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What to Expect When Disney Announces the 2026 Armed Forces Salute When Disney announces a new Disney Armed Forces Salute, excitement—and chaos—quickly follow. If the 2026 Disney military discount is renewed, here’s exactly what to expect on announcement day and how to handle your Disney resort reservations without losing your sanity (or your savings). Salute […] The post What to Expect When Disney Announces the 2026 Armed Forces Salute appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

I willingly joined a clown cult led by a serial killer named Carnage in an abandoned circus prop warehouse and had the time of my life scaring visitors out of their minds as they walked through the newest Fright Fest maze at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Six Flags invited me to dress up like a maniacal clown for the night and spend a few hours working as a “scareactor” in the new Carnage haunted house during the annual Halloween event running on select nights through Nov. 2 at the Valencia amusement park. I started my night with a walk-through of the Carnage maze in my street clothes to get an understanding of the backstory of the newest Fright Fest haunted house. The Fright Fest creative team designed the Carnage maze to help establish the origin story for the clown-themed City Under Siege scare zone located just a few steps away in the DC Universe area of the park. Carnage has turned an abandoned circus prop warehouse on the edge of the small town of Green Willow into a fortress for his ever-growing killer clown cult, according to the backstory. Inside the Carnage maze, visitors pass through the warehouse and enter a security room where the clown kingpin urges them to join him now — or die. In an operating room, a mad doctor performs plastic surgery to turn new recruits into killer clowns. The clown cult gathers in a dive bar to plot their attack on the unsuspecting citizens of Green Willow. The plan: Approach through the sewer system filled with clown graffiti and pop up in town where Carnage will be waiting to dispatch them on their mission. After the tour, I headed backstage to the Fright Fest wardrobe and makeup department to be transformed into a killer clown so I could join the maze. My costume made me look like a background dancer from a 1980s Vanilla Ice music video: Purple parachute pants and a black cape-like jacket over a simple T-shirt with green-and-black-striped arm warmers, fingerless leather gloves and a pair of combat boots. Makeup artist Bobbie Eller spent 45 minutes transforming me from a mild-mannered reporter into a hot-headed clown with a thirst for vengeance. Step one was fitting a neon green wig on my head before adding a prosthetic chin, nose and forehead to give me an elongated face. Everything on my head was covered except for my eyes and mouth. I told Eller I felt very confined and focused. “Are you claustrophobic?” Eller said. “Some people feel that way once they get on all the prosthetics and makeup.” I felt transformed. Like I was getting my game face on. The prosthetics and makeup helped me get into character and prepare for a night of fun and terror. Eller had done my clown makeup last year when I worked for a night in the City Under Siege scare zone. This year I wanted to try working inside a maze. It was time for a pep talk and review of the rules with Fright Fest event producer Colin Orr. “You’re one of Carnage’s attack clowns now,” Orr said. “You’ve been recruited into the army and you’re testing the mettle of the new recruits.” The rules were simple: Do your best to scare people while keeping an arms-length distance. There were about 100 people in line for the Carnage maze as I headed for the entrance. Every single one of them looked at me as I passed with a mix of dread and glee. I felt like Cleveland Indians pitcher Ricky Vaughn walking from the bullpen to the mound as “Wild Thing” played over the stadium speakers in the 1989 movie “Major League.” My big entrance was delayed by an alarm that forced the temporary evacuation of the Carnage maze. The delay allowed me to meet my fellow clowns on the backside of the warehouse in the scareactor break area. My fellow cult members were anxious to meet the new guy. Stiltwalking clown Connor Breen shook my hand and welcomed me to the team. “What’s your name?” Breen asked. “Disco is my clown name,” I said, feeling a little proud and mostly ridiculous. Related Articles Come Out With Pride Orlando anticipates its biggest parade, festival this weekend Disney displays 3 expansion plans, shows off Tropical Americas model Matthew J. Palm: With social messages and music:, Billie Eilish enthralls Orlando fans 10 foodie favorites at the 2025 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Jamie Foxx, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Flea, Doja Cat and more react to the death of D’Angelo I’d listened to a 1970s dance music playlist on my drive to Magic Mountain and had decided to adopt Disco as my nom de clown de cirque to help me get into character. All of the clowns introduced themselves one by one and offered encouragement and support. As you might expect, my clown brethren were the nicest people you’d ever want to meet — until they headed back into the maze after the alarm and turned back into a raving pack of lunatics. I was assigned to a spot in the maze just before the final scare featuring Carnage standing atop a smashed and graffitied police car. My job was to wait in a hidden alcove behind a fake wall and jump out and scare people just as they spotted Carnage. A billboard-sized video projection of anarchic clowns playing on the wall nearby would serve as a distraction. The plan was to work in this spot for 30 minutes or so before moving to a new location in the maze. I could peek around the fake wall and see my fellow clowns scaring people in a city section with a pawn shop and comic book store. I kept banging my protruding chin and extra-long nose against the wall as I waited for my next prey. I quickly realized my hiding spot wasn’t very secretive — thanks to my giant pouf of green hair. People walking through the maze were pointing at me and warning their friends. My initial plan was to serve as Carnage’s carnival barker by jumping out and loudly announcing his almighty presence. “Here is Carnage,” I yelled. “Our one and only leader,” I screamed. “The one you’ve been waiting for,” I hollered. I was pretty proud of my rotating catalog of Terminator-style catch phrases. But I wasn’t scaring people as much as surprising them. A maze manager stopped by to see if I wanted to change spots. I asked to stay put. I was just starting to figure things out. I liked my spot. It was a good location. I just need to improve my scaring techniques — in part because I was getting really hoarse from all the yelling. I tried a new tactic. I watched the groups as they pulsed through the maze. It didn’t really matter if the first person in the crowd spotted me. I was after the person who was scared, jumping and screaming at anything that moved. They wouldn’t see me coming because they were too busy looking over their shoulder. I waited for the maze veterans to pass and then singled out the scaredy-cats. The plan worked to perfection. Focusing solely on the weak link generated screams that delighted the whole pack of friends and family. Separating the weakling from the herd only heightened their fear. I dropped the catch phrases and switched to personalized attacks on the easy targets. “Why are you hiding in the back?” I asked. “I always go after the one in the middle,” I said. “Your boyfriend can’t help you now,” I whispered. The pace of the groups slowed down as the evening wore on. The lack of conga lines common at Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal’s Horror Nights made for better scare opportunities. I used the down time to interact with the other scareactors in the maze. I asked Carnage how I was doing and if I should try anything different. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” Carnage said. A maze manager stopped by again to see if I wanted to change spots. I didn’t want to go anywhere else. Disco was finally in the groove. I knew when to pounce, when to wait and how to approach each new victim. Feeling confident, I changed up my approach again. I would pick off the sheep and cater my scares to them whenever the opportunity arose. When a pack of wolves pulsed through I would switch to proudly and loudly introducing Carnage. And I mugged for the smartphone cameras when the wanna-be influencers determined to act brave and jaded walked through taking video. It was hot in the maze. Streams of sweat dripped from my wig down my back. Everything I had on was soaking wet. But I didn’t seem to care. The maze managers brought me a small cup of water each time they stopped by. It was also loud. Constant police sirens blared throughout the maze. Carnage would step on a pedal every few minutes that triggered the horn on the police car. I had a throbbing headache, but it didn’t seem to bother me. I was focused on the next scare. I learned to listen for screams coming elsewhere in the maze — like an early warning system. I could follow the screams as they grew increasingly closer to me. The screamers were easy to spot once their group emerged from the sewer onto the city block right before my hiding spot. There was no need to jump out for the scare. I emerged slowly and confidently. “Which one of you is the screamer?” I asked. Their so-called friends always gave them up and pointed them out immediately. I was happy to give them their money’s worth. “You’re separated from the group,” I told the screamer. “Now what are you gonna do?” It took only a heartbeat to get the response I wanted. They’d run screaming out of the maze to the delight of their party. There’s no better advertising for a maze than to have people running out and screaming at the top of their lungs. After three hours my night was finally over. I walked past the Carnage entrance and saw a dozen teenagers trying to persuade one of their friends to go inside the maze. She couldn’t take her eyes off me. I pointed directly at the poor woman. “No, no, no, no, no,” she cried. She ran behind a friend who was more interested in helping me than her. I walked toward her and smiled a wicked grin. “Get away,” she yelled. “Help me.” Her friends laughed their heads off as she ran away into the City Under Siege scare zone toward a giggle of raving mad clowns. There would be no escape for her. My night ended the same way it started — in the director’s chair with Bobbie Eller taking off my clown wig, makeup and prosthetics. Removing everything took about half as long as putting it on. Fright Fest event producer Colin Orr stopped by again to congratulate me on a job well done. He’d been able to watch my performance via a surveillance camera mounted over Carnage’s shoulder. I was welcome to come back and work at Fright Fest anytime I wanted. I’ll be back next Halloween season — and I’ll be sure to bring some ear plugs, Tylenol and a big bottle of water. View the full article

