Disney4me

Every week, we report the average Disney World wait times in every park so that you can be prepared for your next trip to Orlando! Magic Kingdom With fall in full swing, wait times have stabilized! So, knowing what the weekly average wait times are for those popular rides can make or break your upcoming trip. If you’re heading to the parks soon, we’ve got all the info you need to know! Take a look at this week’s average wait times for proof! This is everything you need to know about the average wait times in Disney World over the past seven days. There are very few waits over an hour, which is incredible. As September turns into October, is this one of the best times to visit the parks? We think so. Magic Kingdom Wait Times Lightcycle Run TRON Lightcycle / Run — 70 minutes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — 55 minutes Peter Pan’s Flight — 44 minutes Space Mountain — 41 minutes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — 40 minutes Jungle Cruise — 39 minutes Haunted Mansion — 37 minutes Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh — 31 minutes “Kiss the Girl” Enchanted Tales with Belle — 22 minutes Pirates of the Caribbean — 22 minutes Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid — 20 minutes Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini — 19 minutes “it’s a small world” — 18 minutes Magic Carpets of Aladdin — 18 minutes Dumbo Dumbo the Flying Elephant — 17 minutes Tomorrowland Speedway — 16 minutes Mad Tea Party — 13 minutes Mickey’s PhilharMagic — 12 minutes Carousel of Progress Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — 11 minutes Enchanted Tiki Room — 10 minutes Prince Charming Regal Carrousel — 10 minutes Country Bear Jamboree — 7 minutes Carousel of Progress — 5 minutes 3 Magic Kingdom Restaurants the Experts Refuse to Book EPCOT Wait Times Crowds at Cosmic Rewind Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — 91 minutes Test Track — 89 minutes Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — 69 minutes Frozen Ever After — 58 minutes Soarin’ — 39 minutes Mission: SPACE — 38 minutes Figment! The Seas with Nemo and Friends — 19 minutes Journey into Imagination — 19 minutes Living with the Land — 16 minutes Turtle Talk with Crush — 16 minutes Gran Fiesta Tour — 10 minutes Awesome Planet, American Adventure, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week. This Is One of the BEST Things To Do in EPCOT, and You Can’t Change My Mind Animal Kingdom Wait Times ©Disney Avatar Flight of Passage — 79 minutes Na’vi River Journey — 53 minutes Kilimanjaro Safaris — 40 minutes Everest! Expedition Everest — 33 minutes Dinosaur — 20 minutes The Boneyard had no wait times this week, and Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishment. These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Hollywood Studios Wait Times Slinky Dog Dash Slinky Dog Dash — 83 minutes Rise of the Resistance — 66 minutes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — 56 minutes Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — 51 minutes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 50 minutes Toy Story Mania — 49 minutes Tower of Terror Tower of Terror — 49 minutes Alien Swirling Saucers — 32 minutes Star Tours — 12 minutes Walt Disney Presents had no wait times this week. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World! Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. ‘Menu Sleuths’ Are Taking Over Disney World Restaurants 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 long would you wait for your favorite ride? Let us know in the comments below! The post Disney Fans Waited an Average of 91 Minutes This Week for Disney World's Busiest Ride first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s always a good day when Disney drops new Mickey Ears online! We’re telling you right now: be prepared to fall in love with these Mickey Ears. If you’re a Donald Duck fan…prepared to be even more obsessed with the #1 duck! Disney just dropped a new pair of Mickey Ears on the online Disney Store, and we’re thinking they are going to sell fast, so don’t hesitate! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We love these Donald Duck Mickey Ears ©Disney Store Seriously, this Donald Duck Ear Headband is so cute! You can tell by its gorgeous and sparkling look that the ears are designed by BaubleBar. Why do these feel like the perfect cruise ears without being “cruise” ears?! Maybe it’s because Donald is a sailor! Speaking of, we love the tiny sailor hat sitting at the top of the headband. We also love the blue color that was chosen for this item! ©Disney Store What really stands out are the little jewels, buttons, and bows decorating the two ears. The jewels come in various shades of blue, and the bows and buttons complete the Donald color scheme. The amount of detail put into these is fantastic. In case you’re wondering, yes, we will be getting our own! View online These are the PERFECT ears to wear to Disney World! You can meet Donald in all four parks, but these feel like a classic pair of ears for a classic park like Magic Kingdom. Get them online now! 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! The post We Found the Disney Ears EVERYONE Will Be Wearing to Magic Kingdom! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you are heading to Disney World soon, we want to make sure you are prepared for the closures! There are FOUR new closures starting this week, and we don’t want you to be caught by surprise. There is a lot of construction happening in Disney World right now. Harambe Market Work is being done on Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak National Park in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney Studios in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the new Monsters, Inc. land coming to Hollywood Studios. Plus, other dining locations and attractions are also closed for refurbishment! This week, four new theme park closures are hitting Disney World! Let’s take a look at these closures: Harambe Market — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market, a quick-service dining location in Animal Kingdom, will be temporarily closing on October 20th, 2025. It will be closed for a few months, and it is currently expected to reopen in early 2026. While we are sad to see the dining options decrease in Animal Kingdom, there are still lots of delicious options! Harambe Market You can stop by Flame Tree Barbecue or Satu’li Canteen for a tasty, quick-service meal. We aren’t expecting huge changes at Harambe Market during the refurbishment, but we will keep you updated as we learn more! Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites — Disney’s Animal Kingdom DinoLand, U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being rethemed as a Tropical Americas themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. Disney has been closing certain areas of DinoLand as construction on the area has progressed. Beginning October 20th, two more closures will be happening in DinoLand. Trilo-Bites Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites will be closing forever to make way for Pueblo Esperanza. You can still ride DINOSAUR and stop by Restaurantosaurus, but the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. will be closing on February 2nd, 2025. Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie — Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie will be temporarily closed beginning October 20th, 2025, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The good news is that it is just a temporary closure, and it is expected to reopen later this year! Vacation Fun Vacation Fun is joining an already lengthy list of closures in Hollywood Studios, including Animation Courtyard and Muppets Courtyard. There is still plenty to do in Hollywood Studios, but be prepared for a fair amount of construction happening! Let’s take a look at the other attractions and locations that will be closed this week, from October 18th through October 25th, at Disney World. EPCOT Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth has been closed for routine refurbishment since August 25th, 2025. We only have a few days left without Spaceship Earth, though, as Disney has announced it will be reopening on October 25th! Spaceship Earth We aren’t expecting any major changes to the attraction, just general maintenance and routine work. During this time, the Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future exhibit will be closed, as well. It is definitely going to be sad experiencing the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival without being able to ride Spaceship Earth, though. The Japan Pavilion in EPCOT Just Got Hit With Major Changes Magic Kingdom Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin A popular Tomorrowland attraction is closed! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has closed for refurbishment as of August 4th, 2025, and isn’t expected to reopen until 2026. While the ride is closed, it will be getting some upgrades! It’s closed! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be getting a new ride scene, new ride vehicles, a new character, and enhanced gameplay elements. Some of those gameplay elements include handheld blasters (soon you can shoot whenever you want!) and reactive targets. We recently got the chance to take a look at the new ride vehicle and test out the new blasters, and we have to say we were impressed! Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island An iconic part of the Magic Kingdom is now permanently closed. As of July 7th, the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square River Boat and Tom Sawyer Island, are closed for good to make way for the new Cars area, Piston Peak National Park. There are some construction walls up in the area now, and we have seen workers on Tom Sawyer Island. The river has also started to be drained! Rivers of America Piston Peak National Park will be replacing this area of Magic Kingdom, and construction is expected to begin in the area this year. Disney has not yet released an opening date for the new Cars area, but we do know that it will feature two brand-new attractions and will be themed to look like a National Park. The ONE Thing Every Disney Mom Packs for Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad On January 6th, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for an extended temporary closure. The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” will be closed for at least a year and will reopen sometime in 2026. The ride will be undergoing maintenance while it is closed. When it reopens, it will have some “new magic,” according to Disney. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Recently, Disney announced some of the new magic! Riders will see “spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling)” — the Rainbow Caverns! We can’t wait to see what other changes might be coming to this ever-popular roller coaster! We have spotted some ride testing happening, which was very exciting, and a train car has arrived! It was still covered in a tarp, but it was exciting to see. Tortuga Tavern Tortuga Tavern is a seasonal restaurant in Magic Kingdom. It has been a bit since we saw it open. Most recently, it was used as a cookie location for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Tortuga Tavern We had previously spotted shrubs around the restaurant as they worked on the flooring. However, all the shrubs have been taken down now. We don’t know exactly when/if this restaurant will reopen, but we will keep you updated if we learn more! This Magic Kingdom Ride Is Missing a Chicken Exit, and Boy, Did We Find Out the Hard Way Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kali River Rapids Kali River Rapids is about to close for refurbishment! This water adventure will be temporarily closing beginning October 6th, and it is expected to reopen in December 2025. We aren’t expecting any huge changes to the ride, just some maintenance and general refurbishment. Kali River Rapids We commonly see Kali River Rapids close during the cooler months for refurbishment. Splashing through a water ride just isn’t the same when it is cooler outside, so we can see why Disney chose the fall or winter months to do some maintenance on this attraction. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Fossil Fun Games, The Boneyard, Dino Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites The first round of closures began in DinoLand U.S.A. on January 13th, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Game were closed down, and construction has begun on the brand-new land themed to the Tropical Americas, Pueblo Esperanza. The Boneyard has permanently closed as of September 2nd. Dino Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites will also be permanently closing on October 20th, 2025. Pueblo Esperanza Construction It is definitely a sad sight, but we are also excited to see Pueblo Esperanza! DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus are still open, but Disney recently announced the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. will be closing for good on February 2nd, 2026. It’s Tough to Be a Bug It’s Tough to Be a Bug is closed for good. This attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom once invited you to join the bug kingdom on an adventure. While the show didn’t usually make it to the top of favorite attractions in Disney World, it has now closed to make way for a new show. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Construction Walls It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17th to make way for a brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, expected to debut on November 7th, 2025. The show begins when you arrive at the main stage just in time for Zoogether Day festivities, where you’ll spot some new and familiar faces, including Heidi Howler, a wolf who hosts the Zoogether Day LIVE! broadcast. These Disney Adult Animal Kingdom Hacks Are Getting Out of Control Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard Animation Courtyard closed on September 25th, 2025, to make way for Walt Disney Studios. This new area is expected to open in 2026 and will be a special nod to the Walt Disney Studios lot. Star Wars Launch Bay will be turned into The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction will have you interacting and exploring with this fun take on Disney Animation headquarters. Construction Walls in Animation Courtyard This area will also feature a new Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area and the current Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will be getting a makeover. During the transformation, you will still be able to visit “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents. Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Muppet*Vision 3D AND PizzeRizzo closed on June 8th, and Muppets Courtyard has been walled off so construction can begin on the new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano has been closed since May 11th. The Muppet*Vision sign has been covered! Don’t worry, the Muppets won’t be missing from Disney’s Hollywood Studios forever. The Muppets will eventually be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in 2026. REVIEW: Trust Us, You Will NOT Be Disappointed by This Hollywood Studios Snack Blizzard Beach Blizzard Beach has been closed since September 8th, 2025! While it has been wonderful having BOTH Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon open at the same time this summer (which was the first time this has happened in YEARS), that has now come to an end. Blizzard Beach is now closed for refurbishment. Blizzard Beach Have no fear, though, if you are looking for somewhere to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water, Typhoon Lagoon will still be open! REVIEWS: What to Eat (And What to AVOID) at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf If you are planning on playing some miniature golf during your Disney World trip, you have some options. You can head over to Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Gold or Winter Summerland Miniature. However, if you are headed over to Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf, one of the courses will be closed for refurbishment. Fantasia Mini Golf Course From September 9th to November 7th, 2025, the Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf course will be undergoing refurbishment. While it is closed, the Fantasia Gardens course will remain open, but guests won’t be able to reserve tee times (guests will tee off on a first-come, first-served basis). That still leaves you three courses to explore between the one at Fantasia Gardens & Fairways and the two courses at Winter Summerland! Disney World Hotels Promenade Fine Art Gallery — Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Resort The Promenade Fine Art Gallery will be closing its Disney’s BoardWalk location on October 20th, 2025. However, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery isn’t closing for good, and it will just be moving to a new location. Promenade Fine Art Gallery The gallery hasn’t announced yet where that new location will be, but we will keep you updated as we learn more! The Paddock Pool, Aquatic Play Area, and The Paddock Grill — Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort The Paddock Pool, the aquatic play area, and The Paddock Grill will be closed from October 13th, 2025, until early December for routine maintenance. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort As we enter the cooler months, we are seeing more hotel pools undergoing routine maintenance. It is all an important part in making sure the Walt Disney World Resort is looking its best. Leisure Pool at Miller’s Road — Disney’s Old Key West Resort If you are staying at Old Key West soon, you will want to take note of this closure! From September 29th through late November, the leisure pool at Miller’s Road will be closed for routine maintenance. Disney’s Old Key West Good news, though. The Sandcastle Pool and both leisure pools at Old Turtle Pond and South Point will still be open. So, there will be plenty of options for having some poolside fun! Fantasia Kiddie Pool — Disney’s All-Star Movies The Fantasia kiddie pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has been closed for maintenance since September 8th. The pool is expected to be closed through late October, but Disney hasn’t announced a specific reopening date yet. Disney’s All-Star Movies While the Fantasia kiddie pool is closed, the Fantasia Feature Pool and Duck Pond Pool will remain open, and guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort are welcome to use the kiddie pools at Disney’s All-Star Music and Disney’s All-Star Sports. The Samawati Springs Pool Slide — Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Starting on September 8th, the Samawati Springs Pool Slide will be closing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village for routine maintenance. Disney hasn’t announced a date for when the slide will reopen. Samawati Springs Pool If you’re staying at the resort, there will still be another water slide option for you to enjoy at the Uzima Springs Pool! ONLY the slide at The Samawati Springs Pool will be closed; you can still use the pool, just not the slide. You just may see or hear construction at work. Jellyrolls — Disney’s BoardWalk Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk officially closed on April 19th, 2025. This entertainment venue has provided our team with countless memories, and we know many others are also sad to see it close. Jellyrolls had its final farewell performance on April 19th and closed its doors forever on Disney’s BoardWalk. Jellyrolls However, this isn’t the end for Jellyrolls, as the bar has said they are “making a move.” We don’t know many details about that move yet, but we will keep you updated. Disney Announces Plan to Solve a Growing Hotel Problem Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides: 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU! A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World! The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. October Is the Most Confusing Month in Disney World and We Have PROOF Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post 4 NEW Theme Park Closures Hit Disney World This Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve already had to say goodbye to several things in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s Tough To Be A Bug inside the Tree of Life closed earlier this year to make way for a new show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, opening soon. New cookie ice cream sandwich alert! Dinoland, U.S.A. has been closing parts of its land in phases while Disney builds a brand-new land, Pueblo Esperanza, in its place. Oh, and Dino-Bite Snacks, along with Trilo-Bites, will be closing on October 20th. Ahead of that closure, Dino-Bites just debuted a new snack…and well, it’s so good that we’re feeling emotional at the thought of having to say goodbye to this snack kiosk. So Dino-Bite Snacks is known for its quality ice cream cookie sandwiches. Honestly, almost every cookie ice cream sandwich we’ve had here has knocked it out of the park. Now, ahead of its closure, you can get the Spiced Molasses Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, made with Spiced Molasses Cookie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Fall Sprinkles for $8.79. Spiced Molasses Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich There’s an art to making a cookie that can handle a big scoop of ice cream, and Dino-Bites makes it work every single time. The cookie isn’t crunchy, but it manages to stay sturdy and chewy enough to blend perfectly with the ice cream without the ice cream ruining it. The texture is PERFECTION. Then you’ve got that rich, warm spiced molasses flavor that just makes it feel like fall…although the autumn leaf-shaped sprinkles help and add a nice crunch and extra sugary tone to each bite. It’s fall! If we truly have to say goodbye to Dino-Bite Snacks, we guess this is as good a way as anything, but we do hope that these cookie ice cream sandwiches land on another menu in the park…it would be a shame if they went away for good. So, Disney, are you paying attention? (Please say yes). Grab this before Dino-Bite snacks permanently closes on October 20th. Speaking of snacks…WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: Every Lion King Fan NEEDS To Try This Disney Treat 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 miss the cookie ice cream sandwiches at Dino-Bite Snacks? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: This Disney World Snack Spot Is STILL Cranking Out Hits Ahead of Its Permanent Closure first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When at Disney World, we’re constantly touching rides, rails, and handles — that’s why bringing hand sanitizer to the park is essential for us! Magic Kingdom One of our favorite hand sanitizer brands is the Touchland hand sanitizer, and they just dropped a brand-new scent! You’re probably thinking, “Why would anyone get excited about a hand sanitizer scent?“, but trust us on this. Plus, we also found a Disney case to go with it. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this NEW Touchland Hand Sanitizer The Touchland Hand Sanitizer is our favorite way to keep our hands clean when at Disney World! It’s not like a liquid you scrub on your hands — this one is a power mist, making it easier to rub in. Touchland just dropped an all-new scent online, Confetti Cake Mist. It’s a special edition scent, and it comes with a sparkly case. We definitely recommend this for your next vacation! View on Amazon We love this Touchland Mickey Case ©Amazon If you’re getting the hand sanitizer, you should definitely get this Touchland Mickey Case! Celebrate the timeless charm of Mickey Mouse with this special edition case that brings a touch of Disney magic to your Touchland hand sanitizer mist. We think the case is listed at a great price, and can be reused even when your sanitizer runs out! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! The post A New Touchland Hand Sanitizer Scent Is Available on Amazon NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get in the car! There’s no time to explain, but we need to get to Universal Studios in Florida…and FAST. You in?! Universal Orlando As avid popcorn bucket collectors, we’re constantly freaking out when a new bucket drops — especially when they’re inspired by our favorite movies and characters. Universal previously dropped an exclusive HamiKuma Popcorn Bucket, and now they’ve dropped a NEW Halloween-themed Hello Kitty Popcorn Bucket! But this isn’t any old Hello Kitty souvenir. She got a SCARY makeover for Halloween. We got so excited about it that we just had to go see it in person! When we went to the Universal Studios store, we realized this thing was POPULAR. Universal only had one left — the one on display. We could see why everyone’s been running to the park to get this — look at this thing! It’s the perfect mix of spooky and silly. Take a look at the new popcorn bucket! The popcorn bucket features Hello Kitty with stitches and scars, similar to the look of the infamous Chucky doll. She’s driving a Hello Kitty car with the same look. On the side door, you’ll find “Good Girl” printed on it. The popcorn is stored under Hello Kitty in the car. We NEED this! The Halloween season is in full swing, and crazy enough, it’s only a couple of weeks away from coming to an end. So make sure to get as much Halloween at Universal as you can, especially since Halloween Horror Nights is still going on. