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Walt Disney World brought in record revenue for the third financial quarter, company executives announced Wednesday. “There’s been a lot of concerns, of course, because of the new Universal park down in Florida,” Hugh Johnston, Walt Disney Co. chief financial officer, said in an interview on CNBC. “We really blew away the quarter … 8% revenue [increase], 13% operating income. And Walt Disney World had its biggest Q3 ever.” Disney does not break out financial numbers or announce attendance for individual resorts. But the third-quarter results show the company’s domestic parks — which includes Disney World, Disneyland in California and Disney Cruise Line — had $6.4 billion in revenue, a 10% bump year-over-year, for the April-May-June period, and operating income of $1.7 billion, an increase of 22%. “Traffic was solid, up a little bit, and then per-caps [spending] were up very, very solidly,” Johnston said. “I know there’s lots of concern about the consumer in the United States right now. We don’t see it. Our consumer is doing very, very well. ” In late July, Comcast Corp., parent company of Universal Orlando Resort, said its theme park revenue went up 18.9% in the second quarter, which included the opening of Epic Universe theme park in May. “The cruise ships are doing extremely well right now. Bookings look great, and we’re running at very high occupancies,” Disney’s Johnston said in a call with market analysts after earnings were posted. “In terms of thinking about bookings for experiences, for the fourth quarter, right now they’re up about about 6%.” Overall, Walt Disney Co. reported revenue of $23.7 billion in the quarter, up 2%. The results came on the heels of the announcement that Disney-owned ESPN would acquire the NFL Network and also make a five-year agreement for airing live premium WWE events. Both deals would add programming to the standalone ESPN streaming service, set to launch Aug. 21. “It will really be a sports fans dream in terms of everything they’ll be able to do and watch on that channel,” Disney CEO Robert Iger told analysts. “There’ll also be a far greater volume of sports covered on the ESPN app than is covered on their linear channels.” The company also plans to merge its Disney+ and Hulu platforms with an option to bundle ESPN programming, too. “When you have the one app that has a significant amount of all of the Disney and the other Disney-branded programming with the general entertainment programming bundled, for instance, with the ESPN direct-to-consumer app, I think you end up with a proposition — from not only a consumer perspective, but also from from our perspective — that’s far better than what we’ve had before,” Iger said. 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

Lightning struck Cinderella Castle at approximately 6:01 PM on August 5th, sending a loud boom resonating through Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle The noise shocked Disney World guests, and sent a few scattering. People reported seeing the lightning bolt hit the highest spire of the castle and then seemingly “radiate” down to other spires before dissapating. Our reporter said they could feel the impact of the strike and their hair “tingled.” According to WKMG, the area including Disney World averages about 56 lightning strikes per square mile each year. Most of the strikes occur from May to October, between noon and midnight. Lightning strikes in the Disney World area are not unusual — but this one did not occur during a thunderstorm. The National Weather Service says that many people believe a “weather myth” that lightning cannot strike under clear skies. In fact, lightning can travel 10 to 12 miles from the location of a thunderstorm. Tips from the National Weather Service Disney World has a staff that watches the weather — particularly during Florida’s rainy season which brings late afternoon thunderstorms almost daily. Outdoor rides are shut down proactively if lightning is in the area. A few minutes after the lightning strike, it began storming, and outdoor rides including Astro Orbiter, The Barnstormer, Dumbo, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Tomorrowland Speedway were shut down until the lightning threat moves away from the area. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure The storm produced at least one other Disney World lightning strike, which our reporter witnessed at the Ticket and Transportation Center. This lightning strike occurred on the Porte Cochere that wraps around the entrance. So what should you do when it storms and you’re at Magic Kingdom? We recommend finding somewhere indoors to go and wait it out! Many other guests will decide to call it a day, and you’ll likely be treated to lower crowds immediately following the storm. Some other rainy day tips: Magic Kingdom can be the best park to choose for a rainy day because it has many indoor attractions — and those will stay open. You can also take the time during the rain to mobile order a meal, or get on the walk-up waitlist at a nearby restaurant. And if you’re headed to Disney World, always bring rain gear! You just never know when some clouds may gather. We’ve got lots more rainy day in Disney World info here! Keep following DFB for the latest news from Disney World — we’re there every day! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Have you seen a lightning strike in Disney World? Tell us about it below in the comments. The post NEWS: Lightning Strikes Cinderella Castle, Shocking Disney World Guests first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Warning: This might change the way you travel! MCO Airport We all know traveling isn’t the cleanest experience around, from airplanes and airports, to bathrooms everywhere, and staying in beds and rooms that hundreds of people have been in before, but did you know that you’re carrying the germiest thing with you? According to a study with microbiologist Amy-May Pointer and InsureAndGo, your suitcase is one of the grossest parts of traveling. Which kinda makes sense! You might have packed the germiest thing with you! It rolls everywhere on the floor, and the floor has seen A LOT. Bathrooms, airports, planes, restaurants, and sidewalks, your suitcase is seeing a whole world without you. The wheels alone on your suitcase may carry nearly “58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat.” Baggage Pointer says, “The testing confirmed that suitcase wheels are by far the dirtiest part of a traveler’s bag. In fact, every wheel sample tanked among the highest in bacterial and fungal contamination and diversity. The wheels of your suitcase are essentially rolling through a world of germs and carrying a whole exosystem with them, and make constant contact with all kinds of surfaces — pavements, streets, airport bathroom floors, train station platforms, and rarely (if ever) get cleaned.” St. Louis Lambert Airport The study showed that there was even a presence of black mold, which can be linked to musty odours, respiratory irritation, and allergies. Yuck! What can you do to limit the germs? First thing you’ll want to do is clean those wheels! You’ll probably want to clean them once you arrive at the hotel and when you get back home. Baggage claim at MCO! You should also make sure you’re not putting your suitcase on top of things you don’t want to get gross. This includes beds and desks! Try to keep it on the floor or use a luggage rack while making sure you don’t put your clothes where OTHER people might have put their suitcases, too. Airport The base of suitcases and the handles were also ranked high for bacteria, so make sure you give those a once-over to clean off the germs. Really, anything that is exposed to other people when you travel should get a little bath. Make sure you’re cleaning your suitcases and in the meantime, make sure you’re following DFB for more. TSA HAS BANNED 6 POPULAR TRAVEL ITEMS 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 clean your suitcase after you travel? Tell us in the comments The post "Dirtier Than a TOILET" I Was Today Years Old When I Learned This Mortifying Travel Fact first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s been a wild year for Disney World — and not just because of the weather. Liberty Square Riverboat Between long-standing attractions quietly disappearing and entire areas of the parks shutting down, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of BIG changes. And if you’ve been planning your upcoming trip thinking your old favorites will still be there… we’re here to help you adjust expectations. These are the major permanent closures that hit Disney World this year — and yeah, some of them definitely stung. Let’s get into it. Animal Kingdom TriceraTop Spin (Closed permanently January 12th, 2025) This one might not break hearts in the same way as others, but it is a sign of a major shift. TriceraTop Spin has been spinning guests around DinoLand U.S.A. since 2001, but its time officially came to an end in January. The closure came alongside the shutdown of the Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures — basically signaling the real start of the Dinoland exit. Triceratop Spin before it was fully demolished It’s Tough to Be a Bug (Closed permanently March 17th, 2025) Now this one hurts. It’s Tough to Be a Bug had a long run inside the Tree of Life — and while it definitely scared its fair share of little kids over the years, it was also one of the last remnants of opening-day Animal Kingdom. