuelRod is a great way to go! You can replace them in the parks at the multiple kiosks around the resort, which will help you make sure that you’ll never be without a charged phone again! Grab it right here! Keep Yourself Dry All Times of Year Frogg Toggs Poncho Rain in Disney World is very common, and to keep yourself (or someone you know) from feeling all wet and soggy, you can grab yourself the Frogg Toggs Poncho to keep yourself dry! Multiple members of our team have this and love it, because it genuinely keeps you dry, doesn’t make you feel like you’re being choked by a wet, humid poncho, and doesn’t cost a fortune! Grab it right here! Get That Disney Sleep at Home ©Amazon Ever slept at a Disney World hotel and basically felt like you got some of the best sleep ever thanks to those pillows? We’ve got great news — you can purchase them for your OWN bed! The Sobel Westex Pillows are available online now, and they’re a GREAT gift for the person in your life who desperately needs a new pillow. Grab it right here! Don’t Forget Jewelry! Need A New Necklace? Look No Further! ©Amazon Who doesn’t love putting on a new necklace and feeling like a million bucks? You can give someone that feeling with the Kendra Scott x Disney Mickey Mouse Short Pendant Necklace! It comes in four different colors, so it’s easier to choose which one works best with someone’s style or preference. Grab it right here! And New Earrings? Count Us In! Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings Need a new pair of earrings that will match with any outfit? The Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings are perfect! They’re stunning, but aren’t too fancy, so they’re great for dressing up an outfit, or just wearing casually in the parks, or around at home. Grab it right here! Play Games With The Whole Family Trivia Time! ©Amazon Trivia is so much fun, but oftentimes it’s harder for kids to play. That’s not the case with the PlayMonster The Magical World of Kids Disney Trivia Games! This is great for ages 5+, and is a fantastic, fun way to test the Disney knowledge of your whole family. Talk about a fun game to play on a holiday when everyone is together! Grab it right here! Bring on The Disney Villains! ©Amazon Love the Disney Villains a little bit more than the heroes? Then the Disney Villains Edition Board Game is calling your name! It’s great for ages 8+ and you can play with as few as two players, or all the way up to six. Grab it right here! A Disney Version of A Classic Game ©Amazon Did you grow up playing Chutes and Ladders? So did we! Now you can have even more Disney fun with the Chutes and Ladders: Disney Princess Edition Board Game! This is just like the normal version of the game, but instead, the whole board is themed to numerous Disney Princesses. Grab it right here! Bluey Makes Everything Better ©Amazon If your kiddos love Bluey, then you’ve got to grab the Candy Land Bluey Edition for them this Christmas! It’s the game you know and love, but you’ll just play as your favorite Bluey characters instead, and move throughout the board, which depicts popular locations from the show. Grab it right here! Need Some Disney Tech? Grab Yourself an Amazon Echo! ©Amazon What’s better than an Amazon Echo? Well, a Disney-themed Amazon Echo! The Amazon Echo Pop Kids is themed to Disney Princesses, and it’s a great way for your kids to foster some independence in a safe way, without any screens. They can set their own alarms, ask to hear stories, and even listen to kid-friendly music. Grab it right here! A Disney-Themed Tablet? Yes, Please! Amazon Fire HD Tablet If you’ve been looking for a tablet for your kiddo that’s easy to use, durable, and safe, then the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is perfect for you. It’s got a 13-hour battery, is ad-free, and has parental controls, but the best part? It’s 50% off right now! Grab it right here! Who Doesn’t Love Storytime? ©Amazon We love storytime just as much as the next person, so if you want your kiddos to hear some great storytimes without a screen, so they can use their own imagination, check out the Toniebox 1 Audio Player Starter Set, which is on sale now! This starter set only comes with Playtime Puppy, but you can purchase more characters to add to the Toniebox to hear more stories. Grab it right here! For The Loungefly Fans If You Miss The Muppets As Much As We Do ©Amazon We miss Muppet*Vision 3D every day, but knowing there’s amazing merchandise out there like The Muppets Miss Piggy Mini Backpack makes things a little better! The bag is all pink, just like Miss Piggy would want, and has her stunning face as the front bag clasp. We can’t get enough! Grab it right here! Never Lose Things in Your Loungefly Again HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer There’s nothing worse than KNOWING something is in your Loungefly bag, only to find that it’s stuck in a corner somewhere and you can’t get to it. That’s where the HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer comes in! It can easily fit all you need inside of it, and help keep it all organized too — no more frantic searching for you! Grab it right here! Sunflowers Make Everything Better ©Amazon There’s nothing quite like an adorable Loungefly to make your day better, and we think the Minnie Sunflower Loungefly Mini Backpack is at the top of that list. It’s cute as can be, has sunflowers all over to brighten up your day no matter what time of year it is, and we have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of them this spring! Grab it right here! Need A Specific Bag For The Holidays? ©Amazon Finally, if you’re looking for a special bag for the holiday season, look no further than the Disney Lilo and Stitch Holiday Mini Backpack! It’s cute as can be and is perfect for Stitch fans — just look how adorable he is inside his ornament (which acts as the front pocket). Grab it right here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! View the full article

In January, a series of devastating wildfires destroyed properties throughout Southern California, particularly in the Los Angeles area. ©Disney The Walt Disney Company, which has long-time ties to the Los Angeles area, made a $15 million commitment to help L.A. recover from the disaster. The company recently announced that $5 million will support the reopening of Altadena’s Charles White Park, which was destroyed by the fires. The new park design will feature a community center, as well as an “enhanced playground infused with Disney magic to bring joy to families in the area.” Disney expects the park to reopen in 2026. Imagineers have been working with County staff on all fronts: site planning, landscaping, and playground design. Park amphitheater enhancements will feature play areas inspired by Deodar Cedar pinecones, a splash pad, bridges, boulders, slides, and swings. A new ampitheater will also be built. The parts of the park that survived the fires will be preserved. ©Disney “Los Angeles has been home to The Walt Disney Company since its founding more than a century ago, which is why we felt a special responsibility to help this community rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires earlier this year,” Bob Iger, Disney CEO, said. “I’m incredibly proud of our Imagineers who are volunteering their time and talents to help reimagine cherished public spaces like Charles White Park. Their work is not only a testament to Disney’s creative spirit, but also to our deep commitment to our neighbors throughout this region. We hope this effort brings comfort, joy, and a sense of renewal to the Altadena community for years to come.” ©Disney Charles White Park is one of three Altadena severely-damaged parks that Disney is helping with its recovery efforts. Stay tuned to DFB for more. ALL of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Limited-Time TREATS 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? Share with us in the comments! View the full article

Let’s play a game called “What’s in my Disney World luggage that isn’t a churro?” We love our Loungeflys! Hint: It’s not cute, it’s not sparkly, and it does absolutely nothing for your outfit. But it will save your sanity, your screen time, and possibly your relationship with the person who keeps stealing the only open outlet to plug in their portable neck fan. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Meet the extremely glamorous… Flat Plug Power Strip. I know. You came for Dole Whip, not electrical engineering. But trust us—this $10 workhorse is the unsung Disney MVP. ©Amazon Why is every Disney adult quietly panic-buying this? Because resort rooms hide outlets like they’re rare character meet-and-greets. While some plugs may be accessible, the one you need is likely behind a dresser, under a Gideon’s Bakehouse bag, guarded by a lamp. And your party has…counts fingers…four phones, four MagicBand+ chargers, an iPad (ok, maybe more than one…), rechargeable fans, a white-noise machine, and maybe even a camera battery that spent all afternoon documenting feral squirrels outside Pecos Bill. ©Amazon This little power strip is the peacemaker. Ultra-flat, 6-ft cord: snakes behind nightstands and under headboards without creating a trip hazard in your 3 a.m. trek to the mini-fridge. Flat, right-angle plug: slides behind furniture so you’re not rearranging the entire room like you’re auditioning for Fixer Upper: Pop Century Edition. 