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights For more theme park news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! BREAKING: Universal Testing NEW “Single Attraction Access” Express Pass Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What are your thoughts on the popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments! The post Universal Drops NEW Popcorn Bucket Featuring a BIZARRE (but AMAZING) Collaboration first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Both Disney World and Universal Orlando offer a way for you to pay extra to skip the standby lines at most attractions and access a shorter, faster line. In Disney World, you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass. In Universal Orlando, you can buy an Express Pass, which is similar but generally covers more attractions (and costs more money). Universal Orlando Disney World also has Lightning Lane Single Pass, which applies to select rides, where you pay an additional fee just to skip lines at those rides, like a pay-per-ride system. Universal has started to test out something similar: Express Pass Single Attraction Access. We’re going to break down that new option for you. On October 16th, Universal had some NEW signs in front of two rides: Revenge of the Mummy in Universal Studios Florida and Skull Island: Reign of Kong in Universal Islands of Adventure. Those signs had a QR code that visitors could scan to get access via the Universal app to buy a single attraction express pass for each of those rides for $25 each. This is separate from the standard Universal Express Pass option, which includes those rides. ©Universal We revisited Universal on October 17th, and the signs in front of the attractions were gone (granted, their standby lines were pretty short). We spoke with a Universal Team member who confirmed that this was something Universal was currently testing at these two rides. When we visited, though, the ride wait times were less than 10 minutes, so we can’t imagine anyone paying $25 to skip those short lines. Skull Island: Reign of Kong So, for now, you may see a sign for this new option in front of these rides when Universal decides to make it available again. Of course, if the standby line is relatively short, it’s not something you may actually need, but we could see how something like this might work in Epic Universe where we can imagine a lot of folks would pay for the option for a popular ride like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Queue for standby line at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry So, it seems like Universal is testing a pretty similar service to the Single Pass offered in Disney World. Is there some copying — er, borrowing — going on between parks here? HMMM! We’ll keep an eye out to see if the option pops up again and let you know, so stay tuned to DFB for more. I Just Stayed at a Universal Value Hotel for the First Time…and I’m Suddenly Mad at Disney Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> What do you think? Is this an option you would like to see for more rides in Universal? Let us know in the comments! The post Wait...Did Universal Just Borrow Disney’s Idea for Lightning Lane Single Pass?! 🤨 first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve seen A LOT of Disney merchandise over the years and concluded that there is something for every type of Disney fan. Loungefly organizer On Amazon, we found out our absolute favorites for every type of fan. From the fanatics to the movie fans, the true Disney Adults, and the ones desperately missing the magic, we found something for everyone. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. For the Theme Park Fanatic Frogg Toggs Rain Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho Our favorite rain poncho and for good reason! It folds up super small and comes in a variety of colors for everyone in the family. It’s not a Disney World trip without a rainstorm, and throwing these in your bags will completely save the day. View on Amazon Now Loungefly Organizer We love our Loungeflys! If Loungefly is your favorite park bag, these inserts will make life so much easier. Each time you switch your bag, you can just pull out the insert and move it to the next one! It’s great for when you’re in the parks, too, so you don’t have to go digging around a bottomless pit for something. We use these every time we wear Loungeflys. View on Amazon Now Handheld Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan Another lifesaver! Florida can be brutally hot, but this little fan is there to perk you up with a burst of coolness throughout the day. There’s even a USB port so you can charge your phone as a double battery pack. It’s super small to tuck into your bag, and when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it. View on Amazon Now Waterproof Shoe Covers Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers If you’re a theme park enthusiast, then you know how hard the weather can be to manage in Florida. While these might look silly, once you try them, you’re never going back. These provide great traction over your normal shoes, and when the rainstorm stops, you can just unzip and put them away until the next random rainstorm starts. View on Amazon Now For the Disney Movie Fan Cars Loungefly Mini Backpack ©Amazon This Loungefly is perfect for the Cars fan in your life. It features four different characters and has a zippered front pocket. On the back, Lightning McQueen has his title of the Piston Cup Champion, and the inside fabric has symbolism for the speedster himself. The teals and purples are just like Radiator Springs. View on Amazon Now Pixar Luxo Jr. LEGO Set Let’s build! Boing! If you’re favorite part of the beginning of every Pixar movie is the lamp, go ahead and hit “add to cart.” It would look perfect next to your desk lamp and even comes with the Pixar Ball. The whole set is built with 613 pieces. You can move it around to create different formations, too. View on Amazon Now Hallmark Emperor’s New Groove Kuzco Ornament ©Amazon It’s hard to find merchandise for one of the best Disney movies, but this ornament represents the best! You can show off your love for the emperor on your Christmas tree and then set it up on your desk once the holidays are over. View on Amazon Now Beauty and the Beast Jewelry Box ©Amazon Disney Princess fans, we didn’t forget about you! This jewelry box looks like stained glass and is gorgeous. You can put your jewelry in it or just small trinkets inside. It would look beautiful on a collector’s shelf or in your bathroom for a beautiful nod to the classics. View on Amazon Now For the Disney Adults Disney Adults Book Disney Adults Book! Uh, duh! Of course, every Disney Adult needs the “Disney Adults” book. This book, written by DFB’s very own AJ Wolfe, explores the “misunderstood subculture, exploring the lives and experiences of a fascinating community to better understand its devotees’ unwavering passion for all things Disney, why it offends, and why it matters.” View on Amazon Now Disney Parks Cookbook Box Set ©Amazon This is a great way to bring home the magic. You can cook recipes through Disney Parks, and this box set includes three books: “The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook,” “The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook,” and “The Unofficial Disney Parks Restaurants Cookbook.” There are plenty of recipes to go through to impress your friends and family. View on Amazon Now For the One with the Disney Blues Haunted Mansion Candle ©Amazon Is this room actually stretching? If you can recite the rest of the spiel, you probably need this candle. It’s inspired by the Haunted Mansion and has even that iconic purple color. If you’re missing out on the parks, this might just do the trick. View on Amazon Now Disney World Map Posters ©Amazon Finally, we have this set of four that features each of the four Disney World parks. There’s simile imagery that adds the perfect amount of Disney to your walls. I think they would be especially cute in a nursery, but hey, adults deserve their favorite Disney Parks represented, too! View on Amazon Now See? We told you there’s something for everyone! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney finds for your next trip. The post 12 Items Every Disney Fan Needs from Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so you might be aware that a lot is going on right now in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Recently, Muppets Courtyard closed to make way for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land. We’ve got big arch news Animation Courtyard also recently closed to be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios. Now, when we looked at the concept art for the updated area, we noticed that something was missing: the Hollywood Studios arch that stands in front of the area. Well, it’s official, the arch has officially been removed. It’s GONE, people. When we last visited Hollywood Studios, we noticed the arch was finally behind construction walls, which we took as a sign that it wouldn’t be around much longer. Here’s what that looked like then. The arch is behind construction walls Well, as of now, the arch has officially been dismantled, pretty much overnight. It is GONE. Here’s what it looks like now. The arch is gone Yep, that arch is gone, and it’s gone forever, at least according to the concept art. So goodbye, arch. However, something else has gone missing in this area. So Star Wars Launch Bay also closed as part of this reimagining of the area. Well, now, the Star Wars Launch Bay sign has been removed from that building. Sign is gone! However, we are excited about this entire area getting converted into a concept revolving around Walt Disney Studios, mostly because we remember when Hollywood Studios was a real LIVE working studio for Disney animators. In fact, both Mulan and Lilo & Stitch were animated there — I remember when visitors to Hollywood Studios were among the first to see artwork from Mulan way back in the day! The reimagining will include Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat and an area called The Magic of Disney Animation, which will be an interactive area where visitors can explore a fun take on Disney Animation Headquarters. ©Disney A new playground is also coming to this space, themed around Mary Blair’s original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. The new area will also host character meet-and-greets and a new Disney Jr. show. ©Disney We’ll be keeping an eye on the progress of The Walt Disney Studios, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Oh, and if you need help navigating all the construction walls on your next trip, reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Did Disney Just Quietly Confirm the Name of the New Land Coming to Hollywood Studios? 