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What’s better than cooling off in a big pool? Welcome to Fort Wilderness The Disney World hotel pools are larger than life, and they are the perfect way to enjoy a resort day. Our favorite pool, Stormalong Bay, has finally reopened, and now, Fort Wilderness is getting in on the fun! See where you’ll be diving in after Disney’s newest construction announcement is complete. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is one of our favorite places in Disney World! It has the spacious camp grounds, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, and more to enjoy. One spot we love is the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool! Meadow Swimmin’ Pool This is the resort’s main pool and even has the Meadow Snack Bar which will let you grab a snack or a full meal by the pool. To go along with tons of other construction happening around Disney, this swimming pool is getting a makeover! Meadow Swimmin’ Pool The popular pool will be adding a new zero-entry pool and deck area to the existing pool! The goal is to double the current pool size. Not only will the pool be expanded, but Disney will also be adding a tennis court and two pickleball courts to the area. Meadow Swimmin’ Pool Fort Wilderness has tons of outdoor activities like horseback riding, archery, basketball, and more! These new courts will be another great way to get out and play during your Disney vacation. They haven’t shared when construction is expected to begin or end on the new project. Archery at Fort Wilderness This is just another change coming to Disney World as the parks are headed towards some massive changes. We can’t wait to see how it transforms this classic resort. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates. 6 NEW Permits That Hint at More Disney World CHANGES Want More Details About Disney World’s Hotels? Ranking of ALL of Disney World’s Hotels The “I’m So Tired; Just Tell Me What To Do” Guide To Choosing the Perfect Disney World Hotel 13 Critical Things You’re FORGETTING About When Booking a Disney World Hotel 8 Gadgets You Need for Your Disney World Hotel Room The Surprising Things You Won’t Find in Your Disney World Hotel Room The Secret Way to Stay in Disney World’s Hotels for LESS! What's New at the Disney World Hotels All About Disney World's Resort Hotel Refillable Mugs Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney World hotel news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! How do you feel about these changes? Tell us in the comments! The post NEWS: Pool Expansion Announced for Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Is this item really a MUST for Walt Disney World? ©Amazon It’s not unusual for items to go viral as a new “must” for those going to Disney World. Sometimes these items live up to the hype, others… not so much. Where does the latest item from Amazon stack up? Let’s find out! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. UV Umbrella Amazon According to the manufacturer, this UV umbrella features a 40-inch arc and a 35.4-inch diameter and folds to an ultra-compact 6.9 inches, “makes the umbrella great for travel, as this super lightweight umbrella collapses about the size of your palm.” Mini UV Umbrella So, what did we think? Well, to put it bluntly, we LOVED IT. UV Umbrella We definitely found the umbrella worth the approximately $13 price tag, as the size and the quality were perfect for a trip to the parks. Take it out of the case! Carrying it honestly made a Magic Kingdom day much easier, as the umbrella provided relief from the heat and sun, while at the same time functioning well in a light rain. Honestly, there’s not a thing we’d change about it, including its carrying case. SHOP HERE If you want to grab this umbrella for your next Disney World trip, get over to Amazon ASAP. Stay tuned to DFB for further Amazon finds! Looking for even more Disney Essentials? Head to our Amazon Storefront NOW!The post The Internet Says This Viral Essential Is Like a Magic Wand for Rainy Days in Disney World — I Was Skeptical, so I Tried It first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Listen up, you guys, some of the best food in Disney World is HIDING in Animal Kingdom! Disney’s Animal Kingdom If you’ve never dined at one of Animal Kingdom’s many little snack stands, then you’re definitely missing out! These spots are home to some hidden gem snacks and meals, and we check their menus frequently to see when they get new treats. Well, recently, there was a BIG switch-up with some snack stand menus in this park, and so we’re here to share the new eats at The Smiling Crocodile! Atmosphere The Smiling Crocodile is a small snack stand in Discovery Island, located near Flame Tree Barbecue. In the past, this spot has been home to Tex-Mex eats like tacos, nachos, and more. However, they just had a big menu change! The Smiling Crocodile There isn’t really a dedicated seating area for The Smiling Crocodile, but because it’s near Flame Tree, it’s easy to snag a table over there. Typically, this spot isn’t too busy — it’s really the true definition of a hidden gem. Seating at Flame Tree BBQ The operating hours here can be pretty limited. They’re often only open from 11AM-3PM, so you have to stop by during lunch! They also aren’t always open on certain days. Currently, they are doing a three-day trial run with the new options, and then they are hoping to reopen in July. Menu The new menu here is focused almost entirely on macaroni & cheese! Previously, Eight Spoon Cafe was the mac & cheese hub for the park, but now you’ll find the cheesy pasta over here. Menu There are currently three options available: Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken, and Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Garlic Smoked Sausage. Of course, we’re snagging all three! Eats Starting out with the Baked Macaroni & Cheese for $7.99, this is pretty similar to the basic version that was previously at Eight Spoon. First of all, these come in much larger portions than previously! We considered the previous versions more of a snack size, but these are closer to a full meal! Baked Macaroni & Cheese We were a little disappointed that this one didn’t have as much of a “baked” quality as it used to have at Eight Spoon Cafe. We didn’t get as much of the crispiness on top or the golden brown pieces that you search for with baked mac and cheese. There were a few spots that had that quality, but we would have loved more crispiness in general. Baked Macaroni & Cheese The cheese is nothing strong or pungent, we could guess mild Cheddar or possibly American cheese. Overall, it had a great amount of cheesiness to it, and we thought it was better than most kids’ mac and cheese meals you can find at Disney World. Baked Macaroni & Cheese Next up, we’re going for one of the new options. The Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken is $9.99 and comes topped with buffalo chicken and ranch dressing. Seriously? This sounds like a delicious dream. Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken This one starts with the same mac and cheese base as the first one we tried, but it is topped with buffalo chicken and ranch. If you are a blue cheese and buffalo kind of person, be warned that this one is topped with ranch! We thought this one was delicious. You get a generous portion of chicken, and it was also topped with a good amount of ranch. Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken The chicken was soft and easy to chew; we thought the sizing was perfect for being able to get chicken and mac & cheese in one bit. The buffalo sauce is very mild. There is no lingering heat when you eat it, just a slight warmth to your mouth. The ranch was creamy and likely helped make the buffalo sauce a bit milder. Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken Finally, we’re snagging the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Garlic Smoked Sausage also for $9.99. This one is topped with garlic-smoked sausage, as well as sauteed peppers and onions. In addition to the sausage, peppers, and onions, this one also came topped with some pickles. Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Garlic Smoked Sausage The pickles were one of our favorite parts; they were crispy, crunchy, and had a great tangy flavor. The sauteed peppers and onions got a bit lost in the dish, but they did add a bit of texture and flavor. The garlic sausage was decent. There wasn’t as much garlic flavor as we were expecting. It is a mild sausage; we didn’t taste any spice to it, but we did taste a bit of smokiness to it. Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Garlic Smoked Sausage Should you stop by Smiling Crocodile to snag these? Nosh or Not This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if… You are craving mac & cheese. The menu consists of mac and cheese three ways and some drinks, so if you are looking for mac and cheese, this is your place! You want a quick spot to grab a filling snack. We were really impressed by the portions, and it could easily be a big snack or a small meal. Plus, it is easy to get quickly! You just so happen to be nearby when The Smiling Crocodile is open. The Smiling Crocodile has pretty limited hours, 11 AM to 3 PM on the days that it is open. If you are nearby when it is open, maybe that is your sign you should stop by! You should skip this Disney World spot if… You are looking for lots of food options. The menu only has mac and cheese and drinks, so if you are looking for something more, you should head elsewhere. You are looking for a large meal. While you could grab two of these guys and call it a day, if you are looking for a larger meal, you may want to head somewhere else. Crispy mac and cheeses are the only mac and cheese for you. We really enjoyed the mac and cheese, but if you only like it when the mac and cheese is full of crispiness and golden-brown pieces, you will probably be disappointed in this mac and cheese. Overall We thought the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Garlic Smoked Sausage had the best textures of all three, although we think the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken had our favorite flavors. Overall, we were super impressed by the portion sizes and really enjoyed the mac and cheese. Our biggest complaint was that they didn’t have the “baked” crispiness that we have seen on previous baked mac & cheeses. However, they are still solid mac and cheeses, and we definitely recommend making a stop. Be warned, though, The Smiling Crocodile has VERY limited hours, so make sure you check them before heading over here! The Smiling Crocodile Mac & Cheese In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! The Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2025 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! What do you think of the new macaroni & cheese options? Tell us in the comments! The post REVIEW: 3 (!!!) NEW Mac & Cheese Dishes Landed at Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s finally summertime again in Disney World, which means a lot of things. Disney Springs Heat, crowds, and lots of water all around, but in Disney Springs, it means something different. Flavors of Florida has returned yet again this year, and we’re getting a sneak peek at some of the different delicious exclusive menu items you can get this time of year! This year, Flavors of Florida takes place from June 27th to August 10th, 2025 and features over 90 limited-time dishes from 45+ different restaurants around Disney Springs! Florida Citrus mural in Disney Springs (2024) To start your day and make sure you don’t miss anything, you’ll want to pick up an event guide from the Disney Springs Welcome Center. With so many restaurants participating and snacks to try, it can get overwhelming fast! We recommend taking a look at what’s high on your priority list and going from there — pay special attention to what locations offer Mobile Order, because it’ll likely save you TONS of time! The guide! We also got a sneak peek at several of the new items coming to the festival, first starting over at Homecomin’! We tested out the Tupelo Chicken and Biscuits, which are chicken biscuits dressed with fresh dill and parsley-ranch slaw, drizzled with Tupelo honey from the Savannah Bee Company. The Tupelo Chicken and Biscuits This was the best biscuit we’ve ever had! It was an amazing balance of sweet and savory. Plus the CHEESE! It also had a new slaw and was on the salty side, but we absolutely loved it. Incredible. The inside of the biscuit! We also tried the new Honey Bee beverage with Tom Cat Gin, honey syrup, and fresh-squeezed lemon, topped with house-made honey foam. The Honey Bee! This was lemony and sweet, but did had a strong alcohol taste. Despite that, it was smooth with a strong aftertaste. It had a literal chunk of honeycomb in it, and we adored that. We also headed over to Maria and Enzo’s to test out two more new items! First we had the Bruschetta Calabrese. It’s grilled ciabatta topped with ‘Nduja and Florida-sourced Fioretta stracciatella, petal honey, and micro arugula. Bruschetta Calabrese The middle of this was mozzarella and a sausage spread on grilled bread. It was spicy, but we are fans of burrata. It was drizzled with local honey. This guy was SPICY. To wash it all down, we had the new Southeastern Sangria. It’s made with Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Florida orange liqueur, apricot brandy, hibiscus, orange, and cinnamon. The Sangria! This was a deep red with deep flavors! It was on the bitter side and very strong. Over at Frontera Cocina, we tried the Cóctel de Camarones with Florida pink shrimp with a tangy, spicy Mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, jícama, cucumber, cilantro, and lime. The Cóctel de Camarones This was spicy and juicy! The shrimp was big, which we loved, and it paired well with the avocado and cucumber. The shrimp is big and juicy. It has super nice textures with the sauce mixed in well. To go with that, we had