7 charging spots total: 3 regular outlets + 4 USB (including 2 USB-C for modern phones and tablets). No surge protection: which sounds boring, but it’s exactly what cruise lines typically allow in cabins. If you’re sailing Disney Cruise Line, this is the style you want. (Always double-check current rules, then sail smugly into the sunset.) In short: It turns your resort nightstand into the Charging Hub of Destiny. View the extension cord on Amazon A real-life, mildly chaotic testimonial from the DFB trenches Night one at Disney’s “I-swear-there-are-outlets-somewhere” Resort, our group of four attempted a civilized, democratic charging schedule. (Y’all, it lasted 17 minutes.) Then we deployed this power strip: We secured it to the side of the nightstand with a Command strip and labeled ports with masking tape like the Type-A goblins we are. Flat Plug Power Strip The phones got the two USB-C ports; Magicband+ got USB-A; and the three outlets handled fans, tablets, and the sound machine. Nobody cried. Nobody unplugged the Mickey lamp. I actually teared up a little and whispered, “We’re a society again.” View the extension cord on Amazon What it is (and isn’t) It IS: A slim, packable charging station for your room, cruise cabin, dorm, or “temporary office” at Coronado Springs when you pretend to check email during siesta. USB-C–friendly. Your new iPhone/iPad/Android won’t have to slum it with mystery adapters. Room-reset magic. Plug it in once and everything has a home every night—no more “WHO TOOK MY CABLE?!” at 6:12 a.m. rope drop o’clock. ©Amazon It is NOT: A battery pack. (It won’t charge things in the parks—bring along a small power bank for ride-queue emergencies.) A surge protector. (That’s the point for cruise compliance; it’s also why you don’t plug in space heaters or hairdryers. Use common sense and don’t overload it, pal.) A decoration. (Unless you consider “the absence of family mutiny” to be décor—valid.) View the extension cord on Amazon “But I already have a power strip.” Cool! Is it bulky, surge-protected, short-cord, and missing USB-C? Because that’s how you end up doing the Outlet Crawl of Shame around your resort room at midnight. This one is purpose-built for travel: thin cord, flat plug, long reach, and four onboard USBs so you pack fewer bricks and more snacks. View the extension cord on Amazon Who can skip it? Minimalist solo travelers who live off one phone + one cable + pure vibes. Or folks who never return to the room until 1 a.m. and consider 3% battery “a challenge.” If that’s you, congrats on your feral park energy. For the rest of us mortals with multiple glowing rectangles, this is a slam-dunk. View the extension cord on Amazon The Bottom Line No, this isn’t a sexy buy. It’s not a collectible, it doesn’t smell like pineapple, and it won’t match your Loungefly. ©Amazon But if you like: waking up to everything charged, avoiding family plug warfare, and having USB-C without hunting, then the Flat Plug Power Strip (6ft, 3 Outlets, 4 USB, including 2 USB-C) is the $10 Amazon add-to-cart that quietly makes your whole Disney trip smoother. Verdict: Toss it in the suitcase. Future-you (and your battery-anxious travel companions) will build a statue in your honor out of empty Gideon’s cookie boxes. Now go forth and charge all the things. Then reward yourself with something frosted. You’ve earned it. View the extension cord on Amazon Stay tuned to DFB for more tips and advice as you plan your upcoming trip! Click here to see more of our favorite Disney essentials at our DFB Amazon storefront! View the full article

Just when you think you know Disney World… Magic Kingdom I swear my itinerary changes at least 20 times before I actually go on a trip because Disney World is constantly changing things. Whether that be a new ride closure, or a dining reservation update that threw a wrench in the plan, you’ve gotta stay flexible when planning. That’s why we keep you informed about every single change! This is the December edition, so let’s see what will be different for your holiday trip. Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in December at Disney World! Reservations added to popular hotel restaurant Wailulu Bar & Grill is the newest restaurant to open at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and you’ll find it at the new Island Tower. Since opening, this restaurant has been first-come, first-served, but that’s all changing. Wailulu Bar & Grill On December 4th, the restaurant will begin taking Advance Dining Reservations! Disney updated the Wailulu page on its website, noting that reservations will be available to book as of December 3rd, with the earliest reservation date being the following day, December 4th. Wayfinder Burger This isn’t your typical pool bar — it features an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries available for breakfast. The Wayfinder Burger — which quickly became one of the best burgers in all of Disney World — is available alongside a signature Polynesian treat. Yes, it’s a DOLE Whip Sundae! REVIEW: You Should LEAVE Magic Kingdom To Visit This Hotel Restaurant Sangria University is changing Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of our favorite underrated experiences in Disney World, and in December, it’s changing! Sangria Flight This class is typically held at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, but Disney revealed that the class will be moving to Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood on December 13th. That’s not all, though! There will now be two classes every Saturday and Sunday! That means you’ll have extra chances to snag a spot at this experience. We learned so much! As part of this class, you can taste four sangria offerings accompanied by a light appetizer, and then make your own. Toledo is a stunning lounge, so it’s the perfect setting for this experience! REVIEW: There’s a SANGRIA UNIVERSITY in Disney World, and You Should Enroll NOW Annual Passholder magnets return Are you an Annual Passholder? Have you missed out on any of the free magnets from the past? Well, Disney knew about that, and in December, they are bringing back three previous designs. THREE! Annual Passholder magnet You can pick up three previously released magnets from December 3rd to December 19th at the Discovery Trading Company on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom. You’ll need to come during normal park operating hours, and you can pick up a bundle including: Stitch Hei Hei Timon & Pumba Annual Passholder magnet This doesn’t happen very often, so be sure to take advantage. You need a Park Pass for Animal Kingdom before 2 PM, or visit on a Good To Go Day, and bring your Annual Pass with an ID to get the magnets. It’s Been 43 Years, and We’re STILL Missing This Annual Passholder Perk in Disney World Holiday events come to an end The seasonal events are here, but by the end of 2025, they will have disappeared! First of all, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom has its last event on December 21st. Don’t worry — the decor will remain, and although times haven’t been announced just yet, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade tends to run during the day! The parties are already sold out for the year, so your chance to get tickets is over. Mickey and Minnie in Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Still looking to grab tickets to a special holiday event? Check out Jollywood Nights! This is geared towards adults more so than the Magic Kingdom event, but it includes after hours access to Hollywood Studios, exclusive eats and entertainment, and rare characters. The final night is December 22nd! Disney Jollywood Nights Finally, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays runs from November 28th to December 30th. Unlike the events mentioned above, you do NOT need a separate ticket to enter — as long as you can get into EPCOT, you can experience the fest! There are 18 food booths this year, along with special menu items at restaurants around the park. Don’t miss out on the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional and Santa Claus meet and greet! It’s time for the Festival of the Holidays! (2024) The new year certainly snuck up on us! The Best Things About Magic Kingdom at Christmas Rare fireworks return to THREE Disney World parks The new year means rare fireworks shows return to Disney World! In Magic Kingdom, Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will play on December 30th and 31st! You have the highest chance of catching this show as the fireworks happen twice each night (7:30 PM and 11:50 PM). Line up early because the park can hit capacity! New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Magic Kingdom EPCOT visitors can get in on the celebration, too! The park will host a special fireworks celebration on December 31st only called Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration. Catch it at 11:54 PM to count down to the new year! Luminous: The Symphony of Us will still happen that night at 6:30 PM. New Year’s Eve 2024 at EPCOT Hollywood Studios, which doesn’t always participate in the New Year’s Eve show lineup, also has a celebration happening this year! The New Year Countdown Fireworks are set to take place on December 31st at 11:57 PM. It’s a quick one, but at least park visitors don’t have to miss out on the big countdown. Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom closes at 6 PM on December 31st, so you’ll have to wish all of the animals in the park a “Happy New Year” before then. These shows are super popular, so expect massive crowds if you want to get in on the action. We highly recommend grabbing a snack before you stake out a spot for the fireworks! Disney’s Christmas Parade and Fireworks are BACK — Here’s When You Can Watch Them If you’re booking a trip to Disney World soon, we’ve got a hack for you! Check out our friends over at Small World Vacations to help you plan the perfect trip — you won’t regret it! DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Those are some of the major changes coming to Disney World in December! Disney World will continue to change and update, and DFB will be here to keep you in the loop! 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 visiting Disney World in December? What are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! View the full article