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is permanently closed Its closure makes way for the brand-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, which is expected to debut this winter. The Boneyard (Closing permanently September 2nd, 2025) You still have a little time left to let your kids get one last climb and dig in at The Boneyard. But after Labor Day, this beloved play area is going extinct. Disney has confirmed The Boneyard will close permanently as the next piece of DinoLand shuts down to make room for something way bigger… The Boneyard Say Goodbye to DinoLand, U.S.A. — and Hello to Pueblo Esperanza That’s right — a massive reimagining is coming to this part of Animal Kingdom, and it’s called Pueblo Esperanza, part of the larger Tropical Americas concept Disney announced at D23 and then detailed further in 2024 and 2025. ©Disney || Tropical Americas Land coming to Animal Kingdom The new land will be inspired by the biodiversity and culture of the Tropical Americas — think Northern South America and Central America — and will feature two huge headliner attractions: an Encanto-themed boat ride and a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure through a mysterious Maya temple. Also coming to the land? A giant carousel, a new quick-service restaurant, and a dedicated play area (so yes, something is replacing The Boneyard at least). DinoLand, U.S.A. Construction Construction officially kicked off in January 2025, and Disney is targeting a 2027 opening. But with closures happening in phases, this year marked the real beginning of the transformation. If you’re nostalgic about DinoLand, now’s the time to make peace — because the future is coming fast. Magic Kingdom Liberty Square Riverboat & Tom Sawyer Island (Closed permanently July 7th, 2025) This combo closure hit Liberty Square and Frontierland hard. The Liberty Belle Riverboat made its last voyage this summer, and Tom Sawyer Island — rafts and all — is now shuttered for good. If you grew up exploring the island or taking a mid-day break on that peaceful boat ride, this one’s a little rough. Rivers of America But like with Animal Kingdom, these closures are not just about saying goodbye — they’re making way for something big. Meet Magic Kingdom’s New Frontier: Piston Peak The areas once known as the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are being transformed into Piston Peak, a Cars-themed expansion inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue. Yep — we’re heading to National Park territory, Pixar-style. Piston Peak ©Disney Imagine rugged mountains, roaring geysers, and a full-on off-road rally race attraction where you’ll get behind the wheel of a custom-designed ride vehicle with a personality. There’ll also be a family-friendly ride for younger guests, and the theming will lean hard into National Parks meets the Cars universe — complete with car-ified buildings, waterfalls, and a LOT of trees (we’re not kidding, Imagineers said they lost count). Coming Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions including an off-road race. Construction began the same day the riverboat and island shut down, and Disney hasn’t given a firm opening date yet — but we’ll be tracking every update. Hollywood Studios Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s, and PizzeRizzo (Closed permanently June 8th, 2025) And just like that, the entire Muppets Courtyard is no more. This summer, Disney officially shut down Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and PizzeRizzo to clear the way for a huge new land — Monsters, Inc. Land is officially on the way. Construction Walls up in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Welcome to Monstropolis Get ready to step into the world of Monsters, Inc., because Disney is building an entire Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios. The land will take place after the events of the original movie, and yes — humans are now allowed in the monster world. You’ll be able to walk the streets of Monstropolis, enjoy the food, and take part in an all-new suspended coaster inspired by the door vault scene from the movie. ©Disney This coaster is a first-of-its-kind for Disney — your legs will dangle as you’re lifted by door claws into the ride path. No slow climb up a hill here — this one goes up before it even starts moving forward. We’ve seen the concept art, the Imagineering model, and the early construction footage, and yeah… this ride looks wild. ©Disney The former Muppet*Vision theater is also being reimagined into the Glob Theater, which hints at a Monsters-themed stage show. And in some of the concept art, eagle-eyed fans spotted what looks a lot like Harryhausen’s — the sushi spot from the film. Could we be getting a Monsters, Inc.-themed sushi restaurant in the parks? We’re not calling it confirmed, but the signs are definitely there. ©Disney Construction began right after the June 8th closures, and the new coaster show building is already going up in the Cast Member parking lot behind the area. There’s no official opening date yet, but this is clearly a big priority — and it’s going to reshape a big chunk of the park. ©bioreconstruct on X Don’t worry though — The Muppets aren’t gone for good. They’re moving to Sunset Boulevard in 2026 to take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, where they’ll be headlining a new music festival ride with some “big name” musical guests. What Does It All Mean? If it feels like Disney World’s shifting under our feet — that’s because it is. Closures like TriceraTop Spin and Tom Sawyer Island might seem like small changes, but they’re part of a much larger transformation happening across multiple parks. With Pueblo Esperanza and Piston Peak on the way, Disney is investing big in the future of Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom — and while we’re losing some old favorites in the process, we’re also making room for some pretty ambitious new ideas. ©bioreconstruct on X Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and determine which works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. They also share expert tips and first-hand advice about your magical vacation. Small World Vacations We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB. 7 Permanent Closures Will Dramatically CHANGE Events in Disney World This Year Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip Learn About the Disney Park Pass System The Ultimate Disney World Packing List Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes Insider SECRETS for Your First Trip to Disney World A Complete Look at the Current Disney Discounts and Deals The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments! The post 8(!!!) Permanent Closures That Hit Disney World This Year first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ahoy! There’s an opening date in sight now for the Beak and Barrel, the pirate-themed tavern floating into Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World says the establishment — which will serve food alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages — will open Aug. 29. The company will start taking reservations as of Aug. 14. The pub, located in the theme park’s Adventureland near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, has a backstory as being a place where swashbucklers of all ages gather. The place, as the Disney story goes, is run by Capt. Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn alongside her first mate/talkative parrot partner Rummy. The place is themed out, according to the Disney Parks Blog, including miniature ships in bottles that “come alive and engage in a fearsome battle,” an overhead anchor holding candles, a skull-shaped stern and salvaged parts of a shipwreck. The full menu (and prices) are now posted online at disneyworld.com. Eye-catching edibles include Kraken’s Catch, a cold salad with octopus tentacles ($18), and cook’s corn griddle cakes ($12. Add chipotle chicken and it’s $14). On the liquid side, offerings include Siren’s Whisper (white run, blue curacao, peach liqueur, $20) and Salty Seas mARRRgarita, also $20. There’s Plunderer’s Punch (black spiced rum, blackberry, lime and vanilla) in souvenir pirate skull mug for $46. There are wine and beer selections plus a couple of reserve rum options that go for $45. The two non-alcoholic specialty drinks are Cursed Treasure (coconut milke, cookie crumbs) for $7.75 and Treasure Trove (ube, lemon, cococnut with vanilla cake plank, chocolate cannonball and popcorn) for $13.75. In the fine print: The website indicates Beak and Barrel will be available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Advance reservations are recommended, and space is limited. There will be a maximum of two drinks per guest, and a time limit of 45 minutes per party. The pirate place first was announced at a D23 event in September 2023. It will be the second theme park lounge to open recently at Disney World. GEO-82, an adults-only spot incoporated into the lagoon side of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, debuted in June. 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

We have literally tried hundreds of products to get through rainy days in Disney World! Rainy Day in Magic Kingdom From Disney Parks Ponchos and umbrellas to slip covers for your tennis shoes, we are bound and determined to find the ultimate rainy day gear for Disney World. No matter how many times we try something new, we find ourselves going back to our tried and true poncho every single time! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. A Disney World trip without a little bit of rain is a rare one! Those summer storms are no joke, and if you can beat them, you will have a better vacation than most. Learning how to handle those showers is a key part of becoming a true Disney aficionado, and this poncho will help you get one step closer to that. Frogg Togg Poncho Frogg Toggs Poncho If you’ve been around for a while, you might have heard our team talk about the wonders of the Frogg Togg poncho. While it might seem silly, this poncho literally changed how I experience Disney World during the rainy season. I’m someone who doesn’t like the rain and can feel easily overstimulated when my tennis shoes become soaked. I have paid for the $12 Adult ponchos in Disney World more times than I care to share, and each time, I have felt like it was a waste. Disney World Poncho I would use them once or twice, and then it would tear or it would still be soaking wet, and I wouldn’t want to toss it back in my bag. Every issue I’ve ever had with a poncho, the Frogg Togg corrects! This poncho comes in 6 colors (which can make finding your family and friends a breeze in a crowd) and it’s ultra lightweight. FROGG TOGG Poncho Because it’s ultra lightweight, it doesn’t stick to my body and make me feel like a steamed baked potato when I’m going through the parks. Not only does it protect me from the rain, it’s also flowy enough that it will even help keep my shoes more dry than they normally would be. (Puddles excluded, of course.) Frogg Toggs Poncho It also comes with a carrying case that allows you to fold up your wet poncho and put it back into your bag without messing up anything else once the rain is gone. I have never liked ponchos and have always chosen umbrellas when it comes to fighting the rain, so I won’t feel sticky or overheated, but the Frogg Togg is in my bag every time I go to Disney World now. ©Amazon I have used this poncho more times than I can count, and the material holds up each and every time, making it a great purchase for your Disney trip or any