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Pixar’s latest space adventure is headed to our homes! ©Disney Disney Pixar’s Elio released to theatres on June 20th, 2025, and now it’s time to take it into the comfort of our own homes! Let’s take a look at the details. It’s time for you and your family to embark on an interstellar adventure from your couch! Disney Pixar’s Elio will officially become available on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango, starting on August 19th. ©Disney Streaming may be the most popular way to watch content, but we still love collecting DVDs! So, we also have our calendars set for September 9th, as the newest Pixar movie will drop on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD. ©iMDB The newest Pixar movie takes you on an adventure through outer space when alien-obsessed Elio Solís suddenly has a close encounter with intergalactic beings. After trying everything to contact extraterrestrials, Elio is shocked when they not only respond, but when they take him up to their “Communiverse”. ©Disney We won’t go into any spoilers, but let’s just say, things get interesting when the cosmic beings believe him to be the ruler of Earth! Elio’s experience in the Communiverse not only expands his horizons but also teaches him how important it is to build connections with loved ones back on Earth. It’s a great movie that touches on subjects such as building connections and loving what you have. ©Disney Elio didn’t particularly perform amazingly when it came to box office numbers, especially with the high bar that Pixar has set for itself. After all, the last Pixar movie to come out was Inside Out 2, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. That being said, in-home viewing of Elio with 4K Ultra HD is sure to blow audiences away. We’re talking about a Pixar animated space adventure; the visuals truly pop. ©Disney The Blu-ray release will offer hours of exclusive bonus content, including astronautic and artistic featurettes. That’s not all, the Blu-ray will also have a gag reel, deleted scenes, and a peek at Pixar’s Easter Egg inclusions. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook with astronomically appealing artwork and packaging, displaying the beauty and wonder of Elio’s adventure, along with a couple of his new extraterrestrial friends. Not to mention, SteelBook releases are fun to collect! ©Disney The bonus features are worth getting the physical copy of the movie. Take a look at what’s offered in full detail: Bonus Features Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of Elio – Launch behind the scenes with the cast and crew to get an in-depth look at the design and development of our meteoric main characters, as well as the making of all the celestial environments that make up Elio‘s universe. Out of This World: An Astro Q&A – Calling all space enthusiasts! Voice actors Yonas Kibreab (Elio) and Remy Edgerly (Glordon) meet with a real-life astronaut to discuss space travel, possible alien life on other planets, and why it’s important to study space. Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon – Join Nicolle Castro, the lead story artist, as she shares her role on the film and guides viewers through drawing a couple of the film’s interstellar characters, Ooooo and Glordon. Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Pixar films hidden throughout Elio, along with other fun facts. Galactic Gag Reel – Discover the fun inside the recording booth with the starry voice actors from Disney and Pixar’s Elio as they bring their characters to life with some entertaining laughs. Deleted Scenes – Check out the scenes that didn’t make the final cut: Bike Chase Garden Party Carver Legend Questa’s Second Test Home Visit *Bonus features may vary by product and retailer ©Disney We can’t wait to watch Elio at home. We definitely need to check out all those bonus features! Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, because we’re going to keep an eye out for the answer to the question everyone is asking — when does it come to Disney+? FIRST LOOK at a NEW LEGO Special Coming to Disney+ (EXCLUSIVE) Will you be getting the digital or the physical copy? Let us know in the comments! The post We Know When You Can Watch Disney and Pixar's 'Elio' at Home! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Before you head to your next vacation, be sure to keep an eye on travel advisories to ensure that you’re staying as safe as possible. Traveling soon? These advisories can provide valuable insights into what to keep an eye out for when traveling, so you can make informed decisions on vacation. If you’re traveling to Mexico, be advised that the country has now been marked as a Level 2 advisory, which means to exercise increased caution. This is due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping, and has been put in place by the U.S. Department of State. Airport It’s advised to follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees, which include: May not travel between cities after dark Must rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify, and may not wave down taxis on the street Should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas May not drive between Mexican border cities, the U.S.-Mexico border, and the interior of Mexico with some limited exceptions. Long Beach, California Airport The U.S. Department of State also said that the U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico and that emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas. Orlando Sanford International Airport While the country as a whole is listed as a Level 2 advisory, different areas have different levels, which allows you to base your travel on certain areas. These are the areas that have Level 3 and 4 advisories: Level 3 — Reconsider travel State of Baja California State of Chiapas State of Chihuahua State of Coahuila State of Guanajuato State of Jailisco State of Morelos State of Sonora Level 4 — Do not travel State of Colima State of Guerrero State of Michoacán State of Sinaloa State of Tampaulipas State of Zacatecas MCO Airport Security If you decide to travel to Mexico, there are a few things you can do to increase your safety. You can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important alerts from the U.S. embassy and can help the government contact you nd your emergency contact. You can make sure you have travel insurance and stay up to date with the Department of State for all current updates. Make sure you keep following DFB for more travel news. “FULLY AUTOMATED FROM CURB TO GATE” TSA IS PLANNING SWEEPING AIRPORT SECURITY CHANGES Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World What to Do if Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport You’re SLEEPING on These Packing Hacks Air Travel Tips That’ll Change Your Life 8 Catastrophic Travel Mistakes and How to Solve Them The Airline with the MOST Flight Delays and Cancellations This Small Change Will Save You From Lost Luggage The Best Disney Luggage for 2023 21 Things a Former Flight Attendant Needs You To Know 7 Highest-Rated Travel Items on Amazon Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe The post U.S. Department of State Updates Travel Advisory for Popular Destination first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to choosing a Disney World hotel, how do you know which is right for you? Port Orleans Riverside Resort We’ve done the research and know that just because a few hotels might be more popular than the rest — that doesn’t always mean they’re the ones you want to stay at on your vacation! Sure, some Disney World hotels are popular for a reason, but what if we told you there could be some even BETTER alternatives? You hereby have permission to SKIP these Disney World hotels and stay at the alternatives we recommend instead! SKIP All-Star Resorts and STAY at Pop Century or Art of Animation Listen, we know that the BEST part of staying at Disney’s All-Star Resorts is the price, but for just a little bit more money, you can stay at a Value Resort that has the added bonus of Skyliner access! All-Star Music At the All-Stars, you’ll be relying on buses for all your transportation needs, and the lines can be seriously long. Not to mention the large sports team groups that stay here, you might have to deal with! Disney’s Pop Century Resort Instead, consider booking a room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or the Art of Animation Resort. They’re still Value Resorts in that they’re some of the cheapest on property, but they both provide access to the Disney World Skyliner, which can take you to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and some other hotels as well. The PROS And CONS Of Staying At Disney World’s Value Resorts SKIP Caribbean Beach Resort and STAY at Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside When it comes to Moderate hotels, many folks choose the Caribbean Beach Resort due to its location along the Skyliner route — which is a great benefit of this hotel. But, this is a HUGE resort with rooms spread out all over, meaning you could be doing lots of extra walking at the end of an already long day. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside Resorts both offer similar Moderate Resort vibes — but they’re smaller, so you won’t have to waste extra steps to get to transportation or dining. Port Orleans French Quarter The Port Orleans hotels are themed after New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole, and they’re SO charming. You’ll have boat transportation to Disney Springs from here, and it’s one of the only places at Disney World you can get Mickey beignets! FULL ROOM TOUR: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside SKIP EPCOT Hotels and STAY at the Swan & Dolphin Surprise! You don’t even have to stay at a Disney World-owned hotel to still be within walking distance of EPCOT. Sure, the EPCOT area hotels are nice, and the location is really top-notch, but, you can actually stay in another Deluxe-style resort within walking distance of EPCOT at a cheaper price. Stormalong Bay That’s right — the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is also in the same area, plus you get the same perks as you would at other Disney Deluxe hotels, including Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Not only that, but the Swan and Dolphin is home to some of the BEST dining you’ll find on Disney property, like Rosa Mexicano, Todd English’s bluezoo, and more. It typically costs less to stay here than at the other EPCOT resorts, and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points here! The 4 Disney World Hotels That Still Have Room Service SKIP Riviera Resort and STAY at Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Riviera Resort is absolutely gorgeous and is one of the newest hotels at Disney World. And, while we love the theming and dining here, the standard rooms are some of the smallest rooms of any Disney World hotel. Considering this is an expensive Deluxe hotel, this can be disappointing. Disney’s Riviera Resort But, over at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, which is a Moderate hotel, the Gran Destino Tower feels anything but. The vibes are still immaculate, and it really feels like you’re staying in a Deluxe Resort at Moderate prices when you’re here. Coronado Springs The rooms are larger and generally cheaper than what you’d find at Riviera, and the dining is just as fantastic. Three Bridges Bar & Grill is underrated, as is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood — and don’t miss out on the lounges like Barcelona Lounge and Dahlia Lounge. I Stayed in the Disney World Hotels Experts Like to Gatekeep — Is a $730 Room Worth It? SKIP Grand Floridian and STAY at Old Key West Resort The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the most expensive Disney World-owned hotel on property, but if you’re looking for Florida vibes — you won’t really find them here. The hotel was inspired by Victorian-era beach resorts that were built along Florida’s east coast in the late 19th century, but it doesn’t scream “Florida.” Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Courtyard Pool However, Disney’s Old Key West Resort is absolutely where you want to be if you’re after those classic, laid-back, Florida beach vibes. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s themed after Key West — with some of the largest rooms on property. Make sure you stop by Olivia’s Cafe for some classic Florida eats before hopping on a boat to Disney Springs! Old Key West We’ll be on the lookout for more hotel info you need to know about for your next Disney World trip. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! 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 What’s your favorite Disney World hotel to stay at on your vacation? Let us know in the comments. The post Why Disney Adults Keep Booking the Wrong Hotel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Heads up, coffee drinkers: If you’re planning on getting your java fix at a Walt Disney World Starbucks, there are a few things you NEED to know! Summer-Berry Refresher Starbucks has been part of the fabric of Disney World for over a decade, with the first locations at the resort opening in the early 2010s. Currently, there is a Starbucks in each of Disney World’s theme parks, as well as two at Disney Springs. While these locations are often popular and packed — I’ve personally waited on some long Starbucks lines over the course of numerous recent visits to the resort — they also have some different rules compared to outside Starbucks locations. Payment Methods When making purchases at Walt Disney World Starbucks locations, you can pay using cash, credit or debit cards, Disney Gift Cards, Starbucks Gift Cards, and MagicBands. ©Amazon Starbucks Rewards Here’s where things can get a little complicated. Purchases made at each of the on-property Starbucks locations will earn Star Rewards for your Starbucks account. However, these rewards can only be redeemed at the two Disney Springs locations. Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai This is because the Disney Springs locations are corporate-owned Starbucks stores, while the in-park locations are licensed Starbucks stores operated by Disney. Starbucks in Disney Springs Mobile Order Similar to the above Star Rewards example, Mobile Order availability differs across Disney World Starbucks locations. The four in-park Starbucks do not allow Mobile Order, while the Disney Springs locations do. Get your coffee when you’re rope dropping a park! You can use your Starbucks app to pay at all of the resort’s Starbucks locations. Starbucks at Creature Comforts If you’re planning to grab a cup of Joe or some food at a Disney World Starbucks, be sure to keep these rules in mind, as they may differ from typical locations. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips. The BEST Snacks for Drinking Around the World in EPCOT What are your thoughts on Disney World’s Starbucks locations? Let us know in the comments below. The post We Wish We Had Known These 3 Things Before Visiting the Disney World Starbucks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Let’s play the “Did our favorite show on Disney+ get canceled?” game again. ©Disney Okay, so we’ve already lost a LOT of great original Disney+ shows over the years. We’re still not over the cancellation of The Acolyte after just one season. We’re also not happy that we won’t get any more Muppets Mayhem. One series we were really looking forward to, The Princess and the Frog series, never even got off the ground before Disney canceled it. Well, Disney+ has canceled another popular show, Goosebumps, but there could be hope that the show isn’t gone forever. According to Variety, Disney+ has decided to cancel Goosebumps after just two seasons. The horror anthology series based on the bestselling R.L. Stine books of the same name originally premiered on Disney+ in 2023, with a second season premiering earlier this year. ©Disney However, don’t fret if you loved the show and want more of it. There’s hope! Sony, who owns the rights to the books’ adaptations, has plans to shop the show to other networks and streamers or even explore new creative outlets for the franchise. So there’s still a chance Goosebumps might turn up on another streaming site or in some new way. ©Disney Both seasons of the show pulled in about 75 million hours combined viewing in the U.S. It also racked up 43 million hours viewed across 16 countries. Disney has not given a reason for its cancellation, but as we’ve seen across streaming platforms, show cancellations after one or two seasons are happening more often. As someone who watched the show, I have to admit its cancellation doesn’t surprise me. I don’t feel the second season lived up to the first season, or even the series of books the show is based on. Stay tuned to DFB for more. Why Netflix Has Canceled 8 Shows in 2025 Did you watch Goosebumps? Would you like to see it on another streaming platform? Let us know in the comments! The post Canceled Disney+ Series Could Find New Streaming Home first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney Vacation Club members get way more perks than just being able to stay in Disney hotels all across the world. DVC members also get access to certain discounts, exclusive merchandise, special events, early previews of rides, and so much more. Mickey bar However, from August 14th through September 16th, Disney hosts its Welcome Home Weeks, and with this event, DVC members get even MORE perks, including FREE snacks (yep, FREE) plus 40% off select table service restaurants in Disney World. Welcome Home Weeks is Disney’s limited-time celebration of all things DVC, and members can get some exclusive deals, experiences, and bigger discounts during this time. First up, DVC members can get FREE Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, ice cream sandwiches, or fruit bars at select locations across Disney World, Disneyland, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. FREE snacks? Yes, please! Mickey’s Ice Cream Bar Speaking of free snacks, DVC members can grab a free Welcome Home Week donut from Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs. Everglazed Donuts You can also get free candy or popcorn when you watch Movies Under the Stars at select Disney World hotels or while watching movies on board Disney Cruise Line ships. Movies Under the Stars! DVC members can also attend the Welcome Home Wakeup at select Disney resorts, which invites members to have coffee and a morning treat with other members at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Disney World and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland. Coffee DVC Members will also get exclusive character meet and greets at Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Mickey at Disney’s Aulani Resort Perhaps the best perk is that DVC members can get 40% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at the following Disney World restaurants: Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Lunch & Dinner) Toledo –Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Dinner) Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Dinner) Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Dinner) The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Breakfast & Lunch) Tiffins in Animal Kingdom Other perks during Welcome Home Weeks include: One-time 20% off discount on Mobile Order at Disneyland. Screening of “Disney ‘80s-‘90s Celebration in Concert” Complimentary reusable shopping bag from select DVC Welcome Home Centers Hawaiian Art Experience and Hawaiian Cultural Experience at Disney’s Aulani Resort Free appetizer with purchase of specialty drink at Palm Breeze Bar at The Villas at Disneyland Resort Free Welcome Home Weeks button For full details on all these perks, be sure to visit the DVC website. Stay tuned to DFB for more. The NEW Problem That’s Suddenly Plaguing Disney Vacation Club Members Are you a DVC member? Will you be taking advantage of these perks? Let us know how in the comments! The post Disney Announces NEW Discounts For DVC Members first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

