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Spooky season means one thing in Disney World. Yes, Halloween decorations in Magic Kingdom. Yes, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party…also in Magic Kingdom. But most importantly, Halloween means Halloween snacks all over Disney World! Hitchhiking Ghost Cookie Now, y’all know we get excited about Halloween treats, but we just found a new Haunted Mansion-themed treat that we HAVE to tell you about. So meet the Hitchhiking Ghost Cookie, now available at Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea at The Landing in Disney Springs. The Hitchhiking Ghost Cookie is $6.4,9 and it’s a white and dark chocolate cookie. Also, it’s purple, which we love because it’s totally giving us those Haunted Mansion vibes. The color, though, sort of messed with our brains because we were expecting a bit of a wilder flavor. But you can taste the white and dark chocolate chips mixed in, while the rest of the cookie tastes like the base of a chocolate chip cookie. It’s purplish It’s also super soft and has a nice fluffiness, reminding us a lot of the Tower of Terror cookie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s tasty and fun, and although it might not be anything EXTRA special, it definitely satisfies that urge when a cookie craving hits. So fluffy Grab it now while it’s available in Disney Springs. Stay tuned to DFB for more. WE KNOW – there are SO many great snacks at Disney World! How do you choose (we don’t want to choose, but will blow our budget on Day 1 otherwise)? We’ve got you covered! We have reviewed nearly EVERY snack available at Disney World, and we’ve written a series of DFB Guides about them! Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining + Snacks Bundle for all the details you need to plan your snackin’ and spending. You can even download them to your smartphone – it’ll be like we’re right there with you in the parks! 15 Disney World Snacks You’ll Have to Show ID to Order Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Disney World cookie? Share with us in the comments! The post REVIEW: There's Always Room For One More...Of This Cookie in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I don’t know what it is about it, but ice cream tastes better in Magic Kingdom, and I’m not mad about that. It just means every time I see the castle, I want ice cream either in a bowl, cone, or shaped like Mickey Mouse. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich We headed to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A., to check out some menu items to see if you need to add this stop to your Magic Kingdom day. Spoiler alert: if you’re an ice cream lover, the answer is YES! Atmosphere This restaurant is right on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A., next to the Plaza Restaurant. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time as soon as you enter and see the checkered floral, gold, and teal accents. You’ll order at the register and then take your receipt to the counter behind where they hand-scoop the ice cream in front of you. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor There is no indoor seating, but there are tables outside facing the castle, so you can enjoy your treat with a view. You can also head to the left towards Casey’s Corner for additional seating. The hub is a great place to relax and eat ice cream while watching the castle state show. Outdoor seating Ready to order? Menu The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor offers a variety of sweet treats, including sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, milkshakes, and ice cream floats (Root beer floats? Say less!). You can also just get scoops of ice cream, and there are seasonal treats to try as well. The menu For ice cream flavors, they offer vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, and cookies ‘n cream, as well as no sugar-added raspberry sorbet. There are also some plant-based frozen desserts available. You can also add hot fudge and caramel to your ice cream for an additional $0.69, which sounds like the best $1.40 I’ve ever spent. Inside While the menu is smaller, all items are made to order, and they’re prepared right in front of you. Now, who’s ready to eat? Eats We started with the All-American Sundae for $8.29. This sundae is made with Old-fashioned Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream with Hot Fudge, Peanut Butter Drizzle, Whipped Cream, and a cherry. All-American Sundae If you’re looking for the optimum of an ice cream sundae, this is for you! While it has traditional flavors, the first thing you might notice is that it’s served in a cup instead of a bowl. We think this is the best way to eat the sundae because it’s easy to walk around with. Whether you’re not going to sit or want to share between people, passing a cup back and forth is so much easier than a wider bowl, but because it’s in a cup, you might have to dig a little deeper to get the scoop of ice cream on the bottom. So many toppings! The ice cream was perfectly creamy and smooth, and the chocolate ice cream wasn’t too chocolaty, while the vanilla ice cream didn’t overwhelm with vanilla. Both were balanced, and with the toppings, you’re in for an ice cream wonderland. The hot fudge had the perfect texture, neither too solid nor too runny, and the peanut butter marshmallows on top were one of our favorite parts, as they added a burst of peanut butter flavor without compromising the texture. This is a classic sundae that will be a fan favorite in the family. YUM! Then we had the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, featuring chocolate chip cookies and your choice of ice cream, for $7.49. We chose Cookies ‘n Cream, which was definitely the right choice, and we added a cup of Caramel Sauce for $0.69. Ice Cream Sandwich time! It’s so pretty! This ice cream sandwich is held together with two chocolate chip cookies, and while they were a bit tough, the flavors were there. It had chunks of chocolate in the cookies, and if you separate them and dip them into the ice cream, you can have a pretty good snack. Because the cookies were on the hard side, the ice cream squished out the sides when we tried to hold it and bite into it. You might have better luck with a spoon, but keep in mind that our spoons didn’t quite break through our cookies. It’s gonna get messy! The Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream was a delicious decision. There were chunks of cookies in it, but they weren’t too big or too small. It was creamy and smooth and wasn’t just vanilla ice cream with cookies, but was a Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream that really tasted like the cream from the middle of an Oreo. The caramel sauce was also a spectacular choice because it had a great texture that wasn’t too runny or thick, but just glazed on top of the cookie. It added a buttery flavor and took the ice cream sandwich to the next level. Caramel topping We ended with the S’mores Shake for $8.99. This is a Hand-dipped Chocolate Ice Cream topped with Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, and Chocolate Sauce. S’mores Shake We LOVE a S’mores Shake! We’ve tried others around Disney World, but this is the most classic one you can try. The chocolate shake was more than just melted chocolate ice cream, but you could taste how milky and delicious it was. It was perfectly smooth, and when you get a sip of the shake with the chocolate syrup and finish it with a bite of a marshmallow, it’s the best s’mores flavor around. It came with a good amount of toppings that make us want to come back every time. While we removed the dome lid and ate it with a spoon to ensure we got all the flavors, you can also walk around with it and sip it through a straw. We’ve had it in the past and had no issues with the straw, but when we tried this one, we really had to use a spoon to eat it. If milkshakes and paper straws aren’t your thing, make sure you bring a thicker straw with you. Diving in Nosh or Not You should head to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor if… You love classic ice cream flavors and toppings You’re grabbing a snack to walk with or take to wait for fireworks or a parade You’re looking for familiar flavors that everyone in the family is going to enjoy You might want to skip if… You want something that’s different and that you can’t get anywhere else You like guaranteed seating or want to eat inside You’re looking for a wider variety of options beyond ice cream All-American Sundae Overall The Plaza Ice Cream Plaza is a fun spot to try out if you love classic ice cream. It