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It’s no secret that Disney World is in its construction era, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Right now, Muppets Courtyard is being dismantled so Disney can convert it into a brand new Monsters, Inc. land. In Toy Story Land, some construction walls have popped up, making us think a new snack spot is arriving soon. Then there’s Animation Courtyard, which is currently being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios. Well, we’ve got an update about the construction at The Walt Disney Studios…and it’s not a pretty one. Now, we’ve already seen the start of construction at what used to be Animation Courtyard. Here’s what it looked like the last time we checked. As you can see, the area wasn’t completely blocked off by construction walls, and you could still walk through the big arch. Hollywood Studios Well, that has changed. Construction walls now go fully around the area, including the arch, so you no longer have access to it. Now, one thing we noticed quickly when Disney first shared concept art of The Walt Disney Studios is that the arch was not included. So it’s likely we’ll see that taken down soon. The arch is behind construction walls When you walk by the area, you can hear work being done, too, like hammering and sawing. So you’ve got this eyesore smack dab in the middle of the park, and the construction sounds can also be heard. You can hear it, too This construction has also changed how you get to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure building. You have to walk down the steps from Hollywood Boulevard’s courtyard and hang a quick right or access it coming from the side closest to Pixar Place and Toy Story Land. The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure The small bar kiosk that used to sit between Animation Courtyard’s entrance and The Hollywood Brown Derby has been moved to Hollywood Boulevard Courtyard. This bar stand has moved The Walt Disney Studios will include several areas, including The Magic of Disney Animation, which will feature Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat on top. Inside, you’ll be able to interact and explore a take on Disney’s different studio departments. But Disney also promised that “some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.” A new Alice In Wonderland playground will also be added, along with character meet and greets, a courtyard area, and a new Disney Jr. show. ©Disney We can’t wait for the construction to be OVER, but in the meantime, we’ll be watching the progress behind the walls. We’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more. Here’s everything you need to know about The Walt Disney Studios Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of the construction in Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! The post We've Got Some Bad News About Disney's Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Huge news for fans of Disney’s live-action remakes! ©Disney Recently, Disney has had a big hit thanks to its Live-Action remake of Lilo and Stitch! In December 2024, rumors started circulating that a Live-Action Tangled was headed for the big screen. Talk of the film quickly died out, but now the movie is back in production with a familiar face at the helm of the project! Fans of Rapunzel, rejoice! According to Deadline, Disney is “taking a fresh look” at the live-action remake of Tangled. Not only is the movie back in development, but Scarlett Johansson is “circling the role of Mother Gothel.” ©Vanity Fair Michael Gracey, the director of The Greatest Showman, is still attached to direct the project. He is reportedly working from a script by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, which is based on the 2010 movie. The movie was paused in April 2025 after the poor performance of the live-action Snow White. Big successes like the live-action Lilo and Stitch, which made $1.03 billion worldwide, have given the company renewed interest in film remakes. ©Disney Disney has not green-lit anything for the project at the time of writing. Several celebrities revealed they had previously auditioned for the roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, like Queen Charlotte Star Corey Mylchreest, model Gigi Hadid, and more. ©Disney Scarlett Johansson’s previous films have grossed $17.7 billion at the worldwide box office. Her most recent film, Jurassic World Rebirth, grossed $867.9 million. It makes sense that the company would aim for star power to lead the film after some uncertainty around the live-action redos. While the films have been divisive online, we’re eager to see how this project develops. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. Disney Announces NEW Original Movie, ‘Hexed’ Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on the film? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Disney's Live Action 'Tangled' Resumes Development With Scarlett Johansson first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World has no shortage of iconic restaurants; however, they are not all equal in the eyes of Disney fans. Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom From castle dining with princesses to meals inside space stations, it’s easy to assume that every Disney dining experience is great. But sometimes, in the land of $35 burgers and months-long dining waits, the most surprising meal can come from a place you thought you’d never step foot in. So here we are, and I’m about to recommend a Disney World restaurant that’s often shrugged off, joked about, or skipped entirely: Rainforest Café. Yes, that Rainforest Café. We’re talking specifically about breakfast there. You might be thinking, “They have breakfast?!” It does! In fact, both Rainforest Café locations at Disney World, one at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and one at Disney Springs, are open for breakfast. And to be honest, the menu is way better than you might expect from a restaurant with robotic gorillas and indoor thunderstorms. Rainforest Cafe The Menu On the breakfast menu, you can find Omelettes, Banana Fosters Pancakes, Steak & Eggs, and even Tonga Toast. They also serve up some cocktails like Jungle Fever and mimosas. It’s a fairly traditional breakfast menu, but that’s part of what makes it work so well. Rainforest Cafe What We Love Here 1. You Can Usually Get a Reservation (or Walk In)While other Disney breakfast hot spots are booked solid weeks in advance, Rainforest Café is often a same-day success. You might even be able to walk in, which can feel like a rarity in the world of Disney dining lately. If you find yourself wanting to grab a bite without the wait times, head here! 2. Reliable, Familiar FoodLet’s be honest, sometimes you don’t want breakfast “with a twist.” Rainforest Café offers straightforward, filling, and comforting food that most people in your party will enjoy, without the risk of overly fancy ingredients or flavors. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser for everyone, including even the pickiest of eaters and kids! 3. Great for Kids or Big GroupsThe over-the-top theme is actually a win at breakfast. Kids are entertained by the animals and effects while adults sip coffee in peace. It’s a strong choice for multigenerational families or larger groups with different tastes. Rainforest Cafe Bar Things to Be Aware Of 1. It’s Still a Rainforest CaféThe ambiance is loud, the animatronic animals can be startling if you’re not ready for them, and the gift shop exit is very much a thing. If you’re hoping for a quiet, relaxing breakfast… this probably isn’t what you want. 2. Food Isn’t Mind-BlowingWhile breakfast here is solid, don’t expect culinary fireworks. It’s tasty, reliable, and satisfying, but not going to compete with the best Disney food experiences. 3. InconsistencyAmong Disney fans, the Rainforest Café is often dismissed as a generic chain, and for lunch or dinner, that criticism is fair. We’ve had good food here, but we have also left feeling disappointed. Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs You Should Try This On Your Next Trip If… You are a family with kids who will love the immersive theme Guests who want a hearty, familiar breakfast before a park day Last-minute planners who couldn’t snag a popular breakfast reservation In the dining area You Should Maybe Skip If… You are adults looking for a calm, quiet, or romantic breakfast You are a foodie who wants unique or upscale dishes Guests who are in a hurry for rope drop, as the service can be slower than quick-service spots Sign outside Rainforest Café may never top a Disney dining list, and honestly, it probably doesn’t deserve to… at lunch or dinner. But for breakfast? It earns a quiet spot as a surprisingly solid choice, especially if you’re looking for something easy, filling, and family-friendly. For more Disney World dining tips, follow us at DFB! 6 Things We Wish We’d Known Before Getting Takeout 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 What do you think of the Rainforest Cafe at Disney World? Tell us in the comments below your thoughts! The post I Never Thought I'd Recommend This Controversial Disney World Restaurant, But Here We Are first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s streaming service offers tons of Disney and Pixar films, shows, and more thanks to its partnerships with Hulu and ESPN. Disney+ has changed quite a bit since its initial launch in 2019, and now a new law is aimed at banning a specific type of ad on the streaming platform. ©Disney The new California law intends to stop advertisements from turning up the volume while you’re watching, according to the BBC. The new law says advertisements cannot be louder than the main video content being watched. This law builds on a federal law that “sets the volume of ads on broadcast TV and cable stations to include streaming platforms.” Opponents of the new law argued it would be “difficult to implement” because the streaming platforms don’t have the same control over ads that broadcast TV and cable