the Florida Groves Margarita! It has Lalo Blanco Tequila, Florida citrus juice, orange liqueur, and pink grapefruit soda with a hint of Aperol Liqueur. Florida Graves Margarita This was similar to orange juice, and it was acidic and bright. The tequila is not very strong, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the person. We also got to check out the Frita Cubana Dog from B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co! The dog! It’s an all-beef quarter-pound hot dog served with chorizo, Cuban-style ketchup, Swiss cheese, crispy potato sticks, and Cuban bread. This was an interesting texture and super meaty! It was paired with Gulf White Shrimp Fritters that you can find at Jock Lindsey’s. The sandwich and the shrimp balls! These are Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner-battered Gulf white shrimp fritters, with grilled sweet peppers, and Datil pepper aïoli. The aioli was super spicy and creamy, but not overwhelming! The shrimp were super textured and were whole shrimp, which surprised us. The shrimp! We also sipped on thePassion Fruit Spritz at Jock Lindsery’s which was a Aperol Liqueur, prosecco, and passion fruit purée garnished with a dehydrated orange. The spitz! It was bright and sweet, although not alcohol forward. It reminded us a lot of a fruit punch! We also put Terralina Crafted Italian to the test with their three new items! The menu! We started with the Pizza alla Vodka, topped with locally sourced burrata from Dicuru Mozzarella, locally farmed basil from Orlando, and vodka sauce. Pizza! It looks amazing and tastes just as good! It really takes a simple cheese pizza to the next level. We are obsessed with burrata, and this only added to it. Our slice! Florida Shrimp and Grits were next! It was Fresh Florida Shrimp with Florida-sourced cheddar grits made in Jacksonville by Congaree & Penn, with a Cajun beer reduction and featuring local Crooked Can Brewing Company Beer. The full spread! The shrimp was juicy, thick, and a little sweet. The grits were very thick, and the sauce is what brings in the flavor! Our smaller portion! Finally, we tried the Terralina Sunburst. It’s a creamy frozen cocktail that will be served in a souvenir cup! This one was heavy on the mango and orange flavors. It had a slushy texture and was sweet with a bit of sour notes. Our cocktail! To end on something sweet, we grabbed the Strawberry Jelly Donut from Everglazed! It was a yeast Bismarck confection tossed in sugar and stuffed with a mix of fresh, chopped strawberries and jelly. The strawberry donut! It was filled with fresh strawberries, which we LOVED! It was a nice and thick filling (almost like a pie filling). The doughnut was soft, fluffy, and sweet. It was perfect for summer. The inside! But eating specialty menu offerings isn’t the only thing available during this event. You can also check out the FREE Culinary Series hosted by Kroger, and/or the bookable Pairing Events happening as well. We got to check out the Pairing Event at Homecomin’! A look at the table from Homecomin’! The pairing is $100 (that includes tip) and is a Bloody Mary mixology class! In the class, they make 4 Bloody Marys and your own cocktail mix. There are 40 people in the class, and food is also included. The Bloody Mary class! They chose Bloody Mary’s because of Florida’s rich tomato history! It also highlights a crop that isn’t always represented in Florida, like oranges. They called it “Florida in a drink”. Another look at offerings from Homecomin’! We also stopped by one of the Culinary Demonstrations over at Frontera Cocina! We got to see Chef Carlos David Acosta create the Cóctel de Camarones that we tasted. The culinary demonstration! He broke down each item in the dish and also showcased the margarita at the front of the demonstration table. You can see this event (which you will need to register for) on August 1st, 2025, from 9:15 AM to 10 AM at Waterview Park. The final product! This feels like how the Food and Wine Festival in EPCOT used to feel, and you don’t even need a park ticket to indulge. We love this festival! Over by The Polite Pig, you can also find the FREE Discover the Springs Seek and Find activity. If you complete it and bring it to the restaurant, you’ll receive a complimentary surprise! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Flavors of Florida news, so stay tuned to DFB this summer! Here’s everything you need to know about Flavors of Florida this year! 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! What item are you most looking forward to getting? Tell us in the comments! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Flavors of Florida. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ The post Come With Us To Check Out The Disney Food Festival You DON'T Need A Ticket For! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Big changes are coming, and they’re hitting fast. Tom Sawyer Island We knew this was coming eventually, but the date is official now. On July 7th, three major Magic Kingdom experiences will close permanently: The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. And yeah—it’s going to be very quiet in that whole area for a while. Let’s break down what’s closing, why it matters, and what’s taking its place. What’s Closing and When The last day you’ll be able to take a raft over to Tom Sawyer Island or hop aboard the Liberty Belle Riverboat is July 6th. Starting July 7th, the entire area along the Rivers of America will shut down for good. Riverboat Disney has confirmed this closure is to make way for a new Cars-themed area, and that means the end of some truly classic Magic Kingdom experiences. If your Disney memories involve climbing through the caves on the island or watching the Liberty Belle float by, you’re not alone. This one stings a little. What This Means for Liberty Square and Frontierland Here’s the deal—Disney said construction walls won’t be going up right away, so don’t expect to see bulldozers and scaffolding on July 7th. But what you will notice is how oddly calm the area feels. Without the riverboat gliding by or the rafts making their slow trek to and from Tom Sawyer Island, that corner of the park is going to feel quiet. No music, no crowd, just still water and a whole lot of “wait, what used to be over here again?” Tom Sawyer Island raft It’ll be especially noticeable if you’re walking between Liberty Square and Frontierland. That part of the park usually has this old-timey energy with the boat whistle in the distance and kids running off to the island. That’s going away—and soon. What’s Replacing It? This entire section of Magic Kingdom is being transformed into a Cars-themed land, and while we’re losing some beloved classics, Disney has already shared what’s coming next. ©Disney We’re looking at two new Cars attractions. One will be a high-speed adventure racing through mountain terrain (think: Radiator Springs, but with a fresh Magic Kingdom twist), and the other is more of a family-friendly mini race experience. No word yet on specific names or ride systems, but the vibe is clear: This will be big, colorful, and loud. Piston Peak ©Disney Disney also confirmed there will still be water elements incorporated into the land. It’s not the Rivers of America as we know it, but they’re not paving over everything. So if you were worried that it would all just turn into pavement and traffic cones—you might not have to panic just yet. A Quick History Moment (Before It’s Gone) The Rivers of America have been part of Magic Kingdom since day one. The Liberty Square Riverboat is a true opening-day attraction, and Tom Sawyer Island opened just a few years later. They were part of that slow-paced, Americana side of the park that’s now gradually being phased out for more character-driven expansions. Liberty Square Riverboat Whether or not that’s a good thing is a whole different conversation—but the bottom line is, these aren’t small closures. These are foundational pieces of the park disappearing. And even though these attractions didn’t usually have long lines or huge crowds, they’ve been reliable staples of the Magic Kingdom experience for over 50 years. Don’t Miss Your Last Chance If you want one more ride on the Liberty Belle or one more trip across the raft to Tom Sawyer Island, you’ve got until July 6th. After that, it’s lights out. Book a park reservation if you need to, and carve out time to go explore the caves, climb the bridges, and just soak it in. Going over to Tom Sawyer Island The riverboat loop might feel slow and simple, but it gives you views you can’t get anywhere else in the park. And Tom Sawyer Island? It’s one of the last places in Disney World where you can just run around and explore without waiting in a queue. It’s peaceful, shaded, and full of details that are easy to miss if you’re not really looking. Tom Sawyer Island If you’ve never been—it’s time. If you’ve been a hundred times—go one more. So…What Now? Honestly, Magic Kingdom is going to feel weird for a while. The area will be open, but there won’t be anything to do there while Disney preps for construction. That whole corner of the park is going to be quieter, less kinetic, and a little sad if you’re someone who grew up loving the Liberty Belle or exploring the caves with your siblings. Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island But if you’re someone who’s excited about new rides, new theming, and finally seeing Lightning McQueen cruise through Magic Kingdom—well, you’re in luck. The new land is shaping up to be a major expansion, and if it’s anything like Cars Land in Disneyland, it could become one of the park’s biggest draws. Keep following Disney Food Blog for more Disney news! ALL THE NEW RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM IN 2025 AND BEYOND Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What are your thoughts about these closures? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: Magic Kingdom Will Feel Totally Different on July 7th first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

If you’re heading to the parks soon, you may be on the lookout for the perfect bag. Bags in Magic Kingdom Or maybe you’ve been searching for a new bag to take around your everyday life with you! Whatever the reason, Disney just dropped a new bag collection online you’ve gotta see, ESPECIALLY if you love Mickey Mouse! DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Small But Mighty ©Disney If you’re looking for a small bag that easily fits on your shoulder but looks different than anything you currently own, the Mickey Mouse Quilted Shoulder Bag is right up your alley. We love its maroon color and the way Mickey is featured front and center on it. It’s just small enough to fit your essentials though, so if you’re someone who prefers to bring a lot of items to the park with you, you may want to go for something bigger. Buy it here! Great For a Weekend Trip! ©Disney Need something a little larger, that may be more suited for your adventures back at home? Look no further than the Mickey Mouse Quilted Tote Bag! It’s the same adorable maroon color with Mickey on the front, but can easily a pair of clothes or two, your toiletries, and chargers that you need for a quick 1-3 day trip. Buy it here! Keep it All Organized! ©Disney If you don’t need a full bag but are looking for something to help you keep your toiletries or makeup organized, the Mickey Mouse Quilted Cosmetic Bag is here to solve that issue! It’s cute, compact, and has that same quilted pattern we can’t get enough of. Buy it here! We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney merchandise news, so stay tuned to AllEars! Check Out Our Amazon Storefront for More of Our Favorite Disney Items!The post A New and Exclusive Mickey Mouse Park Bag Collection Is Now Available Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently acted in Disney’s hit live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, has sadly passed away at the age of 46. ©IMDb According to PEOPLE, Hawaii police made an exclusive statement that Bell died on June 12th and claimed that “no foul play is suspected”. They also wrote he “was and will remain a bright and shining star”. If you’ve seen the live-action Lilo & Stitch, you’ll know David Hekili Kenui Bell as the Big Hawaiian Dude (as listed on IMDb). You know the guy who, every time he sees something crazy, ends up dropping his ice cream treat — he’s that guy! Although small, his presence in the film provided good laughs for the theatre. ©IMDb David’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, also shared the news on her Facebook account on Sunday, June 15th. The lovable actor’s family also confirmed to TMZ. Bell’s agent also made a statement saying, “He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha…a gentle giant.”. ©IMDb Lilo & Stitch made its way to theatres on May 23rd, and David celebrated his huge achievement on the big screen in the best way he could — with his family. His sister exclaimed, “He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago”. ©IMDb Our thoughts go out to David’s family during this very difficult time. The post NEWS: 'Lilo & Stitch' Actor, David Hekili Kenui Bell, Has Passed Away first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