feels like you truly stepped back in time to a real ice cream parlor where the options are limited but the flavors are on point. The S’mores Shake was one of our favorites, and you can’t go wrong with the All-American Sundae. Don’t forget to add a cup of caramel for an even more magical experience. We’re still dreaming about our ice cream and all its deliciousness, but in the meantime, be sure to keep following the Disney Food Blog for more reviews to help plan your next Disney trip. BEST SNACKS AT MAGIC KINGDOM IN DISNEY WORLD Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever eaten at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor? Tell us about your experience in the comments. The post REVIEW: I Found Your Perfect Day at Magic Kingdom and It Involves Lots of Ice Cream first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A fan-favorite candle has just returned to Gideon’s Bakehouse, and it is screaming fall! Gideon’s Bakehouse just announced that the Pumpkin Chai Cold Brew Candle is now available for purchase. Pumpkin WITH chai AND cold brew?! Count us in! ©Gideon’s Bakehouse The very best part, though? The candle is available both in-store and online right now! So even if you don’t live close to Disney World, you can still grab this candle to burn in your home. This candle is one of their most popular scents, and it features aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, clove, and cream. This year, the candle is poured inside a brand-new vessel that took Gideon’s Bakehouse more than TWO years to design! The vessel is adorned with Gideon’s Bakehouse’s winged cat logo and then covered in bats and stars. Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs Each candle is poured locally by Wash and Wik. Wash and Wik produces their candles in small batches and they only use simple ingredients like premium soy wax, a cotton braided wick, fine fragrance, and essential oils. This Pumpkin Chai Cold Brew Candle burns for about 40-50 hours and contains no phthalates, no paraffin, and no carcinogens. This scent has been super popular, so grab this candle while you can! Gideon’s Bakehouse You can find Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs (as well as their other location at East End Market in Orlando). At the store, you can find giant cookies and decadent cakes, and now you can also pick-up this limited -time Pumpkin Chai Cold Brew Candle. Gideon’s Bakehouse offers seasonal items throughout the year on top of their normal menu, so make sure to keep your eyes out for specials! But don’t forget, you can also order this candle online, no need to go in-person. Although, we will always take an excuse to make a stop by Disney Springs. Maple Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news! The New Rules You HAVE To Follow In Disney Springs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be picking up this new Gideon’s Bakehouse candle? Let us know in the comments! The post A Popular Item Has Returned to Gideon’s Bakehouse! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom might be part zoo and part theme park, but behind the scenes, Disney has a long history of doing its best to help ensure the survival of endangered species, as well as introduce those species to us, the humans, in a way that we can understand them better. ©Disney Well, for those who have visited Animal Kingdom and have been blessed enough to see Gino, the oldest gorilla at the park, we have some sad news. Gino the gorilla has passed away. Disney World recently shared that Gino the Gorilla, who was the oldest gorilla in the park at 44 years old, has sadly passed away. Gino spent 30 years at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the western lowland gorilla touched the lives of visitors with what Dr. Mark Penning calls the “his playful spirit, gentle humor, and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader.” ©Disney Gino leaves behind quite the legacy, though. He’s the father of 14 offspring, not to mention creating lasting memories of every Cast Member he met, as well as every Disney World visitor who saw him. Dr. Mark Penning also shared a video all about Gino, in which Cast Members describe him as goofy, playful, iconic, handsome, and more. Check the video out below: Disney Legend Joe Rohde also honored Gino by calling him a “true alpha male” as well as “powerful, gentle, humorous, kind, a patient partner to his minders, a great father, and a great model for the young males in his life.” Gino had a good, long life at 44 years, especially when most silverback gorillas generally live from 35 to 40 years in the wild. Goodbye, Gino, you will be missed. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Planning a Dramatic Attraction Overhaul — Here’s Everything We Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you ever seen Gino in Animal Kingdom? Share your memories in the comments. The post Gino the Gorilla Has Passed Away at Disney's Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Are you planning on visiting Disney World anytime soon? Well, if you are, we’re guessing you’re well into the planning phase, including deciding on a budget, how long you want to stay, what tickets you’ll need, and more. Main Street, U.S.A. Well, before you book that vacation, we may have a NEW way for you to save money if you happen to live in Florida. That’s because Disney World just dropped NEW deals on hotel rooms and tickets for Florida residents that could save you big bucks on your next holiday trip. The first discount is available to Florida residents for holiday hotel stays from November 16th through November 29th. Now, if you’ve ever looked at a holiday trip to Disney World during this time, you’ll know hotels are generally more expensive. However, Florida residents can now book a stay for $129 per night during this time for standard rooms at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. All-Star Sports Resort Want to stay somewhere else? Disney has also discounted rates for other hotels during that time: $199 Per Night, Plus Tax for Preferred Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside $299 Per Night, Plus Tax for The Lion King Family Suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort $319 Per Night, Plus Tax for Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa $429 Per Night, Plus Tax for Savanna View Rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge $449 Per Night, Plus Tax for Resort View Rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Other rooms may also be available at a discount, so you’ll want to call (407) 939-5277 to find out more, or contact your travel agent! Boardwalk Inn But wait, there’s more! Florida residents can also save on tickets by getting a special 3-day 3-park ticket to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting at just $70 per day plus tax (that’s $210 for three days). You can even visit any of these theme parks more than once with this ticket! This ticket is valid for use from October 5th through December 23rd with a park pass reservation. EPCOT You can also choose additional paid add-ons for this ticket, including park hopping for $40 more per ticket, the water park and sports option for $30 more per ticket, and the park hopper plus option for $53 more per ticket. Tickets and add-ons, though, expire on December 23rd. Disney’s Hollywood Studios You can purchase these tickets on the Disney World website or by calling (407) 934-7639. Or you can ask your travel agent to book the tickets for you. Speaking of which, if you don’t want to deal with everything that comes with planning a Disney World vacation, our friends at Small World Vacations can help you out…for free! Stay tuned to DFB for more. Click here for more Disney discounts and deals 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 taking advantage of these deals? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney Just Dropped 2 Exclusive NEW Discounts first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be available on digital streaming SOON! ©Marvel Whether you haven’t had a chance to see the new movie yet, or you want to get the chance to watch it again from the comfort of your home, it is almost time for the movie to be available for purchase through various digital streaming services. The Fantastic Four: First Steps will release on digital streaming on September 23rd, and then it will be available on Blu-ray on October 14th. Disney’s site currently lists that the movie will be available for purchase on September 23rd on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Movies Anywhere, and Xfinity. Currently. We are seeing the movie listed as being available for pre-order for $29.99. According to The Rolling Stone, the digital and physical release will also feature behind-the-scenes content and deleted scenes. ©Disney The Fantastic Four: First Steps debuted in theaters on July 25th. It is the third Fantastic Four movie but the first to take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film takes place in the 1960s in a retro-futuristic world that’s being devoured by Galactus, a cosmic being. It features a star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon-Moss Bachrach, who are all part of the heroic team. Other stars include John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, Ralph Ineson, and more. ©Marvel The wait is almost over to stream this movie from home! The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be available on streaming on September 23rd. Stay tuned to DFB for more entertainment news! 10 HUGE Disney Movie Announcements You Don’t Want To Miss Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you seen The Fantastic Four: First Steps yet? Let us know your thoughts about the movie in the comments! The post New ‘Fantastic Four’ Movie Is Releasing on Streaming SOON! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Packing for a Disney vacation can sometimes be a bit stressful. A room at the Polynesian In addition to clothes, shoes, electronics, and accessories – we all need a good pair of ears – there’s also the question of hotel room necessities. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered together some of the ESSENTIAL items you’ll need to maximize your Walt Disney World hotel room! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You’ll find all of these items on Amazon. Don’t have Amazon Prime but still want to get that free shipping? You can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime by clicking on the banner below. Get the Hanging Toiletry Bag Organizer BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag Okay, this hanging toiletry bag organizer is a game changer. You can just pack all your different toiletries in the different sections, and when you get to your hotel, just undo the organizer and hang it up so you have easy access to everything you need from skincare to makeup and everything in between. Toiletries! We definitely found it worth the money, and frankly wouldn’t change a thing about it. Buy on Amazon Buy the MagicBand+ Charger MultiCharger for MagicBand+ Everyone in your group is probably going to have a MagicBand+ in Disney World, so you’re going to need to charge them. This charger lets you charge four MagicBands at once, but you can also use it to charge your other devices, including FuelRods. Buy on Amazon Get the Sound Machine and Alarm Clock ©Amazon This handy device is two things in one: it’s an alarm clock, but it’s also a sound machine to make sure you get a good night’s sleep every night of your vacation. The clock is even dimmable so it doesn’t keep you awake. Buy on Amazon Get the Portable Hanging Travel Shelves Portable Shelves There’s never quite a good way to organize all your clothes when you’re in a hotel room, but this hanging organizer lets you pack your clothes in it, and then you can just undo it and hang it up for easy-peasy access to those clothing items you’ve put in it. Hanging shelves all packed up. Honestly, this is a MUST for our travel. We’d give it a 5/5 thanks to its ample organizational space, and convenience. If we were to nitpick anything, it might be that the shelves take up a ton of space in our suitcase when folding, but considering how much they hold, it’s a minor complaint. Buy on Amazon Flat Power Strip Flat Plug Power Strip This flat power strip features 3 outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 USB-C ports, which can charge up to 7 devices at the same time. This makes it perfect for a Disney hotel room, where outlet space is often at a premium, especially on family vacations. SHOP HERE So head on over to Amazon and grab these essentials before your trip. If you’re looking for more Disney souvenirs and essentials, visit our Amazon Shop. The post We Wish We Would Have Bought These For Our Disney World Hotel Sooner first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

“Thank you for being a friend”…if you just started signing along, you might be a Gen X’er who grew up with The Golden Girls, which is a show we think EVERYONE can agree on was way ahead of its time and one of the funniest things on TV. ©ABC Well, believe it or not, it’s been 40 years since The Golden Girls first aired on TV (and you can watch it right now on Hulu), and to celebrate this big anniversary, Cakeworthy is releasing a brand NEW Golden Girls collection and we’re pretty sure every fan of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia will be wanting to grab. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Yes, that’s right, a brand new, fun Golden Girls collection is coming to The Disney Store soon. Get The New Cakeworthy Golden Girls on September 19th ©Disney If you love The Golden Girls, you’ll want to check back here on September 19th when a brand new collection drops that includes this fantastic St. Olaf sweatshirt. Rose would be so proud! View Collection on The Disney Store Buy the Golden Girls Cast Sweatshirt ©Disney If you want to grab something NOW to represent your love for your favorite women from Miami, don’t wait — you can grab this fun sweatshirt that features the whole Golden Girls cast. View on The Disney Store Get the Golden Girls Canvas Tote Bag ©Disney Carry your things around in style with this tote bag that has Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia surrounded by their favorite things like makeup, cheesecake, and more. View on The Disney Store 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 Why Disney Gen X'ers Are Marking September 19th On Their Calendars first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

BACKSTAGE PASS: EPISODE 3 | Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! | Disney's Animal KingdomView the full article

Cruising is becoming more and more popular — with tons of people choosing to vacation on the high seas. Disney Wish at Castaway Cay We’re definitely those people, and whether we’re getting ready to set sail on a Disney Cruise or a different one, there’s one thing we never forget to pack. You just never know when you might need it, and ours has saved us on more than one occasion. If you’re going on an upcoming cruise, make sure you pack one of these! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. We are literally obsessed with bringing our Kindle with us when we travel. You never know when you might have downtime or need to pass the time while conserving your phone’s battery! E-readers are great for travel because they’re lightweight and can hold multiple different books and magazines for endless reading. Get the Kindle Paperwhite right here ©Amazon The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display is the “fastest Kindle ever” and has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns. The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen, so pages stay sharp no matter where you are. A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks, and since it features the Paperwhite backlight, you don’t have to worry about having the lights on! View on Amazon This 16 GB Kindle is on sale ©Amazon This is the lightest and most compact Kindle. It now comes with a brighter front light at max setting, a higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns for an enhanced reading experience. Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode. View on Amazon And, you can grab this Kindle Sleeve to keep it protected while you travel ©Amazon This stylish book sleeve offers the perfect balance of protection and portability. Made of durable materials, it is designed to fit medium-sized books and e-readers measuring 11 x 9 inches, suitable for most self-published books, standard paperbacks, mass paperbacks, and regular hardcovers. We love the Beauty and the Beast design! 