stations do. The Motion Picture Association and the Streaming Innovation Alliance, which represent streaming services including Disney and Netflix, initially opposed the bill. ©Disney The initial law, called the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM), was passed in 2010, and it was aimed at turning down the volume on TV and radio station ads. ©Disney California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the new ban on October 6th, 2025. When he signed the bill, Newsom said, “We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program.” Gov. Gavin Newsom ©ABC Existing federal law requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create regulations that require commercials to have the same volume as the media they are part of. In February 2025, the FCC confirmed it had received thousands of complaints regarding loud commercials over the past several years, many of which were about streaming services. The new law, which will begin on July 1st, 2026, prohibits streaming services in California from “transmitting the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content the people are watching.” ©Disney Amendments were made to the bill that will prevent individuals or private parties from suing streaming services for violating the law. The state is home to several headquarters of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Amazon produces several of its Prime Video shows and movies in the state as well. ©Amazon We’re eager to see the impact of the bill, as people who have definitely been impacted by the volume skyrocketing when ads come on during our movies and shows. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more news and updates. CONFIRMED: A Popular Disney+ Perk Is Back! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts on this new law? Tell us in the comments! The post A New Law Aims To Ban An Annoying Ad Problem On Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has claimed the number one spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, being named the #1 Large Ship Cruise Line. The travel outlet received more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe. Condé Nast Traveler’s readers recognized Disney Cruise Line’s exceptional guest service, world-class entertainment, and family-focused design of the ships as some of the many qualities that set Disney Cruise Line apart. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades from readers, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. Learn more about Disney Cruise Line and how to book your award-winning sailing at sea at DisneyCruise.com. The post Disney Cruise Line Sails to No. 1 Spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Sometimes, knowing what NOT to wear to Walt Disney World is just as important as knowing what to wear. Magic Kingdom We’re in Disney World every single day, and that means we’ve seen (and experienced!) a lot of clothing choices that made us go “oh no…” Whether it’s a pair of shoes that offers NO support to someone’s aching feet, a material that it was definitely not suited to the season, or simply a T-shirt that’s inappropriate for the environment, these sartorial faux pas really should be avoided at all costs. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Jeans Listen, we know this one is a little controversial, but jeans in the parks are often a BAD idea for many reasons. For one, they’re pretty restrictive and aren’t nearly as comfortable as other options. While you may avoid chafing due to your bare skin rubbing against itself if you’re wearing capri or full-length jeans, it’s also possible that the jeans’ material will start to chafe you after a while. Adorable, but we don’t recommend for the parks. And during the summer? Don’t get us STARTED. Jeans will stick to you like a second skin, and if they get wet from a water ride? Good luck. It’s game over until the sun dries them — and that can take forever. Instead, we recommend wearing leggings to provide more comfort, or moisture-wicking dresses/skirts/basketball shorts that are easier to dry if you’re sweating a lot or get wet. (Not to mention that in the winter, jeans don’t keep you very warm — leggings will!). ©Amazon Personally, we really love the Colorfulkoala High Waisted Workout Leggings! These are high-waisted, so you don’t have to worry about them falling down easily, they come in over 20 different colors and two different inseam sizes, so you can get a perfect fit. Grab them here! Offensive Tees Listen, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the things that go on in the world. However, this is Disney World, and it’s NOT the place to be wearing things that are prone to start unpleasant conversations or to make others feel uncomfortable. The crowds are here! In fact, Disney actually can and will turn you away from the front gate if you’re wearing something that’s offensive or is likely to make others in the park feel offended or uncomfortable. This often means anything having to do with politics, attire with foul language, or attire with photos/diagrams that are inappropriate. How about instead of wearing a shirt that’s inappropriate for Disney, go completely the other direction and wear one that references one of EPCOT’s Most Beloved Rides! Living with the Land shirt! This tee celebrates Living with the Land, the iconic EPCOT attraction that — in mostly the same form, minus a few changes — has been sailing through The Land Pavilion’s greenhouses since opening day over 40 years ago. SHOP HERE Flip Flops & Heels Sorry to all the flip-flop lovers out there, but we don’t know HOW you do it. Flip flops in the Disney World parks are a recipe for disaster — if they get wet, you’re slipping and sliding all over the place, and there’s very little support for your arches. So many flip-flops! Even if you have little to no arches on your feet, in which case having shoes with higher arches would likely hurt, there are lots of better sandals out there that can still give you that open-toed shoe feel and are fast drying without the fear of slipping and falling when they’re wet. And on the complete opposite side of the argument, we also don’t know how people wear full-on HEELS in the parks! @coperni on Instagram Heels HURT already, and these parks aren’t flat (especially Animal Kingdom, holy BUMPS, Batman), so even the most experienced heel walkers could get hurt easily in the parks. Now, if you’re heading into the park or a hotel for a fancy dining reservation, that’s a bit of a different story. We still don’t think it’s the greatest choice, and we’d suggest flats over heels any day. But if you do, be sure to watch your step and be extra careful. For us, we have to go with sneakers. Our specific go-to lately: The HOKA Women’s Clifton 10. We love the cushion! They’re available in several color options – from our go-to orange and white to a plain but reliable white and black. No matter the color you choose, they are breathable and padded, a winning combination for walking through Walt Disney World. SHOP HERE As always, be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World tips and tricks! What’s your go-to Disney World outfit? Tell us in the comments! The post I Go to Disney World Every Day, and I CRINGE When I See Someone Wearing These 4 Things first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Banana Ball is coming to #WaltDisneyWorld in 2026 with the all-new team Loco Beach Coconuts! 🥥⚾️View the full article

Slip on those dancing shoes, grab your glove, and get ready to suit up in your most a-peeling attire – Banana Ball is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026! Announced live on ESPN2, ESPN+, Disney+, and the Banana Ball YouTube channel, the Banana Ball City Selection Show revealed the dates and locations for next season for those fans looking to catch The Greatest Show in Sports on their 2026 world tour. The big news for Disney fans? On May 29 and 30, Banana Ball is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World for the first time ever, putting fans first and directly into the center of the action with plenty of laughs, excitement, and an undeniable energy that will have you dancing in your cleats all night long. Interested in learning more about experiencing Banana Ball in-person before it debuts at Disney World next year? Put down your baseball brownie and foot-long hot dog from Casey’s Corner and read on to learn more about next season’s fun, and how you can be prepared to purchase tickets for this primetime event! What Banana Ball Teams Are Playing at Walt Disney World? Last year, the Savannah Bananas traveled across the country for many of their high-profile matchups, competing against the Firefighters, the Party Animals, and the Texas Tailgaters. Visiting a wide range of legendary venues like Fenway Park in Boston, Kauffmann Stadium in Kansas City, and Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Banana Ball has continued to visit iconic ballparks and prime destinations perfectly fit for friends and families, bringing the show to a new lineup of eager fans. Next season, with the addition of two new teams competing in the Banana Ball Championship League, Walt Disney World will welcome the slugging Loco Beach Coconuts in a dynamic battle against the always-entertaining Party Animals. If you are a fan of Disney Parks and Banana Ball, you are in the perfect spot to turn a double play with two cornerstones of entertainment and fun. Hosted at the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, these two teams will face off inside The Stadium, featuring more than 9,500 seats, four luxury sky boxes, open-air suites, and a whole bunch of happy hijinks on the diamond. Now That Banana Ball is Coming to Disney – How Do I Buy Tickets? For fans itching to see trick plays, diving catches, and plenty of on-the-field shenanigans, make sure to secure your seats for next season’s games by entering the Ticket Lottery List before it closes on November 1, 2025. Joining this list does not guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets, but it will enter