The rise of new theme-park stage shows continues with “Hydro Surge,” which now is performed daily at SeaWorld Orlando. The production has a kitchen-sink approach with live singers, dancers, gymnasts (aerial and grounded), puppeteers, a drummer and a variety of special effects. There’s a watery theme in song selection, costuming and the images on the enormous backdrop screen in the park’s Nautilus Theater. Audience members may experience a mix of soothing and unnerving sensations during “Hydro Surge.” Here are five ways my mind drifted during a recent performance. Crowded house It’s a big stage, but there’s a bunch of people on it. The dancers keep things moving, especially in transitions from one segment to another. But there are moments when there’s a lot of competition for attention. Should I look at the dancers, at the woman dangling from a ribbon or the gymnastics pass across the stage? Oh, look, a drummer. At times, it made me forget that there were two live singers up there to appreciate. (They keep moving, too). And that’s not including the backdrop, which switches between underwater scenes, moonscapes, cloudy skies, floating bubbles and other scenes. Tumbling down High-flying maneuvers of gymnasts and acrobats impress yet also stress me out. “Hydro Surge” features aerial ribbon and hoop stunts where, although I’m certain everyone involved is well-trained, it feels like danger looms. Shoot, I even worry that the performer standing within the hoop on the ground might roll into the audience. But that’s just me. Gotta get thrills and chills in there somewhere. The show includes a four-person stunt i had not seen before. They stand on a big half-circle platform that rocks side to side, and the flat part is all but perpendicular to the stage before rocking back to the other side. It’s a solid footing nightmare. As the song picked up momentum, the foursome would work in a trick using one of the poles on the corner of the platform. It’s crazy rocker monkey bars pole dancing, now on stage. Creators resisted the song “Rock the Boat” for this segment. A rocking contraption acts as stage for some gymnasts during 'Hydro Surge' show at SeaWorld Orlando. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)Then, the whole contraption is lifted straight upoff the ground and the performers, one at a time, launch off it, sometimes head-first (They land on a large cushion, but still, yikes.) It’s also well timed with a big lightning strike on screen. I’m glad everyone knows what they’re doing and where those landing cushions are supposed to be. In the stream of things “Rock the Boat” joke aside, I appreciate that the show’s musical selections feature a water through-line without being too obvious. There are lyrical references to swimming and being taken to the river. There’s a presentation of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” which you could be forgiven if you thought the title was “Thunder Only Happens When It’s Raining.” The style could be considered rockin’ pop. The vibe reminded me of some of SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream shows, just a bit less dark. SeaWorld’s website lists it as “an electrifying cirque spectacular where the power of the ocean meets industrial grit.” Some of the water connections are elusive, like “I’m on Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons, but it fit the feel of the show otherwise and was nice and bouncy for tumbling displays. The all-hands-on-deck finale includes “Dive” (“If you dive, I will follow”) and the curtain drops. A nod to Nautilus “Hydro Surge” is presented in the park’s Nautilus Theater, and it does make one appreciate air-conditioning. The seats are comfortable enough for the length of the show, about 20 minutes. They keep it dark in there, nice and moody. The seating arrangement allows for the poled puppets to move easily through the audience, and folks in the back can see all the action on stage. (Far left and right are not the best angles though.) The sound level was just right: Not blaring and with lyrics that could be understood. Worth noting: Nautilus will also be home for SeaWorld’s concerts held during Bands, Brew & BBQ, which begins July 5. We got the beat The first person seen on stage in “Hydro Surge” is the drummer. I believe that’s also the case in “The Untrainable Dragon,” the stage show at Epic Universe. Universal Studios has a standing percussion show called “Beat Builders” with performers on scaffolding. Disney’s Animal Kingdom features the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe daily. The debut of “Hydro Surge” marks the fifth show to be unveiled in Orlando parks this year, following Epic’s “Dragon” and “Le Cirque Arcanus” plus two recent editions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” “Hydro Surge” is part of SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular offerings, which run daily through Aug. 3, then switching to a Friday-Sunday schedule for Aug. 8 -Sept. 1. 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

There are some NEW Disney Ears available online right now! We are always keeping our eyes peeled for new Disney merchandise, and we just spotted some adorable ears. We love Ears!! Whether you have a large collection of ears or are looking for your very first pair, we found these new Disney ears you need to see. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. You can grab these THREE new ears right now on the Disney Store! No trip to Disney needed at all, you can shop from the comfort of your home. Let’s take a look at them! Get these Minnie Mouse Lady Liberty Ears ©Disney Store First up, you can get these beautiful Minnie Mouse Lady Liberty Ears. They are inspired by the Statue of Liberty and feature bedazzled ears and a studded, silver tone headband crown. These are such a fun nod to Lady Liberty! Get these ears here! Grab these Goofy Ears ©Disney Store If you are feeling a bit goofier, you can grab these Goofy Ears! The ears are unmistakably Goofy inspired, and the bow has even been replaced with Goofy’s hat. These ears are absolutely adorable! Get these ears here! Snag these Minnie Mouse Ears to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary ©Disney Store Finally, we also spotted these stunning Minnie Mouse Ears that are celebrating Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary. The ears are covered in a golden pattern featuring Disneyland’s logo and the Sleeping Beauty castle. Plus, the ears feature a gold sequined bow front and center. These are perfect for celebrating 70 years of Disneyland! Get these ears here! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news! Shop all of our favorite Disney essentials on our Amazon storefront!The post 3 New (and Sparkly) Pairs of Minnie Ears Are Officially Online first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s finally time for some shopping! ©Shutterstock When it comes to affordable Disney finds, no one is doing it like Amazon! We love finding our Loungeflys, tees, accessories, and more online. How can it get even better? When it’s on sale! We finally know when Amazon Prime day is coming and we couldn’t be more excited. DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. If you’re ready to grab some deals, Amazon is the place for you! The best time to shop the sales is Amazon Prime Day, which is returning from July 8th through July 11th! ©Amazon This awesome sale is only for Amazon Prime Members, so be prepared before hopping online! If you aren’t already a Prime Member, it is a paid subscription service for Amazon that includes free shipping, special sales, access to the Prime Video streaming service, and more. ©Amazon If you’re already a Prime Member, you can start shopping Early Prime Day Deals right now! There are tons of deals already live online, including Disney tees, awesome park tennis shoes, Ring Doorbells, and more! Amazon package We can’t wait to dive into all of the best deals for our Disney vacation, homes, outfits, and more! Shop Early Prime Day Deals Here You can be sure that we will be hunting for the best deals as the big sale comes up. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney deals and finds! Shop for more on our Amazon Storefront! The post Amazon Prime Day 2025 Dates Have Been ANNOUNCED! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

We’re just a few weeks away from the Fourth of July! Fourth of July! July 4th is almost here, so you know what that means — getting together with friends and family, food, and of course, fireworks. Fourth of July fireworks are a staple for the holiday, but no one does it like Disney World does! It’s time to get ready for them because the schedule for these holiday fireworks just got released. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for July 4th, get your calendars out! There will be Fourth of July fireworks happening at the Magic Kingdom for not one, but TWO days. July 3rd and July 4th will host the popular “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” Magic Kingdom The fireworks show will take place at 9:20 PM on both nights, and we’re expecting it to be BUSY. You’ll want to give yourself a lot of time to find a good spot for your show viewing. Make sure you have lots of food and water with you. ©Disney On the days when the Fourth of July fireworks are happening, there will be no showing of Magic Kingdom’s fan favorite “Happily Ever After”. So just be aware that if you are at the Magic Kingdom on July 3rd or 4th, you won’t be able to watch that show! Happily Ever After! Over in EPCOT, it looks like the schedule hasn’t changed for the Fourth of July. EPCOT’s famous fireworks show, “Luminous: Symphony of Us”, is listed as regular on July 4th. We’re going to keep an eye out to see if anything changes for EPCOT for the festivities. EPCOT The summer heat has really been starting to hit Florida, and with July 4th crowds, you’re going to want to make sure you stay cool. Make sure to drink lots of water, and take breaks when you need to. There are lots of attractions across all four parks that allow you to sit inside and relax in the AC for a good chunk of time. Magic Kingdom We can’t wait for the Fourth of July at Disney World, it’s going to be a blast as always. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more updates and news on all things Disney! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Will you be going to Disney World for the July 4th? Let us know in the comments! The post CONFIRMED: A RARE Fireworks Show Is Coming to Magic Kingdom Next Month first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Snacking your way through Hollywood Studios might be the best decision you make all day. Hollywood Studios There’s something about the combination of immersive lands, long wait times, and that Florida heat that makes you crave a solid snack every couple of hours. And if you’ve been wondering which snacks are actually worth your time (and money), we’ve got you. These are ten of our go-to snacks in Hollywood Studios — the ones we come back to again and again. Bavarian Pretzel from BaseLine Tap House This snack may not be flashy, but it delivers. BaseLine Tap House Pretzel You get a giant, soft Bavarian pretzel that’s salty, doughy, and surprisingly filling. It’s ideal for sharing, though we wouldn’t blame you if you kept it all to yourself. What takes it to the next level is the beer cheese — it’s smooth, gooey, and adds just the right amount of richness. There’s also spicy mustard on the side, but trust us, stick with the cheese. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese from ABC Commissary This is a serious sandwich. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese What you’re getting is a buttery grilled cheese stuffed with spicy buffalo chicken, and it does not skimp on the flavor. It’s melty, tangy, and gives you just enough heat without going overboard. On the side, you can get thick steak fries or a salad and even more buffalo sauce for dipping. It’s hearty enough to count as a meal, but we’ve definitely shared it as a snack to split. Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie from Trolley Car Cafe This one’s for the sweet tooth crowd. Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie The Carrot Cake Whoopie Pie is a signature item in Hollywood Studios, and once you try it, you’ll see why. You’ve got two moist carrot cake rounds sandwiching a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. It’s dense, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. The cake has a strong carrot flavor (in a good way) that cuts through the sweetness of the frosting, making it feel more balanced than you’d expect from a treat this big. Cold Brew Black Caf from Kat Saka’s Kettle If you need caffeine and a snack, this drink hits both. Cold Brew Black Caf The Cold Brew Black Caf is one of the most popular drinks in Galaxy’s Edge — and for good reason. You’ve got Joffrey’s cold brew as the base, but what makes it stand out is the sweet cream cheese topping and chocolate puffs layered on top. Stir it all together if you want a dessert-level drink, or sip it as is for a more balanced flavor. Either way, it’s a standout. Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums from The Market This cookie is chaos in the best way. Yum! Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Nums are thick, warm, and loaded with chocolate chips. It’s more than just a chocolate chip cookie — it’s basically a molten chocolate lava cookie in a portable cup. The edges are chewy, the center stays gooey, and it’s one of the best cookies you’ll find on Disney property. We’ve been known to eat one for breakfast. No regrets. Lunch Box Tart from Woody’s Lunch Box You can’t talk about Toy Story Land without mentioning the Lunch Box Tart. Raspberry Lunch Box Tart These are homemade Pop-Tarts with a serious upgrade. There’s usually a seasonal flavor rotating in and out — like sweet potato or hot chocolate — but the raspberry version is always available. It’s stuffed with raspberry marmalade, coated in strawberry fondant, and topped with crunchy pearls. They’re colorful, fun, and kids love them, but we’ve seen plenty of adults grab one (or two) for themselves. Outpost Mix Popcorn from Kat Saka’s Kettle Now this one’s a wildcard. Outpost Mix The Outpost Mix is a bold, colorful popcorn combo that people tend to love or absolutely skip. It blends spicy chili red popcorn with sweet, fruity purple popcorn. It sounds chaotic, but it works — the salty heat of the red balances the sweetness of the purple. If you’re into unusual snack flavors, this is your pick. If not, maybe grab the pretzel instead. Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters Galaxy’s Edge brings the flavor with the Ronto Wrap. Ronto Wrap This handheld wrap is packed with roasted pork, grilled pork sausage, peppercorn sauce, and a tangy slaw all tucked into warm pita bread. It’s salty, savory, and has a great balance between heavy and fresh. You can grab one and keep walking or stop at a nearby table to eat it without juggling everything. It’s one of the most satisfying snacks you can get without sitting down for a full meal. Totchos from Woody’s Lunch Box Totchos are pure comfort food. TOTCHOS! Think nachos, but replace the chips with crispy tater tots. They’re loaded with beef and bean chili, queso, shredded cheese, corn chips, sour cream, and green onions. This dish hits all the marks — crunchy, cheesy, savory, and just messy enough to feel indulgent. If you’re sharing, grab a fork for everyone. If you’re not sharing… we get it. Wookiee Cookie from Backlot Express We’re ending with one of the cutest snacks in the park — the Wookiee Cookie. Wookiee Cookie It’s made up of two soft oatmeal cookies with a creamy whoopie pie-style filling in between. On top, there’s a chocolate belt detail that mimics Chewbacca’s bandolier, and yes, it’s edible. It’s not overly sweet, which we appreciate, and the oatmeal flavor makes it feel just a little more grown-up than your average cookie sandwich. But don’t worry — it still tastes like dessert. A great snack There are plenty of snack options at Hollywood Studios, but these ten are the ones we actually crave. Whether you’re in the mood for something salty, sweet, cheesy, or a little spicy, there’s something on this list that’ll hit the spot. Just don’t forget to grab napkins — some of these get messy in the best way. For more food recommendations and all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with the Disney Food Blog! We’ve Eaten at Every Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These Are the BEST. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite Hollywood Studios snack? Let us know in the comments! The post We Reviewed Our 10 Favorite Snacks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It’s officially Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World, and there’s no better way to cool off than enjoying one of our fan-favorite resort pools. Now reopened after routine maintenance, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts is a perfect example of how our pools aren’t just places to go for a swim or relax — they’re destinations in themselves. From tropical hideaways to pirate forts to cinematic scenery, here’s a closer look at just a few of the more than 100 unique pools guests can enjoy guests can enjoy across our 25+ Walt Disney World resort hotels: Stormalong Bay – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts (Now Open!) Set against the backdrop of a New England-inspired retreat, Stormalong Bay combines the charm of a beachside boardwalk with the thrill of a water park. Recently reopened after routine maintenance, it continues to deliver on detail and atmosphere, making guests of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts feel like they’ve stepped into their very own seaside escape. With a sand-bottom pool, a lazy river and whirlpool spas, it’s no wonder this three-acre aquatic playground keeps guests coming back. In fact, I’m already planning my next staycation. Even more fun is in store as we put the finishing touches on the Shipwreck Pool and waterslide, which will remain closed while we complete routine maintenance. We look forward to reopening these for our guests to enjoy later this summer. The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort True to its name, the Big Blue Pool is the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World, and it makes a big impression! Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” this vibrant pool features zero-entry access and larger-than-life statues of beloved characters, making you feel like you’ve stepped right into the heart of the story. The theming continues into the nearby Schoolyard Sprayground splash pad, where little ones can play while staying cool. From the water features to the bright colors to the thoughtful details along the surrounding buildings, this pool is a must-swim for families staying at the resort. Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort With its towering volcano, cascading waterfall and sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Lava Pool is as iconic as the resort itself. Guests can zip down a 142-foot-long waterslide, wade into the water via zero-entry, or relax in the nearby hot tub while soaking up the island vibes. A splash play area designed just for kids adds even more fun to this tropical paradise. Tip: If you work up an appetite swimming, stop by Pineapple Lanai on your way out for a DOLE Whip® soft-serve! Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort The Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort feels like stumbling across an ancient ruin in the middle of the jungle—in the best way possible. A Mayan pyramid anchors the space, with cascading water adding to the adventurous vibe. The pool is surrounded by detailed stonework and lush landscaping, with a 123-foot-long waterslide and an archaeological dig site for kids that bring the story to life. Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort One of my favorite things about Disney’s All-Star Resorts is the immersive theming. Giant, whimsical statues and colorful building facades make each visit fun. Fans of Disney classics will love the Fantasia pool at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, featuring a fountain with Sorcerer Mickey himself, and little ones can enjoy a smaller kiddie pool and water play area located nearby. Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House Nestled within the natural beauty of the savanna, Uzima Springs Pool feels like a hidden watering hole tucked deep into a lush oasis. With a zero-entry pool, a winding waterslide and relaxing hot tubs, it’s the perfect place to relax between visits to the parks. The best part? It’s steps away from savanna viewing areas, so after taking a swim, be sure to see which animals you can spot nearby. Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort A fortress rising along a white-sand beach sets the scene at Fuentes del Morro Pool, where cannons and stone walls invite guests to set off on their own adventure. The surrounding palm trees and colorful architecture make this the perfect place to kick back and relax while the kids race down two waterslides emerging from the fort’s towers or explore the shipwreck-themed splash area. Pool Expansion Coming to Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground There’s more magic on the horizon: At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, we’re expanding the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool area to make room for even more fun and relaxation. A brand-new zero-entry pool and deck area is being added alongside the existing pool, effectively doubling the space for guests to enjoy. The expansion will also include a tennis court and two pickleball courts, giving families even more ways to play together in the great outdoors. Make a Splash on Your Next Stay! Whether you’re floating in a lazy river, racing down a volcano slide or exploring a pirate fort, these pools are more than just a place to cool off—they’re an extension of the storytelling and magic that make Walt Disney World so special. More than that, they’re places to connect and spend time together. Each day, cast members across our resorts welcome guests with family-friendly activities like themed pool games, relays, trivia and more. With special offers available throughout the year, it’s easier than ever to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. To learn more and start planning your next stay, visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers. New Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter READ MORE All-Star and Pop Century Resort Refurbishments READ MORE Dance, Play and Chill with Cool Kid Summer at Disney World READ MORE The post Check In & Check It Out: Disney World Pools That Make a Big Splash appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We have fantastic news from Disney World! Stormalong Bay prior to its closure There are a lot of fantastic pools around the resort, but one of our favorites is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club Resort. It’s massive, has so many fun interactive elements for guests, but it’s been closed for refurbishment for many months now. We were wondering if it would be open for the bulk of summer, and now we have our answer — yes, Stormalong Bay is officially BACK OPEN! We just stopped by the resort this morning, and sure enough, the pool is back up and running, and ready to welcome guests yet again. Pool’s open! This pool has been closed since January 2025 for maintenance, and Disney told us it would be closed through “June 2025.” We worried that it meant the pool would be closed for the entire month of June, but thankfully, we’ve been proven wrong! It’s waiting for you While the pool has reopened, the cabanas, the ship slide, and the small pool behind it are still closed — but Cast Members anticipate it’s only a matter of time before they’re both open as well. Slide is still closed We had a feeling it would be reopening soon, thanks to all-new menu items arriving at Hurricane Hanna’s, the pool bar nearby, just a few days ago. You still may run into some construction near the pool on your visit, along with at the front of the hotel — it’s also being refurbished. We’re so glad guests can now enjoy this incredible pool yet again, and hope that it won’t have to close again for maintenance (or any other reason) for the foreseeable future. It’s better to catch any issues before they happen, of course, but 6 months is a long time for Disney World to be without one of its best ways to cool off! More Recent Disney Hotel News! Disney World’s BEST Hotel Pool Has Finally Reopened!I Ordered One of the Cheapest Snacks at Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel — Here’s What I Loved About ItThis RARE Disney World Parade Only Happens Once-a-Year!This Hotel Upgrade Costs $31 But Is Totally Worth it in Disney WorldUnwritten Rules for Checking Out of Your Disney World Hotel Room Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! Disney Dropped 3 BIG Announcements You Don’t Want To Miss Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What’s your favorite pool on property? Tell us in the comments! The post Disney World's BEST Hotel Pool Has Finally Reopened! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Have you been sleeping on some Disney World restaurants? Hi Mickey! There are so many wonderful Disney World restaurants that you’d be forgiven for overlooking some of the more underrated ones. In fact, folks looking for good seafood may go for some of the more obvious choices instead of considering some hidden gems located throughout the Disney World Resort. Places like The Boathouse, Paddlefish, and Flying Fish stand out — and for good reason. These seafood restaurants are super popular and are lauded for their quality, atmosphere, and consistency, especially by us. While these restaurants deserve their flowers, we also want to remind you of six restaurants that still deserve your attention when it comes to finding good seafood! The BOATHOUSE Columbia Harbour House Located at Magic Kingdom, Columbia Harbour House is one of our FAVORITE quick service restaurants in all of Disney World. Columbia Harbour House Situated in Liberty Square, this nautically-themed restaurant serves up New England-inspired surf-and-turf, such as Platters that feature options like fried fish and shrimp, as well as the fan-favorite Lobster Roll. Hushpuppies We’re HUGE fans of the Hushpuppies and can’t recommend them enough! Seriously, we’ll never pass on giving love to this gem of a restaurant. REVIEW: Does This UNDERRATED Magic Kingdom Meal Still Hold Up? Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen Staying in Magic Kingdom, Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen isn’t exactly a seafood restaurant, but we have to recommend The Catch of the Day. Skipper Canteen Serving up sustainable fish described as “Not Piranha,” this dish is served with berbere-spiced black-eyed pea stew and a Kenyan tomato-onion relish. What kind of fish you get obviously varies depending on when you visit, and that in itself evokes the need for multiple visits. Sustainable Fish, Striped Sea Bass in 2022 This restaurant is a winner for more than just its food (which includes Asian, South American, and African-influenced dishes). The theming and service are kind of wacky as the restaurant is based on the Jungle Cruise ride. This one’s a definite “recommend” from us! REVIEW: This Secret Menu Is STILL One Of The Best Deals in Magic Kingdom! The Hollywood Brown Derby Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Hollywood Brown Derby is also not classified as a seafood restaurant, but has some super-solid fish entrees. Hollywood Brown Derby This table service restaurant is known for its famous Cobb Salad, but there are some good seafood selections here, such as Grilled Ōra King Salmon, Pan-roasted Halibut, and Shrimp Cocktail (which is served with avocado mousse and a traditional cocktail sauce). Shrimp Cocktail The Hollywood Brown Derby constantly makes our list of favorite Disney World restaurants, mostly because the food quality here stays consistently excellent. That also applies to its seafood! REVIEW: There’s a Reason Why This Hollywood Studios Restaurant Isn’t Easy To Get Into Yorkshire County Fish Shop We’re back to more obvious picks with EPCOT’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the United Kingdom pavilion. Yorkshire County Fish Shop Pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, this quick-service spot has a simple menu highlighting Beer-battered Fish and Chips, which are always worth the visit. These perfectly crisped strips of fish are served up with hearty fries thick enough to soak up malt vinegar and ketchup. It is pretty big! You’ll also find a