other travel where you might need rain protection. I can’t speak highly enough about this poncho and will continue to only use this on any future Disney trip. Grab your own Frogg Togg If you want more park necessities that changed how we do Disney World, be sure to keep following DFB for more! The post The Poncho You Absolutely NEED for Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Hong Kong Disneyland is currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and we made a trip over to experience the anniversary celebration and explore everything Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has to offer! Welcome to Hong Kong Disneyland! We rode all the rides, ate lots of food, and met some fun Disney characters. However, we were SO surprised by the wait time to meet some of the characters at Hong Kong Disneyland. Two characters at Hong Kong Disneyland had an almost FOUR hour wait! That’s right, it would have taken you 225 minutes to meet these two characters. ShellieMay and LinaBell were VERY popular! While the highest wait time for a ride in the park was just 35 minutes, people were waiting 3 hours and 45 minutes to meet these two Duffy and Friends characters. Almost a 4 hour wait! We were so impressed by the wait time for these characters, especially since the wait time for the rides weren’t bad at all. The newest roller coaster inside the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland was only 35 minutes! It definitely seems that the Duffy and Friends characters are beloved at Hong Kong Disneyland. And we can’t disagree that they are adorable and so much fun to meet! Hey LinaBell! There is so much happening at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for its 20th anniversary celebration! You can catch the new “Friendtastic!” Parade, see Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!, and watch Momentous: Party in the Night Sky. We had a blast celebrating at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort! Duffy and Friends float during the “Friendtastic” Parade While we were in Hong Kong Disneyland, we also ate an $88 sundae and Celebration Cotton Candy made by a robot! Let’s just say, we were living the best foodie life at Hong Kong Disneyland. It was HUGE! Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news! You Won’t BELIEVE Where We Discovered Our Favorite Disney Breakfast Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Would you wait four hours to meet Duffy and Friends? Let us know in the comments! The post The Disney Meet and Greet With INSANE Lines 6x LONGER Than Any Ride! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’ve got a major sweet tooth AND love Disney films (like I do, hi, hello), this announcement could NOT be more perfect for you! Crumbl Cookies Lots of people are familiar with Crumbl Cookies, a popular cookie franchise that’s located all around the United States. They’re known for their MASSIVE cookies, and the menu changes each week. If you’re looking forward to celebrating the release of the new Freakier Friday film this week, you can’t miss this new cookie at Crumbl! Freakier Friday debuts in theaters on August 8th, but you can celebrate early with the new Freakier Friday Key Lime Blackberry Cake at Crumbl! Freakier Friday Key Lime Blackberry Cake This is a vanilla cake stuffed with a key lime cheesecake filling, topped with a blackberry glaze and a velvety key lime mousse. Now, we’ll be honest, our reporter wasn’t super impressed with this, but it could have just been that she’s not the biggest fan of vanilla cake. However, the cake was very moist, almost a cake pop consistency, so much so that it almost sticks together. The inside! Now, our reporter did ask her family to try it as well, and they agreed that this isn’t nearly as sweet as many of the other cookies they’d had before from Crumbl. Unlike most Crumbl cookies, which many people aren’t able to eat in one sitting, we feel this one is easier to demolish at one time, thanks to the fact that it’s smaller and not as sweet. Take a bite! Our favorite part was the blackberry jam on top! The flavor came through clearly, whereas the lime buttercream only had a very light hint of lime that was hard to distinguish. We think it’s really cool to be on the menu to hype up the film, but it’s not necessarily one that we hope to see return time and time again. More Recent Dining Reviews! REVIEW: Buffalo Eggrolls, Maui Chicken, and a HUGE Sundae — This Downtown Disney Restaurant Is Worth a StopIf This NEW and Exclusive Disney World Drink Has Zero Fans, We’re DeadREVIEW: You Don’t Need a Park Ticket To Try This Must-Have Drink in Disney WorldDisney Adults Will LOVE This Secret Menu Drink at Homecomin’REVIEW: We’re Still Dreaming About This Disney World Dessert DAYS After Having It Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest dining reviews and more! McDonald’s and 6 Other Fast Food Chains That Will Deliver to Your Disney World Hotel 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! Would you grab this cookie? What’s your favorite from Crumbl? Tell us in the comments below! The post REVIEW: A NEW 'Freakier Friday' Treat Just Landed at Crumbl Cookies first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

When it comes to dining at Disneyland, you’ve got a TON of options. Want something quick and easy? You’ve got it. Something middle-of-the-road and comforting? Yep, that too. And if you’re looking for something upscale and luxurious, you can find that as well. Super Sundae at Splitsville! We recently stopped by Splitsville at Downtown Disney to see what was cookin’, and now we’re bringing you our FULL review. Is it worth a stop? Find out here! Atmosphere If you’re looking for somewhere to go that gives you the opportunity to have a meal and tons of fun, Splitsville is for you, because you can sit down at a table for your meal, then head to go bowl at the bowling alley! Splitsville With over 20 bowling lanes and 25 big screen TVs to watch while you dine inside or outside, this will remind you of the good ‘ol days for sure. Not to mention that live entertainment at select times brings an even more lively atmosphere. Welcome to Splitsville! But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?! Menu You’ll find lots of American classics on the menu, like Chicken Tenders, Chicken Alfredo, Cheeseburgers, and Nachos, but you’ll also find lots of seafood on the menu! There’s a whole section dedicated to Sushi, and you’ll also find Poke Bowls, Grilled Salmon, and Fish ‘n’ Chips. Menu Pizza is on the menu as well, as well as multiple different types of salads. What we really love about this menu is that there’s genuinely something for everyone. So many options! If you want something sweet to finish off your meal, look no further than the Dessert menu, which includes items like the Super Sundae, Ghirardelli Brownie, Root Beer Float, and an Espresso Martini. Desserts If you’re looking for something fun to sip on, there are loads of Handcrafted Spirits to choose from, as well as Cans and Bottles of beer, multiple Wine options, and more. You’re sure to find something you’ll love. Can’t forget about the drinks! But are these items really worth the cost? Let’s find out! Eats We started out with the Buffalo Eggrolls for $19. These are Hand-rolled and filled with Buffalo Chicken, Cream Cheese, Celery, and Carrots. Served with Avocado Ranch. Buffalo Eggrolls The egg rolls without the buffalo dipping sauce had a pretty mild buffalo spice flavor, so if you want more of a spice, you’ll want to dip it into the sauce. The egg roll shell was crunchy with a sweet flavor, while the inside was packed with a mild buffalo chicken flavor. The celery and carrots were fresh and provided a nice break from the spicier buffalo flavors, and the avocado ranch was creamy and fresh that helped offset the spicier flavors. We were big fans overall, but we only recommend if you’re okay with spice! We were big fans! Next up was the Maui Chicken for $24, which is Hand-breaded, crispy-fried Chicken Breast topped with grilled Pineapple, Teriyaki, Asian Slaw, Cilantro and spicy Mayo on a sweet roll. Maui Chicken This was our favorite of the day! The fried chicken was juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a sweet and crispy skin, and the teriyaki and grilled pineapple added sweet and tropical flavors we loved. The Asian slaw added a nice crunch to the sandwich, but we will say the spicy mayo flavors didn’t stand out too much, as the teriyaki overpowering it. The crinkle cut fries were a surprise hit! They were salty and warm and were fried to a perfect texture — well done, Splitsville! We loved this one! For dessert, we grabbed the Super Sundae for $10. Super Sundae! It’s hard to go wrong with a classic sundae! Both of the ice cream flavors were very sweet and rich, with the chocolate and caramel sauce added eve more richness. The whipped cream brought a lighter, yet sweet, flavor to the dessert, and while we enjoyed it overall, we certainly think it’s too rich for one person and would definitely split it next time! Drinks To drink, we picked up the Big Wave Dave for $16, which is a frozen blend of Bacardi Dragonberry, 151 Rum and Blue Raspberry Lemonade. Big Wave Dave This was a sweet and refreshing drink option, because it’s served as an icee! The main flavor here came from the blue raspberry lemonade which was mostly sweet with a bit of tart lemon. We couldn’t make out the dragonberry flavor, but the rum flavor was definitely present. SO refreshing! If you’re looking for something refreshing and don’t mind a bit of a stronger alcohol flavor, we’d recommend this! Pro top: you can also get it for $10 instead of $16 during happy hour, which is Monday-Friday from 2-5 PM. Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You’re looking for something fun to do in Downtown Disney and want an actual activity You’re with a party that has a lot of different tastes You’re not looking for a fancy meal You should skip this Disney World spot if… You’re not already planning on spending time in Downtown Disney You’re not into bowling You want a more elegant, quiet meal Overall We think this is a super fun, solid spot, but we think it’s only super worth it if you plan to bowl as well! By dining at the restaurant, you get a free ticket to bowl, making it a great deal. However, we don’t think this restaurant is necessarily a must-visit on its own. However, know that if you’re planning on bowling, you’ll have some great dining options to snack on while you have fun. Our ticket for a free bowl! In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disneyland and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! Check out our Disneyland Restaurants Guide! Want to Learn More About Disneyland? Check Out the Links Below! DFB Disneyland Restaurants Guide Disney Genie and How to Use it in Disneyland What You Need to Know About the Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Closures and Construction at Disneyland Learn All About Disneyland Park See What Marvelous Stuff You’ll Find at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Learn About Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Get All the Details About the Disneyland Mobile App Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Order in Disneyland Learn More About Disneyland’s Magic Key Program Full Details About the Holiday Season in Disneyland Full Details About Halloween Time at Disneyland Get Some STRANGE Tips for Disneyland Click HERE to Check Out Lots of Other DFB Posts About Disneyland Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe Have you eaten at this Disneyland restaurant before? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: Buffalo Eggrolls, Maui Chicken, and a HUGE Sundae -- This Downtown Disney Restaurant Is Worth a Stop first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Calling all McDonald’s fans, but ESPECIALLY the adults out there who grew up on Happy Meals as a prominent source of joy. McDonald’s Back in 2022, McDonald’s introduced Happy Meals and Happy Meal toys for adults, and they were a HUGE hit! It was called the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box and was perfect for those who loved the nostalgia behind Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Birdie. Now, there’s ANOTHER new adult Happy Meal on the way, but it’s got a twist! According to AXIOS, Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Birdie are returning yet again for another adult Happy Meal later this month, but it’ll have a McDonaldland twist! It’ll launch on August 12th, and the meal will include your choice of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, and the new Mt. McDonaldland Shake. ©McDonald’s What is the Mt. McDonaldland Shake, you ask? According to the company, it’s inspired by a volcano from McDonald’s fictional world. It’ll have a vibrant blue color with pink whipped cream and feature soft serve and berry flavors. It sounds pretty similar to the Grimace Shake that was part of the Grimace Birthday Meal in 2023, which totally took over social media for a few weeks! Grimace Shake That’s not all! Each Happy Meal will include one of six collectible tins, each themed to a different character of the McDonaldland crew. According to McDonald’s, the tins are also “packed with character-inspired postcards, stickers, and other nostalgic goodies.” Be sure to keep your eyes peeled, because there’s also a McDonald’s collection collaboration with Pacsun releasing on August 12th, and another with Away starting on August 18th. More Recent McDonald's News! McDonald’s Is Serving Up the Nostalgia with NEW Happy Meal ToysMcDonald’s Just Revealed 12 New Happy Meal Toys!It’s Not Just Starbucks! 18 Restaurants You Didn’t Know Serve Pup Cups“Will They Be Including a Free Pepcid in Every Bag?” — Our First Reactions to McDonald’s NEWEST Menu ItemA NEW Menu Item Just Arrived at McDonald’s Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest McDonald’s news and beyond! This Announcement Just Made Eating at McDonald’s 10X BETTER Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you planning to grab this new nostalgic meal? Tell us in the comments! The post McDonald's Is Serving Up the Nostalgia with NEW Happy Meal Toys first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Get ready to catch a wave because Lilo & Stitch is heading to Disney+. ©Disney I watched this in theaters when it first came out, but I am so excited to finally be able to watch the adorable story of Lilo and her best pal, Stitch, from the comfort of my couch. I love being an AMC A-List Member, but I never underestimate the joy of playing on my phone while watching a movie. Lilo & Stitch comes to Disney+ on September 3rd! Captain Gantu This live-action movie takes the original story of Lilo & Stitch from the cartoon and transforms it into a modern film for a new audience. “When a lonely girl named Lilo adopts Stitch, an alien ‘puppy,’ Stitch helps to mend Lilo’s broken family — but not without wreaking hilarious havoc on the Hawaiian Islands.” Hey, Stitch! In the box office, Lilo & Stitch made over $1 billion and is the first Motion Picture Association (MPA) title of 2025 to reach this milestone. It also hit a record-breaking $183 million at the box office on its Memorial Day weekend debut. ©Fandango This movie created a lot of controversy for fans everywhere as they questioned the need for a live-action version of the cartoon. Beyond that, they also worried about character and plot changes and how these changes affect the original storyline. ©Disney If you were on the fence about the movie and weren’t sure if you wanted to catch it in theaters due to online reviews, you can now watch it on Disney+, included with your membership. We keep track of everything new coming to Disney+ each month, so make sure you continue to follow Disney Food Blog for more! ATTENTION DISNEY+ SUBSCRIBERS! NEW PERKS JUST DROPPED! 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 watch Lilo & Stitch on Disney+? Tell us in the comments. The post We OFFICIALLY Know When ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is Coming to Disney+ first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Southwest Airlines just debuted its Fall sale on flights, and we think you’re gonna love it! ©Southwest Airlines Just like you, I too put a lot of research into the best ways to travel, especially when it comes to long-distance trips. If you’re considering flying for your next vacation, Southwest Airlines has just released its new Fall promo that could save you BIG on your next flights IF you act fast! If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy fall getaway—or just need an excuse to book that trip to see your favorite people—Southwest Airlines just gave you one. Their new sale on fares has just dropped, and it could be just what you’ve been waiting for to get discounted fares for your next travels. ©Southwest Airlines Whether you’re chasing crunchy leaves, sunshine, or just a break from the usual routine, this promo is one you don’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know to take off on a budget. ©Southwest Right now, when you book your next Southwest Airlines flights, use promo code LUVFALL to you’ll unlock discounted base fares of up to 40% off on select routes. This limited-time sale ends on August 7th, so don’t wait too long to snag your seat. There are also a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before booking these discounted rates: The discount applies to base fare only (taxes and fees still apply), you’ll need to book at least 21 days in advance, and these rates are valid for travel on select dates this fall and early winter. This deal only applies to new airline bookings, though, and is subject to blockout dates, so be sure to read through the deal’s terms and conditions carefully prior to booking. ©Southwest There are actually lots of places you can fly with these discounted rates, like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and even some international hot spots. Aulani When I was researching this deal, midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) were often the best deals, so if your schedule is flexible, your wallet will thank you later for it! Southwest Airlines Whether you’re heading home for a visit, sneaking in a last-minute getaway before the holiday chaos, or finally checking off that bucket list city, now’s the time to book. If you’re not already using a Travel Agent to help you book your travels, consider reaching out to our friends at Small World Vacations! They’ve got decades worth of expert planning tips and tricks, and best of all, their planning services are FREE when you book your vacations with them. We’ll continue to watch for even more offers that could save you money on your next Disney World vacation. Be sure to check back in with us for the latest! NEWS: A Disney World Fast Food Spot Is Now Accepting Reservations  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 How do you watch for the best deals before your next Disney World vacation? Tell us in the comments below! The post HURRY! You Only Have 48 Hours To Save 40% Off Your Next Southwest Flight first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The return of an old favorite has led to a new rope drop rule at EPCOT. EPCOT In July of 2025, EPCOT’s Test Track reopened after a refurbishment that lasted over a year. The new version of the attraction, dubbed Test Track 3.0 by fans – a nod to the original late 1990s original and the 2010s refurbished version of the attraction that preceded it – the “new” Test Track has six new “scenes” celebrating vehicles and their makers. The new iteration of Test Track has met with rave reviews from many Disney fans thanks to its retro-EPCOT elements, including references to both Horizons and the ride that preceded Test Track in the Transportation Pavilion, World of Motion. That positive reaction has in turn, led to a jump in popularity for the new version of the attraction. Test Track opening day morning crowds Wait times for Test Track have been some of the highest in the park since the ride reopened, usually averaging over an hour. Meaning that, if you want to ride the ride using the standby line option, you may want to head to its World Discovery location immediately at rope drop. Test Track Meanwhile, if you’re not planning on ride Test Track, that may give you an advantage in rope-dropping other popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, as the number of guests heading straight to those popular attractions has thinned out slightly. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Beyond its standby line, Test Track also reopened as a Tier 1 Lightning Lane, the highest level of Multi Pass, which allows purchasers to pre-select one attraction. Given the popularity of the new Test Track, this may make it easier for guests to score earlier Lightning Lanes for other Tier 1 attractions Frozen: Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Ratatouille Remy’s Adventure The newly reopened Test Track is quite popular so far, and is changing the way rope drop works at EPCOT. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the resort’s evolution. 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 ridden test Track 3.0 yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below. The post UPDATE: Here's the New Rule for Rope Dropping in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