you into a random drawing that takes place before the event for the chance to purchase available tickets. If your name is drawn, you will have the opportunity to continue through the verification process before being able to purchase your tickets to witness the fun up close. Don’t get caught in a pickle (and don’t even think about bunting) with this opportunity to join the Ticket Lottery List by visiting BananaBall.com, as standard tickets start at $35 when you purchase them from the site. What is Banana Ball? Constantly keeping fans and players on their toes, Banana Ball is quickly becoming the fastest and most entertaining game in sports, featuring high-octane plays and entertainment-packed rules that are sure to put a smile on your face. Whether a fan catches a foul ball (it counts as an out in the game) or a player tries to steal first base (yes, you read that correctly), this curveball on traditional baseball has continued to grow across the nation at home and in ballparks! Where Else Can I Watch Banana Ball in 2026? If you want even more fast-paced Banana Ball content, be sure to tune into their games next season on ESPN+, Disney+, ESPN2, and additional ESPN platforms across the worldwide leader in sports. For a full list of Banana Ball matchups that you can enter to attend in-person, be sure to visit BananaBall.com for new updates and the latest ballgames coming soon to a city near you! For even more events coming soon to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, check the upcoming events calendar to find out which sport you’ll be able to see on your next visit to Disney World. Step into the batter’s box and get ready for the heater – we’re excited to watch the first pitch next summer and welcome Banana Ball to Walt Disney World for the first time ever! Experience Fall at Walt Disney World Resort READ MORE Mickey and Friends Suit Up in MLB Uniforms in New Topps Cards READ MORE Save Up to $250 Per Night with This 2026 Disney World Package READ MORE The post Banana Ball Coming to Disney World in 2026: What to Know appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Just when you think ice cream can’t get any better, Disney World goes and makes ice cream even BETTER! Mickey Premium Bar It’s hard to beat eating a Mickey Ice Cream Bar while walking down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, if you ask us. But Disney just upgraded Mickey Ice Cream Bars with NEW hand-dipped toppings, and we’re bringing you a full review of some of the new treats! We stopped by Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to check out the hand-dipped Mickey-shaped Sprinkles Mickey Premium Bar for $7.79. It’s like a Mickey sprinkle-ception situation going on here. We love that these are hand-dipped, so they’re made once you order them. This is a fun take on a classic ice cream bar — you get the milk chocolate shell and creamy vanilla ice cream, plus a fun crunch from the sprinkles. They were a little hard and tough to eat at first, since they were frozen, but once they began melting, it was easier to eat. If you’re not a fan of sprinkles, you can definitely skip this one! Mickey Sprinkles Premium Bar Next up, we grabbed the hand-dipped Mickey Premium Bar with Sprinkles from Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom. This one was $7.69. This was another fun upgrade! We will say that these are pretty messy, and Cast Members were serving them in bowls — which you’ll probably want the more you eat. There’s an additional layer of chocolate that is then dipped in sprinkles to adhere them, and hey — we’ll never complain about more chocolate. The sprinkles added a nice crunch and didn’t get as hard as the Mickey sprinkles did. Mickey Premium Bar with Sprinkles And finally, we headed over to the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck at Animal Kingdom to pick up the hand-dipped Mickey Premium Bar with Freeze Dried Skittles for $7.99. This was definitely the most interesting of the bunch! We’ve never thought to combine Skittles with chocolate, but apparently, Disney did. They’re crunchy like an M&M would be, but they’ve got the fruity tartness you expect from Skittles. It’s a LOT of sweetness, but the lemon and orange Skittles help to break some of that up. We liked this more than we thought we would — especially the crunch! Mickey Premium Bar with Freeze-Dried Skittles There are LOTS of new treats that just popped up around Disney World, and we’re reviewing them ALL! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! REVIEW: I Didn’t Know What Love Was Until I Tried This New EPCOT Pavilion Snack 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 these new Mickey Ice Cream Bars at Disney World? Let us know in the comments. The post REVIEW: These New Disney World Snacks Are Gonna Be POPULAR first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Before you know it, Halloween will be behind us, and the last Halloween Horror Nights will have passed at Universal Orlando. The GRINCH! That means one thing…the holiday season is coming soon! Universal recently shared that the holiday season will start this year on November 21st and run through January 4th. However, Universal also shared everything you’ll be able to see and do at the parks this holiday season — and even Epic Universe will have some holiday surprises this year! Universal Orlando has planned a ton of holiday fun for visitors throughout the holiday season, which will include festive decor at Universal Orlando hotels, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and even in Epic Universe. Yes, Epic Universe will be getting in the holiday spirit with decorations in select worlds. SO exciting! Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park Let’s break it down in the parks. You’ll be able to celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in all THREE parks, including decor at Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. You’ll also be able to enjoy a hot mug of Butterbeer and shop seasonal wizarding merchandise. The holidays in Hogsmeade In Hogsmeade, you’ll also be able to see special holiday performances by The Frog Choir, while Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will be performing in Diagon Alley. The nighttime show, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” will take place every night with projections on Hogwarts Castle and special effects. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle At Islands of Adventure, you can celebrate all things Grinchmas in Seuss Landing. “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” will be returning this year, which is a live retelling of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Of course, you can also meet the Grinch and grab some photos with him. Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday decorations throughout Seuss Landing, too. Seuss Landing The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will also return this year to Universal Studios Florida. This parade features massive balloons, holiday floats, and appearances by the Minions and other characters. Oh, and Santa will be there, too, to help light Universal’s 80-foot Christmas tree. ©Universal Okay, let’s get back to Epic Universe because the Ministry of Magic isn’t the only land there to get the holiday treatment. Celestial Park will also get seasonal lighting and decorations. Celestial Park at night Want to add on even more fun holiday experiences in Universal? Here’s your chance. You can take a guided tour of Universal’s holiday offerings across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure on the Universal Holiday Tour. This tour also features: An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch and Max Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages; An exclusive meet and greet photo opp with Santa at Universal Studios Florida Priority access to one pre-determined attraction at Universal Studios Florida The holidays at Universal Orlando The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates during the holiday season and can be booked online. Prices start at $79.99 per person plus separate theme park admission. Annual Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket. You can even have breakfast with the Grinch at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure. You’ll get to eat things like green eggs and ham quiche, Mrs. Toffee Apple Dapple Cluck Crunch Chicken Sandwich, Betty Lou Who Ricotta pancakes, and more, while meeting with the Whos and the Grinch. This experience is available on select dates during the holiday season for $58.99 for adults and $32.99 for children ages three through nine. The Grinch Who-liday Spectacular Want MORE holiday happenings? You might want to head to CityWalk, where you can indulge in some holiday food and drinks.. In addition, the Red Coconut Club will become the Green and Red Coconut Club with festive decor, live entertainment, and holiday cocktails. This year’s theme is the “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge.” Upstairs, you can meet with Earl the Squirrel. Note that Earl will also be available for meet and greets on select dates in CityWalk Plaza. Earl the Squirrel! Universal hotels will also be getting in on the holiday festivities with fun decor, as well as special menus and holiday buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. There will be Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and more. Universal Endless Summer Resort Okay, let’s talk New Year’s Eve. You can ring in the New Year with celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels. Universal promises to announce more later. So if you’re looking to celebrate the holidays in Florida, Universal Orlando might be a great choice for your holiday vacation getaway. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Universal Confirms MAJOR Changes Coming to Islands of Adventure Park Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you ever visited Universal Orlando for the holidays? Share your experience with us in the comments! The post Something NEW Is Coming to Epic Universe Next Month! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, we’ll admit it…we spend entirely too much time watching Disney+ because, well, all our favorite movies and TV shows are on there and new ones drop ALL the time. Where else are we going to get our Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel fixes? ©Disney Well, if you subscribe to Disney+, did you know you get access to some pretty cool perks every month? There are freebies, upgrades to other services, giveaways, and so much more. There are also discounts on merchandise, and if you’re a Funko collector, you’ll be happy to know that the Funko discount for Disney+ subscribers has returned! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. That’s right, you can get 15% off sitewide at Funko.com EVERY month if you subscribe to Disney+. If you collect Funko figures, this could save you some SERIOUS bucks. To get the discount, you’ll need to log in to your Disney+ account to get a single-use code each month to use on the Funko website. Enter that code when you check out and click “Apply.” SO easy. ©Disney Can’t find what you want on Funko.com? Well, there are some pretty sweet Funkos available on Amazon, too. Get the Toy Story Alien and the Claw Funko POP ©Amazon The chosen one has been chosen! OoOoOoOoOh!!!! Capture this fun moment from Toy Story when the alien gets chosen by the claw with this fun Funko POP figure. This figure also celebrates Toy Story‘s 30th anniversary. View on Amazon Buy the Rapunzel Funko POP ©Amazon Do you love Tangled? Then we bet Rapunzel is your favorite Disney princess. Now, you can get her as a Funko POP — and she even has a paint palette and brush. View on Amazon Don’t forget that you can also take advantage of some other Disney+ perks, including 30% off Adidas, six free months of DashPass, a chance to win some trips, a Marvel Zombies comic bundle, and more. You’ll want to keep an eye on those perks, too, because they change ALL the time. We’ll keep you updated when new ones become available, too, so stay tuned to DFB for more. Everything you need to know about Disney+ Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you use your Disney+ perks often? Share with us the ones you use in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: A Popular Disney+ Perk Is Back! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you love iconic items from the beloved worlds of Disney and Pixar, from Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles to Woody’s Sheriff Badge, you’ll love sorting puzzles on Disney Magic Match 3D, a new mobile game now available to play for free. What is Disney Magic Match 3D? Disney Magic Match 3D is a new matching 3D puzzle game that invites players to sort through and collect a variety of Disney and Pixar-themed items. Featuring nostalgic items like Aladdin’s Magic Lamp and the Enchanted Rose from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, or new treasures like Moana’s Paddle and Mirabel Madrigal’s dress from Disney’s Encanto, each level introduces more adorable 3D trinkets. Developed by Jam City in collaboration with Disney and Pixar Games, this enchanting 3D puzzle adventure invites you to restore lost treasures to the Book of Magic by sorting and matching them in calming, engaging challenges. The home screen displays your current level, treasure chests to unlock, and your Magic Item Box set against soothing lo-fi music, creating a relaxing, magical atmosphere that’s sure to spark nostalgia for Disney and Pixar classics. How to Play Disney Magic Match 3D As you fly through each level, your goal is to collect the objective items at the top of the screen to complete the challenge by matching three identical items to clear them from your dock and advance in the puzzle. Move swiftly but carefully, because if your dock fills up with too many mismatched items, it’s game over! As you progress, you’ll unlock unique boosters and new objectives that keep each round exciting and satisfying. Along the way, some of the magic items you collect through these puzzles are added to your gallery, where you can admire your growing collection of charming treasures. The more you play, the more magic you’ll restore! After matching your way to level 125, the magic doesn’t stop there! Events and chests will let you collect cards featuring iconic scenes from your favorite classic Disney films, all stored in your Card Album. Each Card Album holds nine sets of cards, and every set comes with nine to collect – play through puzzles and events to earn them all. Completing a full set unlocks Magic Minis, cute 3D figurines, with new characters every month. It’s more than just matching, it’s a magical trip down memory lane, and every puzzle is a chance to restore a bit of wonder to the Book of Magic’s pages. Disney Magic Match 3D is now available for free on iOS and Android devices with in-app purchases. Be sure to check out the Games News page right here on the Disney Parks Blog for more exciting updates and reveals about Disney Magic Match 3D along with our many other games and digital entertainment. Disney Lorcana News: The Latest Release Dates and Product Updates READ MORE Celebrate Disneyland 70th with Disney & Pixar Games READ MORE Ride Your Favorite Parks Attractions in Disney Dreamlight Valley READ MORE The post Now Available on Mobile: Disney Magic Match 3D appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

When you travel to Disney World, you’ll likely find out quickly that there are some items you just CANNOT do the parks without. Spaceship Earth We’ve been there ourselves multiple times, but hey, you’re in Disney, so why not have your essentials themed to Disney as well and make them cute? We’ve tried out each of these items in the parks ourselves and can fully recommend them with our whole chests, so if you’ve been needing a few extra additions for your next trip, look no further than these! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Keep Yourself Cool on Hot Days! LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan Having a mini fan on hot days in Disney World is WAY more of a lifesaver than you may realize. It’s a small breeze, but in a hot line, it makes a WORLD of a difference, so why not make it Mickey-shaped? The LACOVIA Cute Mouse Misting Mini Fan is small enough to fit in your pocket easily, has three different speeds, and we love that it has a plastic casing around the fan itself, so you don’t have to worry about little ones getting their fingers caught. Now, the misting feature wasn’t the most effective, as you have to have it pretty close to your face to feel it, but if you need a bit of extra cooling, it’s a good way to go. Check it out here! Carry Your Water Bottle in Style Water Bottle Carrier Bag No one loves having to carry their water bottle in their hands all day, and sometimes you don’t want a bag large enough to fit it. On hot days though, going to the parks without a water bottle is nearly unthinkable, because it’s ESSENTIAL to stay hydrated. That’s where the Mickey Strawberry Water Bottle Carrier Bag comes in! It’s cute as can be and will easily carry a large Owala, Stanley, or other brand of water bottle. Plus, it has some small pockets that can hold your phone, credit/debit cards, and more small items to make it one of the only items you need to bring into the park that day. It’s also great to use on the go when you’re outside the parks! Check it out here! Speaking of Water Bottles, Make Yours Disney Themed! The Rapunzel Owala While you can theme your Owala water bottle to whatever you’d like if you add stickers or other decorations, you can also grab the Rapunzel Owala to have your water bottle already themed to one of your favorite Disney Princesses. We’ve also seen Belle, Ariel, Moana, Captain America, TRON, and so many more. These water bottles never fail to impress us — they hold tons of water yet are on the slimmer side, keep water genuinely cold for a vast majority of the day, and these designs are ADORABLE. We can’t get enough! Check it out here! Keep Those Hands Clean Touchland & Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer Theme parks are FILLED with people, and all those people touch many things throughout the day. If you’re not able to step into the bathroom to wash your hands, we recommend carrying some hand sanitizer around with you, like the Touchland & Disney Special Edition Hand Sanitizer! The carrier is shaped like Mickey, who’s also on the front of the hand sanitizer itself, but this isn’t just any hand sanitizer. It’s also got aloe vera and essential oils inside of it as well, so not only will it sanitize your hands, but it’ll leave them hydrated and smelling great as well. Check it out here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news, tips, and tricks! The post Disney-Themed Amazon Must-Haves for Park Days first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World just decided to drop ALL the news on us this week, and y’all, we’re still recovering. Frozen Ever After So among all the price increases on food and drinks, tickets, annual passes, parking, and more, Disney also dropped some pretty big ride announcements. Just in case you missed those, we’re breaking them down for you so you can stay updated. So grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into all the ride announcements Disney made recently. Disney World Zootopia: Better Zoogether A new show is coming to the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it stars all our favorite characters from Zootopia. The new show opens on November 7th, but we just learned that Annual Passholders will be able to get an early preview on November 5th and 6th. A virtual queue will be available for Annual Passholders on both of those days at both 7 AM and 1 PM. ©Disney However, Disney also dropped a sneak peek at an animatronic coming to the show: it’s Clawhauser! He’s all dressed up for Zoogether Day in a noutfit complete with glow necklaces, bracelets, and a glittery Gazelle tee. ©Disney His wish is to be chosen as the V.I.Z. (Very Important