EPCOT’s World Showcase is renowned for its dining, with the park offering culinary options from all around the world. However, a strict rule at the France Pavilion’s signature restaurant may ruin your dinner if you’re not aware of it. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion Monsieur Paul, named for the renowned French Chef Paul Bocuse — a culinary legend who was named Best French Craftsman in 1961 and Chef of the Century in 2011 by the Culinary Institute of America, and achieved 3 Michelin stars for 53 straight years at his famous Lyon restaurant — is located above Les Chefs de France, the French Brasserie in the France Pavilion. The restaurant, which was the first to be associated with Bocuse and is currently owned by the chef’s son, is one of EPCOT’s most in-demand eateries. If you can score a reservation at Monsieur Paul, be sure to read the fine print. Currently, the restaurant has a strict age limit of 10 years old. In other words, if you’re traveling with a young child, you’ll need to arrange childcare to be able to eat at the restaurant. Monsieur Paul In addition, the restaurant also features a dress code; specifically, diners are “expected to dress accordingly in attire that adheres to the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good condition.” Tender and savory While neither of these rules are that out of place for an upscale eating establishment in a vacuum, they are not common in the theme park setting and will definitely catch some guests off-guard if they’re not prepared. Entrance Interestingly, Monsieur Paul is not the only EPCOT venue to feature an age limit. Takumi-Tei, located in the Japan Pavilion, features an age limit of 8, while the new GEO-82 lounge requires guests to be 21 and older. GEO-82 entrance Monsieur Paul is one of Disney World’s most heralded restaurants, but be sure you’re aware of the rules before booking your next meal there. Stay tuned to DFB for more on EPCOT’s dining offerings. UPDATE: Here’s the New Rule for Rope Dropping in EPCOT Have you ever eaten at Monsieur Paul? Let us know in the comments below. The post The One Rule That Doesn't Make Sense in EPCOT's France Pavilion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal has filed a new permit for Epic Universe, just a few short months after the park officially opened. WELCOME to Epic Universe! The permit details a large wall that will be built on the side of the park that is closest to the wastewater treatment plant, just northeast of Epic Universe, according to theme park reporter Alicia Stella. Since this sound wall appears to be green from photos online, rumors have been swirling that this could be the beginning of a new Wicked-themed land. It wouldn’t be all that surprising, as Universal Pictures produced the film, and we’ve already seen several Wicked collaborations and experiences at Universal Orlando. Still, though, we’ll have to wait and see! Universal Orlando Wicked Experience Of course, Universal has yet to drop any hints or make any announcements regarding what purpose this wall might actually serve other than as a “sound wall.” We’ll be on the lookout for even more Epic Universe updates; in the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to DFB for the latest Universal, Disney, and theme park news! Read more: DFB's complete guide to Universal’s Epic Universe >> Have you been to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando yet? Let us know in the comments! The post NEW Epic Universe Permit Could Hint at Future Park Expansion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epic Universe…. Or Disney World? Why not BOTH? We’re gonna show you how to pull off a Universal/Disney vacation in the most successful way possible, today on DFB Guide. Check out our video below: Can You Do Epic Universe & Disney World TOGETHER? 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! What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Can You Do Epic Universe & Disney World TOGETHER? first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hey, Disney…is everything ok? ©Disney If you’ve been trying to get onto the Disney World website today, you’ve probably run into this issue — for a LONG time! On the positive side, you’re not alone. However, today is a big day, and the site is stressing everyone out, including me. We’re going to assume we all went on the Disney website very early this morning for one reason, and one reason only — today is the first day to make reservations for the brand new Beak and Barrel lounge in Magic Kingdom. Well, hopefully. The Beak and Barrel ©Disney If you’ve been trying to make reservations, the Walt Disney World dining reservation system has BEEN down for everyone. We were up at 6 AM EST, and it’s been 3 1/2 hours — still nothing. The site decided to walk the plank shortly before The Beak and Barrel reservations were scheduled to open. ©Disney We’ve been trying to open and close it so much that we’ve been collecting broken Disney pages like they’re infinity stones. ©Disney Apparently, the Walt Disney World dining reservation system crashed due to a failed Beak and Barrel rollout. The experience has gone from being able to get to the screen where you put in your party size, the date, and the time, to the system crashing, to not even being able to get to that screen at all. ©Disney In fact, the Beak and Barrel page has yet to update to where you can check available times from it. ©Disney We’ve seen chatter online that some who called the reservation number were told Beak and Barrel wasn’t in the system yet, but would be “at some point today.” The problem is, calling doesn’t help much in this situation. Disney uses the same system we do…so if it’s down for us, it’s down for them. Plunderer’s Punch ©Disney This is not the first time there has been a reservation issue this week! Reservations for the returning breakfast buffet experience at Chefs de France in EPCOT were scheduled to open on August 12th. We checked all day, and we were empty-handed. Then, when EPCOT Food & Wine Festival menus dropped on August 13th, the reservations finally opened up. There was no notice to fans about the delay, leaving many confused! It’s been a wild morning, and we’re nervous it might take a while for this issue to get fixed — but fingers crossed it won’t. Keep your eyes peeled for when reservations become available so you don’t miss out on them, and we’ll keep bringing you updates. For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! Disney CONFIRMS Beak and Barrel Will Be Open During Holiday Parties What time were you up at to make reservations? Let us know in the comments! The post Uh Oh. This Disney World Dining Reservation Trend Is Getting Out of Control first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As the first residents begin to call Storyliving by Disney’s new Cotino community home, Disney is reinforcing its commitment to make meaningful and positive impacts in its communities — this time in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Recently, Disney invited 40 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coachella Valley for a day packed with exploration, imagination and hands-on learning. Following a guided tour at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the group spent the afternoon dreaming up big ideas at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. “As someone who lives and works in Rancho Mirage, I’m passionate about giving back to this community,” said Anthony Henry, Cotino community general manager and member of the museum’s Board of Directors. “Storyliving by Disney is committed to being a good neighbor, and this event was a great example of how Disney continues to empower children around the world to dream big and reach their full potential.” Disney’s ongoing financial investment in the museum will be transforming its new STEAM activity space for kids and teens into a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation. Once open later this fall, the space will be fully outfitted with 3D printers, a laser cutter, screen printing equipment, audio-visual tech, sewing machines and more. “Our museum’s mission is to spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on experiences” said Cindy Burreson, CEO of Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. “Disney’s ongoing support shows a true commitment to our community and helps us offer even more impactful programming.” The Boys & Girls Clubs students got a sneak preview of this space firsthand, designing their own dream communities with the helpful encouragement of Disney Imagineer Caroline Boone, executive creative director for Storyliving by Disney. Boone also gave the students an inside look at life as a Disney Imagineer and how to turn a passion for science, technology, engineering, art and math into limitless career opportunities. This event was in support of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, which aims to inspire the next generation of storytellers and innovators to dream about their possibilities through programs that connect them to storytelling, technology and design. “Collaborations with community organizations is at the heart of what we do at Disney. Organizations like these are deeply rooted in the community and know how to create meaningful experiences for children and families,” said Q Jones, Sr. Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility. “By working together, we’re able to amplify their impact and bring Disney’s values to life in ways that are authentic, lasting and locally relevant.” Learn more about all the ways Disney remains committed to being a valued community partner in regions where we operate at impact.disney.com. The post Disney Expands Community Support and Impact to Rancho Mirage appeared first on Disney Experiences. View the full article