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 The One Thing I Always Take on Every Cruise -- And I Never Regret It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Being a Disney+ subscriber doesn’t just mean you get access to every piece of Disney content on one platform (although we do love that). It also means that you get exclusive perks, such as freebies and good deals, just by being a subscriber! ©Disney We’re here to tell you that there are seven, yes SEVEN, new free trips that Disney+ subscribers can win. Hurry, they’re only here for a limited time! Disney+ subscribers are going to want to take advantage of these seven new perks, so get your subscriptions renewed, and let’s get right into the details. ©Disney The first perk we’re looking at is the chance to win a trip to the Tron: Ares premiere in Los Angeles! The next installment of the Tron series is set to release on October 10th, and this is your chance to see the movie in the largest setting possible. You have until September 18th to break out of the grid and enter for a chance to win a red carpet experience to see the highly anticipated action blockbuster. It’s FREE to enter, so what are you waiting for?! ©Disney Any F1 fans? Disney+ subscribers have the chance to win tickets to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix! Witness the action and thrill of Formula 1 on the grandest stage in Las Vegas. You have from now through October 23rd to enter. However, don’t stop there, as you can enter this one DAILY. The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place from November 20th to 22nd. ©Disney If you love Marvel, Star Wars, DC, and all things comics, then this next perk is going to have you running to enter. Disney+ subscribers now have the chance to win a trip to New York Comic Con 2025. New York Comic Con is truly for all the super-fans out there. You have now through September 23rd to enter for a chance to win the trip. The exclusive convention takes place from October 9th to 12th. ©Disney If you’re looking for a free magical vacation, this is your time, Disney+ subscribers. You have a chance to win a Walt Disney World Resort dream vacation! Enter now and win a 4-Day, 5-Night dream vacation to the “Most Magical Place on Earth”. The lucky winner will be allowed to bring three guests with them as well. Magic Kingdom If you’re a Disney+ subscribing soccer fan, you’re going to love this next perk. You can enter for a chance to win tickets to the NWSL Semi-Finals! The semi-finals for the National Women’s Soccer League are coming up, as they take place in November, and you have the chance to be there for it. ©Disney Speaking of sports, who wants to catch a game of hoops? You can enter for the chance to win a trip to the WNBA Finals! You have from now through September 25th to shoot your shot at a chance to go to the WNBA Finals in October. There is limited availability, so this is a great opportunity. ©Disney We talked about a perk for F1 fans already, but we have one more perk for you. You can enter for a chance to attend the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix! The Grand Prix takes place in Austin from October 17th to 19th, and you catch every turn at Circuit of the Americas. ©Disney There is so much to take advantage of as a Disney+ subscriber, so we’re going to let you go do that! For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog. 8 Disney World Halloween Activities You Can Do WITHOUT a Park Ticket 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 a Disney+ subscriber? Let us know in the comments! The post Disney+ Subscribers Could Win SEVEN Free Trips! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

For as long as Walt Disney World has been in Central Florida, the resort has worked alongside nonprofits and community leaders to support its neighbors in need — and that legacy is continuing this Hunger Action Month. “Access to safe, healthy and affordable food is a critical need facing the Central Florida community,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Disney World. “Every day we’re working alongside nonprofit organizations and are focused on supporting this important cause in ways that only Disney can.” Click for full page view Feeding Central Florida Through Disney Harvest Since 1991, Disney World has collected excess food from the resort and donated it to local nonprofits feeding the hungry. It’s called the Disney Harvest program, and it’s a collaboration between Disney and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Last year, Disney World donated more than 722,000 pounds of food through Disney Harvest. This equates to about 600,000 meals for Central Florida families. The donated food went to nine local nonprofits, from homeless shelters to food pantries. For nearly 35 years, the program has not only helped feed hundreds of thousands of people, but it has also helped keep food waste out of landfills. A 35-Year Relationship with Second Harvest Food Bank Disney World has been working alongside Second Harvest to help address food insecurity in Central Florida for years, and that support goes beyond the Disney Harvest program. “For decades, Walt Disney World’s unwavering support has been a foundational aspect to our mission at Second Harvest Food Bank,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest. “We have been able to grow our services dramatically with the resources of food, funds, volunteers, and expertise that we continue to receive.” In 2024, Disney made a $150,000 donation to Second Harvest, which created around 600,000 meals for Central Florida families. The resort gave an additional $500,000 to Second Harvest that year in the wake of Hurricane Milton to help feed families in crisis after the storm. Cast members and their families share the resort’s dedication to addressing hunger. Disney VoluntEARS spent nearly 3,500 hours lending a helping hand at Second Harvest last year. Through Disney VoluntEARS Grants and Disney Employee Matching Gifts, cast members selected Second Harvest to receive an additional $115,000 in donations in 2024. Perry Crawley, Director of Disney Programs & Experiences, has been on the Board of Directors at Second Harvest since 2019. Now serving as Board Chair, he sees the need and the impact of Disney firsthand. “I get to see the passion of our cast members and how that leads to real impact on Second Harvest and Florida families,” Perry said. “Their love for our community is what drives me. It pushes me to think of other ways we can show up and support those who need it most.” Photo courtesy of Valencia College Supporting Other Nonprofits Addressing Hunger It takes a lot of helping hands to improve food access in the region. Many nonprofits work 24/7 to ensure Central Florida families have enough food to thrive, and Disney selected three of them to receive a 2025 Disney Grant. Of the $500,000 in Disney Grants awarded this year, $300,000 went directly to fund programs addressing hunger. Valencia College operates VCentials, a food pantry that gives students in need free access to nutritious food. With Disney’s help, the pantry can provide over 2,500 students with the essential items they need to focus on their education. United Against Poverty relaunched its mobile food pantry program, which helps deliver low-cost groceries to areas of Central Florida that need them the most. With the Disney Grant, United Against Poverty can provide food for over 1,200 unique families across the region. Osceola Council on Aging offers both an Emergency Food Pantry and Mobile Food Pantry programs, which help feed families of all ages throughout the county. Their Disney Grant helped provide around 14,000 nutritious meals to those in need. “We are deeply grateful for the support from Disney. It allows us to be there for families when they need it most,” said Wendy Ford, President and CEO of Osceola Council on Aging. “Together, we can prevent homelessness, fight hunger and give parents the reassurance that they are not alone.” What’s Next in Central Florida Next month, Disney World will once again participate in CANstruction Orlando, where Disney VoluntEARS will build a whimsical recreation of a Disney character made from food items that will be donated to Second Harvest. In November, Disney chefs will be hard at work cooking up 1,000 Thanksgiving dinners that will be served by Disney VoluntEARS at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. And that’s not all. From providing hurricane relief to feed those in crisis, to volunteering at food pantries across Central Florida, there are so many ways Disney World continues to take meaningful action to help improve food access in its community. The post How Disney World Addresses Food Insecurity in Florida appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Did you know there are some secret Halloween activities in Disney World that don’t require a park ticket? Walt Disney World Dolphin We’re big fans of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels because they get many of the same perks as Disney Resorts, while also having pretty decent pricing (they’re literally right next to Hollywood Studios — you can’t beat that location for the price!). But one of the extra fun things about