Zootopian, who will get special access to the Zoogether Day performers, including Gazelle), but he’s also got a backup plan to meet his idol if he doesn’t get picked. See more photos of the Clawhauser animatronic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting invaded by The Muppets. Disney previously announced the 2026 closure timeline for the ride to get its Muppets re-theme, but now we have an idea when the Muppets version will open. Disney has revealed that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen with The Muppets in summer 2026. ©Disney Disney also shared that a first-of-its-kind Muppet animatronic will be part of the attraction’s pre-show. Scooter, the Electric Mayhem’s band manager, will be imagined as an animatronic for the first time EVER. Disney also hinted at other animatronics that may make appearances during the ride. Everything we know about Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Frozen Ever After We’ll admit we were positively stunned when we saw the animatronics for the Frozen Ever After ride in World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, enough so that it made the EPCOT ride seem a little less technologically advanced. Well, Disney is going to put a little new love into the animatronics of the EPCOT ride, which will get rid of the projections on their faces and replace them with enhancements to make them more similar to the animatronics in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland Animatronics These updates will be coming in 2026 and will bring a more true-to-film look to Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. Learn more about the Frozen Ever After updates Disneyland Storybook Land Canal Boats The very chill Storybook Land Canal Boats ride in Disneyland is also getting a big update…of the Tangled variety. The ride will add Rapunzel’s Tower sometime this winter. Storybook Land Canal Boats Once the tower is added, you’ll see it between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall once the ride reopens — it’s been closed for a long refurbishment since July. Learn more about the Storybook Land Canal Boats update Looking to book a trip before or after these changes? We highly recommend reaching out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their services are free and they take ALL of the stress out of planning the perfect trip. Wow…so much is happening on both coasts in Disney Parks, and we can’t wait to see the updates. Stay tuned to DFB for more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW The post Disney Just Dropped 4 MAJOR Ride Announcements first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve never had the chance to go to an After Hours event at Disney World, you could be missing out on the magic of ride after ride with no lines. After Hours There are different After Hours at three of the four parks right now, where, after the park closes, you can spend hours snagging free snacks, hopping on rides with almost no lines, and enjoying the serenity of an empty theme park. If you’re staying at a Disney World Hotel soon, you get to grab your After Hours tickets early. Guests at select Disney World Hotels can purchase the After Hours events now, while all other guests can start purchasing them on October 14th for tickets in 2026. After Hours For Magic Kingdom, events take place on select nights between January 12th to July 27th, 2026, including: January 12th and 19th February 2nd, 9th, and 23rd March 2nd and 9th April 13th and 20th May 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th June 1st, 22nd, and 29th July 13th and 27th Magic Kingdom at Night The events run from 10 PM to 1 AM and cost between $175 and $199 per ticket. It does not include your ticket during the day, so it’s great for check-in days where you might be getting a later start on your park day. ©Disney Hollywood Studios After Hours runs on select nights from January 14th to September 12th, 2026, including: January 14th and 28th Feburary 4th, 11th, 21st, and 25th April 29th May 6th, 14th, and 30th June 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th September 2nd and 12th Mickey in Hollywood Studios! The event typically runs from 9:20 PM to 12:30 AM, except on May 30th, when it runs from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM, and on September 12th, when it runs from 10 PM to 1 AM. The tickets range from $155 to $189. ©Disney In EPCOT, the After Hours events run from January 22nd to September 4th, including: January 22nd and 29th February 19th March 5th and 12th April 2nd, 9th, 15th, 23rd, and 30th May 21st June 11th and 18th July 9th and 23rd August 6th adn 13th September 16th and 24th EPCOT After Hours These tickets cost between $155 and $179, depending on the date, and the event runs from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM. ©Disney Right now, there are no After Hours in Animal Kingdom, and the events stop around August in Magic Kingdom due to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can also save $30 per ticket at After Hours at Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. ©Disney As a hotel guest, you’ll need to book your After Hours for dates during your upcoming stay, including guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, and Shades of Green. EPCOT After Hours Who’s ready to go to an After Hours event? While tickets don’t necessarily sell out as quickly as holiday parties do, if you know it’s something you and your family are interested in, it’s always good to start early. Wristband for After Hours 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. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more. YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW EMPTY MAGIC KINGDOM IS DURING AFTER HOURS DON'T DO IT ALONE! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you GET MORE INFO Have you ever been to an After Hours event? Tell us about your experience in the comments. The post The Secret to an EMPTY Disney World? After Hours Tickets Are on Sale Now first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Aliens, big ol’ bugs and a creepy capybara have joined the lineup of Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, the Halloween proceedings that start Saturday at Gatorland. It’s the seventh year for the family-friendly spookiness event, which has become increasingly elaborate. Character interactions are flanked with effects created with 3-D printing and 3-D bit mapping, pretty modern stuff for an old-school Florida attraction. “You’re definitely going to notice some more animations going on,” Brandon Fisher, director of media relations, said during a preview of the event. “New this year we have big, giant bugs overtaking Gatorland,” he said, standing near an elaborate webbed stage and dangling (artificial) arachnids, which all play into a storyline involving competing exterminators, including Bubba’s Bug-B-Gone. Skunk Ape emerges from the swamp at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Cyrus the Gravedigger causes pause during a preview of Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, . The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by a ghoul during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls and gators during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Cyrus the Gravedigger unveils scary characters during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A costumed trainer feeds pumpkins to the alligators at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A scary pirate growls at a guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)An alien invader surprises guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A pirate zombie steers the ship at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Creepy exterminators run through the park at Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Cyrus the Gravedigger unveils Frankenstein during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A scene from the tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are welcomed during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Alien invaders surprise guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A movie poster welcomes guests at an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Alien invaders surprise guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Scenes from Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are welcomed to an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A new costumed capybara character greets young guests at Gatorland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Park CEO Mark McHugh keeps on eye on his ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 24Skunk Ape emerges from the swamp at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand Meanwhile, Gatorland’s Skunk Ape character – introduced in early pandemic era as the Social Distancing Skunk Ape – has encountered aliens that have crashlanded in the cryptid petting zoo area. “So now you have to ride the train and try to help Skunk Ape find them,” Fisher said. “He’s very worried about them, and also, he’s trying to fend off the aliens alone, armed with nothing but pine cones.” Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26, is included with regular admission. Other activities include candy giveaways, live DJ, specialty vendors, animal interactions, children’s costume parade and a haunted walk-through with a monster movie theme. Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) The haunt mixes laughs, horror and history utilizing an original black-and-white production called “Curse of the Swamp Ghost.” The flick features Gatorland folks seen in the attraction’s videos, including Savannah Boan, Mike Hileman and Mark McHugh, Gatorland CEO. “Legend has it a theater full of people who are watching it vanished and were never seen again,” says the haunt’s guide, a gravedigger portrayed by Dan Carro, Gatorland’s creative director. Before actual jump-scares and other haunted-house fare kick in, the gravedigger reveals facts about old horror films, including a Thomas Edison-based version of “Frankenstein,” a rights battle over Nosferatu and a film destroyed by fire in a studio backlot. That’s also about the time a sound effect represents Bram Stoker rolling over in his grave. Creepy exterminators run through the park at Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) “We want to highly entertain you and, at the same time, we don’t want you to feel like we’re forcing you to learn something,” Carro said. “We definitely want you to come out enriched, which is kind of the Gatorland way.” The theatrical walk-through plays with paints, multiple boo holes, fiery theatrical tricks and themed digital screens that add to the ghostly population and spookiness. “We only have a handful of people, you know, that are in the building, and we want it to feel like there’s a horde of characters coming after you,” Carro said. After exiting the haunt, visitors can turn right to see (and pose with) another Gatorland original, the creepy capybara costumed character, standing with a jack-o’-lantern-heavy backdrop. The attraction added popular capybara experiences in recent years. A new costumed capybara character greets young guests at Gatorland. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) “It goes back to what can we do that no one else has and no one else has seen, and that was one of them,” Carro said. “I don’t know if you necessarily call it an oxymoron, but capybaras are so cute and cuddly,” Fisher said. “And now they’re creepy.” For more information, go to gatorland.com. 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

If we had to tell you ONE ride that was the ultimate must-do in Magic Kingdom, we’d have a pretty hard time deciding. But you know what I do know? Pirates of the Caribbean would be pretty high on that list! Pirates of the Caribbean This classic dark ride has been a staple of Magic Kingdom for decades now, and it’s a favorite of many die-hard Disney fans. With a catchy theme song, iconic characters, and references to a movie series that people love, it really appeals to a wide variety of audiences. However, if you have someone in your party who “chickens out” before boarding, you may run into a problem. For many Disney World rides, there exists something colloquially known as the “chicken exit.” This exit is typically located near the boarding area of the ride, so that you can wait in line with your friends, but then dip out at the last minute if you’re not interested in riding the attraction. Cosmic Rewind loading area The chicken exit is very useful for thrill rides or water rides, where someone from your group may not be interested in boarding but still wants to spend time with the group. It can also be useful for those with medical issues who shouldn’t ride or expectant mothers. But during a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, we learned that Pirates of the Caribbean doesn’t really have one! Pirates of the Caribbean We recently waited in the queue and then tried to exit just before riding, but when we got up to the boarding zone, we were told that the only way to leave was to go backwards through the entire queue! Yep, if you want to exit this one at the last minute, you’ll have to turn around and go back out the way you came — there’s not even a shortcut. Pirates of the Caribbean The good news is that Pirates of the Caribbean doesn’t have a height requirement, so the whole family can likely ride. The attraction might be a little frightening for kids who are afraid of the dark or who don’t like skeletons or pirate imagery. There is also a small drop near the beginning of the ride that could be scary to some, as well as some water cannons that go off seemingly randomly. Pirates of the Caribbean If you’re traveling with a group that wants to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and you’re not interested, we would probably advise just waiting outside the attraction. Visit the gift shop, grab a Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, or play the nearby A Pirate’s Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas scavenger hunt. Pirates of the Caribbean In general, don’t feel pressured to do any rides in Disney World that you’re uncomfortable with, and don’t push your family members and friends to do attractions they’re not comfortable with either! If you do that, everyone will have a much better trip overall. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World. Of All the Ride Hacks in Disney World, These Are 3 That ACTUALLY Work Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you ride Pirates of the Caribbean in Disney World? Tell us in the comments! The post This Magic Kingdom Ride Is Missing a Chicken Exit, and Boy, Did We Find Out the Hard Way first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get ready for a new celebrity chef-led restaurant in Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort! ©Disney Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, an all-new British-themed gastropub, will be coming to Downtown Disney, and we’ve got all the details! Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby is brought to us by world-famous Chef Gordon Ramsay and the creators of Earl of Sandwich. In fact, the gastropub will be located on TOP of the new Earl of Sandwich and is “poised to be a great gathering spot for visitors and locals.” ©Disney Inspired by London’s Carnaby Street during the 1960s, expect to see plush interiors, iconic British pop art, and an “irresistible soundtrack” of British Invasion rock bands. There will be two outdoor terraces, a bar area, and signature booths. Earl of Sandwich Tavern The menu will be inspired by classic British fare, including Chef Ramsay’s famous beef Wellington, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. There will also be a large selection of wine, beer, and signature cocktails. Fish and chips “All eyes were on London in the 1960s, a full-on fantastic technicolour scene of people going out and having fun. We are bringing those cool vibes to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby,” Chef Ramsay said. “Stunning interiors, incredible food, and great music, whether it’s date night or dinner with friends or family, The Carnaby is going to bring the very best of cool Britannia to Downtown Disney District.” The UK Pavilion in EPCOT You can also expect to hear live music on select evenings! As of now, an official opening timeline has not been revealed, but we’ll let you know if that changes. This sounds like a great addition to Downtown Disney, and we can’t wait to check it out! In the meantime, stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news. This HACK Lets You Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass on a Popular Disney Ride TWICE in One Day! 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 checking out this restaurant when it opens? Let us know in the comments. The post BREAKING: NEW Celebrity Chef Restaurant Announced for Downtown Disney! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort continues to turn up the flavor and flair with another new hot spot on the way — Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby — an all-new British-themed gastropub in the works from the creators of Earl of Sandwich and the highly decorated, world-famous Chef Gordon Ramsay. The pub will bring the Brit pop energy of the swinging ‘60s London, whilst a selection of Gordon Ramsay’s iconic and delicious British classic dishes delivers culinary star power. ‘60s British Themed Gastropub to be Located Atop Earl of Sandwich Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will be located atop the new Earl of Sandwich and is poised to be a great gathering spot for visitors and locals seeking an eclectic blend of British hospitality and elevated pub favorites. Imagine stepping into a space inspired by London’s famed Carnaby Street during the height of the ‘60s cultural revolution: plush interiors, iconic British pop art and an irresistible soundtrack of “British Invasion” rock bands, all transporting patrons to a groovier, more glamorous time. Soak in the sights from two stylish outdoor terraces, gather at the lively bar area, or tuck into signature booths, while savoring Gordon Ramsay’s renowned cuisine. Classic British Dishes from Gordon Ramsay and Wide Selection of Beverages The menu will pay homage to classic British fare, including Chef Ramsay’s legendary beef Wellington, crisp and tender fish and chips, and decadent sticky toffee pudding. To complement the flavorful cuisine, the restaurant will offer a wide-ranging list of wines and beers, as well as an imaginative selection of signature cocktails, each crafted to evoke the spirit of London’s most iconic pubs and lounges. “All eyes were on London in the 1960s, a full on fantastic technicolour scene of people going out and having fun. We are bringing those cool vibes to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby,” Chef Ramsay said. “Stunning interiors, incredible food and great music, whether it’s date night or dinner with friends or family, The Carnaby is going to bring the very best of cool Britannia to Downtown Disney District.” Entertainment Inspired by the ‘60s Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby will also come alive after dark with live music on select evenings. Keep the evening swinging with themed performances carrying the energy of the ‘60s, making it the perfect destination for both dinner and a night out. Chef Ramsay’s new location adds to other notable chefs who have or will have a presence at Downtown Disney including Carlos Gaytán of Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita, and Joe Isidori of the upcoming Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ. For more on all the delicious dining to discover, visit our Ultimate Guide to Downtown Disney! Coming to Downtown Disney: lululemon, Nectar Life and Bopo Go! READ MORE Your Ultimate Guide to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland READ MORE Ways to Enjoy Disneyland Resort Beyond the Parks READ MORE The post New Gastropub Coming to Downtown Disney: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