couple of different beers here at this restaurant that doesn’t have a ton of outdoor seating, but is still worth the visit, even if it means walking a little farther to find a spot to sit. REVIEW: This EPCOT Restaurant Proves That Simple is Best Narcoossee’s For a lot of folks, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is still a popular pick for seafood, but since it’s at a hotel and not at the parks, we feel we should highlight it anyway. Narcoosee’s Narcoossee’s is an upscale seafood restaurant that serves up all kinds of tasty eats like Shrimp and Grits, Chilled Poached Colossal Shrimp, Lobster Bisque, Korean BBQ Glazed Salmon, Blackened Redfish, Plancha-Seared Scallops & Parisian Gnocchi, Surf & Turf, and more! Lobster Bisque Located right on the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon, you’ll certainly get an authentic seaside dining experience that boasts amazing views of Magic Kingdom, the lagoon, and the Grand Floridian boat launch. If you’re looking for a break from seafood, give the incredible Filet Mignon a try! REVIEW: This Disney World Hotel Restaurant Is Close to Perfection. Yes, Really. Olivia’s Cafe Finally, Old Key West’s Olivia’s Cafe is definitely a hidden gem that offers yummy dishes in a family atmosphere. While it serves up a wide array of American cuisine, it has no shortage of seafood with favorites like Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktails, Savory Hushpuppies, Mahi Mahi, the Catch of the Day, Shrimp and Grits, and more! Olivia’s Cafe We especially love the Crab Cake, which is pan-seared and served with jalapeno aioli, grilled pineapple salsa, and chayote slaw. The Conch Fritters are also a unique offering and one we recommend trying if you stop by this restaurant! This resort is a little out of the way, but if you’re craving good seafood, it’s worth the trek! Crab Cake There are tons of great seafood options all over Disney World, and we’ve tried them all! These are some of our favorites, but let us know which restaurant has your favorite seafood! For all kinds of Disney World restaurant news, tips, reviews, and more, stay tuned right here at DFB! This Is the Best HIDDEN Hotel Restaurant in Disney World, and You Can’t Convince Me Otherwise 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! What is your favorite seafood restaurant in Disney World? Let us know in the comments! The post 6 Overlooked Disney World Seafood Restaurants You Keep Forgetting to Add to Your List first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

It is almost time for Flavors of Florida at Disney World! Flavors of Florida This special event at Disney Springs showcases more than 90 limited-time dishes and drinks from more than 40 restaurants. The cuisine is inspired by Florida, and you will find a variety of special dishes. The event also features a FREE Culinary Series hosted by Kroger. Flavors of Florida is happening from June 27th through August 10th, 2025, and Disney just released a FULL list of menus for this year’s event. Let’s take a look! Strawberry Shortcake Donut from 2024 Flavors of Florida Menus Amorette’s Patisserie (Mobile order available) Orange Mousse: Orange mousse, orange jam, citrus chiffon, and a Grand Marnier-soaked hazelnut financier (New) Tropical Dream Colada: Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, piña colada smoothie mix, and your choice of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum or Malibu Coconut Rum garnished with whipped cream and passion fruit purée drizzle (New) ©Disney B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Frita Cubana Dog: All-beef quarter-pound hot dog served with chorizo, Cuban-style ketchup, Swiss cheese, crispy potato sticks, and Cuban bread (New) ©Disney Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Citrus Berry Salad: Fresh greens, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and feta topped with house-made citrus vinaigrette dressing (New) Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) ©Disney The BOATHOUSE Yellowtail Ceviche: Yellowtail tossed in a mango-lime salsa with red pepper, jalapeño, jícama, and cucumber topped with hearts of palm, micro cilantro, and chile oil served with tostadas and avocado (New) ©Disney Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Tupelo Chicken and Biscuits: Chicken biscuits dressed with fresh dill and parsley-ranch slaw lightly drizzled with Tupelo honey from our friends at Savannah Bee Company (New) The Honey Bee: Tom Cat Gin, honey syrup, and fresh-squeezed lemon topped with house-made honey foam (New) ©Disney Chicken Guy! Key Lime Shake: Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime custard and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New) Cilantro Urban Eatery Cuban Sandwich: Pork lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread served with plantain chips and avocado dip (New) ©Disney City Works Eatery & Pour House South Florida Conch Fritter Cakes: Fritter cakes flavored with Key lime zest and topped with mango-chili sauce, mojo aïoli, crispy fried papaya, and micro cilantro (New) Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar Tangy Watermelon Sunrise: Minute Maid Lemonade, watermelon purée, and Chamoy sauce topped with Simply Lemonade and pickle juice foam (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney The Daily Poutine St. Augustine Datil Pepper Frites: Crispy pork with Datil Pepper Sauce, Florida hearts of palm slaw, and beer cheese sauce made with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner Blueberry Vodka Lemonade: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, blue curaçao syrup, Simply Lemonade, and Minute Maid Cranberry Juice garnished with blueberries and a lemon wheel (New) ©Disney D-Luxe Burger The Glowing Oak Burger: Two-pressed signature blend beef patties, pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam on a cheddar-chive biscuit (New) Key Lime Gelato Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid Lemonade and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a lime wedge (non-alcoholic) ©Disney Dockside Margaritas Key Lime Freeze: A frozen blend of Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Key lime juice, and toasted marshmallow syrup garnished with a graham cracker rim and lime wheel (New) ©Disney Earl of Sandwich Earl’s Big Flounder Sandwich: Breaded flounder fillets, tartar sauce, and dill pickles topped with Earl’s Signature Coleslaw (New) Key Lime Cheesecake Danish: Oven-baked pastry with a light Key lime cheesecake filling (New) ©Disney The Edison Hot Honey High Voltage Chicken Sandwich: Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled with St. Augustine-native datil pepper-infused petal honey served on a brioche bun with hatch pepper gouda, arugula, and tomato (New) The Everglader: A 1920’s cocktail reimagined with Florida’s St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin, Florida orange liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and absinthe spritz (New) ©Disney eet by Maneet Chauhan Cobia Bites with a Masala Santra Gastrique: Cobia coated in panko breadcrumbs and dusted with chaat masala topped with a masala Santra gastrique made with navel oranges, mustard seeds, cumin, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder (New) ©Disney Crispy Flounder Sandwich with Santra BBQ Sauce: Deep-fried flounder with chaat masala on a toasted hoagie with tikka butter, Zesty Santra BBQ sauce, kachumber, and pickled red cabbage served with chips (New) ©Disney Hank’s Gulf Coast Sunset: Vodka, orange juice, candied orange syrup, and a splash of grenadine (New) ©Disney Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Bruschetta Calabrese: Grilled ciabatta topped with ‘Nduja and Florida-sourced Fioretta stracciatella, petal honey, and micro arugula (New) Southeastern Sangria: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Florida orange liqueur, apricot brandy, hibiscus, orange, and cinnamon (New) Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) ©Disney Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A delicious gluten free, vegan, and kosher vanilla cake topped with caramelized pineapple slice (New) Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Chicken Tenders with Florida Habanero Mango Sauce: Three jumbo, hand-battered crispy tenders gently tossed in a tropical blend of hot peppers, sweet fruit flavor, and luxurious honey (New) Strawberry Jelly Donut: Yeast Bismarck confection tossed in sugar and stuffed with a mix of fresh, chopped strawberries, and jelly (New) Mango-Dragon Fruit Refresher: A refreshing fruity combination of mango and dragon fruit poured over ice (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney Frontera Cocina Cóctel de Camarones: Florida pink shrimp with a tangy, spicy Mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, jícama, cucumber, cilantro, and lime (New) ©Disney Camarones al Coco: Grilled Florida pink shrimp, creamy coconut sauce studded with roasted white onion, jalapeño, sun-dried tomatoes, yuca al mojo, and green chile adobo (New) ©Disney Chocolate Sugar Skull: Chocolate shell filled with white chocolate and Florida Key lime mousse, raspberry compote, and vanilla sponge cake soaked with Florida Key lime syrup and graham cracker crumbles (New) ©Disney Florida Groves Margarita: Lalo Blanco Tequila, Florida citrus juice, orange liqueur, and pink grapefruit soda with a hint of Aperol Liqueur (New) ©Disney The Ganachery Fruit Ganache Pop: Ganache pop with flavors of passion fruit, orange, and guava covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) ©Disney Lime Ganache Square: Fresh limes blended with white chocolate and enrobed in 65% dark chocolate (New) ©Disney Orange Ganache Pop: Vanilla-orange ganache enrobed in 65% dark chocolate ©Disney Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop Key Lime Pie Shake: Vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime juice, vanilla sauce, and graham crackers topped with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and crushed graham crackers (Non-alcoholic) Gideon’s Bakehouse Key Lime Ice Box Pie: Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust (New) Lemon Cold Brew: Locally roasted coffee beans and house-made lemonade (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney House of Blues Restaurant & Bar Florida Gulf Shrimp Étouffée: A hearty Cajun dish with shrimp sourced from the Florida Gulf in a rich, thickened sauce served over rice (New) Key Lime Pie Milkshake: Vanilla ice cream and tangy fresh-squeezed Key lime juice topped with a miniature Key lime pie tart (New) ©Disney Green Gator Mocktail: Orange, lime, pineapple, Seagram’s Club Soda, simple syrup, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (Non-alcoholic) (New) Green Gator Cocktail: Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, pineapple, orange, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (New) Sixth Man Lager from Crooked Can Brewing Co.: This light and crisp beer brewed with All-American barley, corn, and hops is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant community of Orlando (New) St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon Flight: A flight of four 1-oz pours of St. Augustine favorites including Florida Straight Bourbon, Port Finished Bourbon, Toasted Finish Bourbon, and a fourth pour of your favorite (New) Three Wishes Hazy IPA from D3 Brewing Co: Made with galaxy hops and crafted in the heart of Orlando, this brew has notes of passion fruit, white peach, and a deep citrus flavor (New) ©Disney Jaleo by José Andrés Key West Shrimp Gazpacho: Traditional Spanish chilled tomato soup with pink Key West shrimp (New) ©Disney Cheesy Fungi Jon Mushrooms: Local wild mushrooms from Fungi Jon sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and topped with shaved Idiazábal cheese and Iberian ham (New) ©Disney Agua de Valencia: Crafted in Valencia and made with freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, vodka, and gin topped with Spanish Cava sparkling wine ©Disney Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Gulf White Shrimp Fritters: Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner-battered Gulf white shrimp fritter, grilled sweet peppers, and Datil pepper aïoli (New) ©Disney Palm Paradise: Lyre’s Pink London Non-Alcoholic Spirit, strawberry purée, cream of coconut, lime juice, and simple syrup garnished with a strawberry half (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney Passion Fruit Spritz: Aperol Liqueur, prosecco, and passion fruit purée garnished with a dehydrated orange (New) ©Disney Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company Buzzin’ Honey Latte: Espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with whipped cream and honey graham cracker crumbs (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney Morimoto Asia Florida Orange Sweet and Sour Grouper: Flash-fried grouper with onion, bell pepper, and Florida orange served with a sweet-and-sour orange sauce (New) Sparkling Shiso Orange Mocktail: House-made shiso orange shrub, yuzu, and sparkling green tea (Non-alcoholic) (New) ©Disney Outdoor Vending Serenade Bliss: Patrón Silver Tequila, Malibu Coconut Rum, guava syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup garnished with an edible flower (New) ©Disney Paddlefish Florida Gulf Shrimp: Florida Gulf Coast Shrimp served with a crispy rice grit cake and green chili sauce (New) Orange Paradise: Wicked Dolphin Vanilla Bean Rum shaken with orange juice (New) ©Disney Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas Pargo a lo Macho: Crispy fried locally caught yellowtail snapper paired with a seafood mix of clams, mussels, octopus, calamari, and shrimp finished with pickled red onion and served with crispy tostones (New) ©Disney Pizza Ponte Fra Diavola: Spicy salame calabrese, petal honey, chili, and Pecorino Romano (New) Hidden Springs Ale Works Orange Crush Wheat Beer: American wheat beer made with wildflower honey and sweet orange peel brewed by Tampa’s Hidden Springs Brewery (New) ©Disney The Polite Pig