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? Let us know in the comments! The post NEWS: Something BIG Is Missing From Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Believe it or not, there ARE some occasions when Disney lowers prices, instead of increasing them! It’s a rare instance, yes, but when it happens…we MUST tell you how to score a deal. It’s our duty! Magic Kingdom After all the recent price increase announcements we spotted across Disney property, we could really use some good news. Luckily, we have some! If you’re a big fan of TRON, or become one after seeing TRON: Ares in theaters, there’s a huge discount you can’t miss out on. Starting back on June 3rd, Disney announced that there would be a discount on the TRON Identity Program in the Tomorrowland Launch Depot in Magic Kingdom. Originally, this souvenir cost you $89.99, but since the summer, it has only cost $50 — that’s a savings of $40! Tomorrowland Launch Depot But wait a minute — what exactly IS the TRON Identity Program? I don’t know about you guys, but I never hear ANYONE talking about this, so if I didn’t write about Disney practically all day every day, I’d have no clue what someone was talking about. Well, inside this merchandise location, you’ll step into one of the Grid Digitization Portals to create an action figure or “Program” that looks and sounds just like you. Grid Digitization Portals Inside, you’ll go through a customization process that includes an Image Capture to scan your facial features. Then, you’ll select your helmet and body configuration, and choose if your Program will be an Enforcer, Combatant, Scout, or Heavy Sentry. You’ll also select a team color, and finally visit Command Input, where you will record 6 lines of dialogue in your own voice. Inside the portal Allow about 20 minutes to make your customization selections and record your lines, and then your action figure will take about 60 minutes to complete. You can also purchase additional customizable items at Tomorrowland Launch Depot, and the best part? This doesn’t require any reservations! The recommended age for this experience is five and up, but anyone under the age of 14 must have someone 14+ with them. Let’s make a TRON action figure We’re curious to see how long this discount will last, because with the release of TRON: Ares, it’s possible that this experience will become more popular and go back up to its regular price. It’s ALSO possible that this experience hasn’t been popular enough at all, and Disney could close the experience if it still doesn’t get a decent amount of traction with this discount. Identity Chip We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest around this experience, as well as all others around Disney World, so you can feel prepared for your upcoming trip. Stay tuned to DFB for more! Yeah, We’re Going There. These Are the Most ANNOYING Things 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 Would you ever take advantage of this experience? Tell us in the comments! The post There’s a MAJOR Magic Kingdom Souvenir Discount Hiding in Tomorrowland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who’s ready for some online shopping? ©Disney Some of our favorite Disney World essentials are now on sale on Amazon, and we’re telling you that you need to RUN and get them NOW! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this FROGG TOGG Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho We find these Frogg Togg Waterproof Ponchos always come in handy! Central Florida does not lack rainstorms, so we make sure to carry one of these whenever we’re at the parks. We have our poncho in pink, but there are so many colors to choose from. It’s 100% waterproof and very breathable. It’s super easy to put on, and it has a pullover hood, which is great for those downpours! It’s also very easy to pack, as it comes with a little stuff sack to put the poncho in. You can get it for 35% off right now! View on Amazon This Flat Plug Power Strip always comes in handy Flat Plug Power Strip This Flat Plug Power Strip is portable and effective, allowing you to charge multiple devices while not taking up too much space in your hotel room. It has three outlets and 4 USB ports (two USB-C), and is seriously one of the accessories to bring with you on vacation! We can charge our phone, laptop, and whatever else we brought — all while only taking up one outlet on the wall. We love the price you can get this at, and it’s 29% off right now! View on Amazon We love this Multicharger for MagicBands MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Trust us, this Kaizen Kreation MultiCharger for MagicBand+ has done us wonders! This is a must-have since the hotel rooms don’t have very many plugs, and you have to charge MagicBands now. This is great for big groups of family and friends who are travelling together. You can get it for 21% off. View on Amazon Or, you can grab this Mini Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan We will never stop talking about the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan! We think this is absolutely worth the money. It’s multifunctional, so not only is it a rechargeable, handheld fan with multiple settings, it also doubles as a flashlight and charger. Most fans are larger and bulky to carry around, but this one folds nicely to take as little space in your bag as possible. It’s so useful if you’re not used to the Florida humidity and want to decrease the number of things in your bag, since you can use it as a charger too. You can get it for 23% off! View on Amazon Don’t forget this Mini Backpack Organizer HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer We love this HOYOFO Mini Backpack Organizer! With the price it’s at, we’re not sure why it’s not a more common thing. We really like its design, and there are different compartments to hold different things, including a key ring, easy-to-grab pockets, and a few zippered pouches. If you’re like us and you like changing your Loungefly backpack on the fly, this makes it easy to move over all the important stuff in one grab — no more realizing you forgot something until it’s too late! We’re able to pack everything we’re used to packing with TONS of room left over, including remaining pockets. If you’re someone who likes to do different outfits and coordinate during your trip, or you just hate digging around in your bag for your belongings, this is for you. It NEVER goes on sale, but happens to be 10% off right now! View on Amazon There’s also this Mini Umbrella Mini UV Umbrella If you want to avoid sunburn and help keep yourself out of the sun, no matter where you are, you’ll want to grab the BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella. Keep yourself safe from sunburn and sun poisoning. This travel umbrella comes with a case and is super easy to travel with. We find that by using one of these, it lowers the temperature underneath by 5-10 degrees easily. You can get it for 6% off! View on Amazon And finally, this INIU Portable Charger INIU Charger The INIU Portable Charger has to be up there as one of our favorite portable chargers! We frequently bring this up and highly recommend it. Its slim build and power bank make for a perfect charger to keep your phone running throughout the day. It offers a USB-C connection, which means it has high-speed charging capabilities. It works with many different phone types, and is currently 38% off! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! The post Our Favorite Disney World Essentials Are Up to 38% Off On Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ll be honest: we’ve started counting down the days to Christmas, but it’s WAY more fun when you have an advent calendar to go along with it! Christmas in Magic Kingdom Disney has dropped a LOT of advent calendars for this upcoming holiday season, and it’s been hard to choose which one we’re rolling with come December. That decision got even harder with the release of this NEW Bluey Advent Calendar! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We love this Bluey Advent Calendar ©Amazon Celebrate the holidays with the Heelers with this Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Calendar Book! That means 24 different Bluey stories to read every day, from December 1st to Christmas. This is the second Bluey calendar we’ve seen online, and honestly, we’re ready for more — although, how many advent calendars can you do? (The answer is UNLIMITED) ©Amazon Inside, you’ll find stories such as “Christmas Swim”, “Shadowlands”, “Mini Bluey”, how-to-draw books, and more. This doesn’t have to be a one-time-use calendar; simply pop the books back in their spots and use it again next season. It’s available for 25% off, so how could you resist?! View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! The post Disney Just Released a NEW ‘Bluey’ Advent Calendar on Amazon – and It’s on SALE! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Being a D23 member comes with so many special perks and exclusive opportunities! If you’ve ever wanted to join a Disney fan club, let this be your sign to do it. Two words: WORTH. IT. Want a perfect example of why it pays to be a D23 member? Get ready. D23 Disney announced that D23 members are invited to a special taping of The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, held at the Disneyland Resort! If you’re unfamiliar with this annual event, let’s just say it’s a star-studded spectacular with a LOT of holiday cheer. Every year, Disney premieres a holiday spectacular that fans can watch from the comfort of their own home called The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration. Of course, if you’re watching something on TV, that means it was filmed in advance, which means Disney must start the recording process VERY soon to be ready for Christmas Day. It snowed! D23 Members had the chance to claim a spot in the audience for the taping of The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, which will take place overnight at the Disneyland Resort from October 24th to 25th. Unfortunately, tickets for the event sold out very fast! ©D23 Those who were lucky enough to get a ticket to the event will be arriving at 11 PM on October 24th and will be there until the next morning, around 6:30 AM. Now that’s a loooong recording session! The sell-out for the event is final, so there will be no more tickets available for D23 members. Luckily, you can see the final product on TV (without having to stand on your feet for HOURS all night!). Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow For those lucky enough to score tickets, this will be a SWEET opportunity to watch the performances in person and live. You know what else that means? You could see some of your favorite celebrities! Last year’s taping included performances by Pentatonix, Elton John, John Legend, Leslie Odom, Jr., Seth MacFarlane, Liz Gillies, Anika Noni Rose, Ava Max, Carly Pearce, Auliʻi Cravalho, and SEVENTEEN. For this year…well, we don’t know. Disney hasn’t announced who will be performing this year. That’s top-secret information! ©Disney For those attending, it’s important to be aware that you will be required to stand, wait, and move for long periods of time during the early hours of the morning. Also, the weather can be colder at night during the taping, so you’ll want to dress accordingly. No costumes can be worn during the taping, but you are encouraged to wear your best and favorite Disney holiday attire! We’re expecting LOTS of red and green clothing in the audience. Holiday merch at Disneyland You will be on camera during the taping, but it’s not guaranteed that you will be seen in the final cut. You won’t be allowed to take photos, audio, or video recordings. All in all, it’s all worth it to possibly be seen on TV, though! Disneyland Entrance and Train Station If you haven’t been on a filming set with celebrities and crew, you are in for a treat! We’re so excited for the holiday season, and Disney dropping all these announcements is getting us even more hyped. For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. Surprise! Change Hit Disney Castle Overnight, and You’re Going To Love It 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 Were you able to get tickets to the event? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Is Hosting a Top-Secret Holiday Event With BIG Celebrities, and You’re Invited! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A Disney World trip means long days in the Florida heat, surprise rainstorms, and endless photo ops — and the last thing you want is to be unprepared. ©Target Whether you’re dodging an afternoon downpour in Magic Kingdom or recharging your phone after snapping 300 castle photos, these Target finds will make your trip smoother, cooler, and a lot less stressful. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Peva Pull-On Blue Poncho ©Target You will get caught in a Florida rainstorm at some point during your trip. That’s just Disney life. This PEVA Pull-On Blue Poncho will save you from spending the rest of the day in soggy misery. It’s packable, lightweight, and easy to throw on in a hurry. The hood has drawstrings and toggles, so it actually stays in place when the wind picks up, and there’s a two-snap closure at the neck to keep you comfortable. Toss it in your park bag — it barely takes up any space, and you’ll be glad you have it when those afternoon clouds roll in. View on SALE Totes One-Touch Auto Open Close ECO Compact Umbrella ©Target If ponchos aren’t your thing, this Totes One-Touch Auto Open Close ECO Compact Umbrella is a must. It’s made from a 100% recycled canopy — every umbrella saves seven plastic bottles from landfills and oceans — so you can stay dry and feel good about it. The one-touch button means it opens and closes instantly, which is clutch when you’re juggling snacks or a park map. The handle is designed for a comfortable, no-slip grip (because slippery hands and rain never mix). Bonus: Totes offers a warranty, so if something happens, they’ll replace it. View on SALE Anker 5000mAh Power Bank PowerCore 5K ©Target Here’s the reality: At Disney World, your phone battery doesn’t stand a chance. The Anker 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K) is your park day hero. It’s tiny but powerful enough to charge two devices at once. The 5,200mAh battery gives your phone a full recharge, and Anker’s PowerIQ tech ensures you get the fastest charge possible. It fits perfectly in a park bag, pocket, or even a Loungefly mini backpack. Trust us — this is one of those Disney essentials you don’t realize you need until your phone hits 3% in the middle of EPCOT. View on SALE JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan The Florida sun doesn’t mess around. This JISULIFE 3-in-1 Handheld Mini Fan will be your best friend while waiting in line for Haunted Mansion or standing through Festival of Fantasy. It folds up for easy packing, works as a handheld or desk fan, and lasts up to 37 hours on a single charge. It has three speed settings, soft silicone blades, and even doubles as a power bank — so if your phone dies, this little guy has you covered. It’s lightweight, rechargeable, and cute enough that you’ll want to show it off. View on SALE Link Active 4 Pack Cooling Towels ©Target Let’s be real — Disney sweat is unavoidable. But you can make it way more manageable with these Link Active Cooling Towels. They’re made from soft microfiber material and use evaporative cooling technology that kicks in the second you wet and snap them. You get four in a pack, so everyone in your group can have one. Keep one in your park bag, one in your hotel room, and one for backup (because there’s always someone who forgets theirs). View on SALE Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle ©Target Hydration is everything when you’re walking 20,000 steps a day at Disney. The Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle is one of our favorites for a reason. It’s triple-layer insulated, so your water stays cold all day long — even in the Florida sun. The patented FreeSip spout lets you drink two ways: sip through the built-in straw or swig directly from the opening. It’s leak-proof, BPA-free, and easy to clean thanks to the wide mouth opening. The carry loop doubles as a lock when closed, so you can clip it to your park bag without worrying about spills. This 24-ounce bottle is the perfect size to refill at Disney’s water stations throughout the day. You’ll save money skipping bottled water and stay refreshed all day long. 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! The post 6 Disney Essentials From Target You Need in Your Cart first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ll be knee-deep in holiday festivities with Disney World’s holiday season soon, and y’all, we are SO ready. Lion King tree detail at 2024 Christmas Tree Stroll We’re ready for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, and we’re ready for all the holiday snacks (of course!). However, we’re also ready to see all the gooooorgeous holiday decor in the parks and at Disney Springs. Speaking of Disney Springs, one of our favorite FREE activities is to walk around the Christmas Tree Stroll. Well, we’ve got some good news about that: the Christmas Tree Stroll is returning this year. The holiday season at Disney World kicks off on November 14th and runs through December 31st. During that time, you’ll be able to visit Disney Springs FOR FREE and check out the Christmas Tree Stroll. The stroll includes trees decorated with your favorite Disney characters, movies, and more. Toy Story tree in 2024 You can pick up a free map highlighting each tree location at City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Havaianas, House of Blues, The LEGO Store, and The Polite Pig. As you discover each tree, you will add the corresponding sticker to the location on your map. When you’ve found all the trees, bring the map to one of the locations listed above to get a special surprise! 2024 Christmas Tree Stroll Map This year, you’ll see trees inspired by Coco, Disney Villains, Encanto, Fantasia, Frozen, Haunted Mansion, Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King, Mickey and Minnie, Moana, The Princess & The Frog, Star Wars, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, and more! Star Wars tree While you’re in Disney Springs, also be sure to grab photos in front of the flagship trees at Disney Springs Marketplace, Town Center, and Orange Node. You’ll also find a Disney Cruise Line topiary, as well as a tree dedicated to Disney World Annual Passholders. Oh, and this is important, so listen closely. Some of the trees are also interactive with your MagicBand+, including the Disney Cruise Line topiary, the Annual Passholders tree, the Haunted Mansion Tree, the Nightmare Before Christmas tree, and the Star Wars tree. Bring your MagicBand+ to Disney Springs to take advantage of those fun little interactions! Town Center tree Well, we’re planning a trip RIGHT to Disney Springs this winter. Anyone else? By the way, planning a Disney World trip can be…a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our friends at Small World Travel can help make sure you get the perfect Disney World vacation, as well as make sure you get all the best deals on that trip. Even better! It’s 100% free. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney Just Made It WAY Easier to Plan Your Visit to the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you ever been on the Christmas Tree Stroll in Disney Springs? What’s your favorite tree? Share with us in the comments! The post Disney Confirms a Popular Holiday Addition Is Returning This Winter — Bring Your MagicBand+! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news! Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hold onto your hats, folks — big changes are brewing across the Disney parks! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be closing for a MAJOR update, Magic Kingdom’s about to get a ride overhaul, and did Disney just quietly drop the name of the brand-new land in Hollywood Studios? Plus, Universal’s testing a game-changing Express Pass that could shake up your next vacation. All the latest Disney Parks news is coming up right now on DFB Guide. By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/subscribe.png So check out the video and then let us know: Which Disney news of the week are you the most excited about? The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: MAJOR Ride Changes, EPCOT Closure & New Lightning Lane Added first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

MOOOOOM…PHINEAS AND FERB ARE DROPPING NEW EPISODES! Phineas and Ferb Is it just us, or is Phineas and Ferb just making a triumphant comeback out of nowhere?! First, Season 5 of the beloved show arrived on Disney+ on June 6th, 2025, and then the two brothers made an appearance at EPCOT during the summer. Now, Disney announced that MORE new episodes are on the horizon! That’s not all, though! You can actually watch the rest of the new season EARLY. Disney previously announced that the second half of Season 5 will begin airing on Disney Channel once a week, starting on October 18th. Wait…that’s NOW! So if you have access to the Disney Channel, you can start watching the new episodes EARLY. ©Disney We did a little sleuthing and spotted a full schedule of the upcoming episodes and their Disney Channel release dates! Check them out: Season 5, Episode 14: Bend It Like Doof/Dooflicated (Will air on October 18th) Season 5, Episode 15: Space Adventure/Droogenfest (Will air on October 25th) Season 5, Episode 16: Doofercise/Croquet Y-8 (Will air on November 1st) Season 5, Episode 17: Dinner Reservations/Bread Bowl Hot Tub (Will air on November 8th) Season 5, Episode 18: Entrance Exam/Dungeons & Dating (Will air on November 15th) Season 5, Episode 19: Title not yet released (Will air 2025) Season 5, Episode 20: Title not yet released (Will air 2025) Season 5, Episode 21: Title not yet released (Will air 2025) ©Disney There is no word on when the episodes will officially release on Disney’s streaming platform for all of us Disney+ subscribers. All we know is the episodes will drop at some point in January. Regardless, we’ll be starting off the new year RIGHT. ©Disney Oh, and that’s not all. The show was renewed for TWO seasons, and it’s expected (per IMDb) that Season 6 will arrive at some point in 2026. YAY! ©Disney Make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog to stay up to date with all the latest Disney news and updates! NEW Sweepstakes Announced for Disney+ Subscribers Perks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited for the new season? Also, has anyone seen Perry? Let us know in the comments! The post Why Every Disney Adult Will Be Glued to Their Screens This January first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t believe it’s been almost a YEAR since we saw the first part of Wicked in theaters. Thankfully, the second part is about to debut, and you KNOW we’re running straight to the movies to see the next installment. It’s been hard to escape the promotion of the Wicked movies — even our grocery store mac and cheese got a pink and green Wicked makeover. So, it’s safe to say the movies are…”popular…you’re gonna be popular.“ (Sorry, we had to!) Elphaba and Glinda meet and greet Wicked: For Good will be released in theaters on November 21st, but Universal Orlando just announced something VERY exciting, and it’s starting even sooner! Beginning October 31st, a new immersive experience will arrive at Wicked: The Experience inside Universal Studios! Are you planning to check out this new experience? Tell us in the comments! The post Universal Orlando Announces 8 NEW Additions Arriving October 31st first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are a lot of moving parts at Disneyland that you need to be aware of before your next trip. Sleeping Beauty Castle! You’ve packed your bags, hopped on a flight, made your way into your hotel room, triple-checked that your park tickets are ready to go, and then walked down Main Street, U.S.A., only to find out that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment. This experience is a real stinker and one we hope we can help you avoid. While we can’t stop things at Disneyland from closing down, we can give you advanced notice so that you’re totally prepared long before you even start packing. Disneyland Park Refurbishments We regret to inform you that the list of the upcoming and ongoing Disneyland Park closures is a doozy. From fan-favorite rides to historic shows, Disneyland is going to be missing some popular attractions if you plan to visit in the next couple of months. Halloweentime at Disneyland Here’s everything that’s been confirmed to close (temporarily): Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (Return date TBA): When the new Walt Disney — A Magical Life and its first-ever Walt audio-animatronic opened over the summer in the Main Street Opera House, it was revealed that the show would eventually rotate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. However, that has yet to happen. We’ll let you know when the old show is back in action as soon as it’s revealed. ©Disney Storybook Land Canal Boats (Closed July 21st, 2025 to TBA): The canal boats in Fantasyland have been down for some time, and now we know why! Disney recently revealed that a miniature version of Rapunzel’s tower is being installed in the ride between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall. The ride is expected to open at some point this winter, but a specific date has yet to be announced as of this writing. ©Disney Casey Jr. Circus Train (Closed July 28th, 2025, to TBA): Fantasyland has A LOT going on right now, and it’s going to be only partially operational for the time being. That also includes Casey Jr. Circus Train, which rides around the Storybook Land Canal. It’s fair to assume the ride might reopen when the canal is ready. Casey Jr. Circus Train is also closed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Closed September 2nd, 2025, to TBA): Big Thunder Mountain is down on both coasts, as Disneyland’s version has been closed for a lengthy refurbishment since September. No reopening date has been announced, nor any possible changes, but we’ll keep you posted as this story updates. Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland “it’s a small world” (Closed October 30th through November 13th, 2025): Finally, a ride’s closure that has an end date in sight! We weren’t kidding when we said Fantasyland has an issue with ride closures right now. Fortunately, the refurbishment for “it’s a small world” won’t last too long. When it reopens, guests can enjoy the popular holiday overlay in all its glory! Holiday decorations on “it’s a small world” Disney California Adventure Refurbishments, Closures, and Construction The Disneyland Resort’s biggest expansion is happening right now over at California Adventure with the inclusion of a new Coco boat ride, two new Avengers rides in a double-the-size Avengers Campus, and a new Avatar-themed land with a brand-new thrilling boat adventure. These projects are progressing quickly, and they can affect your trip, among other notable closures. Avatar land at Disneyland ©Disney Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Closed October 6th through the 30th, 2025): This lovely indoor 4D show is currently getting some fancy new projectors, audio, lighting, and control equipment. Closed for pretty much all of October, it’ll be back up and running on Halloween and throughout the holiday season. Mickey’s PhilharMagic Redwood Creek Challenge (Closed November 1st through the 13th, 2025): More holiday cheer is coming to this popular California-themed trail this November, but it’ll need to be closed while the changes are made. Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (Permanently closing early 2026)Unfortunately, this upcoming refurbishment isn’t a refurbishment at all, as we’ll be losing the Monsters, Inc. ride at California Adventure at an unreleased date in 2026. Most, if not all, of the Hollywood Land Backlot area will be demolished in favor of the new Avatar land, so we’ll be saying bye to Boo and her monster pals as often as we can during the remainder of 2025. Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! A major construction update we want to point out is happening over at the connecting path between Cars Land and Avengers Campus. As the Marvel-themed land continues its expansion, the back pathway that conveniently connects the two lands is blocked off. Avengers Campus We don’t know when that will no longer be the case, but it’s something to be aware of during your visit. Hotel Refurbishments Yes, the closures and construction extend to Disneyland’s hotels, as well. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa’s premier restaurant — Napa Rose — is currently undergoing a MASSIVE refurbishment set to finish in early 2026. ©Disney Initially expected to reopen in Fall 2025, Napa Rose will offer “an elevated dining experience, blending timeless Craftsman design with a fresh take on modern Californian sophistication and warmth, and immersing guests in a way only Disney can do.” Disney has also teased designs honoring Craftsman architecture with theming that nods “toward modern Californian luxury and approachability.” It will also feature an outdoor patio with two fireplaces, lush greenery, and soft lighting that give off upscale California winery vibes. ©Disney While the restaurant is unavailable, the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures character dining experience that’s usually held at Napa Rose is being hosted at the Trillium Room in the Grand Californian. Princess Jasmine As for the hotel itself, expect to hear and see some various construction throughout 2025 and 2026. While nothing major has been announced, we’ll keep you posted if that changes. Disney’s Grand Californian Downtown Disney Construction Downtown Disney is getting some new additions very soon! It was recently announced that above the new Earl of Sandwich restaurant (which is currently under construction), the new Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will be joining the roster of delicious Downtown Disney eats! ©Disney This British-themed gastropub will offer some celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay staples like fish and chips, beef wellington, and sticky toffee pudding. It’ll also feature plenty of “All eyes were on London in the 1960s, a full-on fantastic technicolour scene of people going out and having fun. We are bringing those cool vibes to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby,” Chef Ramsay said. “Stunning interiors, incredible food, and great music, whether it’s date night or dinner with friends or family, The Carnaby is going to bring the very best of cool Britannia to Downtown Disney District.” An opening date hasn’t been announced yet. ©Click Orlando What’s happening with the old ESPN Zone building has been a question for years, but we learned this year that a new lululemon store will occupy the spot! The store will feature lots of popular lululemon items, and Disney has teased its opening sometime this winter. ©Disney Crowds Winter is coming, and at Disneyland, that means heavier crowds. Kids are out of school for the holidays, and there’s something extra magical about a festive Disneyland that just speaks so much to our nostalgia. Disneyland Christmas tree The ride overlays, seasonal treats, special entertainment, and cooler weather bring out people in droves. However, don’t panic yet. Disneyland’s park reservation system does typically keep crowds at a manageable level, so while it will be busier, it won’t be impossible to navigate. That’s where we come in. We’ll continue to give you all the latest Disneyland tips and updates that will help you have the best trip possible, so keep it posted right here at the Disney Food Blog to stay in the know! Disneyland Hit With Price Increases on Park Tickets, Magic Key Passes, and More Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning on visiting Disneyland soon? Share some of your itinerary highlights with us in the comments below! The post Why You Need To Be Extra Careful If You’re Booking a Disneyland Trip Right Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Mechanical birds, bears and princesses have chirped, growled and sung in Orlando’s theme parks for more than 50 years. The animatronic trend shows no signs of fading, as new figures arrive in new places at Walt Disney World, and Epic Universe introduces batches of lifelike characters. The additions range from a planned electronic version of Walt Disney at Magic Kingdom to a lumbering Frankenstein’s monster figure that debuted with Epic in May. “People still enjoy seeing lifelike figures of their heroes, villains and others come alive,” said Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services. “I think this is one area that continues to evolve, and I don’t think we’ve seen anything yet.” Technological advances are enabling the improved illusion of the figures, said Brian Ott, show systems studio executive with Walt Disney Imagineering. “The way that we can now simulate, the way that we now design, the way that we now can generate content for these and in style — like it is moving like the character that everybody sees and recognizes from the film … I think that’s really the appeal of like, ‘Wow, not only did I see Elsa on the ride, but I felt like it was Elsa. It moved, it performed, it looked at me,'” Ott said. Coming Nov. 7: 'Zootopia: Better Zoogether,' which will include an animatronic figure of Benjamin Clawhauser at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. (Walt Disney Co.) The next new animatronic at Disney World will be Benjamin Clawhauser, a cheetah character that’s part of the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” show launching at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park on Nov. 7. “You will see something new and unique from that figure,” Ott said. Other planned figures include Buddy, a support-bot, in the ongoing update for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Rangers Spin at Magic Kingdom; Scooter and other Muppets in the retheming of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; facelifts for Frozen Ever After figures at Epcot; and the addition of Walt Disney himself at the beginning of Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. These come on the heels of the first animatronic to represent Walt Disney, which debuted at Disneyland in California this summer. “I think that has breathed a lot of life back into the animatronics and from the highest level,” Speigel said. Figures frightening, formidable Universal Orlando installed animatronics inside Epic Universe’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride and elsewhere. “Everyone has their normal lives that they’re going through, and that comes with people wanting to be transported,” said Gregory Hall, assistant director, creative design for Universal Creative. “We have the opportunity to bring new technology and use it for good and use it to entertain and inspire people.” The Monsters Unchained ride is peppered with figures in action, including Dracula, Mummy and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Frankenstein's monster and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein are focal points of the preshow leading up to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Epic Universe. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel) A crowd-pleasing scene happens in the Unchained preshow with new character Victoria Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s monster, who strides into the room. It’s a moment that prompts applause from Epic visitors, Hall said. “That was the first time we made a figure on that scale walk,” Hall said. “And then he’s right next to Victoria, and they’re using extremely different technology.” Another big animatronic project was the “erumpent,” a charging beast in the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride. “We’re really all about, how do we get the fastest, smoothest motion moving this giant thing?” said Anisha Vyas, director of projects for Universal Creative. “It needs to be really visceral. It needs to move really fast. It needs to be moving really fluid,” she said. “Getting it to move and stop is not hard. Getting it to look pretty and gorgeous and realistic? That’s hard.” And the motion must be repeated for each load of passengers. “We ensure every guest has the same experience,” Vyas said. It all started with a bird? The seed for Disney’s animatronics — the company trademarked the term Audio-Animatronics in the 1960s — goes back to Walt and Lillian Disney’s purchase of a miniature caged-bird decoration that tweeted. That eventually led to Enchanted Tiki Room attractions such as the one at Magic Kingdom, which opened with the park in 1971. Animatronics got a major boost from “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln,” developed by Disney for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Guests watched the faux former president give a speech, and Speigel witnessed this on a high-school trip to the event. “When he put his arms on that chair and he stood up and talked, the whole audience, I remember, just gasped,” he said. The 1960s technology propelled the show’s status, said Bob Rogers, chairman of BRC Imagination Arts. Otherwise, it might have been forgotten quickly, he said. “The fact that it was just a robot, not a human, was the charm,” Rogers said. Waiting for Walt Fast forward to 2025 and the installation of the Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland. “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” is temporarily taking the place of the Lincoln animatronic presentation there. Some fans have criticized the look of the new figure. “It looks fine to me from a distance,” said Jeremiah Good, the Florida correspondent for LaughingPlace.com, “But people that were there for the opening that were in the front row filming every bit of it were going that doesn’t look a thing like Walt.” Critics are more forgiving about animatronic looks for animated beings as opposed to actual humans, Good said. He awaits the Walt Disney figure slated to join Carousel of Progress next year. “That is supposed to be a