Cruising with Disney works DIFFERENTLY than it used to. New rules for cruising! That’s why we’ve got a FULL LIST of NEW cruisin’ rules for ya to learn about today, here on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: NEW Rules for Disney Cruise Line Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: NEW Rules for Disney Cruise Line first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We love visiting Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar on any normal day at the Disneyland Hotel, but when they’ve got a special event going on? Count us IN! Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Trader Sam’s is an incredible place to go for some truly unique drinks and an atmosphere like no other. While the food doesn’t always land super high on our list, the drinks here are almost always top-notch, which is why we’re EXTRA thrilled that their Mixology Series is coming back for a limited time! On November 17th and 19th, 2025, the Trader Sam’s Mixology Seminar will return! This is a hands-on mixology class where you’ll learn how to craft 2 beverages, one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic, from a Trader Sam’s bartender in about 45 minutes. A Fireside reception is also included with one cocktail served (or a non-alcoholic option), as well as hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. Trader Sam’s drinks There are three opportunities to enjoy this event, each of the two days, meaning there’s a total of six chances. You can book a 4 PM, 6 PM, or 9 PM slot, and all of them cost $179 per adult, not including tax and gratuity. However, also included in this price is the Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Holiday Zombie Mug, previously seen at D23, that you’ll get to bring home! Trader Sam’s coaster This event was last held on September 29th, and reservations sold out super quickly, so if you know you’re interested in going, reservations open up on October 16th around 6 AM PT. We recommend hopping on ASAP to grab your spot, as it’s likely all six of them will go quickly. More Recent Disneyland Resort News! Reservations Open SOON for an Exclusive Disney Restaurant EventSurprise! Change Hit Disney Castle Overnight, and You’re Going To Love ItREVIEW: This Disney Restaurant Is Totally Underrated…and We’re Tired of It!Disney Files Permit for HUGE New Theme Park ExpansionNEWS: Woman Dies After Riding Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disneyland news! This HACK Lets You Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass on a Popular Disney Ride TWICE in One Day! 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 to book this event? Tell us in the comments! The post Reservations Open SOON for an Exclusive Disney Restaurant Event first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Now, most Americans will tell you that school cafeteria food is…bad. But in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, “School Bread” has a whole other meaning. In fact, EPCOT’s School Bread is LEGENDARY. People (it’s us…we’re people) LOVE this snack — and for good reason! When you take a sweet roll, fill it with custard, and dip it in coconut, you’re in for a real treat. Congrats! You just got schooled on School Bread. School Bread But what if we told you that the School Bread snack sparked further inspiration? We just discovered a way to DRINK School Bread in EPCOT, and yes, we’re excited about the prospect of liquid School Bread. Class is in session, people, and it’s time to learn what’s up with the Cold Crumb Cold Brew at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. We’re going straight to Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT. This spot tends to be pretty busy (everyone wants a piece of School Bread or a giant Cinnamon Roll!), so be prepared for a line. This spot tends to be pretty busy! As much as we love the Norwegian Kringla and the Lefse served here, we were visiting for one reason only: the Cold Crumb Cold Brew for $6.29. This concoction is Skøl Bread-inspired Cold Brew made with Coconut-flavored Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee, Vanilla Custard Cold Foam, and Coconut Fancy. OOH — we like the sound of THAT! Cold Crumb Cold Brew We are happy to report that this drink is DELICIOUS! If you’re into sweet coffee, be warned that the sweetness in this drink mainly comes from the layer of vanilla custard cold foam. The cold brew itself is pretty strong and has that signature Joffrey’s Coffee flavor. We’ve got a WINNER, people! The drink was (amazingly) able to really capture that essence of School Bread in liquid form. It’s got that vanilla-y, coconut-y flavor thanks to the coconut cold brew coffee and vanilla custard cold foam. It’s LOADED with cold foam It’s certainly not your average cold brew beverage, but it WORKS. What would make this even better, you may ask? Pairing it with some School Bread, of course! YUM! OK, it’s official. This is going on our “must-try” list in EPCOT! We had SO MUCH fun trying this drink — get it the next time you’re near the Norway Pavilion. You won’t be disappointed! 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! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. A Murder Investigation Is Underway in EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite World Showcase snack? Let us know in the comments! The post REVIEW: It’s Official. School Bread COFFEE Now Exists in EPCOT, and My Life Has Improved Dramatically first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Will there be a 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute Military Promotional Ticket Discount next year? Every year around this time, military families start asking the big question: Will Disney offer a 2026 Armed Forces Salute? The Disney Armed Forces Salute is one of the most popular military discounts for Walt Disney World and Disneyland, offering […] The post 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute: When Will Disney Announce the Military Discount? appeared first on Military Disney Tips. View the full article

We’re used to Disney first making major announcements about their latest projects, with most featuring all the bells and whistles of a D23 reveal. However, the company occasionally hints at yet-to-be-confirmed specifics in subtle ways. Whether it be information dropped on their social media channels or details hidden in concept art, we often find ourselves decoding these clues, Swiftie-style. The new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom will feature fan-favorite Disney Villains from popular Walt Disney Animation Studios films and two new attractions. Over my 30+ years of being a Disney Parks fan — and 7+ years writing about them — I’ve seen Disney announce a lot of projects, and I’ve come to learn that every tiny detail released is worth examining, especially when it comes to some of the biggest announcements they’ve made in recent years. The Specifics of Villains Land During the 2024 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney confirmed the long — and I mean 20-years-LONG — rumored Villains Land was coming to the Magic Kingdom in the expansion area “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” Disney shared that the land will be “inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe. The multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.” ©Disney Ever since, fans have been wondering exactly which villains will be featured in the land. Disney has yet to confirm, though they have dropped some hints. During that initial announcement, Josh D’Amaro told fans they should “Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls, it’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.” “Be Prepared….” certainly makes us think of Scar from The Lion King, while “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is, of course, Ursula’s show-stopping number in The Little Mermaid. Ursula More recently, the company announced that legendary Disney animator Andreas Deja, who was the supervising animator on several well-known Disney villains, including Scar, Gaston, and Jafar, is officially consulting on the project. That could indicate the presence of some of those characters. Andreas Deja Then there’s the concept art. The dark, craggily rock work, the dragon, and the design of the castle is giving us major Maleficent vibes. Could the land’s main attraction be based around the Sleeping Beauty villainess? Or at the very least, be set in her castle? That could align with Villain Mountain, the alleged centerpiece of the 1990s-planned version of the land. ©Disney Rumors at the time said the ride would have been a flume-style attraction that would take guests through different Villains’ lairs, with audio-animatronic Villains plotting to take over the Magic Kingdom. Allegedly, featured scenes would have included the Evil Queen in her laboratory, Ursula over her cauldron, Maleficent gloating over perceived victory, etc. The ride would then climax with an encounter with Chernabog, who would unfold his wings and menace the riders until they slid down a long flume to safety. ©Disney Could the centerpiece of the modern take on the land be a similar concept, perhaps replacing the flume with a coaster? That’s what the concept art may imply. ©Disney Only time will tell, but we are very eager to see what Disney has up their sleeves with this one. What Will Monstropolis Be Like? In addition to Villains Land, Disney also announced that a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land will be coming to Hollywood Studios as the 2024 D23 Ultimate Fan Event. ©Disney While we know a bit more about Monstropolis — including the fact that the land will be headlined by an inverted roller coaster that recreates the famous door scene from the 2001 Pixar film — we still have some questions. ©Disney For starters, what’s the “whole new theater show” coming to the land? Concept art would seem to indicate it’s coming to the space that previously housed Muppet*Vision 3D, so is it a 3D film? An animatronic show? A new version of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor? Its placement in the concept art would suggest a somewhat large footprint. ©Disney In some concept art, there have been Laugh Floor signs spotted in the land. ©Disney Now, what about the dining in the area? Concept art indicated a take on Harryhausen’s Restaurant from the film. Could we see a full dining experience, complete with animatronic monsters? We’re hoping the answer is YES! ©Disney And perhaps our biggest question of all: Will the Mike Wazowski-eyed snacks (Ice Cream Cones?) featured in the concept art actually be available? ©Disney A Great Big Beautiful Tomorro-Walt At the 2025 D23 Ultimate Fan Event, Disney made a surprise announcement that major changes were coming to the iconic Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom. A Walt Disney animatronic — similar to the one that debuted at Disneyland earlier this year — will now be part of the attraction’s pre-show, and the entire presentation will be updated, likely with a new finale. Walt Disney — A Magical Life Looking at the concept art for the new Walt Animatronic, there are seemingly some cosmetic differences. As opposed to Walt’s office set seen in Disneyland, the Carousel of Progress version looks to be in a mock-up of the Imagineering studio set from the classic 1960s Disney television series, complete with several classic attraction easter eggs. ©Disney However, those cosmetic differences lead us to more questions. Will Disney fix some of the more… controversial elements of the animatronic? How different will the presentation be? Will it simply be a short introduction to the Carousel of Progress or simply an introduction to the show? If the Walt segment is longer than the previous introduction, will the show’s other acts be significantly shortened? We still NEED to know! Carousel of Progress There is so much to uncover in Disney’s new announcements and concept art. We are eager for Disney to give us more information on all of these new projects, but until then, you can catch us breaking down the bits of information and concept art we have received. Exciting things are coming to Disney World, and we can’t wait to uncover all the details with you! As Disney continues to transform their theme parks, we’re going to keep combing through each announcement for every tiny detail to decode. Stay tuned to DFB for more. I’ve Written About Disney World for 7 Years. Here Are 4 Powerful Updates I’m Seeing in the Parks Right Now. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think these announcements mean? Let us know in the comments below. The post 3 Sneaky Disney Announcements We're Still Trying to Decode first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A body was found on North World Drive near Disney World, according to News 6. The location is near Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Reports show that the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a report about the death on October 14th, around 6:40 PM. According to News 6, the sheriff’s office stated that the incident looked like a suicide. Disney’s Contemporary Hotel Disney officials and the local Orange County Fire Rescue team have yet to respond. No additional information is known at this time. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! The post Body Reported Near Disney’s Contemporary Resort on October 14th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Uh, did Vera Bradley just drop the most stunning Disney bags that are perfect for winter on Amazon? Yeah, they did! ©Vera Bradley These bags are perfect for those of us who are Disney-obsessed and are made of premium cotton with a beautiful quilted pattern. Vera Bradley is popular for its quality materials and fun, repeating designs, so sit back, relax, and get ready to hit “add to cart.” DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. First up, the Vera Bradley Disney Downhill Skiing Bancroft Backpack ©Amazon If you look closer into the pattern, you can see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their classic form heading down the snow-covered mountain. Goofy is caught in a massive snowball, which makes perfect sense. There is a front zip pocket, two zip compartments, a laptop pouch, and two side slip pockets. You’ll be able to fit everything you need for winter all in this bag. Check Price on Amazon Next, we have the Vera Bradley Disney Ski Weekend Bancroft Backpack ©Amazon This design features Mickey and his friends in classic form, skiing, but this time they’re at a ski resort. Looks like Goofy got out of the snowball here! It has the same pockets as the other bag, but this backpack is a beautiful light blue with snowflakes floating around. We love the snow-topped trees, too. Check Price on Amazon Check out the Vera Bradley Disney Ski Weekend Crossbody ©Amazon This crossbody bag resembles a Mickey Mouse head and features both the ski weekend fabric and the downhill skiing fabric. This one is a more subtle take on winter since the fabric pieces are smaller. If you live somewhere where you might not have a white Christmas, this might get you in the holiday spirit without being a winter overload. Inside, there are three credit card slips, and the whole bag closes with a zipper. Check Price on Amazon Finally, we have the Vera Bradley Disney Ski Weekend Duffle ©Amazon This duffle looks like it will fit everything you need for your next trip — maybe to a ski resort, anyone? This is the fabric with the friends at the ski resort, ready to have a relaxing weekend. It measures 22 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 12 inches deep, featuring a front slip pocket, two side slip pockets, and three interior slip pockets. The whole bag is about 54 liters. Check Price on Amazon We always love a Vera Bradley collection, especially if it’s in collaboration with Disney, and this is no exception. It makes me want to head straight to the mountains! Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more of our favorite Disney souvenir finds. The post FIRST LOOK at the NEW Disney x Vera Bradley Collection on Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Each week, we scour Amazon to find the latest Disney merchandise and steepest Disney deals, and today we’ve found some GOOD ones! ©Amazon Some of our favorite Disney souvenirs are on SALE right now for some pretty spectacular deals, including on toys, jewelry, and craft supplies. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Pirates of the Caribbean T-Shirt Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales T-Shirt “Dead men tell no tales”… but this shirt sure does. This Pirates tee celebrates the massive film franchise, complete with an Est. 2003 word mark! View Price on Amazon Disney Princess Sticker Book ©Amazon This sticker Collection features stunning new movie stills, dazzling facts, and more than 1,000 stickers of Disney Princesses, including Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, and Moana, amongst others. View Price on Amazon Disney Bitzee Bitzee Lightning McQueen These small electronic toys feature characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse & “fan favorites from Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Toy Story & Disney’s Frozen, Moana, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast & more.” Furthermore, each Disney & Pixar character’s iconic moment – Mickey Mouse putting on his Sorcerer’s Hat, Bruni nuzzling Elsa’s hand, Stitch surfing, Flounder escaping the shark & more are acted out in electronic glory. View Price on Amazon Mickey Mouse Earrings Mickey Mouse Endless Hoop Earrings These stylish earrings feature a classic endless hoop design and repeat cubic zirconia Mickey Mouse pendants, making them an ideal pair of earrings for a dinner at a fancy Disney resort restaurant. View Price on Amazon Blueberry Crumble Frozen Yogurt Stitch Munchling Amazon This 10-inch frozen yogurt plushie comes complete with crunchy crumbles, blue yogurt, and even a scent to make it “fun to squish and smell delish.” View Price on Amazon Crayola Disney Color Bundle Amazon This set features a 16-page Frozen Activity Pad with 3 Mess-Free Markers, a 16-page Mickey Mouse Activity Pad with 3 Mess-Free Markers, and a 16-page Disney Princess Activity Pad with 3 Mess-Free Markers. It’s perfect for road trips, flights, or any other creative time. View Price on Amazon Mickey Mouse Ear Ring Carabiners Amazon These aluminum carabiners are suitable for hanging kettles and keyrings, fixing dog leashes, connecting tents and ropes, and outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, hiking, trekking, cycling, fishing, and hunting. View Price on Amazon If any of these strike your fancy, head over to Amazon NOW and be sure to stay tuned to DFB for each week’s Amazon sale roundup! The post 7 Disney Sales Happening On Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We know, we know, we’re still in October, but the months are flying by, and that means the holidays will be here before we can blink. Christmas decor on Main Street U.S.A.! So, it’s time to get into the holiday shopping mindset. Are you looking for new ways to decorate your home for the holidays? If that’s the case, you’ll want to check out these decorations on Amazon that are under $20! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Turn Your Pillows Into Holiday Pillows! ©Amazon If you want to turn some of your existing pillows into the perfect holiday Disney pillows, the Merry Christmas Mouse Decorative Throw Pillow Covers are a great fit. This set comes with 4 different pillow covers, meaning you could use all of them at once, or switch them out throughout the season. View Price on Amazon The Perfect Sign For Your Front Door! ©Amazon Looking for the perfect sign for your front door to combine the holiday season with Disney magic? The Christmas Joy Door Sign Decoration is fantastic and can be used inside or outside, and it’s certain to make you smile every time you see it! View Price on Amazon Put it Around The Whole House! ©Amazon If you love garland but don’t love the fact that traditional popcorn garland could be eaten by your pets, or the frilly garland that gets all over the place, the Disney Christmas Candy Garland can be a great substitute. It’s not too expensive, is super cute, and can be placed anywhere inside that you’d like. View Price on Amazon Disney-fy Your Christmas Tree ©Amazon Putting Disney ornaments on your Christmas tree is great, but what about your Christmas tree skirt? The Mouse Christmas Tree Skirt is a great addition to your decorations this year — just imagine how it’ll look with all the lights on Christmas morning! View Price on Amazon Want A Different Style? ©Amazon If you love the idea of a Christmas tree skirt but want a different design, maybe something that’s more holiday themed, we recommend the Christmas Cartoon Mouse Tree Collar. It’s got Mickey and Minnie silhouettes all around dressed as Santa, peppermint, a wreath, snowflakes, and more. View Price on Amazon Speaking of Ornaments… ©Amazon However, having Disney ornaments on your tree is also something we love, which is why we can’t get enough of these The Nightmare Before Christmas Mini Christmas Ornaments! It features all of our favorite characters from the film, and we love how they’re a perfect size to fit on most Christmas tree branches. View Price on Amazon In Case You Need MORE for Your Wall ©Amazon What we love about the Mickey Mouse Santa Claus Hanging Wood Wall Decor is that it’s a perfect size to fit right near your computer in your office, somewhere in your room, or in other smaller spaces to truly bring the Disney holiday joy everywhere in your home. View Price on Amazon We Can’t Get Enough Of Squishmallows! ©Amazon For those of you out there who love stuffed animals, the 8-Inch Santa Mickey Mouse Squishmallow is an absolute necessity! It’s a small plush, meaning it’ll fit right on your couch, on your desk, or on your bedside table, or you can get him for your kiddo to love on! This one usually sells out fast, so we recommend grabbing it before it’s gone. View Price on Amazon Who Doesn’t Love Gingerbread? ©Amazon Want to decorate your windows to celebrate the holiday season, too? Look no further than the Gingerbread Christmas Window Clings! There are nine sheets of window clings that are all themed to the holiday season with some Disney magic. There are gingerbread men in the shape of Mickey and Minnie, snowflakes with Mickey head silhouettes in the middle, as well as various versions of holiday Mickey head silhouettes. View Price on Amazon Decorate Your Table! ©Amazon If you want to add some Disney holiday magic to your table for the season as well, look no further than these Disney Christmas Table Decorations. This comes with a set of four: one Mickey Gingerbread man, one Minnie Gingerbread woman, and two different Mickey head silhouettes. They’re cute as can be, we can’t get enough! View Price on Amazon Decorate The WHOLE House for A Party! ©Amazon Got a party coming up this season and just want one kit to decorate it all? The 15Pcs Mouse Christmas Party Decorations is right up your alley! This comes with a Disney holiday banner that says “Merry Christmas,” various hanging swirls, as well as table centerpieces. All of this for under $20 is truly a steal! View Price on Amazon As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! The post 11 Disney Christmas Decorations on Amazon For Under first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World is giving Disney’s Hollywood Studios visitors a miniature peek at the resort’s expansion plans. It’s a salute to three projects, but mostly Tropical Americas, the under-construction land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Near the rear of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at DHS is a formidable scale model of Tropical Americas, which is flanked by 2D artist concepts for the “Monsters, Inc.”-inspired land set for Hollywood Studios, and the Frontierland expansion, featuring “Cars” attractions at Magic Kingdom. It isn’t newsy news. The model was unveiled at D23 event in California in August 2024, but it’s nice for WDW visitors to get a look. It’s fun to stare and go into Magic Eye mode, imagining where this all fits into Animal Kingdom. (Mentally align past and present entrances to get your virtual bearings.) Also enjoyable is eavesdropping on the comments of passers-by, who display a wide range of Disney World knowledge, from shocked to informed. There’s usually one self-appointed expert in each group (and there are placards for each land to fill in key facts). A common refrain is “Oh, that’s where DinoLand was” (or “is”). That’s not wrong. The future Tropical Americas will be on the footprint of the outgoing DinoLand USA. Some of that is demolished or closed already, including the TriceraTop Spin ride, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures store and the Boneyard play area. The final day to experience the current Dinosaur simulator attraction as well as the Restaurantosaurus eatery is Feb. 1, Disney says. The model includes the "Encanto" attraction as well as the utilitarian show building that Animal Kingdom guests will likely only see from the inside. Tropical Americas is scheduled to open in 2027. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) An astute comment centered on the boxy show building behind the house for the “Encanto” ride-through attraction. It looks large, relatively speaking, and signals “big deal.” A few people stood and exclaimed that there was supposed to be an Indiana Jones element. Then, two beats later, “Oh, there it is!” … It’s the temple-looking structure in the back — think Epcot’s Mexico — reaffirming that the Dinosaur exterior will get a tropical facelift. “Wow, it’s going to be big,” said a passing cast member. Tiny visitors in a scale model of Tropical Americas walk near the future "Indiana Jones" ride, a renovated version of the current Dinosaur attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel) My personal takeaway is that there sure looks like a lot of trees, and we are here for it and the shade they will provide. But it’s a good time to remember it’s a model, not a blueprint. On the other hand, a sign near the model says the land will be “lush,” so let’s keep our trees crossed. Among the other elements to be spied are a covered carousel, which Disney says will feature “hand-carved” animals from the company’s catalogue, such as Kevin from “Up”; a smallish fountain near one entrance; and dozens of wee future DAK visitors milling around. The presentations for Monstropolis and the Frontierland expansion are less elaborate, primarily flat renderings with hints of the future. Most intriguing is the previously released picture of the door-themed ride that will be Disney’s first suspended coaster worldwide. On the Frontierland side, there’s an enlarged cartoonish map of Piston Peak National Park, the “Cars” area that’s in the works. Unmarked but obvious in the image are the existing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Frontierland storefronts. It’s presented as if a drone were flying above the Hall of Presidents and aimed at the former Tom Sawyer Island. With the Rivers of America being drained, there may be a surprising amount of water present. And the area also appears more accessible than the island, but that was part of its charm, no? The display is behind glass, and it’s a mild bummer that folks can’t wander to the back side. (Kudos to the walk-around model of Epic Universe at Universal CityWalk.) Disney’s opening date for Tropical Americas remains sometime in 2027. Not included in the display are the reinvented animation area for Hollywood Studios, although it’s mere steps away, or the Disney villains area planned for Magic Kingdom in the space beyond Big Thunder. Expect Disney to spread out these morsels over the years. Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters. View the full article

Marine life still has a future at the Miami Seaquarium once developer David Martin takes over, but it’s the planned marina that would be the financial star at the home of the troubled and recently shuttered theme park. One of Miami’s most prolific and politically plugged-in developers, Martin is on the verge of taking control of the iconic waterfront theme park that closed its gates to the public on Sunday after 70 years as a tourist attraction. The 48-year-old is planning to spend upward of $100 million to bring new commercial ventures and public spaces to the land owned by Miami-Dade County’s Parks Department. Those include an aquarium complex, a baywalk promenade and a restaurant complex under a Fishermen’s Village theme. The waterfront would be transformed into a large marina, with piers and floating docks off the shore by the old Flipper Dolphin lagoon theater and wrapping around most of the waterfront, along with racks for storing smaller boats on land and heavy machinery depositing them in the water as needed. During a tour of the Seaquarium property with the Miami Herald, Martin said the marina would be a main revenue driver in his plans but would not dominate the 38-acre site. “The marina use is so powerful — because it provides the business case that has the least amount of traffic,” Martin said during a tour Friday afternoon, the final weekday for the Seaquarium. “I think the marina provides a certain foundation to the business plan that helps you be creative and innovative” in the rest of the site. Martin laid out the broad sketches of a historic remaking of the Seaquarium, from a dated theme park to the Miami area’s newest marina and entertainment complex. Plans he’s floating include covering the iconic gold geodesic dome over the sea-lion theater and making it an all-weather event space. He said he’s also pondering waterfront “wellness” offerings modeled after another Martin project: the Well Residences condo complexes in Coconut Grove and Bay Harbor Islands, which pitch health, nutritional and medical amenities to ultra-rich buyers. And while the Fishermen’s Village restaurant concept may sound like fried shrimp and fries, Martin suggested high-end diners would be a target, too. Aerial view of the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, two days before it closed Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)View of a tribute to the cast of the "Flipper" television show, which was filmed in an area that housed the Miami Seaquarium's Dolphin Harbor performance space before the Virginia Key theme park closed on Sunday, Oct. 12, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)View of the Flipper TV show shack in the Dolphin Harbor where the show was filmed at the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, that will be closing on Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business, almost a year after Seaquarium filed for bankruptcy and is planning to sell the lease on its public waterfront property for $22.5 million to developer David Martin and a subsidiary of his development company, Terra, on Friday Oct., 10 2025. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)View of collage of images and clips with the history of the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, that closed on Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)David Martin, CEO of Miami-based development firm Terra, poses inside the Miami Seaquarium on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, two days before its gates closed to the public. Martin plans to purchase the lease from the theme park ís bankrupt parent company and launch a redevelopment of the county-owned waterfront site. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)David Martin, CEO of Miami-based development firm Terra, stands by the entrance of the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key. He is planning to pay $22.5 million to purchase the Seaquarium lease out of bankruptcy and launch a redevelopment that would bring a marina to the waterfront property. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)View of a dolphin in the Dolphin Harbor, at the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, which closed on Sunday Oct. 12, 2025, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)View of a African Penguin living in the Penguin Isle, at the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, that closed on Sunday Oct. 12, 2025, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)A view of the entrance to the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, which closed on Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)Visitors take look and take pictures of Caribbean Flamingos at the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, that will be closing on Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business, almost a year after the seaquarium filed for bankruptcy and is planning to sell the lease on its public waterfront property for $22.5 million to developer David Martin and a subsidiary of his development company, Terra, on Friday Oct., 10 2025. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)Show Caption1 of 10Aerial view of the Miami Seaquarium, in Virginia Key, two days before it closed Sunday Oct. 12, after 70 years in business. (Pedro Portal/TNS/El Nuevo Herald)Expand “We’ll have a lot of casual, accessible stuff,” he said. “Then we’ll have some cool, more chef-driven concepts. … I don’t think there are that many places that really embrace the water from a food-and-beverage standpoint and from an experiential standpoint.” Before he would take over the lease, Martin said the Seaquarium’s current owners would be responsible for moving out the dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals that were Seaquarium stars during its heyday, then became fuel for animal-rights activists. Once they’re gone, Martin and his Coconut Grove development firm, Terra, would assume a lease that will remain under the control of Miami-Dade County. None of this is final yet. On Friday, a bankruptcy judge is scheduled to consider Martin’s proposed $23 million payment to take over the remaining 30 years on the Seaquarium lease from its bankrupt parent, the Dolphin Company. From there, the County Commission must also approve the transfer to Martin and a subsidiary of Terra. So far, the signs look good for Martin. Bankruptcy lawyers for the Dolphin Company said in court filings that Martin’s plan is the best chance for them to raise cash from the distressed, money-losing Seaquarium operation, which they said was difficult to market as a development site given all the limitations that come with county ownership. On the county side, Martin has a track record of scoring the votes needed for his profit-making ventures involving public land. He and partners are building an 800-room hotel for the Miami Beach Convention Center with county financial support, and Miami-Dade commissioners picked Martin to build residential complexes at the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station and on a parking lot off the South Miami-Dade Government Center. He’s already received supportive statements from the two elected officials who will be key for approving a transfer of the Seaquarium lease: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who launched an eviction against the theme park last year, citing alleged animal mistreatment, and Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who represents Virginia Key. Martin is a reliable donor in county politics. He’s a philanthropic donor, too, serving on the board of the Underline urban trail project, Teach for America and the Bass art museum in Miami Beach. Along with father Pedro Martin, Martin donated the Freedom Tower building to Miami Dade College 20 years ago, and his family foundation pays the charitable arm of the Miami Herald to fund some of the news organization’s environmental journalism. While the Seaquarium location on paper offers nothing but financial upside for Martin — a development site facing Biscayne Bay just minutes from downtown Miami — building there will require surmounting a string of legal hurdles. That includes getting the state and local environmental permits needed to build a new marina out of scratch off the Seaquarium shores, including constructing piers on bay bottom owned by Miami-Dade. Martin said he’s talking to environmental consultants about low-impact dredging and other technology. “A marina where you could optimize the slips, but at the same time mitigate the impact on seagrass,” he said. His plan also relies on maximizing the uses allowed under the lease restrictions Martin would inherit once the transfer is approved by Miami-Dade County. In its early years, the Seaquarium offered tour-boat rides and other marine excursions, so the lease allows for the operation of a marina. Parkgoers have long been able to order food and beers at the Seaquarium, so that covers Martin’s plan for a collection of restaurants. This is actually Martin’s second planned theme-park conversion. He’s also planning a condo tower on the current Jungle Island site in Miami’s Watson Island, a project approved in a 2024 citywide referendum that will mostly retire the tourist attraction once known as Parrot Jungle in favor of a public park. A Miami native who graduated from Christopher Columbus High before earning a law degree at the University of Florida, the married father of two school-aged children said his plans will reposition the property without abandoning the Seaquarium brand. One task Martin said is on his to-do list: preserving the “Flipper” cabin that was part of the set of the 1960s television show filmed at the Seaquarium. Retaining the brand has legal advantages, too, with the word “Seaquarium” written into the County Charter as being exempt from the standard ban on commercial ventures on land that belongs to Miami-Dade’s parks system. Miami-Dade’s lease requires the Seaquarium site to promote education in marine life, and Martin’s announced plans include a nature center and other unspecified educational offerings. That could lead to a partnership on coral-conservation education with the Seaquarium’s neighbor, the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. “I’ve had conversations with the dean and individuals at UM,” he said. “It’s something we’re going to explore – hopefully – after our motion gets approved” in bankruptcy court. Part of his announced vision for the Seaquarium property reflects the flip side of the lease allowances: what an operator is required to provide under the lease. That includes an aquarium. While watching parrot fish glide by the glass of the 250,000-gallon saltwater reef tank the Seaquarium has maintained for years, Martin said his team plans to build the kind of aquarium complex that will be interesting enough to justify visitors buying tickets just to see it. And that’s without any marine mammals — Martin said they’ll all be relocated by the time he takes over, and he has no plans to bring any back. “We’ve been studying aquariums across the country and across the world,” he said. “We’re also speaking to a lot of different operators about how to create a place that’s going to be inspirational to children and to families … but at the same time be fun and experiential and immersive. And how to do that with no marine mammals.” ©2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. View the full article