There is a new Pirates-themed lounge coming to Magic Kingdom! ©Disney It’s called The Beak and Barrel, and it officially opens on August 29th, 2025! We are itching to check out the new drinks, menu, and more coming to the new lounge. As we eagerly await its opening, Disney has just given us a sneak peek at the brand-new merchandise for the new dining spot. Disney just gave us a “sneak beak” at the new merchandise coming to The Beak and Barrel! The new lounge, which will be located in Adventureland, will feature two new items that fans can snag once the dining spot has officially opened. ©Disney The first is this brand new Beak and Barrel t-shirt that features Rummy, the first mate at the tavern, who is the quartermaster that keeps an eye on the lounge from a roost at the top. ©Disney Disney also teased a brand new shoulder pal inspired by Rummy for us to have our own first mate long after we’ve left the tavern. Do you think we should bring our own eye patch, too? ©Disney Both of these items will be available next door at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar. We can’t wait to try the new food and drinks this month when we stop by the new lounge! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. The Beak and Barrel — Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you dine at this new spot? Tell us in the comments! The post FIRST LOOK at Merchandise Coming to Magic Kingdom's NEW Pirates Lounge first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big food news has been announced for Magic Kingdom! ©Disney While this park isn’t necessarily known for having fantastic food choices overall (that’s more EPCOT or Animal Kingdom), we have been extremely excited about the new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge that was announced to be coming to Adventureland in 2025! We still haven’t heard a ton about it, if we’re being honest, however, we just got a look at the MENU and we’re looking forward to experiencing it even MORE now! Back in August 2024, we got an opening timeline for this new lounge, and we’ve been waiting on more news ever since. And now we have it — Disney has just announced the opening date (August 29th, 2025!) and menu we’ll be able to find at this new location! An all-new lounge themed to Pirates of the Caribbean will open at Magic Kingdom in 2025. ©Disney First off, Disney’s teased beverages that can be enjoyed by all ages! The Treasure Trove is a drink is an imaginative non-alcoholic beverage cloaked in mystery. As you sip on this mix of ube, lemon, and coconut, you can also snack on some sweet treats, like a vanilla cake plank, chocolate cannonball, and golden caramel popcorn. ©Disney The other is  The Cursed Treasure.  This drink features a delicious combination of coconut milk and cookie crumbs topped with vanilla foam and a pirate’s gold cookie. It’s that iconic cookies and cream flavor, in drink form. ©Disney Disney’s also teased some of the other eats and drinks that will await us, like the Kraken’s Catch! This cold salad is topped with octopus tentacles – yes, you heard that right – marinated in lemon and lime juice and paired with olives, bell peppers, avocado, and Piquillo pepper-almond foam. ©Disney You can wash it down with the Salty Seas mARRRgarita! This alcoholic drink features Southeast Asian flavors, such as ube, which gives it the striking purple color, as well as Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime. ©Disney Or, pick your poison for the Siren’s Whisper instead. This one will lure you in with its captivating blue color and promises of eternal youth. It combines Pot & Column Still White Rum with citrus and spice. This sip was inspired by the Fountain of Youth, also known as the Aqua de Vida from the films. For the final drop of allure, the drink is topped with a special siren tear. ©Disney Another fine eat you’ll have the chance to enjoy is Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes. This warm corn cake is stuffed with melted cheese, lime sour cream, and chili peppers, topped with cotija cheese. There are two paths you can take on your foodie adventure – one with roasted corn and poblano peppers or one with chipotle-braised chicken. ©Disney Take swashbuckling to a whole other level with either the Barrels Ablaze (made of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bourbon, a hint of honey, and a dash of spice)… ©Disney …or the Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale (made of a rum-based drink topped with prosecco.) ©Disney That’s not all, me hearties, no! There be the Island Provisions to sink your teeth into! This dish takes flair and flavors from the Caribbean and Central America regions. Grab your crew for this shareable bite with plantain chips, blue corn tortillas, and toasted flatbread served with various savory dips. ©Disney Tip your hat to the Port of Call! This is the perfect drink for a gin-loving pirate! This delightful sip brings the flavor. With London Dry Gin, Ruby Port, lemon juice, and spiced cranberry, you’ll be wanting to live the pirate’s life. ©Disney Watch out for the Lit Fuse! It’s quite the tasty concoction with Los Siete Misterios Doba -Yej Meszal, and flavors of banana, coconut, and smoked chili bitters. This beverage will light up your taste buds with a blast of flavor. ©Disney Ah, feast your eyes on the Plunderer’s Punch! It has Kraken Black Spiced Rum, blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. For some added treasure to take home with you, this sip comes in a souvenir pirate skull mug.But beware, this special loot is limited to one per guest. ©Disney Of course, there are also a few other beverages served up here! The Beak and Barrel will also be home to exclusive draft beer, including Victory Brewing Co. Pirate’s Paradise Blonde Ale and Wicked Weed Brewing Berried Treasure Session Sour, as well as bottled and canned lager and IPAs, such as Modelo Especial Lager, Red Stripe Lager, and Bell’s Two Hearted IPA. ©Disney The wine connoisseurs will have plenty of options, “shiver their timbers,” with wine by the glass options from various places across the seven seas available, including the Spice Route ‘Chakalaka’ Red Blend, Quinta de Santiago Vinho Verde, and the Viarae Prosecco. ©Disney We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news we hear about this new lounge as we move closer to its opening, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news! 3 New Disney World CHANGES You Need to Know Before Stepping Foot in the Parks Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you looking forward to this new lounge? Tell us in the comments! The post FULL MENU Announced for the NEW Pirates Lounge at Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Ahoy there, mateys! Exciting news is coming your way from Disney World! It’s finally here!!! Disney just announced the opening date for the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge coming to Magic Kingdom. If it’s a “Pirates life” for you, then this new lounge is the one for you. The brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge is a first-of-its-kind experience that “will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.” An all-new lounge themed to Pirates of the Caribbean will open at Magic Kingdom in 2025. ©Disney Pirates of all ages can gather to “tell their tales,” while enjoying some “grogs and grub.” At the 2024 D23 Expo, we learned that this lounge will be opening in 2025, but when in 2025? Well, wonder no more, because Disney just announced the official opening date of this new lounge. ©Disney You will be able to grab a seat at this “rambunctious watering hole” beginning August 29th, 2025. That’s right, we are only 24 away from the grand opening of Beak and Barrel. We can’t wait to step inside and check out all the food and drink offerings! ©Disney Reservations will open on August 14th, so make sure you set an alarm if you want to go to this tavern soon. ©Disney They also dropped a few menu items that we’re already obsessing over! From The Treasure Trove, Kraken’s Catch, and a Salty Seas mARRRgarita, we don’t know where to start. ©Disney There’s also merchandise! We’re in for a real treat (or treasure!). ©Disney It is only a matter of time until we are enjoying the new lounge and singing “yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!” at the top of our lungs. This new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge isn’t the only new thing coming to Disney, though. In fact, there is A LOT coming and it can be hard to keep it all straight. So, make sure to check out our video that covers EVERY new Disney ride and when it’s opening: Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news and continued updates as we get closer to the opening of this new lounge! Take a DEEP DIVE into the concept art for this new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge! 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 making a stop at this new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge? Let us know in the comments! The post OPENING DATE Revealed for the NEW Pirates Lounge at Magic Kingdom -- Beak and Barrel first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