You may have taken Disney vacations before, but you’ve probably never been on a trip quite like the National Geographic Expedition Cruises! ©Disney National Geographic Expeditions visits a number of locations all around the globe, focusing your experience on nature, culture, and history. But if you’re the type who loves a cruise, then you might want to consider one of their cruises — smaller and more intimate than a Disney cruise, these sailings allow you to see some of the world’s most beautiful places. And we recently got to take one to Croatia! So what did we wish we’d known sooner? Let’s dive in. The Meal Experience Is SO Different Starting out this list, we’ve got to talk about the food and the meal experience as a whole. There’s a main dining room on the ship, but it’s really only used for dinner. You have open seating during that meal, and you can even choose to sit with some of the Nat Geo specialists onboard — that provided us with some incredible conversations and learning opportunities. ©Disney Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style outdoors, and the buffets are only open for an hour. As compared to other cruises we’ve taken, the voyage was much less focused on food as part of your sailing (although the food was delicious). You can find snacks throughout the day, but it’s not quite the all-day meal experience you would get on, say, a Disney cruise. You Need to Be Prepared for Adventure As far as vacations go, this was a fairly active one! Before doing one of these trips, we’d recommend checking the itinerary to make sure it’s physically doable for your party. There was a lot of walking and moving in general, and you might need to be a fairly active person to handle some of the excursions. ©Disney You also need to be able to go with the flow a bit. Things aren’t as rigid in the schedule as some other trips, and plans can change last minute to accommodate circumstances. Think of it like a true adventure! It’s a Very Intimate Experience Overall, this is much more intimate than most cruises. You’re on a small boat with less than 100 passengers, and the crew members will learn your names and preferences very quickly. The tours are small groups with local guides and Nat Geo experts, so you can get a very personal experience. ©Disney This was definitely a vacation geared more towards teens and older, likely adults. Our particular cruise had mostly retirement-aged folks on board. You can get to know your fellow passengers during the trip, and that adds a great level of interest. There’s an Open Door Policy One thing that was particularly shocking to us was that there’s an open-door policy for staterooms. You can lock your door while you’re inside your room, but other than that, it’s usually open. You can program your door to be lockable, but pretty much no one on the ship does that. Wild, right?! Our Stateroom There’s a safe in the room for your valuables, but this vibe really makes it feel more like your bedroom in a giant house that everyone shares for the week. It took a bit of getting used to, and it might not be for some people, but we definitely thought it was interesting. You Can Learn a Lot From the Crew Aside from sitting with Nat Geo specialists at dinnertime, there are plenty of ways to learn from the crew on the ship. The ship’s bridge had an open-door policy, so you could walk in at different times of day and speak to the captain and learn how the boat operates. National Geographic Cruise dining There were also several opportunities for “surprise and delight” moments with some crew members. We got to take a last-minute photography walk with an actual Nat Geo photographer — he gave us an excellent lesson! The crew does a lot to make sure the guests are all happy and having a great time, and it worked wonders for the overall mood of the ship. The bathroom! This was overall an absolutely incredible experience. If you’re willing to pay the price tag and looking for adventure, you should add this to your bucket list! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and vacation tips. Want to Know Our Thoughts on the Food? Click 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 Would you ever take one of these cruises? Tell us in the comments! The post 5 Things I Wish I Would've Known About NatGeo Expedition Cruises Sooner first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all ALDI fans! Okay, okay, maybe that didn’t work. Calling all BLUEY FANS! That’s more like it. ALDI We love ALDI every single day of the week, but especially on Wednesdays because that’s when new ALDI finds hit the shelves! And, you’re going to want to plan a trip next week because there are Disney essentials and Bluey items coming to stores. We’re bringing you a sneak peek! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We’ve rounded up some of the best ALDI finds hitting stores next week! Look out for these items starting on October 15th. And, if you don’t have an ALDI store near you, we’ve found some similar items you can shop for on Amazon below. This week is all about Bluey, and we’re kicking things off with these kids’ pajamas! ©ALDI Bluey plushes and figurines are hitting stores next week… ©ALDI …along with character cups and plates for kiddos as well. ©ALDI We even spotted Disney Princess and Spider-Man character plates as well! ©ALDI No time to head to an ALDI store? Shop similar finds on Amazon below! Get these Bluey pajamas ©Amazon Grab this comfy set of Bluey pajamas for your kiddos! They feature Bluey and Bingo playing on a rainy day. They’re similar to the ones coming to ALDI next week! View on Amazon This Bluey talking toy is on sale online ©Amazon The Bluey Chat Mates figurine is coming to ALDI, but if you don’t want to wait, grab it from Amazon now while it’s on sale! View on Amazon We love these Bluey Zak cups ©Amazon They’re the same brand as the ones coming to ALDI next week, but a different Bluey design. View on Amazon Or, you can grab these Disney Princess Zak cups ©Amazon If you’re more of a princess person than a Bluey person, you can grab these cups online instead! Or, just grab them all, why not? View on Amazon Don’t forget this Spidey dishware set ©Amazon This Spidey and His Amazing Friends dishware set comes with a divided plate, bowl, fork, and spoon for fun mealtimes. View on Amazon We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! The post Bluey Fans! ALDI Is Dropping Must-Haves Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Cyrus the Gravedigger leads a cast of creepy characters ready to fright and delight at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling ghouls, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Cyrus the Gravedigger from Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins surprises guests during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by a ghoul during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls and gators during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Skunk Ape emerges from the swamp at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Cyrus the Gravedigger unveils scary characters during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A costumed trainer feeds pumpkins to the alligators at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A scary pirate growls at a guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)An alien invader surprises guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A pirate zombie steers the ship at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Creepy exterminators run through the park at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Cyrus the Gravedigger unveils Frankenstein during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A scene from the tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are welcomed during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Alien invaders surprise guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A movie poster welcomes guests at an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are surprised by ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Alien invaders surprise guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Scenes from Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Guests are welcomed to an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)A costumed capybara character greets young guests at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Park CEO Mark McHugh keeps on eye on his ghouls during a tour of an abandoned movie theater at Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins preview event Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights celebration runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 24Cyrus the Gravedigger from Gatorland’s 7th Annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins surprises guests during a preview, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. The family-friendly, fun-and-frights event runs from Oct. 11 to Oct. 26 and features spooky scenes, chilling characters, a haunted theater, children’s Halloween activities and animal meet-n-greets. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