this resort is that it has specialty Halloween offerings, and you don’t even have to go to a theme park to participate! October 31st-November 2nd, you’ll find several limited-time offerings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for the Not-So-Spooky Halloween Weekend Celebration. This is a great way to have some family-friendly fun during your vacation without spending the extra dough on a park ticket. ©Disney Throughout the weekend, you and your family can check out Mystical Face Painting, a scavenger hunt, an inflatable maze, specialty arts and crafts, hair braiding, and a poolside DJ spinning “monstrous mashups.” That sounds like a great time! Swan and Dolphin On Halloween specifically, the resort will host trick-or-treating as well as a costume contest for its guests. So don’t forget to pack your best fit for a chance to win! Throughout the month of October, those visiting can find specialty cocktails and mocktails around the restaurants at the three hotels, and when dining, anyone in a Halloween costume will receive a “treat” from the chef. Swan and Dolphin Does this not-so-spooky fun sound like a good time? Well, if you’d like to book this hotel, you can use the SPOOKY rate for stays until October 31st, 2025. Rates with this deal start at just $209 per night, and for a resort that gets some of the same perks as the Disney Deluxe Resorts, that’s a STEAL. Call 800-227-1500 or book online. Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any other Halloween season offerings in Disney World — it’s spooky season, y’all! Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World. Click Here to See Our Resort Review of the Swan and Dolphin! 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 going to Disney World this Halloween season? Tell us in the comments! The post 8 Disney World Halloween Activities You Can Do WITHOUT a Park Ticket first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

While Mickey pumpkins are up in both Disneyland and Disney World right now, we are looking ahead to what will be the hottest item this holiday season. Sleeping Beauty Castle We know that Disney fans love to collect merchandise from the parks, and one of those items they collect is popcorn buckets. We frequently see new popcorn buckets and sippers released in Disney parks with each season, and people will wait in LONG lines to purchase them. This holiday bucket will be no different when it arrives at Disneyland. The hit of the holiday season this year will be the Holiday Christmas Tree Truck Bucket, which is coming to Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and select Disney Cruise Line ships this holiday season. Mickey and his friends are up to some goofy holiday shenanigans on this one! We can already see the lines now for this adorable collectible. We don’t have word yet on the official drop date for this bucket, but we’ll keep our eyes out for it. ©Disney Speaking of the holiday season, you can snag the Trader Sam’s Holiday Zombie Mug, too! This will be available at both Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney World and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland Resort. It comes with either gold or red thread detailing. If you are a tiki collector, this will be a fun, spirited twist to add to your collection. ©Disney At D23, they gave us more buckets that are coming in the future. Like this Monsters, Inc. Scream Canister Bucket will soon be making its debut at Disneyland Resort and onboard select Disney Cruise Line ships. We’ve seen this one as a water bottle before, but the bucket is taking the theming to a whole new level! ©Disney Looking forward to Spring 2026, you can look out for this ADORABLE Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Spring Bucket. Where can you find it? Disneyland Resort and select Disney Cruise Line ships. We think this one will also be a hit! I mean, how can you resist this?! ©Disney For more news about what’s happening in the Disney Parks, be sure to follow DFB! 16 Disney Rides Where Cell Phones Are ILLEGAL 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 collect popcorn buckets at Disney? Share with us in the comments below! The post The New Holiday Popcorn Bucket That Will Sell Out Faster Than Lightning Lanes At Disneyland first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I Create Happiness by Making Magic One Bubble at a Time If you’ve ever been greeted at Pixar Place Hotel in Disneyland Resort by bubbles in the air and a giant Sulley glove waving joyfully, you’ve probably felt the magic of meeting Daniel Lopez, a door attendant cast member. A Dream to Bring Happiness Daniel’s Disney journey began with one dream: to bring happiness to others. For Daniel, becoming a cast member was about more than putting on a nametag — it was about making a difference. “I was inspired to become a cast member to bring joy and happiness to guests,” he smiled. Daniel’s journey began at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, where one of his leaders first noticed his passion for making magic. Taking note from Daniel’s playful personality, they gifted him a Mickey hat, which would become the first piece of his signature look. That Mickey hat soon led to a Mickey glove and bubble wand, and with each wave and bubble, Daniel would bring smiles to guests of all ages. The Power of a Simple Gesture One of Daniel’s most cherished memories happened one day as he was greeting guests and was approached by a mother and her daughter, who was blind. The mother kindly asked Daniel if her daughter could touch his Mickey glove. With a warm smile, Daniel extended his hand. The moment the young girls’ fingers brushed the oversized glove; her eyes filled with joyful tears. “She knew. She knew she was at Disneyland,” Daniel shared, with tears filling his eyes. New Look, Same Magic As Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel transformed into Pixar Place Hotel, Daniel’s magic-making accessories evolved too. Embracing the spirit of Pixar, his Mickey themed gear now paid tribute to characters like Sulley and Buzz Lightyear. While his props may have changed, his purpose remained the same: to bring joy and happiness to every guest. A Cast Member Who Leads with Heart Daniel credits his ability to create unforgettable moments to his leaders who saw a spark in him and fostered an environment that allowed his spark to flourish through meaningful guest interactions. “They allow me to express myself, and I love them for that,” Daniel says. “When I first met Daniel, he was so full of life and energy. He’s a wonderful example of what a cast member should be,” shared Ron Silagyi, general manager of Pixar Place Hotel. Daniel and his leader, Ron Silagyi, who encourages Daniel to be his authentic self. Daniel has been in his role for 10 years, and each day he comes to work, he feels at home. Disney is a place where he is celebrated for being himself, and his passion for making magic is nurtured. The wave of his bubble wand and warm welcome represent the true start of a guest’s stay at The Happiest Place on Earth. Daniel greeting guests in the lobby of Pixar Place Hotel with his favorite props. Do you have a stay coming up at Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort? Be sure to spot Daniel and say hello! Meet Hank: Today’s Longest Serving Disney Cast Member READ MORE Disneyland Gives Back to Anaheim with 70 Happiest Hours READ MORE Meet the Paw-fect Cast Members of Disneyland Resort READ MORE The post How Disneyland Cast Members Create Happiness appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Okay, so there are already a ton of things to do at Universal Orlando, including visiting the brand new Epic Universe, as well as Universal’s other parks, including Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. Universal Studios Florida However, Universal also has a lot of seasonal activities, including Halloween Horror Nights, which is happening right now. Another BIG thing at Universal, though, is the Rock the Universe music festival, which is Florida’s largest Christian music festival. Now, Universal has revealed the full line-up for the 2026 Rock The Universe, which is coming up SOON! Rock The Universe will take place on January 23rd-24th, 2026, from 4 PM to 1 AM at Universal Studios Florida at various stages throughout the park. This year’s lineup includes headline performances by Billboard Christian chart-topper Forrest Frank, GRAMMY-nominated singer Phil Wickham, GRAMMY and Dove award-winning band Switchfoot, multi-platinum artist LECRAE, and more. ©Universal Here’s the full line-up for the weekend: Friday, January 23rd Forrest Frank on the Music Plaza