This hidden gem of World Showcase has plenty to offer. Morocco Pavilion The Morocco Pavilion is one of EPCOT’s most unique World Showcase countries. Originally opened in 1984, the country was the first (and to date, only one of two) nations added to the park following its 1982 opening. Morocco was also unique in that, at the time of its opening, it was the only World Showcase Pavilion that was sponsored by the government of the country represented, as opposed to a corporation native to the country. As part of this unique arrangement, Morocco’s ruler at the time, King Hassan II, sent Moroccan artisans to design and create the many mosaics and architectural flourishes that make up the pavilion, giving the land an authenticity rarely seen in a theme park. Disney took over control of the pavilion from the Moroccan government in 2020. Despite this inherent authenticity in design, which includes a recreation of a Chellah, similar to those at the necropolis in Rabat, a replica of the Koutoubia minaret in Marrakesh, and a replica of the Bab Boujeloud gateway to the Fez Medina. Morocco Despite all of these authentic details, the Morocco Pavilion is generally one of the emptier ones at EPCOT, mainly due to the lack of an attraction to show to draw in guests. However, this emptiness is actually beneficial for those in the know. We love it back here! See, Morocco offers several air-conditioned and shaded areas that are perfect for a quick respite to escape from the park’s crowds and/or the Orlando heat for a spell. Plus, the aforementioned decorative and theming elements make the pavilion a beautiful place to sit and relax. I’ve often made a stop in the pavilion for a break a part of my many trips to EPCOT. Race Against the Sun Beyond just a spot to relax in the relative cold, Morocco also provides something else unique to EPCOT: A World Showcase restaurant that’s (comparatively) easy to score last-minute dining reservations. Spice Road Table Located on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon, Spice Road Table offers guests the opportunity to enjoy “Mediterranean small plates—like spicy shrimp, fried calamari, naan spreads and the Spice Road Table sampler—while absorbing the décor inspired by outdoor cafés from the Moroccan seaside.” Covered patio If you find yourself in need of a break – or a same-day dining reservation – at EPCOT, make your way over to the Morocco Pavilion ASAP. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips. The New Procedures You Have to Follow in EPCOT 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 EPCOT’s Morocco? Let us know in the comments below. The post The Unspoken Disney World Rule You Should Follow at the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Arrrr you ready for some news my fellow foodies and pirates alike? I shore hope so because the moment you’ve been waiting for is here. The Beak and Barrel will be ready to welcome you starting August 29, 2025, and I’ve got your first look at the menu!  This lively pirate pub is filled with flavor and fun. From seasoned swashbucklers to budding buccaneers of all ages, you’ll want to check out this new location on your next trip to Magic Kingdom.   All around, you’ll be immersed in an adventure across the Seven Seas with nods to both the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and beloved films. As you join the pirate fun, you’ll enjoy thirst-quenching tropical beverages, delicious small bites, sing-alongs, storytelling, and enchanting surprises. Learn more about the backstory of the lounge in this blog with details on the space.    Reservations open on August 14, so be sure to secure your spot or else you’ll have to walk the plank (just kidding).   I think it’s time we crack open this treasure chest and sea what’s on the horizon at The Beak and Barrel!  Beak and Barrel Food and Drink Menu Pirates of all ages will be able to enjoy two tasty drink selections.  The Treasure Trove The first is the Treasure Trove, an imaginative non-alcoholic beverage cloaked in mystery. As you sip on this mix of ube, lemon, and coconut, you can also snack on some sweet treats, like a vanilla cake plank, chocolate cannonball, and golden caramel popcorn.   The Cursed Treasure The other non-alcoholic sip is the Cursed Treasure. This features a delicious combination of coconut milk and cookie crumbs topped with vanilla foam and pirate’s gold cookie. It’s that iconic cookies and cream flavor, in drink form.   Kraken’s Catch Blimey! The adventurous foodies out there will have their eye on the Kraken’s Catch. This cold salad is quite unique with octopus tentacles – yes, you heard that right – marinated in lemon and lime juice and paired with olives, bell peppers, avocado, and Piquillo pepper-almond foam.  Salty Seas mARRRgarita For adult pirates, there’s quite the selection of refreshing, colorful cocktails to enjoy, like the Salty Seas mARRRgarita. This drink features Southeast Asian flavors, such as ube which gives it the striking purple color, as well as Lalo Blanco Tequilla, Cointreau Liqueur, and lime.  Siren’s Whisper I think I may hear a siren song drawing us to the next drink … The Siren’s Whisper will lure you in with its captivating blue color and promises of eternal youth. It combines Pot & Column Still White Rum with citrus and spice. This sip was inspired by the Fountain of Youth, also known as the Aqua de Vida from the films. For the final drop of allure, the drink is topped with a special siren tear. Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes The treasure map has led to the Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes. This warm corn cake is stuffed with melted cheese, lime sour cream, and chili peppers topped with cotija cheese. There are two paths you can take on your foodie adventure – one with roasted corn and poblano peppers or one with chipotle-braised chicken.  Barrels Ablaze Next up, we’ve got the Barrels Ablaze. If you’ve got a taste for bourbon, you’ll find treasures with this one. It features Jack Daniel’s Bonded Bourbon, a hint of honey, and a dash of spice. Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale Yo ho, yo ho, it’s the Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale for me. As you sip, you’ll enjoy the lightly sweet and refreshing taste of this rum-based drink topped with prosecco. The bubbly effervescence combined with hibiscus, demerara and citrus will make you feel like you’re charting the Atlantic. Island Provisions Once they taste it, pirates will soon be telling tales of Island Provisions. This dish takes flair and flavors from the Caribbean and Central America regions. Grab your crew for this shareable bite with plantain chips, blue corn tortillas, and toasted flatbread served with various savory dips.   Port of Call For those gin-loving pirates out there, Port of Call is the drink for you. This delightful sip brings the flavor. With London Dry Gin, Ruby Port, lemon juice, and spiced cranberry, you’ll be wanting to live the pirate’s life. Lit Fuse You don’t need to search uncharted waters to find this next beverage. The Lit Fuse is quite the tasty concoction. With Los Siete Misterios Doba -Yej Meszal, and flavors of banana, coconut, and smoked chili bitters, this beverage will light up your taste buds. Plunderer’s Punch Where’s the rum gone? Into the Plunderer’s Punch! It has Kraken Black Spiced Rum, blackberry, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. For some added treasure to take home with you, this sip comes in a souvenir pirate skull mug. This special loot is limited to one per guest. Wines and Exclusive Draft Beers Finally, for the beer buccaneers out there, you’ll be impressed with this lineup, savvy? The Beak and Barrel will be home to exclusive draft beer, including Victory Brewing Co. Pirate’s Paradise Blonde Ale and Wicked Weed Brewing Berried Treasure Session Sour, as well as bottled and canned lager and IPAs, such as Modelo Especial Lager, Red Stripe Lager, and Bell’s Two Hearted IPA.   The wine connoisseurs will also be saying, “shiver me timbers,” with wine by the glass options from various places across the seven seas available. These include the Spice Route ‘Chakalaka’ Red Blend, Quinta de Santiago Vinho Verde, and the Viarae Prosecco.  The Beak and Barrel Merchandise Sneak ‘Beak’ For some fun you can take home with you, there’s even some special keepsakes available for purchase. To be dressed in your pirate best, there will be a new T-shirt inspired by The Beak and Barrel and a Parrot Shoulder Plush. You can check out the store next door, Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, to find these treasures! With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks. To stay in-the-know on all the yummy items on the way, check out our Disney Eats topics page and follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook. (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) New Details from the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern READ MORE Disney Eats: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Foodie Guide READ MORE Disney Eats: Where to Get DOLE Whip at Walt Disney World READ MORE The post First Look at The Beak and Barrel, Opening August 29 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

If you haven’t already ordered it, you need to get a copy of Disney Adults: Exploring (and Falling in Love with) a Magical Subculture, written by our very own AJ Wolfe. AJ’s book! Wouldn’t it be nice to read over the book with a nice drink? Some incredible Disney World restaurants are helping us celebrate with the Disney Adults Treat Crawl (and yes, it’s as magical as it sounds). You can grab one of these exclusive drinks now until August 31st to get into the Disney Adult mood. Come with us to try a special drink at La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT! Are you a proud Disney Adult? Or someone just fascinated by the culture? Disney Adults has officially been released, and you need to pick up a copy ASAP! It’s about “a fascinating and enlightening deep dive into the infamous Disney Adult community from the woman behind the popular website The Disney Food Blog.” That’s our AJ! These special drinks are only here until August 31st, so you’ll want to make sure you head to Disney soon to experience them. The drinks were created exclusively for the book in partnership with Disney World restaurants, and we couldn’t be more honored to see Disney Adults across Disney. To keep it special, make sure you ask your server or bartender about it! ‘Disney Adults’ by AJ Wolfe You can grab a map of the full Disney Adults Treat Crawl here by signing up for the Disney Food Blog newsletter. GRAB A SIGNED COPY HERE Tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT, you can enjoy The Blue Book at La Cava del Tequila! The Blue Book It’s made with Pantalones blanco tequila, Calenda mezcal, botanical aperitif, lime juice, a hint of blue curaçao, and topped with cold foam. Come on in YUM! This drink is not overly sweet, unlike what you might expect from a blue drink. Our favorite part is that it is so smooth, and we got notes of the botanicals from the aperitif and the smoke from the mezcal right on the nose. The perfect drink The cold foam on top is sweet like whipped cream, and they put a book image on the foam. Isn’t that incredible? We’ve only had coffees with images and never a cocktail, so it’s such a unique experience and a perfect secret drink. A book!!! Keep an eye out for more Disney Adult Treat Crawl reviews! We’re celebrating all month long (okay, and probably forever), so make sure you grab a copy of the book to party with us. GRAB DISNEY ADULTS HERE In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for all the best Disney news. 8 NEW “DISNEY ADULTS” TREATS JUST ANNOUNCED FOR DISNEY WORLD (EXCLUSIVE!) 