Disney World might be the most magical place on Earth, but not every guest is on the same page about how to keep the magic alive. Mad Tea Party We love Disney Adults — we ARE Disney Adults — but some behaviors we see in the parks make us cringe so hard we wish we could disappear into Cinderella Castle. These moments aren’t just awkward; they can really put a damper on the guest experience for everyone else around. If you’ve been guilty of any of these, consider this your friendly wake-up call to stop doing them. Expecting “Pixie Dust” on Demand “Pixie dust” moments — those special surprises Cast Members sometimes give guests — are magical because they’re unexpected. Maybe it’s a free cupcake for a birthday, or an extra pin trade. But some Disney Adults walk into the parks acting like they’re owed these moments, and it’s a bad look. Cast Members are the magic! Telling a Cast Member it’s your fifth trip this year and you “haven’t had any magic yet” isn’t going to make it happen — in fact, it makes it awkward for everyone. Let those moments happen naturally instead of trying to manufacture them. Talking Over Ride Spiels If you’ve been on Jungle Cruise 47 times, that’s awesome. But loudly reciting the entire script over the skipper? Not cool. Jungle Cruise The same goes for pre-shows like Haunted Mansion. The ride spiels are part of the storytelling, and interrupting them just to flex that you’ve “been here before” is frustrating for first-timers who want to experience it without extra commentary. If you want to show off your deep Disney knowledge, there are better ways to do it than hijacking the audio. Monopolizing a PhotoPass Photographer Recently, I watched a large family of adults keep a PhotoPass photographer occupied for about 25 minutes while they cycled through every possible combination of family members, props, and poses. PhotoPass Yes, PhotoPass is part of the experience — but it’s meant to be shared. If you want an extended photo shoot, book a Capture the Moment session. Those are specifically for guests who want lots of time and variety in their photos, without making the entire line behind them sigh audibly. Bumping and Shoving for “The Best” Ride Vehicle We’ve all seen it — the person who turns into a sprinter the second a ride gate opens so they can snag their “lucky” carousel horse or teacup. Sometimes they even push past other guests, and yes, I’ve been elbowed more than once. Disney is meant to be enjoyed, not turned into a competitive contact sport. That specific horse or teacup is not worth someone else’s bruised shoulder. Besides, every vehicle on these rides is identical in terms of experience — so maybe save the running for an actual 5K. Mad Tea Party Disney World works best when we’re all mindful of the people around us. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a passholder who knows every hidden Mickey by heart, the goal is to make the experience magical for everyone — not just yourself. So next time you’re in the parks, keep the magic alive by skipping these cringey habits. Your fellow guests (and probably some grateful Cast Members) will thank you. Continue to follow us here at DFB for all kinds of Disney tips, tricks, updates, and more! Disney Adults Are Calling Out the “Lies” You Should Stop Believing, And It’s Shocking Share some of the cringey habits you can’t stand in the comments below! The post It’s Time I Said It…I Can’t Stand These 4 Cringey Things Disney Adults Do at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World has released the menu — and the prices — for the 2025 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which begins later this month. There are dozens of new-to-fest edibles listed and one new “global marketplace” with an intergalactic feel. Visitors can check out Gyozas of the Galaxy with three different styles of dumplings on the menu: buffalo-style, French onion soup-style and street corn-style. That kiosk will be near the Creations Shop, Disney notes, therefore also close to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride. Although the festival opens Aug. 28, Gyozas of the Galaxy won’t be available until a month later. That kiosk, along with Coastal Eats, will debut Sept. 28. The dumplings will sell for $6, according to the official Disney World website. In a departure from previous Epcot fests, the menu prices have been posted before the event opens. Other new temptations may include Korean BBQ wings (Brew-Wing Lab kiosk), a seaside pot pie (Coastal Eats) and liquid nitrogen pumpkin cheesecake mousse (Swirled Showcase). Both the Italy and the France kiosk have entirely new menus this year. Look for bacetti “kisses” di pizza, chocolate spuma, boeuf bourguignon and trio d’escargots in those areas. One purpose of an international food fest (and Epcot in general) is exploration, so quicker that you can say schinkennudln, Epcotters can be exposed to zwieblechuen (Sommerfest), osakana karaage (Japan) and schiacciata sandwich (Forest & Field). Unique sounding on the new beverage front: Remy milkshake, a non-alcholic, strawberry-cheesecake milkshake topped with a cookie, mini-cheesecake, white chocolate Eiffel tower and a strawberry. It’s on the Sunshine Seasons menu. The festival again will feature Emile’s Fromage Montage, a cheese-centric stroll; Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt; specialty merchandise, and the Eat to the Beat concert series. Admission is included with regular Epcot admission (theme park reservations may be required). The entire menu is available at the official Disney Parks Blog and the Disney World website (click on Things to Do, then the food and wine festival). The festival runs daily through Nov. 22. 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

One of our FAVORITE times of the year is coming up — and we’re not talking about spooky season (though we do love it just as much). Tostada de Camarones from Mexico 2024 The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will take place from August 28th to November 22nd. This highly anticipated festival will span over 80 days, offering global marketplaces filled with food, concerts, and other family-friendly activities. Disney recently dropped the full list of menus we can expect to enjoy at this event, but now we officially know PRICES as well! Disney just shocked us all by updating the Global Marketplace (A.K.A. food booth) pages online with PRICES for the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival! Typically, we don’t find out prices until the menu boards are installed around the World Showcase, but now it’ll be even easier to budget ahead of time. Feijoada: Black beans with pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice The prices are listed on each individual Global Marketplace page, but we’ve done the hard work of rounding them up all in one place so you don’t have to go huntin’. You can check out the full list of menus and prices for the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival by clicking here! Over at The Alps booth, here’s what you can expect to spend on food: Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese and Alpine Ham with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile’s Fromage Montage item) — $6.00 Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and baguette (Emile’s Fromage Montage item) — $5.50 Kirschwasser Torte with cherry-brandy buttercream, fondant, sugared almonds, and cherry compote (New) — $5.50 SO cheesy At Bramblewood Bites, that delicious Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin will run you $7, along with some other fun foods: Grilled Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin with chili-apple butter, celeriac-apple slaw, and apple cider gastrique — $7.00 Cast Iron-seared River Trout with vanilla-butternut squash purée, brussels sprouts salad, candied pecans, spiced pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and maple dressing (New) — $7.25 Cast Iron-roasted Brussels Sprouts and Root Vegetables with dried cranberries, spiced pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin seed vinaigrette (Plant-based) — $5.00 Grilled Cider-brined Pork Tenderloin Over at the Australia booth, prices are as follows: Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer with sweet-and-sour vegetables and coconut-chili sauce — $7.00 Roasted Lamb Chop with mint pesto and crushed salt and vinegar potato chips — $8.75 Mixed Berry Pavlova with crunchy meringue shell, macerated berries, and whipped cream (New) — $4.75 Full Spread at Australia Of course, there are plenty more booths where these came from — there are over 35 different Global Marketplaces serving festival items, so make sure you check out our FULL menus page to see all the prices. One of our favorite festival eats! We’ll be on the lookout for more Food & Wine Festival updates you need to know about ahead of your visit! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more. Check Out the FULL LIST of Booth Menus and Prices Right HERE! IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What booth are you most looking forward to trying at the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments. The post PRICES REVEALED for the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Booths first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney’s Beak and Barrel lounge is almost open! The Beak and Barrel ©Disney The new pirate-themed lounge in Disney World is set to continue the story from the iconic attraction Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s going to feature Galley Grub, specialty cocktails, and more in Adventureland. If you’re looking to dine with the pirates, you can now make reservations at Disney’s newest dining spot! Disney’s newest lounge, the Beak and Barrel, opens on August 29th, 2025. The Adventureland lounge is one we have been waiting for ever since it was announced at D23 in 2023. If you’re hoping to grab a tavern table, reservations are set to open on August 14th! As of writing, the restaurant page has not been updated with the ability to make a reservation, but we’ll be tracking it throughout the day. Plunderer’s Punch ©Disney Inside the lounge, you’ll meet a legendary pirate rumrunner named Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn. She’s the one who established this “lively pirate pub,” Along with Rummy, her first mate. He will be the tavern’s quartermaster and keep an eye on the lounge from a roost at the top. ©Disney We’ve already scoped out the menu that will include food, specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and more! Bites will include: Island Provisions, $16.00 — Plantain Chips, Blue Corn Tortillas, and Toasted Flatbread served with Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, Spiced Guava, and Zesty Culantro Cream Dips Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken, $14.00 — Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Roasted Corn and Poblano Peppers, $12.00 — Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija Kraken’s Catch, $18.00 — Octopus Tentacles marinated in Lemon and Lime Juice with Olives, Bell Peppers, Avocado, and Piquillo Pepper-Almond Foam ©Disney For signature cocktails, you can try: Siren’s Whisper, $20.00 — Pot & Column Still White Rum Blend, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, Lime, and Cinnamon Port of Call, $19.00 — London Dry Gin, Ruby Port, Lemon Juice, and Spiced Cranberry Lit Fuse, $18.50 — Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane Liqueur, Coconut Water, Lime Juice, and Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters Barrels Ablaze, $19.00 — Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bourbon, Honey, Lemon, and Chile Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale, $19.00 — Don Q Reserva 7 Puerto Rican Rum, Hibiscus, Demerara, and Lime topped with Prosecco Salty Seas mARRRgarita, $20.00 — Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Ube, and Lime Plunderer’s Punch, $46.00 — The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Blackberry, Lime, and Vanilla served in a Souvenir Pirate Skull Mug Port of Call ©Disney The lounge will also be open during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Reservations for the Christmas party will open for resort guests on September 3rd and for non-resort guests on September 8th. ©Disney If you want to check out the new lounge but don’t want the stress, let someone else do all of the booking! Small World Vacations is our long-time trusted travel partner for a reason. They take the stress out of booking and make your vacation extra magical. Plus, it’s free of charge to you! We’re expecting reservations to be a tough grab for the first few months of opening, so hurry if you want to stop inside. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. 2 NEW RULES We Can Expect at Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom Will you go to the new pirate lounge? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Reservations OPENING TODAY for Disney's NEW Pirate Lounge at Magic Kingdom -- Beak and Barrel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re looking for a sweet new way to perk up your day, grab your little ones and head to La La Land Kind Café. Starting Tuesday, August 19, the café is teaming up with Disney’s Mickey & Friends to launch its first-ever Kids’ Menu! You can try it TODAY (August 14) at all 23 La La Land locations across Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and Nashville. The fun doesn’t stop there! On Friday, August 22, the first 300 guests at every location will snag a limited-edition Mickey & Friends reusable coffee cup with any purchase. Yes, free. Yes, adorable. Mickey & Friends have been popping up everywhere lately, from the big game to a cross-country road trip, and now they’re pouring a whole latte love into your favorite coffee shop. La La Land has always been about kindness and community (and those iconic yellow cups), and now, with a little help from our pals Mickey & Friends, even the littlest guests can join the fun. And at the end of the day, this celebration is all about joy, kindness, and sharing a cup with friends, whether they’re sitting next to you or on your coffee sleeve. Introducing La La’s Kids Menu This brand-new offering is mini in size but mighty in delight. Guests can choose from five delicious drinks and three tasty toasts: Mini Drinks Mini Strawberry Milk Mini Strawberry Lemonade Mini Marshmallow Milk Mini Lavender Milk Mini Chocolate Milk Mini Toasts Avocado Toast AB & J Toast Hazelnut Toast Every great café day should include the whole crew, so La La Land is also serving up a Pluto-inspired pup cup for your furry friends, complete with a complimentary pet bandana with purchase of a pup cup (while supplies last). Special Mickey & Friends Touches Guests will discover little surprises at every turn, including: Custom Mickey & Friends beverage sleeves and drink stoppers “Be Kind” tote bags and a Disney Munchlings plush toy (while supplies last) Mickey & Friends-inspired reusable coffee cups for the first 300 guests on Friday, August 22 In addition, six select stores* will have in-store Mickey & Friends product displays, shoppable via on-site QR code, but you can get a sneak preview below: CozyChic® Classic Disney Mickey Mouse Buddie Everyone’s favorite mouse is now the coziest companion to take on every adventure! This cuddly Mickey Mouse is made from the signature CozyChic fabrication in soft, vintage colors. Disney Minnie Mouse Custom Ears Headband Minnie Mouse’s iconic ears get the most fabulous upgrade thanks to BaubleBar’s famous take on customization. Sure to become the pair you will treasure forever. Disney Store Japan Donald Duck Plush Everyone’s favorite quack tempered duck settles down for a quick nap as this special edition Donald Duck plush developed by Disney Store Japan. So very soft and snuggly, with pastel hues, embroidered features and sweet details like a fuzzy tuft peeking from his sailor cap, Donald is every dream come true for the perfect plush. Disney Store Mickey Mouse ”Oh Boy” Pullover Sweatshirt With a retro preppie look, this pullover sweatshirt serves up a sporty style fit for the most exclusive social clubs in town. Embroidered Mickey Mouse crest and text dress-up the front while striped trims decorate the dropped shoulders and sleeves. ”Oh boy!” is repeated on interior neckline tape–and you’ll be saying it too when you see yourself in the mirror! Old Navy x Disney© Gender-Neutral Sling Bag for Kids This sling bag, which is part of the larger Old Navy x Disney collection, is perfect for your little one to bring on the go. With a convertible strap, color block design, and Mickey Mouse decal, it is a fun and practical piece for all of your adventures. Loungefly Pluto 95th Anniversary Cosplay Mystery Mini Backpack Keychain Charm Each of these keychains features Pluto in a different outfit: a birthday ensemble, a sailor’s outfit, a vacation outfit, a raincoat, a winter ensemble, and a pinstriped dapper ensemble. Each is wrapped in mystery packaging, so you don’t know which one you’ll get! Collect them all and accessorize your other Loungefly accessories! Funko Disney Mickey & Friends Mystery Minis Bring the magic and wonder of classic Disney with the Mickey Mouse Disney Classics Mystery Minis. Which one will you find? There’s Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Daisy Duck, Steamboat Willie (black and white), Chip, Dale, Minnie Mouse (in blue/pink), Goofy, Pluto (flocked), and Steamboat Willie (in color). Touchland Special Edition Disney & Touchland Set The Special Edition Disney & Touchland Set includes the award-winning Wild Watermelon scent and Mickey Mouse Mist Case. Whether you’re sipping a latte, treating your little one to a mini milk , or stopping in with your pup, this is one brew-tiful way to fill your cup with kindness. *Select stores with product display: Bell Avenue – Dallas, TX Legacy Drive – Plano, TX M-K-T Heights – Houston, TX South Congress – Austin, TX Montana Ave – Santa Monica, CA 3rd Street – Los Angeles, CA New Disney Wishables, Squishmallows, and More Plush Revealed READ MORE New Fa-BOO-lous Cutie Ghost Collection Arrives at Disney Store READ MORE Which Character Matches Your Back-to-School Style? READ MORE The post Mickey & Friends Team Up with La La Land Kind Café to Launch New Kids’ Menu appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Disney collaborates with a lot of brands, which is why we have amazing jewelry from BaubleBar, fun bags Lug from Loungefly, Disney-themed shoes by Vans and Crocs, and so much more. ©La La Land Kind Cafe Well, there’s a new collaboration we need to tell you about. Disney is collaborating with La La Land Kind Cafe to bring the cafe’s first-ever kids’ menu themed to Mickey & Friends. Yep, Mickey and his buddies are coming to your local La La Land Kind Cafe. If you’re not familiar with La La Land Kind Cafe, here’s a little history. The cafe is part of an initiative to offer support and opportunities for foster children and offers paid internships specifically designed to help kids transition from foster care and into adulthood. The coffee shop has locations throughout Texas and the Los Angeles area, as well as Nashville. ©La La Land Kind Cafe For the first time ever, the cafe is launching its first-ever kids’ menu from August 19th at all of its locations. The kids’ menu will take inspiration from