Smoked Mahi-Mahi with Summer Vegetable Ragoût: Mahi-Mahi rubbed with orange and herb oil, cold-smoked then baked, accompanied by marinated portabella mushrooms, leeks, and a summer vegetable ragoût infused with Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. Lone Palm Golden Ale (New) Old Fashioned Remedy: Munyon’s Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a touch of grapefruit bitters (New) Mesquite Margarita: Munyon’s Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur with mezcal, fresh lemon juice, and agave syrup (New) ©Disney Rainforest Café Watermelon Margarita: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and watermelon purée (New) Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Panko Salmon: Breaded salmon fillet, pickled fennel, blood orange, cured cucumber, and beetroot with a lime and avocado purée (New) ©Disney Salt & Straw La Tropical’s La Original Lager with Guava: Tropical ice cream with notes of honey and guava flan made from a historic recipe with Miami’s La Tropical La Original Lager (New) Savannah Bee Company Orange Blossom Honey aged in port wine barrels that once held Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, delivering sweet citrus and vanilla notes with a smooth Madeira-style finish (New) ©Disney The Spice & Tea Exchange Florida Sunshine White Tea: A mix of citrus and floral notes with a gentle caffeine lift, hot or iced Blood Orange Smoothie Herbal Tea: A creamy, caffeine-free tea with sweet orange and vanilla flavors ©Disney Splitsville Dining Room Fish Camp Smoked Fish Dip: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white fish served with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, cucumbers, and jalapeños on the side (New) ©Disney Take-Me-to-the-Beach Fish Tacos: Mahi-mahi, blackened or fried, topped with Asian slaw, house-made pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges (New) ©Disney Key West Coconut Breeze: Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum, guava purée, cream of coconut, fresh lime, orange and pineapple juices accented with a toasted coconut rim and an orange wheel garnish (New) ©Disney STK Steakhouse Crab Fritters: Served with spicy lime aïoli and lemon (New) ©Disney Jerk Swordfish Steak: Swordfish steak rubbed with a spicy, smoky seasoning served with mango slaw, Scotch Bonnet aïoli, and mojo fries (New) ©Disney Coconut Rum Cake: A light and airy cake accented by pineapple jam, rum caramel, and toasted coconut (New) ©Disney Piña Rita: Don Julio Reposado Tequila, ginger liqueur, Coconut Reàl, fresh lime juice, and DOLE Pineapple Juice garnished with a dehydrated pineapple wheel (New) ©Disney Summer House on the Lake Devil Crab Croquettes: Deviled crab cakes made with sweet, flaky blue crab and topped with a bright, garlicky mojo aïoli (New) 8th Street Frita Burger: Prime beef chorizo and served with crispy potatoes and salsa de tomate (New) Florida Strawberry Refresher: A bright, tropical blend of Florida vodka, Aperol Liqueur, lime juice, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and strawberry purée (New) ©Disney Sunshine Churros Orange Jelly Churro Donut: A churro donut shaken in sugar, topped with orange marmalade jelly, a dollop of whipped cream, and an edible orange gummy slice (New) ©Disney Swirls on the Water Key Lime Sundae: DOLE Whip Lime in a waffle bowl topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone with sprinkles and a chocolate piece ©Disney Terralina Crafted Italian Pizza alla Vodka topped with locally sourced burrata from Dicuru Mozzarella, locally farmed basil from Orlando, and vodka sauce (New) ©Disney Florida Shrimp and Grits: Fresh Florida Shrimp with Florida-sourced cheddar grits made in Jacksonville by Congaree & Penn, with a Cajun beer reduction featuring local Crooked Can Brewing Company Beer (New) ©Disney Terralina Sunburst: Creamy frozen cocktail served in a souvenir cup (New) ©Disney T-REX Key Lime Martini: Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut, and Key lime juice (New) ©Disney Vivoli il Gelato Citrus Orange Cannoli: Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips (New) Orange Blossom Honey Affogato: Creamy orange blossom honey gelato topped with rich freshly brewed espresso and finished with a crunch of sweet golden honeycomb (Non-alcoholic) (New) Dragon Fruit Mimosa: Fresh orange juice and tropical dragon fruit sorbetto mixed with a splash prosecco (New) ©Disney Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar Grilled Corn on the Cob dressed in tangy Key lime crema topped with crumbled cotija cheese and chile-lime seasoning (New) ©Disney Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Friend Snapper Sandwich: Locally sourced snapper served with a Valencia citrus slaw and french fries (New) Wondermade Key Lime Pie Marshmallows: Fluffy house-made marshmallows infused with Key lime juice and rolled in crushed graham crackers Orange Chocolate Marshmallows: Orange-chocolate flavors and topped with orange-chocolate and mini chocolate chips ©Disney YeSake Fresh Shaved Ice: Japanese shaved ice topped with tangy lemon syrup and juicy mandarin orange slices (New) ©Disney Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World food news! Check out our FULL guide to Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What food or drink are you most excited to try at Flavors of Florida? Let us know in the comments! The post 86 NEW Menu Items Are Coming Soon to Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Mickey Beignets, African savannas, and private fireworks views? Savanna view at Sanaa The BEST Disney World restaurants aren’t inside the theme parks… they’re hiding out across the hotels… and they’re waiting for YOU to come check them out! Check out our video below: Top 10 Disney World Hotel Restaurants Are you a DFB Video subscriber? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to our channel and catch up on ALL of our latest episodes! And stay tuned for more theme park news! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW What do you think of this video? Tell us in the comments. The post DFB Video: Top 10 Disney World Hotel Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Everyone thinks they’ve cracked the code. Epic Universe Epic Universe has officially opened (as of May 22, 2025), and the “expert tips” are already getting borderline extreme. Some of them? Genuinely helpful. But a few? We’re seeing guests pull stunts that feel more like tactical ops than theme park strategy. These are the hacks we’re seeing blow up—and whether they’re brilliant or just bananas is up to you. Rope Dropping the Ministry of Magic Ride Look, we get it. Everyone wants to be the first into the Wizarding World, especially now that the Ministry of Magic ride is the hot ticket in Epic Universe. But if your plan involves a full-blown sprint the second the gates open, maybe take a beat. Wizarding World Rope dropping used to mean getting there early and heading straight for your top priority ride. Now, it’s turned into a frantic dash, and the Ministry ride is where it all goes down. We’ve seen people literally running down cobblestone-style streets trying to beat the crowd to the entrance. It’s not just intense—it’s borderline dangerous. Battle at the Ministry Is the Ministry ride worth doing early? Absolutely. But remember that this ride isn’t going anywhere. If you’re not one of the first hundred people through, the wait’s going to be long anyway. You’re better off pacing yourself and aiming for a lower crowd day or catching it later in the evening. Running to the Only Indoor Rides During a Storm Florida storms come in fast, and Epic Universe—surprise!—has a TON of outdoor rides. So yeah, we totally understand the urge to bolt for cover when the skies open up. But when everyone makes the same move at the same time? Chaos. Crowds at Epic Universe Most of the park’s major attractions shut down in heavy rain. And when that happens, everyone floods into the few rides that don’t close—usually the indoor ones. The problem is that those wait times balloon to triple digits fast. So what do we recommend? Skip the panic. Grab some food, hit a snack cart, or explore one of the many shops around the park. A peek at some merchandise There’s some really cool merch and themed spaces you’ll completely miss if you’re just darting from ride to ride. Waiting out the storm calmly could actually give you a better overall day—and you won’t be stuck in a sea of soaked guests packed into a single queue line. The Barrel Roll Hack on Dragon Racer’s Rally This one is next-level ridiculous. Dragon Racer’s Rally is already one of the more intense rides at Epic Univers, and now there’s a “hack” going around telling people to shift their body weight at a certain moment in the roll to amplify the spin. Dragon Racer’s Rally Do people actually try this? Oh yeah. We’ve watched guests lean like they’re competing in an Olympic bobsled run just to make the ride feel more extreme. And while we understand the thrill-seeker mentality, this trend is getting sketchy. Dragon Racer’s Rally Theme park rides are designed with very specific safety margins, and leaning hard into turns or rolls is not part of that plan. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can also throw off the experience for the other riders in your vehicle. If you’re doing all this just for a better GoPro shot, maybe rethink your priorities. Ride the coaster. Enjoy the barrel roll. But you don’t need to “hack” it. It’s already wild enough. The Bottom Line Look, we love a good strategy. But some of these moves are getting more intense by the day. If you’re visiting Epic Universe soon, these hacks might give you a serious edge—but only if you’re prepared. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Epic Universe! REVIEW: We Just Tried a POPULAR $22 Burger in Epic Universe…and We Have Thoughts 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 going to Epic Universe in 2025? Let us know in the comments below. The post These New Epic Universe Hacks Are Getting Out of Control first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

I sure hope you’re ready to get your snacking on in the Sunshine State because Flavors of Florida is back. From June 27 to August 10, 2025, this culinary celebration will be taking over Disney Springs. With over 40 participating locations, this event is filled with Florida-grown ingredients and fresh flavors that will leave you and your taste buds more than satisfied. Beyond the delicious menu items (which we’ll get to in a minute), there are some special offerings you’ll definitely want to check out. At the weekly culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery, you’ll be able to see chefs from some Disney Springs staples as they demonstrate how to make some of their dishes from the event. These cooking demos are held on select Fridays. These complimentary cooking demos are held on select Fridays. Registration for the first event on June 27 is open now, and you can register here. Also back this year are the food and beverage pairing events which help you get that magical combination you’ll have to taste to believe. Some of our culinary or beverage experts will be your hosts, guiding you on this tasty journey and pairing your sips and flavors. With such a variety of classes, there’s something for everyone, from the Paella-making class at Jaleo to the cocktail-making class at The Edison. All pairing events are open, so register for your spot today. You can learn more about Flavors of Florida here. I think I’ve made you wait long enough. Let’s get to the best part – the food! Here are the menus for this year’s Flavors of Florida! Flavors of Florida Menus Amorette’s Patisserie (Mobile order available) Orange Mousse: Orange mousse, orange jam, citrus chiffon, and a Grand Marnier-soaked hazelnut financier (New) Tropical Dream Colada: Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, piña colada smoothie mix, and your choice of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum or Malibu Coconut Rum garnished with whipped cream and passion fruit purée drizzle (New) B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Frita Cubana Dog: All-beef quarter-pound hot dog served with chorizo, Cuban-style ketchup, Swiss cheese, crispy potato sticks, and Cuban bread (New) Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Citrus Berry Salad: Fresh greens, strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and feta topped with house-made citrus vinaigrette dressing (New) Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) The BOATHOUSE Yellowtail Ceviche: Yellowtail tossed in a mango-lime salsa with red pepper, jalapeño, jícama, and cucumber topped with hearts of palm, micro cilantro, and chile oil served with tostadas and avocado (New) Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Tupelo Chicken and Biscuits: Chicken biscuits dressed with fresh dill and parsley-ranch slaw lightly drizzled with Tupelo honey from our friends at Savannah Bee Company (New) The Honey Bee: Tom Cat Gin, honey syrup, and fresh-squeezed lemon topped with house-made honey foam (New) Chicken Guy! Key Lime Shake: Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime custard and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New) Cilantro Urban Eatery Cuban Sandwich: Pork lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread served with plantain chips and avocado dip (New) City Works Eatery & Pour House South Florida Conch Fritter Cakes: Fritter cakes flavored with Key lime zest and topped with mango-chili sauce, mojo aïoli, crispy fried papaya, and micro cilantro (New) Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar Tangy Watermelon Sunrise: Minute Maid Lemonade, watermelon purée, and Chamoy sauce topped with Simply Lemonade and pickle juice foam (Non-alcoholic) (New) The Daily Poutine St. Augustine Datil Pepper Frites: Crispy pork with Datil Pepper Sauce, Florida hearts of palm slaw, and beer cheese sauce made with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner Blueberry Vodka