little bit older of a Walt, so that’ll be interesting to see,” Good said. “I think there are some opportunities there for the point in Walt’s life,” said Imagineering’s Ott, who noted that Florida’s animatronic would be seen in shorter but more frequent bursts at Magic Kingdom than its counterpart in California. “I also think there are things just logistically about the run time of shows — if you just look at the run time of the Disneyland, the frequency of that show, versus something like Carousel of Progress that is cycling through.” Louis the Alligator, Tiana and critters perform inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Tech talk After pneumatic and hydraulic phases, animatronics are now settling into an all-electric era with computerized programming. Last year, Walt Disney Imagineering gave a public peek into the process with an episode of “We Call It Imagineering” on YouTube. This preceded the debut of figures for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the retheming of Splash Mountain at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. A big challenge was the development of Louis, the trumpet-toting alligator, considered one of WDI’s largest and most dynamic figures. “There’s a lot of moving parts. “So you have all of these layers, you’ve got fabric and it all has to be in sync,” said Sonny Chapman, principal illusion maker, in the episode. Louis’ big belly, upper torso and arms must work together with the costuming, all while he’s bouncing, looking happy and blinking. Imagineering has expanded into “stuntronics,” creating figures that can perform elaborate aerial acrobatic feats, including one dressed as Spider-Man at Disney California Adventure theme park. The company has also developed knee-high DBX droids, which made appearances at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. “They’re wonderful not just because they’re robots, but because they are animated and they are written with stories.” Rogers said. “They express emotions. They’re doing things. They get frustrated when they can’t do what they’re trying to do. … That’s just wonderful.” Animatronics have proven, multigenerational staying power. “A lot of our engineers went to school just to work on animated figures. … That’s their thing,” Hall said. “They’re studying their whole lives, and they make their entire lives, and it’s time for their generation to show the next generation how to pass the baton. This is one of those moments that’s even bigger than just [theme] parks.” Vyas points to their entertainment value. “I just think they bring so much life to the environment,” she said. “I absolutely love that at Epic Universe we’ve doubled down on that. I really think that it just takes it to the next level.” dbevil@orlandosentinel.com View the full article

There have been hundreds of animatronic figures scattered across Walt Disney World over the past 54 years. Here are 10 notable ones that can be spied its theme parks in 2025. • Country Bears Musical Jamboree, the reboot of an original Magic Kingdom attraction, added more twang and more Disney in the summer of 2024 but maintained an animatronic lineup that includes Big Al now singing “Remember Me” from “Coco.” • Elsewhere in Frontierland, last year’s transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was assisted by figures for the title character, Mama Odie, critters as band members and Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator, which was touted as one of the largest figures Imagineers has ever concocted. Mama Odie invites guests to have beignets inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) • A very expressive Hondo Ohnaka animatronic gives instructions during the preshow for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. • The end of Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster at Hollywood Studios features Wheezy, an animatronic penguin performing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” • Magic Kingdom visitors can pop into the corner of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe for spacy songs by Sonny Eclipse, whose 30th year was marked this summer with an exclusive D23 pin. • Spaceship Earth, a centerpiece attraction at Epcot, sports a range of animatronics that span the centuries, including Egyptians, Phoenicians, snoozing monks, a paper boy, Michelangelo and computer scientists. • Dozens of mechanical tropical birds were early crowd pleasers at Disneyland and at the opening of Magic Kingdom, where the attraction is now known as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles TimesThe shaman of songs guides Disney World guests inside the Na'vi River Journey boat ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times) • The blue-skinned shaman of songs figure rests near the end of Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It became famous for its many arms and range of motion. • Perhaps the most infamous animatronic hasn’t moved much in years. The 25-foot-tall Yeti, built into a climactic scene for Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest coaster, had early technical issues after its 2006 debut, and its motion is now represented through strobe lights. • Real life gets animatronic representation at Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents, featuring 45 political figures including a new-look Donald Trump installed in June. View the full article

Ahoy there, mateys! We’re dining in a pirate-themed restaurant that’s not The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom. Captain Jack’s Over at Disneyland Paris, Captain Jack’s — Restaurant des Pirates is located in Adventureland and offers exotic seafood and Creole cooking in a bustling style tavern. Come along and join in on our incredible feast. Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant, and if you have already planned an entire trip to Disneyland Paris, you might as well finish it off with all of your dining reservations. You can order individual items from the menu or choose the Pirate’s Treasure Menu, which includes an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert, all for €55, or about $64 USD. The whole space is decorated like a pirate ship with flags and posters, and it will feel like you walked right into a movie. Inside We were eating as a group, so we were able to try multiple meals for each course. Let’s hop in! So many dishes to try! First, we had the Smoked Chicken Chiquetaille with green papaya. This was one of our favorites for the whole meal! It was served cold and had an excellent crunch from all the toppings. It had a bunch of chicken and vegetables along with the nuts, making it crunchy, tasty, and a light way to start your meal. Smoked Chicken Chiquetaille Then we had the Caribbean Fish Soup, and while it wasn’t a top dish, it was a solid choice, and we think a lot of people will like it. It was full of all different types of seafood, with the main flavor being tomato soup. It was slightly acidic and super savory. Caribbean Fish Soup Our third appetizer was the Spiced Black Pudding and Smoked Sausage with Creole-style pickled vegetables. The black pudding was meaty, earthy, and nutty, and paired well with the salad, which was acidic with a perfect crunch. The smoked sausage was a fun addition! This is a fun appetizer to try if you want to try something different from what you’re used to. Spiced Black Pudding and Smoked Sausage For our entrees, we started with the Baked Mahi-Mahi Fillet served with stewed peppers, coconut sauce, and captain’s rice. The fish was a bit thin and more overcooked than we prefer, but the coconut sauce and rice were so good that we were willing to overlook the fish. The sauce added a nice spice, and once you got a bite of everything together, it was perfect. Baked Mahi Mahi Our second main dish was the Chicken and Prawn Colombo, served with Captain’s Rice. While we loved it, the prawn still had its head on, so be prepared if you order this dish. The rice was the same as the Baked Mahi-Mahi, and the chicken was cooked well, especially with the sauce. There were even a ton of vegetables. Even though they were a little bland, we really enjoyed it all together once again. Chicken and Prawn Colombo The last entree was the Grilled Jerk Pork, with sweet chili ketchup, sweet potato mash, and cassava crisps. This was another top dish for us, even during our entire Disneyland Paris trip. The pork had a beautiful spiced flavor with a great texture that wasn’t too chewy or firm. While it was a bit cold when it came out, we loved the sweet chili ketchup, which brought in a gentle spice. The sweet potato mash had a perfect earthy flavor, and the chips were similar to plantain chips, which added a fun, crunchy element. Grilled Jerk Pork Dessert time! Our first dish was the Caribbean Rice Pudding with mango compote. The sweet mango compote paired really well with the plain rice pudding. It also gave us a great texture contrast, and the cinnamon and chocolate on top added a deeper depth of flavor. Caribbean Rice Pudding Then we had the Tropical Fruit Soup with muscovado sugar, coconut, and cashew emulsion. This was not our favorite texture since it was a bit lumpy, but there was a sweet taste that came through with the mango and pineapple. It was very fruity and nutty, and you might not think it all goes together, but it does! Tropical Fruit Soup Our final dish for the meal was the Roasted Pineapple Shortbread with vanilla and bourbon whipped cream. It was definitely our favorite dessert! It was very easy to eat with the crust breaking off beautifully. The roasted pineapples were packed with flavor and cooked just enough for the sugar taste to come through. The hero was the bourbon whipped cream on top, which had a nice vanilla flavor and tied the whole dessert together. The small amount of chocolate was just right, too. Roasted Pineapple Shortbread Overall, we really enjoyed this meal. The scenery and the vast options on the menu were amazing. We think this is for sure a place you should stop if you’re visiting Disneyland Paris. We had so much fun eating like a pirate while being in Disneyland Paris, and if you have a pirate lover in your family, you should add this to your list. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more! I SPENT $131.68 FOR ONE DISNEY SKIP THE LINE PASS AND IMMEDIATELY REGRETTED ALL MY LIGHTNING LANE COMPLAINTS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you eat at Captain Jack’s in Disneyland Paris? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. The post REVIEW: Go Inside Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Restaurant With Us first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