This year, standout cast members across Walt Disney World Resort received a truly magical surprise — the Walt Disney Legacy Award. As the highest honor a cast member can achieve, this prestigious recognition celebrates those who Dream, Create, and Inspire — the very qualities that define Walt’s enduring legacy. Fewer than 1% of cast, crew, and Imagineers worldwide earn this recognition, and each one is nominated by their peers, spotlighting how it isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you make others feel. From parks and resorts to water parks and beyond, by leading with heart, uplifting, and bringing out the best in others, these Legacy recipients have left a lasting mark on their fellow cast. Over the past several months, celebrations have popped up across the resort. Leaders, teammates, and even special guests gathered to present recipients with their iconic blue nametag. Every heartfelt presentation served as a testament of what makes Walt Disney World Resort so special for cast members who don’t just create magic, they are the magic! Here are just a few of the inspiring stories from this year’s Legacy season: Amanda and Mike Ferrara – Merchandise Leader, World of Disney at Disney Springs & Entertainment Leader, Resorts Amanda and Mike, a married couple working at Walt Disney World, were each honored with the prestigious Legacy Award—completely unaware they had both been selected. Each helped plan the other’s surprise celebration, not realizing they were also being recognized. Their shared moment of discovery turned into a truly magical celebration of their dedication and impact. Amanda, who joined World of Disney in March, quickly made a lasting impression. Her peers describe her as someone who brightens every location she touches and creates a positive atmosphere for both cast and guests. Mike, an Entertainment Leader and Traditions facilitator, is admired for his dedication and ability to uplift others through steady guidance and encouragement. Congratulations, Amanda and Mike! Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko – Veterinarian, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Dr. Natalie, a veterinarian you might recognize from the Disney+ series Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, leads the veterinary care efforts at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her work supports Disney’s global conservation mission, helping both gorillas and the communities who care for them. One of her nominators shared: “Her optimism to capacity-build the health program for the gorillas and surrounding communities despite the political challenges in the region is commendable. She works with internal and external resources to provide much-needed equipment and supplies, as well as telemedicine programming.” Congratulations, Dr. Natalie! Lionel Jeanne– Cultural Representative, France Pavilion, EPCOT Lionel began his Disney journey at Disneyland Paris, where he impressed leaders and peers with his upbeat attitude. After transferring to Walt Disney World, he continued to make a lasting impression on both guests and cast members. “It’s a great honor to receive this recognition,” Lionel shared. “Being nominated is incredibly humbling. I’m so grateful to my friends and colleagues.” His award presentation was made even more memorable when his leader from Disneyland Paris joined EPCOT leaders to celebrate him, showcasing the global reach of the Legacy program. Congratulations, Lionel! Anne – Guest Experience Manager, Merchandise, Disney Water Parks Anne is recognized for her passion, positivity, and commitment to uplifting others. In just seven years with Disney, she’s become known as a leader who dreams big and cares deeply about her fellow cast members. One of her peers shared: “She’s got this superpower for making everyone on the team feel supported and valued.” Her creativity, compassion, and dedication to recognition make her a shining example of Walt’s Legacy. Congratulations, Anne! Congratulations to All Our Legacy Award Recipients In addition to the outstanding Cast Members featured here, many more were honored with the Walt Disney Legacy Award across Walt Disney World Resort this year. These stories represent just a glimpse into the incredible impact our cast members make every day. We invite you to explore even more inspiring moments in the carousel below, featuring additional recipients who continue to dream, create, and inspire in their roles and beyond! As Walt said, “You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Inspired by his vision, our Legacy Award recipients carry forward a tradition of excellence that touches the hearts of guests and fellow cast alike. Casey’s Corner Pianist Grayson Smith Honored with Legacy Award READ MORE Disney World Cast Member Receives Legacy Award READ MORE World-Famous Disney Mariachi Cobre Director Receives Legacy Award READ MORE The post 2025 Legacy Award Recipients Announced at Disney World appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

This is the time of year when Disney World generally announces a ton of its price increases, and well, that’s what we’ve been seeing over the past few days. View from California Grill Not only are tickets and Annual Passes getting more expensive, but parking has also gone up in price, too. We also saw price hikes for food and drinks at Disney World restaurants across the resort. That includes California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which will get a price hike on November 7th. California Grill, which sits at the top of the Contemporary, has unprecedented views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom, including the Happily Ever After fireworks that happen each evening. The dining experience is prix fixe, with a choice of one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Our meal at California Grill On November 7th, this dining experience will cost more: from $89 per adult and $39 per child (ages three to nine) to $99 per adult (the child price will remain the same). The price to add an additional wine pairing to the meal has also gone up from $72 to $78. California Grill Check In California Grill offers one of the best views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside of Magic Kingdom. The restaurant even has an outside deck where you can get a better view. The restaurant dims the lights during the fireworks, as well as pipes the music in so you can get the full Happily Ever After experience without having to crowd in on Main Street, U.S.A. Fireworks deck at California Grill That experience, though, will now cost more, so if you’re budgeting for a nice meal at California Grill for your next Disney World vacation, you’ll want to make a little extra room for these price hikes. Stay tuned to DFB for more. REVIEW: Disney Changed the ICONIC Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill (!!)…But We Have GOOD 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 Do you think California Grill is worth the price? Let us know in the comments! The post One of the Best Disney World Restaurants Is Getting MORE Expensive This November first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a little over one week since the United States government shutdown began on October 1st, and we’re beginning to see the repercussions — especially at airports. Orlando International Airport Federal agencies and services that aren’t deemed “essential” by the government have halted, and while TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential, many are calling in sick due to lack of pay, according to ABC News. Flight delays and cancellations are running rampant at airports across the U.S. as air traffic controllers have been calling in sick — leaving airport towers and control facilities without enough staff to handle all flights properly. Air travel At Nashville International Airport, the air traffic control tower was operating with such little staffing that some traffic was handled by the control center in Memphis. There has been an average delay of more than two hours for flights in and out of Nashville due to the shortage. Dallas and Chicago have also been seeing delays. ©Tampa International Airport Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and are exempt from being furloughed during a government shutdown, but they are expected to continue to work without pay. There are an estimated 13,294 controllers who can continue to work without pay, according to the Department of Transportation. St. Louis Lambert Airport The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing controllers, said that while the shortages aren’t necessarily new, they’re getting more attention now. He continued, “It’s a shutdown. You’re finally seeing the issues of a critically staffed air traffic control system. In the last nine months, there have been 1,058 occurrences where one of our facilities has had to shut down, either temporarily for a few hours or for a shift. It’s something that air traffic controllers contend with daily. The shutdown absolutely doesn’t help it, but this is something that we deal with day in and day out.” Expect delays On Monday, October 6th, California’s Burbank Airport was forced to close its tower for several hours because there were no air traffic controllers to man it, according to FAA documents. The airport stayed open, but flights were delayed on average by two and a half hours. Controllers from a San Diego airport handled the air traffic during the tower closure. MCO airport “There have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations,” the agency said in a statement to ABC News. The NATCA union said that it was working with the FAA to mitigate any disruptions in the national airspace. Southwest Cabin Regarding past shutdowns, Eric Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, said, “Airports slow down and our economy slows down with it.” While it might not shut down the airport, it will inconvenience your travel plans in other ways. This loss of funding will pause hiring and training, and it will prevent workers from being paid until this shutdown is over. MCO Airport Security If you’re preparing to fly, make sure you keep this in mind and prepare yourself for potential delays and cancellations. While it’s unclear just how long the government shutdown will last, we’ll continue to monitor how it might impact your Disney World trip. We’ll be on the lookout for more updates you need to know about traveling during the government shutdown. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel news and beyond. I’m a Disney Blog Editor, and Here’s Every Essential I Pack To Travel to the Parks 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 traveling during the government shutdown? Let us know in the comments. The post NEWS: Flight Delays and Cancellations Plague Airports as Government Shutdown Continues first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article