No, visiting Epcot is not the same as traveling to China or Italy or France, but on some level, the experience of eating and drinking “around the world” is supposed to impart a sense of adventure, to bring back memories of visiting distant nations or inspire the next jaunt abroad. And so, I’ve long found it interesting that many of the Epcot festivals’ most popular food items, year after year, skew toward the domestic side of the culinary fence. Epcot Festivals chef Tony Marotta had some sound theories upon hearing my observation. “[American Adventure] is one of our busiest areas in the park, especially later in the day,” he noted. “It’s where a lot of the entertainment is, so you get the crowd back there.” True. But although Walt Disney World certainly draws a formidable global audience, most of its visitors are American. And my theory says that most Americans want to eat American. But also, who doesn’t love a lobster roll? There’s almost always one on the Food & Wine menu, and this year’s iteration — a Gulf Coast-style seafood roll featuring warm-water lobster, rock shrimp, lobster bisque and sherry crème fraîche on a toasted brioche bun ($8.75) — topped the list of guest favorites I was lucky enough to spy before my recent rainy jaunt to the festival. And the top award goes to... the Gulf Coast-style seafood roll, featuring warm-water lobster, rock shrimp, lobster bisque and sherry crème fraîche. Find it in Flavors of America. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) This year, there are more than 30 Global Marketplaces and more than 90 brand-new food and beverage items. I tried more than a few, but even I have to admit: that roll is definitely on a roll. Three other guests asked about it as I shuttled mine to a table beneath rapidly darkening skies, careful to balance both the von Trapp Helles in one hand and the ramekin of melted butter balanced alongside the sando in its paper boat. One man jumped immediately in line. It’s rich and creamy. The brioche, too. I ate my half and stared at the butter, contemplating how many steps I’d be taking today, and submerged the last bite. No regrets. The seafood at these outdoor marketplaces has always been a wonder to me, I tell Marotta. “It’s something we’ve had to dial in,” he tells me. “It took a lot of training.” The cast-iron-seared river trout was, without a doubt, my favorite plate of the new items sampled. Flawless crackly skin and beautiful fall-apart filet. This one's at the Bramblewood Bites booth. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) They’re seasoned at this point. I’ve never had a poorly done scallop at an Epcot festival. Each is toffee outside, marshmallow inside. But this year, my top marvel is trout — cast-iron-seared river trout, to be specific ($7.25). Flawless crackly skin and fall-apart flesh, it’s an ode to autumn atop vanilla-tinged squash puree and the beautiful textures of Brussels sprouts salad, candied pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. It hits all the notes. Pinxtos are perfect with wine! Find this trio at the Spain booth, where paella and cheesecake offerings are also all-new. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) “It’s especially hard to get a perfect piece of fish every time,” says Marotta. “Even harder when it’s a small piece.” For one, it’s a nice serving. I shared mine. But had it been earlier in the festival exploration, and I’d been less full, I might not have wanted to. This, my top pick of the new tastes I enjoyed, was Marotta’s, as well, and about the only one in his Top 5 that didn’t also appear on the guest roster. The onion soup purses beat this one out, but guests still loved the street corn-style dumplings enough to make them No. 5. Filled with chicken, they're served with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema and cilantro. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) The metrics involved are mixed, said Karen McClintock, Disney’s manager of global public relations for food and beverage, when it comes to deciphering guests’ favorites, a combination of sales, feedback and what people are talking about. Whatever the formula, they do the math fast because two of the guests’ picks are from Gyozas of the Galaxy, a new booth that only opened in late September. Asian-inspired, the flavors are anything but. “The Buffalo chicken speaks for itself,” Marotta jokes, but it’s the other two that clocked in on the Top 10 — French onion soup-style dumplings (pork and beef soup dumplings with caramelized onions, sherry-beef broth and Gruyere soubise with a cheese cracker topper) at No. 2 and street corn-style dumplings (chicken dumplings with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema and cilantro) at No. 5. The former were fun and unexpected, with a nice gush of soup inside. The latter were toothy and hearty, with nice play between the skin and the sauces and the crunch of the salad. All three go for $6. Epcot chefs are seafood specialists and the Guest Top 10 New Picks roster reflected this. Behold, the seaside pot pie with shrimp, scallops, crawfish tails and lobster bisque. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) At Coastal Eats, the seaside pot pie would be a recommendation I might make over the seafood roll, as its ingredients and flavors (shrimp, scallops, crawfish tails and lobster bisque; $7.50) are similar, though this one comes topped with a beautifully done puff pastry that’s equal parts crispy and tender. “This is one of those dishes where we really leverage technology,” says Marotta, speaking fondly of the vector oven involved in the process. “We have these in several of our International Marketplaces and they’re able to produce items like this in a very short amount of time with very good results.” This year's bestselling Brew-Wing Lab offering: the Korean BBQ, with fiery gochujang barbecue sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Nice with a cider flight! (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) In fact, these ovens are the secret to the festival’s popular pão de queijo, available at the Brazil booth. “We can cook those to order all day long,” he says. Of the rest of the list (if you’re not prone to overdoing it like me), I’d throw the Korean BBQ Wings ($7.75) up there as a go-to. Crispy skin and nice gochujang heat pair beautifully with the BRLO Wild Berries hard cider in the flight that’s also available at the Brew-Wing Lab at Odyssey. (My Epcot companion preferred the sweeter Local Press Apple and Cherry Hard Cider from Collective Arts Brewing.) Rain or shine, Food & Wine! (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel) I made it through every guest pick save the apple cinnamon and caramel mino churros sundae ($5.25, Milled and Mulled), but I’m putting a pin in it if I make it back this year. They looked and smelled spectacular, and the guest who graciously permitted me to snap a photo was extremely happy with his purchase, despite the rain. We’d both come poncho-prepped, a key element to enjoying Food & Wine when the weather’s still Florida-summer sketchy. “Food & wine, rain or shine!” I said, raising my chardonnay. He raised his churros. And in a theme park moment for the ages, plastic cup to compostable bowl, we clinked. Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group. Top Guest Food Picks: 2025 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Gulf Coast-style seafood roll (Flavors of America) French onion soup-style dumplings (Gyozas of the Galaxy) Seaside pot pie (Coastal Eats) Apple-cinnamon and caramel mini churros sundae (Milled and Mulled) Street corn-style dumplings (Gyozas of the Galaxy) Rodizio-style grilled beef skewers (Flavors of Fire) Korean BBQ wings (Brew-Wing Lab at Odyssey) Trio de Pinxtos (Spain) Strawberry Champagne trifle (plant-based; Shimmering Sips) Schiacciata sandwich (Forest & Field) View the full article

It’s time to head back to Disney World’s hub of tomfoolery, the Tiny Train Town! Tiny Train Town, I’ve returned! The itty bitty city is tucked away in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT and it’s one of my favorite spots to visit because the residents are always up to one shenanigan or another. I’ve been dubbed the mayor of those rambunctious residents, and I’m here to put their nonsense on blast. So let’s get down to business (bonus points if you get that reference!). First up, I had to deliver a formal reprimand to our town’s pharmacist, who has set up an illegal restaurant in his front yard. He DEFINITELY doesn’t have the proper permits to run a dining establishment out in the open like this, and I know he hasn’t been through food service training. Someone’s going to get food poisoning, I just know it. He’s going through another one of those spells where he regrets going to pharmacy school instead of culinary school. Guess I can’t blame a guy for having a dream. Welcome to Tiny Train Town After that, I made a trip over to Johnny’s farm, where his family has been working on replenishing their livestock after a series of bovine murders a few months back. We eventually apprehended the culprit, and the damages he paid are helping get the farm back on its feet. Hmmm, what’s going on here? But I know you’re all REALLY wondering about our ongoing murder investigation. Last time I was in town, I was called to the scene of a crime near downtown, and since then, we’ve begun a full-scale investigation. We have some persons of interest, but we know they were working with an accomplice. Today, I spotted this woman whom I hadn’t seen before, wandering around with binoculars. What do we think? Suspect, or avid birdwatcher? I might need to keep an eye on her. Suspicious, I would say. Thankfully, I’ve got a man on the inside. Many dastardly deeds are planned in this town while residents ride the rails or meet up at the train station. I’ve put an officer from our police force undercover as a conductor to see what he can learn. Here’s to hoping it pays off. He has got it covered. Ending on a lighter note, I had to stop and say hello to Little Suzie, and lo and behold, she has managed to lug a MASSIVE rubber duck to the top of her tower! Seriously, that thing is as big as she is — how did it get up there?! She carried it up all while never dropping her beloved teddy bear. A DUCK? That’s a wrap on my latest visit to tiny town! Stick around for more updates. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news. Get More Tiny Town Updates Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Who do you think committed murder in Tiny Train Town? Tell us in the comments! The post A Murder Investigation Is Underway in EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is home to so many fantastic dining options, it’s often entirely worth it to hop on the Monorail at Magic Kingdom to pop over and eat any meal there instead of in the park. Who’s ready for some amazing gluten-free eats? While we love ‘Ohana or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, sometimes we just want a reservation that’s easier to grab or don’t want to wait on a walk-up waitlist for hours. Thankfully, Kona Cafe usually has multiple reservations open each day. We still recommend grabbing a reservation as early as possible just to be on the safe side, especially if you’re gluten-free or looking for an amazing fall breakfast option — you cannot miss these three items! For all the fall vibes, we had to start off with the Seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes for $18, which is served with your choice of Ham, Spiced Ham, Bacon, or Sausage. Seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes These are more like a dessert breakfast, for sure, due to how sweet they are, but they tasted just like pumpkin bread does in the BEST way. These leaned more pumpkin rather than pumpkin spice, they were cakey and delicious, and the nuts on top added a fantastic crunch. This is a big portion for sure, so we recommend asking for a box and bringing the rest back to your room to eat at a later time! We couldn’t get enough! While they’re not on the menu, there’s also Gluten-free Tonga Toast available for $17.50 (the SAME price as the regular Tonga Toast — no upcharge!), and the biggest difference is that it’s made with the allergy rolls you can get at most restaurants instead of the regular bread. Gluten Free Tonga Toast We love this so much, not only for the taste, but also because of the thought Disney put into making this dish allergy friendly. It’s not a half-thought out replacement — it’s really like eating Tonga Toast, just with different bread! It’s still got that amazing fried feature, has the banana on the inside. This is totally one we’d recommend going out of your way for if you’re a gluten-free eater, because we were genuinely SO impressed. The sauces it comes with! Finally, we grabbed the Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles as a side for $5.25. These are available in many different places, and we can see why. They’re light and airy, have a fantastic texture to them that’s just spot-on, and if you had tricked us and told us these weren’t gluten-free, we would have believed you. Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles The only slight difference we could tell is that the outside may just be slightest bit more tough, but otherwise, it still has that same slight sweet flavor that Mickey waffles are known for. Again, another super solid option! More Recent Reviews! REVIEW: Where To Find PUMPKIN PANCAKES in Disney World — But Hurry!BUG ICE CREAM Is Back In Disney WorldREVIEW: Can Bananas and Caramel Sauce Fix This Magic Kingdom Snack? We Found Out!REVIEW: Can I Take This Chocolate Cake On A Date In Disney World?REVIEW: This Disney Restaurant Is Totally Underrated…and We’re Tired of It! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney review news to keep you updated for your upcoming vacation! REVIEW: I Had Sushi At A Bowling Alley in Disney World, And I Have ZERO Regrets Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Disney World hotel restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Where To Find PUMPKIN PANCAKES in Disney World -- But Hurry! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are some big projects going on in Hollywood Studios right now, including the major plans Disney has for Animation Courtyard. New artwork on the walls! Walls went up around this area when Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! closed a few weeks ago, but now, there has been a change to the construction site. The walls are now covered in concept art for the new space that’s coming in 2026! It was announced a few months ago that Animation Courtyard will be completely transformed and reopen with new attractions in 2026. The updated space will feature “The Magic of Disney Animation,” an area where you can watch a short film, interact with portraits, and even learn to draw animated characters. We’ve already seen concept art for this attraction, but now it lines the walls outside the construction zone. The artwork The courtyard will also have a new playground for little ones, as well as a brand-new Disney Junior show to replace the one that closed. This space is going to be filled with more life than it has had in the past few years, and many fans are hyped about it! A different piece of concept art To top it all off, we’ll be getting the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat in Hollywood Studios, but in a smaller form — it’ll top the building that houses the new animation offerings. The iconic Hollywood Studios archway doesn’t appear in the concept art, but as of right now, it still stands. The arch is still here! We’ll be on the lookout for any more construction changes in this area in the coming months. If you’re visiting soon, you should know that The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure is still open during this construction work. Stay tuned to DFB for more construction updates. Get ALL the Details on the New Attractions Here! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which new addition are you most excited to experience? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney Just Updated a Construction Eyesore at Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Being a Disney World Annual Passholder comes with perks you may not have even realized! Annual Passholder One of those perks is that Disney World Annual Passholders get a 20% discount on purchases made on the online Disney Store. The offer is only available till October 26th, so you’re going to want to take advantage now! We put together a list of a few items we think would be worth using the discount on. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get these Pascal Mickey Ears ©Disney Store If there’s anything you should be using your discount on, it’s gotta be Mickey ears, specifically these Pascal Mickey Ears! The ears feature the adorable and lovable pet from Disney’s Tangled. He’s doing different poses on the ears, and the green fuzzy bow in the middle brings it all together. We love the subtle nods to Rapunzel with the pink ears outlined in her golden braided hair. View online This Mickey Mouse Sweater ©Disney Store You’ll probably fall for this Mickey Mouse Club Knit Yacht Sweater as hard as we did! The sweater is an exclusive item online, but it is a little pricier, making it a great option to use your discount on — after all, there is no limit to what you can get. The sweater has a black and white stripe pattern with the Mickey Mouse Club logo on it. View online We love this Color Changing Mug ©Disney Store This one we think is really cool — it’s a Walt Disney World Color Changing Mug! The mug is decorated with silhouettes of some of Disney World’s most iconic landmarks — including Space Mountain, the Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, Everest, Dumbo, and Cinderella’s Castle. When adding hot liquid to the cup, the silhouettes of resort icons become colorful and detailed. ©Disney Store This one is already listed at a good price, so the discount is going to be the cherry on top. Seriously, you can’t find a more unique Disney World mug than this one. View online 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 New Discount Announced for Disney World Annual Passholders first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s almost time for a runDisney race! ©Brooks We are drawing closer to the 2025 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! To celebrate the major Disney World event, Disney and Brooks have teamed up again for a new pair of out-of-this-world shoes. You will need to join a virtual queue to grab the shoes, which you can do through the My Disney Experience app. On the first day of the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, you can request to join the virtual queue at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM ET. It’s important to know you can only join the virtual queue once a day. There will be a limited amount of one per person per adult shopper. ESPN Wide World of Sports Brooks teased that “this new shoe is just the beginning!” They shared that there will be even more details on the full lineup of Brooks x runDisney designs at the race expo. We can’t wait to see all the racers in action during the weekend, which takes place from October 23rd through October 26th, 2025. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the new shoes? Tell us in the comments! The post First Look at NEW Disney x Brooks Shoe Collection Releasing Soon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

One of the best parts of the holiday season (in my humble opinion) is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Typically, the parade features a couple of fun cameos for Disney fans, but this fall, Macy’s is doing something else to hype up Disney fans as well. A brand-new Minnie Mouse collection just dropped at Macy’s, and we got a sneak peek! Spanning everything from apparel to beauty to home decor, this is a MUST-SEE if you’re a lover of all things Disney or red-and-white polka dots. We went to Macy’s to check out a first look at this new collection, and it’s MASSIVE. There are so many items to shop for that you’re going to have a hard time restraining yourself in this store. There’s a new collection! To start, there’s an entire group of items for home decor and holiday decorations. These would make great collectibles or keepsakes. Collectibles They’ve got a really adorable Mickey Mouse snowglobe ornament with a gold Mickey head inside. In addition to this, there are other specialty ornaments and a real snowglobe with Mickey and Minnie. Snowglobe If you wear Minnie ears, why shouldn’t your Christmas tree wear them too?! This Minnie Mouse Bow Tree Topper is the perfect touch for your tree that’s covered in ornaments you collected on Disney trips. Tree topper Of course, it wouldn’t be a Disney collection without plenty of accessories. They’ve got bags, pouches, patches, bag charms, keychains, and more. Accessories One of our favorite items from this group is the Mickey and Minnie Loungefly Mini Backpack. It’s “Big Apple” themed with an apple-shaped pocket, NYC-themed artwork, and Mickey and Minnie on the front eating classic New York snacks. Loungefly There are also plenty of clothes in the new collection, starting with Minnie and friends pajama sets. Apparel There’s an entire apparel line for your little ones, with sweatshirts, tees, and more in kids’ sizes. For the kiddos There are some stylish picks for adults too, like this Minnie Mouse Sweater or the retro Mickey Mouse button-up. Winter outfits We also loved this subtle Disney denim set — the top has a bow just like Minnie’s and both the shirt and pants are covered in little Minnie heads. Dressing in style! Finally, for those who need to restock some beauty products, there’s a collab with MAC. There are several lip colors inspired by Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. Our queens! MAC collection For those who are planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, you should know it’s the 99th anniversary in 2025! This year, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, and Spider-Man will all be featured, so Disney fans should tune in. A “mini” Minnie balloon! We’ll be on the lookout for more updates on Disney merchandise collections. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news. Click Here to See Everything Confirmed for the 2025 Holiday Season in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these items would you buy? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Macy’s to attend their media preview of the new collection. Note that when we attend events as media, we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post Why Disney Fans Will Be RUSHING to Macy’s This Fall first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There are SO many snacks to enjoy in Magic Kingdom! We know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you realize you’re going to have to pick and choose what to eat (unfortunatley, I didn’t realize it until that one time when I decided to get the I Lava You Float, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Dole Whip on top before I rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — yeah, let’s NOT DISCUSS). This is a classic! While some people don’t think Magic Kingdom is home to some of the best dining options, we’re here to tell you that there are some KILLER snacks that you won’t want to miss. Covering it all at once COULD be a bit intense, so let’s break it down by land. What are the best snacks you can grab in Adventureland? Don’t worry, we’re going through them ALL! All-Beef Hot Dog at Tortuga Tavern – 5/10 Starting off with the lowest on the list, we have the classic All-Beef Hot Dog at Tortuga Tavern. Listen, there’s nothing wrong with this one, per se, but it’s just a regular Disney World hot dog. Tortuga Tavern It’s pretty middle of the road, hence the rating. If you’re really craving a hot dog and you happen to be nearby, it’s not going to disappoint you, as long as you’re not looking for anything fantastic. For pickier eaters, this may be a hit, as well as for those who are just looking for something simple. Now, we also need you to know that this restaurant isn’t open all the time at Disney World — it tends to only be open at the most crowded times of the year. So if you’re looking for a “plain” hot dog and Tortuga Tavern is closed, you’ll find similar ones at Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., and the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. Tavern Barbecued Slaw Dog at Tortuga Tavern – 5.5/10 Over at the same spot, you can find the Tavern Barbecued Slaw Dog, which will give you an extra protein boost with the barbecue, and it’s usually pretty good, but it’s still meh. Tavern Barbecued Slaw Dog Some of the menu items here have really shocked us (in a good way), but this one is, again, just pretty middle of the road. There’s nothing wrong with it, especially if you’re wanting a more elevated hot dog, but otherwise, there are better things out there. Barbecue Pork Sandwich at Tortuga Tavern – 6.5/10 Higher up on the list is the Barbecue Pork Sandwich, which was one of the most shocking choices at this spot, because we were pretty impressed. Barbecue Pork Sandwich The barbecue on this one is really solid, as is the coleslaw, so if you’re looking for something a little more hearty, this is a great choice. However, our only reason for putting it as low as it is, is because this spot can be pretty fickle! It’s not always open, so it’s hard to catch it. It’s a sleeper hit, though, so if you’re craving some barbecue and walk past it when it’s open, give it a try. Orange Chicken Strips at Tortuga Tavern – 6.5/10 For those of you out there who love eating at Panda Express or a similar spot, the Orange Chicken Strips will likely be a hit for you! Orange Chicken Strips These aren’t too hot, which may make some people who prefer spicier options sad, but for the majority of people, we think this is a really great option. They’re the classic chicken tenders that we know and love, and with that extra special sauce, they’re pretty great. Again, it’s hard to grab them since this spot is fickle, but if you see them, give them a try! Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy at Tortuga Tavern – 6.5/10 Listen, we don’t mean to be putting Tortuga Tavern at the bottom for everything, but honestly, it’s because there are better spots in this land. If you want something refreshing though, don’t be afraid to grab the Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy. Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy The main flavor here is the lemon, but the hint of floral on the back end is a nice surprise. It’s a crowd pleaser, but you know what we’re going to say — it’s hard to catch this one since the spot isn’t always open. Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich from Tortuga Tavern – 6.5/10 Our final item from Tortuga Tavern ranks number one FOR this restaurant, but only as long as you enjoy sweets. The Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich is unique, rich, and pretty unforgettable. Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut, and Banana Sandwich This is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth and maybe want something nostalgic to remind them of their childhood. If you’ve ever wanted dessert for a meal, this is 100% the snack for you! Classic Dole Whip Float From Aloha Isle – 7/10 Now WAIT. Before you get angry with us, the Classic Dole Whip Float is only in this position because we feel there are other Dole Whip snacks in this area of the park that are a little better. Classic Dole Whip Float We love the pineapple juice and the pineapple Dole Whip, but for some people, this is just a little TOO much pineapple. Some members of our team prefer Dole Whip Floats to be a mix of flavors, rather than all one. However, for the ultimate pineapple fans out there, this is the treat for you! I Lava You Float From Sunshine Tree Terrace – 7.5/10 Speaking of floats with multiple different flavors, the I Lava You Float is a brilliant example! I Lava You Float This is not only gorgeous for photos, but it’s a wonderful mix of flavors as well. This is Orange Dole whip, Strawberry Fanta, and Red Passionfruit Syrup with Popping Candies on top. If you adore citrus flavors, this is for you, and it’s a fantastically refreshing treat on a hot day, but it WILL melt fast. Tropical Serenade From Aloha Isle – 7.7/10 Classic Disney fans will know this treat’s name is a nod to the original Enchanted Tiki Room, but even if you’re not a Disney history buff, the taste of the Tropical Serenade is a delicious mix of tropical flavors. Tropical Serenade This is made with Coconut Soft-serve, Passionfruit-Orange-Guava (POG) Juice, and an Upside-down Pineapple Cake Pop, and WOW it’s a tropical fan’s dream! The Coconut Soft-serve helps to tone down the sweetness of the POG Juice, and they pair wonderfully together. Just be sure to eat that cake pop first so it doesn’t melt down into your float! Soda Floats at Sunshine Tree Terrace – 7.8/10 There are a number of Soda Floats you can get at Sunshine Tree Terrace, which you can customize to your taste! Root Beer Float Grab a classic Root Beer float, mix Strawberry Fanta with Pineapple Dole Whip, or maybe, you want to mix Coke and Vanilla Soft-serve! Whatever your heart desires, there are a lot of choices here. The customization is what gets it extra bonus points from us. DOLE Whip Mango and Chamoy Float at Aloha Isle – 8.5/10 If you’re someone who loves a mix of sweet and spicy, you won’t want to miss the DOLE Whip Mango and Chamoy Float! DOLE Whip Mango and Chamoy Float This is a gorgeous blend of DOLE Whip Mango, Pineapple Juice, Chamoy, and Chili-lime Seasoning, and we can’t get enough. Now, the reason it’s not higher on our list is because it’s not necessarily a crowd pleaser — there are some folks out there we know don’t enjoy spicy things. But if you do, this is 100% a must grab! Dole Whip Cups at Sunshine Tree Terrace and Aloha Isle – 9/10 Now we’re getting up there in the ranking, which is where the Dole Whip Cups come in! DOLE Whip There are multiple Dole Whip flavors available at Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace — Pineapple, Orange, and Strawberry, plus Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coconut Soft-serve. Any of these are a real winner in our book, and we think you can’t go wrong with them. Savory Spring Rolls from Spring Roll Cart — 9.9/10 If you’re looking for a great, quick, savory snack, check out the Spring Roll Cart! These flavors trade out every now and then, but most commonly you can find two flavors — Cheeseburger or Pepperoni and Cheese. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls These are a must grab for a lot of people, and we understand why! These are greasy in the best way, and really, everyone should try them just once! The Cheeseburger Spring Rolls taste like a McDonald’s Big Mac! Pineapple Upside Down Cake From Aloha Isle — 10/10 And at the TOP of the list, we’ve got the incredible Pineapple Upside Down Cake! Pineapple Upside-down Cake from Aloha Isle Refreshements This is the perfect mix of a sweet ice cream treat mixed with delicious, moist cake. In this case, we don’t feel this is too much pineapple, because these are such different textures. It’s number one for a reason, and if you love pineapple in any way, shape, or form, you HAVE to grab this one! Adventureland And there you have it! The ranking of ALL the snacks in Adventureland, and the best part is, if you’re looking for reviews on practically any other snack in Disney World, we’ve got you covered! We’ve scoured every corner of each park and detailed over 800 glorious snacks for you to try in our DFB Snacks Bundle! (SHHHH! Some of our favorite snacks aren’t even on the menu, but we’ll show you how to get ’em.) We’ve got allllll the deets on allllll the snacks! Grab Your DFB Snacks Bundle Right Here! We run to the parks anytime there’s a new snack, so stay tuned to DFB for lots more! REVIEW: We Tried 4 NEW Items at The Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which of these snacks is you favorite? Tell us in the comments! The post We're Ranking Every Snack in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom...So You Don't Have To first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While enjoying a Disney experience, guests may come across cast members that bear a special symbol: a blue name tag. This signifies that cast member is a recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award — the highest honor bestowed upon cast members, crew members, Disney Imagineers, and employees across Disney Experiences. Since its launch in 2011, the Legacy Award has recognized those who truly embody the spirit of the company’s founder, Walt Disney — those who dream big, create magic, and inspire excellence throughout the company. What is the Walt Disney Legacy Award? The Walt Disney Legacy Award is a global recognition program that celebrates outstanding individuals who exemplify the Disney Experiences qualities of Dream, Create, and Inspire. Recipients of this prestigious award are selected from Disney Experiences teams worldwide, including at theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other locations around the world. A recent recipient that may come to mind for Disney fans is Willie Jackson, a PhotoPass photographer at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort, who coincidentally has also received the most Mobile Cast Compliments from guests of any cast member at the resort. Why is the Legacy Award Program offered at Disney? At Disney Experiences, the Legacy Award honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond for guests, colleagues, and the company. It reinforces Disney’s commitment to delivering magical experiences and maintaining its legendary reputation. The award also reflects Disney’s dedication to nurturing talent and celebrating excellence across the organization. Above all, it recognizes those whose imagination, creativity, and inspiration bring Disney’s magic to life every day. How does the nomination process work? Disney Experiences employees are nominated by their colleagues for this prestigious honor. Employees simply complete the official nomination form and share ways their nominee Dreams, Creates, and Inspires. Nominations are anonymous and can be submitted in eight languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese, ensuring that the program is accessible to Disney’s diverse, global workforce. And, Cast are eligible for the award whether they have been making magic with Disney for a couple years or several decades. Case in point, within the last year, Grayson Smith, who has been displaying his exceptional musical talents at Casey’s Corner at Disney World for the last four years, and Hank Ameen, a Disneyland Resort firefighter who is the current longest standing employee of The Walt Disney Company at 62 years