Lemonade: Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, blue curaçao syrup, Simply Lemonade, and Minute Maid Cranberry Juice garnished with blueberries and a lemon wheel (New) D-Luxe Burger The Glowing Oak Burger: Two-pressed signature blend beef patties, pimento cheese, fried green tomato, bacon, and jalapeño jam on a cheddar-chive biscuit (New) Key Lime Gelato Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid Lemonade and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a lime wedge (non-alcoholic) Dockside Margaritas Key Lime Freeze: A frozen blend of Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Key lime juice, and toasted marshmallow syrup garnished with a graham cracker rim and lime wheel (New) Earl of Sandwich Earl’s Big Flounder Sandwich: Breaded flounder fillets, tartar sauce, and dill pickles topped with Earl’s Signature Coleslaw (New) Key Lime Cheesecake Danish: Oven-baked pastry with a light Key lime cheesecake filling (New) The Edison Hot Honey High Voltage Chicken Sandwich: Buttermilk fried chicken drizzled with St. Augustine-native datil pepper-infused petal honey served on a brioche bun with hatch pepper gouda, arugula, and tomato (New) The Everglader: A 1920’s cocktail reimagined with Florida’s St. Augustine Distillery New World Gin, Florida orange liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and absinthe spritz (New) eet by Maneet Chauhan Cobia Bites with a Masala Santra Gastrique: Cobia coated in panko breadcrumbs and dusted with chaat masala topped with a masala Santra gastrique made with navel oranges, mustard seeds, cumin, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder (New) Crispy Flounder Sandwich with Santra BBQ Sauce: Deep-fried flounder with chaat masala on a toasted hoagie with tikka butter, Zesty Santra BBQ sauce, kachumber, and pickled red cabbage served with chips (New) Hank’s Gulf Coast Sunset: Vodka, orange juice, candied orange syrup, and a splash of grenadine (New) Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Bruschetta Calabrese: Grilled ciabatta topped with ‘Nduja and Florida-sourced Fioretta stracciatella, petal honey, and micro arugula (New) Southeastern Sangria: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Florida orange liqueur, apricot brandy, hibiscus, orange, and cinnamon (New) Funky Buddha Floridian Wheat Beer: A smooth and flavorful German-style wheat beer from Boca Raton with a refreshing wheat body followed by bright notes of tropical fruit and spice (New) Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A delicious gluten free, vegan, and kosher vanilla cake topped with caramelized pineapple slice (New) Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew Chicken Tenders with Florida Habanero Mango Sauce: Three jumbo, hand-battered crispy tenders gently tossed in a tropical blend of hot peppers, sweet fruit flavor, and luxurious honey (New) Strawberry Jelly Donut: Yeast Bismarck confection tossed in sugar and stuffed with a mix of fresh, chopped strawberries, and jelly (New) Mango-Dragon Fruit Refresher: A refreshing fruity combination of mango and dragon fruit poured over ice (Non-alcoholic) (New) Frontera Cocina Cóctel de Camarones: Florida pink shrimp with a tangy, spicy Mexican cocktail sauce, avocado, jícama, cucumber, cilantro, and lime (New) Camarones al Coco: Grilled Florida pink shrimp, creamy coconut sauce studded with roasted white onion, jalapeño, sun-dried tomatoes, yuca al mojo, and green chile adobo (New) Chocolate Sugar Skull: Chocolate shell filled with white chocolate and Florida Key lime mousse, raspberry compote, and vanilla sponge cake soaked with Florida Key lime syrup and graham cracker crumbles (New) Florida Groves Margarita: Lalo Blanco Tequila, Florida citrus juice, orange liqueur, and pink grapefruit soda with a hint of Aperol Liqueur (New) The Ganachery Fruit Ganache Pop: Ganache pop with flavors of passion fruit, orange, and guava covered in 65% dark chocolate (New) Lime Ganache Square: Fresh limes blended with white chocolate and enrobed in 65% dark chocolate (New) Orange Ganache Pop: Vanilla-orange ganache enrobed in 65% dark chocolate Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop Key Lime Pie Shake: Vanilla ice cream blended with Key lime juice, vanilla sauce, and graham crackers topped with whipped cream, green sprinkles, and crushed graham crackers (Non-alcoholic) Gideon’s Bakehouse Key Lime Ice Box Pie: Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust (New) Lemon Cold Brew: Locally roasted coffee beans and house-made lemonade (Non-alcoholic) (New) House of Blues Restaurant & Bar Florida Gulf Shrimp Étouffée: A hearty Cajun dish with shrimp sourced from the Florida Gulf in a rich, thickened sauce served over rice (New) Key Lime Pie Milkshake: Vanilla ice cream and tangy fresh-squeezed Key lime juice topped with a miniature Key lime pie tart (New) Green Gator Mocktail: Orange, lime, pineapple, Seagram’s Club Soda, simple syrup, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (Non-alcoholic) (New) Green Gator Cocktail: Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, pineapple, orange, and mint served in a gator souvenir cup (New) Sixth Man Lager from Crooked Can Brewing Co.: This light and crisp beer brewed with All-American barley, corn, and hops is the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant community of Orlando (New) St. Augustine Distillery Bourbon Flight: A flight of four 1-oz pours of St. Augustine favorites including Florida Straight Bourbon, Port Finished Bourbon, Toasted Finish Bourbon, and a fourth pour of your favorite (New) Three Wishes Hazy IPA from D3 Brewing Co: Made with galaxy hops and crafted in the heart of Orlando, this brew has notes of passion fruit, white peach, and a deep citrus flavor (New) Jaleo by José Andrés Key West Shrimp Gazpacho: Traditional Spanish chilled tomato soup with pink Key West shrimp (New) Cheesy Fungi Jon Mushrooms: Local wild mushrooms from Fungi Jon sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and topped with shaved Idiazábal cheese and Iberian ham (New) Agua de Valencia: Crafted in Valencia and made with freshly squeezed Florida orange juice, vodka, and gin topped with Spanish Cava sparkling wine Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Gulf White Shrimp Fritters: Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner-battered Gulf white shrimp fritter, grilled sweet peppers, and Datil pepper aïoli (New) Palm Paradise: Lyre’s Pink London Non-Alcoholic Spirit, strawberry purée, cream of coconut, lime juice, and simple syrup garnished with a strawberry half (Non-alcoholic) (New) Passion Fruit Spritz: Aperol Liqueur, prosecco, and passion fruit purée garnished with a dehydrated orange (New) Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company Buzzin’ Honey Latte: Espresso, milk, honey, and vanilla syrup topped with whipped cream and honey graham cracker crumbs (Non-alcoholic) (New) Morimoto Asia Florida Orange Sweet and Sour Grouper: Flash-fried grouper with onion, bell pepper, and Florida orange served with a sweet-and-sour orange sauce (New) Sparkling Shiso Orange Mocktail: House-made shiso orange shrub, yuzu, and sparkling green tea (Non-alcoholic) (New) Outdoor Vending Serenade Bliss: Patrón Silver Tequila, Malibu Coconut Rum, guava syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup garnished with an edible flower (New) Paddlefish Florida Gulf Shrimp: Florida Gulf Coast Shrimp served with a crispy rice grit cake and green chili sauce (New) Orange Paradise: Wicked Dolphin Vanilla Bean Rum shaken with orange juice (New) Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas Pargo a lo Macho: Crispy fried locally caught yellowtail snapper paired with a seafood mix of clams, mussels, octopus, calamari, and shrimp finished with pickled red onion and served with crispy tostones (New) Pizza Ponte Fra Diavola: Spicy salame calabrese, petal honey, chili, and Pecorino Romano (New) Hidden Springs Ale Works Orange Crush Wheat Beer: American wheat beer made with wildflower honey and sweet orange peel brewed by Tampa’s Hidden Springs Brewery (New) The Polite Pig Smoked Mahi-Mahi with Summer Vegetable Ragoût: Mahi-Mahi rubbed with orange and herb oil, cold-smoked then baked, accompanied by marinated portabella mushrooms, leeks, and a summer vegetable ragoût infused with Ravenous Pig Brewing Co. Lone Palm Golden Ale (New) Old Fashioned Remedy: Munyon’s Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur, Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a touch of grapefruit bitters (New) Mesquite Margarita: Munyon’s Paw-Paw Florida Liqueur with mezcal, fresh lemon juice, and agave syrup (New) Rainforest Café Watermelon Margarita: Don Julio Blanco Tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and watermelon purée (New) Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Panko Salmon: Breaded salmon fillet, pickled fennel, blood orange, cured cucumber, and beetroot with a lime and avocado purée (New) Salt & Straw La Tropical’s La Original Lager with Guava: Tropical ice cream with notes of honey and guava flan made from a historic recipe with Miami’s La Tropical La Original Lager (New) Savannah Bee Company Orange Blossom Honey aged in port wine barrels that once held Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, delivering sweet citrus and vanilla notes with a smooth Madeira-style finish (New) The Spice & Tea Exchange Florida Sunshine White Tea: A mix of citrus and floral notes with a gentle caffeine lift, hot or iced Blood Orange Smoothie Herbal Tea: A creamy, caffeine-free tea with sweet orange and vanilla flavors Splitsville Dining Room Fish Camp Smoked Fish Dip: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white fish served with saltine crackers, tortilla chips, cucumbers, and jalapeños on the side (New) Take-Me-to-the-Beach Fish Tacos: Mahi-mahi, blackened or fried, topped with Asian slaw, house-made pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges (New) Key West Coconut Breeze: Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum, guava purée, cream of coconut, fresh lime, orange and pineapple juices accented with a toasted coconut rim and an orange wheel garnish (New) STK Steakhouse Crab Fritters: Served with spicy lime aïoli and lemon (New) Jerk Swordfish Steak: Swordfish steak rubbed with a spicy, smoky seasoning served with mango slaw, Scotch Bonnet aïoli, and mojo fries (New) Coconut Rum Cake: A light and airy cake accented by pineapple jam, rum caramel, and toasted coconut (New) Piña Rita: Don Julio Reposado Tequila, ginger liqueur, Coconut Reàl, fresh lime juice, and DOLE Pineapple Juice garnished with a dehydrated pineapple wheel (New) Summer House on the Lake Devil Crab Croquettes: Deviled crab cakes made with sweet, flaky blue crab and topped with a bright, garlicky mojo aïoli (New) 8th Street Frita Burger: Prime beef chorizo and served with crispy potatoes and salsa de tomate (New) Florida Strawberry Refresher: A bright, tropical blend of Florida vodka, Aperol Liqueur, lime juice, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and strawberry purée (New) Sunshine Churros Orange Jelly Churro Donut: A churro donut shaken in sugar, topped with orange marmalade jelly, a dollop of whipped cream, and an edible orange gummy slice (New) Swirls on the Water Key Lime Sundae: DOLE Whip Lime in a waffle bowl topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone with sprinkles and a chocolate piece Terralina Crafted Italian Pizza alla Vodka topped with locally sourced burrata from Dicuru Mozzarella, locally farmed basil from Orlando, and vodka sauce (New) Florida Shrimp and Grits: Fresh Florida Shrimp with Florida-sourced cheddar grits made in Jacksonville by Congaree & Penn, with a Cajun beer reduction featuring local Crooked Can Brewing Company Beer (New) Terralina Sunburst: Creamy frozen cocktail served in a souvenir cup (New) T-REX Key Lime Martini: Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut, and Key lime juice (New) Vivoli il Gelato Citrus Orange Cannoli: Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips (New) Orange Blossom Honey Affogato: Creamy orange blossom honey gelato topped with rich freshly brewed espresso and finished with a crunch of sweet golden honeycomb (Non-alcoholic) (New) Dragon Fruit Mimosa: Fresh orange juice and tropical dragon fruit sorbetto mixed with a splash prosecco (New) Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar Grilled Corn on the Cob dressed in tangy Key lime crema topped with crumbled cotija cheese and chile-lime seasoning (New) Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Friend Snapper Sandwich: Locally sourced snapper served with a Valencia citrus slaw and french fries (New) Wondermade Key Lime Pie Marshmallows: Fluffy house-made marshmallows infused with Key lime juice and rolled in crushed graham crackers Orange Chocolate Marshmallows: Orange-chocolate flavors and topped with orange-chocolate and mini chocolate chips YeSake Fresh Shaved Ice: Japanese shaved ice topped with tangy lemon syrup and juicy mandarin orange slices (New) When it comes to food, there’s always something for the kids – and the kids at heart – at Disney Parks! Take a peek at just a few delicious options from this Foodie Guide the whole family is sure to love. D-Luxe Burger Key Lime Gelato Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid Lemonade and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a lime wedge (non-alcoholic) Cilantro Urban Eatery Cuban Sandwich: Pork lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread served with plantain chips and avocado dip (New) Gideon’s Bakehouse Key Lime Ice Box Pie: Layers of Key lime curd with a Key lime cream filling and graham cracker crust (New) Swirls on the Water Orange Bird Cone: DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone with sprinkles and a chocolate piece Vivoli il Gelato Citrus Orange Cannoli: Sweet orange ricotta cream in a crispy Italian pastry shell topped with chocolate chips (New) Well, now I’m hungry. I hope to see you on June 27 at Flavors of Florida over at Disney Springs! With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks. 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.) 2025 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Dates and Appe-teasers READ MORE Dates and Details for Disney Springs Flavors of Florida READ MORE California Grill Cast Members Celebrate 30 Years READ MORE The post Disney Eats: Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Foodie Guide 2025 appeared first on Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