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 grabbed your copy of the book yet? Let us know in the comments! The post SHHHH! There's a NEW Secret Menu Drink in EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Each week, we scour Amazon to find the latest Disney merchandise and steepest Disney deals the massive e-tailer has to offer. Owala Water Bottle This week, we’re focused on Owalas! If you’re in the market for one of these trendy water bottles, Amazon is currently offering various models and sizes, and the 9 options below are all on SALE for up to 28% off! Owala rarely offers sales, especially on Amazon, so this is a BIG deal! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Owala Kids Tumbler ©Amazon This 12 oz insulated stainless-steel tumbler features a spill-resistant lid for “less mess and stress” that’s “perfect for home, sipping in the booster seat, and chillin in the stroller cup holder.” SEE THE PRICE HERE Star Wars Owala ©Amazon This 24 oz Owala, decked out in Yoda’s color scheme, features “double-wall insulation (which) keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours; wide opening for cleaning and adding ice; cup holder-friendly base.” SEE THE PRICE HERE Alpine Mint Owala ©Amazon If you’re not feeling a color scheme from a Galaxy, Far Far Away, how about the same “double-wall insulated” construction in a crisp color scheme? SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Kids Tumbler ©Amazon This 16 oz “perfect for kids” insulated stainless-steel water bottle features a “FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock will be leakproof for all of your kids’ adventures.” SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Coffee Tumbler ©Amazon This 20 oz coffee features a SmoothSip Slider spout that “offers an ultra-comfortable sip every time”, a slide-top spout designed to prevent splashes or spills, and double-wall insulation that keeps drinks hot for 6 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Blue Citrus Kids Tumbler ©Amazon This offering is similar to the other 16 oz kids bottle, but in a fetching blue and orange color scheme. SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Mint Chocolate Kids Tumbler ©Amazon Another 16 oz kids tumbler, this bottle features all of the same perks, but in a mint chocolate color scheme. SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Clear Tritan Water Bottle ©Amazon This 25 oz see-through bottle features a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock, a built-in straw for sipping and a large spout opening for swigging, a protective push-button open lid that keeps the spout clean, and a convenient carry loop doubles as a lock. SEE THE PRICE HERE Owala Twist ©Amazon This 18 oz, double-walled, insulated stainless-steel water bottle holds hot, cold, and carbonated drinks, and features a FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening, and a protective leak-proof twist-top; a convenient carry loop for easy transport. SEE THE PRICE HERE If these Owalas appeal to you, get over to Amazon now, and stay tuned to DFB each week for our roundup son the best deals! The post 9 Owala Water Bottles Are On Sale For Up to 28% Off On Amazon Today first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

A brand new Halloween collection is taking Disney World by storm! She glows PINK Halloween merchandise has just debuted in Disney World’s parks, and people are going WILD over it. We’ve spotted several merch items in the past that have been snagged right up before our eyes in anticipation of the spooky season’s arrival, but none with viral potential this year quite like this adorable pastel Halloween collection. I’m not kidding when I say I could spend HOURS combing through the various Halloween merchandise that Disney World just released in its parks and online. The seas of orange, black, purple, and green make my heart flutter with excitement as a reminder that spooky season at Disney World is just around the corner. However, I never expected to add pastel pink to the Halloween colors I would be craving, and yet, here we are! Halloween in Magic Kingdom In one of the newest merchandise collections to drop at Disney World, we witnessed what’s arguably the most viral of the collections fly off the shelves right in front of our faces. Disney just dropped a pastel pink Minnie ghost collection, and it appears to have everyone scrambling to collect their favorite pieces of the entire line. A new collection! However, there’s always one piece of Disney merch that tends to stand out from the rest (remember those viral light-up Mickey Pumpkins that World of Disney just couldn’t keep in stock?), and we think we’ve found this year’s favorite! Say hello to the light-up Minnie Ghost! Minnie Ghost This blow mold of Minnie as a ghost gives off more of a “not-so-scary” vibe and will make you swoon at the mere sight of it. Minnie’s signature bow can be seen prominently displayed over the ghost’s white sheet, but the best feature of this decoration is how it lights up — or rather, what color! It’s PINK! She glows PINK When we checked out Disney Springs just after the merchandise was set out for the morning, we saw folks shoveling these Minnie ghosts into their shopping bags and carrying multiple out in outstretched arms to the registers. If you’re thinking about snagging one (or more) for yourself, be ready to drop a pretty penny because these beauties will cost you a whopping $59.99 each. It also wouldn’t surprise us if Disney World imposes a purchase limit per person, especially after seeing people clamoring for these babies. More of the same collection If you’re looking to pick them up, you’ll want to be quick about it because something tells us these might not last through the season if they keep disappearing as fast as we witnessed yesterday! We’re counting down the days until Halloween takes over Disney World and celebrating every merch released, food debut, and more in the meantime! Be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB so you don’t miss a thing. 7 Disney Souvenirs We’re Adding to Our Amazon Carts Right Now  IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR! Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide! From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks! Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Halloween at Walt Disney World Get ALL the Info on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Check Out the Disney x Halloween Items You Can Get at Target Right Now Photos AND Reviews: ALL the Fall and Halloween Treats in Disney World! Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Which of Disney World’s Halloween offerings are you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments below! The post GOOD LUCK Trying To Get Your Hands on This VIRAL Disney World Souvenir first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the busiest theme park in the world, offering a library of technologically advanced mega-attractions and timeless classics that have become traditions for millions. Aladdin and Jasmine on the Magic Carpets However, over my years of visiting the Magic Kingdom, I’ve realized there are some rides in the park that have definitely outstayed their welcome, especially in their current state. Now, I’ll state that I’m sure there are those who love these rides, and in a vacuum, they do have some redeeming qualities, but not enough to tip the scales. Magic Carpets of Aladdin The Magic Carpets of Aladdin have been open since 2001, and the attraction has been relatively superfluous since that moment. Watch Out! Sure, the ride vehicles and the theming are cute — Who doesn’t love a spitting camel? — but the overall cartoonish design doesn’t fit in Adventureland at all. Plus, the fact that the attraction was literally plopped into the middle of a busy thoroughfare, which often leads to massive bottlenecks, doesn’t help. On top of all of that, there are THREE other similar spinner attractions in the Magic Kingdom, making the ride redundant. Tomorrowland Speedway Across the park, the Tomorrowland Speedway has been a staple at the Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971. Tomorrowland Speedway However, much like its Disneyland counterpart, Autopia, the attraction seems woefully out of date in both theme and execution. The fact that it’s taking up a massive plot of land in Tomorrowland, which is in desperate need of redevelopment, doesn’t help. At the very least, a conversion to electric vehicles like those coming to the West Coast would be nice. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Remaining in Tomorrowland, we have the 2007 addition Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Laugh Floor While this show has always been cute, it’s feeling long in the tooth almost two decades into its run. Plus, it’s never truly fit into Tomorrowland to begin with. Furthermore, the attraction is soon to be overshadowed by the massive Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Hollywood Studios. Peter Pan’s Flight Okay, put down the pitchforks and hear me out. I don’t think that Disney should remove Peter Pan’s Flight from the Magic Kingdom entirely. Peter Pan’s Flight However, I do think that this legendary attraction could use some TLC. Specifically, some of the elements and effects featured in the new Tokyo DisneySea Peter Pan attraction. A slight modernization and refurbishment could do wonders for this long-running attraction. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure While these Magic Kingdom rides definitely have their fans, their removal would help the park overall. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World takes. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Which rides do you think need to leave the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below. The post No Offense, But These 4 Disney World Rides Just Need To LEAVE the Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Two new permits have been filed for major changes coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. @Disney Currently, DinoLand U.S.A. is being transformed in stages into a new land called Pueblo Esperanza. These two new permits are associated with the former meet-and-greet location and the land’s current quick-service dining spot. Animal Kingdom is changing big time! The progress for Pueblo Esperanza is slowly underway, and these new permits are proof of that. The first of the new permits is a Notice of Commencement for Restaurantosaurus. Restaurantosaurus The notice describes “general construction” as the reason for the filing. We know it’s the quick service restaurant because the address listed for construction is 601 Restaurantosaurus Road, Bay Lake, Florida. While this might be a step forward, we know it likely won’t take place for several months because Disney has confirmed this restaurant will stay open throughout 2025. Restaurantosaurus Disney has also confirmed that the new quick-service in Pueblo Esperanza will be one of the biggest in Disney World once it opens! Our current belief is that Restaurantosaurus will be expanded during its closure, as well as reimagined to fit the theme of the new land as a hacienda. Pueblo Esperanza Market Concept Art ©Disney The second permit details more “general construction” at 594 Dinoland Drive, Bay Lake, Florida. This spot was the location of the previous meet and greet in DinoLand, which has since closed along with TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. Donald and Daisy in DinoLand, U.S.A. in 2023 The new land is expected to be completed in 2027 and will feature three new attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. We are super excited to see it all come to life, but we are sad to see Dinosaur go extinct. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates! Disney Confirms Closing Timeline for DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, and More DinoLand Attractions Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you excited about these changes? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Two NEW Permits Filed For DinoLand U.S.A. Retheme in Animal Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Universal Orlando is bringing “epic” tourist-tax collections to Central Florida with the second record-setting month in a row after opening its newest theme park. Orange County collections soared to about $33.7 million in June, according to a monthly report released Tuesday morning. That’s a 10.3% increase over last year — and the highest ever for the month. “The strong collections in June represent the first full month following the grand opening of Epic Universe on May 22,” said Comptroller Phil Diamond in a release. Central Florida began seeing effects from Epic Universe during the last 10 days of May. Tourist-tax income for that month rocketed to a record $30 million, a 5.7% increase from last year. It’s the seventh time in the past 12 months the county has set a new record, reflecting a commanding year for Central Florida tourism. Orange County isn’t the only entity benefitting from the popularity of Universal’s fourth theme park, which has been six years in the making. In the April-May-June period after Epic Universe opened, revenue for the theme park segment of Universal’s parent company, Comcast Corp., increased 18.9%. Comcast does not break down financial information by park, so it’s unclear how many people have visited Epic Universe or how much money it has generated individually. The tourist development tax is a 6% rate tacked onto bookings at hotels, apartments or other lodgings rented for six months or less in Orange County. The majority goes to fund attractions like convention centers and sports stadiums, as well as tourist centers. Monthly reports lag about five weeks behind hotel-tax collections. In June, hotel occupancy rose 1.5% from last year, according to Visit Orlando, the region’s marketing agency. Visit Orlando, which is funded by tourist and development taxes, also reported the average daily price for an Orange County hotel room increased by 4.2% to nearly $200. Short-term rentals like Airbnb, meanwhile, saw average daily rates fall by 3%. However, demand for these units increased by 18%. Hotel bookings for the remainder of the year also look promising, according to a release attributed to Visit Orlando’s president and CEO, Casandra Matej. The fourth quarter, from October to December, looks especially bright, with bookings pacing 5% ahead of last year. “Overall, June marked a solid start to the travel season,” Matej said in the release. It’s not the first time a theme park opening has boosted Central Florida tourist tax revenue. Disney World’s Animal Kingdom bumped collections 8% after opening, while Islands of Adventure at Universal drove a 2% increase. In addition to Epic Universe, major events like the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championship bolstered revenue. The tournament, running from June 13 to July 7 at the Orange County Convention Center, was expected to bring 325,500 attendees and generate $825.5 million, according to a June press release. Overall, through the first nine months of the current fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, Orange County’s tourist-tax collections are $16.3 million ahead of last year. Reserves may fund future projects including Camping World Stadium renovations and the UCF football stadium tower project. View the full article

You’ve met folks who are just a little “too Disney.” Maybe they’re hyperfocused on Figment popcorn buckets, insensed about a beloved theme-park ride closing or using their retirement fund to finance a week in Orlando. They could be called overenthusiastic enthusiasts. These days, the more common term is “Disney Adult.” Let’s not judge. Walt Disney World puts food on tables, and its fandom isn’t that far astray from the ones dedicated to college football, “Real Housewives,” Taylor Swift and the ilk. Or is it? The new book “Disney Adults: Exploring (and Falling in Love With) a Magical Subculture,” written by AJ Wolfe, delves into why Disneymania is a thing – and why people are mad about it. It’s a deep dive into the phenomenon and features expert interviews with professors, former Imagineers, journalists and self-identifying Disney Adults, not to mention surveys and the monitoring the demographic makeup of theme-park queues. 'For so many of us who are Disney Adults, community is hard to come by in our day-to-day lives. A lot of us are ‘other,' says author AJ Wolfe, who run Disney fan sites including Disney Food Blog and AllEars.(Courtesy AJ Wolfe)The subject begs for the insider knowledge that Wolfe amassed as a Disney fan once $17,000 in credit-card debt that funded WDW excursion trips. But Wolfe is now owner of Cambrick Yard Media, which operates fan sites including Disney Food Blog and AllEars. Her book, now on sale, blends light moments and sociological facts, the sweet spot between funny blog post and term paper. Back in the day, “my whole life revolved around figuring out how to get to Disney World because I wasn’t happy in my career, in my life, and that was the thing that I did to get myself happy,” Wolfe said in an interview with the Sentinel. “So that was my fix. It was my hit.” Why the hate? Disney Adults represent a wide swath of humanity. There are animated-film aficionados, merchandise mongers and theme-park watchers. “Star Wars” fans have entered the fold. “I’ve met all kinds of Disney Adults. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, so I’ve met them all,” Wolfe said. She knew ridicule of the superfan base was commonplace and sometimes bolstered by published stories that wonder why grown-ups remain into kid stuff. But during interviews for the book, she was surprised by the vitriol that Disney Adults had … for each other. “I had not created the book game plan with this in mind – that Disney Adults hate Disney Adults too,” she said. “Every space, every fandom, you’re going to find obnoxious people,” Wolfe said. “There are going to be people who push their way to the front of the line or who decide to stand with their nose up against the opening of the Haunted Mansion stretching room so that they can get in line first.” A Disney Adult subset that was repeatedly the object of scorn, Wolfe said, were resellers, people who buy up limited-release merchandise solely to resell online. That falls into the unofficial hierarchy of Disney Adults, where fans look down on other fans, perhaps pooh-poohing ones who aren’t annual passholders or haven’t stayed in the most chichi hotels or lack international parks experience. “Once you start to see that, then you start to get why Disney Adults are kind of how they are, where they’re constantly having to attain more,” Wolfe said. Origin stories for Disney Adults are, naturally, all over the place. Nostalgia, escapism, family fun and fantasy play roles as does a sense of belonging. “For so many of us who are Disney Adults, community is hard to come by in our day-to-day lives,” Wolfe writes in the book. “A lot of us are ‘other.’ We’re weirdos and outsiders when it comes to more standard or socially acceptable hobbies.” She said most Disney Adults shrug off criticism from outsiders. “I think it’s fascinating that, mostly, Disney adults are like ducks with water running off their back. … It’s almost like you’ve heard it too much,” Wolfe said. The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and other one in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure. Moving forward Of course, Walt Disney Co. benefits from the Disney Adult demo. There are discretionary income, repeat business and compulsive collectors at state. “Clearly, they’ve come up with a billion ways to take money from adults in adult-specific situations,” one of the experts states in Wolfe’s book. After establishing the fan-friendly Disney Parks Blog, Moms Panel (now called planDisney) and D23, the official fan club, the company moved into fresh social-media strategies, Wolfe’s book notes. That includes the wooing of influencers, who are sometimes paid to preview attractions, attend events and stay at hotels. That allows Disney to choose informal partners, puts influencers in a position where they may look paid off (or may not be invited back) and readers left to wonder how much influencers are influenced. “That whole thing is just fraught with peril for everybody involved, and, not least, the audience,” Wolfe said. The social-media sphere, where anyone can have a voice and following, also gives the company an idea of the intensity of Disney Adults, who might be angered by the removal of Magic Kingdom’s Tom Sawyer Island, the price of tickets or the very idea of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Or they might be thrilled by the new Disney Starlight parade, themed cupcake or sets of mouse ears. “What the data shows is that even frustrated fans remain fans,” Wolfe writes. “The pull seems to be too great for many of us to break ties with the company that is responsible for much of our happiness.” 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