of service, were both selected for the honor. What Makes a Legacy Award Recipient? Potential recipients of the Walt Disney Legacy Award display three key qualities for consideration: Dream, Create, and Inspire. Let’s dive into more of what each of those mean. Dream Legacy Award recipients are optimistic thinkers who envision endless possibilities for creating happiness. They foster teamwork, deliver exceptional service, and demonstrate unwavering commitment in realizing Walt Disney’s dream. Create Honorees are problem-solvers driven by curiosity and a dedication to upholding the Disney brand. They champion inclusivity, collaborate to create efficiencies and innovative solutions, and bring the magic of Disney to life for guests and colleagues. Inspire Recipients are role models with exceptional character and integrity. They show gratitude, inspire others to be their best, and motivate teams to create the best possible Disney experience. How can guests tell if an employee is a Walt Disney Legacy Award Recipient? Walt Disney Legacy Award recipients receive a distinctive blue name tag — a symbol of their achievement and a conversation starter with guests and colleagues. They are also presented with a framed award and invited to a special celebration in their honor. Who has received the Walt Disney Legacy Award? Several hundred cast members have received this honor since its inception, and new recipients are nominated and selected every few years. Check out the following stories about the extremely well-deserved recipients from 2025 that make their magic at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. The Legacy Award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor, granted only once to each recipient. Yet, the impact of these exceptional employees and cast members extends far beyond a single moment. Their contributions continue to enrich the experiences of guests and colleagues every day, as they bring Walt Disney’s legacy to life at Disney destinations around the world. The post The Walt Disney Legacy Award: Celebrating Employees Who Dream, Create, and Inspire appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Something new is coming to Disney World in a few weeks! Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom The newest addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Disney World, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, is almost here. With a new change happening at the park, that might mean a new way for our Disney day to look, especially with how popular the attraction could get! The brand-new show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, is almost at Animal Kingdom, and we’re so excited. The show is being placed in the Tree of Life theatre, where “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” used to be. This new attraction will open on November 7th, 2025. The show is going to offer all sorts of 4D fun as you step into the world of Zootopia, where you can expect to see all types of performances that are sure to make you want to “try everything”. ©Disney All kinds of animals will be joining together to bring us along for rousing performances from several of the diverse biomes you’ll find within the world of Zootopia. During this show, the Tree of Life Theater will become the epicenter of Zoogether Day. Heidi Howler, the wolf host, will be presenting a watch party where the audience will catch all the festivities via livestream. Heidi Howler ©Disney The “Carrot Vision” glasses will allow us to become part of the watch party experience and join in celebrating. Of course, the show will feature some of your favorite characters from Disney’s hit, Zootopia. We recently found out that the fan-favorite Clawhauser will be at the celebration as a sophisticated audio-animatronic inside the theater with us, and Disney even gave us a sneak peek! Clawhauser animatronic ©Disney This all sounds super exciting, but with the introduction of a new attraction, how do we adjust our Disney days? Are we changing where we’re headed when we rope drop Animal Kingdom? Our short answer is probably not. If you want to check out the brand-new attraction, we won’t hold you from running to that show first thing in the morning. However, we believe Flight of Passage is still the number one priority. The most popular ride in the park Yes, the show is new. Also, yes, the show will probably be busy to start off with. That being said, the show is continuous and can hold many people in the theatre. It might be worth skipping at rope drop to tackle Animal Kingdom’s most popular ride (which will remain the most popular) in Flight of Passage. We’d then recommend making your way over to Zootopia: Better Zoogether! after that. Flight of Passage During peak times of the day, the first few days or weeks might fill up, as we see with Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure in Hollywood Studios, which opened in May. While some shows fill up, there are lots of seats open in earlier shows, but we don’t recommend waiting till the end of the day in case they fill up. Animal Kingdom is also open for fewer hours than the other parks, so catching this after Flight of Passage might be the way to go. Captain Hook in Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After 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. We can’t wait for this new show, and we’re sure you can’t either! For more Disney news and updates, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. Disney World Announces 3 Massive Changes — Including An Update Fans Have Been Begging For 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 Will you be rope-dropping the new attraction? Let us know in the comments! The post UPDATE: There's a New Rule for Rope Dropping in Disney World Starting November 7th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’ve found all the best eats at Disney World, and we’re letting you in on some of our favorites! Indian-style Bread Service If your favorite part of a delicious meal is bread service, you’re not alone. The unsung hero of your lunch or dinner, decadent rolls, or an adventurous bread service can leave a lasting impression. This is especially the case at Disney World, where several restaurants have turned bread into an art form. While we could spend hours upon hours listing everywhere you can get great bread service (we have), but for this one, we’re giving you three of our favorites! Which bread service is actually the best is totally subjective, and there are tons of influences like price, bread style, side offerings, and portion size. However, we personally feel like you can’t go wrong with these three — even our shocking second pick! 1. Sanaa Our first pick isn’t much of a surprise. Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is famous for its African and Indian cuisine, the animals you can see up close while you dine, and the Indian-style Bread Service! Sanaa Bread Service Priced at $23 (at the time of this writing), this appetizer comes with five breads (traditional naan, garlic-ginger naan, spiced naan, onion kulcha, or paneer paratha) and nine accompaniments — cucumber raita, roasted red pepper hummus, mango chutney, tomato-date jam, tamarind chutney, coriander chutney, garlic pickle, red chile sambal, and spicy jalapeño-lime pickle. Sanaa bread service A truly unique bread service, it’s one that’s left its mark over the years, and certainly one we can’t get enough of. Fluffy naan The ultimate must-try for foodies, this bread service is extra special when you mix and match the breads with the sauces to find that perfect blend of flavor and texture! 2. Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen For our second pick, we’re headed to the underrated Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom! Here, you’ll find the tasty Pão de Quiejo! Pao de Quiejo This cheesy bread comes with a catch, though. It’s a SECRET MENU item that you won’t find printed on a regular menu, so it helps to know about it before you visit. ALL THE SAUCE It’s served with a side of poblano cream with red pepper flakes and chimichurri sauce, and we can’t get enough of the bold flavors. 3. Ale & Compass Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is home to Ale & Compass Restaurant and the incredible Parker House Rolls and Spreads for $14 (at the time of this writing)! Parker House Rolls These soft, cloud-like rolls melt in your mouth and come with bacon jam, pub cheese, and citrus butter. Citrus Butter The rolls are the embodiment of fluffy perfection, and the spreads are next-level. In our tastings over the years, we’ve found the pub cheese is rich and creamy, the bacon jam offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the citrus butter is smooth with a zingy kick of flavor. We also recommend layering the pub cheese with a dab of bacon jam on one roll. Thank us later. Honorable Mention We couldn’t finish this list without giving some love to other bread options you can find at Disney World, like the big, yet affordable, baguettes Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in EPCOT! Baguette! Over at Animal Kingdom, Tiffins and Nomad Lounge each have an unforgettable Signature Bread Service that’s served on a beautiful tiered platter. This bread service includes three unique breads: pão de queijo (the Brazilian cheese bread we previously mentioned), Papadam (a crispy lentil-based bread), and Thai red curry milk bread. Each bread comes with a perfectly paired dip — guava sauce for the cheese bread, ginger-pear chutney for the Papadam, and coconut-curry sauce for the milk bread. Signature Bread Service And how could we forget the Sea Salt-dusted Potato Brioche at Steakhouse 71 in Disney’s Contemporary Resort! This bread is served with butter and a roasted garlic-tomato spread. The Sea Salt Dusted Brioche! Have you tried these bread services? Share your favorite with us in the comments below and continue to follow us here at the Disney Food Blog for more restaurant recommendations! Why You Should Always Order BREAD at 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 What is your favorite bread service in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post The 3 Best Places to Get Bread in Disney World (#2 Will SHOCK You) first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We are obsessed with the Muppets and advent calendars! ©Disney Each Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol is played in our homes consistently to bring the laughs and smiles. It’s a holiday tradition for us to help us get excited for the holiday season. Another holiday tradition we love is opening surprises from an advent calendar each day… so what if we combined them? The Disney Store has heard our dreams and just dropped The Muppet Christmas Carol Limited Edition Mystery Pin Advent Calendar online just in time for the holidays! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We have tons of different ways to celebrate the holidays! We put up decorations, turn on our favorite movies, and open a little surprise from our advent calendars each day. What can make that even better? Adding The Muppets! The Muppet Christmas Carol Limited Edition Mystery Pin Advent Calendar ©Disney Store This 24-day advent calendar is a great way to build up the excitement for the holidays! This calendar features a different surprise trading pin each day, featuring the characters from The Muppet Christmas Carol in a Christmas wreath. ©Disney Store These pins are part of the 25th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading, which kicked off in 2000. Disney revealed pins of Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, Bean Bunny, Beaker, and Peter Cratchit. They rest? They’re a surprise! ©Disney Store You will get a total of 24 pins in the calendar! We are expecting this one to sell out quickly. Even if you can’t open it each day leading up to December 25th, this is a great gift for yourself or Muppet fans, especially if you’re a pin collector. Shop on the Disney Store We can’t wait to add these pins to our collection! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney finds online. The post Disney's NEW Muppet Advent Calendar Just Dropped Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article