To quote Sam the Eagle, it’s time to salute all nations, but mostly to America. That’s because we’re headed straight into Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, designed to throw us back to colonial America, complete with its colonial-style buildings and infamous brown river. The Patriot’s Platter But we’re not here to dilly dally. Oh no…we’re here to chow down on one of the only places in Disney World where you can get a holiday feast 365 days out of the year. Yep, we’re heading to Liberty Tree Tavern, so come join us! Atmosphere As we said, you’ll find Liberty Tree Tavern in Liberty Square. Liberty Tree Tavern The colonial vibe will follow you inside. It’s rustic with lots of wooden touches everywhere. We think it’s downright cozy. The waiting area features a beautiful chandelier (with “candles”) fireplace, and a balcony. So cozy! Be sure to take time to appreciate the colonial decor. Our dining area’s decor Seating is tables and chairs. Betsy Ross room Some booth tables are also available. Seating But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu The menu here is all-you-care-to-enjoy, and the food is brought right to your table for $45 per adult and $24 per child. You’ll start your Bill of Fare with the Declaration Salad, along with bread and butter. Then you’ll get the Patriot’s Platter, which is all your favorite holiday foods. Finally, it’s time for dessert, which includes the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake. You can also get a plant-based version of the meal. ©Disney An Allergy-Friendly menu is also available. Liberty Tree Tavern Allergy-Friendly Menu on the Disney World website ©Disney And now, onto the main event — the food! Eats The meal started with the Declaration Salad, made with Mixed Greens, Apples, Cranberries, and Cheese tossed with a House-made Dressing, as well as Bread and Butter. Starting with the bread, this classic dinner roll is SO buttery, but we wish it were served warm (it’s more like room temp.). But the butter has some nice herbs in it and is SO good with that bread. Rolls with butter We also tried the Allergy-Friendly Rolls. These are the same allergy-friendly rolls you’ll find in other Disney World restaurants, and they’re a bit stiffer and drier than the regular rolls. But they’re pretty good. You can also get allergy-friendly butter if you don’t do dairy. Allergy-friendly rolls The salad is already allergy-friendly. It’s a good salad, but it’s pretty basic. The dressing is like a light vinaigrette that balances out the flavor, though. You also get the right amount of dressing: not too little, but also not too much. The lettuce is fresh, and it’s light enough that you don’t fill up before you get to the next course, which is pretty heavy. Declaration Salad So let’s get to it. The Patriot’s Platter has Roasted Turkey, Pot Roast, and Smoked Pork Loin with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herbed Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni & Cheese. ALL the good stuff. The turkey is SO good. It’s well-cooked and moist, which is surprising considering how much turkey this restaurant cooks in any given day. It’s got some nice herby seasoning on it, too. It just falls apart on your fork. That turkey, though The pot roast is also juicy and tender with a great flavor, but you kinda’ forget about it with everything else going on with this plate. Pot Roast The mashed potatoes are also really good, so creamy and buttery, and perfectly salted. The green beans are also good, maybe forgettable, but it’s nice to have something green on the plate. They weren’t too soft; they had that nice bite. The stuffing is also just classic stuffing, and that’s exactly what this meal calls for. It also soaks up the gravy nicely. Mashed potatoes and green beans hiding under all that meat The mac and cheese is a people-pleaser. It might not be the best mac and cheese in Disney World (and yes, we have opinions on that), but everyone seems to like it. We’re always a little disappointed because, although the cheeses are delicious and the noodles are al dente, we think a baked mac and cheese with that crispy top would be better with a meal like this. Mac and Cheese Then there’s the gravy, which we’re always tempted to drink right out of the boat…because y’all, it’s that good. We pour it all over our plate. It’s a classic, flavorful gravy, which is exactly what you want with this meal. We would drink this We also tried the allergy-friendly Bill of Fare with most of the same items, although the dressing is an Herbed Rice Bread Stuffing. However, they make adjustments so there’s no gluten on the plate. As you can see, Disney puts little purple-colored markers on the allergy-friendly foods. Allergy-Friendly Patriot’s Platter Since everything else is basically the same, we need to talk about that stuffing. You just don’t see gluten-free stuffing ANYWHERE. We thought it was so good, and it reminded us of the regular stuffing. So well done on that, Disney. The gluten-free stuffing under the meat We also thought the gravy was shockingly good for being gluten-free. It’s nice and thick and pours just like the gravy with gluten. It even looks the same. Gluten-free gravy’ The mac and cheese was also delicious, especially for being gluten-free. Honestly, if we didn’t know this meal was allergy-friendly, we would’ve thought it was just the regular Patriot’s Platter. Allergy-friendly mac and cheese Okay, time for dessert and that famous Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, which is a Vanilla Toffee Cake, Chocolate Sauce, and Vanilla Ice Cream. A lot of people come here JUST for this dessert, and we get it. Of every table service dessert in Disney World, this is up there at the top of our list. It IS sweet (all that sugary toffee), rich, and OH SO DECADENT, but that warm cake with the ice cream on top? PERFECTION. We think the cake is supposed to be shared, but we ate entirely more than our share. AND WE ARE NOT ASHAMED. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake The Allergy-Friendly dessert is Johnny Appleseed’s Warm Apple Cake with Caramel and Whipped Topping. We were a little nervous about this, but we were pleasantly surprised. The cake isn’t overly dense, which can sometimes be a problem with gluten-free baking. Apple Pie The apples were like spiced baked apples, and the vibe was very nostalgic and American because of the apple pie vibes. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re hungry. You need to bring a huge appetite because you are going to get fed SO much food here. But it’s totally worth it if you’re hungry. You have picky eaters in your group. This is a traditional holiday meal that almost everyone will be able to agree on. You have people with food allergies in your group. The allergy-friendly options are great here, and it feels like Disney put in a good effort to make it that way. You should skip this Disney World spot if… You don’t want a big meal. If you’re looking for a small meal or some small bites, you don’t want to eat here. You get a lot of food at Liberty Tree Tavern. You don’t care for holiday-type meals. The food is pretty much all about Thanksgiving vibes, so if you’re not a fan of Thanksgiving dinner, you’re not going to like this. You want an experience with more theming. The colonial vibe at Liberty Tree Tavern is nice, but you’ll get more theming at restaurants like Be Our Guest or Skipper Canteen. Overall It’s Thanksgiving every day at Liberty Tree Tavern, and if you’re looking for a lot of food at a decent price (at least for Disney World), you’re going to get it here. But the food here is also good, with those traditional holiday flavors you love. Of course, we’d come here just for the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake if they’d let us, but the rest is pretty pleasing, too. Note that if you can’t get a reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern, you can get the same meal at Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland (which may be easier to get into). In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: You Can Get Thanksgiving Dinner Year Round in Disney World -- Is It Worth the ?! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Who doesn’t love getting free stuff? We know we do! Well, if your ears perk up at the sound of “free stuff,” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got something you need to see. LEGO Store Sometimes, Disney offers some pretty epic deals that you only know about if you know where to look. We check for these types of offers each and every day, so you don’t miss out on ANY of the latest news, and don’t have to take time out of your busy day to research it all. If you’re a big fan of LEGO sets, specifically Disney LEGO sets, you won’t want to miss out on this FREE LEGO set. We’ll admit, it’s a little tricky to snag, so here’s how to get one of your own. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. On the Disney Store right now, you can grab a FREE LEGO Set with any purchase of $130+ if you use the code “GIFT” at checkout. ©Disney This set is the LEGO Classic Animation Scenes set, which looks like an older TV with three different LEGO set scenes you can put on the screen — one is the classic Disney logo, one is Woody from Toy Story, and the third is Simba from The Lion King. ©Disney Now, here’s the tricky part — when we attempted to check this out online, we could ONLY see it once we had added over $130 worth of items to our cart and added the “GIFT” promo code. Otherwise, it won’t show up, so if you forget to enter the promo code, it won’t be available. ©Disney This deal is only available for a limited time. At this time, we haven’t seen any other places to purchase this set, so if you know you’d like to add it to your collection, we recommend grabbing it ASAP. Anyway! What should you fill your cart with to hit that $130 minimum? Well, we have a few suggestions! The Perfect Morning Coffee Mug ©Disney The Walt Disney World Color Changing Mug is a fantastic way to start your morning with a smile, remembering the Most Magical Place on Earth, no matter what time it is. When you fill it with a hot beverage, you’ll see the color change from dark blue to practically all the colors under the sun! The mug features the park icons from each of the four Disney World parks, as well as Space Mountain, fireworks, Dumbo, and more. Grab it right here! The Ears EVERY “Tangled” Fan Needs ASAP ©Disney Look how fuzzy the Pascal Loungefly Ears are — they’ll be sure to keep your head warm during the colder months. Pascal himself is featured on both ears, and we love that there’s a yellow braided rim around each ear — just like Rapunzel’s hair. Grab it right here! The Ultimate Play Set For Young Frozen Fans ©Disney The Frozen 2 Castle Play Set is perfect for young fans of the film franchise who love to use their imagination. It comes with figurines of Anna, Elsa, Sven, Olaf, and Kristoff to create your own adventures, and the castle opens to reveal nine areas to explore and create stories in. Grab it right here! We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney merchandise news and updates so you don’t miss out on some great savings! Stay tuned for more. The post You Can Get a FREE Disney LEGO Set Right Now, but There’s a CATCH first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

BEEP BEEP BEEP! Hear that? It’s our food radar — and it’s going off RIGHT NOW! That can only mean one thing: NEW food is coming to Disney World. Full Spread at Hollywood Brown Derby during Jollywood Nights 2024 Disney, it appears, is just as eager for the holiday season as the DFB team, because while it’s only October, they’ve just released some pretty awesome snack news to help you plan your night at Jollywood Nights in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re planning on trying tons of the food options at the party this year, check out the sneak peek Disney just gave us at some of the NEW and returning snacks this year! Disney just revealed five (!!!) of the snacks coming to Jollywood Nights this year, and TWO of them are new! The returning snacks announced so far this year are: Sandy Claws Hot Cocoa at Dockside Diner Sandy Claws Hot Chocolate Meatball and Polenta at Dockside Diner Meatball and Polenta Birria Taco at ABC Commissary Birria Tacos As for the two new offerings announced so far this year, we’ve got: Hickory Holiday Mac at Backlot Express (Side note: THIS LOOKS AMAZING! We are SUCKERS for mac and cheese.) ©Disney Mike-aroon at Market (Us again. We have to award bonus points for presentation and creativity here. 10/10) ©Disney We’re still waiting for a FULL LIST of snacks, drinks, and desserts coming to the annual Jollywood Nights holiday party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so stay tuned for more. In the past, the Gertie Cookie has been a fan favorite (for obvious reasons…just look at it!), so we’re hoping this classic snack is back for 2025. Gertie cookie at last year’s event Speaking of a blast from Christmas Past, we have FULL REVIEWS of the snacks and treats at Jollywood Nights. Read up on what we’ve tried before so you’re ready for the festivities this year! We’re Trying Over 15 EXCLUSIVE New Snacks in Disney World: Here Are The Treats Worth Your $$ Looking for more recent holiday news you may have missed? Check out our posts below! More Recent Holiday News! Disney CONFIRMS a BIG Ride Change Coming to Magic Kingdom on November 3rdSurprise! Change Hit Disney Castle Overnight, and You’re Going To Love ItDon’t Go To Disney World in November Before Reading THISSomething NEW Is Coming to Epic Universe Next Month!Disney’s Christmas Parade and Fireworks are BACK — Here’s When You Can Watch Them As you can see, it takes a lot of planning to have a great time in Disney World! Need some help planning your upcoming vacation? Look no further than our friends over at Small World Vacations! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World holiday news to help you prepare for your upcoming trip! What I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Disney World in November DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Are you planning to visit Disney World during the holiday season this year? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney Announces 2 Exclusive NEW Snacks Coming to Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article