Mickey & Friends and will introduce five mini drinks and three mini food items. The cafe will also offer custom Mickey & Friends-themed beverage sleeves and drink stoppers, “Be Kind” totes, and a Just Play Munchlings toy (while supplies last.) Bring your pup, and they can get an all-new Pluto-inspired pup cup plus a complimentary pet bandana (while supplies last). Pluto! The first 300 adults who show up at any La La Land Kind Cafe on August 22nd will get a Mickey & Friends reusable coffee cup with a purchase. During the four weeks of the event, you’ll be able to grab the following for your kids: Mini Drinks: Mini Strawberry Milk Mini Strawberry Lemonade Mini Marshmallow Milk Mini Lavendar Milk Mini Chocolate Milk Mini Food: AB & J Toast Hazelnut Toast ©La La Land Kind Cafe Six cafes will also have a Mickey & Friends product display that will feature QR codes for instant shopping: Bell Avenue – Dallas, TX Legacy Drive – Plano, TX M-K-T Heights – Houston, TX South Congress – Austin, TX Montana Ave – Santa Monica, CA 3rd Street – Los Angeles, CA ©La La Land Kind Cafe La La Land team members will also be wearing special BaubleBar Minnie earrings to celebrate the promotion. Stay tuned to DFB for more. The T-Shirt Every Disney Grandma Will Be Wearing to Disney World this Fall Have you ever visited a La La Land Kind Cafe? Will you be checking out the new menu? Let us know in the comments! The post La La Land Kind Cafe Is Launching a Mickey-Inspired Menu For Kids first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Your Magic Kingdom day can be the most stressful on your Disney World trip. Magic Kingdom has the most rides, and it can be hard to try to fit them all into a single visit. TRON Lightcycle / Run One way to get in some extra park time can be with Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours. While Extended Evening Hours is only for select Disney World Resorts, every guest staying at any Disney World Resort gets 30 minutes of extra time before the park opens. Once you scan in, where should you start? Certain attractions are open during those 30 minutes at Magic Kingdom, including: “it’s a small world” Astro Orbiter Dumbo the Flying Elephant Mad Tea Party Mickey’s PhilharMagic Peter Pan’s Flight Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain The Barnstormer The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Tomorrowland Speedway Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Well, then why are lots of people heading to TRON Lightcycle / Run if it’s not open during Early Entry? Crowds near TRON You’ll probably see crowds heading up that TRON hill as soon as Early Entry starts at 8:30 AM, even when the ride isn’t open. Guests will start lining up as soon as 9 AM hits, and the parks are open to everyone, they can be the first to ride one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions. TRON Lightcycle / Run opens at 9 AM Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during Early Entry, so if you want to do this for other popular rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll likely be in a corral of people waiting to get into the land. If you can’t wait in a specific line, those extra 30 minutes might be a waste! Lines Instead of waiting in line, don’t forget that you can also ride attractions instead of just waiting in line! You might be able to get a bigger attraction like Space Mountain or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train finished in the morning or a few smaller ones, depending on how you play your cards. Space Mountain in Tomorrowland If you are heading to Early Entry, don’t forget to get there early! You’ll want to be at the gates ready to scan in at 8:30 AM and not strolling up or hopping on transportation. The best way to take advantage of this extra time is to get the full 30 minutes. Magic Kingdom Early Entry Sometimes, if you’re not ready to go, you might end up scanning in closer to 9 AM, and then you don’t get any of your 30 minutes! Ah! Make sure you’re there early if you want to catch a ride or two in the morning. Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re giving you all the best tips and tricks to conquer the theme parks! We’re in the parks every day, trying new methods and techniques so you can have the best vacation ever. Make sure you keep following DFB for more. I’VE TRIED EARLY ENTRY AT ALL FOUR DISNEY WORLD PARKS, AND THESE ARE MY 5 FAVORITE HACKS 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 What ride do you always go for during Early Entry? Tell us in the comments. The post Why Everyone Will Be RUNNING to This Spot in Magic Kingdom at 8:30 AM first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney World is always changing, and in 2025, that is no different. Animal Kingdom Lodge I’ve been writing about Disney World for 2 years, and the one thing that is always constant about Disney is that we will continue to see it change and evolve. If you have a trip planned for 2025 or even into 2026, there are some BIG updates coming for Disney hotels that might impact your trip. Disney’s Pop Century Resort will be undergoing a refurbishment in the lobby through early October 2025. The lobby will remain open during the construction. Guests will still have access to all of the amenities, but you will likely see and hear construction during your stay. As well, guest rooms at Pop Century are undergoing refurbishment through March 2026. Disney’s Pop Century Resort If you are planning a stay at a Skyliner resort, like Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you’ll want to note this closure. Keep in mind that the Skyliner will be closed for regular maintenance from January 25th through January 31st, 2025. Disney buses will run to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT from these resorts. Skyliner Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, construction is happening near The Contempo Café between 2 PM and 5 PM through mid-October. You will likely hear construction during those hours, and you might also see construction walls near the area. Contempo Café One of the pools at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will also be undergoing refurbishment soon. The Cabanas Leisure Pool at Coronado Springs will be closed from August 17th through August 24th, 2025. The pool will be undergoing routine maintenance, and guests may hear and see construction in the area. The Lost City of Cibola pool and the Casitas and Ranchos leisure pools will remain open during the refurbishment. Coronado Springs Lost City of Cibola Pool There are also a couple of refurbishments happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Zebra Trail Terrace at Jambo House will be undergoing refurbishment through mid-September. Additionally, from October 2025 until May 2026, guest rooms at Kidani Village will be undergoing refurbishment. Then, from May 2026 until January 2027, guest rooms at Jambo House will be undergoing refurbishment. Animal Kingdom Lodge Be sure to follow DFB for the latest in Disney World news! I’m Shocked Disney World Hasn’t Banned These Hotel Hacks Yet 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 When a Disney World hotel has construction ongoing, does that deter you from booking there? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. The post ALERT! These Newly Announced Closures May CHANGE Your Disney World Plans first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

DON’T book your next vacation until after you read this! We found a way for you to save big on flights. Southwest! Flights can be expensive, and sometimes can determine how you spend during the rest of your vacation. Southwest Airlines is our favorite airline option when it comes to saving money on flying. Right now, Southwest is having a BIG deal, and you need to check it out! The agents at Small World Vacations know how to save money on your Disney Vacation! When you book your trip with Small World Vacations, their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings. They also 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. The fall season is approaching, and Southwest Airlines is having a “beauti-fall fare sale”, and it’s going to help you save on your next flight! During the sale, you can get one-way tickets for as low as $39. There is a catch, though…you only have a little over 24 hours to do so, before the deal is over! Southwest Airlines If you want to score $39 flights, you need to book by August 14th at 11:59 PM, before the offer is gone! Southwest Planes Check out Southwest’s website for more details on restrictions and black-out dates, because those will be applicable. If you can save some money on your next vacation, it’s worth reading over! Saving money on flights is my favortie thing to save on during vacation. Then I can use the money towards treats, experiences, and more. Southwest Airlines If you aren’t looking to book or you missed an opportunity at this offer, no worries, Southwest Airlines has offered a variety of different sales throughout the year. This wasn’t the first, and it 100% won’t be the last. If you’re thinking about travelling this fall, be quick! Remember, this sale ends on August 14th at 11:59 PM. So, make sure you take advantage of this sale while you can! Airport Now, if there were only one way we could justify flying to Disney World for the fall…oh wait, Halloween begins at Disney World this weekend! That’s right, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights begin on August 15th, and there are already Halloween decorations up at the Magic Kingdom! Hmm…we guess that’s a good enough reason to book! Mickey pumpkin wreaths are here! Make sure to take advantage of the sale before it’s too late! For more travel news and updates, be sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog. Magic Kingdom Just Transformed OVERNIGHT 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 this