Stage Switchfoot on the Music Plaza Stage KB on the Music Plaza Stage Blessing Offor on the Hollywood Stage Hulvey on the Hollywood Stage Bodie on the Hollywood Stage Eli Gable on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage Hopeful. on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage Claire Leslie on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage ©Universal Saturday, January 24th LECRAE on the Music Plaza Stage Phil Wickham on the Music Plaza Stage Colton Dixon on the Music Plaza Stage Passion on the Hollywood Stage Terrian on the Hollywood Stage Sam Rivera on the Hollywood Stage Caleb and John on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage Bay Turner on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage Megan Danielle on the Rock The Universe FanZone Stage ©Universal Rock the Universe will also feature worship experiences throughout the weekend, including a Sunday morning service on January 25th. Visitors attending the festival will also have access to Universal Studios Florida’s rides. Tickets start at $173.99 per person and include access to the festival on both days, including three days of admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay (one theme park per day). Single-night event tickets will also be available at $94.99 per person. Universal Orlando Youth Group ministries (groups of 10 or more) can get special pricing, exclusive vacation packages, and more, with tickets for groups starting at $155.99 per person. Groups who stay at a Universal Orlando hotel will also get early park admission with valid theme park admission, complimentary transportation, and more. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Hold Up! Did Universal Just Hint at Starting a Cruise Line?  Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will you be attending Rock the Universe next year? Let us know in the comments! The post FULL Lineup of the 2026 Universal Concert Series Announced first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Leaving Disney World after a magical trip can be pretty sad. While you might be looking forward to sleeping in your own bed, it is hard to beat crunching on buttery popcorn while walking down Main Street, U.S.A., or spending your evening strolling around World Showcase. Not only are you leaving the most magical place on Earth, but you are also traveling back home. Orlando International Airport Travel can be stressful and overwhelming, but there are some ways to make the trip back home a bit easier. If you are traveling back home through Orlando International Airport (MCO), you should know about a FREE service that can save you time in security. Although this service has been around for a while, many people don’t know it exists. The service, called MCO Reserve, allows you to reserve a time to go through airport security. The best part is that it is completely free, and you can book your time slot up to 7 days in advance! Orlando International Airport MCO Reserve is available at all three terminals; however, not all flights are eligible for MCO Reserve. To find out if your flight is eligible and to book your time, you can head to the MCO Reserve website to enter your flight details. Once you have found your flight, you will select how many passengers are in your group (up to a maximum of 10 passengers per booking). Then, you will select your time slot. You will get a 15-minute window on either side of your time slot to arrive. After selecting the time slot, you will enter your email address and then confirm the booking. Orlando International Airport You will receive a QR code to present at the MCO Reserve entrance during your arrival window, saving you time in security. Just look for the MCO Reserve sign or ask one of the airport employees to point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that you will likely still be waiting a bit in security, but with MCO Reserve, you will likely be waiting much less than you would in the normal line. You will still go through the standard TSA screening process, but with the separate entrance, you will be able to avoid a lot of the security crowds. MCO Airport Security The service is easy to book, free, and can save you time and stress at the airport. You won’t have to fight through the normal security line, but instead you can enjoy access to the MCO Reserve entrance during your window. There are limited slots each day, but you can book your slot up to seven days before your flight. This can be a great option if you don’t have TSA PreCheck to help expedite your family through security. Orlando International Airport If you choose to use MCO Reserve, you will still want to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check any bags, and get through security. While MCO Reserve can save you time in security, you don’t want to be cutting it too close to your flight’s departure. We love taking advantage of MCO Reserve to save some time and stress while going through airport security. It is super easy to book and makes security feel so much easier to get through! Southwest at MCO Stay tuned to DFB for our best travel tips and all your Disney news! I’ve Tried Every Orlando Airport Hack, and I’m Sharing the 3 That Work Every Time Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you used MCO Reserve before? Let us know your thoughts on this service in the comments! The post I Finally Used the Free Skip the Line Service at Orlando Airport, and It Is a Total Game Changer first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Archive photos of Gino, the beloved patriarch western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in his habitat at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail over the years. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, watches over 11-month-old Lilly at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in their habitat on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, in the park, Jan. 11, 2011. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoys a bouquet of lettuce in his habitat at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail on the eve of his 41st birthday, Dec. 29, 2021. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino enjoys some solitude, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino enjoys some solitude after a rambunctious start to his day with the younger gorillas, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, forages in the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino enjoys some solitude after a rambunctious start to his day with the younger gorillas, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino tolerates some insubordination from younger gorillas during a family meeting,, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoys a bouquet of lettuce in his habitat at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail on the eve of his 41st birthday, Dec. 29, 2021. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, watches over 11-month-old Lilly at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in their habitat on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, in the park, Jan. 11, 2011. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail keeps an eye on visitors at the habitat at Disney?s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Dirt flies as Gino deals with rambunctious younger gorillas,, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail munches on a snack at the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla.,, Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoys a bouquet of lettuce in his habitat at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail on the eve of his 41st birthday, Dec. 29, 2021. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, watches over 11-month-old Lilly at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in their habitat on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, in the park, Jan. 11, 2011. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail munches on a snack at the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla.,, Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino enjoys some solitude after a rambunctious start to his day with the younger gorillas, Dec. 29, 2021, at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, sits with his family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail keeps an eye on visitors at the habitat at Disney?s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoys a bouquet of lettuce in his habitat at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail on the eve of his 41st birthday, Dec. 29, 2021. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest of the troop at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, munches on a snack at the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla.,, Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, forages in the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, forages in the habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in Bay Lake, Fla., Sept. 23, 2019. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Gino, the 42-year-old elder statesman of the western lowland gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom enjoys an afternoon nap at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail habitat, May 17, 2024. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Show Caption1 of 23Gino, the patriarch of the western lowland gorilla troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, watches over 11-month-old Lilly at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in their habitat on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, in the park, Jan. 11, 2011. Disney announced Wednesday that Gino has died. At 44, he was the oldest gorilla at the Walt Disney World park and had resided at Animal Kingdom since its opening in 1998. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand View the full article

Okay, so you’re planning a Disney World trip, and YES, there is a lot to keep track of. You’ve got to figure out your budget, how long you’re staying, what tickets you need, and WHERE you’ll be sleeping. Plus, you probably need to know where you’re eating (okay, that’s a priority for us). BUT you also have to actually GET to Disney World, which, for most folks, means flying to Orlando. ©Southwest Airlines The good news is that airlines are having sales on airfare ALL the time, including Southwest, which is currently having its Great Escape sale. With this Southwest sale, you can book flights for as low as $49 each way, so if you’re heading to Orlando, NOW might be the time to book that flight. The Great Escape sale includes one-way fares as low as $49, but you’ll need to book your flight before September 18th (tomorrow!) for travel from October 7th, 2025, through March 4th, 2026. Yep, now is the time to book your fall or holiday Disney World trip or that spring trip you’ve always dreamed of. Flying with Southwest Note that blackout dates do apply, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for those when you book your flight. Additional fees might also apply, plus, you’ll have to pay to check bags (yep, bags no longer fly free on Southwest). Seats and dates are also limited, so book that airfare quickly! Stay tuned to DFB for more. Southwest Airlines Just Announced ANOTHER Big Airplane Change (but This Is a Good One)  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 booking a flight to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments! The post Southwest Has Tickets to Disney World -- But You Have to Act Fast! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The Disney Skyliner has quickly become one of the most unique and scenic ways to travel around Disney World. Skyliner Gliding above the resorts and parks in colorful gondolas, guests can enjoy stunning views while getting from place to place in just minutes. For most riders, it’s a smooth and magical experience, but like any mode of transportation, it isn’t without its hiccups. Here are four “nightmare” Skyliner stories we’ve heard, along with some tips to help you feel prepared if the same happens to you. One of our team members recalled being stuck for just a few minutes heading from Disney’s Riviera Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but those few minutes felt much longer. Oddly enough, it wasn’t being suspended over water that felt unsettling, but being stopped directly above a road with moving cars beneath them. While the Skyliner typically runs smoothly, these short pauses are normal as Disney adjusts loading or manages the system. If you’re nervous about heights, keeping your focus on the views or chatting with your travel group can help pass the time until you’re moving again. Inside the Disney Skyliner Another rider shared how unexpectedly intense the wind turned their Skyliner ride into a queasy experience. Even though they don’t usually get motion sick, the gondola swaying in the breeze was enough to make them feel off. While Disney closely monitors the weather, gusts of wind can still impact the ride. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it may help to look at the horizon, sip some water, or even wait for calmer conditions before hopping aboard. Disney Skyliner A team member’s family was staying at Disney’s Art of Animation, and they ran into trouble when their evening trip to Hollywood Studios was cut short by Florida’s famously unpredictable weather. Just as they reached the Skyliner hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the system shut down due to a storm. With their toddler in tow, they ended up waiting about 20 minutes for a bus before deciding to skip the park and return to their room instead. It’s a good reminder that summer storms can halt Skyliner operations, so having a backup plan, especially when traveling with little ones, can save the day. Skyliner closed Sometimes timing just doesn’t work out. One of our team members was staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort and arrived at the Skyliner station ready for an easy ride to EPCOT, only to find the system temporarily down. They headed to the bus stop, waited for transportation, and by the time they were finally on their way, the Skyliner was running again. While frustrating, this story highlights why it’s smart to build in a little extra time for travel at Disney. If the Skyliner goes down, buses are always a backup, but you may want to give it a few minutes before committing to the switch. Skyliner at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney transportation, while free, can still come with hiccups, so plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go! For more Disney World tips, be sure to follow DFB! The 2026 Disney World Transportation Problem You Need to Be Worried About Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you had a memorable experience on the Skyliner? Tell us in the comments below! The post 4 Nightmare Skyliner Stories We've Heard in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

What are the absolute BEST restaurants in Disney Springs? Inside the Polite Pig We’ve got a mix of quick services and table services making up our top 10 list TODAY – so you’ll know which ones the DFB team and I can agree are worth the pit stop. Check out our video below: Top 10 Restaurants in Disney Springs Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Top 10 Restaurants in Disney Springs first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, so we know a lot of folks are planning trips to Universal Orlando for 2026 — and we get it. Maybe you waited for the initial excitement of Epic Universe’s grand opening to quiet down so you can visit Universal’s new park without as many crowds (although we expect to see crowds in Epic Universe for a while). Jurassic Park River Adventure Or maybe you’re just skipping Disney World because of all the construction and opting for a Universal Orlando vacation instead, which is also totally understandable. However, if you WILL be visiting Universal Orlando in 2026, you’ll need a heads up about one popular ride: Jurassic Park River Adventure will be closed for most of the year. According to the Universal Orlando website, Jurassic Park River Adventure, which is located in Universal Islands of Adventure, will close on January 5th, 2026, and won’t reopen until November 19th, 2026, which is 10 months later. It seems that the ride is in for a lengthy refurbishment. ©Universal Jurassic Park River Adventure is a water ride with a Jurassic Park theme that sends riders on a raft adventure where they face a gigantic T. rex. In order to escape her, you have to take an 85-foot plunge that will probably get you soaked. Jurassic Park River Adventure For those still craving a water ride during Jurassic Park River Adventure’s closure, there’s always Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, which offers a similar log flume ride experience, and Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, which is a river rapids ride. Also, the rest of the Jurassic Park area of the ride will remain open, including Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Pteranodon Flyers. Pteranodon Flyers Stay tuned to DFB for more. EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando in 2025 Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Will this affect your 2026 Universal Orlando trip? Share with us in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: Popular Universal Orlando Ride Will Close For Almost a Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Gino, a western lowland gorilla and longtime resident of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, has died, Walt Disney World announced Wednesday. He was 44. “For nearly 30 years, Gino touched countless lives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with playful spirit, gentle humor and steady presence as a devoted father and troop leader,” Disney World posted on social media accounts. He was an original inhabitant of Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998. And, at 400 pounds, became an imposing presence on the park’s Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. He occasionally would stand and dramatically clap his chest. “Everybody takes notice — his family, our guests, our cast, and it’s really quite spectacular,” Dr. Scott Terrell, director of animal and science operations at Walt Disney Co., told the Orlando Sentinel in 2021. “It’s a natural gorilla behavior. He’s just very good at it.” Gino, the oldest animal of the Animal Kingdom troop, fathered 14 offspring, some of which have lived at the park. He was part of a Disney-developed program where animals helped with their own medical care by posing in ways that they could be examined without being sedated. That included backstage sonograms and blood-pressure checks. He also appeared in an episode of the Disney+ program “The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” “He’s fostered a personal connection with the millions who have encountered him, instilling an affinity for gorillas that has helped inspire the conservationists, veterinarians, and animal keepers of today and tomorrow,” Terrell wrote for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums website in 2022. 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

Hey Howdy Hey! 30 years ago, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story introduced audiences to the unforgettable friendship between Woody and Buzz Lightyear, forever changing the animation industry as the first computer animated feature film and capturing hearts across generations. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, Disney and Pixar are collaborating with the Levi’s brand to launch the Levi’s x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection on October 2, celebrating the Western frontier spirit behind Woody’s character and the adventurous heart of the Toy Story films. Let’s giddy-up and dive in! Levi’s x Toy Story 30th Anniversary Collection The collection features 23 unique styles across apparel and accessories, including denim pieces for the authentic Levi’s heritage and western theming throughout to showcase the natural tie between Woody and Jessie’s Western-inspired design and Levi’s brand heritage. Levi’s x Toy Story Men’s Apparel The collection features classic menswear pieces from top to bottom with standout outerwear such as the Levi’s x Toy Story Western Jacket and the Levi’s x Toy Story Type III Trucker. For a warmer day at the rodeo, opt for the Levi’s x Toy Story All Over Print Vest or the Levi’s x Toy Story Western Shacket and round out any look with the Levi’s x Toy Story Rodeo Shirt and Western Flair or Carpenter Jean bottoms. Levi’s x Toy Story Women’s Apparel Womenswear pieces from the collection emphasize Jessie’s spirited independence through empowering silhouettes and authentic Western detail such as the standout Levi’s x Toy Story Type II Jacket with the iconic “Yodelayheehoo” embroidery. To ride along with the cow print denim theme, pair it with the Western Shirt and the Ribcage Bell for a full Jessie-inspired look. More Levi’s x Toy Story Apparel and Accessories Additionally, fans can dress it down with the limited chocolate hoodie and graphic tees that capture key characters and moments from the films. While the thematic accessories round out the collection with stylish tote bags, hats, bandanas, and more. For a more personalized look, the collection features a variety of collectable patches throughout, allowing fans to showcase their favorite characters while building personal connections that mirror the bond between toys and owners in the films. With so many more styles to explore, don’t forget to shop the Levi’s x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection worldwide on October 2 at Levi.com, the Levi’s App, and in select Levi’s Stores, with select items on DisneyStore.com. To infinity and beyond! Disney Announces Christmas Collaboration with Selfridges READ MORE Gap x Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Collection READ MORE Disney Villains Collection by Bath & Body Works READ MORE The post Celebrate 30 Years of Toy Story with the New Levi’s x Toy Story Collection appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you’ll excuse us, we’re about to spend our whole paycheck and only minorly regret it. Loungefly bags in EPCOT We just spotted a TON of new Loungefly bags on Amazon, and the best time to grab them is NOW before people start seeing them around the parks and snagging them online. We’re not sure if we’ll see these in the parks, so don’t wait — act now! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. This Winnie the Pooh Bag Glows in The Dark! ©Amazon For the Winnie the Pooh lovers out there, you’ve gotta grab the Winnie the Pooh Navy Loungefly Mini Backpack! With fall and winter on the way, it’ll begin to get darker soon, meaning that people will be able to see the cool glow in the dark aspect of the bag for longer and longer as the year goes on. Grab it right here! Monsters, Inc. Fans Are About to FLIP! ©Amazon If you love Monsters, Inc. and are looking forward to the new land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ve gotta grab the Monsters Inc. Loungefly Backpack! Sulley is on the bottom (and is a pocket of his own), then Mike is above him (and is another pocket!), and then Boo is on top, and then you’ve got the main pocket of the backpack. Grab it right here! Perfect for Halloween! ©Amazon If Halloween is your favorite holiday of all time, and/or you grew up with Hocus Pocus and can’t get enough, then you’ll want to grab the Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters Mini Loungefly Backpack before it’s gone. Trust us, it’s selling fast, so you’ll want to grab it quick before it’s sold out. Grab it right here! To Match Any Outfit! ©Amazon Need a bag that will match almost any outfit AND will be super unique? The Rescuers Down Under Mini Loungefly Backpack is calling your name, then, and we can’t get enough of this design. Jake is front and center, but then you’ll find Bernard and Miss Bianca above the front pocket. Grab it right here! Nightmare Before Christmas Fans, This is For You! ©Amazon Can’t decide whether you love Halloween or Christmas more, and want a bag that’s great for both seasons? The Jack and Sally Nightmare Before Christmas Mini Loungefly Backpack is perfect for you! It’s not particularly Halloween or Christmas until you look closely and see the characters, so it’s also great for any time of year. Grab it right here! To Celebrate Toy Story‘s 30th Anniversary! ©Amazon What better way to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of one of Pixar’s most iconic films than by grabbing the Toy Story 30th Anniversary Buzz Lightyear Mini Loungefly Backpack! It looks just like Buzz’s packaging (yes, even the wings!), and we cannot get enough. The top of the bag even has the tab that you’d use to hang it on a shelf — the dedication to the design is REAL! Grab it right here! Need A Full-Size Backpack? This is The One ©Amazon If you need a lot of space when you go to the parks and you want something to represent one of your favorite Pixar films, look no further than the Cars Full-Size Loungefly Backpack! We love that the front pocket is a Lightyear tire, and that there are pockets on both sides to hold your water bottle, sunglasses, or anything else you need. Grab it right here! You Want Unique? We’ll Give You Unique! ©Amazon If you love Atlantis, you’ll want to grab the Atlantis Kida Mini Loungefly Backpack before it’s gone! It’s a beautiful dark blue color, with Kida being light blue front and center on the front pocket. We also love the detailing on the side pockets! Grab it right here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise news! The post 8 New Disney Loungeflys Just Hit Amazon first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article