There is no place better to go if you are looking to find 999 happy haunts. Grim grinning ghosts are out to socialize, and the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom just got an upgrade! Haunted Mansion And even if you don’t want to enter the Haunted Mansion, you can still admire the upgrade! Disney changed the look of the entrance to the Haunted Mansion, and we are sharing the new look with you. The Haunted Mansion is showing off some brand-new ground, and it is looking fresh! We spotted some new paving, and it really does help brighten up the entrance to the Haunted Mansion. New paving! Previously, there was similar paving, but it was rougher, lighter gray, and not quite as striking as the new groundwork. Old paving at Haunted Mansion The groundwork is almost fully complete; we just noticed a small section towards the end that still needed the pattern to be added. It may not be a new character or an updated scene on the ride, but we are always excited to see improvements being made around Disney World. Looking fresh! While the new groundwork is a relatively small project, many large construction projects are happening around Disney World. Construction is well underway for the new Pueblo Esperanza land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and construction for the new Monsters, Inc. land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is likely to begin soon as Muppets Courtyard has been closed down. There will also be construction starting for the new Cars Land, Piston Peak National Park, in the Magic Kingdom later this year. Construction for Pueblo Esperanza 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 savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World news! Best Snacks at Magic Kingdom in Disney World for 2025 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 Is Haunted Mansion a must-do for you in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! The post Something NEW Has Popped Up at the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney just dropped some exciting news about the new Tropical Americas — Pueblo Esperanza land coming to Animal Kingdom in a few years! @Disney This is the new area of the park that’s replacing DinoLand U.S.A., so while we’re certainly sad to see such an iconic part of the park go, we’re also looking forward to what’s new. In their announcement that The Boneyard would be closing on September 2nd, 2025, there was another smaller announcement made that we really want to highlight — the new dining location coming to Pueblo Esperanza sounds like it’s going to be MASSIVE. In their announcement, Disney assured us that a new play area will be coming to Pueblo Esperanza, so kids will have a safe space similar to The Boneyard to run around and play. However, at the very bottom of their news post, they added this: “Not only will the land include a hacienda — which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Disney World Resort — but also two signature attractions for Indiana Jones and Encanto.” Pueblo Esperanza Model Now, we were aware of the attractions on the way — we knew that there would be three in the new land — and we also knew there would be a quick-service location. However, the hacienda being called one of the largest quick-service restaurants on Disney World property is new! Pueblo Esperanza Market Concept Art ©Disney This leads us to believe that Restaurantosaurus, the current quick service location in DinoLand U.S.A., could be expanded during its transformation, and may even take over the area where Trilo-Bite Snacks currently sits. Now, nothing confirms that for sure, but when we look at concept art closely, we know that the WHOLE area that currently shows the hacienda is likely how big it will actually be. The Hacienda is on the right Either way, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details about this exciting new restaurant.Looking for more recent Animal Kingdom news? Check out our posts below! More Animal Kingdom News! JUST REVEALED: Disney World’s NEW ‘Encanto’ Restaurant Will Be One of Its BIGGESTNEWS! Disney Releases NEW Maps for 15 New Additions in 4 ParksNEWS: Disney World CONFIRMS New Attraction for Its Tropical Americas LandBREAKING: Disney Announces CLOSING DATE for The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A.Disney Just Dropped THE BIGGEST Menu Change of the Year Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news! We Just Saw Disney’s BRAND-NEW Plan for Summer and We Have THOUGHTS 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 How do you feel about this new restaurant on the way? Tell us in the comments! The post JUST REVEALED: Disney World's NEW 'Encanto' Restaurant Will Be One of Its BIGGEST first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Disney has given us our FIRST LOOK at this year’s Halloween Half Marathon medals! ©Disney runDisney is making a final turn into a busy season ahead! We’ve got so much to look forward to with Wine and Dine races and themed virtual races you can run from home. But the frightful fun doesn’t stop there! Disney Villain-themed races are returning to Disneyland for the second year in a row, and we’ve got a peek at the medals that will have you up and on your feet! A popular runDisney event is set to return this Fall, and with it will come spook-tacular racing medals. Disneyland will once again host the Halloween Half Marathon Weekend coming later this year, and we’ve got our first look at the exclusive medals you could score for each race. This year’s race weekend will take place between September 4th through the 7th, and we’re ready for miles of mischievous fun. ©Disney Running each race will earn you your own themed medal for a particular Disney Villain, and this year’s designs are wicked! Let’s take a look at each of them a little closer. This year’s 5K belongs to Ursula, the sea witch, and her no-good sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam… ©runDisney …while the 10K medal’s design has gone to the dogs, err, Cruella de Vil rather. Finishing this race may have you seeing spots by the end! ©runDisney Then there’s the half-marathon medal marked by the mistress of evil herself, Maleficent. ©runDisney Hades, Pain, and Panic are around to lend another devilish delight in the form of a challenge medal for 19.3 total miles… ©runDisney …and you can catch Captain Hook on the front design of the Kids Races medal! ©runDisney All in all, it’s shaping up to be quite the scream of a weekend if you’re attending, and we can’t wait to get a look at even more swag we can score while the races are happening! Stay tuned with us for even more Disney news, updates, and more! Disney Just Announced MORE Details About the NEW Test Track Opening Soon at EPCOT 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 Which runDisney events will you be running soon? Tell us in the comments below! The post runDisney REVEALS Medals For 2025 Halloween Half Marathon Weekend first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Epcot is about to say hello again to Test Track, but it’s time to say goodbye to a kid-friendly Animal Kingdom attraction, Walt Disney World announced Monday. Reopening day for Test Track is July 22, Disney says. The ride, which originally debuted in 1999, has been undergoing refurbishment since June 2023. This will be the third version of the attraction. A second iteration rolled into Epcot in late 2012. A distinguishing element of the ride has been its indoor-outdoor track, where ride vehicles notably accelerate when out in the open. Before Test Track, the space was used for World of Motion, an original Future World attraction that closed at Epcot in 1996. The 2025 version of the ride — commonly referred to as Test Track 3.0 — will have new scenes, including one that dissects how cars now use cameras and sensors to observe their surroundings. “Get a glimpse into the future of mobility and the cities of tomorrow before zooming off on an electrifying, high-speed race that will leave your imagination soaring,” the official Disney World website reads. The Test Track height requirement will be 40 inches. The return of Test Track will be two days after the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, the final day for the Boneyard, a playground that was part of DinoLand USA at Animal Kingdom, will be Sept. 1, which is also the Labor Day holiday. The fossil-themed spot is themed to look like a dinosaur dig and includes slides, rope bridges, caves and other energy-burning activities for the under-age-10 set. This area will be part of the future Tropical Americas, an 11-acre land now under construction at the theme park. Other features will include an “Encanto”-themed ride, a carousel, a new playground and a refurbished Dinosaur ride what will eventually be themed to “Indiana Jones.” The Dinosaur ride will close sometime in 2026, Disney says, with completion of Tropical Americas expected in 2027. The TriceraTop Spin ride closed in January. 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

Heading to Disneyland soon to celebrate the park’s 70th Anniversary?! We don’t blame you! 70th Anniversary Castle Tribute in Disneyland The festivities will see the return of some beloved shows and other limited-time entertainment, colorful decor, special food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, and more. And, while you’re there, you can enjoy tons of eats and treats that Disneyland has to offer! We just tried a new dessert at Disney California Adventure, and trust us — it tastes better than it looks! We stopped by Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure to try the new Lemon Pound Cake Shake! This milkshake is $13.29 and is a fresh, summer lemon shake with whipped topping and a lemon slice. Sounds like summer in a cup to us, but how does it taste? Lemon Pound Cake Shake Luckily, it tastes much better than it looks! While it’s a little grey in color, the flavor of this shake totally makes up for its appearance. This is a great treat for a summer day in the parks! The lemon flavor isn’t really tart at all. They managed to make the lemon taste pretty sweet without it tasting artificial. There’s a sweet and creamy vanilla cake taste throughout that cuts out any tart flavor. Lots of lemon It’s basically a slice of lemon pound cake in shake form! If you love lemon or citrus and want a cool treat, we can’t recommend this enough. Even if you don’t normally like sour or tart lemon flavors, don’t let that stop you from trying this one out! We loved this! We’ll be on the lookout for more new treats to check out and review at Disneyland Resort. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more! 7 Major Changes Coming to Disneyland in June 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 been to Schmoozies at Disneyland Resort? Tell us in the comments. The post REVIEW: Trust Us, This NEW Disney Dessert Tastes WAY Better Than It Looks first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article

Well, that was fast! The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort just recently closed one of the upscale restaurants, and we were hoping it wouldn’t take too long for the new restaurant arriving in its place to open up. Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina is taking the place of Shula’s Steak House, which just closed less than 48 hours ago at the time of writing. Now, reservations are ALREADY open for this new restaurant, and we know when it’s opening! Reservations are now available for Bourbon Steak Orlando at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin on OpenTable for as early as July 26th! Reservations can be made today, June 16th, right at this very second, and you bet we already made our reservation. The restaurant didn’t announce this as its opening date, so it’s possible it opens before the 26th without reservations, but we’ll keep an eye on it and let you know! ©Walt Disney World Dolphin Michael Mina is a James Beard and Michelin-recognized chef and restaurateur, and will bring his celebrated, modern take on the American steakhouse. Here you’ll find premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavors, showcasing the three core elements of Mina’s culinary philosophy: product, technique, and presentation. Expertly crafted cocktails will also be available, as well as an extensive wine list and decadent signature desserts. ©Walt Disney World Dolphin Currently, the restaurant will be open from 5-11 PM each day, so dinner is the only meal available at this spot. Additionally, there is a dress code that will need to be followed here — the restaurant asks that guests “dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic.” Clothing that is dirty, unkept, or has offensive language or graphics on it, and swimwear will not be allowed. ©Bourbon Steak Be sure to book your reservations soon if you know this is a spot you’ll want to dine at later in the summer! Want to know what it’s like to dine here? We checked out one of their other locations to see for ourselves. Read our full review below! REVIEW: We’re Putting Disney World’s Newest Restaurant to the Test We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World dining news — stay tuned to DFB! Check out our Disney World Restaurants Guide right here! 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! Are you looking forward to this new restaurant? Tell us in the comments! The post BREAKING: A NEW Disney World Hotel Restaurant Is Opening Next Month and Reservations Are Available NOW! first appeared on the disney food blog. View the full article