flight deal? Let us know in the comments! The post HURRY! You Have 24 Hours To Save BIG On Your Next Southwest Flight first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Okay, let’s say you’ve got a day planned to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is on your to-do list. Kylo Ren You can’t visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge without riding its KEY ride, though, Rise of the Resistance. Now this ride is notorious for many different reasons, and it’s also one of the most popular in Disney World. So if you want to have the best experience on Rise of the Resistance EVER, we’ve got some great tips for you to get the most out of this attraction. Ride during Extended Evening Hours One of the best ways to get a ride on Rise of the Resistance with a minimal amount of wait is to ride it during Extended Evening Hours. Extended Evening Hours allow guests of Disney World deluxe hotels extra time in the parks after their official closing time. There are far fewer crowds in the parks at this time and you can virtually walk onto the ride. Rise of the Resistance This is also the case if you’re attending a special event in Hollywood Studios, like Jollywood Nights. The event is limited to a certain number of people, meaning that ride lines are short, even for one of the most popular rides in the park. Buy Lightning Lane Single Pass Want to ride Rise of the Resistance during normal park hours with shorter lines? Well, the only way to really guarantee that is by purchasing Lightning Lane Single Pass, which gives you access to the ride’s shorter Lightning Lane. This is especially true when the parks are crowded, but even on slower days, standby lines for Rise of the Resistance can still be an hour long or more. Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance Yes, it’s an additional cost, but it will save you time, and if time is money, then we guess you’re saving money, too, because you can fit more into your day and get your park ticket’s money’s worth if you’re not standing in a lot of long lines. Sass the First Order Cast Members Now, we would not normally tell you to get sassy with Cast Members, but the Cast Members who work on Rise of the Resistance are an entirely different breed and love it when you get sassy with them. Interact with them when you can (without being obnoxious, of course), and you’re going to have a lot of fun experiencing the ride. The only Cast Members we’ll tell you to get sassy with Rise of the Resistance is probably the only ride in Disney World where Cast Members are allowed to sass you right back, and, y’all, it’s so much fun. Watch the movies before you ride If you haven’t watched any Star Wars movies before you get on Rise of the Resistance, a lot of what’s happening on the ride is going to fly right by you, and you’ll be missing out. So be sure you’re at least somewhat familiar with the movies before you ride it. Rey In particular, you’ll want to be familiar with Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as many of the characters from those movies make an appearance in the ride. The ride takes place after The Last Jedi, after the Battle of Crait. Choosing the standby line? Bring a snack If you can’t bring yourself to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass, or if that option isn’t available, you can always ride via the standby line. Now, this line can be long, so we recommend grabbing a snack somewhere nearby, like a Ronto Wrap, and munch on that while you wait. Ronto Wrap If you have kids in your party, have some games ready on your mobile phone or tablet to keep them occupied while you wait. When the ride is 100% working Okay, so Rise of the Resistance is NOTORIOUS for closing often, probably because it’s one of Disney’s most highly technical rides. But even if you ride, there’s a very good chance that something on the ride might not be working. You might experience some broken effects or be forced to ride when it’s in “B” mode. Kylo Ren in Rise of the Resistance For example, the ride’s cannons are supposed to actually move, and I, personally, did not know they did that until recently, because every time I’ve been on the ride, they haven’t been working properly. So if you get a ride on Rise of the Resistance when everything is working, it’s infinitely better. Stay tuned to DFB for more. “For Me, it Seems Incomplete…”: Rise of the Resistance Needs These Critical CHANGES in Disney World Is Rise of the Resistance a must-ride for you when you visit Disney World? Why or why not? Share with us in the comments! The post 6 Things That'll Make Your Ride on Rise of the Resistance in Disney World 10x Better first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Warm Swiss Cheese Raclette Disney just dropped the FULL LIST of everything you can eat on the cheese crawl at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival this year. Let’s not waste any time, check out everything you can get here! The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is almost here, as it starts on August 28th and goes through to November 22nd. Saying this is a fan-favorite event would be an understatement, as it offers global marketplaces filled with food, concerts, and other family-friendly activities. Germany Festival Booth One of our favorite parts of the Food and Wine Festival is Emile’s Fromage Montage! It gives guests a chance to eat different cheese-themed items around the world at various festival booths. Oh, and you receive a special prize at the end! There is no better cheese crawl out there. Canada pavilion We have been patiently waiting for the full cheese items menu to drop, and our wait is finally over! Check out the full list of all the cheesy items coming to the festival: Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese and Alpine Ham with baby potatoes, cornichons, and a baguette (Located in the Alps Near Germany) Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with baby potatoes, cornichons, and a baguette (Located in the Alps Near Germany) Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham, onions, and cheese (Located in Germany) Basque Cheesecake with orange sauce (New) (Located in Spain) ©Disney Griddled Cheese with pistachios and honey (Located in Greece) Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (Located in Brazil between France and Morocco) Pineapple Cheesecake with passion fruit curd and macadamia nuts (Located in Hawaii near the port of entry) ©Disney Fall Fruit Cheesecake featuring Boursin Fig & Balsamic Cheese with pomegranates and candied pecans (Milled and Mulled — walkway between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion) Pumpkin-Mascarpone Ravioli with brown butter vinaigrette, pecorino cheese, pomegranate seeds, and hazelnut praline (Forest and Field — walkway between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion) ©Disney There you have it! We’re going to have to prioritize which items we go for first, but we will get around to all of them eventually — because how could we not?! If you’re looking for good options for your kiddos, the food guide recommends the Brazilian cheese bread — Pão de Queijo. Pão de Queijo at the 2023 Food and Wine Festival We can’t believe the Food and Wine Festival is almost here! We’re expecting a lot more news to drop, and we’ll be trying EVERYTHING once the festival is here. If you don’t want to miss out on any of it, make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog! NEW Food Booth Revealed for the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival IT'S WINE & DINE TIME! Food & Wine Festival can be a bummer. You stand in line waiting for what looks like the perfect treat, and it's a bust. But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE EPCOT Food & Wine Festival experience. If you're planning a day or a week at the festival, we've got every performance, activity, and tasty nosh detailed out so you can make the most of your time and money. Listen, it's a tough job eating and documenting the nearly 200 bites and sips, but we do it all for YOU! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Learn More About the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival! Food and Wine Festival 101 Eat to the Beat Concert Updates EPCOT Food and Wine Festival - Fans Facebook Page Wine and Dine Half Marathon Details Get More Updates, Tips, and Tricks to Help You Conquer the Food & Wine Festival Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What item are you trying first? Let us know in the comments! (We need help deciding) The post FULL LIST of Eats on the Cheese Crawl at EPCOT’s 2025 Food and Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We can’t believe we’re saying this, but it’s almost Halloween! A sign in front of Magic Kingdom! It’s time to start picking out our best Halloween look, and that includes accessories. Is there a better Halloween accessory than a spooky Loungefly item? Check out these new Halloween Loungeflys Disney just released online! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Get this Mini Sally Loungefly Bag ©Amazon We’re starting off strong with this Nightmare Before Christmas Sally Loungefly Backpack! Inspired by the character Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, this bag is for all you fans! You’ll find details of her patchwork dress all over with embroidered details. You’ll even find stitching along the straps. Does this work for Christmas, too? View on Amazon This Oogie Boogie Crossbuddies Bag ©Amazon If you’re a fan of the Tim Burton classic, we have another item for you to check out. Take a look at this Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie Crossbuddies Loungfly Bag! This bag features Oogie Boogie in Loungefly’s Crossbuddies form—and we’re here for it. This spooky crossbody bag features an applique of Oogie Boogie front and center, with his arms wrapped around a removable and reversible coin pouch. We haven’t even told you the best part yet…it glows in the dark! View on Amazon We love this Angel Loungefly Backpack ©BoxLunch This Lilo & Stitch Angel Loungefly Mini Backpack has to be one of the cutest Loungeflys we’ve ever seen! It looks like Angel is ready for spooky season, because she has her pumpkin in hand. The backpack features the loveable character from Lilo & Stitch. The inside of the bag has a cute Halloween-themed all-over print, and the pumpkin glows in the dark! View online Or, you can grab this Zero Backpack Organizer ©BoxLunch This Nightmare Before Christmas Zero Backpack Organizer is something we need! We can’t think of a better item to bring to the Halloween party than a backpack organizer. Think about how you can separate all the candy you get from trick-or-treating at Magic Kingdom. The bag features an all-over print of Zero and includes four small inner pockets, two small mesh back pockets, and a zippered pouch. You can get it at a great price! View online Don’t forget this Jack-O-Lantern Loungefly Bag ©BoxLunch This Loungefly Disney Donald Duck Devil Jack-o-Lantern Crossbody Bag screams trick-or-treating! This may happen to be the perfect bag for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This BoxLunch exclusive is designed like a jack-o-lantern-inspired candy bucket and features a lenticular detail of Donald on top. The bag has a removable shoulder strap and a special Donald charm. View online There’s also this Zero Loungefly Backpack ©BoxLunch If you’re a fan of Zero, there’s also this The Nightmare Before Christmas Zero All-Over Loungefly Mini Backpack! Like other options we’ve shown, this bag has a glow-in-the-dark feature. The bag features an all-over print of Zero, fitted with a doghouse-shaped zipper charm on the front pocket. It really is an adorable must-have bag for the season! View online Check out this Jack and Sally Loungefly Bag ©BoxLunch We love this BoxLunch exclusive The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack & Sally Heart Mini Backpack! The bag features Jack and Sally amid spooky icons, accented with sequins and embroidered details. We love the spooky details! View online We love this Disney Villains Loungefly Bag ©Loungefly This Disney Villains Stained Glass Loungefly Mini Backpack has such a cool design! This bag pays homage to some of your favorite Disney Villains. You’ll find velvet and shimmer embroidery details on it. On the front pocket, you’ll find portraits of iconic villains such as Maleficent, Scar, Hades, Ursula, and others! View online Take a look at this Jack Skellington Loungefly ©Loungefly The design of this Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Loungefly Bag is so sleek! The faux leather backpack is inspired by Jack Skellington’s suit, complete with white pinstripes and his classic bat bowtie. Turn the bag around to find bats on the straps and an image of Jack’s face embroidered on the back. To bring it all together, this bag glows in the dark! View online Get the matching Jack Skellington Loungefly Handbag Bag ©Loungefly You might as well get the matching Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Loungefly Handbag! Like the backpack, the handbag is inspired by Jack Skellington’s suit, complete with embroidered details of Jack’s pinstripe suit. A metal handle sticks out from the top and has a sculpted-metal bat bowtie attached to it. We know you’re about to ask, and yes, this also glows in the dark! View online And finally, this Donald and Daisy Jack-O’-Lantern Loungefly ©Loungefly We love all the items we’ve shown, but you could argue we save the best for last with this Donald & Daisy Jack-o’-Lantern Exclusive Glow Mini Backpack! This mini backpack features Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as adorable jack-o’-lanterns. Both their faces act as mini front pockets, so you’ll have somewhere to store that candy. The rest of the bag is orange and features vines growing over the front and side pockets. This thing will shine at the Halloween party, as Donald and Daisy’s expressions glow! View online We’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest Disney souvenirs and essentials, so don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more! The post Disney Just Released 11 New Halloween Loungeflys Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

As the summer ends and the new school year begins, Disneyland Resort is bringing the happiness of its 70th Celebration to those who shape the future and truly make dreams come true — teachers. To best prepare and empower local educators for the year ahead, Disneyland Resort cast members made magic happen, coming together to donate and collect over 68,000 school supplies for Anaheim elementary schools. The annual Back-to-School Supply Drive at Disneyland Resort brings cast members across The Happiest Place on Earth together to collect and sort thousands of materials for local students and teachers — including colored pencils, crayons, pencils, notebooks and more. This year marks the most amount of school supplies ever donated to Orange Grove Elementary School as part of this annual campaign. Before the first day of school, Disney VoluntEARS arrived to distribute the supplies but had even more magic in store. During a staff meeting, Disney Ambassador Raul Aquino Rojas and Mickey Mouse surprised over 100 teachers and faculty at Orange Grove Elementary School, thanking them for their dedication and hard work before inviting them to enjoy the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration with complimentary tickets for themselves and a guest. Disneyland Resort is proud to continue supporting Orange Grove Elementary School, a time-honored relationship nearly 20 years old. In addition to the annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, the resort also partners with the school for the HOLA Readers program – a 12-week annual program that encourages young minds to succeed through dedicated story time with Disney VoluntEARS, Disney Career Days and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. “Getting all these supplies and getting the support of Disney for our school community is so exciting,” said Lauren Hastings, a sixth-grade teacher at Orange Grove Elementary School. “We are full of gratitude, and we are so blessed to receive this support from Disney VoluntEARS.” Spreading Happiness Across Anaheim Anaheim residents are invited to join in the fun! To show appreciation for the city Disneyland Resort calls home, for a limited time, Anaheim residents can visit a Disneyland Resort theme park to enjoy the excitement of the 70th Anniversary Celebration with a special 1-day, 1-park ticket for as little as $70 (park reservations are required and subject to availability). Stay tuned for even more exciting surprises to come on the Disney Parks Blog, as Disneyland Resort will be bringing joy to the local residents later this month as part of 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim! The Tale of Friendship for Two Disneyland Cast Members READ MORE Disneyland Resort Honors Purple Heart Recipients READ MORE A Cast Member’s Family Legacy at Disneyland Resort READ MORE The post Disneyland Resort Surprises Anaheim Teachers with Complimentary Tickets and 68,000+ School Supplies appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Something BRAND NEW is coming to EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival this year! ©Disney Disney World has made a few announcements about one of the most anticipated EPCOT festivals of the year so far but this one really surprised us! We’ve already gotten a tease of which bands we can expect to find playing at this year’s Eat to the Beat Concerts, when we can start making dining package reservations, and even a peek at a returning fan-favorite experience. But nothing prepared us for a brand new booth offering coming soon. The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will be held from August 28th to November 22nd. This highly anticipated festival will span 87 days, offering global marketplaces filled with food, concerts, and other family-friendly activities. ©Disney BUT, Disney just announced we’ll be getting a brand new festival food booth offering this year called Gyozas of the Galaxy. This booth will be located near Creations Shop and will be available starting on September 28th (so a bit delayed from the festival’s initial opening). ©Disney Here you’ll find eats like: Buffalo-style Dumplings: Chicken dumplings with buffalo sauce, celery root purée, blue cheese cream, crumbled blue cheese, shaved carrot, and micro celery French Onion Soup-style Dumplings: Pork and beef soup dumplings with caramelized onions, sherry-beef broth, onion and Gruyère soubise, Parmesan cracker, and micro chives Street Corn-style Dumplings: Chicken dumplings with tomatillo salsa verde, street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, and cilantro As well as a few beverages to wash it all down, including: Pineapple Colada: White rum, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and sweetened coconut milk Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris ©Disney WOW — this lineup looks like it will be a great addition to this year’s festival offerings and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on them to sample a few of the items first! We’re counting down the days until the opening day of EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival! Be sure to check back in with us to see everything we eat from each booth to help you plan your next Disney World visit. FIRST LOOK at Menus for Disney World’s OTHER Food & Wine Festival  Are you grabbing anything from this new festival food booth during your visit to EPCOT’s Food & Wine this year? Tell us what you’re trying in the comments below! The post NEW Food Booth Revealed for the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article